<![CDATA[TRAINING AND FUN FOR THE FAMILY DOG!

<![CDATA[TRAINING AND FUN FOR THE FAMILY DOG! - Blog]]>Wed, 08 Apr 2026 06:03:54 -0700Weebly<![CDATA[Our latest book club book!]]>Fri, 09 Aug 2024 14:37:45 GMThttps://www.sitstayplaymichigan.com/blog/our-latest-book-club-bookOur next book club will begin Jan 14. Please see our book club facebook page for details. Go to Sit Stay Play Michigan Book Club on Facebook. ]]><![CDATA[You can make a fun obstacle course at home]]>Thu, 27 Jun 2024 15:04:45 GMThttps://www.sitstayplaymichigan.com/blog/you-can-make-a-fun-obstacle-course-at-home
It isn't hard, and it doesn't have to be expensive to create a fun obstacle course for your dog at your own home. Having some new surfaces, and opportunities to try new challenges is great for your dog's mental health, and physical well being. Here are some of the items we like to use.

This 10 foot dog agility tunnel is fun for large or small dogs.
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If you have more space, this 16 foot tunnel is also a lot of fun.
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These little jumps are easy to put together and easy to store.
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Here is another set of easy to put together and easy to store jumps.
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If you are looking for something a bit sturdier, that offers a higher jump, here is an option.
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If you need to work on hind end awareness, here is a great ladder with a carrying case.
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If you are looking for a Klimb platform, here it is!
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Here is a great step to teach Paws Up
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]]><![CDATA[BOOK CLUB BOOK!]]>Mon, 10 Jun 2024 17:06:17 GMThttps://www.sitstayplaymichigan.com/blog/book-club-bookOur next book club will begin June 19 at 8:30 PM.
We will meet on ZOOM every Wednesday at 8:30 PM. (We will skip July 3)
The discussion questions and the link to the Zoom can be found each Wednesday on our Sit Stay Play Michigan Book Club Facebook page.

We are excited to dive into our latest book, Scent Training For Every Dog by Rob Hewings.
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]]><![CDATA[Hands free leashes]]>Mon, 27 May 2024 14:24:37 GMThttps://www.sitstayplaymichigan.com/blog/hands-free-leashes

We really like hands free leashes for many reasons. One is that it distributes the weight or force of pulling. It takes the wear and tear away from your arm as you teach your dog leash manners. It also frees up your hands to click and treat. It really minimizes your ability to yank on your dog's leash and helps you focus on teaching and rewarding. Happy walking!

Here are a few great hands free leashes.

This crossbody waterproof leash comes in a variety of colors, and can also be worn around the waist.
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This colorful leash rope is also a cross body leash.
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If you prefer leather, this one is a great option.
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This leash is worn around the waist.
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]]><![CDATA[Long Line Leashes]]>Wed, 22 May 2024 19:55:07 GMThttps://www.sitstayplaymichigan.com/blog/long-line-leashesWe love Long Line Leashes for a variety of reasons. They give your dog some freedom to get away from you, and it gives you the opportunity to work on recall and attention. A long leash is a great tool to use on sniff walks, and to use for potty breaks if you are traveling or don't have a fence. We love walks in the woods on a long line leash. Here are a few of our favorite leashes.

This is a waterproof biothane leash.
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This is another waterproof biothane leash - and there is a coupon at this moment!
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This is my favorite cotton leash.
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Here is another cotton leash.
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If you prefer a rope type leash, this is a great option.
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]]><![CDATA[Traveling With Dogs]]>Sun, 12 May 2024 02:27:41 GMThttps://www.sitstayplaymichigan.com/blog/traveling-with-dogsIt is important to keep your dog safe while you are traveling, AND it is important that YOU are safe with your dog in the car. Dogs can hop between front and back seat, and become flying objects in an accident, or even if you have to slam on your breaks. Keeping your dog harnessed in, or in a crate can save their life, and save yours, and other passengers in the car. Please do not be tempted to hold your dog on your lap while driving. This is a very dangerous choice.
Here are some great options for traveling in a car with your dog.

We will start with the strongest option. This crate is a collapsable aluminum crate by K9 Kennel Boss. It has a high price tag, but if you travel a lot, this may be a great investment.
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Another great option is Amazon's folding soft dog kennel. You can keep your puppy safe with this less expensive option.
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This car seat helps keep your dog in place and safe, without being enclosed in a crate.
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This seatbelt attaches to the headrest and to your dog's harness. It is a great option for dogs who are not comfortable in a crate.
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]]><![CDATA[Management prevents the practice of behaviors]]>Sat, 04 May 2024 18:55:10 GMThttps://www.sitstayplaymichigan.com/blog/management-prevents-the-practice-of-behaviors

We support the use of management to prevent the practice of unwanted behaviors. Sometimes management will eliminate a behavior. Sometimes management can be used short term, while you teach your dog a new behavior.

