I went on a Barn Hunt

Posted on May 14, 2013 by Ammo

Barn Hunt with Ammo the Dachshund

On Mother’s Day I got to go on a very special adventure with my mom (dad came too). We packed up the car and headed south to New Jersey for a Barn Hunt Practice!

Barn Hunts were created to honor the traditional role of “ratcatchers” in ridding barns and properties of vermin. Barn Hunts are open to any dog, of (almost) any size, type or breed. In a Barn Hunt competition you can earn titles and placements at various levels and degrees of difficulty.

Barn Hunt with Ammo the Dachshund

At this Barn Hunt I met up with my Philadelphian gal pal Liebe, and we were both pretty excited to hunt for some rats! (Especially Liebe who is a city dog – and doesn’t get as many chances as me to hunt for vermin)

Barn Hunt with Ammo the Dachshund

At a Barn Hunt you are required to go through straw bale tunnels and climb over several bales to earn a qualifying mark – all while in pursuit of a rat.

Barn Hunt with Ammo the Dachshund

In the lower levels you are then met with various tubes, some of which contain rat bedding and one that contains an actual rat. Your goal as rat hunter extraordinare is to locate the rat and alert your mom or dad that you have found the correct tube containing it. Once found your mom/dad is responsible for telling the judge you have found the rat – in which case the time will stop (as long as you have completed the necessary requirements of completing tunnels and climbing straw bales too).

Barn Hunt with Ammo the Dachshund

As the day progressed I got better and better at finding my rats. I even began digging at the tubes and making lots of noise once I found the tubes that contained a rat.

Barn Hunt with Ammo the Dachshund

Mom said in the higher level classes I would even have to find multiple rats in one run – making sure to find them fast enough to not run over the time limit, many of which that are hidden under straw and in crevices. Sounds like a blast!

Barn Hunt with Ammo the Dachshund

Liebe (who is just over a year old) even had fun locating the rats and as she gets older I’m sure she’s going to be one ferocious rat hunter just like me!

Barn Hunt with Ammo the Dachshund

I had so much fun looking for my rats, that sitting on the sidelines while the other dogs had a turn was so hard!

Barn Hunt with Ammo the Dachshund

I can’t wait to return again and actually compete in this fun new sport – it’s totally my kind of competition!

You can learn more about the rules of Barn Hunt and find competitions and practices local to you HERE.

Adventures at Tractor Supply

Posted on April 15, 2013 by Ammo

Adventures at Tractor Supply - Ammo the Dachshund

Tractor Supply Company, only the holy mecca for farm boys like me! And lucky me, I got to go on a Tractor Supply adventure over the weekend.

Adventures at Tractor Supply - Ammo the Dachshund

TSC has everything, from clothing, to dog food, hardware supplies and more – it’s hard to not find something that you need at a place like this.

Adventures at Tractor Supply - Ammo the Dachshund

I enjoyed moseying up and down the isle in search of something to add to my cart, mostly I was eyeballing the isles of dog toys and treats – but somehow we missed that one completely and I ended up only coming home with a bag of horse treats. I’m not sure how I got the short end of that stick.

Adventures at Tractor Supply - Ammo the Dachshund

My moseying was extra slow on this adventure, because just when I thought we were done with the crutches in my house (after mom’s knee surgery) my dad decided he wanted to give them a whirl too. So I’m back to playing nurse Ammo as dad spends a few weeks on crutches due to a high ankle sprain and some torn ligaments from playing soccer. I’m starting to think I’m missing out on something by not having my own pair to crutch around on!

Adventures at Tractor Supply - Ammo the Dachshund

Mom says it’s important for me to go on outings in new places as much as possible – it’s what makes me a good therapy dog. I only wish all stores were as dog friendly as TSC, because I’d certainly volunteer to practice my therapies in a butcher shop or maybe the Wine and CHEESE shop!

But until that day comes I’m happy to take my outings any place that keeps cookies behind the counter.

Adventures at Tractor Supply - Ammo the Dachshund

I’m here for my cookies please!

Hula Hooping Good Time

Posted on April 4, 2013 by Ammo

As my date to perform at the Spring Doxie Fest this year is approaching I’ve been gathering up props to be used in my performance. One of my favorite tricks is jumping through my hoop, so mom decided it was about time I had more than ONE hoop.

