A Shiloh Shepherd puppy training at a park in Columbus

Socialization – A Dirty Word in Dog Behavior?

As someone who has dedicated their entire life to dogs, dog training, and what makes a dog tick, I have deep empathy for dog owners who don’t understand their dogs behavior the way that I do. Naturally, there are days that I wish people researched how to best raise a canine the way they would a snake, ferret, or turtle, but I also acknowledge that dogs are unique in the role they play in our lives. I could ramble on and on about plenty of overlooked elements involved in inviting a predatory animal into our homes, but by far I think one of the most misunderstood aspects of raising dogs is “socialization”.

I remind myself that the order of operations is most commonly:

1. Find a puppy

2. Try to train the puppy the best known way

3. Look for a dog trainer if issues emerge

And that most people are trying their absolute best with the information that they have. There is so much bad information out there, it makes sense people are confused.

Almost every single phone consult I do, whether it be for a 12 week old puppy or a 6-year-old adult dog exhibiting aggression, well-meaning dog owners tell me about their dogs socialization experiences, or lack thereof. Some dog owners shamefully admit to me that they “have not socialized their dog enough” and that’s why they believe their dog is exhibiting x, y, z behavioral problems. Or, they exclaim that they have made sure to do lots of socialization but are still seeing some issues. The thing is, the things they believe they are doing to benefit their dog is often the exact reason they are struggling with them.

Why are these “well socialized” dogs reactive, anxious, aggressive, suffering from separation issues, crate phobic, not food motivated?…

For one, society — and society’s expectations of dogs — has changed. What once was “a dog will be a dog” is now “my dog is bad, because it doesn’t accept strangers touching them, children climbing on top of them during mealtime, they are not behaving at the brewery at 8 months old, they protect the property from people I know, and they are pulling me towards dogs/bikes/rabbits on leash”.

If you take the word “socialization” and trade it for “neutral exposure”, we can usually see things a bit clearer. Socialization today has become a poisoned word in dog ownership. Is your dog afraid of new people? Socialize them. Are they aggressive towards other dogs? They need more socialization. Is your dog too excited when greeting guests? You guessed it, socialization. The word is regurgitated from pet owners, dog trainers, veterinarians, and doggy daycare workers without much explanation on how to accomplish it. It’s a seemingly straightforward word that is interpreted to mean “if your dog has more interactions with stuff, they’ll get used to said stuff and get over it”. But that’s -not- how behavior works. A shy dog will not become less shy if they are flooded with interactions with strangers. A dog-aggressive dog will not become dog social if you take it to the dog park. There are limits to what physical interaction, exposure, training, and counter-conditioning can do for a dog. While there are absolutely things we can do to help dogs make better choices, we cannot change our dogs personality and social spectrum. Most dogs become less social with age, and that doesn’t make them a bad dog. But we can certainly create major behavioral problems through inappropriate socialization.

Nowadays, I find “under socialized” dogs are the rarity. Most dogs are either enrolled in training at a young age, brought to dog parks or daycares from puppyhood on, or are allowed to interact with random dogs and people on a regular basis without practicing -ignoring- an equal ratio of them. Most do all of the above. In such a dog-friendly world, it makes sense. Most puppies are not being shut off in one house for their critical socialization period, because people know now that early socialization is important when raising a puppy. What they don’t know is that allowing too much interaction is also a major no-no, and so they enroll in puppy class, take their puppy to daycare and dog parks, allow on leash greetings, ask their friends and family members to come over (with their dogs)… all the while, not focusing on calm, neutral behavior around dogs and people. Additionally, we are currently living in a world that is depending heavily on dog parks, dog daycare, and Rover sitters to care for and entertain our dogs, and our emphasis on good behavior has, unfortunately, not kept up.

To pinpoint on the focus of this post, here is what I guide puppy owners to do:

1. Focus on engagement skills, name recognition, and capturing good leash walking on a long-line in low-distraction environments.

2. Teach your puppy to enjoy working with you for food rewards

3. Only allow your puppy to physically interact with other people and dogs who will be a long-term part of their lives; groomers and veterinary staff, friends, family members, and their dogs, neighbors, and dog training staff/clients.

4. Utilize your crate at home throughout the day, and when you have guests over.

5. Don’t allow out of control play with dogs/people in the house.

6. Take your puppy to new areas to train, where the goal is having a great time with YOU, while ignoring dogs and people.

7. Do not allow strangers or strange dogs to come up to your puppy on leash.

8. Avoid dog parks and daycare (unless you are enrolled in a Day Train program, where a dog trainer is overseeing all interaction).

9. Enroll in puppy classes where playtime is not the focus.

10. Make sure your puppy is confident, calm, and focused during all outings for at least the first year of their life.

And even when you do everything right, at the end of the day genetics are going to play a major role on your dogs level of sociability. Which leaves many thinking.. so what is the point of socialization?

Proper socialization is about building as much confidence as possible, without creating a demanding monster who cannot focus in the world around them. It is about trying to set our dog up to be the best dog they can be, with or without a solid genetic backing. A well-socialized puppy who is genetically nervous will probably still be a nervous dog, but they hopefully will not turn into a reactive or outright aggressive dog. A well-socialized, social dog will likely avoid obsession-based reactive behaviors if we do things right. We are just trying to stack the odds in our favor, by not under-doing it, but also not overdoing it. We will not change the dog inside, but we may avoid problematic fallout if we do things correctly.

Next time you think about the word “socialization”, think about what you want to see in your dog long-term. Focus on teaching your dog how to cope around strangers, other dogs, and other distractions such as bicycles, squirrels, and strollers, and train for that picture, instead. Allow interactions with people and dogs that you know and trust, and create an environment that harbors structure and trust over excitement and franticness. While your dog may become more selective with age, setting a good foundation for neutrality early on may help prevent some serious concerns later. Socialization is important, indeed.. but only if we know what it is we’re actually talking about.

puppy on grass field

The Art of Crate Training: A Guide to Raising Well-Behaved Puppies

Crate training is a crucial part of raising a well-behaved and adaptable puppy. By following the recommendations from a professional dog trainer below, your new puppy can learn to enjoy their crate, making new situations (like boarding, vet visits, grooming, and more) less stressful for all parties. In this guide, we’ll explore the key principles of crate training to ensure a smooth and successful experience for both you and your new pup.

Exposure to Different Types of Crates

To help puppies generalize crates as a positive space to be, expose them to various types of kennels including wire, plastic, and fabric travel crates. These can be of different sizes (remembering that if a puppy is having potty accidents inside of their crate, the kennel is too large for now) from a small sleeping crate all the way up to a large x-pen for playtime. We recommend that you move the crates to different areas of your home, allowing your puppy to associate positive experiences with each type in various locations, both busy areas and more secluded ones. This preparation will prove invaluable when your puppy faces situations like boarding, vet visits, or stays away from home with friends, family members, or pet sitters.

Addressing Crying in the Crate

It’s natural for puppies to cry initially when introduced to a crate. However, giving them more freedom in response to their cries can actually exacerbate the problem and create full-blown separation anxiety. Puppies need to learn to self soothe and adjust to being alone, and the more time they spend loose in the house, the more likely it is that they will begin escalating their barking in protest (and eventually panic). Over time, they will become more comfortable in the crate — as long as we’re following the rules in this guide. Make sure your puppy is well exercised, pottied, and given something to occupy their time and energy such as a frozen stuffed kong, nylabone, or bully stick. Soon enough, you’ll have a relaxed, content pup!

