Author: ABC7

Dogs love to socialize with other dogs.  They need that time together to engage in play.  It teaches them natural behavior skills humans are incapable of passing along.  But how do you manage playtime between dogs?  Here are three simple steps to remember when dogs are interacting with one another.

Supervise Off-Leash Play

You want your dog to play “chase” with other dogs.  It will expend mental and physical attributes needed for your dog to live a happy life.  However, you do not want go to the dog park, leave your dog in an unseen area and walk away.  You need to sit in an area where the dog realizes you are present and not hovering over your dog.  You should never leave dogs alone in an open area without observing what is occurring.  The reason being is what if one dog turns aggressive?  Your dog needs to comprehend him/she is safe due to you being in the same proximity.

Watch Body Language

This is something we have described in prior blogs, but it is important to remember throughout owning your dog.  You need to pay attention to your dog’s body language.  Does your dog tense and growl around certain dogs?  Dogs will do certain movements while playing.  It is not unusual for them to growl.  Nonetheless, if your dog is in a tense state while facing off another dog and it is not friendly, then you need to call to your dog and distract before it escalates into something negative.

If you are unsure how to handle dog playtime, talk to a Florida dog training professional today.  K9 obedience instructor will provide advice on what to do next.

Some dogs love to be social while others not so much.  You have to be sure your dog wants a playmate before finding one.  Some older dogs just do not wish to socialize with canines anymore.  They prefer the company of humans.  Also, if you have an older dog that did not socialize much while young, then it may not be a good idea.  The best indicator of what your dog needs can be spotted through your dog’s reaction to others while on walks.  Does your dog get excited when seeing other canines?  Does your dog wish to play with others passing by?  If your dog reacts positively while around other dogs, then it may be time to find your dog a buddy.

Where to Look for a Dog Playmate

The first place to look is at dog training classes and dog parks.  Frequent these locations and see how your dog interacts with others.  Does your dog enjoy being around other canines?  Does your pup sniff and play?  What is your dog’s body language say about the encounter?  Is your dog tense or relaxed?  If your dog is relaxed, running around in a good mood with certain dogs then talk to the owners of these dogs.  You will be able to tell which dogs your pup appeals to the most by the type of interaction occurring.   And pay attention if there are specific dogs your pup stays away from completely.  Do not attempt to put these two as a match.  Your dog is trying to tell you that he/she does not like this particular dog.

Dog playmates encourage socialization, communication, mental and physical growth.  Dogs play games with each other emphasizing the overall development of your dog.  Thus, locating a dog playmate is a good idea if your dog’s personality excels while being around other canines.

If you are having trouble finding a playmate for your dog talk to a Florida dog training professional today.  He/she will be able to guide you on how to manage this process ensuring there are positive outcomes from the experience.

What if you just adopted a new dog and the dog’s name was that of your ex-business partner who swindled you out of thousands of dollars?  You do not want a reminder of the scoundrel every time you call your loving puppy.  Alternatively, what if the dog’s original name was the same as your ex-wife, but the current wife would not find that too amusing.  Thus, change your dog’s name to something more suitable and appealing for the entire family.  Talk to a Florida dog training professional about name training, but in the meantime, here is an outline on how to start implementing the name change through positive reinforcement.

Name Training is Easy

Name training your dog is not that difficult.  All you need are treats, patience, and a positive attitude.  Start by holding out a treat in your hand while stating your dog’s new name.  Once your dog responds by looking at you, hand the dog the treat immediately.  Provide an abundance of praise.  Now, repeat this technique again.   It is essential to the training not to call the dog’s name for anything other than positive praise.

For instance, if your dog is in trouble do not call the dog by name to implement punishment.  It will only confuse your pup later on.  For the dog remembers the name was associated with punishment.  Therefore, the dog will not come when called to.  Hence, keep the name usage to positive moments and commands.

For more information about how to rename a dog in a positive manner, talk to puppy kindergarten instructor today.

Some dog owners like to use voice commands while others may utilize hand signals.  But what exactly are hand signals?  How do hand signals work when training a dog? Here are the basic aspects of training with hand signals providing you with a better idea of how it works.

Hand Signal Training is Effective

Hand signals are a way to communicate with your dog without saying a word.  It provides your pup with a visual that correlates to a specific command.  For instance, if you are training your dog to “stay” then you need to signal this in comprehensive manner.  One way is to place your hand out away from your body with your palm facing the dog motioning stop with an open hand.   After practicing this motion your dog will understand this means “stay.”  Just be careful not to place your hand in a different manner while trying to convey the same command.  Dogs will become confused and not understand that it is supposed to mean the same thing.  Thus, once you choose a specific hand signal for a command, do not change it.

