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2015 PUGSTOCK: PAWSH PET PHOTOBOOTH

2015 Pugstock Dog Festival 2015 Pugstock Dog Festival 2015 Pugstock Dog Festival 2015 Pugstock Dog FestivalGuess what? Pawsh is returning to Pugstock 2015 in Ottawa this October and we’re bringing a lovely pet photography photo booth with us to capture all of those adorable pug wrinkles and mannerisms!

We had a fantastic time at this festival last year and learned a lot from our experience. We hope to apply those lessons to this year’s photobooth to make it even more fun for all who come out! The event takes place on October 25th 2015, but visit here for all the details.

THIS YEAR’S OFFER… $20 PUG PORTRAITS!
– two final retouched hi-res files (emailed directly to you within 7 business days)
– a beautiful contemporary white background
– the option for just your dog or you and your dog to be photographed

[Tweet “$20 dog portraits by Pawsh at Pugstock on October 25th, 2015! Don’t miss it! http://on.fb.me/1Mo5i2F”%5D

What we still need help deciding is how to dress up our set for these portrait sessions. Should we bring pumpkins and hay bales for a seasonal feel or keep it very minimalist to ensure a more timeless aesthetic?

Looking forward to seeing everyone again and to snuggling those adorable puglets!

DOG TRAINING TIPS: HOW TO TRAIN A DOG TO SPIN

toronto dog photographerWho doesn’t love to spin or twirl? It is such a freeing movement and something that is actually very simple to teach your pup! Often times dogs love spinning as much as their humans love seeing them do it! Here to take us through a step-by-guide to training a dog how to spin is Jess from Cohen the Australian Shepherd. Take it away Jess!

STEP 1

The first step is having a moderately hungry dog who knows how to follow a lure.  Some dogs need a bit of help in learning that you want them to follow a bit of food in your hands and for some dogs it comes (very) naturally.

STEP 2
Place a treat in your hand and your hand near the dog’s nose. Slowly move your hand in a clockwise circle and voila, your dog has spun. Mark with a “yes” or a click and the treat from your hand. If the dog hasn’t followed your hand it’s possible they need a bit of help learning how to follow a lure, or it’s possible that you moved your hand too quickly. toronto dog photographerSTEP 3
Now, try the other way. Lure your dog in a counter-clockwise circle. Again, mark with a “yes” or a click and treat. Some dogs will have an easier time turning in one direction than another, but ideally you want your dog to be able to turn both ways. You want muscle development equal on both sides.
toronto dog photographerSTEP 4
Once your dog is successfully following the lure (it may only take 2-3 times) you can start fading the lure. Show the dog the treat but do a bit of slight-of-hand trickery and palm the treat to your other hand without your pup noticing.

Lure them in a circle then open your luring hand as if to say “look! no treat!” and then feed them from your other hand. You want your dog to understand that even if there’s not a treat on her nose she’ll still get one at the end. Practice this until you don’t have to be crafty in palming the treat and your dog is following an empty hand.
toronto dog photographerSTEP 5
Now, it’s time to add a verbal cue. While luring the dog in a circle say “spin” while the dog is in movement so they associate the twirl with the word. Repeat until your dog is cuing off your voice and not your hand gesture. And that’s it! It’s a spin!  Now go the other way and give that direction a unique name. “Twist” is a common cue.

SEE IT HERE IN ACTION
toronto-dog-photographer-how-to-train-dog-to-spinHow long should you allow a dog to do this trick?
Until you’re sick of it! Dogs tend to love this trick because it’s easy, fun and it pays off with a treat at the end of it. When you’re first starting out, 1 spin = 1 treat, but as you and your dog progress you can ask for multiple spins for one treat.

SHOW US YOUR STUFF! Show us your dog spins by posting a video on Instagram and tagging with with the hashtag #pawshtricks for a chance to have your dog featured on Pawsh!

{Special thanks to Jess Bell and Cohen the Australian Shepherd for this wonderful dog training guide! Photography by Pawsh Studio.}

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TORONTO DOG MAGAZINE: FATHER’S DAY GIFT GUIDE FOR DOG DADS

dog-fathers-day-gift-guide-0We love, love, love to celebrate dog dads, but sometimes they can be hard to shop for. So to help surprise the the dog guy in your life this Father’s Day we’ve rounded up some our favourite for him products! Take a peek! dog father's day gift guide ideasA sassy apron for the dog dad who loves cooking in general, but especially enjoys whipping up some tasty homemade dog treat recipes for his best furry friend! One size fits all and available from Cool Aprons (of course!)dog father's day gift guide ideas dog father's day gift guide ideas dog father's day gift guide ideasCustom canine cufflinks that sport his favourite breed silhouette, ideal for the dog guy who loves dressing up!
dog father's day gift guide ideas dog father's day gift guide ideas dog father's day gift guide ideasA super cool minimalist paper wallet that is WASHABLE and eco-friendly! Not only will this look fantastically stylish in his pocket, but it helps the environment too which any animal lover will appreciate! And we love that it is made in Canada too by designer Sidonie Yang!dog father's day gift guide ideas

A beautiful book called “Free Days With George: Learning Life’s Little Lessons From One Very Big Dog.” Not only is this book all about the real life bond between a man and his dog, but its narrative style will transport the reader back to boyhood as well, capturing the wonder and uniqueness of a canine best friendship. Moving, memorable and just plain good! It may even a bring a tear to your guy’s eye!dog father's day gift guide ideasNew footwear makes a fantastic gift because it elevates his wardrobe and makes walks with Fido all the more enjoyable!
dog father's day gift guide ideasA mug that says “The Dog Father” — enough said. It works on many levels.dog father's day gift guide ideasA luxurious Manly Man Soap Set from Rocky Top Soap Shop. These burly bars are handmade with all natural products and they are 100% vegan! Plus they are gentle on the skin and NOT tested on animals (we asked!)

Happy Father’s Day to all the dog dads out there! Which of these gift suggestions do you like the best? And what are you planning on surprising the dog dad in your life with? We would love to know!

{Leading image via}

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DOG TREAT RECIPE: APPLE POCKET BISCUITS

easy dog treat recipeWho says fancy has to be complicated? These little ‘apple pockets’ are a playful twist on apple pie season and offer dogs a nutritious taste of all the best autumn flavours. Plus they will make your kitchen smell wonderful – to dogs and people alike!

Ingredients
–  1 cup of chickpea flour (or equal parts chickpea and whole wheat organic flour)
–  1-2 tbsp organic honey
–  2 tbsp vegetable oil
–  3/4 cup finely diced apples
–  1/2 tsp cinnamon (optional)

What to do
1. Preheat oven to 350 F.
2. Combine flour, oil and honey until a thick, stiff texture is achieved.
3. Roll out mixture on a flat surface.
4. Use a large circular cookie cutter to divide up pastry.
5. Combine apples, honey and cinnamon then gently cover half of each circle with the fruit mixture.
6. Fold the remaining pastry half over the mixture and gently press the pastry lip with a fork.
7. Bake on greased sheet for 30 minutes.
8. Allow to cool and serve to what we’re sure will be a captive canine audience!

{Show us your dog’s with this recipe on Instagram by using the hashtag #pawshpets}

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