Tag Archives: clicker training

Happy Mother’s Day to the Dog Moms

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Kyley and Ammo the Dachshund // Dog Mom

Today is Mother’s Day, and I just wanted to pop in to say Happy Mother’s Day to all the Mom’s out there! Whether you’re a mom to a four-legged kid or a two-legged kid (or both), I wanted to tell you that you are great!

Ammo the Dachshund Super Hero and his Super Hero Pony

You mom’s are the real super heroes of the World, and without you we’d all be lost!

Ammo the Dachshund // Nursing Home Visit

So I’m sending some happy tail wags to all of the mom’s today, even those who are no longer with us. Know that you will always hold a special place in our hearts and we love you more every day!

Trooper Waving // Ammo the Dachshund

Thanks from the bottom of my heart for all that you do. xoxo, Ammo the Dachshund

Paintings by Ammo the Dachshund

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As you know, I have a whole slew of talents – many of which I document on this blog and one of which is PAINTING! I like to think of myself as a mini Picasso, and while I don’t technically wield a paintbrush – my paws are just oozing with talent! Just check out this video of me painting at the Spring Doxie Fest this year:

Now I know what you might be thinking, “but where can I buy these fabulous paintings that you made” – have no fear, I’ve recently added several of my creations to the Painting Pony Etsy Shop!

Paintings by Ammo the Dachshund // Shop Online

Paintings by Ammo the Dachshund // Shop Online

Paintings by Ammo the Dachshund // Shop Online

Paintings by Ammo the Dachshund // Shop Online

Paintings by Ammo the Dachshund // Shop Online

So if you’re looking for something spiffy and colorful to spruce up your walls this Spring then head on over to the Painting Pony Etsy Shop and check out some of my latest work!

And don’t forget, I donate a portion of my proceeds to my favorite animal rescues – so by purchasing a painting you get to help some animals in need! Double win! Ammo the Dachshund

DIY: Build Your own 2×2 Agility Weave Poles

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You might remember that back in November I posted a tutorial on how to build your own agility weave poles with the help of my friends at the Dog Agility Shop.

Well when winter rolled around I had to pack up my poles since it was just too cold to practice outdoors. That was until my dad surprised me for Christmas with a set of homemade 2×2 Weave Poles.

DIY 2x2 Dog Agility Weave Poles // Ammo the Dachshund

I’ve been using my set all winter, and I’m proud to say I can now weave, but I completely forgot to share how they were made with all of you! So better late than never – here’s my tutorial for building your own set of indoor 2×2 Weave Poles!

DIY Dog Agility 2×2 Weave Poles – Set of 6 poles

Supplies Needed:

Step 1: Cut your 3/4 inch PVC pipe into 6 pieces that are 38 inches in length. Then place the PVC caps on one end of all your poles. Then you can stripe your poles with colored duct tape to make them more visible.

DIY Dog Agility Weave Poles // Ammo the Dachshund

Step 2: Cut your Steelworks Plated Slotted Flats into three 36″ length pieces and six 9″ length pieces.

Step 3: Drill a hole the same size as your carriage bolts into the bottom of the PVC Plugs.

Step 4: Place the 9″ Slotted Flat pieces on opposite sides and 6 inches from either end of your 36″ length slotted flat pieces. Place your carriage bolts through from underneath to hold them together, with the PVC plugs on top. Add your washers and hex nuts to the inside of the PVC plugs and tighten to hold them together.

DIY 2x2 Dog Agility Weave Poles // Ammo the Dachshund

DIY 2x2 Dog Agility Weave Poles // Ammo the Dachshund

DIY 2x2 Dog Agility Weave Poles // Ammo the Dachshund

Step 5: Slip the PVC couplings onto the bottom of your poles and then slide them into the PVC plugs that are attached to the Slotted Flat pieces.

DIY 2x2 Dog Agility Weave Poles // Ammo the Dachshund

Step 6: Lay out the Weave Pole Placer as a guide as to where to place your poles (you can opt to leave it under the poles or remove it after they are placed). Your poles will work best on a carpeted surface.

DIY 2x2 Dog Agility Weave Poles // Ammo the Dachshund

DIY 2x2 Dog Agility Weave Poles // Ammo the Dachshund

For a quick tutorial on how to teach your dog the weave poles using the 2×2 method check out the video HERE. You may want to find a dog agility trainer or class in your area for more detailed instructions.

If you would like to make a set of outdoor weave poles, check out my tutorial HERE. Ammo the Dachshund

Spring Doxie Fest Recap

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As most of you know I was invited to paint and perform at the 2013 Spring Doxie Fest to benefit the Coast to Coast Dachshund Rescue. I love to support animal rescues, so I jumped at the chance to show off my stuff!

Spring Doxie Fest 2013 // Ammo the Dachshund performs

Spring Doxie Fest 2013 // Ammo the Dachshund performs

So I packed up my car with lots of goodies for my booth, and brought along all of my trick gear for my big performance. (you can always shop online with me HERE).