If there are other people in the household, be sure to teach them how to implement this task too.  You want everyone in the house to be consistent.  It helps the dog feel at ease.  It keeps your dog calm and relaxed when everyone is executing the exact method of training.  Furthermore, if you have someone who dog sits for you, teach him/her how to accomplish the command in an identical fashion.

Dogs understand hand signals.  You just need to spend time with your dog ensuring your pup comprehends the training.  If you have any questions talk to a Florida dog training professional or a k9 obedience instructor today.

Any Florida dog training professional will tell you that you have to be creative when training a smart dog.  Smart dogs are able to sense and figure things out at a faster pace.  For instance, if a dog wishes to leave the yard, then your dog will find a way to leave the perimeter regardless of how secure it is.  Here are a few tips on how to train a smart dog.

Add Variety to Dog Training Exercises

When smart dogs are being trained it is essential to find new ways to keep them engaged while training.  Thus, play hide and seek games with dog treats.  Try agility classes to engage the physical aspect and mental capabilities of a dog.  In addition, add different training techniques in one session.  Smart dogs pick up fast on commands.  They are able to comprehend what your voice and emotion emits.  Therefore, once a command is mastered move on to the next training session.  If you stick on one command for too long, a smart dog’s mind wanders.  Keep your dog engaged and you will have effective and successful results.

Stay Light-Hearted

Smart dogs have a tendency to react to your emotions.  As a result, and as stated in prior blogs, remember to stay upbeat when interacting with a smart dog.  Smart dogs are more in-tuned with your emotions and understanding what the final goal is you are trying to achieve at a faster pace than other dogs.  Thus, remain happy when providing training and your dog will react in a positive manner to your commands.

Smart dogs need the same guidelines as other dogs.  The only difference is to provide further assortment of training lessons to a smart dog ensuring your dog stays engaged and happy.  If you have any questions please talk to a k9 obedience training professional today.

It is essential to remember there are different approaches to training a dog when it comes to various breeds, including size.  Smaller dogs have general traits a dog trainer and yourself must adapt to.  Here are a few tips to remember when training a smaller breed dog.

Provide a Calm Setting

Small dogs tend to exhibit high-strung personality traits.  They are aggressive, wound-up and hyperactive.  Thus, you need to be sure the training lesson facility is in a serene environment.   Be certain the instructor is able to remain calm, yet firm, when need-be.  You do not want your pup to feel overwhelmed and act in a negative manner.  An experienced dog professional will be able to successfully reel in your dog’s attention and generate a loving, bonding practice for the both of you.

Offer Training Breaks

Enroll in a puppy kindergarten class designed for smaller breed dogs.  These classes will provide more breaks ensuring to adapt to a short attention span generally found amongst small dogs.  Furthermore, it adds more value to the actual training time.  For you are able to teach your pup commands during moments when the pup is solely paying attention to you.

Being a dog owner of a small breed is convenient.  They are full of energy, easy to travel with, and do not need large spaces to roam making them perfect for a petite size home or apartment.  Just be sure to find a k9 obedience professional able to address small breed training challenges and share with you his/her knowledge.

Do you love working with dogs?  Do dogs seem at-ease with you in comparison to other people?  Have you ever thought about being a dog trainer?  It is a rewarding career with many occupational paths to follow.  For you may train dogs for law enforcement, rescue missions, eye seeing assistance and/or just creating a well-rounded relationship between the pup and the new owner.  But what does it truly take to be a great dog trainer?  Here are some tips to help you decide if this job is right for you.

Exhibiting Patience is the Key to Success

Patience is essential to being a successful dog trainer for you are working with a pup and the owner.   You need to remember that not everyone has the skills to facilitate lessons with their own dogs as you do.  It does not come natural for others.  Thus, you need compassion when teaching an owner how to train his/her dog.  If patience is one of your strong points then dog training may be the perfect fit for you.

Gaining Experience Equals Knowledge

The more experience gained from working with different dogs in various environments the better you shall be at your job.  Work with diverse temperaments, breeds, and commands.  In addition, perform with different dog ages too.  It helps to provide knowledge in regards to what dogs respond well to which technique ensuring you are able to line-up the right method of teaching with specific type of dogs.

Providing a High Level of Comfort Elevates Your Skills

You need to be comfortable during high emotional moments.  For instance, if you are working with an aggressive dog that bites, then you need to be able to remain calm through such interactions.  You need to be a person who is relaxed when working with animals and their owners.