So with a little internet searching we came across Spellbound Dance Arts, who’s main purpose is delivering sunshine one hoop at a time! Totally my kind of hula hoop!

I browsed their site of lots and lots of custom designed hoops in all colors imaginable, but ultimately decided to go the DIY route and ordered a few 18″ blank hoops and some tape. When my hoops arrived mom set to work taping them for me, while I ooh’d and ahh’d over what colors I wanted.

Mom said taping them herself was pretty labor intensive and it took her several hours (despite my protests to go faster, go faster over her shoulder).

Mom still has several hoops to tape, but I haven’t quite decided what colors I want them to be yet, and I just couldn’t wait any longer to test them out!

You can purchase hoops from Spellbound Dance Arts HERE.

I was not paid or perked to write this post, I just wanted to share my hula hooping adventures!

Easter Egg Hunt for the Dogs

Posted on March 27, 2013 by Ammo

Easter Egg Hunt for the Dogs // Ammo the Dachshund

Easter is this weekend, so mom decided we could have a little pre-Easter fun by having an Easter Egg Hunt!

Incase you didn’t want to miss out on the fun either, here’s what you’ll need to have your very own Dog Friendly Easter Egg Hunt:

Plastic Easter Eggs
Small Dog Treats
An excited Pup that’s ready to hunt for eggs!

Easter Egg Hunt for the Dogs // Ammo the Dachshund

Simply fill your eggs with the treats and place them around the house or yard for your dog to find.

Easter Egg Hunt for the Dogs // Ammo the Dachshund

You can also use the egg hunt as a way to work on some training. Asking your dog to sit and wait before hunting for the eggs helps them learn patience.

Easter Egg Hunt for the Dogs // Ammo the Dachshund

Make sure to supervise your pet during the egg hunt, as you will have to help them open the eggs once found (it’s those cumbersome paws)! Also be sure to make sure they don’t chew on the eggs, as they can break easily.

Easter Egg Hunt for the Dogs // Ammo the Dachshund

Next time I think I’ll have to invite my friends over to partake in all the fun!

Happy Easter!

Tunnel Time!

Posted on March 12, 2013 by Ammo

Mom had a Birthday last week, and like any ~~spoiled~~ well loved pooch, I got presents too!

Agility Tunnel with Ammo the Dachshund

Welcome to my new dog agility tunnel, won’t you come inside?

Ammo practicing his #agility skills in the #tunnel #pets #dachshund #dog vine.co/v/bwxO7KOHtFh

— Kyley (@kyleydiluigi) March 11, 2013

My superstar #dachshund #agility #pets #dog #tunnel vine.co/v/bwxev39M9g6

— Kyley (@kyleydiluigi) March 11, 2013

Super fun right?

If you’d like to find out more about my dog agility tunnel check it out Here

Let’s Get Tricky! Teach your Dog to Army Crawl

Posted on February 4, 2013 by Ammo

Being a super hero I need to have certain tricks up my sleeves and on my tool belt. Tricks that can get me out of sticky situations, help me combat evil, and well, make me quicker and more agile when shimmying down groundhog holes! It’s because of this that I have learned to army crawl!

Let's Get Tricky! Teach your Dog to Army Crawl with Ammo the Dachshund

Teach Your Dog to Army Crawl

Learn to be stealth, agile and quick on your feet! Most importantly, fit down those groundhog holes with ease.

What you need: A handful of training treats, clicker

Let's Get Tricky! Teach your Dog to Army Crawl with Ammo the Dachshund

Step 1: Place a high value treat (something your dog really loves) in the palm of your hand, making sure that he knows it is there.

Let's Get Tricky! Teach your Dog to Army Crawl with Ammo the Dachshund

Step 2: Ask your dog to lay down by placing your hand on the ground in front of him.

Let's Get Tricky! Teach your Dog to Army Crawl with Ammo the Dachshund

Step 3: Slowly inch your hand away from your dog, encouraging him to shimmy across the ground after the treat. As soon as he moves closer to your hand (without lifting his front legs out of the lay down position) click and reward. If your dog pops up out of his lay down, ask him to lay again, and repeat the process until he does it properly.

Let's Get Tricky! Teach your Dog to Army Crawl with Ammo the Dachshund

Step 4: Continue asking your dog to inch along the ground until he understands what is wanted, you can then begin adding a verbal cue, such as the word “crawl”, and asking him to shimmy across the ground several times before getting his reward.

