Blog
New and unique treats!
October 1, 2024 by Joan Marie Dauber
I love shopping for dog treats! It's more fun for me than my own grocery shopping. Here are some great new finds your darn good dog may enjoy:
- Freeze dried cheddar cheese. No more having to refrigerate and cut up your cheese before training or taking walks. And so many options now: Pure Bites, Northwest Naturals, Pupford, Stewart (in a bucket!), and WagWell now produce cheddar cookies and can be found in local pet stores like Wiggleville Pet Boutique.
- Other cheesy treat options. Pupford has Gouda Crunchies (human grade so you can share!), Ollie has Parmesan Treats, Redbarn and Ollie have cheese puffs, Himalayan Dog Chews now have yak cheese puffs, and my favorite, Shepherd Boy carries freeze dried raw goat cheese (which is more easily digestible for our dogs and is lower in fat, calories, lactose, and sodium than other cheeses).
- Kelp and sea "monstah" treats. I've been using Earth Animal's soft Kelp Jerky for a few years and all the dogs like it! Now we also have: Polkadog Green Monstah Crab & Kelp Bone Dog & Cat Treats, Icelandic Cod & Lobster bites (plus several other options), Vital Essentials Salmon bites (plus Minnows and other fishies), and PLATO Hundur's Crunch Jerky Minis - single ingredient treats with Icelandic fish skin.
- Bison bites. Another fan favorite of the pups! Try West Paw, Spot & Tango, Health Extension, Fruitables, and Belly Benefits soft bison low calorie training treats, suitable for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
Where to go when things go wrong (AT the wrong time)
September 1, 2024. Joan Marie Dauber
Sometimes our darn good dogs have a knack for having problems during non-business hours. Or our regular vet is just too booked to get Fifi in anytime soon. Here are some resources in Chicago and what they offer:
EMERGENCY VETERINARY HOSPITALS
Medvet Chicago (3305 N. California). A 24 hour emergency veterinary hospital. They do prioritize according to pet's medical situation, so there can be a wait. They also have a cancer center and other specialists on staff. (773) 281-7110.
Veterinary Emergency Group (VEG). (755 W. North Ave.) A 24 hour emergency veterinary hospital. Clients have reported that staff will allow you to stay with your pet even during examinations. There is also a location in the South Loop and several in the suburbs. (312) 757-5444.
Premier Veterinary Group. A 24 hour emergency veterinary hospital. Like Medvet, they have other services on campus as well. 3927 W. Belmont Ave. (773) 516-5800.
URGENT CARE HOSPITALS
Scout Veterinary Urgent Care. 2369 N. Lincoln Ave. An urgent care veterinary hospital open 10-8 daily. You can only book an appointment no more than 36 hours in advance online. This place is great for issues like a bee sting or sudden eye problem. (224) 268-0604.
Sploot Veterinary Care. several locations in Chicago. A primary and urgent care veterinary practice. (312) 634-6346.
West Loop Veterinary Care. West Loop and Streeterville. An urgent care veterinary practice. (312) 421-2275 (West Loop), (312) 766-5959.
Bond Vet. Several locations in Chicago. Primarily an urgent care vet practice, they now also operate as full veterinary hospitals as well. Each practice is only open up to 4 days a week and they are all different. Use website to book online.
How's YOUR leash game?
August 30, 2024
Joan Marie Dauber
Yes, our dogs need training to be excellent leash walkers, ready to respond to cues, quick to give focus, and able to remain in their thinking brains outdoors.
However, sometimes the other end of the leash is making it unintentionally difficult for our dogs to do their best! Let's talk leash skills:
DITCH THE WRIST WRAP! You can hurt yourself easily if your dog is prone to jump or lunge. Instead, look into doing a "finger wrap," "accordion," or "thumb wrap" like the pros do.
INSTEAD OF PULLING BACK, ANCHOR YOURSELF. When your dog pulls forward, it's natural to pull back - and then they pull even more! It's called an oppositional reflex. Instead, work on planting your feet, keeping your arms locked into your side (try squeezing your elbow to your ribs) and waiting for the leash to go slack. Mark and reward that looser leash!
DROP THAT SHOULDER, RELAX THOSE ARMS. Some dogs are very sensitive to leash pressure - we may be contributing to stress while our dog is leashed inadvertently with our own tension. Work on a longer arm, take deep breaths and relax those shoulders!
