Sit Mofo Sit

Expert Dog Training That's Fun For You and Your Best Friend

Safety

To the Batcave!

Crate training is a sensitive subject for some dog owners.

Why Crate Train?

  • Crate training and potty training go hand-in-hand, as dogs do not like to soil where they sleep.
  • Crates provide a haven of your dog is in new, uncomfortable, or scary situations – giving them a place to go to feel safe.
  • When your dog is comfortable in the crate it reduces stress if they are crated during emergencies, travel, or at the vet/groomer.

Even with this, many dog owners still find themselves thinking:

I don't want to use the crate. That's like putting my dog in jail.

Most veterinarians, trainers, and breeders (the experts!) recommend crate training dogs. As owners, we have to recognize crate adversity as OUR HANG UP.

It's ok to feel uncomfortable, but it's NOT ok to transmit that negative emotion to the dog.

Part of making the crate a positive, safe place is showing your dog that it is!

My dog Jack (or super Jackass as we like to call him) had a really hard time with crate training. I was getting so frustrated with him yelling in the crate that I had to do something to lighten the mood.

I decided to give his crate a name that would make me laugh every time I said it. So I taught Jack to go to his “Batcave.”

Simply giving the crate a silly name changed my mood and body language. Your dog absolutely picks up on your emotion. If you are cool with it, they are more likely to be cool with it.

When things get too serious in dog training I always look for ways to take the edge off. Go to your Batcave was absolutely hilarious and it worked like a charm for us.

When you’re starting to teach your dog anything, it does not matter what words you use – so long as you consistently use the same words, stay positive, and take the time to teach your dog what those words mean.

My Mom tells her dog to “get in your box.” For whatever reason, she finds this funny. All of her dogs have always loved the crate.

I have another client who says “in your house.”

“Kennel up” is the traditional name.

It's not appropriate to crate in every situation, but if you've broken a glass all over the kitchen floor or one of your children is hurt and your dog wants to be in the mix of it, training your dog to “go to the Batcave” easily removes them from a sticky situation.

There are no “bad” dogs, just mofos with problems. Problems generally have solutions, and I’ve encountered them all. ( Check out my easy, 30-minute Potty Training workshop.)

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Filed Under: Safety

Go to Bed & Why Crate Training is Great!

Man, if somebody told me to go lay in my bed I would kiss them on the mouth!

Some people feel a natural aversion to crates. But crate training is not the end of the world. Let’s think about what we’re asking our dogs to do — Go lay in their bed and take a nap. Sounds delightful to me.

Why crate train your dog?

At some point in their life, your dog will spend time in a crate. It may be:

  • Grooming appointments
  • Vet testing or overnights
  • Boarding – they will be crated or in a kennel run.
  • Injury – When bed rest is required
  • Potty Training – the crate can be a wonderful tool. (Learn more at my Free Potty Training Workshop )
  • Fear – a crate is the safest (and often the most comforting) place for them if they fear thunderstorms or fireworks.

As you know by now, I am a huge believer and lover of the crate. It's a powerful training tool and a place the dog can feel protected and safe. I start all my dogs in a crate from day one.

Because your dog will likely experience the crate at some point, they need to have a positive introduction. Socializing your dog to the crate should be part of your training.

How do I make the crate a positive, happy place?

One word – food.

If your dogs are anything like mine they love food. All new puppies and dogs that come to me take all meals inside the crate. Right off the bat, the crate is that awesome place where they get to eat.

I also have special treats that my dogs only get when they are in the crate. The list includes Kong stuffed with canned dog food, Cream cheese, leftover pizza crust, chicken, hotdog, leftover macaroni and cheese, or peanut butter. The key is to get super creative here.

Speaking of special treats, I'll give my dogs raw bones in the crate. They are a super special treat, AND they are gross. I do not want raw meat on my floor or around the house at all. The crate works perfectly!

Keep the Crate Zen

I was doing some research and confirmed that, legally, your dog can not own property. The crate serves as a space of one's own, so to speak.

  • If a dog is new to the crate or having an exceptionally difficult time, I start them off as far away from the daily activity of the house as possible. In my home that is the spare bedroom. Removing external stimulation makes crate quiet and relaxing.

