Lets Get Tricky: Teach Your Dog to Play Fetch

Posted on February 24, 2016 by Ammo

As many of you may know I’m a big fan of learning, and ever since I was a wee pup my mom has been taking me to classes and clicker training me just like my Trick Pony friends.

Since learning is a never ending adventure I’m always up to pick up a new skill, and lately mom has been helping me to perfect my fetching skills.

See I wasn’t born with those amazing retriever traits, and while I do enjoy chasing after a good toy, I’m not great about actually bring said toy back! (the video above is proof of that)

Let's Get Tricky! Teach Your Dog To Play Fetch

But that’s ok, armed with a few simple tools my mom helped me learn what it means to play a real game of fetch!

What You Need:

Yummy Treats (These came in my Barkbox* this month, but you can also snag them in the Barkshop* with code AMMO for a special surprise at checkout!)
A Fun Fetch Toy
Something to Target (I used a scrap of mat board from the frame shop, but anything flat and large will work)
Clicker (not pictured, but you can snag one off amazon*)

To teach this trick your dog needs a basic knowledge of clicker training. You can check out this website for a basic tutorial on clicker training, or grab yourself a beginner clicker training book*. And they should also have a basic knowledge of how to pick up an item with their mouth.

*affiliate links

How to Teach Your Dog to Fetch:

At a close distance ask your dog to touch the target with their feet. Click and reward each time their feet touch the target. If your dog doesn’t already have a cue to “target” you may have to let them accidentally walk across the target so you can click and reward them each time their feet touch your mark. Practice this close to your dog, then move the target to different spots and areas further from you to strengthen your dog’s knowledge of this task.
If your dog already has a basic knowledge of how to chase an item and pick it up then you can move onto step 3 once they have mastered targeting. Otherwise you should teach your dog to pick up an item with their mouth first.
At a close distance to your target toss a toy for your dog to get. Once they pick it up with their mouth ask them to touch their target again. When they hit the target WITH the toy in their mouth, click and reward. Repeat this at a close distance until your dog has mastered the idea. Continue to repeat this until you can toss the toy further and further away.

Congratulations! Your dog is now great at playing fetch the proper way (by returning the toy to you!) Much more fun isn’t it?

Adventures at the Ryerss Farm Family Fun Day

Posted on June 18, 2015 by Ammo

Over the weekend my pal Minnow the Painting Pony and I attended the Ryerss Farm Family Fun Day.

Painting Pony & Ammo the Dachshund at Ryerss

The Ryerss Farm is a non-profit that cares for aged, and abused or injured horses by providing a home where they can spend their golden years out to pasture. The horses at Ryerss are never worked, go to auction or are used for experiments. They simply spend their days grazing and enjoying life with their friends on the farm.

Painting Pony Paints for Charity

My pal Minnow (who is an aged equine himself at 21 years young) was thrilled to be able to show off some of his painting talents for this organization.

Painting Pony Paints for Charity

Minnow drew quite a crowd when it came time for him to paint and show off a few of his tricks. Check out the video of Minnow painting at Ryerss on instagram.

Trick Dachshund Performs for Charity

I couldn’t let Minnow one-up me with his crowd, so every time I performed I tried to draw an even bigger crowd than him.

Trick Dachshund Performs for Charity

Dachshund Jumps through Hoop at Ryerss

Dachshund Plays Dead at Ryerss

I pulled out all the stops by jumping through hoops and even showing off my most popular trick, playing dead!

Dachshund Jumps through hoop with Helmet at Ryerss

I even dove through a solid hoop while wearing my stunt helmet! I think Minnow was impressed (don’t let his look of boredom fool you).

Sleeping Super Hero at Ryerss

Eventually all that performing caught up to me – and this little super hero had to squeeze in some afternoon naps between shows.

Full Moon Dog Treats for Super Dog Ammo at Ryerss

Don’t worry though, my mom has a secret arsenal of Full Moon Real Bacon Treats* in her pocket (that we received from BlogPaws), that were just what I needed for revival before my next show.

*contains an affiliate link

Clicker Trained Dog at Ryerss

I’m never one to disappoint my crowd!

Painting Pony at Ryerss Farm

Even though my crowd might have been just a wee bit bigger than Minnow’s, we were both thrilled to be supporting this good cause….and generating a few smiles along the way!

If you’d like to check out some of my pal Minnow’s artwork, be sure to visit him over at PaintingPony.com

Dog Clicker App Review & Giveaway

Posted on October 3, 2014 by Ammo

Disclaimer: This review and giveaway is brought to you by Smart Dog Clicker.

