Join us for the Grand Opening of our Dubuque Dog Training Center on Saturday August 20th, 10am - 2pm. Our new location at 5110 Wolff Rd. has lots of room for new classes and our Doggy Day School coming this fall. Since 1998 our tag line has been "Super Training for Everyday Adventures" because we know a well trained dog lives a fuller life and is a joy to be around. So bring Fido by for a visit with our staff and find out what we can do to help you have more fun with your dog. While you're visiting; register for great prizes, give a hug to Bernie from the Dubuque Fighting Saints, watch obedience and tricks demonstrations and make sure to sign your pooch up for the bobbing for hotdogs competition. Bring the kids by at 1:00pm for our kids and canines safety presentation or have their photo with their dog taken by See Jane Shoot. There will be loads of fun, plus snacks for you and fido! Stop by.read more »

Some of you may remember Morris or Bob or Stray Dog as we referred to him back in April when the un-neutered big black lab/coonhound mix wandered onto That's My Dog! property in Southwest Wisconsin. It was either this guys lucky day or he was just plain smart when he stopped in the dog training field for a sniff and let me walk up and put a lead on him. After tracking his expired Rabies tag we found the number for an owner (and I use that term lightly) who only lived a couple miles away that never bothered to call us back when we reported we had the dog in our kennel. Unfortunately such is the fate of some *farm dogs* who wander off property. The "that'll learn em'" philosophy of dog training means if "he ain't got enough sense to stick around, he'll have to fend for himself or get hit on the road somewhere" .....course then joe calus will go get another pup who hopefully will have better sense than to behave like a normal dog who wanders unless taught otherwise... but I digress and on to the good news.. Stray Dog learned a few things while hanging with us. A few simple rules that keep a good dog safe and make life a whole lot easier when sharing time and space with a dog. He learned to come when called, walk nice on a leash, not to jump on people and how to stay in one place when told. With that simple skill set of basic dog obedience and manners he was ready for the search of finding a family meant for him. It took a couple months, but we're happy to report that Stray Dog made his way to a family in South Dakota where it is reported he goes for a walk everyday, gets to go camping and loves to swim, plus visits Grandpa's farm for regular big romps through the fields. Oh, and most importantly his girl, Olivia, loves him deeply and gave him his new name: Pudge. So Stray Dog didn't do too bad for himself. ;-)read more »

So you say you want to have a good dog? At least that is what I hear when I meet people for an evaluation for training. I ask, "So what is it that brought you in, what is it you want from your dog?" The answer is typically: "I just want him to be good." Most everyone wants a dog that is *good*. The challenge however, is defining what is *good*. For the majority of pet owners *good* seem to be a dog that *doesn’t*. *Doesn’t* as in; doesn’t jump on people, doesn’t bark at everyone that passes the front window, doesn’t chew up the furniture, doesn't poop or pee in the house, doesn’t pull on leash...the list of “does nots”is long. Fortunately, the list is usually pretty easy to fix. Particularly when we flip our thinking around and focus on *does* rather than *does not*. This slight adjustment in our thinking is hugely significant in terms of our success in fixing those dog behavior problems. You might be questioning; "what do you mean Robin? He does jump on people and I want him to stop." How about we do a little role playing Q and A to see if I can help you make sense of this concept. You: Robin, my dog jumps on people and I want him to stop, can you help? Me: Sure, what do you want him to do instead? You: (blank look, as in; duh Robin!) well, I just want him to stop jumping, he gets so excited to see everyone when they come to our house and he is just all over them. After 5 minutes he is fine, but I need him to stop that jumping. Me: Ok, but what would you like him to do instead of the jumping on people when they come through your door? You: I don't care as long as he doesn't jump. He just needs to stop jumping, his nails hurt and my mother is elderly and I'm afraid he will trip her. Me: Ok, but we still need to decide what you want him to do instead. I have a couple ideas, how about this; we teach him to go to his bed and stay there when people come to the door. Then when he is calmer after that 5 minutes we can give him permission to say hello and we'll teach him he has to keep four paws on the floor in order to get any attention and petting. How about that? You: Cool, that would be great! Successful dog training is basically a matter of using the "old switcheroo" We swap out behavior we don't like for behavior we do like. The Switcheroo List looks something like this: Mom does not want dog to: Jump on people Bark at passers by Chew up furniture Pull on leash Poop or pee in house Bolt out the door So instead mom will teach the dog to: Sit when meeting people Watch passers by quietly Chew on his own toys Walk nicely next to the person holding the leash Toilet outside Wait for permission to go out the door Teaching the dog alternative behaviors to the ones that you find annoying is the fastest path to success we know of. It will give you a dog you can be proud of when company comes over and one that can be more fully integrated into your life. And having a dog that can really be a part of your lifestyle is a very cool thing! Now begin to fill in the blanks for the other doggy behaviors you find annoying and then contact us if you need help teaching the dog the to do alternatives. :-) read more »

