Category: Obedience Classes

Dogs are notorious for peeing on floors, chewing up clothes, barking at neighbors, and so many other unfortunate qualities they hold.  Dogs are animals, and unless they are properly trained, they’ll act like a one.  Obedience training can improve your dogs behavior by setting a standard for them. Training sets a foundation to solve problems so that you can keep them out of trouble and handle them with ease. Florida Dog Training will also open up communication between you and your dog so you can understand each other.  This will benefit you by keeping them from becoming a job instead of an enjoyment, and will help you understand how to interact with your pet.

Puppies

When you first get a dog, you begin to learn how they act and cope with your home surroundings.  Many people automatically notice behavioral problems in their pets, and think that they will work them out in time because it’s a puppy and they can’t help it.  But beware, because what you initially see as a small issue can become a BIG problem.  Puppy training, as opposed to training them when they are grown, can be very beneficial.  It will insure that your pet will not become aggressive when they grow up along with establishing that they are indeed not the alpha in the house.  By taking a few classes, you can easily solve future behavioral problems, and make having a dog more fun and less work.  Teaching your dog while they are young will also help your dog interact with others and learn how to handle unfamiliar situations without feeling threatened.

Family

A dog should be not only a pet, but also essentially a family member.  Classes can help them become a well-tempered friend for you, and will make your dog safe and appropriately friendly around children.  Obedience classes will teach your dog to obey simple orders, such as sit, stop, and lay down.  These easy commands will save them from potentially dangerous situations such as darting out into the street when you open the door, slipping out of their leash when you go on walks, or chasing wild animals as a back-yard game.

Keep your dog safe and happy by enrolling them in an K9 obedience course today!

Enhance the Relationship between You and Your Dog

The holidays are hectic.  There are family gatherings, big events, holiday parties and endless moments to share with the entire family.  I do not recommend adopting a dog during this time. It is a tough time to make a dog feel at ease.  A dog needs structure and a regular schedule.  It is nearly impossible to meet these basic requirements when your own schedule is unbalanced for the duration of the holiday season.  However, I do recognize that some people choose to adopt during this time despite expert advice against it.  Here are a few tips to keep in mind on why dog training is important to building a positive relationship between you and your new pet, and what each training session means.

What is Puppy Preschool?

Puppy preschool is a class designed to teach socialization skills.  It uses confidence- building exercises to ensure your puppy is comfortable meeting other dogs and playing with them.  It also covers basic house manners.  This varies from how to walk on a leash without tugging to discouraging biting.  Additionally, the class teaches puppies the “leave it” command.   This is a great time to start building that incredible, loving, strong relationship between you and your new puppy.  It is the foundation of what is to come.

Who is Suitable for K9 Obedience classes?

A six week K9 obedience course covers a wide array of topics, including how to greet guests politely, the “come” command, “lie down”, and how to walk on a loose leash.  It is open to dogs of all ages.  The only requirement is to be positive throughout the experience.  The more you interact with your new dog, the greater the relationship becomes.  These classes are just as much for you as it is for your pup.

To find out more about how dog training enhances the relationship between dog and dog owner, talk to a Florida dog training expert today!

New Year’s Resolution: Commit to being a Better Dog Owner in 2011

Ringing in the New Year brings forth new, positive commitments in your life.  You are going to eat right, exercise and build a stronger bond between you and your dog.  But how do you begin to improve your relationship with your pet?  It is already solid.  There are ways to enhance quality time with your dog and it is through dog training.  Here are the top three essential dog training tips ensuring training time is a positive experience for the two of you to share.

Remain Patient

Becoming angry at a dog does not compute.  Dogs do not understand why you are reacting in a negative manner.  Ditch any type of training that involves yelling or being aggressive with your pet.  It is not healthy for either of you to be in this situation.  Instead, focus on the rewards and desirable behavior your dog exhibits while ignoring the negative.  Your dog will eventually learn the positive behavior.  For positive behavior means affection, attention, treats and play time.  It leaves the negative actions to the past.

Stay Positive

This coincides with maintaining patience with your dog.  If you become frustrated, then the emotions will disrupt the training process.  If this happens, take a break.  Step away from training and return when you are able to gain a positive outlook on the training session.   This is a time to bond with your dog in an uplifting environment.

To find out more, talk to a Florida dog training or a k9 obedience instructor today!

Throughout my Florida dog training career, I have seen a wide array of dog training requests.  There is everything from show dogs, basic training and more.  Here is a brief overview of the two most popular canine training wishes.

