Dynamite Dog Training Services

Archived Tips

Nov 2009: I have written before in this space about the importance of doing your homework on any prospective puppy or dog acquisition - in particular, the source of where the dog is coming from. A recent in-home visit I had with a client has pushed this topic to the forefront again. In this particular case, the dog is a female approximately 18 months in age and it was obvious that she had recently had a litter of puppies. Sadly, there were some signs of physical abuse along with some fear and anxiety issues. The family that has adopted this dog are terrific people with the most wonderful intentions and I believe there will be a happy ending for the dog in this story. The bad news, however, is that this cycle will likely be repeated.

Please do your part to ensure that you are not contributing to the success or profit of puppy mills and other irresponsible breeders. Be wary of ads in the paper and on-line, ask plenty of questions, insist on visiting the kennel or home (preferably before the litter is born) and insist on seeing both the male and female parents of the litter. If it is an adult dog that you are adopting and it is not from a rescue organization or the SPCA, be suspicious if the person is selling the dog and if they are unwilling to have you come to their home.

If you really do want to make a difference, contact your local shelter or SPCA to adopt or foster a dog in need and hopefully we can see to it that puppy mill "businesses" are not viable.

Oct 2009: Are you having trouble getting any "mileage" out of your training sessions" Is your dog looking to pack it in before you? If this is the case, then you may be working your dog to the point of satiation. This can occur whether you are using food, toys, play or affection as a reward, and sometimes it can happen fairly soon after you've begun.

To avoid this major stumbling block there are a few key points to consider. Schedule your training wisely and tap into what is going to motivate your dog at that point in time. If you are using food as a reward, train before meals when your dog is hungry. If your dog is play motivated at certain times of the day, use play and toys as a reinforcement for those sessions. Utilizing two or three different treats and combining some play and toys into the mix as well can be a very effective strategy. Always try to end your training session before your dog reaches that satiation point so that the dog is more likely to be keen for the next session.

Maintaining some fun in the training process itself will also go a long way in keeping your dog interested.

Sep 2009: The "dominance" issue gets a lot of press these days. Questions such as "Is my dog dominant if he goes out the door first?" or "Is my dog dominant if she walks in front of me?" are common-place. Let's look at these two specific scenarios.

Neither of these two behaviours automatically suggest that the dog is "dominant". The dog may have dominant tendencies, but we would need to look at a much bigger picture to accurately assess the situation.

What's more important than whether your dog actually steps through the doorway before you is whether there are any rules and boundaries in place. Rather than attempting to physically restrain your dog so that you can step through first, implement a rule such that your dog must wait for instruction from you before he goes out the door - whether that happens before or after you is not relevant.

Similarly with walking on lead, focus on some rules that are more practical. My own policy is that my dog must walk on the lead with no pulling, lunging or jumping. Other than that, whether he is in front, beside or behind me is not important.

Aug 2009: Developing a dependable, rock solid stay with your dog is a very valuable attribute. There are so many situations where the stay can be used that it is really worthwhile spending the time to teach this skill.

When working on stays, remember the "3 D's"... duration, distance and distractions. Changing any of these three components, changes the degree of difficulty for your dog. Focus on just one at a time. I recommend beginning with duration... from close proximity practice some short stays and increase the time gradually as your dog succeeds. Set a goal in terms of the length of time and work towards it while keeping the other "D's" constant. Don't forget to work in different locations being mindful not to introduce distractions before your dog is ready.

One last point, when reinforcing a successful stay, you should go in to your dog to deliver the reward as opposed to calling your dog to you because you want to be sure that you are rewarding the actual stay rather than the "come".

For more on the stay and other obedience skills, check out our training classes.

July 2009: I recently had an in-home training session with a family who was having some issues with their dog being rather "mouthy". There had been no punctures, but the dog was applying enough force to cause bruising. After spending a short time gathering some background information, I had the family demonstrate their handling of the dog and it soon became evident why the behaviour had developed.

The family was using force to get the dog to comply to instructions such as sit, down and heel. What is most alarming, however, is that this was the method that was taught to them by a trainer!