Since it’s Birthday week here on the blog I’ve packed in as many fun giveaways and goodies as I could for all of my faithful readers!

Smart Dog Clicker App Review & Giveaway // Ammo the Dachshund

I recently got the chance to test out the Smart Dog Clicker App for iPhone. Most of you probably already know that I’m an avid fan of clicker training and my mom has been using this training method since day 1 with me.

Now if you’re unfamiliar with clicker training you can brush up on the basics, but essentially the Smart Dog Clicker App puts a “clicker” conveniently in your hands without the need to carry around one in your pocket.

For people and dogs who prefer the mechanical sound of a clicker when training this is useful, for me personally mom usually uses a click of her tongue – making it not totally necessary for her to carry one around for training on the fly.

Smart Dog Clicker App Review & Giveaway // Ammo the Dachshund

With the Smart Dog Clicker App you’ll still need to provide your own treats for any training sessions with your dog, but at least you won’t have to carry around a bulky clicker.

Smart Dog Clicker App Review & Giveaway // Ammo the Dachshund

The elite version of the app also comes with tips for teaching your dog 32 different tricks.

Smart Dog Clicker App Review & Giveaway // Ammo the Dachshund

Some of the tricks are pretty basic, like sit and and stay.

Smart Dog Clicker App Review & Giveaway // Ammo the Dachshund

But there are a few more complex tricks like playing dead, bow, and yawn. Full disclosure though, I did wish the steps were a bit more detailed and perhaps in a step by step guide.

Smart Dog Clicker App Review & Giveaway // Ammo the Dachshund

As you can see I’m already an expert at playing dead, but there are a few on the list I might have to try.

The Smart Dog Clicker is available from the iTunes App store for iPhone in a free version (which includes ads and a limited list of tricks) and an elite version for $1.99 which includes no ads and the full list of tricks.

And now for the best part….

Smart Dog Clicker App Review & Giveaway // Ammo the Dachshund

FIVE LUCKY WINNER WILL THE ELITE VERSION OF THE SMART DOG CLICKER (only works on iPhone)

Here’s HOW TO WIN:

For this giveaway I will be using, Rafflecopter. We only use the information you provide to contact the winners and we never share it – so not to worry. Winners will be chosen at random and you will be contacted via e-mail to claim your prize. All the winners will also be announced on this blog post once the giveaway ends on 10/10/14 12AM EST. Open to WORLDWIDE readers! Winners must claim their prizes within 48 hours of being notified or prize will be forfeited. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post by Smart Dog Clicker App, but all opinions are entirely my own.

P.S. Don’t forget, there is still time to enter my giveaway this week for a Necktie Collar and Leash from BW Barkery as well as my BIG Instagram Giveaway!

Adventures at Ludwigs

Posted on September 4, 2014 by Ammo

Adventures at Ludwigs // Ammo the Dachshund

Over the Labor Day Weekend me and my best pony pal Minnow, the Painting Pony, attended the Ludwigs Corner Horse Show.

Adventures at Ludwigs // Ammo the Dachshund

Our goal, to make as many people smile as we could!

Adventures at Ludwigs // Ammo the Dachshund

My pal Minnow is pretty good at helping us draw a crowd, I mean just look at his super model pose!

Adventures at Ludwigs // Ammo the Dachshund

And when he starts to paint everyone can’t help but to be captivated!

Adventures at Ludwigs // Ammo the Dachshund

Myself included, as I love watching Minnow create his special works of art.

Adventures at Ludwigs // Ammo the Dachshund

Minnow painted several works of art throughout the day which should be available on his website very soon.

Adventures at Ludwigs // Ammo the Dachshund

Finally it was my turn to perform, and I showed off some of my expert hoop jumping skills.

Adventures at Ludwigs // Ammo the Dachshund

I even made it through the flaming hoop of death…..unharmed!

I also shared a few of my circus stunts like rolling my barrel….

….and playing dead!

Adventures at Ludwigs // Ammo the Dachshund

And for my final heroic stunt, I dove head first though a solid hoop (don’t worry, I wore my helmet for safety!)

Adventures at Ludwigs // Ammo the Dachshund

After our first performance of the day a nasty thunderstorm rolled through. Minnow went to wait out the storm on the horse trailer while I hunkered down in our tent.

Adventures at Ludwigs // Ammo the Dachshund

Eventually the sun came back out for just long enough for Minnow to create a few more paintings, even if the crowds had died down pretty drastically!

