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Author: Mark S.

  • Office Manners for Your Canine

    Taking your pet to the office is a privilege most people cannot claim.  It is fortunate to be able to have your dog alongside while at work all day long.  Your pet does not get lonely, has your companionship and the setting is stimulating.  But before you dive right into bringing your dog to the office, you should review these tips.  They will help you make the transition for your pet and co-workers go smoothly.

    Find Out About Your Co-Workers First

    If you have co-workers who really don’t want your dog to be around the office, then reconsider.  You do not want it to become a hostile environment.  And even though you love dogs, do not assume everyone else does too.  In addition, perhaps your co-worker does not want your dog’s fur getting all over their work clothes.  It is difficult to be fashion forward with dog fur stuck to your brand new designer suit.  Therefore, be prepared that not everyone will see the dog being present in the same light as you.  Bring a baby gate to work or some type of play pen for your dog.  This will keep your dog from running all over the place.

    Dog Proof the Area

    You know the drill.  Get down on your hands and knees, crawl around on dog level and hide anything that would be toxic, harmful and/or damaging to your dog.  Tie wires up out of the way.  Put writing utensils away in drawers.  Empty out the garbage cans ensuring the temptation for your dog to peak in there is gone.

    To find out more about what needs to be done in regards to brining your pup to the office, talk to a Florida dog obedience trainer or a k9 obedience instructor today.

  • Why Socialization in Puppies is Ideal

    It is essential to your puppy’s development to be handled and trained by you and other people.  It allows your puppy to understand that humans are not something to fear, and begins the socialization skills off on a positive start.

    Puppies need nail trimming, grooming, shots, and training.  And sometimes these tasks are not always completed by you.  There are professionals who handle these duties with ease.  But if your puppy is not common to new environments and other people, then your canine could react in a negative manner to these fresh elements.  Socialization is a means of making certain that nothing bad occurs when placed in an unfamiliar setting.

    Why Puppy Socialization is Essential

    The more exposure your pup has to various environments, the easier it will be for your pup to remain calm or at ease during hectic situations.  For instance, let us say you are taking your dog out for a walk.  Along the sidewalk there is construction unfolding with jackhammers, traffic build-up, loud noises, lots of people and pedestrian congestion.  But you need to give your dog’s daily exercise.  You are not going to turn around and go back home.  If your dog has a certain level of socialization experience, then it will not be a problem. Your dog will adapt by ignoring these factors regardless of the sound level.  If your dog is not able to adapt to the situation, then your dog may react with undesirable behavior.  It could lead to aggressive interactions, fear, insecurities, and the desire to runaway.

    Avoid any negative situation from unfolding by properly socializing your pup to a wide array of people and settings.

    Learn Socialization in Puppy Classes

    To find out more about your puppy’s needs, enroll in a puppy kindergarten or puppy preschool today.  An expert will be able to guide you on socialization and other necessary elements for proper puppy training.

  • What to Expect with a German Shepherd Puppy

    A German shepherd is a great dog!  They are loyal, strong, protective and reliable working dogs.  But before bringing home your German shepherd puppy, it is a positive idea to gather as much information ensuring you are knowledgeable about your new addition.  Here are some basic background facts about this breed.

    Senses are Keen

    These dogs have sharp senses, and there are ways to enhance their development.  For instance, these dogs have a strong sense of smell.  So when you take your dog for runs allow your dog to roam around and sniff the environment.  It is a joy for your dog to embark in this experience.  Therefore, encourage it.  It is what your dog naturally likes to do.

    In addition, these dogs are very intelligent, which makes training easy.  And Florida dog obedience training courses assist in showing you how you to contribute towards your dog’s progress through training.  For example, if you play fetch with your dog, it provides the dog with a skill that improves obedience.  For when your dog plays with you, he/she has to be obedient to you through positive reinforcement.  This carries all the way through your dog’s life making certain that your dog is well behaved, as he/she gets older.

    To find out more information about German shepherd breeds, talk to a k9 obedience instructor or enroll in a puppy class today.

  • Ways to Build Puppy Confidence

    A puppy has a lot to learn about the world and some things may seem scary at first.  But after overcoming different tasks, a puppy’s assurance soars.  Here are a few ways to help your puppy increase self-esteem in a positive manner.

