It’s Never too Early to go to School

“She can’t learn that, she’s just a puppy,” is a phrase commonly heard in the pet world. Yet, puppies are learning new and amazing things on their own everyday – like how to get into the garbage for example, or how to get the cat to run so he can chase it. Some learn that the smaller people will let them lick their plates; others that leather shoes taste great. Since your puppy is going to learn whether you teach it or not, why not make sure she’s learning behaviors you can be proud of?

Bear - 10wk mini aussie

Meet Bear! She is a 10 week old miniature Australian shepherd with bright blue eyes and a spunky personality. Her dad is making sure she is ready for the world by not only socializing her at doggy daycare, but having her take Dayschool Lessons as well.

Bear learning to sit

During her lessons, Bear is learning important things like giving eye contact when she hears her name, how to sit nicely, to come when called, and touch your hand (a fun trick that can be used later to help teach heel, come, and many other behaviors).  Her first lesson started out with introducing her to the clicker, so that every time she hears it, Bear knows good things are coming!

Aside from learning behaviors, Dayschool lessons give Bear a chance to be socialized by having different trainers leash her up, pet her, and spend time with her. This will help her be a well-adjusted dog that is not afraid of strangers and expects good things to come from people.

Bear is doing amazing in her lessons and we hope to see her in puppy class soon! If you have a puppy, remember that it’s never too early to go to school!  Sign up for Dayschool Lessons or our Puppy Class today here.

Introducing Charlie!

I'd like everyone to meet Charlie!  She's a female, purebred Australian shepherd puppy young enough to still have puppy teeth.  She's incredibly sweet, smart, and fun to be around.  She's athletic, and loves to retrieve her tennis ball.

When Charlie first came in, she was frightened and barking at any and everyone who came near.  After a weekend at Auntie Laurie's, she's so much more happy and relaxed in her new environment.  She's able to go out in Big Dogs daycare everyday and plays well with others now.  Initially, she played a little rough, but she's learned how to be more polite.

We have noticed Charlie can guard her water from other dogs.  She completely passed the food guarding test with people.  When she's really aroused, she can take treats like shark, so we're teaching her how to be soft with her mouth, especially while she's got those razor sharp puppy teeth!

We think Charlie will make a wonderful, loyal companion to anyone who wants a dog who is smart as a whip and in need of a job.  That job can be dog sports or a jogging/running/hiking companion, something that's mentally and physically stimulating.  She was surrendered by her owner, because the owner worked full-time and lived in an apartment.  Naturally, an active Aussie puppy just was too much energy for that lifestyle.

Charlie is definitely a favorite among the trainers.  Many of us have admitted a soft spot for her, and were we not full at home already, would be seriously considering adopting her.  I'll add another entry with a link to her retrieving her ball for me today. :)

 

 

Tasha Salsido, CTDI

Staff Trainer, RSM

Fred & Rubble - Ready for adoption!

I am so pleased to finally be able to post an update on my favorite red tri Aussie brothers.  Fred and Rubble have made so much progress since my last post.  This is exciting stuff.

Fred is so much more comfortable working with all the staff, he now accepts petting on the head without cowering.  If you start near his face, you can work your way down his back.  Progress on handling his rear end is being made in leaps and bounds.  After just a few warmup rounds, Fred will calmly accept being patted on his back or hips from a person in a standing position.  This took quite a few days to take hold, but we're to the point he will not cower anymore.  Fred LOVES to fetch a tennis ball, and a video of us playing together will follow shortly.  He will eagerly go get, bring back, and drop near your feet so it can roll to you.  He will sit politely to wait for it to be thrown again.  No more nipping when excited for play!  Atta boy, Fred.  He's still the best natural walking companion I've ever had the pleasure of working with.  He heels automatically, responds instantly to changes of pace, and if ever the leash does get taught, he self-corrects like a champion.  I never have to reward him, he seems to just really enjoy a good walk, jog, or run with his person.  He's such a handsome guy, whomever ends up with him will be so lucky.

Rubble is so comfortable with me, I can pick him right up, put him in my lap, and he will just go limp and snuggle for several minutes.  He accepts petting from me without hesitation, and he is getting so much braver about taking some friendly pats from strangers.  Rubble has stopped growling at and being reactive to people approaching his kennel.  The staff have no more troubles taking him out for his walks, and he is able to confidently stride out the front door without panicking that he'll never come "home" again.  We have started playing ball solo recently, and we had to adapt the game to suit his desires.  See, Fred is practically ball-obsessed, he absolutely loves fetch.  Rubble, however, thoroughly enjoys the chase, but has no interest in mouthing the ball.  So, I taught him treibball.  Treibball is a sport like urban herding, where the dogs go out to bring back exercise-size balls with their noses and/or shoulders -- no mouthing allowed!  Rubble has caught on to the game very quickly, and looks oh so proud of himself when he pushes the tennis ball to my feet.  He still has his "pirate eye" that weeps from time to time, but I think it's just one of his adorable quirks.  His coat is also still somewhat unusual in texture and color; but we all find it endearing.

