Blog2022-08-11T19:27:15-04:00

How to Teach Your Dog to Sit

Teach a Dog to Sit and Life Becomes Peaceful

Teaching a dog to sit may be utilized for various scenarios.  For instance, when people come to the house your dog may greet other people while sitting.  It provides a calm state for your dog whenever company arrives.  Your pup no longer jumps on company but rather greets your guest in a mild manner.  This behavior enhances your loving home decreasing any stress that may arise from a pup’s behavior.

Teach Your Dog the “Sit” Command

The steps to teaching a dog to sit are not complicated.  It solely takes repetition and positive reinforcement ensuring your pup understands the verbal command.   The way you begin is to stand up, say, “Sit,” and place a treat within one inch of your dog’s nose.  The treat has to be placed near the nose or else your dog may jump to reach the treat.

Next, move the treat toward the top of the head, arching it up over the nose.  This allows the dog to back up and raise the snout.  Once the snout is raised up in the air, the behind sits down.  It is natural behavior in dogs to display such a reaction.  As a result, you now have a seated dog.

Once your dog sits say, “Yes,” in a delighted tone, give your pup the treat, and provide lots of loving praise.

Talk to a Florida dog training professional today to find out the further steps regarding how to teach your dog to sit in such an affirmative manner.  A professional dog trainer will be able to guide you through the process ensuring you are implementing the instruction properly and in a loving, accepting technique strengthening the bond between you and your pup.

By |March 24th, 2010|Dog Care Tips, Dog Training Classes, Obedience Classes|Comments Off on How to Teach Your Dog to Sit

How to Choose a Puppy from a Shelter

Rescue a Puppy, Adopt

Puppies left in shelters have been abandoned, left behind, and sometimes abused by prior owners.  Maybe the puppy was a victim of a puppy mill or left to fend for him/her self on the street.  Thus, why not adopt the puppy into your loving, healthy, happy home ensuring a wonderful experience for you and your family?  Adopting a puppy is a mutually beneficial experience.  You just need to be sure to pick the right puppy.

Think about Dog Size

Puppies are adorable.  There is no question about it.  But you need to think about what type of adult dog are you looking for and able to accommodate into your lovely home.  Are you looking for a jogging companion or a family friendly dog?  This may be tricky if the breed of the dog is unknown. However, look at the puppy’s paws.  The size of the paws tells how big the pup will grow up to be.  Ask the shelter volunteers if they know the breed.  Find out if the pup is friendly around kids and other adults.  Do you already have pets in the home?  Discover if the pup is friendly with other animals in the shelter.  All of these questions will help guide you into finding the right dog for you.

Evaluate Puppy Personality

Take the pup outside of the kennel into a space allowed to visit with the pup at the shelter.  Try different tests to find out the pup’s personality.  For instance, pick up the puppy in your arms, cradle the pup in same manner as you hold a baby and see if the pup relaxes.  Is the pup struggling to jump out of your arms?  If so, then the pup may need additional training, which is simple when working with a Florida dog training professional.  If the dog relaxes in your arms, then the pup is familiar with being held and may be a quick study when it comes to puppy preschool classes.

Talk to a k9 obedience training professional before adopting.  He/she will be able to guide you in the right direction.

By |March 22nd, 2010|Dog Care Tips, Dog Training Classes, Obedience Classes|Comments Off on How to Choose a Puppy from a Shelter

Teach Command: "In" and "Out" of the Tub

Teach Your Dog the Commands “In” and “Out”

When it is time to bathe your dog, whether it is with a groomer or yourself, it helps to teach your pup how to get in and out of the tub.  It will save you time and energy in the end.  This is an outline of an effective, positive reinforcement method.

Use Treats and a Plain Box

First, prepare dog treats ahead of time.  Cut tiny pieces of chicken, cheese or a hot dog to use as incentive. Then find an empty cardboard box. The size should be big enough so a dog may be able to get inside and out comfortably.  Next, show your dog the treat.  Say, “Get in,” and toss the treat into the box.  Wait until your dog follows the treat.  Once your pup does, show adoration and say, “good.”  This allows the dog to associate these words with the physical actions.  It makes the idea of getting into the box as something delightful.  Later these same emotions will transfer to getting into a tub eliminating any fear.