Spring Doxie Fest 2013 // Ammo the Dachshund performs

When it came time to perform I was excited to show everyone what I had been practicing. I love to learn and doing tricks with my mom is one of my favoritiest things in the whole wide world.

Spring Doxie Fest 2013 // Ammo the Dachshund performs

Spring Doxie Fest 2013 // Ammo the Dachshund performs

I kicked off my big performance by finishing up a painting I had started earlier in the week…..afterall you can’t rush talent!

Spring Doxie Fest 2013 // Ammo the Dachshund performs

Spring Doxie Fest 2013 // Ammo the Dachshund performs

Then it was off to my phone booth for a quick costume change, of course everyone giggled when my Super Undies went on display for the world to see. I’m still blushing. But Super Ammo had a job to do, and I wasn’t going to let a little embarrassment stop me!

Spring Doxie Fest 2013 // Ammo the Dachshund performs

Spring Doxie Fest 2013 // Ammo the Dachshund performs

Spring Doxie Fest 2013 // Ammo the Dachshund performs

Spring Doxie Fest 2013 // Ammo the Dachshund performs

Eventually I had to break out my super helmet for some of the more dangerous tricks. Safety first.

Spring Doxie Fest 2013 // Ammo the Dachshund performs

Spring Doxie Fest 2013 // Ammo the Dachshund performs

After all that performing I was ready to meet my fans!

Spring Doxie Fest 2013 // Ammo the Dachshund performs

Spring Doxie Fest 2013 // Ammo the Dachshund performs

Spring Doxie Fest 2013 // Ammo the Dachshund performs

By then I was pretty tired, but my day wasn’t over yet, because I had to judge some of the contests like best kisser, best tail wag, best costume, and best trick.

Spring Doxie Fest 2013 // Ammo the Dachshund performs

Spring Doxie Fest 2013 // Ammo the Dachshund performs

I even got to meet a cool doxie named Harry who had a knack for playing golf! (I chose him as the winner of best trick by the way).

Incase you missed my big performance at the Doxie Fest, below is a quick highlight video I made. And if you want to see some more of my amazing tricks you can check out the SUPER PONY DVD that I made with my favorite trick ponies HERE.

Spring Doxie Fest 2013 // Ammo the Dachshund performs

At the end of the day I was so excited that so many of you came out to watch me perform and meet me, and most importantly support a great rescue like the Coast to Coast Dachshund Rescue.

P.S. you all have some pretty cute Dachshunds! Ammo the Dachshund

Adventures at Tractor Supply

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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

Adventures at Tractor Supply - Ammo the Dachshund

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

Adventures at Tractor Supply - Ammo the Dachshund

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! Ammo the Dachshund

Hula Hooping Good Time

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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.

Hoola Hooping Good Time // Ammo the Dachshund

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.

Hoola Hooping Good Time // Ammo the Dachshund

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).

Hoola Hooping Good Time // Ammo the Dachshund

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. Ammo the Dachshund

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

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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

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

Easter Egg Hunt for the Dogs // Ammo the Dachshund

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! Ammo the Dachshund

 

 

 

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

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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! Ammo the Dachshund

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.

Progress Report on Dog Agility

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Ammo practices Dog Agility on his DIY Agility Jumps 2012As you probably know, I’ve been taking weekly agility training classes since last spring. I’ve come pretty far in my training, but I still have lots to learn until I’m ready to compete.

Last week I had a visitor at class…..which means I have video proof that I’m an agility dog! Yay!

This week I decided that the teeter totter was a bit scary – I mean do you really blame me, that thing catapults you into the sky! But mom helped me get through my fears, and hopefully I’ll be back to darting across it at super hero speed just like I had been doing for the past several months.

Anyone else taking dog agility classes? What’s your favorite obstacle? Mine is the A-frame! Ammo the Dachshund

Dog Agility – Practicing the Chute

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Every week I attend a dog agility class with mom at the Dog Training Center of Chester County. After several months of classes now I’m really starting to get the hang of things.

Dog Agility - Practicing the Chute // Ammo the Dachshund

Waiting for my turn on the course is one of the hardest things about going to class, it’s just too much fun!

Dog Agility - Practicing the Chute // Ammo the Dachshund

I’m currently working really hard on learning the weave poles, it’s like this crazy mind puzzle that I’m trying to figure out. Any day now I’ll crack it!

Recently I logged some time practicing the chute. I’m a big fan of the chute as you can see….it’s almost like I’m underground burrowing for groundhogs. Total agility heaven for us doxies.

So any of my fans also dog agility stars? Any favorite obstacles? Ammo the Dachshund

 

 

Dog Agility Shop // DIY Agility Equipment Supplies // Ammo the Dachshund

 

This post was sponsored by the Dog Agility Shop. They specialize in hard to find agility items at the lowest prices on the internet. From jump cups and pole placers to full package starter sets, they are your one stop shop for all of your agility equipment needs.

Check them out HERE!