Training your dog can take its toll on both you and the pup.  But you have to remember why you are partaking in dog training, which is to bond with your dog and have fun.  If you keep this in mind when going into training sessions, it will keep the experience enjoyable for all parties involved.  Here are some dog training tips to remember during your Florida dog training lessons.

Provide Positive Reinforcement

If I have said one thing throughout this entire dog training blog, it is to implement training with positive reinforcement.  Dogs react well to positive rewards.  They think, “Wow.  If I roll over, I get a tasty treat.”  Thus, the dog will keep rolling over on command.   It is affirmation that the dog’s behavior is desired.  It is what works with canines.

Make it Fun

When you are training with your dog, make it a fun experience for the two of you.  Engage in lots of praise and playtime in-between training techniques.  If you do then it causes your dog to reflect on the situation by thinking if I endure these lessons, I get playtime.  Therefore, your dog will not be resistant to training, but rather looking forward to it for there is playtime when the training is completed.

These Florida dog training tips are the basics of how to engage in effective and successful dog training lessons.  To find out more about how to manage your puppy’s training sessions, enroll in a puppy kindergarten class today.

Dogs love to socialize with other dogs.  They need that time together to engage in play.  It teaches them natural behavior skills humans are incapable of passing along.  But how do you manage playtime between dogs?  Here are three simple steps to remember when dogs are interacting with one another.

Supervise Off-Leash Play

You want your dog to play “chase” with other dogs.  It will expend mental and physical attributes needed for your dog to live a happy life.  However, you do not want go to the dog park, leave your dog in an unseen area and walk away.  You need to sit in an area where the dog realizes you are present and not hovering over your dog.  You should never leave dogs alone in an open area without observing what is occurring.  The reason being is what if one dog turns aggressive?  Your dog needs to comprehend him/she is safe due to you being in the same proximity.

Watch Body Language

This is something we have described in prior blogs, but it is important to remember throughout owning your dog.  You need to pay attention to your dog’s body language.  Does your dog tense and growl around certain dogs?  Dogs will do certain movements while playing.  It is not unusual for them to growl.  Nonetheless, if your dog is in a tense state while facing off another dog and it is not friendly, then you need to call to your dog and distract before it escalates into something negative.

If you are unsure how to handle dog playtime, talk to a Florida dog training professional today.  K9 obedience instructor will provide advice on what to do next.

Some dogs love to be social while others not so much.  You have to be sure your dog wants a playmate before finding one.  Some older dogs just do not wish to socialize with canines anymore.  They prefer the company of humans.  Also, if you have an older dog that did not socialize much while young, then it may not be a good idea.  The best indicator of what your dog needs can be spotted through your dog’s reaction to others while on walks.  Does your dog get excited when seeing other canines?  Does your dog wish to play with others passing by?  If your dog reacts positively while around other dogs, then it may be time to find your dog a buddy.

Where to Look for a Dog Playmate

The first place to look is at dog training classes and dog parks.  Frequent these locations and see how your dog interacts with others.  Does your dog enjoy being around other canines?  Does your pup sniff and play?  What is your dog’s body language say about the encounter?  Is your dog tense or relaxed?  If your dog is relaxed, running around in a good mood with certain dogs then talk to the owners of these dogs.  You will be able to tell which dogs your pup appeals to the most by the type of interaction occurring.   And pay attention if there are specific dogs your pup stays away from completely.  Do not attempt to put these two as a match.  Your dog is trying to tell you that he/she does not like this particular dog.

Dog playmates encourage socialization, communication, mental and physical growth.  Dogs play games with each other emphasizing the overall development of your dog.  Thus, locating a dog playmate is a good idea if your dog’s personality excels while being around other canines.

If you are having trouble finding a playmate for your dog talk to a Florida dog training professional today.  He/she will be able to guide you on how to manage this process ensuring there are positive outcomes from the experience.

What if you just adopted a new dog and the dog’s name was that of your ex-business partner who swindled you out of thousands of dollars?  You do not want a reminder of the scoundrel every time you call your loving puppy.  Alternatively, what if the dog’s original name was the same as your ex-wife, but the current wife would not find that too amusing.  Thus, change your dog’s name to something more suitable and appealing for the entire family.  Talk to a Florida dog training professional about name training, but in the meantime, here is an outline on how to start implementing the name change through positive reinforcement.

Name Training is Easy

Name training your dog is not that difficult.  All you need are treats, patience, and a positive attitude.  Start by holding out a treat in your hand while stating your dog’s new name.  Once your dog responds by looking at you, hand the dog the treat immediately.  Provide an abundance of praise.  Now, repeat this technique again.   It is essential to the training not to call the dog’s name for anything other than positive praise.

For instance, if your dog is in trouble do not call the dog by name to implement punishment.  It will only confuse your pup later on.  For the dog remembers the name was associated with punishment.  Therefore, the dog will not come when called to.  Hence, keep the name usage to positive moments and commands.

For more information about how to rename a dog in a positive manner, talk to puppy kindergarten instructor today.

Some dog owners like to use voice commands while others may utilize hand signals.  But what exactly are hand signals?  How do hand signals work when training a dog? Here are the basic aspects of training with hand signals providing you with a better idea of how it works.

Hand Signal Training is Effective

Hand signals are a way to communicate with your dog without saying a word.  It provides your pup with a visual that correlates to a specific command.  For instance, if you are training your dog to “stay” then you need to signal this in comprehensive manner.  One way is to place your hand out away from your body with your palm facing the dog motioning stop with an open hand.   After practicing this motion your dog will understand this means “stay.”  Just be careful not to place your hand in a different manner while trying to convey the same command.  Dogs will become confused and not understand that it is supposed to mean the same thing.  Thus, once you choose a specific hand signal for a command, do not change it.

If there are other people in the household, be sure to teach them how to implement this task too.  You want everyone in the house to be consistent.  It helps the dog feel at ease.  It keeps your dog calm and relaxed when everyone is executing the exact method of training.  Furthermore, if you have someone who dog sits for you, teach him/her how to accomplish the command in an identical fashion.

Dogs understand hand signals.  You just need to spend time with your dog ensuring your pup comprehends the training.  If you have any questions talk to a Florida dog training professional or a k9 obedience instructor today.