Austin Dog Trainer Blog

Did you know that January is National Train Your Dog Month?

Training your dog or puppy is crucial to having a happy, rewarding relationship with your best pooch pal! If you just got a puppy or dog over the holidays, start that relationship off right by having a private dog trainer come to your home or by joining a group dog training class. Even if you've had your dog for awhile, its never too late to start training with your dog. You can take a Teenage Terrors class is your dog has issues like jumping up or digging in the yard. If your dog has no problem behaviors, try something fun like a dog sport or nosework! Whatever you choose to do, just get out there and train your dog!

 

Cara Shannon, Austin Dog Trainer

Set some dog training criteria for yourself

As you begin to look for dog training for your dog, set some criteria for yourself. Ask yourself what methods and training philosophies you are willing to use on your dog.

At our Austin Dog Training facility, we ask ourselves the following questions in evaluating dog training methodologies:

 

1. Is this a method that is based on science? Although there is certainly art in applying dog training methods, the training itself is and should be based on science. This is the science of psychology (operant and classical conditioning) and the science of ethology (the study of the dog in its natural environment). Dog training should be based on science not on myths and fads, family recipe, or something that wolves supposedly do.
2. Is this a method that all of the members of my family, our neighbors and friends, or a child can employ? Children and friends cannot safely alpha roll a dog or challenge a dog with physical force to get what they want. If you cannot ask a child to do it safely, is it something that you should do as part of training? No! Dogs don't generalize concepts very well so just because you and I can do something with a dog doesn't mean that they will understand things should work the same way when a child approaches them. Children, friends, and neighbors should all be able to safely participate in dog training if you choose the right methods!
3. Does it demonstrate res[ect for the animal? At our Austin Dog Training Center, we believe in treating dogs with respect. I don't believe that I have the right to put a shock collar on a dog or to kick a dog (yes, this still happens!) in the name of dog training. This doesn't mean that we don't set limits and structure on our dogs. We absolutely set rules and enforce the, but we do this without causing pain or fear.

As yourself what you believe in as you look for a dog training program and stick to your guns! Your dog will thank you for it.

Cara Shannon, Austin Dog Trainer

Add dog grooming prep to your puppy's training list!

If you have a puppy that is going to need dog  grooming as an adult, don't wait to get that puppy grooming started!

One of the most important jobs our Austin dog groomer does is training young puppies to handle dog grooming with ease and comfort! There are so many elements to dog grooming that can cause a dog concern. The water from the bath, the sound of the clippers coming near them, the sound and blowing of the blow dryer, trimming of nails, being up on the table ... the list just goes on and on!

A good dog groomer can take your puppy for short baths and brush outs as soon as you get your puppy and start easing them into the process with fun toys, games, and treats. Book your puppy in with a dog  groomer ASAP!

What do I work on next?

I just had a client in our Austin Dog Training Manners II class what she should be focusing on with her dog. She explained that she's not always sure whether she should work on her recall or the place cue (lay on a bed and stay there) or her leave it. This is a great question!

Whether you're training a new puppy or training your adult dog, you should be sure to prioritize your training based on what you need most in your dog. Choose two to three behaviors to focus on as your core behavior plan. For many owners, the set of behaviors that makes the most sense is: 1) sit and focus on the owner even with distractions; 2) come when called; and 3) walk nicely on leash.

For you and your dog, this may differ. For example, some of our clients at our Austin Dog Training Center, have dogs that jump on guests who come in the house. For these clients, it may make more sense to focus on a sit stay or a bed cue when guests arrive at the house. Each plan has to be tailored to your individual dog.

Once you pick your core behaviors to teahc, focus your efforts on these cues. Have your dog practice these cues at meal time and for play sessions and toys. Practice them on walks and throughout the day during daily chores. When your dog has mastered this handful of behaviors, add another behavior, like a leave it cue.

One way to be successful in your dog training is to take things a step at a time and try not to bite off more than you can chew!

