• Train positively. Respected dog trainer Victoria Stilwell is renowned for her approach to training, which preaches rewards and praise over dominance and submission. "Positive, humane reinforcement methods are much safer and effective in the long run." Other well-known trainers supporting positive training are Pat Miller, Patricia McConnell, and Ian Dunbar.  Look up their methods. 

• Use distractions. After you teach your Sheltie "Sit," Stay," and "Come" indoors where you can control distractions, make it progressively more difficult. Practice the same cues in situations where she must ignore outside distractions and focus on your voice and instructions. This will make her a better listener for when it really counts. So turn on the TV, play some music, have the kids run around, or do your training outdoors.  

• Practice, practice, practice. Dogs learn through repetitive conditioning, so it's crucial that you reinforce commands and practice often. Stay consistent in your training - that means everyone in the family!

• Don't expect perfection all the time. To change an animal's habits, look at the world from her point of view. Don't expect your dog to read your mind or to be perfect; have realistic expectations and understand that she may not always "get it." Sometimes she may just be a little mischievous - that's okay, too. 

• Teach some tricks, just for fun. 

• Say what you mean. "No" is an important word for your dog to know, but don't overuse it! Instead of saying "no" when he picks up something he isn't supposed to have, say "drop it" or "leave it" and instruct him on what he is to do - or trade him for a tasty treat he can have. Just saying "no" can be confusing; tell him exactly what you want.

• Give lots and lots of love. For your dog, few rewards are greater than your love and affection. Let him know what a good boy he is - during training and at other times, too - by sharing plenty of praise, cuddles, and kisses.

• Get some good advice. Join a class that uses positive reinforcement training methods.  Purchase a good book or DVD (avoiding Cesar Millan, please). Join a dog club.

Nancy, PJ, Pat, Cindy, Chance, and Jackie at Barrel Oak, June 2012

We are back at that dog-loving winery, Barrel Oak, on Sunday, March 24th, noon to 4 pm. "BOW" in Delaplane has been very kind to us when they host NVSR by donating to us a portion of their tasting fees for the day. (Get a coupon from us on-site OR click here to get one in advance.) And, we get to spend the day with lots of dog lovers, including the owners and workers at BOW. Four dogs live there! Come visit with us and bring your Sheltie. The wine is fabulous - don't miss that!  More info ...

Trying out that A-frame!

Many of us will be at the Dog Days at Keepstone Farm on April 13 & 14 in Berryville. There will be lots of demonstrations and dog activities you can try with your own dog: agility, herding, nose work, etc. There will be a coursing trial on Sunday, and certification tests for Canine Good Citizen (CGC).  Bring your dog and come out for some canine fun.  More info ...

Adoption Day and Dog Bath Weeks at Weber's Pet Supermarket!  Weber's at Fox Mill (Herndon) is hosting NVSR for an Adoption Day on April 27th, where you can meet our volunteers and some of our foster dogs. IN ADDITION, the two weeks before that are NVSR Dog Bath Days at the self-serve Dirty Dog Spa, Fox Mill store, when NVSR will receive $10 for every dog bath during that period. (Not just Shelties!)  Dog Bath Days are April 15-27.  Directions to the store. Tell your friends, neighbors, and family to bring "Princess" or "Buddy" in for a nice bath!

Reston Pet Fiesta, Saturday, May 4, 10am - 4pm. Sponsored by GoodDogz.org , Reston's Town Center is turned over to dogs of all stripes and their people, along with doggie vendors, and almost 50 rescue groups. Including ... NVSR, of course!  We never miss the Reston Pet Fiesta. We'll have lots of Shelties there, including fosters, volunteers to "talk Sheltie," and lots of Sheltie items for sale to support NVSR.

NVSR is a listed charity with the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) and the Commonwealth of Virginia Campaign (CVC).  If you work for the Federal or Virginia government, please consider signing up to give to NVSR through payroll deduction. Our designation numbers are on the logos above. Many thanks!

Check out the photos of all the brands that have been recalled.

Help NVSR with your online purchases through iGive, GoodSearch, and Helping Udders.

We're also on LinkedIn, so check in there, if you use that social network.


Thanks to our volunteers, Gregg Bender, Jessica Frost, and John Winslow, for helping with these.

 

 

www.nvsr.org