Mealtime in the Crate

Eating meals in the crate creates a positive association and occupies the puppy during the initial first few minutes of crate time. To stretch that time further, consider feeding using a slow feeder, stuffed toy, snufflemat, or even scattering the food in the crate (like feeding chickens!). Puppies should eat all of their meals in the crate, unless they are being trained with their food for that session. Feeding in the crate can also help prevent potty training accidents by letting them digest in a calmer state. Done consistently, puppies should WANT to run into their crate as soon as they hear food being prepared!

Balancing Schedules and Flexibility

While schedules can be extremely beneficial, being too strict can create stress for both the puppy and the owner. As a general rule, puppies should spend a few hours each day in the crate, broken into different periods. During their time outside the crate, direct supervision is crucial. Use this time for training, exercising, playing, and teaching your puppy to settle at your feet. Keeping a leash on the puppy when they are out of the crate is important during their first few months in their new home, as it makes it easier to enforce what we ask of our puppies, and prevents mistakes such as potty accidents, chewing on inappropriate items, and behaving unruly in the home.

Earning Freedom Gradually

Freedom should be granted based on your puppy’s behavior. Only allow more freedom (time loose in the house, SUPERVISED) when the puppy demonstrates consistent good behavior, such as successful potty training, not chewing on inappropriate items, and settling during their downtime. This process requires commitment, consistency, and structure to establish a dog that can be trusted loose in the house unsupervised, and may take months to years, depending on the effort of the dog owner and the personality of the puppy.

Crate training is an essential tool in shaping a well-behaved and adaptable puppy. By exposing them to various crate types, addressing (and expecting) crying in a fair way, gradually granting freedom as it is earned, incorporating meals into crate time, and maintaining a balanced schedule, you set the foundation for a positive crate training experience. Consistency, patience, and positive reinforcement are key elements in creating a happy puppy who loves their kennel.

Need help training your new puppy? Reach out to Up N Atom Dog Training today. We LOVE puppy training, and will help you reach your training goals.

Crate training is an important part of training your new puppy!
A dog plays frisbee in a field

Choosing the Right Size Dog Toys to Prevent Choking

Playing fetch can be a great energy outlet for your toy-loving dog. It provides exercise, mental stimulation, and strengthens the bond between dog and owner. However, it’s crucial to ensure that the toys you choose are safe for your dog, especially when it comes to balls. In this blog, we’ll discuss the importance of appropriately sized balls for dogs to prevent choking and offer some tips on making the right choice.

Why Size Matters

Choosing the right size of ball for your dog is essential for their safety and enjoyment during playtime. A ball that is too small can pose a choking hazard, as it may easily become lodged in your dog’s throat. Conversely, a ball that is too large might be difficult for your dog to carry or manipulate, which can lead to frustration or injuries.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Dog Balls

  1. Breed and Size

Different dog breeds have different mouth sizes. It’s important to select a ball that is proportionate to your dog’s size. For example, smaller dogs like Chihuahuas will need smaller balls, while larger breeds like Labradors require balls with a more substantial diameter. The ball should be large enough to rest just behind your dogs canine teeth, and be unable to slip down their throat.

  1. Material

Opt for balls made from non-toxic, durable materials like rubber or natural latex. Avoid balls that are too soft, as they can be easily chewed or torn apart, potentially leading to choking hazards. Tennis balls become similar to sand-paper when they get dirt on them… imagine chewing on dirt! Not great for your teeth over time.

  1. Texture

Choose a ball with an appropriate texture for your dog’s chewing habits. Some dogs prefer smooth balls, while others may enjoy textured surfaces that provide extra gum stimulation. If they are too slick, their size is even more critical as they may more easily slide down a dogs throat.

  1. Weight

A ball that is too heavy may be challenging for small dogs to carry, while a ball that is too light may not engage larger dogs as effectively. Aim for a weight that allows your dog to pick up and carry the ball comfortably.

  1. Supervision

Always supervise playtime, especially with a new toy. This way, you can observe how your dog interacts with the ball and intervene if there are any signs of discomfort or potential choking hazards. Consider a ball on a rope during supervised play; for one, you can chuck it way further, but also it gives you something to pull in case the ball does get lodged in your dogs throat.

  1. Consider Interactive Toys

Consider using interactive toys like treat-dispensing balls such as a Buster Cube or a Kong Wobbler. These not only provide mental stimulation but also encourage slower, controlled play, reducing the risk of choking.

  1. Regular Inspections

Regularly inspect your dog’s toys for signs of wear and tear. Replace any damaged or worn-out balls to prevent potential choking hazards.

Selecting the right-sized balls for your dog is a crucial step in ensuring their safety and enjoyment during playtime. By considering factors like your dogs breed, size, material, and texture, you can choose a ball that suits your dog’s individual needs. Remember to always supervise play and replace damaged toys promptly. With the right toy, you can provide your dog with hours of safe, enjoyable playtime.

Two australian shepherd dogs practice a sit stay during their board and train program

Pros and Cons of Boarding and Training Programs for Dogs

What exactly is a “Board and Training” Program for dogs?

With a board and train program, you leave your dog for a set period of time to stay at a dog training facility or a dog trainer’s house. Your dog’s day is spent developing new skills or addressing other behavioral problems, as well as playing and getting structured one-on-one time with their trainer. A professional dog trainer does the repetitions (generally daily, but every company is different) and then helps you learn how to maintain the skills once your dog graduates from the program. At Dog Dynamix Ohio, our board and train programs take place in our experienced dog trainer’s home, giving your dog or puppy a 24/7 immersive training experience. 

How Long Does a Stay and Train last?

Depending on the behaviors you want to address, and the trainer’s program options, the length of your dog’s training while boarding will vary, but most generally last between two and five weeks. Some dog trainers will offer shorter board and train programs for learning fundamental skills, while more difficult behavioral concerns (aggression, lunging and barking at dogs or people, high levels of anxiety, separation anxiety, phobias, or otherwise) may require a longer Bootcamp stay. Our dog trainer recommends going for the longest program option you are able to do, as it gives dog trainer’s more time to proof behaviors under high level distractions, and on field trips to new places such as parks, stores, and hiking trails. Since board and train programs are a big emotional and financial investment, it’s always a good idea to get the absolute most out of the training time as possible. 

While your dog is enrolled in a training camp style program, you may be required to regularly attend lessons so you can become familiar with the human side of the training equation. Other programs might choose to forego this, and the owner education piece comes in when your dog graduates from the training program. At Dog Dynamix Ohio, we provide Columbus dog owners regular video and photo updates that keep you up to speed on the program (as well as your pup’s attitude, health, and new skills) and send you a comprehensive PDF packet of training homework to study while your dog is in training. Then, you have private lessons to utilize beginning the day you pick up your dog, where you learn how to keep up with the skills at home, how to use any prescribed dog training equipment, and how to begin introducing your dog to more difficult situations/distractions using the new training skills. The owner coaching portion of a boarding and training program is critical, and you should only consider programs that put a heavy emphasis on a dog trainer training you as well as they train your dog.

A mastiff swims in a lake near Dayton Ohio

How much does a boarding while training program cost?

The price of a board and train program varies depending on where you live and how long your dog will be staying. The low end for most training programs runs approximately $1000/week. This cost takes into consideration nightly boarding, regular obedience training on site and on field trips, behavioral modification if the dog is having issues, follow up lessons, prescribed dog training equipment, and the general daily care such as feeding, brushing, exercising, and rotating to potty. Dog board and train programs involve way more than just dog-sitting with some training if you’re working with a reputable dog training company (see: How to Choose the Best Dog Trainer). Reputable board and train programs should include daily exercise, enrichment, and playtime in addition to providing a safe environment around-the-clock to prevent the rehearsing of undesirable behaviors and decrease physical risk to the dog. Dog Dynamix Ohio forgoes the kennel facility experience and instead offers a more intimate program where the dogs live in the house with the dog trainer, adding extra security and comfort to dog owners who want their dogs to train and play in a quieter, home-like setting.