Let's Get Tricky! Teach your Dog to Army Crawl with Ammo the Dachshund

Congratulations, your dog can now army crawl. Now meet me at the groundhog holes, we’ve got some shimmying to do!

Disclaimer: The Let’s Get Tricky blog feature is designed to provide general information, instruction, and techniques that may not be suitable for everyone. Please note that we are not liable for any of your activities while attempting to teach your dog the techniques listed on this blog. Please train responsibly.

Let’s Get Tricky! Teach your Dog to Play Dead

Posted on October 17, 2012 by Ammo

One of my most popular tricks is the Play Dead trick. Guaranteed to make children giggle and adults oooh and ahhh – it’s a favorite that’s sure to win them over!

Most all of my tricks are taught and mastered with the help of clicker training, so before beginning you might want to read up on how to introduce your dog to a clicker*.

*Disclaimer: this post does contain some affiliate links

Ammo the Dachshund // Lets Get Tricky // Teach Your Dog to Play Dead

Teach Your Dog to Play Dead

Every great dog should know how to play dead – if only to be used as an ice breaker at parties, to scare the ground hogs in the backyard, and to generally just make you look totally awesome.

What you need: A handful of small training treats*, clicker

Step 1: To start your dog should already know how to lay down on command. Place a few treats in a fist and place your hand on the ground in front of your dog as you ask them to lay down.

Ammo the Dachshund // Lets Get Tricky // Teach Your Dog to Play Dead

Step 2: As your dog sniffs the treat tilt your fist up and over the top of your dog’s head, encouraging them to lay on their side. You may need to gently push your hand into your dog to entice them to lay on their side. Click and Reward your dog as soon as their side touches the ground.

Ammo the Dachshund // Lets Get Tricky // Teach Your Dog to Play Dead

Step 3: Continue asking your dog to lay on their side with treats in the fist of your hand until you can ask them to lay on their side with just an open palm (treats removed) – then click and reward.

Ammo the Dachshund // Lets Get Tricky // Teach Your Dog to Play Dead

Step 4: Once your dog is laying on their side consistently you can begin to add a verbal and visual command to it. Point your finger at your dog and say Bang, Bang – if your dog doesn’t immediately flop on their side you can then use the open palm of your hand to remind them what to do, click and reward. Slowly begin waiting longer and longer to show them what to do with the flat of your hand until they offer laying on their side on their own. Jackpot treat your dog when they get it right.

Ammo the Dachshund // Lets Get Tricky // Teach Your Dog to Play Dead

Step 5: When your dog is consistent in laying on their side when you ask you will need to add a release word. Part of the appeal of a play dead trick is that your dog will “remain dead” until you tell them to come back alive. So after asking your dog to play dead, wait a few seconds and say OK (before your dog gets up on their own) to release them and then click and reward. The key is to time this right before your dog gets up on their own. Gradually begin asking them to stay on their side longer and longer until you are certain they will not get up until you give them the verbal OK.

Ammo the Dachshund // Lets Get Tricky // Teach Your Dog to Play Dead

Congratulations! Your dog can now play dead! You can now bring laughter and smiles to everyone!

Learn how to teach your dog to high-five!

Let’s Get Tricky! Teach your Dog to High-Five

Posted on September 26, 2012 by Ammo

I decided it was high time I started a new feature on the blog, and what better thing to write about than trick training! I thought by sharing with you how I have learned some of my amazing tricks over the years (and attempting to master new ones too) it would inspire me to keep up with my training as well. Most all of my tricks are taught and mastered with the help of clicker training, so before beginning you might want to read up on how to introduce your dog to a clicker. (contains affiliate link)

Ammo the Dachshund // Let's Get Tricky // Teach Your Dog to High-Five

Teach your Dog to High-Five

A small twist on the standard one paw high-five, my method is doubly awesome with a two-pawed high-five. (mostly because us dachshunds have stubby little legs and it’s way easier to high-five with two paws).

What you need: A handful of small training treats, clicker (affiliate links)

Step one: Place a treat in the palm of your hand and close it into a fist. Let you dog sniff your hand with the treat in it so he will know that it’s there.

Ammo the Dachshund // Let's Get Tricky // Teach Your Dog to High-Five

Step two: Put your closed fist with the treat in it directly in front of your dog but slightly above their head and high enough that they cannot reach it with all 4 paws on the ground.