We have opened our doors at our new location at 5110 Wolff Rd. Dubuque, Iowa. We still have some finishing touches to make but All current lessons and classes are taking place at our new dog training facility. Our new local number is 563-588-3039 This expanded location gives us more room to better serve everyone. We will be offering new services in the near future. Look for more retail selection on the best training tools and toys, additional classes and coming this fall, our brand new doggy day school program. This day school option will meet the needs of those who wish to have day care for their dog, but are looking for a more specialized service that includes structure and learning in the environment as well. We are very excited about all the changes and will have more info coming soon. read more »

Anyone who has worked with us here at TMD has likely heard the phrase “Movement Dissipates Stress” We emphasis that thought in our teaching and in our "doing". The professional trainers attending the E-cademy hear it over and over and our clients practice it each time they attend a lesson or group class. Stress is part of life and all of us, human and canine need ways to cope with it. Staying idle and stewing is certainly an option but in my experience that only creates more anxiety and increases frustration, sometimes even to the point of aggressive behavior. We believe the healthier option is to get moving. Get out; go for a walk, a bike ride, a jog or any aerobic activity that puts the body into motion. Of course, this goes for our dogs as well. Dog’s that live active lives experience far less behavioral problems than their sedentary counterparts. When dogs are experiencing frustration, fear or anxiety one of the best things you can do for them is to simply get them moving. Movement can come in the form of playing a game of frisbee or fetch or it can be achieved simply by going for a walk. Walking alleviates pent up energy and tension. Next time your dog is showing signs of fearfulness try putting on the leash and walking briskly with a carefree attitude. Even if you are just walking circles in the living room or teaching the dog to tread mill, I think you will find your dog better able to cope with the *scary* sound or event once their body is in motion. For those dogs that are reactive and barking at every person or dog they see when they are out for a walk, pick up the pace significantly and carry on your way. The change in pace can re-focus the dog to keeping up with you rather than giving them time to fully engage in the barking and lunging. Movement, movement, movement......it is hard to worry and walk at the same time, so get going! Get on your walking shoes, grab a leash and your best pal and walk. It’ll do you and your furry friend a world of good. Now that the weather has warmed up join us for TMD On The Go! Check the calendar for this months events and come join fellow dog lovers for outings in the Tri-State area. read more »

Summer vacations are coming soon and if your dog is one of the uber lucky he/she will get to go with you! Check out this cool resource for Fido friendly locations. For the companions who don't travel well or those who just can't go along this time, you have the responsibility of finding a safe solution of where your dog will stay and who will care for them. It is no easy task. Leaving your companion in the care and custody of someone else is a bit daunting. Especially if you haven't done it before. I've been taking care of pets for quite a long time, both through offering a boarding facility and long ago by providing in-home pet sitting. I've learned a thing or two in the past 20 years and I'd like to share some suggestions to make it easier on you and your pet. First off, do your research. Check out the location where your dog will stay. There is nothing wrong with scheduling a quick visit, just be understanding that there are times of day at boarding facilities where things are extremely busy (early morning/late afternoon) and the staff may not be available for a tour at that time. If you are hiring an in-home provider ask for references and hire someone who is bonded and insured. If they don't take themselves seriously enough to carry liability protection, I'd be skeptical. Check out this article for more info on pet sitters. When deciding on a boarding facility there are a few things of utmost importance. Is the facility safe and clean? Is the staff knowledgeable? Those things above all should be your primary consideration. Deluxe accommodations are great to look at but having a couch and tv isn't nearly as important to your dog's well being as knowing the staff knows how to keep your dog safely contained, properly feed, administer medications correctly if needed, can recognize any potential problems quickly and will act accordingly. Your dog's safety, not the fun factor is the primary consideration. Now with that said, preventing boredom is part of what good facilities are concerned with. Be aware this will probably also cost you extra expense. It costs $ to have extra staff for extra play time and private walks. You can help alleviate boredom by leaving your dog with a few good chew toys. Make sure the toys are designed to take on serious chewing. Stuffed toys, plush pillows and the like are often turned to piles of fluff in the confines of a dog run. Boredom becomes more prevalent as the duration of the stay lengthens. If your pet must stay boarded for more than 4-5 days anti up the extra cash for some extra walks or play time. It is truly a lot to expect for a dog to be content confined to a 3 x 6 run for days on end with only a few potty breaks throughout the day. And harder yet for those dogs who stay at indoor/outdoor run facilities. Those dogs very possible do not come out of that area until the day you pick them up to go home. If you insist on providing a bed or pillow for your dog, be aware it is highly possible it will get destroyed. Dogs in confinement chew and occasionally have accidents. If you want to leave bedding, a small blanket is much easier to clean in the event it is urinated on. And yes, even those dogs who NEVER have an accident or chew can have problems from time to time. Leave a number where you can be reached in the case of an emergency. If you will be unavailable, leave a contact persons name and number. Provide any needed medications with clear instructions. Dog's do best if they are kept on their same diet. Bring along your dog's own food clearly marked with their name and amount to be fed. And include your dog's veterinary info in case of an emergency. Finally, don't fuss excessively over your dog when you leave him/her. This is the hardest part for most people. It is normal to feel a little guilty or to worry but don't transmit those anxieties to your dog. Most dog's do just fine and accept their new schedule and surroundings quickly. The more you prolong the goodbyes to your furry friend, the more anxiety you create in their mind. A pat on the head or scratch behind the ear and the offering of a fascinating new chew toy set the tone for a happy stay at camp much better than tears and drawn out departures.read more »