Choosing a boarding and training program

A high price tag does not always mean that a board and train program is being offered by licensed or morally upright professional dog trainers. Anyone can use the title “dog trainer” and offer board and train as dog training is an unregulated industry. When enrolling your dog in a board and train program with a prospective dog trainer or training facility, it is crucial that you conduct a thorough background check on them to avoid becoming one of the tragic stories of dogs being abused, stolen, or lost during a board and train program. You should do your research thoroughly by checking google reviews, visiting social media pages, and touring the training facility whenever possible prior to enrolling in a program. You’ll want to ask the dog trainer what their qualifications are, what continued education they pursue, and what methods and techniques they use to train dogs. Make sure you are comfortable with what methods and tools are used with your dog.

There are a lot of things to consider when choosing a board and train facility. Does your dog stay in a kennel or dog run when not training? Or do they stay in a home environment? Is the facility or home clean and safe? Are proper cleaning products used to lower the risk of illness transmission? Are there any potential dangers present that indicate an area is not fully dog-proofed (proper containment areas, etc.)? Are dogs required to be up to date on vaccinations and on flea and tick preventatives? If board and train staff notice your dog not eating or losing weight, what do they do to combat that problem? How many dogs can enroll in a program at one time? How is barking controlled? How much human interaction will your dog get every day? What types of enrichment and exercise does your dog get each day? Will there be any playtime with other dogs (if appropriate) or with people? These questions can help you choose a program that you are most comfortable with, and prevent an overly stressful experience for your dog. 

Board and Train Programs: Benefits and Disadvantages

Convenience is a major benefit of a board-and-train program. It takes a lot of work to train a dog. Your schedule might not provide much time for training because of your work schedule, kids activities, travel plans, or other obligations. Winter time means low temperatures and unpredictable weather. A dog trainer is being paid to train your dog every day, wind, snow, or shine. For busy folks who simply do not have the time to get in the necessary training repetitions required to teach new skills, a board and train option can be an excellent option.

Your dog will receive a lot of repetitions for training skills with a daily training schedule, and those repetitions will be performed by a dog trainer who has better timing, a deeper understanding of dog behavior, and sharper training skills than you do. Faster learning results from quality, repetitive practice. A good board and train program will also provide an atmosphere where your dog won’t engage in naughty habits that can impede their training, such as pulling on the leash in between training sessions, jumping on the counter, getting into the trash, or practicing aggressive behavior towards other dogs or people. Dog trainers also tend to have more access to other dogs, cats, dog-savvy people, and training locations than the average pet owner does, meaning skills can be generalized easier.

Board and train programs change the dog’s environment, which can make learning easier. There are instances when a dog’s environment at home naturally causes undesirable behaviors, and it can be challenging to alter the environment to stop the behavior from happening. For example, it is difficult to get a dog to stop counter surfing, jumping on guests at your front door, or from chasing joggers down the fence line if those triggers exist in your daily environment. At a dog training facility, or trainer’s home, the environment is easier to control and dog trainers can introduce those types of distractions strategically without them being practiced during “downtime” outside of training. Environmental management and prevention of poor behaviors are essential for accelerating learning! Many dog owners believe training needs to take place where the dog is currently, and that’s simply not true; your dog trainer will provide detailed home follow-up instructions and upkeep to help you navigate that more challenging environment once the skills are solid.

Stress can be a disadvantage of a board-and-train program. Some dogs find traveling away from home to be distressing, as they don’t have a trusting relationship with the new folks running the show and the routine is different. A dog needs time to adjust to a new environment and routine which generally takes at least a few days; tense or fearful dogs may take longer. The acclimatization period, often known as the transition time, is important. Learning is not facilitated by stress. So, sending a dog to board and train means that, at minimum, the first few days are focused on acclimating a dog to their new environment and building a relationship with the trainer. This is why we do not offer advantaged obedience programs shorter than three weeks long at Dog Dynamix Ohio — we want dogs to have a few days to settle in before the training begins. 

One of the biggest reasons some people are unhappy with results after a board and train program is a lack of owner compliance to the new training system. At the end of the day, your dog has a learned history of what works in their home environment and a different learned history in the board and train environment. Your dog will be learning and practicing with a professional trainer or training staff — not you. You are the one who will be living with your dog full-time. The way you communicate with your dog — how you move, how you give cues, how you reward, and how you respond to undesired behaviors — is what affects their training and behavior the most. You are one of the most important antecedents in the dog training equation! If you don’t put in the effort to learn how to maintain the training at home (or you do not have a dog trainer who is willing to take the time to teach you how to act like a dog trainer) your dog will soon revert back to what they used to do. This can be frustrating for people who did not get the proper follow up instruction after investing in a board and train. They see how well their dog performs for the trainer, but then feel like it didn’t “stick” or that somehow they’ve failed. Owner instruction has to happen for long term success, and that means dog owners need to read all of their homework instructions, pay attention during the graduation lesson, schedule their follow up lessons, and immediately contact their dog trainer if they are struggling.

Puppy Boarding and Training

If you have a new puppy in your life, it can be overwhelming to make sure they get lots of positive experiences in a variety of environments during their critical socialization period. A board and train program can be ideal to provide appropriate socialization to different people, other dogs, and other important experiences. This requires a dog trainer who knows how to raise a confident puppy, because bad experiences during this socialization window can have lifelong effects on a developing brain.

While a board and train can be very helpful for socialization with appropriate dogs, people, and places the average dog owner doesn’t have access to (or time to access), a Board and Train Program for a puppy isn’t generally that helpful for potty training. Housetraining is probably one of the most exhausting parts of raising a puppy. And while you might feel that passing this task off to a trainer at a board and train program sounds like a good idea, it doesn’t tend to help much. Potty training is incredibly location-specific for young puppies. They may be housetrained quickly at a board and train where the routine and the potty spot are consistent, but once they return home, they have to relearn where they are supposed to go potty. It might not be starting at square one due to physical maturity that takes place during a training program, but it certainly won’t be done.

Board and Train for Aggressive Dogs

There are different types of aggression in dogs, and a board and train for aggressive dogs will not cure aggression (nor will any other type of dog training program). Management and safety are key components for addressing a dog’s aggression and requires the dog owner to learn proactive and defensive handling, dog body language, and how to effectively manage their dog’s environment.

Aggressive dog training

A Reactive Dog Bootcamp will benefit a dog struggling with leash reactivity, as your trainer will be able to quickly teach the reactive dog obedience skills (leash walking, coming when called, bed stay) and then expose the dog to a lot of new dogs, people, places, and things to help move the process forward as a faster pace than they would be able to with an inexperienced dog handler. Then, just like a regular board and train, the dog trainer will coach the dog owner how to be successful at home. Reactivity can take a long time to fully resolve, so expect to do significant follow up training after your dog returns home.

Aggressive behavior can either exacerbated or suppressed in an unfamiliar environment with a new handler (the dog trainer). A dog may shut down in the new environment, or they may exhibit more aggressive behavior than usual. Either way, the aggressive dog needs time to unwind and settle in as stress makes it difficult to practice counter conditioning methods (which is used to help change a negative emotional response to a positive one) and to teach critical obedience skills (leash walking, recall, bed-stay, wait at the door, leave it, all under heavy distraction), so longer program durations will be required. It is important to note that aggression is always managed, and never fully cured. While a Bootcamp training program designed for addressing aggression is always going to make a dog easier to live with — assuming the dog trainer is knowledgable, and the dog owner is committed to following the training protocols — they are not going to make a truly aggressive dog social with former triggers.

Are Board and Train Programs Worth It?

