When taking your dog out for a walk, there are many distractions along the way.  There are other animals, traffic, and people enticing your dog’s instincts to chase.  At these moments is when teaching your dog to turn around comes in handy.  It keeps your dog safe, still and prevents your dog from running after others while outside.  Here are a few tips on how to teach your dog do a turnaround.

Start Walking with Your Dog on a Leash

To begin, start walking in a straight line with your dog on a leash.  After a couple of footsteps, use the command, “This way!”  At the same time, hold a treat with cheese, chicken, or your favorite dog’s treat in front of your canine’s nose.  This will get your dog’s attention.  Once your dog pays attention, start leading your dog with the treat out front and turn around.  Your dog will follow.  Just do this in a smooth movement.  Do not tug on the leash.  After your canine follows, take a few more steps, and give your dog a treat as a reward.  Provide praise.  Repeat these movements.  Your dog will begin to associate the u-turn around with the reward.

Repeat Sequence

Keep this lesson fresh in your dog’s mind by practicing.  Then start weaning your dog off the treats during the turnaround.  Give your dog the treat after two turnarounds, then lower the frequency.

To find out more information about how to teach your dog to u-turn, contact a Florida dog obedience training professional today.

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.

Puppies chew.  Dogs chew. It is normal for dogs to engage in this behavior.  But what you do not want is your dog to chew on inappropriate objects throughout the house.  Save your new Nike tennis shoes, the lady’s new Prada heels, and the kids’ school shoes.  Spare the furniture from torture too.  Help your dog contain this habit to objects created for chewing like chew toys, bones, and treats.  Preserve the household items from being mangled by your dog.  Here are some tips to direct you in the right direction.

Puppy-Proof the House

First thing you must do is remove items from the floor that a dog or puppy may get into.  Put shoes up on shelves or away in a closet.  Pick up your clothes from the floor.  Place books on the shelves.  Eliminate visible cords.  Whatever your canine’s mouth may grab, move it.  You do not want to encourage the chewing behavior by leaving things within your dog’s reach.  For it sends mixed signals to your pup.  Best solution is clear the room of anything that may seem too tempting for your dog to resist.

Supervise Awake Time

If you are able to provide the chance to supervise your dog while the dog is awake, then do so.  You need to teach your dog what is okay to chew, and what is not.  You may accomplish this task by watching your dog throughout the day and making appropriate corrections teaching your dog to learn quickly.  If you are unsure on how to make the corrections with positive reinforcement talk to a Florida dog obedience training professional today.  He/she will be able to provide ample techniques on how to prevent the chewing from growing rapid in your home.

If you still have further questions about any aspect of your dog’s chewing behavior, talk to a k9 obedience instructor or enroll in a puppy kindergarten class.  Both are great sources of knowledge and wisdom providing methods assisting in resolving this issue before it gets out of hand.

Some dogs will run after a toy no problem.  But the trick is when your dog brings the toy back to you.  Does your dog hold on to it?  Does your dog wander off with it?  You need to teach your dog to bring you the ball and drop it.  This is where some dog owners are unsure how to implement.  Here are some tips to help you along the way.

Teach “Drop It” Command

If your dog has no problem chasing after the toy, but needs help with the “drop it” command, then this is the advice for you.  When your dog fetches the toy, call to your dog.  Your dog should already know “come” and “sit”.  Thus, when you call to your canine, your dog comes.  Afterwards, say the words “drop it.”  While doing so, put a treat in front of your dog’s nose.  This will automatically cause your dog to drop the toy where you want and be prepared to receive the treat.   When your dog does so, praise your dog.  Give your dog the treat, and repeat this method.  After practicing this technique, your dog will understand the command “drop it.”  And you shall be able to play fetch with your pet.

This is only one of many tips taught in a Florida dog obedience training class.  The instructor will show you how to play fetch using different methods, finding the positive technique that works for your pup.

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.

Teach a Dog to Sit and Life Becomes Peaceful

Teaching a dog to sit may be utilized for various scenarios.  For instance, when people come to the house your dog may greet other people while sitting.  It provides a calm state for your dog whenever company arrives.  Your pup no longer jumps on company but rather greets your guest in a mild manner.  This behavior enhances your loving home decreasing any stress that may arise from a pup’s behavior.

Teach Your Dog the “Sit” Command

The steps to teaching a dog to sit are not complicated.  It solely takes repetition and positive reinforcement ensuring your pup understands the verbal command.   The way you begin is to stand up, say, “Sit,” and place a treat within one inch of your dog’s nose.  The treat has to be placed near the nose or else your dog may jump to reach the treat.

Next, move the treat toward the top of the head, arching it up over the nose.  This allows the dog to back up and raise the snout.  Once the snout is raised up in the air, the behind sits down.  It is natural behavior in dogs to display such a reaction.  As a result, you now have a seated dog.

