Spring Doxie Fest Recap

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

Hula Hooping Good Time

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 HEREAmmo the Dachshund

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

A is for Ammo

A is for Ammo // Ammo the Dachshund Super Hero

Lately I’ve been noticing that my Super Hero outfit is lacking a little something something.

A is for Ammo // Ammo the Dachshund Super Hero

So I sent mom on an errand to pick me up some bling, and she came back with some fantastic choices. The only problem is, I can’t decide which one I like best! So I need your help to decide which bling I should adorn my Super Hero outfit with?

A is for Ammo // Ammo the Dachshund Super Hero

A is for Ammo // Ammo the Dachshund Super Hero

A is for Ammo // Ammo the Dachshund Super Hero

So what do you think, which letter A is the one for me? Leave your vote in the comments and I’ll let everyone know which one is the winner next week! Ammo the Dachshund

Popovich Comedy Pet Theater

Over the weekend my mom and dad went to a very special event (which I was not invited to – the nerve) called the Popovich Comedy Pet Theater. It sounded like so much fun that I thought I would share their adventure with everyone, even if I didn’t get to see it with my own eyes either.

Popovich Comedy Pet Theater // Ammo the Dachshund

The World Famous Popovich Comedy Pet Theater is a family-oriented blend of the unique comedy and juggling skills of Gregory Popovich, and the extraordinary talents of his performing pets. Each of the show’s 15 cats and 10 dogs were once strays, rescued from animal shelters. Now they love to show off onstage – by performing a variety of stunts and skits!

The event that my mom and dad attended also helped to raise money for the local SPCA by donating a dollar from every ticket to the shelter.

This amazing event featured lots of dogs and cats performing fun and exciting stunts, and they even had a whole act just with dachshunds!

Popovich Comedy Pet Theater // Ammo the Dachshund

Popovich Comedy Pet Theater // Ammo the Dachshund

Popovich Comedy Pet Theater // Ammo the Dachshund

I’m sad to have missed it myself, but glad that mom and dad were able to go and support the rescue animals. Mom even said it gave her some ideas to add to my own stunt dog act which I will be performing at the end of April to benefit the Coast to Coast Dachshund Rescue. You can read more about that HERE.

ammo the dachshund performing

ammo the dachshund goes to school

Jumping through my hoop

If you’d like to see if the Popovich Comedy Pet Theater will be in your area you can check out their tour dates HERE. Ammo the Dachshund

Images of the Popovich Comedy Pet Theater are via.

Rescue Animals and Blanket ID

Last week I wrote about my saying (“My Hero”) that I had submitted to the Blanket ID “Significant Others” Tag Contest, and I asked you (my fans) to help my tag win by voting so that I could choose a lucky animal rescue to donate money from the sale of my tags to.

Well thanks to all of you I placed second! Which means in a few short weeks my tag will be available for purchase from Blanket ID!

Blanket ID Winners // Ammo the Dachshund

As exciting as this is, I’m even more excited to announce that the rescue I have chosen to receive $3 from every sale of my tag is the Coast to Coast Dachshund Rescue!

Coast to Coast Dachshund Rescue (CCDR) is a National Non-Profit 501(c)(3), all-volunteer organization dedicated to rescuing needy Dachshunds and Dachshund mixes from coast to coast.

Just look at some of these cuties they have available for adoption:

Coast to Coast Dachshund Rescue // Ammo the Dachshund

Coast to Coast Dachshund Rescue // Ammo the Dachshund

Coast to Coast Dachshund Rescue // Ammo the Dachshund

To see all of their available dogs visit the Coast to Coast Dachshund Rescue.

Ammo the Dachshund // Backyard Super Hero

So if you’d like to be a hero just like me, then you might consider making a purchase of my Blanket ID tag once it is available (I’ll be sure to let you know). And you can also come visit me on April 21st at the Spring Doxie Fest to benefit the Coast to Coast Dachshund Rescue. More details HERE.

Slap on your cape, and grab a helmet, because there are always heroes welcome in my club! Ammo the Dachshund

 

The Harlem Shake with Ammo the Dachshund

The latest meme floating around right now is The Harlem Shake, a song that has sparked a series of dance videos to an instrumental song produced by the artist Baauer. And since I’m never one to miss out on a meme, I decided to do my own rendition.

I bet you are mad impressed with my dance skills right!? I’ve been practicing if you can’t tell.

The Harlem Shake with Ammo the Dachshund

Anyone else do their own rendition of the Harlem Shake? Let’s see it! Post your favorite ones in the comment section! Ammo the Dachshund

Spring Doxiefest

We still have the winter to get through first, but I’m anxiously awaiting the arrival of Spring. Especially this year, because it marks the 3rd Annual Spring Doxiefest in Bel Air, Maryland!

ammo the dachshund with painting pony

This year I will be attending this event on Sunday, April 21, 2013 from 11am – 3pm to be hosted by the Coast to Coast Dachshund Rescue.

Flying Hero Etsy Shop via Ammo the Dachshund

I have been invited to paint and perform during the Doxiefest and I’ll also be bringing along some of my cards and dachshund merchandise.

Ammo the Dachshund performance at the Keystone Dachshund Races

I’ve already begun working on a new performance, which I hope to have ready for this event.

ammo the dachshund and painting pony at point to point races

So mark your calendars, prepare your dachshunds, and be ready for a day of doxie fun this Spring! I hope to see you there!

More details on this event can be found HERE. Ammo the Dachshund

Super Pony DVD Release!

The day has finally come! It’s time to announce the official release of the brand-new Super Pony DVD, staring the talented Minnow from Painting Pony…..and ME!

Ammo the Dachshund Super Hero and his Super Hero Pony

Thanks to my talented Uncle Taylor and Depthink Productions, we began filming for the DVD this past summer, and I’m so excited that it’s finally ready to share with everyone!

Super Pony DVD Release! via Ammo the Dachshund and Painting Pony

Check out the DVD Trailer:

ON THIS DVD

Trainer, Kyley DiLuigi, introduces us to Super Pony, the alter ego of the talented Chincoteague Pony, Minnow! Watch as he shows us some of his favorite trick performances, many of which have been performed at expos, fairs, schools, and even the Annual Chincoteague Pony Penning. Several performances also include Minnow’s lovable sidekick, Ammo the Dachshund, as well as other members of the Painting Pony crew. In addition to 5 featured videos, this DVD also contains 2 bonus videos: a visit to Iron Horse Farm, home to the Painting Ponies; and a talk given by Kyley about everyone’s favorite Chincoteague Pony, Misty of Chincoteague.

PAINTING PONY

In 2007, Painting Pony was founded when Kyley DiLuigi decided to bring her paints from art school out to the farm where she kept her 14-year-old pony, Minnow. That cold winter day Minnow became the World’s First Painting Chincoteague Pony as he created his very first masterpiece. As it became evident that Minnow had a gift that he truly loved, the paintings he created began to pile higher and higher. Feeling the need to share Minnow’s art with the world, Kyley started PaintingPony.com and the rest is history!

Super Pony DVD Release! via Ammo the Dachshund and Painting Pony

The Super Pony DVD is approx. 20 minutes and is available for purchase at $12 on PaintingPony.com

You’ll get to see performances by me and Minnow as well as me and my buddy Trooper. You even get to see me paint!

There is still plenty of time to order your copy for Holiday Gifts!
As a special gift to all my followers, enter code FREESHIP at checkout to receive free shipping on your entire order! (domestic orders only).

Snag your copy HEREAmmo the Dachshund

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

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!

Ammo the DachshundDisclaimer: 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.

 

Learn how to teach your dog to high-five!