Sending your dog off to boarding and training near you is worth it if your expectations match what’s actually possible in a short time period. While three weeks seems like a long time to be away from your dog, it is a very short time in the grand scheme of things. Dog trainers are not magicians and a board and train program still requires intensive owner commitment, daily repetitions to upkeep behavior, and a long-term dog training plan. Behavior change does not happen overnight. It doesn’t happen in one or two weeks. Training your dog is a lifelong commitment. A board and train program can certainly jumpstart your dog’s learning and get where you want to be faster than group classes or private lessons, but you need to be committed to the training program for the long haul.

Overall, board and train programs for dogs can be a good option for those dog owners who are committed to continuing training for long after the program ends. Because a board and train can be a major financial investment, it’s important to make sure you’re choosing the right program to meet the needs of you and your dog. If you live in the Columbus, Ohio area, reach out and see what we can offer for you and your dog.

A German Shepherd puppy learning off leash training skills under distraction.

Shaina stands next to a long jump as Atom soars over it.

How to Become a Dog Trainer

I’ve spent a lot of years in the dog world. I’ve managed numerous companies, and I’ve done a LOT of interviewing and hiring for those companies. Any dog trainer who runs an operation requiring hiring other dog trainers to help train the dogs will tell you that it is absolutely one of the most draining parts of this industry. It’s not because there aren’t great dog trainers out there… there are! But those great dog trainers tend to run their own dog training companies, and, unfortunately, so do many of the ones that would really benefit from working with a more experienced dog training team. You see, dog training is an unregulated industry, meaning any dog lover can take an online class and/or attend a weekend training workshop, go home, build a website, and BOOM! They’re officially a “professional dog trainer” looking for new clients. This is a major disservice to dog owners, their dogs, the “dog trainer”, and the dog training industry, but it happens more than you’d think.

When new dog trainers open their own companies and market like they’re experts in their field, unsuspecting dog owners hire them. Since newer trainers don’t have the necessary hands-on experience with a high number of dogs that comes only with years of training, those dog owners are at risk of receiving subpar results… which reflects poorly on dog trainers as a whole and leads to dog owners being skeptical of more experienced trainers who could get them better results with their dog. Dog owners are left thinking their dog can’t be helped, experienced dog trainers can’t staff their facility with the much-needed enthusiastic newcomers to the industry, and many dogs are left with subpar training as a result.

So, what is the correct path to becoming a dog trainer? Here are some of the things that I’ve found most helpful as I’ve navigated this industry over the past 13 years.

Get as much dog handling experience as possible.

Starting out in the dog industry should mean handling as many types of dogs as possible; this means working with dogs of varying ages, sizes, and temperaments. Nothing teaches you more about working with dogs than physically handling them. Most of the high caliber dog trainers I know also have extensive past experience working in boarding and daycare, shelter work, the veterinary field, volunteering with rescues, or otherwise. Working in boarding and daycare taught me how to physically handle large, untrained dogs, how to read body language, and how to interact with clients. The veterinary field helped me learn warning signs of medical issues, vaccine and deworming schedules, and how not to get bit by stressed out dogs. Shelter work and volunteering with rescues taught me all about what leads to dogs ending up in shelters, common behavioral concerns of those dogs, and again… how not to get bit. Training dogs isn’t just training dogs: it’s client interaction, setting realistic expectations, social media marketing, dog photography and videography, being a team player, being physically capable of handling strong dogs, seeing when a dog’s behavior might be related to a medical issue, animal husbandry, being able to read body language quickly, and much, much more. There is no substitute to learning these skills; you have to put in the time.

Take classes from other dog trainers.

This is something that just doesn’t happen enough! An aspiring dog trainer should be taking as many classes as they can with their own dogs, to learn new techniques, watch dog training in action, and to learn tips and tricks from professional dog trainers. When I first started pining for a dog training position at Dog Dynamix, a well-respected dog training company in Denver, I made sure to sign up for classes so I could learn more about the methods used in their training programs. I signed up for every class I could: Rally Obedience, Nosework, Agility, and varying levels of Pet Obedience. I also brought my dogs to various drop-in classes around the Denver metro and attended as many dog training workshops and seminars as possible with dog trainers I admired. Some dog trainers are very secretive about their techniques and won’t allow aspiring or current dog trainers in their classes, but those are dog trainers I would avoid anyway (as we should want to help each other do better whenever possible!). There are countless options available for traveling seminars in all aspects of dog training. All aspiring trainers should be highly motivated to learn and improve their craft by attending available seminars, workshops, and classes.

Consider an internship or training school.

In addition to classes, workshops, and seminars, you can consider a dog training internship or apprenticeship, or attending a dog training school. Available programs can vary in cost, time commitment and expectations, so doing your research into options is important so you find the right fit. Some apprenticeships come with a price tag, an option to work off the cost via work hours, and some might even be paid… but you should go into an apprenticeship understanding that they are a huge time and energy commitment for the dog trainer and the training facility staff, so there will be a high expectation of timeliness, attendance, and commitment. Dog training is a 365 industry with long hours, physical work, and high stress and you’ll need to show you are committed to absorbing the information and getting your hands dirty! Dog training schools and certifications are also great options, but you have to do your research carefully. As mentioned before, dog training is an unregulated industry. This means that organizations are also able to “certify” dog trainers without actually testing their training skills or knowledge. Certifications and graduations are only impressive to more experienced professional dog trainers if they come from reputable organizations who have consistently turned-out knowledgeable dog trainers who know their stuff. While a certification may look good on paper to the average dog owner, most industry professionals know many aren’t worth much in terms of proving proficiency.

Compete in dog sports.

I’ve heard from some dog-hobbyists that dog trainers don’t “need” to have well-trained dogs themselves in order to be considered a reputable dog trainer. Personally, I think the “cobbler has no shoes” analogy is total rubbish in the dog training industry. A dog trainer should be passionate enough about behavior and dog training that they make time to train their own dogs. Nothing improves a dog trainer’s skills like taking their personal dogs training to the next level via competition. A dog trainer who understands the little details in dog training (marker training, reward placement, rate of reinforcement, precise luring mechanics, how to properly hold food, achieving stability, training behaviors around competing motivators, the list goes on and on…) is going to be better prepared to train a pet dog than someone who does not have good understanding of those concepts. Additionally, competition requires taking your dog to a (generally) new location, without rewards or corrections, often without a leash, to perform advanced obedience skills that are being judged to a set criterion by a non-biased third party (the judge). This really puts the dog trainer’s skills to the test! Most dog sports involve training in a club atmosphere, meaning you get to network with other dog sport competitors, help each other learn and grow, and support each other. Whether you compete in Rally Obedience, Competition Obedience, Nosework, or Mondioring, getting out there and proving your training is going to make you a better dog trainer, period.

Find a mentor whose training style you admire.

This is truly the most important suggestion in the list. Nothing will help a new dog trainer learn like having a mentor who wants to help them grow as a trainer and pushes them to do better. Having someone to call on when you’re struggling to make progress with a dog, or when you’re faced with a difficult client, or when you aren’t sure how to approach a particular issue can really help with problem solving and get you better results for your clients. A mentor should be able to advise and guide you through unique challenges, which can help boost your confidence when taking on complex cases or more challenging clients. Your mentor will want to see you succeed, which means they will take on being the person that tells you things you don’t necessarily want to hear (but need to!) so that you can increase your professional skillsets in a way that is positive for you, your clients, and the dogs you train. It might take some time to find the right fit; just because you’ve worked for a few dog training companies does not mean you’ve found a mentor that has developed you into a talented dog trainer. You’ll know when you find that person that helps you build a spark and helps you take your training to the next level.