Both boys had a vet appointment last week.  The trainers had a long list of items to work on to help prepare the boys for the visit so they'll not be so afraid and the vet will be able to do whatever needed to be done.  I am happy to report that the boys were very brave and did superbly.  With neuters on the horizon, the boys are ready to receive applications for adoption.

I am so excited that the boys have come so far.  To think of what they were like when they first came is horrifying.  They're completely different dogs, practically normal pups now!  I'm delighted to imagine them in their forever homes with loving, patient families.  Were I able to take either of these boys home, I would snatch them up in a heartbeat.  I leave that honor for someone else, who will not only get a wonderful companion, but also the benefits of a literal Training for Life program.  Both Fred and Rubble's adoptive families will receive the Training for Life package as part of their adoption fee; except instead of expiring when the boys turn two-years-old, it will be valid for their entire lives.  This means a free private session with one of the Wags & Wiggles trainers, as well as unlimited admittance into the classes covered under the Training for Life package.  We want to ensure these pups go to their homes with the right start, and continue to grow up to be happy, well-behaved dogs in their forever homes.

Tasha Salsido, CTDI
Staff Trainer, Wags & Wiggles RSM

Rescues: Fred and Rubble

These past two weeks have been very interesting for Fred and Rubble.  They've both grown so much independently.

Fred

Last week, I didn't have a whole lot new to report.  Mostly more of the same, not worth a new post.  Then this week... BAM!  Everything seemed to start to click.  Here's the most noteworthy and exciting:

• Fred is an excellent loose-leash walker.  He confidently strides past the other buildings in the RSM complex, always next to your leg.  Our first walk was very scary, he would balk at the slightest sound or new sight.  After a little coaxing and experience, loose-leash walking is perhaps his strongest skill.  He developed naturally, I don't think any of the staff can take credit!  We showed him what to do, and he just does it.  Good boy!
• Rubble has overcome most of his fear of going out the front door.  He goes through any doorway in the daycare center without issue, but leaving home is really hard.  Now he knows he'll come back, he's able to go through without too much fuss.
• Fred and Rubble are now both too big for the small dog daycare.  While Fred gets a little too wound up in daycare, Rubble will be introduced to the big dog area soon.  Meanwhile, both are able to be taken out by the staff for regular walks throughout the day.
• Fred developed an eye infection, and is taking his antibiotics like a champ when they're covered in meat roll.  Rubble is over his eye infection now.
• Both Fred and Rubble have been worked by other trainers besides Ranaye or myself.  They showed off their skills like pros, and we're all so proud of how far they've come.
• Ranaye mentioned that both boys were very brave, and met some girl scouts who came to visit!  Fred did an excellent down stay on his mat, and Rubble even accepted some petting!
• Rubble is turning into quite the flirt in the lobby when we're working.  He will actually go sniff strangers in a friendly, curious way!  Petting is still off-limits to people he's unfamiliar with, but he really loves a good collar scratch from those in his circle of trust.
• Fred is ball obsessed.  If you have the ball, he doesn't even want food anymore.  Just throw the ball.  When Ranaye would take her sheltie, Santana out to play with Fred and Rubble, Fred would retrieve the ball, and sort of nip Santana along the way.  Rubble, although thoroughly interested in chasing whomever is going after the ball, has no interest in the ball for its own sake.  When I play with Fred and Rubble without Santana, Fred would try to nip me to encourage me to throw the ball.  We put a halt to this, and his self-control around toy balls is much better.  He will sit when asked, and hold his sit while I pick up the ball, then I can release him to go chase when I throw it.

Rubble

I leave you with this short clip of Fred and Rubble playing ball.  That yip yap bark?  Yeah, that's Rubble.

~Tasha Salsido, CTDI
RSM Staff Trainer

Cinco De Mayo Rescue Puppies

Wags & Wiggles Tustin welcomes FIVE new rescue puppies!  They were rescued the weekend of Cinco De Mayo from the Downey Shelter.

Ricardo - Male - 8 Weeks Old - Chihuahua Mix

Ricardo is a super fun and spunky boy!  He has lots of personality and constantly makes the staff laugh with his silly antics!  He is very playful and he is all about the toys! He is friendly with dogs and loves people!