    Try Obstacle Courses

    Puppies love to play and have lots of energy to expend.  Thus, obstacle courses are a great way to combine both and assemble a strong character along the way.  For when a puppy accomplishes the task of walking up a ramp, going through a tunnel or proceeding downhill then it boosts inner strength. It shows the puppy not to be afraid of something and that the pup can accomplish a task that seems overwhelming at first, but is a cinch to accomplish.  When you go through these little tasks, provide lots of praise.  Make a game out of it.  Provide rewards and keep the mood positive.  Your dog will be running through the obstacle course in no time.

    Socialize with Others

    The sooner your pup is able to socialize, the better for your dog’s demeanor.  Introduce your canine to other puppies on the same level.  Also, if you have visitors that come on a regular basis, such as a delivery representative or your mother, then have your dog become familiar with that person.  It helps your dog grow to be social and not aggressive.

    For more tips on how to build your dog’s confidence at a young age, check out puppy kindergarten or puppy preschool classes today.  The instructor will be able to provide you with additional ideas and positive methods.

  • What NOT to Do During Dog Training

    We have covered Florida dog training tips before in previous blogs, but here is more advice to help you along this journey.  If you keep this in mind while training your dog, then the frustration that comes from dog training should be reduced to a minimum.

    Never Use Force

    One thing to remember is to never instill physical harm to your dog.  You never want to make your dog do something by applying physical force.  It will turn your dog off from training completely and the results are devastating.  It causes your dog to attain many issues throughout his/her development.  Avoid this at all costs.

    Practice on a Regular Basis

    Apply the training lessons on a standard schedule.  Use the lessons when you go for walks, visit with friends, go to the dog park, and anytime you are out with your dog.  This will help ensure the training attaches to your pet’s traits.  It shall become natural instinct to the point your dog exhibits the wanted behavior without being prompted or reminded.  Eventually, your dog will adapt the wanted behavior as part of his/hers regular routine.

    Provide Rewards in a Timely Manner

    Be consistent when offering rewards to your dog.  Remember, during training a dog needs to be rewarded immediately after completing positive behavior or else the dog does not make the correlation between attaining a reward and finishing wanted actions.  The link between the two needs to remain strong, and the best way to handle it is by making certain rewards are given after the performance occurs.

    For more information on how to properly, effectively and successfully train your dog, talk to a Florida dog obedience instructor today.

  • Why Negative Reinforcement Fails

    Many of my friends own dogs, and turn to me for advice on how to correct negative behavior.  There is a constant inquisitiveness about how to attain positive behavior in dogs.  Thus, we discuss at great lengths about how positive reinforcement in dog training works.  One such discussion focused on what do if your dog tears up the house while you are gone.  This conversation taught my friends something new, and I’d like to share it with you too.  It should help you understand why negative reinforcement never works, and why positive reinforcement is the training method of choice amongst owners and dog trainers alike.

    How a Dog Translates Negative Reinforcement

    My friend started the dialogue by describing how every time she leaves the house the dog tears up everything in sight.  She comes home from a dinner out with friends and it looks like she returned to a ransacked house with furniture flipped over, pillow stuffing laying all over the place, and her dog the culprit of it all.  And to fix the problem she thought coming home and scolding the dog would be adequate.  Then she would leave and the same thing would occur again.

    Well, scolding or using any negative tactics on your dog does not work.  The biggest mistake is you are not correcting the problem immediately after it occurs.  A dog will not correlate you coming home and the negative behavior you instill as punishment for tearing up the house.  Too much time has passed so the connection is not made.  Thus, it does not work.  A dog needs to show the correct way to act, provide praise immediately afterwards and the connection between the positive praise and not tearing up the place is made in the canine’s mind.   Positive reinforcement always triumphs over negative reactions.

    To find out more about why never to use negative reinforcement, talk to a Florida dog obedience or a k9 obedience professional today

  • What to Expect with a Small Dog

    Small dogs are great companions for urban dwellers.  They do not take up much space making it ideal for apartment living.  But there are common mistakes made with taking care of small dogs.  Some dog owners are uneducated on the difference between handling a small versus a larger breed dog.  Here is an inside look on what you can expect when living with a small breed.

    Exercise Your Small Dog

    Just because a dog is small does not mean you should carry your dog everywhere.  Dogs need to run around.  A small dog breed is no different.  Allow your small dog to exercise, run around your apartment, play fetch, and expend energy.  It may take less time for a small dog to wear out than a large breed, but exercise and playtime is still necessary to providing your dog with a healthy life.