Step three: Your dog will likely begin to sniff at the treat, but pay close attention to their paws, and as soon as they lift both paws or one off the ground be ready to click and reward once they touch a paw to your hand (do not give them the treat in your hand, but a different one). Continue clicking and rewarding for a paw(s) touching your fist until it is consistent.

Ammo the Dachshund // Let's Get Tricky // Teach Your Dog to High-Five

Step four: Once your dog is consistently touching a paw(s) to your fist, then remove the treat inside your hand and begin placing an open palm directly in front of your dog above their head. Click and reward for your dog touching a paw(s) to your hand.

Step five: When your dog is consistently touching a paw(s) to your open hand you may add a verbal cue to it, such as High-Five. Say “High-Five” then place your open palm in front of your dog to touch – then click and reward.

Ammo the Dachshund // Let's Get Tricky // Teach Your Dog to High-Five

If your dog has mastered this trick with one paw (sometimes easier for larger dogs) but you would like them to high-five with two, give your verbal cue, put your open palm out and do not reward the dog for touching it with one paw, simply wait until they offer another behavior (placing two paws) then click and reward. If your dog needs a little help you can place one paw on your palm then pick up and place their second paw on your hand. Immediately reward with a jackpot of treats (one treat after another in a rapid succession). The more excited and animated you are when your dog gets it right, the faster they will learn!

Ammo the Dachshund // Let's Get Tricky // Teach Your Dog to High-Five

I Am A Therapy Dog

Posted on July 31, 2012 by Ammo

You may remember that last month I took my canine good citizen and therapy dog test….and PASSED!

Ammo the Dachshund - Certified Therapy Dog

Well just last week a package from Therapy Dog International came in the mail for me! I was so excited to see that now that all the paperwork is complete, I am an official certified therapy dog.

Ammo the Dachshund - Certified Therapy Dog

Not only did I get my own id card (complete with a photo of me), but I also got some super cool gear to wear during my therapy dog visits.

Ammo the Dachshund - Certified Therapy Dog

The bandana and id tag seem to be made for dogs much bigger than me, but I’m pretty sure what I can’t make up for in size, I can certainly make up for in personality.

Ammo the Dachshund - Certified Therapy Dog

I am a Therapy Dog – and proud of it!

Therapy Dog Harness

Posted on June 20, 2012 by Ammo

One of the rules when taking your Therapy Dog Test through TDI is that dogs must be tested on a plain buckle collar or harness. Training collars, training harnesses, halties, or any other corrective training devices are not permitted during testing or visiting as a TDI-registered Therapy Dog. And on their website they make note that Therapy Dogs don’t wear vests, so as not to be confused with service dogs, and also for the fact that they cut down on the area where people can pet you.

ammo the dachshund therapy dog harness from arja's art

Even though I ended up taking my test in a plain buckle collar, mom knew that were I to become an official Therapy Dog I would need to wear a different harness when I was making visits.

ammo the dachshund therapy dog harness from arja's art

Mom ended up ordering me a custom made harness from Arja’s Art all the way in Finland!

ammo the dachshund therapy dog harness from arja's art

These harnesses come in a variety of colors that all include reflective piping with each one being handmade to your own dog’s measurements. Designed to fit any breed, they are especially great for dachshunds as they put less stress on our sensitive necks and chest.

I chose the grey color in super soft sheep napa and mom helped me get my measurements sent over to Arja.

ammo the dachshund therapy dog harness from arja's art

When my new harness arrived from Finland a couple weeks later Arja had even included a sweet little gift for me in the package. While I personally don’t have a use for a coin purse (being that I’m a dog and also I am not a girl) it was a super sweet gesture – and mom was happy to keep it for herself.

ammo the dachshund therapy dog harness from arja's art

I suggested storing cookies inside the coin purse, but mom didn’t seem too thrilled by that.

ammo the dachshund therapy dog harness from arja's art

After a week of wearing my harness out and about I’m loving it. It’s great to for the hot summer weather too as it gives me a little more breathability. I still love my custom made harnesses from Kalyxcornucopia (that I wear with my Super Hero capes), but they just won’t work as well for my therapy dog work.

If you are interested in ordering a harness from Arja, you can check out the website and Facebook page – and they are available to ship to the US.