Amiable Dog Training

Amy's New Book


  • Click for review of Amy's book.

Able the Dancing Dog

  • Able and his sidekick, Obey the rat terrier, entertain and educate audiences of all ages.
  • Performances can be customized for your venue and specific needs. 
  • The most requested show is "How to be a Dog's Best Friend."
  • Download a sample_contract


Upcoming Performances:       

  • No public performances on the schedule at this time. Will post updates when available.
     

7 29 2009 0107 29 2009 0417 29 2009 0037 29 2009 0247 29 2009 0547 29 2009 0347 29 2009 0297 29 2009 123Able and Obey7 29 2009 092 

Photos by Stef Bartz Photography


Synopsis: ABLE THE DANCING CHIHUAHUA

Able and his sidekick, Obey the Rat Terrier, entertain and educate audiences of all ages. Performances can be customized for various venues.  Here's a synopsis of the most requested show, "How to be a Dog's Best Friend."

Able and Obey do a few dance numbers and trick routines, of course. 
But it isn't all eye candy.
Able shares the secret of  "How to Be a Dog's Best Friend."  Able helps illustrate what NOT to do when are frightened by a dog (don't run away, scream, shriek or squeal, or stare at the dog).  Further, I advise the audience not to pet a dog who is caged, fenced or tethered, and not to approach a dog who is sleeping, eating, or busy chewing on a toy.
Finally, we cover the three steps to follow if you want to pet a friendly-looking dog: ask the owner, let the dog sniff your palm, then pet briefly with one hand rather than hugging or kissing. And, most importantly, never restrain or chase a dog who wants to leave.

The program is interactive and my young helpers win nifty prizes for answering questions. Following our final dance, everyone is invited to pet the Able and Obey using the techniques we discussed.  Those who approach and pet receive an "Able the Dancing Chihuahua" temporary tattoo (and, most likely, a little bit of dog hair!).

Fees and Requirements:

  • Performing Area: 250 square feet; floor must offer sufficient traction for dog dance
  • Requirements: Electrical outlet
  • Fee: $425, plus $1/mile travel fee
  • Travel Range: Within 100 miles of Milwaukee, negotiable
  • Download a sample contract.

References:

Past Performances:

Fundraisers:

Private Parties:

Corporate Functions:

Events:

Senior and Assisted Living:

Schools and Libraries:

Able's Biography:

If you’ve ever seen Able perform, you might assume this canine gentleman is one of those rare, naturally obedient dogs.  In truth, Able has his lots of behavioral skeletons in his closet. Let’s open the door and look inside, shall we?

Able’s History:

  • March 10, 1999: At about 20 months of age, Charlie (an impertinent, self-motivated, “dog about town” Chihuahua mix) is on the streets… again.  Charlie ends up at animal control, but this time, his owner is fed up with his seemingly intractable roaming and, after the fourth time, refuses to bail him out.
  • March 20, 1999:  The Wisconsin Humane Society takes in the ten pound canine lightening bolt and calls him “Brownie.”  However, this deceptively cute little guy exhibits some antisocial behaviors, including excitability, nippiness, and over-independence from his human handlers.  Because of these traits, they asked Amy Ammen (the dog behavior miracle worker) to assess Brownie’s adoptability.
  • March 29- April 27, 1999:  Brownie is really just a typical untrained adolescent, whose obnoxious behaviors festered due to owner apathy.  Amy determines he is ripe for basic training.  She finds his personality intriguing, although in need of polishing, and relishes working with a wiley youngster who simply needs a skilled hand.
  • April 28, 1999:  Amy is notified that her condominium association has revised its pet policy; owners will be allowed to keep their current pets, but all others are doomed to perpetual doglessness.  Preferring to remain in the former category, Amy solves both her and Brownie’s problems; she adopts him and optimistically renames him “Able.”
  • May-July 1999:  Dealing with issues as they arise, Amy and Able begin working on basic obedience and off-lead control.  Able is Amy’s first mixed breed, and as such is not eligible to compete in AKC obedience trials.  As a result, Amy’s approach to training is less performance oriented.  They dabble in trick training on-the-side.  Amy incorporates Able’s tricks into Amiable Dog Training demonstrations, and audiences respond enthusiastically.  Soon, dogs, students, audiences, and Amy are all hooked!   Amy learns more about Freestyle ( AKA Dancing).  Who knew that training tricks would be so easy and addictive?  Even Able decides it beats chasing bicycles….
  • Today:  In an unusual twist, his former owner’s unfortunate decision to abandon him, the animal selter’s concerns about his adoptability, and even the persnickety condo association’s ultimatum, all conspire to bring Amy and Able together. This partnership illustrates how basic training and problem solving techniques enable even a “rejected” dog to become a cherished, exemplary companion.
     

Recent Performances: 

 

YouTube Videos of Able:


"Walkin' the Dog":

 

 

"Move":

 

 

"Funky Town":

 

 

"How to Be a Dog's Best Friend":

 

 

Dog Safety Quiz: