Categories
Show dog training

Make it worth their while…

Make it worth their while…
Think about the value of the reward you give your dog when training, especially when training something new.

To put it in simple terms, think of these two scenarios;

1) I ask you to get me some shopping and say “Thank you” when you return. Would you do it again for me? (Yes, No, Maybe if you have time?)

2) I ask you to get me some shopping at give you £50. Would you do it again for me? (Yes, No, Maybe?)

Most people will answer Scenario 1 as No / Maybe, but nearly all will answer Scenario 2 as Yes. This is the same for your dog. Give a high reward and they will want to do it again.

A high reward is something your dog LOVES and only comes out when training such as liver cake, cheese, toys they love or a game.

Categories
Product recommendations

Product recommendations: Daisy Ann Dog Designs – Bait Bags

Product recommendations: Daisy Ann Dog Designs – Bait Bags

Daisy Ann bait bag

Over the years I have tried many products for different things with my show dogs. Some have been a huge waste of money, others have just been fantastic which I use time and time again and I want to shout about! I have spent far too much time trying to find online recommendations and so I have decided to put my personal recommendations on the Winning Paws blog for all things show dogs, dog training and keeping my dogs.

This time it’s a bait bag which is designed and made by Daisy Ann Dog Designs

What is it: A bait bag (pretty one!)
Price: £10.99
Where can it be purchased: Direct from Daisy Ann Dog Designs Website or Facebook
Where did I purchase it from: I won it in a competition from The Daisy Ann Dog Designs Facebook page! 😀 (Lucky me!)
Star rating out of 5: ★★★★

Winning Paws information: The Daisy Ann bait bag is the prettiest bait bag I own by far. They are custom made and therefore you get a choice of colour and pattern used for the inside and the flower detail (optional). This is a great touch and makes then all more personal.

The bag comes with a belt (optional) or you could use your own belt.

The bag itself has a zip, on mine I think I would prefer it slightly smaller and would personally prefer more compartments/pockets as I like to keep the treats, comb, toys and poo bags separate! If/when I order another; I will be asking if this is all possible!

I love the material that’s used on the outside, waterproof and is the material you can scratch to get your dog’s attention! Fantastic when I’m asking the dog for a free-stand and something I do miss with the leather pouches.

Overall this is a practical yet pretty bait bag that can be designed to go with your favorite outfit or left plain for those that prefer something simplistic.

Thank you to Daisy Ann Dog Designs for my fantastic competition prize.

Categories
Getting started

What are your options when you don’t have pockets?

What are your options when you don’t have pockets?
You have found the near perfect outfit, but the one issue is the pockets or there lack of. There are many options that you can go with.

My personal favourite is a small leather pouch that has 1-3 pockets depending on size and comes in black, brown or beige. They are on a piece of string so you can use them as a shoulder bag, or in my preference, round the waist. They are called Nappa bags and can be purchased from most Championship shows.

Bumbags are common and come in  a variety of materials, shapes and sizes. Have a look around websites and shows to find one that suits you.


The treat bag can clip onto your belt and can be left open or shut tight by a pull string. Personally I find this more  ideal for training than in the ring as they flap around when you run.

My favourite training treat bag is the Karen Pryor Treat bag, It has a snap shut mechnisem which means you can open or close it with one hand, and it will stay closed or open. Other manufacturers have also now copied this design and all very similar. They have a front pocket, ideal of keeping a small toy, target stick and clicker too!

There are also other ideal places to keep different items. Below are a few examples.

  • Place your dog’s comb in your hair
  • Toys in bras (done more often than you might think!)
  • Brushes in waist bands
  • Treats in armbands