We know you love your dog. Fluffy makes you laugh with those antics, encourages you to get outside for more fresh air and is great to snuggle with when watching late night movies. But seriously you’re sick and tired of picking up those tootsie rolls left in the hallway right? If you step in another wet spot on the carpet you’re going to scream. You take the dog outside multiple times each day and yet it seems as soon as you come back in, the whining to go back out starts. Or worse yet, there is no whining just a squat and pee right there by the door. What’s up with that?! If you are frustrated with your dog’s potty habits there is good news, your dog is not being vindictive or trying to relay some message of malcontent. The truth is, your pooch is actually confused about where the toilet is. And un-confusing Fido isn’t really all that complicated. Housebreaking boils down to 5 simple things that you need to know to create a reliable dog that will “hold it” come hell or high water. Once you understand the elements of: 1. Supervision 2. Feeding 3. Outside access 4. What to do about accidents Plus 5. How to reward or discipline behaviors You will be on your way to years of less stress and more of the good stuff enjoying your dog. We’ve wrapped up all this information in our simple to understand, Housebreaking Guide. Whether you have a new puppy that you want to start on the right paw or an older dog that you’ve struggled to get real success with, now the information is available. Believe it or not, your dog can actually learn how to go on command! How awesome would that be on those days when it is cold and rainy and you’ve already circled the neighborhood twice without success? The TMD Housebreaking Guide, a $6.95 investment that might save your carpet!read more »

We made a visit to the Dubuque Museum of Art today. Well actually we were out and about for our dog training class That's My Dog! on the Go when we spotted the display God Bless America by Seward Johnson. At 25 feet high and weighing in at 30,000 pounds this representation of Grant Woods American Gothic is a sight to see. But we felt it just had one thing missing... Diva obliged with various poses to show how it could of been perfect. :-) The sculpture is here until April 4th. Go see it while there is still time. Pretty cool. Woof!read more »

For those who get the TMD newsletter, sorry for the repeat article, but I think it is worth saying again.. Happy Valentines Day to our Dubuque area training friends and dog lovers everywhere. It is February, the month of Valentines Day, the celebration of “love”. Love is a word with many meanings and I've heard it used often in reference to dogs. But what exactly is the intent behind "I love my dog"? Is it just the emotion welling up because of the feelings we get being around dogs? Or is it more than that? Falling in love with a dog is easy. It is a reaction that requires little effort. How does one not fall in love with the adorable face of a new puppy, the joyous romping of a dog chasing a ball or the gentle demeanor of Fido curled up and sleeping? But what about as time goes by? Puppies grow up, dog's need consistent care and love tends to change. Hopefully, those feelings mature into actionable choices that are in the best interest of our faithful companions. To love a dog means to meet their needs. Not just the basics of food, water, medical care and shelter. But the essential needs for exercise, leadership and mental stimulation. These are the things dog's need more than another toy or a new rhinestone collar. Walking the dog regularly, being consistent about teaching good behavior and basic manners or teaching a new trick all take effort.They require us to take action and at times those actions may be inconvenient. For our canine valentine, let's make choices that enhance the human-animal bond. Not only choices that feed our warm fuzzy feelings, but ones that improve the lives of our canine friends. Take that walk even though the weather isn't perfect, follow-through with fair discipline that stops the dog from jumping on the visitor at the door, join a new class or find a new activity that keep your dog using it's brain. These actions are good for everyone and your dog will love you for it! The art of love... is largely the act of persistence. ~ Albert Ellisread more »

and the trained ones were hanging out at the Dubuque Area Sports and Recreation Festival on Saturday. Thanks to everyone who visited our booth on Saturday. We had a great time talking with so many of you about your dog training questions. Plus Ollie and Diva got to strut their stuff and enjoy tons of fun with all the kids. They were both dog-tired Saturday night. :-) My personal highlight was getting my picture taken with Bernie, the Dubuque Fighting Saints mascot. Bernie is the epitome of a great dog. He's friendly, good with kids, always has a waggy tail and makes you smile every time you see him, plus he's housebroken and doesn't seem to shed much. You rock Bernie! We also enjoyed visiting with our friends at Fido Fit. Mary and her gang are opening a cool new location in Dubuque that the dog's can hang out, socialize and swim! They have an awesome pool specially for the dogs, so check it out. We'll be doing a presentation on remote collars down there on Feb. 5th. Come visit and learn a bit about what remote training can do to enhance fun adventures with your dog. Thanks Lisa and everyone associated with the festival. Once again it was a great event!read more »