As diplomatically as possible, I explained to the family that by using force on their dog, they were resorting to intimidation and fear and that was no way to develop trust and respect. Furthermore, they were teaching the dog that using force to get what you want is an acceptable means to an end.

I demonstrated some very simple training techniques using positive reinforcement along with effective (yet still fair and humane) methods for dealing with any unwanted behaviour. Happily, they are well on track to eliminating the behaviour at the same time as improving the quality of life for everyone in the home.

Before you resort to using force with your dog, please contact us to discover a superior way.

June 2009: Do you offer the same reward for a sit as you do for a recall? Or how about the same treat at home as you do at the park? If the answer is yes then you are not providing your dog with the ideal incentive to perform the more difficult tasks. In, essence, your dog would be receiving the same "pay cheque" for different levels of work. That would be like paying a contractor the same amount for building an entire house as you would for building a deck.

So, break down all the different tasks that you expect of your dog and determine which ones are the most challenging. Then give your dog a "pay raise" for those jobs and see if there is a change in his rate of response. I am willing to bet that there will be some improvement. As part of a comprehensive training plan, this is a simple, yet effective strategy for improving a dog's level of obedience.

To learn more, please contact us at Dynamite Dog.

May 2009: How's your timing? Timing is probably the biggest difference between a skilled trainer and a novice trainer. A skilled trainer will have great timing for reinforcing the desired behaviours and for marking the wrong choices being made by the dog.

If your timing is off, you may be inadvertently rewarding the wrong thing. A few seconds late can be the difference in reinforcing a sit or some unwanted behaviour like pawing or jumping.

In order for the dog to have the best chance at associating a reward with a particular behaviour, the reward should be provided immediately. As a dog's ability improves, however, there are situations where it is advantageous to delay the delivery of the reward, but the trainer must still ensure that the right behaviours are being marked.

Apr 2009: As the warmer Spring weather begins to take hold, many dogs and their humans look to get back out to the parks, beaches and trails. Some dogs may be a little rusty in terms of their social skills and their obedience in these settings, so a little practice might be in order.

Dogs learn pretty much exactly how you teach them, so if you taught your dog to recall on cue in your back yard, that's great, but that doesn't always translate into a reliable recall at the park. Dogs do not have a very good ability to generalize information from one context and apply that in another context. The differences in context would be things like the physical setting, smells, distractions and even time of day (i.e. outside the normal training session).

So, as part of your regular training routines, include some sessions in the places where you expect your dog to respond. For more help in this area or any other training and behaviour issues, please contact us.

Mar 2009: Last month we talked about the use of food in the training process and how useful it can be to reward and motivate. Many people find themselves in a situation though where the dog will only perform when he sees the treat ahead of time. This happens because the dog has learned that when the treat is presented in advance, the likelihood of receiving the treat is high. Conversely, when there is no treat in sight up front, the dog has learned that the likelihood of reinforcement is low.

In order to break this cycle, you must change the bias that the dog has developed. Teach the dog that the likelihood of reinforcement is greater when there is no food offered or presented in advance. How do you do that? Make sure that the level and frequency of reinforcement for good responses is greater when you do not show the dog the treat ahead of time.

For more details on this or any training topic, contact us at Dynamite Dog.

Feb 2009: The use of food in the training process has been the topic of much debate over the years. Somehow, the idea evolved that when treats are used to reinforce and capture the behaviours that we want, it diminishes the end product. Those that hold this belief, tend to have the notion that dogs should obey because of some deep rooted desire to please. This is not only false, but it is counter productive. Any desire to please us is probably more of a factor of dogs learning that when we are happy, good things tend to happen for them.

Rather than fretting about whether food should be used at all, focus more on how it is used. If done correctly, you can maximize your dog's motivation and learning abilities. Of course, food is just one component (albeit a very powerful one) in the reward system and good trainers will tap into other sources as well.

Talk to us to learn more about how to implement an effective reward system for your dog so that you can get the most out of your training time.