Provide Positive Encouragement

The next part is teaching your dog to get out of the box.  This sometimes takes longer for the pup to comprehend.  But do not fret.

The way to start is by clapping your hands, stepping away from the box, and saying the command, “Get out.”  Do not be aggressive in your tone.  Still keep the mood light.  Your dog should follow.  Once your dog gets out do not offer treat.  Instead, show plenty of praise.  The reason being it emphasizes the fact that getting into the tub is the fun part.

For more information on how to teach your pup these commands consult with a Florida dog training professional or enroll in puppy kindergarten today!

By |March 19th, 2010|Dog Care Tips, Dog Training Classes, Obedience Classes|Comments Off on Teach Command: "In" and "Out" of the Tub

How to Cope with the Loss of Your Dog

Your Dog is Family

When illness or an incurable disease strikes a family member, it becomes a heart-wrenching situation.  It is nearly impossible to bear and the best way to get through it is by strength and support of your loved ones.  If your dog is handed the same tragic fate, then the way to heal is through the exact steps as with humans.  You need lots of love and support from those around you.  It is tough.  It takes everything out of you to get through the process, but, unfortunately, there is no easy fix to overcoming such a loss.  Experts do agree on a few steps easing you through the grieving process in a healthy manner.

Plan Ahead

This sounds horrible, but the more prepared you are for the loss of your pet, the further time you will have to grieve.  It is overwhelming to have your pup become suddenly ill and there is no plan in place.  As a responsible, loving owner, you should discuss and agree upon required action.  By doing so, you will not feel the burden of everything happening at once.  It permits focus on the loss rather than internal confusion on what needs to be handled next.

Use Available Resources

There are many books dealing with the loss of dogs.  There are experts able to guide you through the grieving process.  The Internet offers many coping techniques.  Utilize these tools around you.  Talk to your friends or family members who have lost pets.   Find out what worked for them.  Reach out to healthy outlets enabling you to be strong and come out okay at the end of this process.

Grieving the loss of your dog is different for each person.  But there are universal emotions we feel when going through losing a loved one.  Humans experience denial, anger, sadness, and acceptance.  It is normal.  But do not think you have to do it alone.  Talk to your Florida dog training experts.  Ask what word of advice they are able to provide.  Do not be afraid to lean on them.  Most likely, they have helped others, if not themselves, through identical circumstances.

By |March 15th, 2010|Dog Care Tips|Comments Off on How to Cope with the Loss of Your Dog

How to Choose a Dog Groomer

Time to Bathe Your Dog: Find a Professional Groomer

Finding the time to bathe and groom your own dog is a chore in itself.  Of course, you enjoy bonding with your dog through various experiences, but if you do not have the space or equipment to bathe your dog properly, it becomes a difficult task to accomplish.  To resolve this issue, seek out a professional groomer in your area.  But before choosing a person to hand over your precious pup, go through a mental checklist ensuring the groomer is a reputable, caring, and successful groomer.

Visit the Facility or Dog Spa

A professional groomer should not have qualms towards offering a tour of the facility or allow you to watch a grooming session.  There is no reason for any secrecy.  Thus, visit the facility.  Check for cleanliness.  Examine if the staff handles the dogs with care.  Make sure the staff is gentle with each dog.  Verify the holding location of where dogs wait before and after the session.  The area should be safe and dog friendly.

Groomers Ask Questions

A professional groomer needs to ask specific questions prior to the appointment.   If not, then be leery and search for another grooming facility.  Standard questions groomers ask include inquiring about vaccination records, allergies, likes and dislikes regarding bath time and emergency contact information.  This is a minimal list of what groomers ask of new clients.

Finding the right dog groomer is a daunting task.   You do not want to pick the wrong person.  Thus, ask your professional Florida dog training facility today.  The expert staff will be able to guide you in the correct direction alleviating some of the stress to finding the perfect groomer for your pup.

By |March 12th, 2010|Dog Care Tips|Comments Off on How to Choose a Dog Groomer