Adventures at Ludwigs // Ammo the Dachshund

By the end of the day I was pretty beat! But I’m pretty sure Minnow and I accomplished our goal to make everyone smile!

April 2014 Monthly Recap

Posted on May 1, 2014 by Ammo

Before we get to the recap of all the exciting adventures I’ve been on in April, I wanted to give a shoutout to my special sponsors! Thanks to them I’m able to bring you exciting posts, so make sure you give them some love and check out what great products they carry!

Barkbox is a monthly subscription service for your dog. Starting as low as $19 a month (shipping included) you can get a box of the finest treats and toys sent right to your front door every month! Choose from packages for small, medium, and large dogs and as a bonus 10% of their sales go to supporting rescue groups! You can check out just what goodies your dog could be getting every month by reading my reviews!

Use code AMMO5 for 10% off your Barkbox Subscription.

Ruffwear carries performance dog gear designed to enhance and inspire outdoor adventures for dogs and their human companions. Totally my kind of company that carries anything from dog hiking packs, harnesses, camping essentials and more! You can check out my review of their dog boots (that even work for dachshund’s too) as well as the Ruffwear Swamp Cooler to keep your pup cool in the summer!

Free Shipping on all orders over $75 at Ruffwear!

Kurgo is devoted to helping people get out & safely enjoy the world with their dogs. They carry high-quality, innovative products that last at reasonable prices. They even offer a lifetime guarantee. You can check out my review of the Kurgo Surf n’ Turf Life Vest.

Use code KURGO20WIN for 20% off your purchase at Kurgo!

If you would like to find out more about my advertising rates, click HERE. And thanks again to all of my wonderful sponsors, I couldn’t do it without you!

And now onto my April Adventures….

Happy! Ammo the Dachshund

I shared my new dance video to the song Happy by Pharrell!

Toys for Ponies & Dogs // Ammo the Dachshund

I taught my ponies how to use their new interactive toy.

Bartley's for Dogs Review & Giveaway // Ammo the Dachshund

I reviewed the website that has a unique ways of helping rescue dogs, Bartley’s.

Working Late on the Farmhouse // Ammo the Dachshund

I helped my best friend Trooper with construction on his new farmhouse.

Free Spring Desktop Wallpaper! from Ammo the Dachshund

I shared my free Spring Desktop Wallpaper, complete with artwork done by me!

Penn + Pooch Review and Giveaway // Ammo the Dachshund

I reviewed and gave away some stylish pet clothes from Penn + Pooch.

etsymagnet-6

I announced the addition of a series of fun dachshund magnets in my online shop.

Spring Doxie Fest 2014 // Ammo the Dachshund

I recapped all the fun I had performing and attending the Spring Doxie Fest.

DIY Easter Eggs for your Dog

I shared some great DIY’s to get your dog in the Easter spirit.

Happy Easter from Ammo the Dachshund

I wished everyone a Hoppy Easter!

Kurgo Lifevest Review & Giveaway // Ammo the Dachshund

I tested out and gave away a Kurgo Life Vest.

Easter with the Barkbox Bunny // Ammo the Dachshund

I celebrated Easter with the Barkbox Bunny.

Peach Blossoms // Ammo the Dachshund

I stopped to smell the Peach Blossoms.

puppy ammo the dachshund and trooper

I shared the CUTEST wrestling video of me and Trooper when I was a puppy.

Chewy.com Wellness Petite Treats Review & Giveaway // Ammo the Dachshund

I reviewed these Wellness Petite Treats.

Painting Pony // Ammo the Dachshund

I painted with the famous Painting Ponies.

Bottle // Ammo the Dachshund

I exacted my revenge when this bottle gave me the evil eye!

I always have so much fun looking back on all the exciting things I’ve done in the past month. It makes me even more excited for the adventures coming up in May! I even plan to hit up these Goat Races this weekend, maybe I’ll see some of you Chester County locals there! I can’t wait! What adventures have your and your pups been on in April?

Adventures at the Spring Doxie Fest

Posted on April 16, 2014 by Ammo

As you may already know, I was invited to be the special celebrity guest performer at the Spring Doxie Fest to benefit the Coast to Coast Dachshund Rescue this past weekend in Maryland.

Spring Doxie Fest 2014 // Ammo the Dachshund

So I packed up my car with all the tools necessary to put on an awesome performance and headed south 2 hours to help support the dachshunds in need!