Basic K9 Obedience

Whether you adopted an adult dog or a puppy, there are basic forms of training to review with your pet.  This is essential to creating a happy, healthy and loving home for the entire household.  It eliminates any bad habits from developing ensuring peace in the house remains for all household members.  It is also a chance to build a strong bond between you and your dog.  It encourages play through interaction, while learning a new command.  It is a positive experience for both parties, as long as positive reinforcement is utilized during these activities.  Examples of the basic principles covered are “sit” and “stay.”  These are two commands that are the foundation for the rest of your dog’s life.  It comes in handy when going for a walk, answering the door, and encountering other animals and humans.

Hollywood Dog Training

Do you think your dog has what it takes to be in commercials or movies?  This type of training includes basic canine obedience, but adds distinct elements to the training.  For instance, your dog needs to ignore external factors found on a commercial or movie set.  There are bright lights shining, crewmembers walking around, and loud noises coming from moving sets or equipment.  Your dog learns how to overlook these elements to deliver a given task or direction successfully.

To find out more about Florida dog training and what there is to offer your dog, talk to one of instructors today!

Walking into a hospital with a therapy dog instantly brings joy to patients.  It lifts their spirits, makes patients forget about hardships, and places focus on the interaction with an animal.  But how do you train your canine to be a therapy dog?  There are organizations specifically designed to manage this type of training.  Here is an overview of what to expect in therapy dog training.

What does Therapy Dog Training Cover?

Therapy dog training varies depending on your location.  Each state has its own set of rules.  However, the first step is the same across the board; your dog needs to be certified as a canine good citizen.

This requires your dog to go through training that concentrates on how to ignore distractions.  In a hospital or nursing home, there are medical machines, noises, alarms, and paging systems.  All of these factors can cause distractions.  Your dog learns how to overlook these factors, and disregard these circumstantial elements.

How do Classes Help Shape Your Dog?

The classes engage in activities encountered while on the job.  This prepares the dog to the various situations present when working.  The idea is the dog becomes comfortable with wires, hospital equipment running, IVs, people and more.  Therefore, when the time comes to go to work, the dog remains calm, and carries out his job successfully.

To find out more information about what does it take to be a therapy dog, talk to a Florida dog training or a k9 obedience instructor today!

It is time for your infamous annual holiday party.  People arrive throughout the evening.  Food is set on the tables.  Movement flows throughout the house.  There is music, people, and food.  All contributing factors to why your party is a huge success.  However, this year there is a new addition to your home.  You adopted a dog.

What are you going to do with your dog during this vibrant experience?  You cannot allow the dog to move about freely when there are chocolate desserts and other harmful food items laying about.  What if pieces of chocolate accidentally fall without notice and your dog eats it off the ground?  The best thing to do is keep your dog happy and out of sight during this time.  Here are some tips on how to achieve this goal.

Practice Makes Perfect

The first step is to practice ringing the doorbell with your dog inside.  Get your dog familiar with the sound of having numerous people walk inside the house while others are mingling, leaving and entering.  One way to do this is enlist the help of neighbors, co-workers and other people your dog may not see frequently.

When someone rings the doorbell, practice the “stay” command with your dog.  Use the room designated to your dog to “stay” in during the night of the party.  Equip it with chew toys, puzzle toys and Kong.  Make your dog comfortable to sitting there alone while people ring the doorbell and walk about the home.  By the night of your party, your dog will be familiar with the routine.  The anxiety and excitement your dog may feel would not occur.  The dog would remain peaceful and happy in the play area situated away from your party guests.

To find out more tips on how to prepare your dog for the holidays, talk to a Florida dog training professional or a k9 obedience instructor today!

Puppies are a ball full of energy jumping on furniture and people everywhere they go.  Unfortunately, this causes a nuisance to visitors and destroys furniture.  Here are some tips to teach your puppy how not to jump on furniture…or people.

What to Do When Someone Enters

Does your puppy jump on visitors upon arrival?  It is a common trait amongst puppies, but this habit can be changed.

First, keep treats by the door.  Put these somewhere out of your puppy’s reach.  Then, whenever the doorbell rings or someone knocks implement the “sit” and “stay” commands.  Use the treats to reward your pup for sitting still and listening.  If your pup starts to stir, just give your pup a look.  Your dog will understand what it means.  Remember to never yell at your puppy.   Yelling doesn’t work on dogs.  It just confuses your pet.

What to Do When YOU Enter

How do you enter the house after a long day at work?  Do you call for your puppy in an excited voice?  Your actions have a direct impact on your puppy’s behavior.

For instance, if your pup is jumping when you open the door, and you are petting your pup at the same time, then this translates to your pet that the jumping action is rewarded.  The pup jumps, your puppy gets attention.  Instead, teach your puppy to be calm when you come home.  This will stop the jumping habit from escalating out of control.

For more advice about how to use positive reinforcement methods with puppies, talk to a puppy kindergarten instructor or enroll in puppy preschool today.

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.

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.