June 2008: How does your dog act during a car ride? Relaxed, nervous, stressed, over-excited, territorial?

If you have a young puppy, now is the time to begin some serious socializing to the car. Develop a positive association with the vehicle using treats, play and affection inside the car while it is parked. Once you have solidified in your pup's mind that the car is a good place, start doing short trips that end with some play time.

For older dogs that get stressed in the car, the same principle applies, but of course you may have a tougher challenge to change the dog's attitude. For dogs that get too excited or territorial, some training is required to let the dog know what is acceptable behaviour and what is not. While one person drives, another person can focus on the dog, correcting the unwanted behaviour and rewarding the desired behaviour.

One other important element is the entry and exit from the vehicle. Your dog should be calm, controlled and awaiting your instruction before getting in or getting out.

Happy Trails!

May 2008: This month's topic is digging. Digging is one of those activities that is a perfectly natural thing for a dog to do, but is often considered inappropriate to humans.

If your dog is a digger, the first thing is to understand why he is digging. The most common answers to that question are:

Boredom
Lack of exercise
stress and anxiety
Genetics
Scent of something underground
Sheer enjoyment

The solution to controlling or limiting any inappropriate digging depends on which category (or categories) your dog falls into. In general, though, ensure your dog is well exercised and has something to occupy him when being left alone in the yard. Be mindful of any digging and gardening you do in your dog's presence because your dog may copy your actions. If possible, create a "digging zone" for your dog where you can bury some treats, bones or toys. Finally, do not attempt to scold or punish your dog for digging that was done in your absence - it is completely ineffective.

Apr 2008: Nutrition is a key component to the overall health and well being of our dogs. What we feed them impacts their energy level, skin, coat, digestive system and more. When I was growing up, there were not nearly as many choices and quite honestly, we didn't give it much thought - dog food was dog food.

Today, the choices are numerous and it can be quite overwhelming. Dry kibble, canned food, organic, zero grains, raw diets and a wide range of prices to name just a few. Although I do not profess to be an expert in this field, I do know enough to encourage people to get informed. Read the ingredient label (usually listed in order of predominance by weight), do some research and speak to some knowledgeable sources. Your vet is a logical place to start, but don't simply take what they say as gospel. Find a good pet supply store where the staff are willing and able to offer some objective advice. Don't get fooled by advertising, fancy packaging or names because they have medical or nutritional connotations. And finally, ensure that the quantity and schedule of meals is appropriate for your dog.

Mar 2008: In the realm of canine behaviour and obedience, the "one size fits all" mantra just doesn't cut it. Although there are definitely general rules and guidelines that apply, each and every dog / owner presents a unique set of circumstances and challenges.

Of course, this also holds true for equipment. In terms of collars, I have been asked numerous times recently to advise clients on the validity of using chokers or pinch collars. To say that any use of such collars is inhumane or cruel (as some trainers do indeed claim), is an unfair statement. In some situations these collars may aid in handling and may even in the long run be the more humane choice. Let me be clear though; I am not making a blanket statement that these collars are the way to go for everyone! Ultimately, the effectiveness of the collar or any other equipment comes down to how it is used. A new hammer does not make me a better carpenter!

The bottom line is this: if you are not sure about the equipment that you are using or if you are curious about whether something different could help you, please seek the help of a professional.

Jan 2008: HAPPY NEW YEAR! If your new year includes any resolutions for you and your furry friend and you are considering getting some professional help, here are some tips on finding the right person for you and your dog.

Although cost is always a consideration in any product or service you are shopping for, in the case of a trainer or behaviourist, it should not be the priority. What will matter more in the long run is that you receive value for your dollar.

Experience and an ability to communicate well would be high on my list. The instructor needs the experience of handling hundreds or thousands of dogs plus s/he should be able to communicate clearly to both dog and handler. Your first clue as to the communication aspect will come from your initial telephone conversation. Verifying one's experience can be a little more challenging, but again, a good starting point will be that first chat on the phone. If you would like to go a step further, ask to sit in on a class to get a feel for the instructor's confidence and comfort level.