One way to practice management in your home, is to use baby gates to block your dog, or dogs from having access to something that makes them engage in an unwanted behavior.

This is our favorite baby gate. It is portable and can be moved around the house as needed.
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Some dogs get over aroused and lose their cool when they see something out a window of your home. You can cover the window with a decorative cling, or a shaded cling to block their view and reduce the behavior. They can also prevent birds from flying into your windows! Win / win!

This one from Rabbitgoo is pretty, but still allows light to come through the window.
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Here is another one from Rabbitgoo in a different style.
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If you don't like designs, here is a plain one that just makes it look like frosted glass.
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]]><![CDATA[GPS Collars]]>Mon, 29 Apr 2024 20:02:01 GMThttps://www.sitstayplaymichigan.com/blog/gps-collars

If you travel or hike with your dog, or just want some peace of mind in case your dog ever wandered away, GPS collars are a great option. We do not support the use of any collar that is part of a containment system that uses shock or "static" (which is just a nice way of saying shock) to keep a dog in an area without a secure fence. I know, I know....."it only beeps." So you NEVER used the shock option? Your dog just heard the beep and turned around? Wow! But seriously, underground, invisible fence systems rely on either negative reinforcement or positive punishment to actually work. So we do not agree with that at all. Not to mention, any other living creature can enter the space and leave with no consequence, and your poor dog is trapped in an area that only going through something very unpleasant might get it to safety. So please, refrain from using something "invisible" and opt for a physical fence or long leash that you are attached to the other end of. (Please do not leave a dog outside on a tie out by itself! Also VERY dangerous!
Here are some great GPS options for your dog. These will help you track your dog if it ever gets stolen or wanders away.

Tractive Pet GPS Tracker and Health Monitoring
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Fi Series 3 Smart Dog Collar - GPS Dog Tracker and Activity & Fitness Monitor, Waterproof, LED Light, Escape Alerts, Nationwide Coverage [Free 1 Year Membership]
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Airtag Dog Collar, 100% Waterproof Integrated Apple Air Tag Dog Collars, Reflective GPS Dog Collar with Hard PC AirTag Holder Case for Small Medium Large Dogs
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]]><![CDATA[Training Treats]]>Sat, 27 Apr 2024 13:17:28 GMThttps://www.sitstayplaymichigan.com/blog/training-treats

We use a variety of training treats when we are training. You need to find which treats or food your dog will work for, and enjoy. Some dogs find different treats more motivating than others. Here are a few of our favorite treats. Please follow these links to purchase, and you will support our small business. Thank you!

K9 Connosseur Dehydrated Beef Lung is ALWAYS a favorite, and is great for dogs with poultry allergies. There is only 1 ingredient - Beef Lung.
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Raw Paws Pet Food's Freeze Dried Tripe is not only good for your pup, but most dogs find it a very motivating treat.
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Bocce's treats are some of our favorites as well. They are crunchy, so not for every training situation, but they have limited ingredients and dogs love them. They are easy to break up into small pieces, also.
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We also love Stewart's freeze dried liver.
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There are also some fruit and vegetable options that our dogs love!
These Banana Chips are Bananas!
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These dehydrated apples make great treats!
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These Carrot Pops have been very popular with the dogs training with us.
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]]><![CDATA[What about Place?]]>Tue, 23 Apr 2024 21:00:10 GMThttps://www.sitstayplaymichigan.com/blog/what-about-placeGiving your dog a place to "chill out" or wait can help with a number of behaviors, like window barking, and being under your feet while you are cooking. Their "place" should have clear boundaries and be free of children, or other things that may disturb or bother the dog. Sounds like a knock on the door, a doorbell or a phone ringing can be taught as cues to go to the "place." A place board can be used inside or outside and can help keep your dog off of a hot or cold ground, or out of the mud.

Here are a few Place Boards we like.

The Veehoo Chew Proof bed has an aluminum frame. Dogs who may chew the frame, couldn't damage this one.
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Kuranda makes some pretty tough cots also. They are the leading manufacturer and one of our favorites. If you want one that will last. Kuranda makes some good ones!
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The Acrimet Cooling Bed is another great option!
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If you are on a budget, and you have a small to medium sized dog. This one is a great option!
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