Mud with a Forecast for More Mud.

It seems that it has been ridiculously wet and muddy in my backyard for over a year now. The only thing letting me keep my sanity is now it’s mostly frozen. At this point I will take the freezing cold temperature over the soggy mud. But we all know it’s going to melt and turn into mud again. Now add two dogs. We’re talking a muddy mess of prints all over the floors. I was at Grady’s, a client, home. His owners had to put umpteen bales of straw down to stop the slop.

I’m thankful because I have pretty well-trained dogs. They know that when they come inside that they are pretty sure they are going to get cued to sit and stay right on the throw rug on the other side of the door. I don’t let them dash into the house and run around. After they get cued to sit and stay, they offer up one paw to be wiped with the mud towel then the next paw. The next thing they have to do is stand. This is also a great cue to use at the vet and the groomers. I can get in a good wipe of the belly and back legs. I put in lots of work and many repetitions with my dogs to get where I’m at now. My Kai has tender tootsies and wasn’t a fan of me always touching her feet now she gives me kisses. I really dish out the love and affection and of course lots of treats.

Teaching your dog manners makes your life easier and keeps your home definitely cleaner. Hopefully your dog already knows sit, stay and is comfortable with a leash and a collar. I like to teach the stand from both positions. To teach the stand have your dog in a sit or down position first. Stand in front of your dog. Place a treat in your open palm. Put your hand close to the dog so he sees the treat, pull your hand toward you but away from the dog. You may have to encourage him to get it. Once the dog is lured in the stand position use a marker word like “yes”, “good boy”, or click then give him the treat. It’s that easy. No more wrestling with your dog at the door.