Spring Doxie Fest 2014 // Ammo the Dachshund

I brought along a lot of my fun goodies from my shop, which did you know purchases from also help to support the animal rescues as I donate a portion of my sales every year to my favorite animal rescues?

Mom and Dad managed to get everything set up so nicely for me, despite the fact that they were both fighting nasty colds. But hey, the show must go on!

Spring Doxie Fest 2014 // Ammo the Dachshund

It turned out to be an unusually hot day (for April) with temperatures reaching into the 80’s. So if you caught me lounging around on Sunday – it’s mostly because I wasn’t quite used to the heat!

Spring Doxie Fest 2014 // Ammo the Dachshund

But when it came time to perform I pulled it together and drew a fantastic crowd to watch me perform!

Spring Doxie Fest 2014 // Ammo the Dachshund

I performed my skit from last year’s event, with a few added in tricks that I had learned in the past few weeks. Like my beg!

Spring Doxie Fest 2014 // Ammo the Dachshund

And also rolling my barrel!

Spring Doxie Fest 2014 // Ammo the Dachshund

The crowd always seems to enjoy the part where my super self jumps through the death defying hoops!

Spring Doxie Fest 2014 // Ammo the Dachshund

But I’m pretty sure one of my all-time crowd-favorite tricks will always be playing dead. Don’t worry, I always survive this trick!

Here’s a little video of some of the highlights from my performances:

Spring Doxie Fest 2014 // Ammo the Dachshund

After my first performance of the day I took a short nap in the car (with my fan on) so that I could have the energy to perform again. Sorry to anyone who was looking for me, but a celebrity needs his beauty sleep!

Spring Doxie Fest 2014 // Ammo the Dachshund

After I was fully rested I was ready to mix and mingle with all the other fabulous dachshunds that attended the event!

Spring Doxie Fest 2014 // Ammo the Dachshund

I sniffed a whole lotta butts, and enjoyed meeting the HUGE variety of dachshunds that came. From smooth haired to long haired and every color you can imagine!

Spring Doxie Fest 2014 // Ammo the Dachshund

I even obliged to take the obligatory fan photos!

There was so much to do at the Spring Doxie Fest that I wished I could have tried it all. From wiener dog races, to a sand pit and there was even a flyball demonstration and an agility course.

I had fun watching a talented doxie run the flyball course, and later I got to run through the agility course myself! Check out the instagram video below:

As you can imagine my 2 hour car ride home from the Spring Doxie Fest looked something like this:

Spring Doxie Fest 2014 // Ammo the Dachshund

I had a blast and was thrilled to help a good cause. It was great meeting some of my fans and I loved being able to show everyone my tricks!

For those of you that attended, what was your favorite part about the Spring Doxie Fest?

Come to the Spring Doxie Fest!

Posted on April 9, 2014 by Ammo

As many of you may already know, I’m headed to the Spring Doxie Fest this weekend in Maryland on Sunday. I’ll be making the 2 hour trek south to meet all of my friends!

I will be performing my fun tricks for everyone at 11:15am and 2:15pm, so if you’re attending – you won’t want to miss it!

Spring Doxie Fest 2013 // Ammo the Dachshund performs

I’ll also be setting up my booth with lots of fun goodies from prints and cards to magnets, notepads and more!

New in the Shop! Graphic Dachshund Prints! via Ammo the Dachshund // Flying Hero

Flying Hero Shop Update // Dachshund Greeting Cards

But the best part is that the event will be benefitting the Coast to Coast Dachshund Rescue!

Spring Doxie Fest 2013 // Ammo the Dachshund performs

So if you’re looking for a fun way to spend your Sunday with a bunch of dachshunds – I hope you’ll stop on by. And don’t worry, for those of you that can’t attend I’ll be back next week with a full recap of all my adventures.

Yay for helping dachshunds in need!

A Tricky Dachshund

Posted on March 11, 2014 by Ammo

As many of you might already know, I have quite the collection of tricks up my ~~sleeve~~ paw. My mom started helping me to learn tricks when I was just a wee pup and at just barely a year old I did my very first live performance at the 2010 Equine Extravaganza Talent Competition with my buddy Minnow the pony. Minnow and I took home the champion title and we’ve never looked back since!

Ammo the Dachshund Super Hero and his Super Hero Pony

Since then I have gone on to perform at expos, schools, fairs, and I’ve even been spotted in a few television commercials.

Spring Doxie Fest 2013 // Ammo the Dachshund performs

While my pony friend Minnow more often than not accompanies me to such performances (he’s been doing this a lot longer than I have), I sometimes have to perform on my own too.