Work for an established company as you build your experience.

It cannot be stressed enough: if you are a new or aspiring dog trainer, you need to work for an established dog training company before branching out on your own. Dog training can be one of the most rewarding career paths out there, but if done incorrectly it can cause extreme stress for dog owners, their dogs, and dog trainers. Dog training is physical and can be dangerous if you do not know what you are doing. Dog trainers are in charge of helping pet owners navigate life with a predator in their homes. Incompetent training can do a lot of harm, quickly. If you do nothing else, find a dog training team that has talented trainers on staff and learn all you possibly can while building experience with dogs and their owners. There is no appropriate accelerated path to becoming a dog training business owner; you need to put in the work and the time. While it may be true that social media dog influencers have made their way into the industry and have managed to make a name for themselves, it does not mean they are having a positive impact on dogs or our industry.

I hope this guide helps spark some ideas for anyone looking to get into this field. This industry can be tough to get a leg in the door, but it is achievable if you work hard and do things right. If you want to become a talented, respected dog trainer, please, do it right. The dogs, their owners, and your fellow colleagues deserve it.

 

Dog Trainer Shaina Zimmerman at the 2022 NARA National Championship

How to Find the Best Dog Training Near Me

Searching for a qualified dog trainer near you?

Whether you’re new to dog training or want to advance your pup’s current obedience skillset, finding the right person for the job can be an overwhelming task. This guide will help you find the perfect local dog trainer for you and your dog.

Research Different Training Options and Techniques.

Before you choose a local dog trainer, it’s important to learn about the different techniques and methods used in dog training. This can help you make an informed decision about which technique works best for your pup and lifestyle. Consider the differences between balanced dog training, traditional dog training, and force free dog training and the limitations of each option. You should also have a basic understanding of various training program options; cost and benefits will vary drastically between boarding and training programs, private dog training lessons, in home dog training, and group dog obedience classes. It’s also very important to research the qualifications of any potential trainers to ensure they have the experience and credibility needed to be successful.

Ask Friends, Family or Veterinarians for Recommendations.

A great way to find the best dog trainers near you is by asking around. Talk to your family and friends who live nearby to see if they have any advice. Or you can ask your veterinarian or other local animal professionals for recommendations. Their is SO much power in word-of-mouth recommendations – asking around can help you gain significant personal insights into the performance (or shortcomings) of a specific trainer.

Check Reviews of Potential Trainers Online.

It’s always a good idea to do your research online before settling on a trainer. Visit the websites of potential trainers and read their reviews. Also, search for their business names on social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram where you can get a more detailed look at their qualifications and reputation, and where you should be able to see the dog trainer working with client dogs or dog owners in video format. Finally, ask on forums or other dog-related communities to get insights from other owners who have worked with them in the past.

Consider Your Dog’s Needs and Your Budget When Making a Decision

When selecting a dog trainer, be sure to consider both your pet’s needs and your budget. Some trainers specialize in certain breeds or ages (for example, some trainers specialize in puppies, while others may take on more aggression cases), and others may work with all types of dogs. Additionally, some program types are more affordable than others. Once you have narrowed down your choices based on these criteria, contact the trainers you are considering to make sure they are available and find out more about their methods and experience.

Choosing a dog trainer can be a difficult task, but hopefully these tips make it easier for you! If you are looking for a Cleveland Boarding and Training professional, contact us for more information today. We’d love to help you on your dog training journey with your pup.

Dog Training Crate Train

Crate Training an Adult Dog: Avoiding Anxiety & Self Harm

Crate training an adult dog can be more challenging than training a puppy. When a dog has been accustomed to roaming freely around the house or yard, the process of restricting that freedom can lead to stress and resistance. It’s important to understand that for many dogs, transitioning to life in a crate requires patience and a long-term, thoughtful training approach. The goal is to gradually create a positive experience that reinforces the crate as a safe and comfortable space.

Why Crate Train an Adult Dog

If you have an adult dog who has roamed the house their entire life, you may be asking “why should I crate train, now?”. There are many situations where a crate may be necessary for an adult dog.

  • Vet Visits (recovering from surgery)
  • Boarding
  • Board and Train Programs
  • Evacuations (fire and other natural disasters)
  • Traveling/Hotels/Airbnbs
  • Car Rides

Crate training your adult dog may end up being incredibly useful in the future, even if they are solid at home!

Beginning the Crate Training Process

Before introducing your adult dog to a crate, it’s essential to ensure they’re comfortable being inside it. Leaving an adult dog in a crate for the first time while you’re away can lead to anxiety, panic, or even self-injury. Many dogs have broken teeth or torn toenails trying to escape crates. To avoid these potentially harmful situations, owners should gradually acclimate their dogs to the crate by spending time together in the vicinity and rewarding them for entering the crate voluntarily, and then building up to small times with the crate door shut while they are home and monitoring. This gradual approach allows the dog to build trust rather than feeling confined and isolated, and is significantly safer than simply crating a dog for the first time and leaving for the day.

A Warning About Wire Crates

When selecting a crate for your adult dog, be cautious about using wire crates, especially if the dog has not yet been fully crate trained. These types of crates can pose significant safety risks, as some dogs are capable of escaping or may inadvertently injure themselves while attempting to break free. Instead, consider using a sturdy, secure crate that provides a more enclosed environment, helping to create a sense of safety and security for your dog during the training process while minimizing the risk of injury. For dogs who have a history of self harm, consider a reinforced crate such as a Rock Creek Crate, KBC Kennel, or similar.

Food = Good Feelings!

To help foster a positive association with the crate, it’s can be really helpful to feed all meals inside it. This simple change of routine really helps the dog relate the crate to one of their favorite things…. eating…, reinforcing the idea that the crate is a good place to be. Complement this approach with the use of frozen stuffed Kongs or other safe chews, such as bully sticks or Nylabones, to keep your dog engaged and comfortable while in the crate.

Blankets?

One important consideration during crate training is whether or not to provide bedding. While some dogs may have a tendency to chew and digest bedding, which can result in foreign body risks (and major, risky surgery), others may feel more secure with comfortable blankets or cushions in their space. You’ll need to assess your dog’s behavior and personality to determine the best bedding solution that promotes comfort without compromising safety. Dogs who are having issues with potty training should have no bedding inside the crate, until that issue is resolved.

For dogs who chew bedding but need a little extra comfort, you can consider purchasing a properly sized Primo Pad for their kennel. While these aren’t totally destruction proof, some dogs do very well with them instead of blankets.

When To Use The Crate Initially

As your dog becomes more accustomed to the crate, it’s essential to practice leaving them crated during the day while you are still home, as well as at night during sleep. This practice helps solidify the idea that the crate is a familiar and safe space. Over time, your dog should begin to feel more comfortable being in their crate, allowing you to gradually increase the duration of their actual alone time in the crate when necessary. You can set up a camera on your crated dog once they are doing well and take purposeful trips “away from home”, but close by, so you can come back in case of panic.

Crate training an adult dog requires patience and consistency, but with the right techniques, it ultimately leads to a safer and more comfortable living situation for both you and your furry companion. Remember to celebrate each small success along the way, making the crate a place where your dog feels secure and relaxed.

Belgian Malinois Dog Training

Is a Belgian Malinois Right For You?

BELGIAN MALINOIS ARE RISING IN POPULARITY. WHAT DOES THAT MEAN FOR THE BREED AND WELL MEANING DOG OWNERS? A collaboration post between Shaina of Up N Atom Dog Training, and Lisa of Dog Dynamix.

Due to the rising popularity of the Belgian Malinois, dog trainers are receiving more and more inquiries asking us to help “fix” these dogs as they mature into adults. They’re biting house guests, chasing the children, and getting into bar fights at the dog park…. and their families are feeling hopeless and frustrated, realizing they bit off more than they could chew.

