Off the leash Archives - Dog Gone Amazing Education Center

9 Fall Hiking Trails In Reno Where You Can Take Your Dog

alialden — Tue, 19 Oct 2021 23:18:14 +0000

Is there anything better than admiring the stunning fall foliage on one of the hiking trails in Reno with your doggo?

You know that feeling when that crisp autumn air hits your lungs, and you breathe deep, practically smelling the sunshine in the air? Then, after taking in the puffy white clouds floating in the bright blue sky, you look to see your favorite furry friend frolicking in and delighting in the outdoors.
Yep, it’s the best feeling in the world!

If you’re in Reno (or Sparks or Lake Tahoe—we’ve got you covered!), there are plenty of gorgeous trails that you can hike with your pup and snap some pics of the changing colors. Here are nine of our favorite hiking trails in Reno—and beyond—where you can take your dog and see the fall colors.

9 Scenic Fall Hiking Trails In Reno Where You Can Take Your Dog

Brown’s Creek Loop Trail

Brown’s Creek Loop Trail is a great place to go hiking in the fall in the Reno area. This easy-to-moderate 5-mile hike takes you through Mount Rose Wilderness, where you’ll experience the best of the area’s sights and sounds. There’s something for everyone here, from breathtaking vistas to bird gazing to forest bathing. So, don’t forget to bring your hiking boots and four-legged companions with you on this adventure.

Crystal Peak Park

Near Verdi, Nevada, Crystal Peak Park has a 0.6-mile loop route with a river that’s suitable for hikers of all abilities. From March through October, the trail is ideal for various activities, and the colors are gorgeous when the fall comes. Dogs are allowed on the route, but they must be on a leash at all times.

Galena Creek Trail

Galena Creek Trail, located at the base of Mount Rose, is great for a morning or afternoon stroll. The 4.7-mile trail features aspen, pine, manzanita, and a snow-fed creek. The road winds past communities and surrounds the Montreux Golf Course, giving you a glimpse of life in the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest.

Hunter Creek Trail

One of the most popular hiking trails in Reno, Hunter Creek Trail is well-maintained and suitable for the whole family. This 6.4-mile circuit exhibits Northern Nevada’s diverse vegetation and animals. This intermediate to advanced route climbs 1,240 feet across a canyon to a 30-foot waterfall. Bring plenty of sunblock and water because there isn’t much shade till the top.

Incline Flume Trail

Located in Incline Village, Nevada, on the north shore of Lake Tahoe, the 4.3-mile Incline Flume Walk is a regularly frequented out, and back trail with lovely wildflowers and is suitable for hikers of all abilities. Hiking, running, wildlife excursions, and snowshoeing are the most popular activities on the trail. Dogs are permitted to use this trail, but they must be restrained on a leash.

Jones Creek Loop

Washoe Valley’s Jones Creek Loop is a 1.5-mile loop route with a river and amenities for hikers of all abilities. The trail is most popular with hikers, walkers, horses, and mountain bikers from April through November. Dogs are allowed on the route, but they must be on a leash at all times.

Spooner Lake Trail

Spooner Lake Trail is a 2.5-mile loop trail with a lake near Glenbrook, Nevada, that is quite popular with hikers in Reno and Tahoe. It is appropriate for hikers of all levels of ability. The path is available all year and provides a variety of recreation opportunities. Dogs are welcome on this trail, but they must always be kept on a leash.

Tahoe Meadows Interpretive Loop

The Tahoe Meadows Interpretive Loop is a 1.3-mile moderately trafficked loop route near Washoe Valley, Nevada that features magnificent natural beauty and is suitable for hikers of all abilities. The trail is best used from May to October and is used primarily for hiking, walking, nature tours, and snowshoeing. This trail is also open to dogs, although they must be kept on a leash.

Upper Thomas Creek Trail

The 14.7-mile Upper Thomas Creek Trail is a visual treat in the fall. This southwest Reno path is excellent for an all-day adventure or a dog walk. Water and food breaks are plentiful along the route, which parallels Thomas Creek. River crossings and aspen tree lanes almost guarantee you’ll feel invigorated and at one with nature.

Training Your Dog To Behave On Hiking Trails In Reno

OK, so there is one feeling even better than enjoying one of these hiking trails in Reno with your pup—and that’s when your BFF (best fur friend) can hike like a pro—whether they’re on or off-leash.
Wondering if your doggo really needs training?