    Do Not Carry Your Small Dog Everywhere

    Small dogs are still dogs.  It is good to permit your dog to walk around on a leash when possible.  Do not carry your dog everywhere.  A small dog needs to roam around, and develop social skills.  This occurs when you allow your dog to walk next to you rather than carry it.  For instance, if you approach someone while holding your dog in your arms, you do not allow natural relationships to build between your dog and others.  People will automatically come and pet your dog.  It may cause fear in your dog.  However, if your dog is on the ground, walking, sniffing, approaching other animals and people, as your dog is comfortable, then the natural instincts a dog feels to approach or avoid occurs.  It is part of a fit development of a dog.  If you carry your dog, then you are eliminating this process from happening, which could harm your dog in the long run.

    To find out more information about small breed dogs, talk to a Florida dog obedience training professional.  He/she will provide additional information on what it is like to own a small dog and how to adapt to a small breed ensuring the needs of your pup are met.

  • Why Enroll in Puppy Kindergarten

    Puppy kindergarten is a great place to teach your pup the basics of growing up.  It teaches your pup to be comfortable around other dogs, people and not be afraid during unwarranted situations. It shows a pup how to socialize and behave in a positive manner.  It is an uplifting experience for you and your pup and the benefits are life lasting.  But what exactly does puppy kindergarten do?  What does a class consist of?  Here is a basic outline of what puppy kindergarten is about, and why you should enroll today.

    Provides Support for You…and Your Puppy

    It is difficult to manage teaching your puppy how to act when you are implementing it solo.  You may become frustrated taking away from the bonding opportunity available.  However, if you are teaching your puppy in a group, then there is instant support on how to handle the situation in a positive manner.  It keeps the lessons light, and there are experts available to help you along the way until you are comfortable to manage the situation on your own.

    In addition, your puppy learns from watching and interacting with other puppies.  Therefore, if other puppies are picking up a lesson quickly, then your pup will take note and try to exhibit the same results.  It is a wonderful avenue to utilize when training your pup.

    Your pup will receive many benefits from puppy kindergarten classes.  It teaches your pup the necessary socialization skills needed to live a healthy and happy life.  And who better to teach you then a Florida obedience dog trainer.  Contact him/her today and find out more details about puppy classes.

  • Why Keep Your Dog on a Leash

    When raising a dog in the city, there are many obstacles to face.  There is constant construction, people, traffic, runners, parents with strollers, street signs, vendors and other dogs crossing paths.  So how do you keep your dog safe from all the nuisances around?  How do you ensure your dog is near you and does not get into something harmful?  One way is to keep your dog on a leash, and here is a list of reasons why as a responsible dog owner keeping your dog on a leash is a smart move.

    Traffic

    You need to keep your dog safe from traffic.  Cars zooming by are too tempting for some dogs to chase after.  Using a leash keeps your dog safe and close in proximity.  In addition, think about roller bladders, skateboarders, runners that go by your dog.  Some dogs tend to chase after these people, which could cause severe injuries of all parties involved.  Keep your dog out of harm’s way, and use a leash.

    Health

    In the city, there is trash pick-up on the side of the road.  You want to steer your dog clear of the trash area.  If your dog digs through there, a harmful substance could be swallowed without notice.  Alternatively, there could be glass items, light bulbs, and loose nails placed throughout the trash.   You have no clue what people throw away.  Separate a good amount of distance between your dog and these areas.  It is better to keep your dog safe than take any chances.

    If you would like more tips on how to train your dog to be comfortable, walk, and train on a leash, contact a Florida dog obedience training professional or a k9 obedience instructor today.  He/she will be able to guide you in the right direction.

  • The Advantages of Dog Training

    I enjoy being around dogs but there is nothing more uncomfortable than visiting a friend’s house where the dog runs around without any parameters.  It takes away from the socializing experience between you and your friend.  If the dog jumps on you the minute you enter the door or is constantly sniffing in inappropriate places, then it makes you not want to go over there.  Alternatively, what if the dog is a lap dog and automatically jumps in your lap with shedding fur all over your new black dress, and you and your friends are supposed to go out on the town after picking everyone up?  A well-behaved dog makes for a better time in your household for you, your friends, and family.  It also enhances the bond between you and your pup.

    How to Instill Positive Dog Behavior Around Guests

    With a small number of dog training commands, you will be able to resolve any issues a house guest may have due to your dog not behaving in presence of others.  It does not take up much time.  It provides the opportunity to spend quality time with your dog.  And it teaches you more about your dog’s personality and learning traits.  Also, it is a great way meet other dog owners, and for your dog to learn socialization skills with other canines and people too.

    Find out more about dog training by contacting a Florida dog training professional or a k9 obedience instructor.  He/she will be able to assess your pet and determine what class you and your pup should enroll in today.