Finally, does the individual's training methods and philosophy mesh with yours? You should feel comfortable with the training and believe in it so that you are more likely to stick with it and follow through with it.

Nov 2007: As the weather turns colder and wetter, and the amount of daylight hours diminish, many dogs pay the price of reduced activity, exercise and fun. Keep in mind that these circumstances can quite often lead to behavioural problems as dogs look for other outlets for their energy.

If you find yourself not getting out with your dog as much at this time of year, there are some options that you can consider to ensure our dog stays healthy, happy and active.

Doggy daycares can provide a great environment for dogs to play, socialize and generally tire each other out while dog sports like agility, flyball and rally obedience offer action-packed activities that are challenging and fun for both dog and owner.

For those days when your dog will be left at home for extended periods of time, be sure that he has something to occupy him. Since your dog won't be doing the crossword or sudoko puzzle, something else that stimulates his mind is highly recommended. A hollow chew toy stuffed with some goodies in such a way as to make it challenging (but not impossible) to extract can prove to keep a dog busy for quite some time.

Oct 2007: Do you repeat commands or instructions to your dog? If you find yourself more often than not having to repeat commands before your dog will comply, then you may be contributing to your dog's "stubbornness". By not following through with your instruction the first time, you are reinforcing the pattern of your dog ignoring the first or second attempt.

Furthermore, if you let frustration or anger creep into your voice and body language, then you also run the risk of eroding the trust and respect that you have developed with your dog.

As a general rule of thumb (there are exceptions of course), you should give your instructions once and then follow through and assist your dog if needed.

By not repeating commands and by following some other fairly simple guidelines when communicating with your dog, you can achieve better, quicker and more reliable responses from your dog. Call Dynamite Dog for more details.

Sep 2007: Off leash dog parks can be a good resource in terms of giving your dog the opportunity to run, play and socialize, but be aware of the potential risks and dangers involved.

In many instances, dogs are turned loose in the park and the owners do not watch and supervise their behaviour. Just like a kid's playground, this can sometimes lead to bullying, possessiveness and fighting. Another common issue is dogs that are regular visitors to the park can develop territorial behaviour towards newcomers.

To ensure that the off leash time is enjoyed by all, it is important for all of us to be responsible owners and supervise our dogs. Any unruly behaviour should be disciplined before it escalates into more serious conflict. Get familiar with canine body language so that you can anticipate and be proactive instead of reactive. If in doubt, seek professional advice or help.

Aug 2007: If you are bringing a new baby into a home where there is a dog or dogs, there are a number of things you can do in order to help make the transition a smooth and safe one.

Start preparing your dog for the new arrival as early as possible (i.e. before the baby comes home). From a safe distance, get your dog exposed to babies and kids at playgrounds, water parks and school yards. Practice walking your dog while pushing the empty baby stroller. Begin setting appropriate boundaries, such as the baby's room being off-limits and baby toys are not chew toys.

If possible, introduce the baby's scent by bringing home a blanket ahead of time. Finally, when the baby does arrive home, allow your dog to "greet" the baby from a respectful distance. Praise and reward your dog every time he behaves in a calm and controlled manner around the baby.

Remember, never leave a dog and baby together unattended no matter how well socialized you believe your dog to be. For more tips or help on this matter, please contact us at Dynamite Dog.

July 2007: What constitutes aggression in a dog? This is really a loaded question that cannot be adequately answered in this space, however, we will attempt to shed some light on the topic.

There are three main types of aggression. Fear aggression is aggression triggered by fear, stress or anxiety over a situation or perceived threat. Common triggers can be other dogs, people, vet visits, etc. Territorial aggression is aggression usually triggered by people or other dogs encroaching on what the dog perceives as his territory, such as the yard, house or vehicle. Dominance aggression is aggression that arises when the dog feels that his status in the pack is being undermined by someone or something perceived to be lower ranking in the pack. An example would be a dog that growls or snaps at a family member who attempts to move the dog from the couch.