Consider the following:

Signs your dog needs on-leash training:

They pull or tug on the leash
They dart at sounds, people, creatures
They bite the leash
They refuse to move when you put them on-leash

Signs your dog needs off-leash training:

They’ve never been off-leash!
They’re a flight risk and have run out or charged doors in the past
They don’t come back reliably when you call them
They put their nose in random holes and bushes with reckless abandon
They chase anything that moves

We’ve all been there—tugging at a leash to rein in fido or calling out their name endlessly and disturbing the beautiful quiet of nature. It’s frustrating, frightening, and embarrassing to be that dog parent. So, consider our “Best-Of” Training Program an early holiday present to you and your pup.

The “Best of” Package from Dog Gone Amazing includes two classes outdoors and on hiking trails in Reno. We’ll work with your dog one-on-one to ensure they’re familiar with the traffic laws. To prevent them from ambushing people and other dogs on the route, we’ll concentrate on off-leash control, educate your dog to come when called, and work on vital skills like “get off” or “let go.”
So, get ready to hit some happy hiking trails in Reno and get your dog the training they—and you—deserve.

The post 9 Fall Hiking Trails In Reno Where You Can Take Your Dog appeared first on Dog Gone Amazing Education Center.

The Top 5 E-Collar Myths

alialden — Tue, 08 Jun 2021 23:46:49 +0000

Summer is the season for getting outside and people around the Reno/Tahoe area really like to cut loose and run free! As soon as the warm weather hits, the trails are full and campgrounds are booked. Being able to get out in the wild is something people specifically move to this area for and, if you’re a dog owner, chances are you want your dog to join in on the fun.

Many dog owners love the idea of being able to let their dog run free and share in that same free spirited lifestyle. There is just one problem—the leash. Leashes are essential for keeping your dog safe in many situations, but when you step out on the scene of that wide open valley or hit the trail head of that glorious never ending pathway, the leash is a total buzzkill. It keeps your dog tethered to you and you to your dog.

The e-Collar is a safe training tool that can give your dog a kind of freedom they won’t ever get attached to the end of a leash. However, many dog owners have fears around e-collars that keep them from introducing their dog to this freedom-boosting training tool. So, in the same way we hit the trail with our dogs, we’re going to take this subject head-on and address the top 5 e-collar myths.

MYTH 1: E-Collars Shock Your Dog

Let’s just clear this one right up. E-Collars are NOT shock collars. The sensation dogs feel when wearing an e-collar is not a harmful shock but, instead, feels more like a TENS machine like the ones used by physiotherapists on humans. The feeling comes from an electrical impulse that activates the muscle, causing it to slightly tense up. The feeling is one of discomfort, not pain. When training dogs, most dogs are at a stimulation level that is very mild and simply acts as a communication touchpoint, rather than a major physical sensation. It’s like a tap on the shoulder. In fact, the level the average dog responds to is below the threshold of what most humans can even feel.

MYTH 2: E-Collars Make Your Dog Fearful

Dog training should always be done respectfully and humanely. Any training tool can be used in a way that is harmful to a dog. Any trainer who uses tools inappropriately or relies on physical intimidation to train obviously shouldn’t be training dogs. The training tool is only as humane as the human working with it. E-collars are just another training tool. A dog becomes fearful when humans do things to make them feel fear. Period.

MYTH 3: E-Collars Damage Your Dogs Fur And Skin

Some people falsely believe that e-collars work by heating up in a way that burns fur and skin and that simply isn’t true. E-collars are mostly inactive while they are on your dog’s neck and only become active when you push the button on the E-collar remote. This sends a one time signal that activates the pulse and stimulates the muscles. It does NOT have a heating mechanism and works by using a one time electronic stimulation.

MYTH 4: E-collars Are For Lazy Trainers

E-collars are an incredible communication device that allow trainers to communicate with dogs in the moment. We will be the first to admit that this cuts down on a lot of the effort it normally takes to get a dog‘s attention. However, like any respectable dog trainer, trainers at DGA don’t use any tool as a way to make the process easier for us. We select tools based on each individual dog’s need making sure that they are the best match for helping the dog get results. If an e-collar isn’t the right match for a dog (or their owner) we will gladly use other tools. In addition, an e-collar still requires hours of effort and training. Every dog learns in their own way and at their own pace and an e-collar is not a guarantee the process will go any faster or be any easier.

MYTH 5: E-collars Should Never Be Used On Fearful Or Anxious Dogs

An e-collar can actually be a really effective tool for dogs that are experiencing anxiety or fear because of its ability to interrupt emotional responses. When a dog is feeling anxious or fearful it can cause involuntary behaviors like whining, pacing, biting, licking, etc. Because an e-collar allows you to communicate with your dog in the moment, you can interrupt that emotional state with a gentle stimulation. This allows your dog to understand that what they are doing is unwanted and can also interrupt the emotional state to allow them to listen to you and refocus their attention.