Cara Shannon, Austin Dog Trainer, Buddy's Chance, LLC

Reactive Dogs CAN Learn to Walk Down the Street in Peace!

This is a video of me walking my formerly reactive dog (along with my daughter in a stroller and our three other dogs). There was a time when Rev (the brown dog on the left) couldn't walk down the street and see another dog without barking and flinging himself to the end of the leash to get over to it. If the dog was barking at him there was no way to calm  him down! Rev was never aggressive --- in fact, he's very friendly with other dogs. But he was reactive and ocmpletely out of control on walks. Here, you can see him orient to me automatically when he sees and hears another dog. This is what good dog training can do!

 

Oh, and all of this was done without force, pain, intimidation, or fear.

 

 

Cara Shannon, Austin Dog Trainer

Dog training should be fun!

Always keep in mind that you and your dog should be having fun in training - in fact, you'll make more progress that way! This morning, Rev and I practiced his on your bed cue. That is a cue to go lay on a bed and stay there. But, instead of being boring and stationary, we mixed in racing to the bed to see who could get there first, getting to chase after me, playing tug, and flaying fetch with a bouncy ball. It was a blast ..... as it should be:)

 

Cara Shannon, Austin Dog Trainer

Build your puppy's confidence

When raising your puppy, don't just focus on obedience! Be sure to include exercises that will build your puppy's confidence. Here, one of our Austin puppy class students lures his puppy onto a safe, stable surface and teaches her to walk around it. You can do this on a rock wall or a board laid across bricks.

 

 

 

Cara Shannon, Buddy's Chance Dog Training

Great resource for dog owners

I try to give the puppy owners that come to our Austin puppy training classes as many resources as possible to help them raise their puppies as successfully as possible. One excellent resource I have started sending all of my puppy owners to is www.dogstardaily.com - if you're looking for great information to help you raise your dog or puppy, check it out!

Cara, Austin Dog Training and Dog Daycare

The expansion to our training and boarding facility is almost complete!

We've been working hard over the last few weeks to complete the expansion of our Austin Dog Training and Dog Daycare/Boarding facility. The new kennel room, designed to help the dogs have a more relaxing stay, is now complete and the dogs moved into it today. The new Austin dog daycare playroom is almost painted, the floors are complete, and we're busy assembling the small play areas that will line the large play area in the middle. This new set up will let us break off small play groups tailored to each dog's needs and play style on a particular day, keeping play groups personalized and small.

A few more days and he change over to the new play area will be complete. We can't wait to show the new space off to all of our clients and their four-legged friends!

Cara, Austin Dog Trainer.

When do I need to check with a vet?

There are several behavior problems that may be connected to medical or physical causes. How do you know when to call your veterinarian for behavior issues? Here is a list of times when you absolutely want to consult with your veterinarian. You should also ask your dog trainer or behavior consultant if they see any red flags that they think indicate a trip to your veterinarian is in order.

• Any sudden changes in behavior should prompt a call to your vet. For example, if you have a dog that was previously housetrained but suddenly begins to have accidents in the house or urinate on an odd place (like your bed), make tha call!
• If your dog has issues with being handled physically, it may just be a matter of never having taught your dog that human hands are a good thing. It may; however, also be a sign that your dog has a physical issue that needs to be addressed. For example, if your dog is sensitive about being touched, they may have some pain that is either causing or exacerbating the problem. It's worth asking your veterinarian for their opinion the next time you're in.
• If you're working on an anxiety issue, you may want to ask your veterinarian if they think supplements, herbal treatments, or medication should be considered. Don't try any herbal or other supplements or medications without checking with your veterinarian! Even over the counter supplements or treatments can interact with any other medications your dog may be on and can have an effect on your dog's body and health. Always consult your veterinarian before use!
• If you have worked with a professional dog trainer or behavior consultant to tackle a behavior problem and, despite following the training protocol and making adjustments to troubleshoot the training protocol, you do not see effects, you may want to ask your veterinarian if there could be a medical problem contributing to the problem.  

Cara Shannon, Austin Dog Trainer