In addition to the aggressive behaviour listed above, there are other behaviours that quite often get interpreted or labeled as aggression. The approach to treating or rehabilitating an aggressive dog depends on many aspects including the type and severity of aggression, the environment, genetics, medical / health causes and ability of the owners / handlers. If you believe that your dog is exhibiting aggressive behaviour or if you are unsure, please contact us at Dynamite Dog for a consultation.

June 2007: Without a doubt, the most common response I get when I pose the question "What do you hope to get from this training class?" is "...to get my dog to come when called!" Of course it is never the only thing, but it is always at, or near, the top of the list. So how do you get that reliable recall? For starters you can try to avoid the following situations that only undermine your efforts:

Calling your dog only to end play or off-leash times.
Calling your dog for any perceived negative such as bath time, nail clipping, etc.
Scolding or disciplining your dog for a slow or poor response.
Letting frustration show through your voice and body language.
Attempting to teach "Come" only in challenging circumstances like off-leash parks.

If you manage to stay away from the above pitfalls and practice, practice, practice in settings where your dog can succeed, you will be well on your way to getting that consistent, reliable recall that we are all looking for.

For more help with recall and other obedience or behaviour issues, contact us at Dynamite Dog for a private consultation or group class.

May 2007: How can you avoid all the destructive chewing (shoes, furniture, etc.) that some dogs get into and instead, direct that chewing towards appropriate toys? Well, for starters, you must understand that good chewing habits must be taught and encouraged. Secondly, you must understand that chewing is a normal and necessary canine behaviour.

If you have a dog that is chewing excessively and/or destructively, the first step is to determine why the behaviour is occurring before we set out a solution for the problem. The two most common reasons for destructive chewing are: 1. boredom and 2. stress and anxiety. In both cases, the problem can be intensified if the dog is under-exercised. Once the root of the problem has been identified, we can then go about correcting the behaviour through exercise and the right balance of training and counter-conditioning.

For more specific help with a chewing problem please contact Dynamite Dog for an individual assessment.

Apr 2007: If you are thinking of getting a new puppy here are some very important things to consider before you make a final decision:

1. Research the breed carefully and be sure that the breed's characteristics match well with you and your lifestyle.

2. Seek out a responsible breeder avoiding puppy mills and other questionable sources. Find out if they will be doing anything to begin the socialization process before the puppies are adopted out. Ask to see both the parents of the litter so that you can see first hand their temperaments and inquire about any known genetic problems.

3. Try to visit the litter early on so that you have an opportunity to see the puppies interact. Ideally a good choice is one that is neither the most dominant nor the most timid. A puppy that is confident and outgoing will have a good chance of developing into a well-adjusted member of the family. Ask to take individual puppies out to the yard or into another room so that you can see how each one reacts to being removed from the litter.

Doing your homework beforehand can potentially save you from a lot of problems down the road. If you have any questions about where to start or how to proceed, please contact us and we will be happy to assist in any way we can.

Mar 2007: What type of leash and collar should I use with my dog? A common question that has a variety of answers depending on the size, breed, age and characteristics of the dog as well as the personal preference of the owner. The activities that you are engaged in with your dog may also play a role in determining what the best equipment is for you.

When it comes to collars, a proper fit is very important, not only for the comfort of your dog but also for performance. If your dog is still growing, be sure to check the fit frequently and graduate to a larger collar if and when it becomes necessary. Even if your dog is no longer growing, check the fit on a regular basis.

For leashes, the choices can be just as overwhelming. Take into consideration what your needs are today and down the road - if your 10 lb puppy is going to grow to be an 80 lb adult, you will obviously have to upgrade the leash at some point.

Whatever choices you make in terms of equipment, remember what's most important is not necessarily the tools but how you use them. For assistance with your particular situation, please contact us.

Feb 2007: Are you contributing to your dog's stress, anxiety and excitability? It is actually quite common for this to be the case, not intentionally of course.

Two areas where this happens a lot is in the home when you leave and return and out on walks with your dog on leash.

In the home, try to keep your arrivals and departures as low key as possible. When leaving the house, don't fuss over your dog and when you return, withhold greeting your dog until he has calmed down.