We understand the appeal. They’re beautiful, athletic dogs with hilarious personalities and they’re smart as can be. Videos of their impressive training and abilities regularly go viral on the internet. Done correctly, you’d be hard pressed to find a more loyal breed. But these dogs are not without extreme challenges that can make them completely unsuitable for the average home.

A little background, for good measure.

For those of you that know us, you know that we are incredibly passionate about the breed. For those of you that don’t, a little background on us.

Shaina Zimmerman won the MR1 Nationals in 2019 with her first Malinois and took 3rd place at MR3 in 2021, 2nd place in 2022, and 2nd place overall at FR2 in 2022. In addition, she recently competed for Team USA Mondioring at FMBB in Italy in 2024 with her second Malinois, Flinke. She currently has six consecutive years of experience actively competing with Malinois, and has acheived MR3 with both of her competition dogs. Shaina has owned Belgian Malinois, and has raised, trained, and fostered many others.

Lisa Lucero, of Denver Dog Dynamix and Shaina’s training mentor, won the USA Mondioring Nationals in 2021 and 2022 with her Malinois, Hero; and competed in Romania in the International competition with him in Oct. 2021 – placing in the top 15 in the world. She has been in the Malinois breed for thirteen years, and is currently with her third competition dog of the breed, two of which achieved MR3.

Both of us have also been involved in rescue and placement of the breed, as well as puppy selection and rearing for some of the top breeders in the country. Prior to Malinois, Lisa and Shaina both competed with working line German Shepherds. We have titled in AKC and ASCA Obedience and Rally, in addition to protection sports. We have trained with the best of the best in the country, and in the world. The point is, we have extensive breeding and training experience with Belgian Malinois.

Shaina Zimmerman stands with Tommy Verschueren, Lisa Lucero, David Broderick, and Gina Gaetano after their podium placements in the USMRA National Championship.
Shaina Zimmerman and Lisa Lucero at the 2021 USMRA National Championships in Denver, Colorado.

We care about the breed. A lot.

We aren’t going to sugarcoat what it takes to be successful with a young Malinois in a pet home. One of our well-respected colleagues, that we refer to for private lessons and group classes (since we do not offer those services) has decided to refer out all Malinois inquiries that come in as she has had almost no success helping people with these dogs as pets. The breed has gained exponentially in popularity since the rise of the public’s exposure to them. Unfortunately, this has led to many more of them being bred and put out into the world – from those in shelter situations, to those being purchased from working line breeders, to those being bred by less scrupulous breeders looking to cash in on their popularity. It’s easy to find breeders regularly mixing Malinois with Dutch Shepherds and German Shepherds, touting them as the perfect family protector and companion, selling them to ill-prepared families. They are a truly singular breed in their needs, and in how their brains work. Even those from the very best breeders require a completely different type of life and training than most trainers offer, or most homes are willing to provide. While we do not subscribe to the theory that Malinois need hours of intensive training and exercise every day, we do know that they need more structure and understanding of training theories and genetic behaviors than most homes are willing to learn and implement.

Puppy Training in Columbus

What makes a good malinois?

Malinois are purposefully bred to be a bit neurotic, with a lot of drive, suspicion, and aggression. This can be a hard balance to get right, as genetics have a huge influence on behavior and despite the most thoughtful of breeding, the result can be undesirable. Some Malinois like dogs. Some like people. If you’re lucky, you end up with a dog that likes both (we call this a UNICORN)… but most often, they dislike both. And that doesn’t make them a bad Malinois.

What makes a malinois a good working dog, generally makes them a bad pet. Most dog owners are not looking to get a dog that cannot be handled carelessly by strangers. But, with Malinois, that is not just a risk; it should almost be an expectation. When we travel and cannot bring our dogs with us, the HARDEST task on the list is finding competent pet care… and we are fortunate to have pretty social, easy-to-handle (for the breed) Malinois! Belgian Malinois are impulsive, and they can get themselves into trouble quick. They are athletic, fast, and driven. Even if they are friendly, they are often way too much for the average family member or friend to take care of. Shaina’s own mother is known for saying “I’m not afraid of him, but I respect him” in regards to one of her Malinois, who is not aggressive but certainly has a presence. If you choose a Malinois, you’ll want to have a Malinois-savvy support system as well.

Two Belgian Malinois dogs sit and stay while looking at the camera during an Ohio fall field trip.

Malinois are not dog park dogs.

No matter how social a Malinois is (or appears to be), dog parks and daycare are not appropriate outlets for their energy. These dogs are obsessive — of their toys, their interactions, and their environments. Putting them in situations where they are able to obsess over dogs, people, and items will inevitably result in behaviors such as barking and lunging on walks, aggression due to possession of their toys, running off after dogs while off leash, etc.

Any interactions our own dogs have with other dogs and strangers are well thought out, and for the benefit of the dog. This is not a breed to hang out at a backyard BBQ with intoxicated houseguests who don’t understand high drive dogs. Even sober overzealous greeters can get into trouble with a Malinois. (HIIII PUPPPY!)

You should have a goal for getting a malinois.

Buying a malinois puppy because you like the way they look, have met a trained one, were in the military, or saw one on TikTok is not setting you or a puppy up to succeed. Impulse buying a working breed dog without doing the proper research almost always ends poorly. What makes a Belgian Malinois right for you? Just wanting an active dog isn’t enough; there are plenty of other active breeds that don’t enjoy jumping out of helicopters to find “the bad guy” in their spare time. If you aren’t interested in genetically fulfilling the breed, please consider a different choice. Rescues are overflowing with abandoned Malinois.

If you DO like the lifestyle choice of a Belgian Malinois, we recommend finding a training club/dog trainer BEFORE you get a puppy. What?! Yes, you heard us right. This is a whole blog post by itself, but here is the short of the long:

  1. There are a lot of shady Belgian Malinois breeders out there, and when you’re interested in a working breed that excels in biting, you want to make sure the dog bites for the right reasons. A BYB Belgian Malinois can be a ticking time bomb of bad nerves and inappropriate aggression.
  2. If you visit various training clubs, you’ll notice a trend of club members often getting dogs from particular breeders. In protection sports, for example, some “decoys” (the men in the suits that work dogs in protection training) have very specific types of dogs they prefer in their training programs, so asking for their advice on where to get a dog can save you a lot of problems later on.
  3. You can learn a lot by observing training. There is no way to better prepare yourself for a Malinois than to immerse yourself in them, and that means observing them in person, watching training sessions, visiting different clubs, asking breeders questions, and continuing to show up with an open mind.
  4. Many training clubs are often full, and you might have to visit multiple before finding one that has the space that you jive with. Most clubs will allow spectators (we call them “auditors”, usually) to visit the club and watch their training in action. You’d be surprised to know that sometimes an unexpected spot will open for a helpful person that shows up every week, without a dog, with snacks in hand.
  5. You might just come to find that you aren’t as interested in the time-commitment fulfilling a Malinois’ needs take, after all. Better to find that out before you get a puppy! On the flipside, if you show up to club each week and feel like you’ve found “your people”, it might be time to start your puppy hunt.

Malinois can be challenging, but we love them for a reason.

While we are not saying owning a Malinois is akin to a tiger that needs to be kept in a cage, we are telling you that they require a much higher level of obedience control, and coaching other people how to interact (management) than other dogs in order to be mentally well adjusted, happy dogs, to prevent dog fights, and bites to people. Even an accidental bite can have devastating consequences for a dog and it is our job to respect this breed for what it is, and for what it isn’t, and to avoid and/or intervene in bad situations. While we can help our clients get rock-solid obedience training, direct them to appropriate training outlets, and help them live the best life together, we cannot, and will not, help them make a Malinois what they are not (a Golden Retriever, by example). It is not possible, and it would be unprofessional and unethical for us to take a clients money promising to do so.

