May 2008
			Click headlines to skip to specific article: On the Rescue Front Recipe: Oatmeal-Apple Cookies Did You Know? Training Tip - Take A Bow
Dear Friends of the Eskie Connection:
Now that the nicer weather is back, our group dog walks are much more enjoyable. One of our recent walks was along the lakefront. We met at Foster Ave and walked south to the dog beach at Montrose Ave. There the dogs played off leash on the beach and in the water. On our way back, we stopped at Puptown, a small dog park at Lawrence Ave and Marine Dr, where again the dogs were able to play off leash. I especially enjoyed this outing because both the beach and the dog park are enclosed, designated dog areas. We didn’t have to dodge bikers and worry about whether it’s okay for us to be there with our dogs, plus the dogs get to be off leash. I also find these excursions to be wonderful training opportunities. In every class I have ever taught, I have always stressed the importance of working the dogs in different contexts. If you only practice “sit” in the kitchen in front of the refrigerator, your dog will think “sit” means “sit in the kitchen in front of the refrigerator”. When you ask him to “sit” at the dog park, he’s going to think “I can’t sit here, there’s no refrigerator!” You may be thinking it’s not important that your dog sit on command when you are at the beach or the dog park. After all, he’s there to play, not to be drilled on commands. But what if while your dog was off leash, someone left the gate open and he was headed that way? Or what if there was a dead fish at the shoreline that he was contemplating rolling in? Or if there was some broken glass on the ground? You need your dog to respond to you no matter where you are. The basic commands of “come” and “leave it” can keep him out of danger. And depending on how well behaved your dog is, the commands of “off” and “wait” will keep him from jumping on other people and dogs and pulling on the leash. So next time you are at the beach or the park, do yourself and your dog a favor and spend a minute or two working on some “downs”, “stays” and “comes”. The more you practice outside your home, the better your dog will be at using all the good manners behaviors you need when out in public. ^back to top
On the Rescue Front
		Chance is a happy, healthy, friendly 7 yr old male waiting for a home of his own. He behaves very well both in the house and when out on walks. He’s the perfect dog. Read more about Chance on Petfinder. ^back to top
		Tuffy is just 1 yr old and full of energy. He loves to play with toys and other dogs. Read more about Tuffy on Petfinder. ^back to top
If you are looking to adopt an eskie both HEARTBANDITS and ESKIE RESCUERS UNITED have many dogs in need of a home. ^back to top
Recipe—Oatmeal-Apple Cookies
Ingredients 4 cups whole wheat flour 2 cups old fashioned oatmeal 1-1/4 cups water 1/4 cup minced apple 2 tablespoons cinnamon 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons honey 1/2 tablespoon ground cloves		Place all ingredients in a large bowl. Mix thoroughly to combine. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4-inch thick. Using a cookie cutter, cut into bone shapes. Combine dough scraps and continue to roll out and cut into shapes until all dough has been used. Place cookies on ungreased foil-lined baking sheets, and bake in a preheated 325º oven for 30 to 35 minutes. Makes 5 to 6 dozen cookies. The original recipe calls for 3 tbs of cinnamon and 1 tbs of cloves. That seemed like a lot to me, so I used the reduced amount as shown on the left. I also had to add a lot more water to get the dough to hold together. Other than that, this is a great recipe. It’s quick and easy and the dogs really like these - I think it’s all the cinnamon. ^back to top
Did You Know?
A few simple exercises can dramatically change a dog’s quality of life. Athletic dogs will have continued good health, enhanced performance and absence of injuries. Elderly and sedentary dogs benefit, too, and quickly show increased range of motion and a renewed enthusiasm for activities. Most of the exercises are familiar tricks that, done on a daily basis, are effective in core conditioning. Pictured below: BOW and STRETCH are good for spine extension, SPIN works the core muscles, HIGH FIVE and CRAWL strengthen the shoulders, front legs and elbows. Instructions on how to teach TAKE A BOW are listed below under the Training Tips. Instructions for the other trick “exercises” are on the TRAINING page of my website. ^back to top
Training Tip - Take A Bow
		To teach “Take a Bow”, start with your dog standing, hold a treat at the end of her nose, and slowly move it down and slightly under her chest to make her lower her head and shoulders. Click or praise, and reward with the treat. Repeat this several times. Then, lure as above, but move the treat farther under her chest so she follows it into the beginning of a bow. Click and treat. Don’t be in a hurry for a full bow, or your dog may lie down instead. Keep practicing until you can move the treat all the way to the floor and your dog lowers her front end into a full bow. Once she knows the position, add a cue for the trick, saying the word as you lure your dog into position. Because bow sounds like down, avoid confusing your dog by using a different word(s) such as Take A Bow, Bravo, or Taa -Daa. ^back to top

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