For walks on leash, it is important that you remain calm, collected and in control at all times. A tendency many people have is to worry about how their dog might respond to or act around other dogs or people. This creates tension which your dogs picks up on, causing an increase in your dog's anxiety level.

For more tips and instruction on these matters and others, contact Dynamite Dog.

Jan 2007: What goals do you have for you and your dog in terms of training? Whatever they are, two important things to keep in mind are; be realistic and be patient.

Being realistic means matching your end goal to the amount of work that you put in. So, if you expect "Best in Show" type performance from your dog, then be prepared to put in the appropriate amount of practice to get there. Simply taking an obedience course without practicing will not get the job done, just like taking a golf lesson does not mean I will eliminate all my bad shots... I have to practice, practice, practice!

Being patient means understanding that training is a work in progress. Learning a new discipline or changing a behaviour does not happen over night. So, even when your dog seemingly "gets it", continue to work with him and challenge him.

One last thing to remember is that you will get the best results if both you and your dog are enjoying the training, so keep it fun!

Nov 2006: One question many people ask is whether it is alright to let their dog up on the furniture and/or bed. My answer to that is always the same... that it is a matter of personal choice.

What's most important is that you are consistent with the rules and boundaries that you establish for your dog. If the behaviour is not allowed on Monday, then don't allow it on Tuesday. Dogs are also quite capable of differentiating between areas that are o.k. and those that are off limits. The important thing again is consistency.

One thing that should never be in question is whether your dog will give up their space or position at the request of a human. If your dog refuses to budge or becomes challenging (i.e. growls or snaps) in response to someone instructing them to move, then there is likely a leadership issue in the household that should be addressed as soon as possible.

Oct 2006: During a recent Obedience Class, someone asked whether teaching their dog tricks had any practical value or if it was just a waste of time. Teaching a dog tricks such as shake a paw, roll over, play dead, etc. has a great deal of value and I encourage dog owners to do so for a number of reasons.

First, any time you teach your dog something new, it challenges him mentally, and dogs need this "cerebral exercise" as much as they need physical exercise. Secondly, spending quality one on one time with your dog strengthens the bond you have with your dog and it is highly rewarding for both parties. Thirdly, teaching a dog tricks is fun for both dog and human and this fun outlook will carry over to other training making it easier to motivate your dog during more mundane activities such as heel.

So go ahead and teach your dog tricks. Use your imagination and get some ideas from books or the internet. Incorporate some trick training into your overall training regimen and have fun with it!

Sep 2006: Be sure your dog is receiving adequate amounts of exercise every day. I see countless behaviour problems that stem from insufficient exercise.

Unlike people who can perhaps go for a run or go to the gym 3 times per week, dogs, especially puppies and young adolescents, require exercise every day and preferably two to three times per day. dogs that don't receive regular exercise will have all this pent up energy that will need some sort of outlet. Quite often that energy will translate into increased stress and anxiety for your dog which can then result in unwanted or destructive behaviour such as chewing, digging, barking, etc.

What's the right amount of exercise for your dog? That depends on the breed and the dog's individual needs. Speak to your vet, trainer or some other knowledgeable source to find out what's right for your pooch. If finding the time to get your dog out every day is a challenge, consider a dog daycare and/or a dog walker.

With sufficient exercise, your dog will be healthier and happier and be better able to respond to your instructions and commands.

Aug 2006: I received a call recently from a family that was a little dismayed to see their puppy go from the "perfect little angel" to the "perfect little terror" in a matter of weeks. They wondered why this had happened and how they could get their puppy back on track.

It is common for puppies early in their life to be relatively agreeable and eager to please. As they grow, gaining experience, confidence and independence, they can become more challenging and obstinate. The best thing you can do in a situation like this is be prepared and stay the course. Remember, all dogs (especially puppies) need rules and boundaries, so maintain those rules and boundaries and be consistent. Don't be fooled into thinking that it is "just a phase" that your puppy will grow out of on his own. He will grow out of it, but only with your help and guidance.

