Activities For Skye-Paps

Before you even think about attaching the bell to the outside cue, it is a good idea to introduce the item to your pet. Have your treats handy and encourage your Skye-Pap to sniff the bell. When they touch it, say "Yes!" and treat. Once your Skye-Pap realizes that this bell is a good thing, you can start to introduce a cue every time that their nose touches the bell. A few examples could be "ring the bell", "or simply "touch" or "ring". After the cue has been recognized and your dog is comfortable with it, you can move on to the next step.

Your Skye-Pap should be comfortable with the bell and understand the cue to ring it at this stage. Now, you can move on to associating going outside with the ringing of the bell. Put the bell near the door and cue your pup to ring it. When they do, say "Yes!" and open the door to take them outside. Repeat this until your Skye-Pap knows that ringing the bell now means they'll be taken outside.

If your dog begins to ring the bell just because they want to go outside (and not to do their business), then it is important to take a step back to help them understand. When your Skye-Pap rings the bell, put them on a leash and take them right to the spot where they usually do their business. Wait for a few minutes and if they go, praise them. If they just sniff around, take your Skye-Pap back inside right away. Keep repeating this until your pup understands that the bell is for business, not a party.

Take out your obstacles and set them up either in an open space (such as a living room, basement, or backyard). You can either set up one type of tunnel if your Skye-Pap is just learning, or you can set up an entire course with connecting pieces to make it more interesting.

Bring your dog over to the obstacle and let them sniff it out. You can treat them if they go into the tunnels all on their own (especially if they are just getting used to it) or encourage them into the tunnel with the treats. This may be scary for some Skye-Paps at first, but they should catch on quickly.

At first, you will need to lead your Skye-Pap through the tunnels. Have a delicious and smelly treat in your hand and walk along the outside of the tunnel with your dog inside. They should follow the scent of the treat through the tunnel. When they come out the other side, praise and give a treat. If you need to be in front of the tunnel to show the dog that the treat is present, that will also work well with a Skye-Pap who is just learning. Over time, you will be able to run alongside the tunnels as your dog goes through them on their own, only getting the treat at the end when they make it all the way through!

One of the major reasons why a dog may have anxiety or unwanted behavior in situations like road trips is because of the unfamiliar. New areas and different stimuli can cause anxiety, so by bringing items that your Skye-Pap knows and loves, that anxiety can be reduced. Examples of such items can be toys, blankets, or even an item of your clothing.

You should have a designated spot for your pup in the car. Whether that be in the passenger seat next to you, or in the back seat on a blanket, having a specific location that your Skye-Pap knows to go to will help with proper etiquette. Reward your dog for going to the proper location and correct them if they go somewhere else, such as over the seat to try and get to the front. If this cannot be learned with just treats, then a car divider such as a net will be extremely useful.

Just like we need breaks while in the car from time to time, so does your dog. Remember to bring along water, some food, and doggy bags so that you are well prepared for whatever your Skye-Pap needs on the trip. This will ensure that everyone is comfortable and your dog feels safe and well taken care of in their current environment.