E-collars aren’t right for every dog or every dog owner. However, we highly recommend that you look into the facts about e-collars before you eliminate them as a possible tool for your dog. After training hundreds of dogs with the e-collars over the years, we’ve had the privilege of bearing witness to the most amazing transformations. We’ve seen dogs go from hiding in corners to confidently hiking the mountains or go from constantly running away to being trustworthy and dependable trail mates.

If you’re looking to help your dog gain the skills they need to enjoy wide open spaces, consider e-collar training.

The post The Top 5 E-Collar Myths appeared first on Dog Gone Amazing Education Center.

How Off-Leash Dog Training Keeps Dog Parks And Trails Safe And Happy

alialden — Mon, 10 May 2021 22:54:11 +0000

Summer is just around the corner, and if you and your pup are up-to-snuff on your off-leash dog training, you can hit the trails and dog parks with ease. That’s why we want to remind all of our responsible pet owners about the importance of proper off-leash dog training and etiquette. We want a happy tail-wagging summer for you, your favorite furry companion, and any other pups and people playing outside too.

Why “It’s OK. He’s Friendly!” Is The Worst Thing To Say At The Dog Park And On-Trail

We’ve all been there. You’re out on a walk, and out of nowhere, an unbound dog with no wagging tail comes barreling toward you and your precious pup. You panic, running through your mental list of evasive ninja maneuvers:
“Should I run?”
“Should I hold my ground?”
“Should I hold my dog tighter?”
“Should I drop my leash too?”

Then, from down the trail, you hear someone shout, “It’s OK. He’s friendly!”

While you downshift from full mama bear mode to “it’s-no-big-deal” and “I’m-overreacting,” you can’t help but shake the annoyance and displeasure of experiencing an unknown, free-range canine beeline in your direction with a seemingly naive owner in tow.

But we want you to know this. Dogs with no owner attached are A BIG DEAL! The “It’s OK. He’s friendly” technique brings on a whole slew of problems.

First, if you’ve responsibly ensured your pup has proper off-leash dog training, this kind of behavior can range from incredibly frustrating to downright dangerous. While this ambushing dog might be friendly, your canine or others might not be. When a dog catches people and other dogs off-guard this way, it puts everyone involved at risk.

Don’t get us wrong—we’re big fans of canine freedom at Dog Gone Amazing. Allowing dogs to roam the hills and valleys sans-leash gives them an amazing way to connect to their natural way of being. But without off-leash dog training, this kind of behavior can turn disastrous quickly.

Without full recall control, taking your dog to public spaces like dog parks and hiking trails can be a major risk for your dog and others. And yelling, “It’s cool!” as your dog pounces on an unsuspecting passerby means little to an unfriendly dog or nervous human with a weapon.

Your “friendly” dog can cause a dog fight.

Your dog might be the coolest, fun-loving, friendliest dog on earth, but if he lunges out of the sagebrush and frightens another dog, the friendliness of either dog might not matter at that point. This action could trigger the other dog’s fight-or-flight response which might end with teeth, blood, and tears.

If you plan on having your dog off-leash at the dog park or on trails, you need to get proper dog training with complete recall abilities so that your pup stays within sight and comes back when called.

An ambushing pup can trigger defensive reactions in people.

Nervous people might be carrying pepper spray and other deterrents out on the trail. If your dog comes running towards an unsuspecting hiker, they could end up with a big puff of pepper spray straight to their snout.

What to Do When the Other Dog is Off-Leash?

So, what if you’re on the receiving end of “It’s OK. He’s friendly?” Remember, keep calm. The last thing you want to do is to panic and start yelling or swinging limbs.

Just keep moving forward slowly with your dog. Don’t stop or back away. This gives the dog and its owner the idea that you’re not stopping for a “visit.” If the dog is insistent, you can use commands like “go away,” “get out,” or “no.”

You might also consider carrying a dog whistle which makes a high-frequency, irritating sounds that act as dog repellent. Just make sure your dog is leashed before you use it. While the whistle will cause some discomfort for your furry companion, it could be enough to ward off the other dog and get them out of your space without causing anyone harm. Having your own dog training will come into play here to give you complete control of your own dog despite the chaos.

Looking for Off-Leash Dog Training Near You?