Chiquita Loca - Female - 8 Weeks Old - Chihuahua Mix

Chiquita Loca is littermate sister to Ricardo.  She is super cute and sweet!  Very playful and loves to play with toys! She is doing very well with her training!  She is friendly with other dogs and loves people!

Margarita - Female - 12 Weeks Old - Chihuahua/Poodle Mix 

Margarita is the largest of the bunch! The staff have nicknamed her Chubs! She is super smart and is doing awesome with her training!  She is also very sweet and cuddly!  She is friendly with other dogs and loves people! She is very playful and loves to play with toys!

Rosa - Female - 12 Weeks Old - Chihuahua/Poodle Mix

Rosa is littermate sister to Margarita.  She is very sweet and cute and loves to cuddle! She is doing great with her training!  She is friendly with other dogs and loves people.  She is very playful and loves to play with toys!

Phillipe - Male - 12 Weeks Old - Chihuahua/Poodle Mix 

Phillipe is littermate brother to Margarita & Rosa.  He is super sweet and playful! He is doing great in his training and is very enthusiastic to learn!  He loves to play with dogs and loves people!  He also loves playing with toys!

Here is a video of all the puppies! 

                                 

If interested in any of our Cinco De Mayo Puppies - Please contact Lysa at 714-368-7077 or via email at lysa@wagsandwiggles.com for more information or to meet them!!!

-Romi

Rescues: Rubble & Fred

Rubble, I'm happy to report, had a very big week in terms of progress.  We worked almost exclusively in the lobby, rather than in his kennel as we have done.    We've started drilling Touch Recalls.  These are crucial for the daycare staff to be able to grab him whenever needed.  The way this works is:  I call his name when he is away from me, he turns to look at me for direction, and I cue "Come, Touch" while extending two fingers.  His job is to come right to my fingers and touch them with his little nose.  He has begun appropriately responding faster and faster as he's gained confidence.  He even let me do a collar grab!  I am now able to stand up while we do this exercise, something unthinkable in the beginning.  The sheer height of a human was too scary for him to function.  He'd shut down and not come near anyone standing up.

He's started on a potty walk schedule now that he's more comfortable walking on a leash with a person.  Going #1 and #2 on a leash is a big must for a potential adopter, and he's doing both fabulously!  We're still working on his resistance to going out the front door, but it's coming along with repetition, reward, and patience.

At my request, Ranaye allowed us to join her Wednesday Puppy Class.  He was brilliant!  He demonstrated his Go To Your Mat cue, as well as Sit, Touch, Name, and even some Leave Its.  He was just one of the gang at play time.  I was so proud of him.

Rubble's handling has continued to go extremely well.  He has retained his comfort with being petted, and really enjoys ear scratches, under the collar scratches, and strokes down his back.  A good back massage doesn't hurt, either.  He even allowed some of the staff to come over, sit next to him, and pet him during one of our sessions in the lobby.  He's definitely a staff favorite.

*     *     *     *     *

Fred had sort of a rough day on Monday this week.  He was not in a good state of mind, and was more shut down than I've had the pleasure of working with lately.  He had been in daycare most of the weekend, so we figured he was a bit stressed out.  Earlier in the morning, he had gotten into a scuffle with another puppy, and had started herd-nipping the staff. We had an easier day working in the kennel, instead of trying for the lobby.  We just did basic trust exercises:  Touch, Name, Go To Your Mat.  He wasn't up for handling whatsoever, so I didn't push it.

On Wednesday, he was the Fred I knew again, and we made good progress.  We flew through the exercises we did on Monday, and took it to the lobby.  He was very cautious of his surroundings, and had to check everything out before he could commit to any cues; but after determining there was no imminent threat, he would do it.  I just waited him out, let him think through it, and he showed me how much he really wanted to try.

On Friday, I resumed handling work, and we had a huge breakthrough.  I started with my basic chin-to-hand work, and he allowed me to work my hand back down his neck to his collar, where I could give him his first collar scratches.  He tolerated these fairly well, but should my hand move toward his ears, he would shake his head and pull away.  This is going to be a long, slow, process.

I was able to start taking Fred on a potty walk schedule this week.  He doesn't do as well in daycare as his smaller brother, so this is huge.  I'm happy to report, Fred also goes #1 and #2 on leash like a pro.  He has shown some dog reactivity in his kennel and on-leash, but as you can see, he loves to play with his brother.  We had a good session in the outside daycare area for Big Dogs.

We got to play outside Friday afternoon for a photo shoot.

The boys would play tag with me.  It was our first game together.

It was also really hot, so when they got to me, they would lie down.

