An Inside Look at Types of Dog TrainingThroughout 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! By Mark S.|2022-08-12T23:07:51-04:00December 8th, 2010|Dog Care Tips, Dog Training Classes, Obedience Classes|Comments Off on An Inside Look at Types of Dog TrainingRead More
How to Train a Therapy DogWalking 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! By Mark S.|2022-08-12T23:08:08-04:00December 6th, 2010|Dog Care Tips, Dog Training Classes, Obedience Classes|Comments Off on How to Train a Therapy DogRead More
How to Prep Your Dog for Holiday PartiesIt 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! By Mark S.|2022-08-12T23:08:21-04:00December 3rd, 2010|Dog Care Tips, Dog Training Classes, Obedience Classes|Comments Off on How to Prep Your Dog for Holiday PartiesRead More
How to Find Your Dog Holiday BoardingHoliday music chiming through the radio and retail stores reminds me; it is time to book my travel accommodations to visit friends and family. However, it also means I need to book proper boarding for my dogs. But where should they stay? How do I identify a reputable pet resort from the poorly managed ones? Many loving dog owners across the world come across the same dilemma. You think about where to leave your precious pet, and with whom. It is an agonizing decision. I am leaving my added family member behind and want to be certain my dogs are left in good hands. Here is an overview of what to look for ensuring you find a reputable pet resort. Tour the Facility Call the potential pet hotel and ask to see the facilities. Successful resorts would answer with, “You are welcome to come anytime. Our doors are always open.” Alternatively, there may offer to provide you with a tour. If the location says no to tours and visitors or requires by appointment only then proceed with caution. It may be a warning sign that something is not up to par. Ask Questions What type of action is set if a medical emergency occurs? How many restroom breaks is provided? What is the temperature set at and how is it controlled? How large is the room? Will your pet be sharing space with another? All of these questions are valid that deserve solid answers. Make your list prior to visiting the potential pet boarding locale ensuring you do not forget to enquire about essentials and necessities. To find a reputable pet boarding facility or pet resort, talk to a Florida dog training professional or a k9 obedience instructor today. He/she will guide you by providing a list of recommended facilities in the area. By Mark S.|2022-08-12T23:08:52-04:00December 1st, 2010|Dog Boarding, Dog Care Tips|Comments Off on How to Find Your Dog Holiday BoardingRead More
Prep Your Dog for Your New Baby’s ArrivalBecoming new parents is a joyous time for the entire family. Loved ones gather, celebrate and shower your home with love and happiness. But how does the dynamic differ when there is a dog involved? It can be a tricky situation. You want to make sure your dog does not become aggressive or jealous over your precious newborn. Here are two Florida dog training tips on how to create a smooth transition from bringing the baby home, and having your dog react in a positive manner. Bring Home a Baby Blanket Dogs use their sense of smell to acclimate themselves with the area, and the people around. Use this to your advantage. Wrap your baby up in a baby blanket. Then bring home the blanket to your dog. Allow your dog to sniff the blanket and familiarize with the baby scent. This way when your baby comes home, your dog is already accustomed to the baby smell. It alleviates anxiety a dog may feel by having a new being present. It makes the dog feel like the baby already belongs, since the scent has existed in the home for a few days prior. Place a Baby Gate If your dog is properly trained, then placing a baby gate at the nursery door would instinctively deter your dog from entering the room. It does not matter if your dog and baby get along fine. It prevents unsupervised interaction from occurring. For more tips on how to introduce your dog to your new baby, enroll in a k9 obedience class today! By Mark S.|2022-08-12T23:09:35-04:00November 29th, 2010|Dog Care Tips|Comments Off on Prep Your Dog for Your New Baby’s ArrivalRead More