For off-leash dog training, check out Dog Gone Amazing’s “Best Of” Package. We offer two off-campus lessons in outdoor spaces and on hiking trails. We’ll work with your dog directly to make sure it knows the rules of the road. We’ll work on off-leash control, teach your dog to come when called, teach commands like “get off” or “let go,” and work on the essential skills that keep them from ambushing people and dogs on the trail.

The post How Off-Leash Dog Training Keeps Dog Parks And Trails Safe And Happy appeared first on Dog Gone Amazing Education Center.

Camping With Your Dog: 5 Expert Tips

alialden — Fri, 03 Jul 2020 17:12:11 +0000

Camping With Your Dog: 5 Expert Tips

After spending a lot of time at home lately, we’re betting the call of the wild is stronger than ever. And what better way to escape than to head out to the mountains with your best friend?

You can picture it now – trekking new trails with Toby by your side, romping in the sparkling lake, and warming up by the crackling fire. It just seems like camping and dogs go together like chocolate and marshmallows.

We want to make sure you are geared up to create some amazing camping memories with your dog this summer so we’ve rounded up 5 expert camping tips to help you make it happen.

1. Gear Up!

Your dog’s packing list won’t be nearly as long as yours but there are a few essentials you’ll need to keep them safe and happy. Of course, you’ll want to make sure you pack the obvious like water, food, collars, and leashes, but here are some items you might not think of when camping with your dog:

Pet First Aid Kit – Packed with pet-specific tools, this is an important must-have in case of a scuffed paw, twisted ankle, or emergency situation.
Collar Light – Stargazing is one of the best parts of being in the open wilderness but it’s awfully dark out there. Protect your dog from wandering off and getting lost with a rechargeable, LED collar light. Purchase one here.
Collapsible Dog Bowl – You’ll want to pack a regular dog bowl but when you’re out on the trail in the hot summer sun, you’ll want to make sure to keep your dog hydrated. A collapsible dog bowl is lightweight, packs down flat, and makes it easy to keep your dog hydrated on those long trail hikes. Check it out here.

2. Make Sure Your Site is Pet-Friendly!

Not all camping sites are dog-friendly. Some have strict requirements and don’t allow dogs, or only allow small dogs. Make sure to double-check your camping destination of choice to make sure you don’t get turned around for having your pup in tow.

Some Local Sites that allow camping with your dog:

Washoe Lake State Park
Frenchman’s Lake
Stampede Reservoir
Boca Campground
Lohatan State Recreation Area
Fallen Leaf Campground
Tahoe Valley Campground

3. Apply a Flea and Tick Preventative

Depending on where you’re headed, this may be more or less of a concern. However, you don’t want to be caught off guard when it comes to protecting your dog. We recommend talking to your vet about what flea and tick preventatives they recommend. When camping with your dog, be sure to check their fur thoroughly each day and that your pet first aid kit contains tweezers or a tick key just in case.

4. Practice Your Campsite Manners

Since camping with your dog is most likely a seasonal activity, it’s always a good idea to take some time to brush up on the skills they’ll need to be at their best. If you don’t work on your recall skills often, consider practicing recall frequently before your trip. It may also be helpful to practice in public settings and work with your dog to stay calm. The last important skill to practice is the “off” command. When you’re out camping there will be a lot of new things to discover, but that could also mean wild animals and things that could harm your dog. Practice new environments and the “off” command frequently to be sure your dog knows how to listen and avoid danger.

5. Get Recall Training!

When camping with your dog, the most important thing your dog needs to stay safe in nature is a reliable recall. Whether you plan to keep your dog on a leash the whole time or not, the possibility of being spooked and getting loose become far riskier than normal. If your dog has not been trained for recall or off-leash training, enroll in training before your trip. You can join us for a complete training program if you’re new to DGA, or if you’re a DGA alum – enroll for some brush-up lessons.

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We hope these tips will help you make the most of your camping adventures this summer. Be safe out there and make some amazing memories with your best friend.

DOG GONE AMAZING IS HERE TO HELP!

If you want camping with your dog to be a breeze, we are happy to help. Dog Gone Amazing can help you teach your dog how to stay calm, how to have a reliable recall, how to not bark at every neighbor passing by, and more!

If you would like a more immersive, quick-learn style where a professional dog trainer teaches the dog obedience training for you, learn more about our Board and Train programs.

We also offer In-Home Dog Training that can be a great match for teaching your dog the skills they need outdoors. We can meet you at a public park or other outdoor space to help your dog learn the crucial skills to make camping with your dog a reality.

We are always here to help, call 775-800-1011 or email info@doggoneamazing.com

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