WALK TOWARD YOUR DOG TO SHORTEN THE LEASH. Say you've left your dog some extra leash to sniff but now you need to get moving again. Move towards the dog and do a hand-over-hand folding of the excess leash in your hand until you are close to your darn good dog. It'll be easier then to get their attention AND you'll have avoided pulling or yanking.
It's May! Time to chase the winter blues away.
May 1, 2024 by Joan Marie Dauber
Some of our dogs are going to take the "chase" part of that sentence VERY seriously which can be reallly hard on the other end of the leash (you). Today we're sharing some tips for high energy dog parents to take away the overly developed bicep you've got and replace that intensity with some peace and connection.
The walk starts BEFORE the walk. Rehearse calm when: approaching doors & putting on harnesses/collars/leashes. Train a Wait before leaving, and a check in before proceeding. Is your dog not able to do that yet? Then pick up the leash, walk away from the door calmly with your dog, ask for a Sit briefly, then calmly say "Let's go" and proceed to the door. Repeat this several times until you notice your dog has relaxed enough to give you even a momentary Wait at the door.
Think about treat delivery. Famous Predation Substitution Trainer Simone Mueller emphasizes treating our hunting breeds BEHIND us. Try giving the treat down behind your heel on a walk. Or lure them to each side and behind you when you give treats, rather than tossing forward or dropping in front. This will teach them good stuff happens when they stay back and near you rather than always rushing ahead.
Winding and curvy is the way to walk. When possible, find a wider path and encourage your dog to sniff perimeters (you can use some treat scatters and toe tapping near the ground to help). Then calmly encourage them to walk in a curvy path all the way over to the other side of the path, repeating the same sniffing cue (if your dog knows Find It or Search, this is a great time to use it!). This way of moving engages that powerful canine foraging sniffer to slow them down and teaches a new pattern of outdoor leash walking.
Here comes the sun!
April 11, 2024 by Joan Harris
With great weather comes increased traffic in parks, beaches, and sidewalk cafes. Good canine etiquette is important so you can include your dog in all the fun. At Darn Good Dogs Chicago, we are here to help! Register now for training to sharpen your dog’s leash walking and basic obedience skills so you’re both ready for warm weather fun.
Read on and discover some great ways to get out-and-about with your pup!
Hit the Trail
Some of our Darn Good Hiking Favorites are Waterfall Glen and Starved Rock State Park. The Chicago Lakefront is always a winner with trails all along the lakefront that cover a variety of Chicago neighborhoods. A long walk around Lincoln Park lagoon and Zoo is another one of our convenient favorites! Or take a trip down to Jackson Park (cherry blossoms are out!) and check out the huge Jackson Bark dog park with agility fun. For other ideas visit hikewithyourdog.com to find a full list of Illinois tail-friendly trails.
Montrose Dog Beach
Overall, many dogs’ favorite place, EVER, in the world! The Montrose Beach Dog Friendly Area assures Chicago residents, and their canine friends have a fun, clean and safe beach experience.
Indiana Dunes National Park
A short ride from Chicago, leashed pets are allowed both inside the National and State Parks and are welcome on most beaches and trails.
Dine Alfresco
As a dog-loving city, Chicago offers a plethora of dog-friendly restaurants and cafes for you and your well-mannered pup. Many of these patios even provide treats and water bowls. Google "dog friendly restaurants in Chicago" and find a favorite in your neighborhood. Many ice cream shops have a "pup cup" available (plain or peanut butter) like Letty's favorite place Vaca's Natural Creamery.
Create a Frozen Treat
Fill a container with some water and a few of your dog’s favorite treats such as apple or banana slices, berries, carrots or biscuits and freeze. On a hot day, your dog can cool off enjoying this homemade treat. Fill up the kiddie pool and have a great time in the backyard!
Indoor Fun
When the heat is just too much or when a rainy day stops you from going out, try teaching your dog a new trick! Darn Good Dogs Chicago trainer Joan Marie can show you how to do just that. Register for a Tricks and Fitness Class, a Tricks 4 Session Add-On Package, or private sessions to strengthen your dog’s mind and body. Nose work and Agility classes are also a fun way to keep your dog engaged and entertained indoors.