Being a dog trainer is a wonderful occupation fulfilled with gratifying results.  You are able to see and experience your efforts pay-off right before your eyes.  To find out more talk to a Florida dog training professional or a k9 obedience trainer today.

When you add a dog to your home, you have to become a role model for your pup not just a companion.  You need to learn certain attributes on how to be an effective, successful and positive leader providing a beneficial home and bond for you and your pup.  Here are two main tips to help you attain this goal successfully.

Maintain Consistency

Dogs need consistency in the home or else the dog becomes puzzled and annoyed.  A good dog owner provides this for the pup.  One way is to be sure if you walk your dog at a certain time on specific days, then continue to do so even if you are having a bad day.  Just being outside in the fresh air exercising with your pup will lift your spirits and ensure your dog that you are a reliable and positive influence in your pup’s life.

Keep Your Dog On-Time

Along with relying on consistency, you need to be sure your dog’s day is filled with activities at appropriate times.  For instance, if your dog has been lying around the house all day long, then how in the world will your dog be ready to relax when it is time to go to bed?  Thus, engage in a certain amount of physical exercise for a set duration.  Moreover, in-between these moments, be sure to provide your dog with time to rest, eat, drink and refuel.  A dog should have a schedule just as you.  Stay on top of it ensuring your dog is able to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

These are great tips on how to be a positive, loving dog owner, but this is just the tip of the iceberg.  To find out what else you can do, talk to a Florida dog obedience professional today.  Ask a k9 obedience trainer what other elements you should be adding to you and your pup’s daily lives.

When adding a puppy to your home there are a few things you need to keep in mind.  Here is a basic outline of essential tasks needed to provide your dog with a vigorous, happy life.

Implement Training and Socializing Skills

There is nothing more wonderful than bringing home a new puppy.  The puppy is excited and ready to love on every member of the household.  But with a new environment comes fresh ground rules for the pup.  For instance, you do not want your pup to think it is acceptable to chew on anything lying around the house.  Train your pup to use chew toys only.  In addition, if there are other animals in the house, it is wise to introduce the dog through socialization and training skills.

Also, if you are adding an adult dog to the home, then find a dog training class that teaches how to introduce your dog into a his/her new settings with positive reinforcement.  You want the transition to be enjoyable for all parties involved and socialization and training is the way to go.

Choose Nutritious Dog Food

Most dog professionals agree the first five ingredients in dog food are telling regarding the nutritional factor.  Within the first five ingredients, be sure two of them are high quality protein resources.   It will aid your dog into receiving a well-balanced diet.

Exercise Your Dog

Besides eating right, your dog needs to engage in exercise.  Provide your dog with ample playtime and physical activity.  Dogs are susceptible to many health issues caused by obesity.  Keep your dog active.  It is part of supplying your pup with a fit, stable, caring home.

Dogs need food, shelter and appropriate positive training.  These are the main factors to building a constructive, loving home for your pup.  If you are unsure on where or how to start, talk to a Florida dog obedience training professional or a k9 obedience instructor today.

When humans suffer from allergies our eyes water, breathing becomes asthmatic, our nose sniffles, and we sneeze exhibiting clear symptoms of allergies.  For dogs, you need to pay close attention to their skin.  Check their fur for skin irritation spots.  Take note if your dog scratches too much or is constantly trying to bite, lick or gnaw at a certain location on their skin.  Dogs suffer from allergies but it occurs as a skin irritant.

Investigate Dog Allergy Causes

You need to make sure you have not changed your dog’s shampoo or bedding area.  Have you added different material sheets or pillow covers to your pup’s sleeping quarters?  Have you switched dog shampoo brands?  Check out all the areas where your dog spends frequent amount of time and you will be able to find out the cause of the culprit.

If the cause is from nature, such as pollen, dust mites, or mildew, then you need to take appropriate measures to fix the issue.  Remove any carpeting that may be breeding mold or mildew.  Clean the house regularly ensuring dust mites do not build-up.  You do not want the allergies to get worse for it could cause your pup an ear infection if not treated properly.

Talk to a Vet

Talk to a veterinarian about how to treat your dog allergies.  Your vet may recommend a steroidal treatment or an at-home treatment consisting of hypoallergenic shampoos, conditioners and/or ointments.

If you still have questions about how to train your pup not to enter certain points of the yard due to allergic reaction to plants growing in that specific area, then talk to a Florida dog training obedience professional or a k9 obedience professional today.