FAQs
Short dog training sessions are best to ensure he/she doesn’t lose interest, become overwhelmed, or bored. Training is best accomplished in smaller, shorter training sessions throughout the day, monitoring your dog’s reactions to figure out when he’s had enough.
- When you are working with your dog, be calm and neutral. Any form of agitation and excitement on your part will negatively affect the outcome of training. You should be mindful of the fact that the goal of training is to be able to reinforce good dog behavior and to ignore or not reinforce bad ones.
- Have desirable, highly motivating treats. Not all dogs like the same type of treat or flavor, so be willing to let your dog explore different taste and textures. Use whichever you find you get the most attention and response from.
Training duration varies based on factors like the dog’s age, breed, and individual temperament. Basic commands can take a few hours to weeks, while more complex behaviors or tricks may require longer. The key to ALL dog training is consistency, repetition, and patience.
Start early! Puppies are like sponges, absorbing information quickly. Begin basic training as soon as you bring your puppy home
We are big believers of positive reinforcement methods (meaning, reward-based) because they are effective and strength the bond you share with your dog. Treats are a universal communciation tool, and boy do dogs understand them! Use treats, praise, and toys to encourage desired behaviors while avoiding harsh punishment or dominance-based techniques, which create fear and erode trust.
Did you know dogs pulling on the leash is one of the most common complaints from dog owners? Teach loose leash walking by rewarding your dog when they walk calmly beside you. Use treats and positive reinforcement to encourage good leash manners. We have workshops strictly designed to help with this common problem, and our classes will also teach you how to accomplish this!
This is another common complaint from dog owners! Harnessing excitement can be a tough task, but please know you are not alone! Consistency is key! Ignore jumping behavior and reward calm greetings. Teach an alternative behavior like sitting when guests arrive. We can help you with this in a class.
There are many causes of barking, but the frist step is to Identify the cause (boredom, anxiety, territorial behavior, excitement) and address it. Use positive reinforcement to reward quiet moments and consider professional help if needed. Sometimes understanding the cause is the hardest part!
Set a routine for feeding, potty breaks, and crate training. Puppies are easily distracted on bathroom trips, so taking trips outdoors on a leash is a great way to start, as this will help you redirect your puppy from distractions. Reward successful outdoor potty trips and be patient during accidents indoors.
Absolutely! Older dogs can learn new tricks. Focus on positive reinforcement and adapt training to their needs and abilities. Understand where your dog’s starting point is, and what you’d like to accomplish. It’s best to start with basic tasks and advance into more difficult ones. Patience and repetition are key!
Make coming to you rewarding! Use high-value treats, practice in a safe environment, and gradually increase distractions. Some dog’s need a special word like “touch” to associate coming to you, versus “calling their name.” If you choose a word, assign a behavior to it and reward your dog, you’ll have them performing in no time!
Expose your dog to various people, animals, and environments. Start with controlled interactions and positive experiences. Puppy classes are great for socialization. We have Puppy Socialization hours on Saturdays, which is a great way to socialize and meet new friends.
Remember, patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement are essential for successful dog training!