Remember to stay mindful while soaking up the sun to ensure your dog does not overheat. Offer frequent water breaks and limit activity when there are extreme temperatures. Never leave your dog in a car unattended and always provide access to shady areas. Stay safe while you enjoy the outdoors with your best friend in the upcoming warm weather months!
Spring forward - with a plan!
March 11, 2024 Joan Marie Dauber
You might lose more than an hour of sleep: your dog is going to be HIGHLY distracted with the smells, sounds, and sights of Spring - you could lose any communication outdoors. Here's how to spring forward together!
- Change or upgrade your reinforcers for your leash walks and park hangs! Variety is the spice of life: dogs enjoy novelty, just like us. Remember: it's not just food that's reinforcing. Toys, play, praise, petting, favorite tricks, and even chasing squirrels (on cue and with excellent recall!!) all are excellent positive reinforcers.
- Get unpredictable. Start randomly and more frequently playing games like: Name Game, Pattern Games, treat scatters, "get it/find it/search" food tosses, and Recall Games using hand targeting or paw targeting to engage your dog back into your human world.
DO let Fluffy have her sniffaris, but start increasing the unpredictability and amount of engagement you have with her outdoors. This way you can prevent nature's powerful reinforcers from grabbing her attention completely away from you.
- Use Premack. Premack Principle is the "you can have dessert after you eat your vegetables" principle.
An example. Fido just saw a bunny run into a yard and, boy, is he ready to hunt! Ask for the tiniest bit of engagement with you (brussel sprouts) with any behaviors he knows that are quick and easy, then immediately reinforce him by cueing "go sniff" where the bunny went (ice cream sundae)!
Give him a few seconds, then ask him to come back to you (make sure you are fun and packing a highly valuable reinforcer with you) for a moment. Repeat! Back and forth Fido goes, which gives you Recall and gives him access to the bunny zone.
Eventually, he'll trust that when you call him back, he won't be denied all the fun he wants to explore in the world and will be happy to respond to your cues.
- The City is your parkour course. I don't know about your pup, but my dog LIVES to jump. Jumping over and on things leaves her tongue hanging and tail wagging! The City Dogs have so many opportunities to jump up on benches, rocks, steps, and more. If your dog can't jump for safety reasons, "Paws Up" for the two front paws is also a fun behavior that is safer.
Puppy, it IS cold outside
Top: humans' coats. Bottom: dog's winter wardrobe. This doesn't even include her holiday themed sweaters.
Jan. 20, 2024 Joan Marie Dauber
Only a few weeks ago, it was 60 degrees. We've now hit -31 degrees with wind chill. I've been taking dogs out for over twenty Chicago winters, so I've learned how to be prepared.
First of all, if you have a Samoyed, Husky, Malamute, or Shepherd, you have hit the jackpot! They are built to weather any winter storm. Do be careful if your dog is a puppy or is elderly or has any health conditions that could make exposure to lower temperatures unsafe and limit their time outside appropriately.
If you are like most of us, your dog is at times cold and uncomfortable outside right now, particularly when it comes to their paws. Here are some ideas to keep them safe and cozy:
Coats and sweaters. They are everywhere now (I saw some at Lowe's!). If you are looking for THE coat that will last forever, the highest ranked one of 2023 is the Hurtta Expedition Coat (now on sale!).
Booties. For basic protection from ice and salt, the PAWZ booties are pretty user friendly and inexpensive.
Next up are boots like SaltSox which provide more insulation from the cold - this is what Letty wears right now. You can find them at local pet shops like Doggy Style Pet Shop and Barks N Rec.
Some people prefer the next option of boot leggings, which potentially stay on better and provide even more protection from the temperature. Walkee Paws has a special right now for 50% off using the code ARTIC50.
When it is bitter cold but your pup's paws still could be harmed by salt and ice, you can use a balm like Musher's Secret or BioBalm. If you have a bully breed, you should also protect their noses with balm.
Make sure your darn good dog is staying hydrated as well. If you want to boost their hydration, try adding Brutus Bone Broth to their food, or freezing it as pupsicles in an ice cube tray.
The ideal way to acclimate your dog to these accessories is through gradual steps paired with positive reinforcement. This year consider starting this training in September, so Fido will offer a paw to get bootied up and lift his head to go through that sweater! If you need help with handling and fear free training, contact us at info@dgdchicago.com.