Lastly, don't allow behaviour that might be "cute" for a puppy but will be problematic for an adult dog. All that being said, have fun with your puppy and enjoy that time, because it does tend to go by fast!

July 2006: Now that summer is upon us with hotter temperatures and more outdoor activities, we should think about how this impacts our dogs. First off is ensuring that your dog has sufficient fresh clean water to drink, both inside and outside in the shade. For walks and other activities away from home, be sure to take enough water for yourself and your dog.

For dogs that are engaging in vigorous exercise such as running or chasing a ball, keep a close eye on them and don't over do it. Some dogs just don't know when to quit and will continue until they drop with exhaustion and over heating. Again, the importance of fresh clean water can't be overstated.

Lastly, with parks, beaches and trails busier than ever at this time of year, it is an encumbrance upon all of us to be responsible dog owners. Picking up after them, leashing when appropriate and taking the steps necessary to having a well mannered dog. For more ideas on how to beat the summer heat, give us a call. Enjoy the summer!

June 2006: According to a recent article, learning how to growl like your dog is the latest craze to hit the dog training circuit. Does one really need to learn how to growl like a dog in order to communicate though? No, growling isn't necessary, but communicating clearly to your dog is. So whether you are using growls, grunts or words to get your message across doesn't really matter as long as that message is being received and understood by your dog.

Vocal tone and body language both play a large role in how your dog interprets what you are saying. Instructions to your dog should be given in a clear, calm, confident tone of voice with relaxed body language. Do so consistently and your dog will have a much better chance of understanding what is expected of him.

May 2006: When can I start training my puppy? The truth is, it is never too early to start training. In fact, your puppy is learning and developing habits whether or not you are teaching him. So, it is advisable to to begin your training early and to start to teach your puppy what is acceptable behaviour and what is not. It is always easier to reach your training goals when starting from a clean slate, if you will, as opposed to having to correct already established bad habits at the same time. Focus on establishing a good foundation on which to build further obedience training. Spend time on things like building self control, jumping up, respecting boundaries and following your leadership. If you work on these concepts, things like Stay, Come, Heel, etc will be much easier to attain. So, don't delay. Get started and have fun!

Apr 2006: Keep training sessions short (5 to 10 minutes) and up-tempo and try to fit in at least two to three sessions each day. By keeping the sessions short, you will find it easier to retain your dog's attention and keep him motivated. Some good opportunities to train are; before your dog's meal time, before play time as well as before and during walks. Think of obedience training as a lifestyle for your dog which can be practiced almost any time and anywhere. Remember to keep the training up-tempo and fun... your dog learns through the repetition of certain behaviours and the praise and rewards he earns for those behaviours. So, the more times you can repeat a successful Sit / Stay for example, the more likely it is that your dog will know what is expected of him for the next time.

Mar 2006: One of the most common questions I get from dog owners is "how do I stop my dog from pulling on the leash?" First we must understand why dogs typically pull on the leash and the simple answer is that the behaviour is self-rewarding. In other words, the dog wants to go forward and he is accomplishing that objective despite having to pull all that dead weight at the other end of the leash. To change the behaviour, you must stop rewarding the behaviour. So, any time your dog pulls on the leash, stop, regain your dog's attention and encourage him back to you before setting off again. Repeat this process every time there is tension on the leash. This method works, but it requires patience and persistence. Keep at it and soon you will be enjoying walks without the shoulder strain!

Feb 2006: Many dog owners pay more attention to their dogs when they are engaged in unacceptable behaviour as opposed to when the dog is "being good". This may halt the unwanted behaviour at that particular time, but it does not show the dog the "right way" to act in the long term. What also happens is that over time your dog figures out that if he does 'x' he gets your attention 'y'. Instead, try to give your dog more feedback when he is behaving the way that you like. Soon your dog will understand that being a "good dog" is the ticket to the attention he desires.

What type of leash and collar should I use with my dog? A common question that has a variety of answers depending on the size, breed, age and characteristics of the dog as well as the personal preference of the owner. The activities that you are engaged in with your dog may also play a role in determining what the best equipment is for you.