Dog Training Programs (cont) Group Classes

Another popular dog training program is the group class. Group class quality varies from trainer to trainer and class dynamics also plays a part in how well the dogs in the class end up trained. Typically class size varies from 5-25 students depending on the trainer. I personally prefer to limit my students to about 8 students to 1 trainer. This allows for

Dog training programs…pros and cons (part 1, in kennel training)

There are many different dog training programs available to the public. And almost as many ideas on what program is best for dogs as there are trainers. In this series of posts we’ll discuss the pros and cons of the various types of programs available, particularly group classes, private in home sessions, in kennel/board and train and some variations of these.

To treat? or not to treat? the use of food during dog training!

This can be a controversial topic among dog trainers. Some trainers argue that the use of food treats constitutes an attempt to “bribe” the dog to do what you want, other trainers contend that it is a perfectly acceptable motivator. As with any other training “tool”, I truly believe that it is as the saying goes “the fool not the tool”. Meaning, that it is not the use of food, or the lack of treats in a training program that trains a dog. It is the trainer/handler.

Animal Naturals Go Dog reviewed

My dogs work hard, sometimes in the sun. They were bred to be athletes, and I provide them the chance to use their body and brain on a regular basis. In the heat of summer, this can sometimes be a concern. One thing that I have used (in addition to common sense about working my dogs out) is Animal Naturals Go Dog supplement.

Finding the right Dog trainer – by Lynne Gifford

So you’ve decided to take my advice on many posts in this blog and want to hire a dog trainer. But where do you start? What should you look for in a trainer? 

Some of the decision making can be narrowed by deciding exactly what you want. Are you looking for someone who can teach you to compete with your dog in one of the dog sports? Just need some minor problem solving for a puppy? Want a better bond with your dog and some obedience control? Need a service dog? Or do you have a biting/aggressive

Is Schutzhund ONLY for German Shepherds?

While Schutzhund itself was originally developed to test breed suitability for the German Shepherd Dog, it has since evolved into a popular dog sport, that allows any dog that can perform the work, to be able to compete.

dog pulling on leash, how do I teach loose leash walking?

A dog that pulls on the leash when walking can create alot of problems. If the dog is very large and/or the handler is unsteady on their feet, it can even become a major safety hazard. It also may make it harder and harder to walk the dog, which means the dog gets less exercise, and the problem is perpetuated.

Can an aggressive dog be “fixed”?

The answer to this question varies by the individual case at hand. There are a number of variables involved when working with a dog who is showing aggressive tendencies. Almost any trainer worth their weight in gold would not guarantee that a dog is fixed of aggressive tendencies, you are after all dealing with a living being. But aggressive tendencies can be lessened to tolerable levels, or even rehabilitated in many instances.

Dog has Separation Anxiety, what can I do?

Separation anxiety can be an extremely frustrating problem to deal with. Coming home to find an extremely anxious dog who has just destroyed property, or practiced self mutilation, is NOT fun.

does schutzhund protection training make a vicious dog?

will the protection training portion of schutzhund make my dog vicious? Well, technically, that depends. If your dog was already vicious BEFORE the training, it probably will remain that way, though it may provide you with more control of the dogs mouth.(technically a truly vicious or fearful dog should not be trained for it). It also depends