  • Soothing music helps not only to calm, but also to quiet other noises. I'll play talk or classical radio in the room with the crate. The volume is not blasting, but it is loud to drown out external noises or busy activities indoors.

  • If it seems your pup is still overstimulated cover the crate. This den atmosphere provides a sense of peace and safety. An overanxious dog may pull in the covering and tear it. Be sure to use an old throwaway sheet or blanket. If all your linens are nice, take a trip to the thrift store and get yourself a doggie cover.

Sit Mofo, Sit!

If the dog is still having a hard time after food and zen, we begin to integrate obedience training.

  • (With an open door the whole time) have them go in the crate and do a sit for a treat. Release them to come outside the crate. Then send them back inside the crate and do another sit for a treat. Repeat.

  • Once sit in the crate is mastered, I up the ante and do the same protocol for the down command in the crate. Repeat.

  • Once that is going really well I teach them to do a down-stay in the crate and then release them to come outside. Repeat.

Notice the word REPEAT. Practice 5-10 short sessions a day, and expect this process to take several days to a week. Each dog is different and repetition is the key to effective dog training.

On days that I stay at home, I still give my dogs a few hours of crate time. Staying consistent in behavior and training allows the dog to get used to a routine.

A routine is relaxing – Don't you feel calmer when know what is going to happen in your life? When I'm home and the doggos are in the crate I can focus on my zillion other tasks and they have a safe place to take a nap.

Everybody wins!

There are no “bad” dogs, just mofos with problems. Problems generally have solutions, and I’ve encountered them all. ( Check out my easy, 30-minute Potty Training workshop.)

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Filed Under: Safety, Training

Does Your Doggo Need a Drink?

OMG. It. Is. So. Freaking. HOT!

I’ll tell you a little secret about me, I absolutely love it hot. I mostly work outside and this is my favorite time of the year. Don’t get me wrong, I do love to go home to my air-conditioned house but summer is where it’s at.

Hydration is key during the summer months. Your Mofo is no different.

What can I do to keep my dog well hydrated?

🐾 Get Up Early. I get up early and do most of my dog walking and hard-core exercising (like fetch or agility training) during the cooler morning air.

🐾 Keep Water on Hand! At least one of my mofos goes to work with me each day. I always travel with plenty of water for myself and my dogs. I went so far as to get one of those fancy stainless steel gallon water jugs for my Mofos so they could drink cool water all day.

🐾 Eat at the Right Time. I exercise my dogs way before I feed them breakfast. I wait till everybody has stopped panting and their respiration has returned to normal before I feed them.

🐾Cereal for Everyone! I add water to my mofos kibble when it’s really hot outside. This ensures they get enough water to stay hydrated. Think of it like breakfast cereal for your dogs.

🐾Don't forget the Potty. With all this extra liquid, your mofo is going to need to #pottyoutside! Expect it about 15-20 minutes after you feed them their cereal. I am easily distracted with all of the things that I have to get done so I set a timer on my phone. (If you are having any trouble with #pottyoutside put your dog in a crate so they gain control by holding it. Again be sure to set a timer so you don’t forget your mofo. Sign up for my free Free Potty Training Workshop to learn more.)

How do I know My Dog is Getting Enough Water?

Simple signs of dehydration include:

  • Dry nose
  • Loss of appetite
  • Vomiting
  • Dry or sticky gums
  • Loss of skin elasticity

My favorite way to test for dehydration is the skin test. Grab the scruff of your dog's neck and pull it up. Then let it go. Phritz is a little slow to bounce back. He could use a drink!

  • Quick Bounce Back. All Good! Your dog is not dehydrated.
  • Slow to Return to Normal. Your dog is dehydrated. Provide water right away.
  • Nape Does a Triangle and is very slow to go back to normal. Provide water right away. Consider taking your dog to the vet for fluids because are very dehydrated. Better safe than sorry.
There are no “bad” dogs, just mofos with problems. Problems generally have solutions, and I’ve encountered them all. ( Check out my easy, 30-minute Potty Training workshop.)

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Filed Under: #PottyOutside, Safety

4 Tips When Returning to Work

If it's time to go back to work, don’t abandon your dog!