Spring Doxie Fest 2013 // Ammo the Dachshund performs

This year I will again be attending the Spring Doxie Fest to benefit the Coast to Coast Dachshund Rescue as their special celebrity performer – which means I need to start working on some new and exciting tricks!

I’ve got a few I’ve been working on (with a few training miss-haps along the way….not to worry, no dachshunds were harmed). But here’s where I need your help! I need your suggestions on what tricks I can add to my performance.

Spring Doxie Fest 2013 // Ammo the Dachshund performs

So leave a comment, post them on my Facebook page, or shoot me an e-mail. I’d love to hear what tricks you’d like to see! I know you guys will have some fantastic ideas!

P.S. I’ve been nominated as Best Pet Blog of 2014! And if you have a second and don’t mind voting for me I’d be forever grateful! You can vote once per email! Just click this link and then scroll down to the Best Pet Blog section, check off the grey circle under Ammothedachshund.com, and scroll to the bottom to enter your email. Thanks for voting!

February 2014 Monthly Recap

Posted on March 5, 2014 by Ammo

Before we get to the recap of all the exciting adventures I’ve been on in February, I wanted to give a shoutout to my special sponsors! Thanks to them I’m able to bring you exciting posts, so make sure you give them some love and check out what great products they carry!

Barkbox Ad Barkbox is a monthly subscription service for your dog. Starting as low as $19 a month (shipping included) you can get a box of the finest treats and toys sent right to your front door every month! Choose from packages for small, medium, and large dogs and as a bonus 10% of their sales go to supporting rescue groups!

Use code AMMO5 for $5 off your Barkbox Subscription.

Ruffwear Ad

Free Shipping on all orders over $75 at Ruffwear!

If you would like to find out more about my advertising rates, click HERE. And thanks again to all of my wonderful sponsors, I couldn’t do it without you!

And now a look at everything I’ve been up to this past February…

Dachshund Valentine's Day Cards // Flying Hero // Ammo the Dachshund

I shared some of the Valentine’s Day goodies in my Shop before the big day!

Valentine's Day DIY Flirt Pole - interactive dog toy // Ammo the Dachshund

I created a tutorial for a DIY Flirt Pole – the best dog toy ever!

Valentines Day Round-up // Ammo the Dachshund

I shared some of my favorite Valentine’s Day Products.

Care 4 Dogs Snood Review & Giveaway - Hood for Dogs // Ammo the Dachshund

I reviewed and gave away one of these super cool snoods!

Ammo the Dachshund's Trick Box

I updated my trick box to get ready for this year’s performances.

Ice Storm in Pennsylvania // Ammo the Dachshund

I shared my adventures during the nasty ice storm that hit my area, and survived 4 days without power!

Happy Valentine's Day // Ammo the Dachshund

I invited everyone to be my Valentine!

chewy.com Dream Treats - Rabbit - Review & Giveaway

I reviewed and gave away these yummy rabbit treats.

2014 Blizzard with Ammo the Dachshund

I played in the snow during a big blizzard we received.

Ammo the Dachshund // Dog Agility

I shared a video of one of my not-so-clean runs on the dog agility course.

spider the kitten

I shared a video from back in the day on how I trained Spider the Kitten.

Ruffwear Summit Trex Dog Boots Review & GIveaway // Ammo the Dachshund

My buddy Trooper and I reviewed and gave away a pair of Ruffwear Dog Boots.

In a foggy backyard // Ammo the Dachshund

I told of the adventures in my foggy back yard.

Date Night with Barkbox // Ammo the Dachshund

I had a dude night with my pal Minnow and my February Barkbox.

Super Ammo the Dachshund // Oscars

I shared how I was shocked I wasn’t invited to the Oscars.

Wow, I really packed a lot in this February! What about you, did you go on any exciting adventures this past month?

Updated Trick Box

Posted on February 11, 2014 by Ammo

Spring Doxie Fest 2013 // Ammo the Dachshund performs

If you’ve been following along with my adventures for a while, then you may recall I have a special trick box that I use for performances.

Spring Doxie Fest 2013 // Ammo the Dachshund performs

It’s served me well as I’ve performed at many venues over the years, but it was time for a little change.

Nipomo Imprints Review & Giveaway // Ammo the Dachshund - Super Hero

You might also remember that I asked all of you to weigh in how I should use my new decals on my trick box (and maybe even my helmet). Well a long 6 months later I FINALLY got around to giving my trick box a little updating!

Ammo the Dachshund's Trick Box