Once your dog sits say, “Yes,” in a delighted tone, give your pup the treat, and provide lots of loving praise.

Talk to a Florida dog training professional today to find out the further steps regarding how to teach your dog to sit in such an affirmative manner.  A professional dog trainer will be able to guide you through the process ensuring you are implementing the instruction properly and in a loving, accepting technique strengthening the bond between you and your pup.

Rescue a Puppy, Adopt

Puppies left in shelters have been abandoned, left behind, and sometimes abused by prior owners.  Maybe the puppy was a victim of a puppy mill or left to fend for him/her self on the street.  Thus, why not adopt the puppy into your loving, healthy, happy home ensuring a wonderful experience for you and your family?  Adopting a puppy is a mutually beneficial experience.  You just need to be sure to pick the right puppy.

Think about Dog Size

Puppies are adorable.  There is no question about it.  But you need to think about what type of adult dog are you looking for and able to accommodate into your lovely home.  Are you looking for a jogging companion or a family friendly dog?  This may be tricky if the breed of the dog is unknown. However, look at the puppy’s paws.  The size of the paws tells how big the pup will grow up to be.  Ask the shelter volunteers if they know the breed.  Find out if the pup is friendly around kids and other adults.  Do you already have pets in the home?  Discover if the pup is friendly with other animals in the shelter.  All of these questions will help guide you into finding the right dog for you.

Evaluate Puppy Personality

Take the pup outside of the kennel into a space allowed to visit with the pup at the shelter.  Try different tests to find out the pup’s personality.  For instance, pick up the puppy in your arms, cradle the pup in same manner as you hold a baby and see if the pup relaxes.  Is the pup struggling to jump out of your arms?  If so, then the pup may need additional training, which is simple when working with a Florida dog training professional.  If the dog relaxes in your arms, then the pup is familiar with being held and may be a quick study when it comes to puppy preschool classes.

Talk to a k9 obedience training professional before adopting.  He/she will be able to guide you in the right direction.

Teach Your Dog the Commands “In” and “Out”

When it is time to bathe your dog, whether it is with a groomer or yourself, it helps to teach your pup how to get in and out of the tub.  It will save you time and energy in the end.  This is an outline of an effective, positive reinforcement method.

Use Treats and a Plain Box

First, prepare dog treats ahead of time.  Cut tiny pieces of chicken, cheese or a hot dog to use as incentive. Then find an empty cardboard box. The size should be big enough so a dog may be able to get inside and out comfortably.  Next, show your dog the treat.  Say, “Get in,” and toss the treat into the box.  Wait until your dog follows the treat.  Once your pup does, show adoration and say, “good.”  This allows the dog to associate these words with the physical actions.  It makes the idea of getting into the box as something delightful.  Later these same emotions will transfer to getting into a tub eliminating any fear.

Provide Positive Encouragement

The next part is teaching your dog to get out of the box.  This sometimes takes longer for the pup to comprehend.  But do not fret.

The way to start is by clapping your hands, stepping away from the box, and saying the command, “Get out.”  Do not be aggressive in your tone.  Still keep the mood light.  Your dog should follow.  Once your dog gets out do not offer treat.  Instead, show plenty of praise.  The reason being it emphasizes the fact that getting into the tub is the fun part.

For more information on how to teach your pup these commands consult with a Florida dog training professional or enroll in puppy kindergarten today!

Why do Puppies Bite?

Puppies naturally use their mouth to chew, play, and explore different objects, including your shoes.  But how do you teach a puppy not to bite?  How do dogs learn to control what is called, mouthy behavior?  It is part of the natural process of a puppy growing up to discover not to bite and it starts with learning from socializing with other dogs and people.

Playtime Teaches Puppies Proper Biting Behavior

If you watch two puppies play they wrestle, chase, and nip at one another.  It is endearing to watch, but if you pay close attention there are dog rules to the socializing.  For instance, no pup bites another pup too hard causing harm during play.  If it does occur, a dog will signify to lower the strength of the bite via a yelp.  It is a sign for the other dog to pay attention and decrease the aggressive behavior.  Afterwards, dogs naturally separate.  Take a breather.  Then find their way back to fooling around with one another.  This encounter is a lesson on how a human may teach a pup not to bite.

How to Teach Your Dog Not to Bite

With the pup scenario above, a bitten pup yelps alarming the other dog to stop with the biting practices.  When you are playing with your own dog, utilize the same technique during playtime.

For instance, every time you play with your pup, and the pup bites your skin too hard, yelp.  Make a noise.  Stop play.  Then, resume play after a few moments.  Repeat the exact action until your dog learns this behavior is not acceptable.  The dog will interpret the halt in play as he/she did something wrong.  The method works.  Your dog learns quickly.  It is solely a matter of remaining consistent on your part.

To learn more about how to teach your puppy not to bite with positive reinforcement check out puppy preschool and puppy kindergarten classes today.