I love Fred's eyes.  He's always so alert, intense.

I am honored to work with these boys.  I'm very attached, and the staff have already started dropping hints that I should take them home.  Were I not full with my wonderful three already, I would be tapping my husband on the shoulder. ;)

~Tasha Salsido, CTDI

Staff Trainer, Wags & Wiggles RSM

Rescues Intro: Fred and Rubble

Fred Flintstone

Fred was given to us as an owner surrender.  He and his smaller brother, Rubble, are 5-month-old, purebred, red-tri Australian Shepherd puppies.  Both are very fearful, and have obviously been under-socialized since birth.  Fred is the more cautious of the two, though is more willing to make direct eye contact.  He's very keen and observant, learning quickly to muster up the courage to Touch, Sit, Down, Go To Mat, and now even Come when called.  Before any of this was going to work, we had to get a collar on him, help him be comfortable enough with our presence to take food from our hand and be willing to come out of his kennel.

Recently, Fred started showing some reactivity in the form of barking and some growling toward strange dogs.  After he and his brother recovered from a bout of kennel cough, they were introduced to the small dogs daycare. Fred showed us that he was a rambunctious puppy, eager to play.  True to his herding roots, Fred tends to bark at dogs in an attempt to instigate play.

I gave Fred his first lesson in the Wags & Wiggles lobby on Friday, April 26th.  Prior to Friday, all the boys' training had taken place in their kennels.  Fred was somewhat overwhelmed by the busy environment initially, but his extraordinary food drive won out, and he demonstrated Touch, Sit, and even lying down for his Go To Mat cue.  Handling work, which has been ongoing in the kennel, was not going to happen in the lobby on its first day.  In the kennel, Fred has progressed to putting his chin in the trainer's hand while the other hand feeds him.

The trainers have hung a treat bucket on the boys' kennels.  The staff will periodically visit throughout the day.  Some attempt to make friends, others just toss the boys a cookie.

Due to spending a majority of their day safe in their kennels, the pups need baths from time to time.  Fred tolerates it better than Rubble.  However, when Fred is picked up, he is so shut down in fear he cannot accept food yet.  Ongoing handling work will help Fred learn to feel safe in a person's arms.

*     *     *     *     *

Barney Rubble

Rubble is a sweet little boy underneath all his apprehension.  His coat is an unusual texture and color for an Aussie, and his right eye is a little misshapen.  He's more open to trying new things than his bigger brother, Fred, though it's harder for Rubble to maintain direct eye contact with people.  He's a good worker, happily earns each breakfast and dinner (Canidae kibble) meals while learning the basics of obedience.  Rubble offers behaviors sooner/faster than Fred, but only because he's a little less worried about the new people in his life.

Rubble has demonstrated some space guarding.  He will growl a little at people when he first notices them approaching his kennel.  It is our hope that as he learns to trust more and more people through many positive experiences, this will dissipate on its own in time.  On the other hand, Rubble also vocalizes from mild separation anxiety after completing a lesson with me.

When Rubble was introduced into the small dogs daycare recently, he showed how much he relies on his brother for confidence with other dogs.  However, when Fred started attempting to "herd" the other dogs into playing with him, Rubble said "I'm outta here!" and started mingling on his own.

Rubble and I had his first lesson in the lobby at Wags & Wiggles last Friday.  We tried for the basics:  Touch, Go To Mat, Sit, Down, and handling.  He executed all his cues very well after overcoming some apprehension about the new location -- he's a smart boy, eager to please.  It was during our handling work that he had a tremendous breakthrough in trust.  I admit, he made me tear up a little.  I was able, for the first time in our dozen or so sessions, to stroke him all over, scratch behind his ears, under his collar, and on his hips.  He was completely relaxed throughout the process, and loved this newfound form of human-dog affection so much, he offered his belly for rubs.

I look forward to keeping you all up-to-date on the puppies' training.  We've already had a few interested parties contact us regarding their adoption, but they're not quite ready yet.  I'm really proud of what they've been able to accomplish in just a few short weeks, and I'm sure they'll make great companions someday to the right home.

Tasha Salsido, CTDI

Staff Trainer, Wags & Wiggles RSM

Wags & Wiggles Interview Series: Lysa Knight Goguen

A NEW fun little series: Wags & Wiggles - Interviews! My first victim: Co-Owner of Wags & Wiggles Tustin, Lysa Knight Goguen!