If you’re considering this breed, feel free to reach out. We’d be happy to discuss your needs and whether or not this is the dog for you.

Dog Training Concepts for Dog Owners

Training your new dog or puppy is an important part of dog ownership! Dog training helps your dog learn good habits and live a more fulfilled life. A dog that you can trust to make good decisions is a dog that is easy and enjoyable to live with. This guide is a great place to start on your training journey, but for more in depth basic obedience training or advanced off leash dog training, local dog trainers near you can help guide your pup on the path to becoming a well-behaved companion. Up N Atom Dog Training Cleveland would be happy to help you if you are in the Northeast Ohio area.

Use a Positive Reinforcement-Based Training System.

Understanding and appropriately applying all four quadrants of learning is key when trying to teach advanced dog training cues. Positive reinforcement should be the building blocks set when it comes to successfully training your dog. Experienced dog trainers know how to use all quadrants of learning properly, but should always teach using positive reinforcement, only layering over positive punishment to skills that your dog knows and understands.  Our dog trainers at Up N Atom Dog Training are well-versed in (and very passionate about) balanced dog training, which begins by using a liberal foundation of positive reinforcement, then uses negative reinforcement, negative punishment, and positive punishment as your dog progresses in their training.

Learn How To Play With Your Dog.

It sounds simple, but properly playing with a dog is an art-form in itself. Dogs who want to tug, chase, and fetch NEED those outlets to be happy, confident dogs. Many dog owners lack the skillset to really encourage their dogs chase and tug the way nature does; learning how to properly play will give your dog a great outlet, encourage bonding with you, and allows you to use a variety of rewards in your training. If you have a dog who wants to play tug, you need this DVD in your doggy education toolbox: The Power of Playing Tug With Your Dog

Start With the Basics.

The very first thing we work on with new dogs is engagement. Engagement training encourages a dog to CHOOSE to pay attention, rather than us begging for it. Dog training is much more difficult when you’re starting with a dog who doesn’t want to look at you! Once you have some focus, but before you move on to more complex skills, take time to really focus on the basics: name recognition, wait at the door, sit and down. Then, you can start more advanced skills such as walking on a loose leash, coming when called, and bed-stay. Skipping out on important basics will make things much harder when your dog has developed bad habits!

Create Realistic Goals for Your Dog’s Training Progress

Creating realistic goals will help you and your pup progress in a timely manner. It is important to remember that teaching your dog or puppy new commands can take time, so don’t be discouraged if it takes longer than expected. Overloading your dog with more tasks when they are not ready for them has the potential to make them confused or frustrated, and can cause them to give up all together. So, start off with simple commands, master them in areas of low distraction, and then gradually increase the distance, distraction, and duration of the tasks as they get better.

Practice Your Training During Walks and Other Activities.

Walks, playtime and other day-to-day activities are major opportunities for practicing your dog’s training. For example, instead of just letting your pup run free at the park, try asking them to “sit” or “down” for their favorite toy, and then throw the toy when they do so. If you’re taking a hike, practice “place” on tree stumps, and work on coming when called (on a long line, of course!). Inserting training drills in your every day life not only keeps things interesting but helps your do anticipate their obedience commands anywhere and anytime.

New Dog Adoption

Bringing Home a New Adult Dog: Essential Tips for a Smooth Transition

Have you recently welcomed a new dog into your home? As a dog trainer, I often receive calls from dog owners who have recently brought home a new adult dog, or who are thinking about doing so, and need some guidance. Here are some quick tips to help your new dog adjust to such a big change!

Controlled Freedom is Key

When you bring an adult dog home, it’s essential not to give them too much freedom too quickly. Allowing unrestricted access to every room can lead to mishaps like potty accidents and destructive behavior. Establishing consistent routines is crucial, from day one. Start by designating specific areas where your dog can be, and gradually expand their freedom as they learn the rules of the house. This will aid in effective potty training and crate training, and help prevent the formation of bad habits, such as unwanted chewing or marking territory.

Whenever your dog cannot be directly supervised, they should be tethered to you, or in their crate. The name of the game here is NO MISTAKES, meaning we simply are not giving our new dog the opportunity to pee in the house, eat our new rug, bolt out the front door, or attack the house cat. Our goal for the first few months should be building good habits and preventing bad ones from forming. This means all of our interactions should have some sort of goal in mind, even if that goal is simply hanging out with the dog at our feet watching a good movie. If there is no net-positive or net-neutral benefit, CRATE YOUR DOG!

During this stage, it is important to make sure our dog is getting appropriate exercise and mental stimulation. Training walks, nosework sessions, playtime, and even treadmill training are great ways to wear our new pup out without building bad habits. Avoid: dog parks, doggy daycare, walks where your dog is dragging you around, patios, and dog friendly stores for now.

Give Your New Dog Time to Adjust

New environments can be overwhelming for dogs, particularly if they are nervous or shy. It’s crucial to give your new dog the time they need to settle in. Avoid forcing interactions with other pets or visitors before your dog feels comfortable in its new space (and with you as their new person). Instead, let them explore at their own pace. Once they are more relaxed and familiar with you, gradually introduce them to new people, animals, and experiences. Limiting outings until your dog has built confidence with you will foster a sense of security, which is very important for preventing behavioral issues later.

Once your dog is settled in (relaxing in their crate, enjoying interactions with family members, taking food in training and eating their meals are all good signs that they are happy and comfortable in their new home), you can slowly start exposing them to new things. If you have other dogs in your household, this would be a good time to start taking them out on neutral walks together, or letting them spend some supervised time in the yard together. You may consider crating your new dog in the living room and letting any household cats check them out in a safe way. If your dog appears dog social, you can begin introducing them to family members and close friends. Remember that our goal is calm, neutral experiences at this stage, so try not to encourage rough play, and discourage jumping, barking, and other signs of overstimulation.

Seriously… Use a Leash!

Keeping a leash on your new dog while they are inside (when not in their crate) can be highly beneficial. A leash allows you to guide them easily and prevent them from getting into trouble or misbehaving. This method is particularly helpful during potty training (which is important for any new dog, EVEN FOR ADULTS that may have been potty trained in their past home); you can quickly take them outside when needed, and they’re unable to sneak off to pee in a corner. In your backyard, a long leash can ensure they stay safe and can be brought inside with minimal fuss. Being proactive in these ways will help reinforce good habits early on.

Supervision, supervision, supervision is SO important for the next few months. Utilizing your leash, your crate, and your EYEBALLS any time your dog is out and about will go a long way in creating really good house manners.

Give Your Dog a Safe Space

Every dog needs a safe haven to retreat to, especially in a new, bustling household. Consider utilizing a crate as a den-like setting, providing your dog with a quiet and peaceful environment to chill out. Feeding them in their crate will help build a positive association with being in it, and minimize the risk of resource guarding from family members or other pets in the home. If your new dog can have a bed without eating it, you can make the crate comfortable for them. If they are chewing at their blanket, remove it so we don’t risk needing a foreign body surgery.

Read our full guide on crate training here.

Patience is Essential

Remember that it may take weeks or even months for your new dog to fully acclimate and show their true personality. Initially, you may not see any destructive or reactive behavior, but that doesn’t mean it won’t emerge as they become more comfortable. By following these guidelines, you can cultivate a positive environment that supports your dog’s adjustment. This will ultimately encourage better behavior as your dog settles in and gains confidence in their new home. By implementing these strategies, you can help your new best friend transition smoothly. Remember, patience and consistency are your best allies in this exciting journey! When in doubt, call a dog trainer for hands on help.