Thanks to COVID-19 there is a good chance your dog has been with you 24/7 and has been getting 17 walks a day. Your pal has become accustomed to your constant company and attention. A sudden change could be very upsetting to them.

Why is my dog all of a sudden tearing apart the house?

What happens when a dog is upset? DESTRUCTION! I don’t want you to come home to chewed up couch, a scratched door, or a potty on the floor!

The good news is with just a little preparation everyone should adjust nicely to the change of pace.

TIP #1: Get a Kong

Kongs are a fantastic tool to keep your dog occupied and able to chew if they are stressed. A Kong is a much safer option than bones or toys where they might choke on small pieces while unattended.

Fill that Kong with peanut butter, canned dog food, or some other treat that they don't normally get. Pop it in the freezer.

TIP #2 Use the Crate

Crate your dog, give them the Kong, and go do something right outside of the house. This way, you can hear if they are screaming or pitching a fit.

I did some gardening. I could hear the dogs cry a little bit, but then they were fine, relaxing in the crate and focusing on the treat inside the Kong. I left them for about 45 minutes.

Once the time was up, I returned to inside and let them out of the crates. We went for a nice long walk together.

The next time you crate, follow the same protocol, and leave the house for an hour or two. Read their body language when you return. Take them for a walk.

Tip #3: Exercise

This is great for all dogs, but essential for those who do not use crates. You've GOT to make sure you are depleting some of that excess energy before you walk out the door, particularly the first few times.

Play fetch or take them for a walk. Once you are done, don't do a big wind-up kissy goodbye. Just hand them the Kong, and walk out the door.

TIP #4: Baby Steps:

Non-craters, don't leave for 45 minutes the first time! Continue to use the kong, and start at 5-10 minutes. Enough time where they notice you have left, but so much time they go into anxiety overdrive.

It's usually at about 15-20 minutes where an anxious dog begins to express emotion into chewing and scratching.

Slowly extend your time until they realize they are ok home alone.

There are no “bad” dogs, just mofos with problems. Problems generally have solutions, and I’ve encountered them all. Check out some more free solutions for separation anxietyin this post and in this other post.There is also a load of great stuff in my Basic Training Course.

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Filed Under: Destruction, Safety, Separation Anxiety

Fireworks Terrify My Dog!

Hey Mofo Friends!

What can I do about my dogs fear of fireworks?

The 4th of July is coming and we have so much to be grateful for and celebrate! Sadly, our dogs don't understand what all that noise is about. It's scary!

The ASPCA does a campaign every year reminding folks July 4th is the top day of the year for lost and runaway pets.

Don't lose your best friend. Here are my top tips to get your dog safely through the 4th. Use these tips along with good common sense. Be proactive. It is your job to keep your dog safe.

  1. Make sure your dog is exhausted!
    A tired dog is a calm dog. On the days you expect lots of evening noise go on a walk together. Play fetch or tug. Do some mental games and exercises. Practice your obedience commands.

  2. Use the buddy system!
    Go outside with your dog on potty breaks. Supervising outdoors greatly reduces the chance of them bolting through a loose fence post or escaping some other way. Walk them on a leash if you think them running away is even a remote possibility.

  3. Get (or make) a compression shirt.
    Like weighted blankets for humans and swaddling for babies, compression shirts (also known as thundershirts) can relieve anxiety in some dogs. They are available in all pet-serving retail outlets. We also have DIY from an old tshirt directions here.

  4. Account for noises from crowds and fireworks!
    If you leave your dog alone, put them in a crate. Play some awesome music, loud enough to drown out the outside noises. Recognize that when you come home they might still be freaked out.

  5. Have a backup plan!
    If they do get loose make sure they can get back home. Confirm they have a collar with an easy-to-read name and phone number. Consider getting your dog a microchip.


I know you love your dog or you would be watching dancing cat videos instead of reading this. Look at the fireworks from your dog's perspective and be mindful.

Happy 4th everyone! I hope you have a wonderful day full of love, kindness, and gratitude. Stay safe!

Everything is awesome. Now go walk your mofo 🙂
~Lisa

There are no “bad” dogs, just mofos with problems. Problems generally have solutions, and I’ve encountered them all. For more practical and professional help on mofo issues from A to Z check out my Basic Training course.

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Filed Under: Fear, Safety