RH - Romi Hirayama
LKG - Lysa Knight Goguen




Name: Lysa Knight Goguen
Occupation: Co-Owner of Wags & Wiggles Part Deux
Hometown: Naperville, IL
Current Location: Corona, CA
Current Dogs: Guinness - 12.5 year old Yellow Lab, Mischief - 5 year old Black Lab, Mayhem - 2 year old Black Lab, Fury - 1 year old Black Lab





RH: If you had to choose 3 words to describe each of your dogs what would they be?
LKG: Guiness - Goofy, Hungry, Deaf!, Mischief - Smart, Rockstar, Daddys Girl, Mayhem - Lover, Sweet, Fast, Fury - Selfish, Adorable, Mommas Girl

RH: What breed of dog would you love to own? 
LKG: Belgian Sheepdog (Groenendael)

RH: When you were a little girl, what did you want to be?
LKG: A Hairdresser!

RH: What is your guilty pleasure?
LKG: Chocolate!

RH: What is your favorite vacation spot?
LKG: Cabo San Lucas!

RH: What are the first 5 tricks you train a new puppy?
LKG: Name Game, Hand Touch, Sit, Come, High Five

RH: Is there any specific reason why you teach these tricks first?
LKG: The first 4 are important to any dog to understand to do what humans expect of them. Which is respond, come to me and be still. The fifth one is because all dogs should know tricks! Its fun for the dog and fun for the human!

RH: When did you know that working with dogs was what you wanted to do for a living?
LKG: When I got Guinness at 8 weeks, I had started a training class with Laurie when she just opened Wags & Wiggles in RSM. I enjoyed it so much, that when I saw a "help wanted" sign, I knew I had to be a part of her team. During that time, Laurie had me helping her with obedience classes and working in the daycare. How I knew I wanted to do this for a living was after I completed my Masters program, a work project took me away from working at Wags part-time and I was miserable. I realized that life is too short and that happiness does matter. Therefore, I quit my corporate america job, masters degree in my pocket and went to train dogs full-time!

RH: What is the most rewarding part of your job?
LKG: I have to pick one thing?! (thinking long and hard!)...Seeing the difference I can make in a dogs life - For example, improving communication between him and his owner. Improving his quality of life. Giving him a place to run and have fun safely.

RH: Has becoming a co-owner of a dog-related business changed your life? 
LKG: I have grown so much in the last 5 years than I thought was possible! In terms of maturity, ability to handle all kinds of situations; emloyees to customer relations. I'm ten times the person I was 5 years ago!

RH: What fun things do you do with your dogs?
LKG: Agility, Dock Diving, Hiking, Camping, Kayaking, Lure Coursing. Really anything and anywhere that will allow me to bring my dogs, I will go! 

RH: What is one of the most naughty things one of your dogs have done? 
LKG: Mischief learned how to open the kitchen cabinets and figured out how to take everything out and as a result, we now have child locks on our cabinets!

RH: Give one experience when you dogs have made you proud. 
LKG: They make me proud everyday because they make me a better person. The most recent event would be Mischief winning Grand Prix in Agility because I never thought we could achieve such a goal!

RH: What do you do outside of your dog passion? 
LKG: NOTHING! My whole life revolves around dogs! Call me the Crazy Dog Lady!

RH: What is the best training advice you could give?
LKG: Don't get frustrated with your dog!

RH: What made you become the crazy Lab lady?
LKG: It was an accident! I have had a German Shepherd Dog, Shetland Sheepdog, American Eskimo, and Schnauzer. Guinness was my first dog as an adult. And I just loved the silly way about him. Strong work ethic yet, cheeky and independent. And now i'm stuck! I do love all breeds though.

RH: I know you mentioned you do dog sports with your dogs, what are some of their accomplishments?
LKG: Mischiefs first ever Noseworks Trial, she received her NW1 Title with Top Overall. Guinness - whenever he finished an agility course without dropping a bar! Mischief - Being able to be competitive at National level Agility competitions. With all my dogs that they are happy to play the game with me!

RH: What is most rewarding about training dogs?
LKG: Watching the difference in their understanding of what we want from them. Thereby changing their response to us.

RH: What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you at Wags?
LKG: So while teaching an agility class of 8 people., I was dragging a tunnel to move it from one place to the next. I tripped and went flying across the room and landed on my face. They all gasped and all I could do was laugh!

RH: What non-dog activities do you enjoy?
LKG: Artsy Craftsy Stuff, like scrapbooking, amateur knitting, 4 wheeling with my hubby! But when it comes down to it, everything circles back to being dog related.

RH: Any Last words?
LKG: All I can say is I have the best job in the world. The best family and the best dogs a girl could ever ask for! I wouldn't have it any other way!

Big thanks to Lysa for taking the time to do this interview with me! Thanks for tuning in!  Check back soon for my next interview victim :)

-Romi