Beauceron Puppy Ohio

Pros and Cons of Board and Train for Dogs

WHAT EXACTLY IS A “BOARD AND TRAIN” PROGRAM FOR DOGS?

With a board and train program, you leave your dog for a set period of time to stay at a dog training facility or a dog trainer’s house. Your dog’s day is spent developing new skills or addressing other behavioral problems, as well as playing and getting structured one-on-one time with their trainer. A professional dog trainer does the repetitions (generally daily, but every company is different) and then helps you learn how to maintain the skills once your dog graduates from the program. At Up N Atom, our board and train programs take place in our experienced dog trainer’s home, giving your dog or puppy a 24/7 immersive training experience.

HOW LONG DOES A STAY AND TRAIN LAST?

Depending on the behaviors you want to address, and the trainer’s program options, the length of your dog’s training while boarding will vary, but most generally last between two and five weeks. Some dog trainers will offer shorter board and train programs for learning fundamental skills, while more difficult behavioral concerns (aggression, lunging and barking at dogs or people, high levels of anxiety, separation anxiety, phobias, or otherwise) will likely require a longer Doggy Bootcamp stay. Our dog trainer recommends going for the longest program option you are able to do, as it gives dog trainer’s more time to proof behaviors under high level distractions, and on field trips to new places such as parks, stores, and hiking trails. Since board and train programs are a big emotional and financial investment, it’s always a good idea to get the absolute most out of the training time as possible.

While your dog is enrolled in a training camp style program, you may be required to regularly attend lessons so you can become familiar with the human side of the training equation. Other programs might choose to forego this, and the owner education piece comes in when your dog graduates from the training program. At Up N Atom, we provide Cleveland dog owners regular video and photo updates that keep you up to speed on the program (as well as your pup’s attitude, health, and new skills) and send you a comprehensive packet of training homework to study while your dog is in training. We also may recommend private lessons during the program, so you can learn how to begin to apply your dogs new training. Then, you have private lessons to utilize beginning the day you pick up your dog, where you learn how to keep up with the skills at home, how to use any prescribed dog training equipment, and how to begin introducing your dog to more difficult situations/distractions using the new training skills. The owner coaching portion of a boarding and training program is critical, and you should only consider programs that put a heavy emphasis on a dog trainer training you as well as they train your dog.

A mastiff swims in a lake near Dayton Ohio

HOW MUCH DOES A BOARDING WHILE TRAINING PROGRAM COST?

The price of a board and train program varies depending on where you live and how long your dog will be staying. The low end for most training programs runs approximately $1000/week. This cost usually takes into consideration nightly boarding, regular obedience training on site and on field trips, behavioral modification if the dog is having issues, follow up lessons, prescribed dog training equipment, and the general daily care such as feeding, brushing, exercising, and rotating to potty. Dog board and train programs involve way more than just dog-sitting with some training if you’re working with a reputable dog training company. Reputable board and train programs should include daily exercise, enrichment, and playtime in addition to providing a safe environment around-the-clock to prevent the rehearsing of undesirable behaviors and decrease physical risk to the dog. Up N Atom Dog Training forgoes the kennel facility experience and instead offers a more intimate program where the dogs live in the house with their dog trainer, adding extra security and comfort to dog owners who want their dogs to train and play in a quieter, home-like setting.

CHOOSING A BOARDING AND TRAINING PROGRAM

A high price tag does not always mean that a board and train program is being offered by licensed or morally upright professional dog trainers. Anyone can use the title “dog trainer” and offer board and train as dog training is an unregulated industry. When enrolling your dog in a board and train program with a prospective dog trainer or training facility, it is crucial that you conduct a thorough background check on them to avoid becoming one of the tragic stories of dogs being abused, stolen, or lost during a board and train program. You should do your research thoroughly by checking google reviews, visiting social media pages, and touring the training facility whenever possible prior to enrolling in a program. You’ll want to ask the dog trainer what their qualifications are, what continued education they pursue, and what methods and techniques they use to train dogs. Make sure you are comfortable with what methods and tools are used with your dog.

There are a lot of things to consider when choosing a board and train facility. Does your dog stay in a kennel or dog run when not training? Or do they stay in a home environment? Is the facility or home clean and safe? Are proper cleaning products used to lower the risk of illness transmission? Are there any potential dangers present that indicate an area is not fully dog-proofed (proper containment areas, etc.)? Are dogs required to be up to date on vaccinations and on flea and tick preventatives? If board and train staff notice your dog not eating or losing weight, what do they do to combat that problem? How many dogs can enroll in a program at one time? How is barking controlled? How much human interaction will your dog get every day? What types of enrichment and exercise does your dog get each day? Will there be any playtime with other dogs (if appropriate) or with people? These questions can help you choose a program that you are most comfortable with, and prevent an overly stressful experience for your dog.

BOARD AND TRAIN PROGRAMS: BENEFITS AND DISADVANTAGES

Convenience is a major benefit of a board-and-train program. It takes a lot of work to train a dog. Your schedule might not provide much time for training because of your work schedule, kids activities, travel plans, or other obligations. Winter time means low temperatures and unpredictable weather. A dog trainer is being paid to train your dog every day, wind, snow, or shine. For busy folks who simply do not have the time to get in the necessary training repetitions required to teach new skills, a board and train option can be an excellent option.

Your dog will receive a lot of repetitions for training skills with a daily training schedule, and those repetitions will be performed by a dog trainer who has better timing, a deeper understanding of dog behavior, and sharper training skills than you do. Faster learning results from quality, repetitive practice. A good board and train program will also provide an atmosphere where your dog won’t engage in naughty habits that can impede their training, such as pulling on the leash in between training sessions, jumping on the counter, getting into the trash, or practicing aggressive behavior towards other dogs or people. Dog trainers also tend to have more access to other dogs, cats, dog-savvy people, and training locations than the average pet owner does, meaning skills can be generalized easier.

Board and train programs change the dog’s environment, which can make learning easier. There are instances when a dog’s environment at home naturally causes undesirable behaviors, and it can be challenging to alter the environment to stop the behavior from happening. For example, it is difficult to get a dog to stop counter surfing, jumping on guests at your front door, or from chasing joggers down the fence line if those triggers exist in your daily environment. At a dog training facility, or trainer’s home, the environment is easier to control and dog trainers can introduce those types of distractions strategically without them being practiced during “downtime” outside of training. Environmental management and prevention of poor behaviors are essential for accelerating learning! Many dog owners believe training needs to take place where the dog is currently, and that’s simply not true; your dog trainer will provide detailed home follow-up instructions and upkeep to help you navigate that more challenging environment once the skills are solid.

Stress can be a disadvantage of a board-and-train program for some dogs. Some dogs find traveling away from home to be distressing, as they don’t have a trusting relationship with the new folks running the show and the routine is different. A dog needs time to adjust to a new environment and routine which generally takes at least a few days; tense or fearful dogs may take longer. The acclimatization period, often known as the transition time, is important. Learning is not facilitated by stress. So, sending a dog to board and train means that, at minimum, the first few days are focused on acclimating a dog to their new environment and building a relationship with the trainer. This is why we require a minimum of three weeks for advanced obedience at Up N Atom — we want dogs to have a few days to settle in before the training begins.

One of the biggest reasons some people are unhappy with results after a board and train program is a lack of owner compliance to the new training system. At the end of the day, your dog has a learned history of what works in their home environment and a different learned history in the board and train environment. Your dog will be learning and practicing with a professional trainer or training staff — not you. You are the one who will be living with your dog full-time. The way you communicate with your dog — how you move, how you give cues, how you reward, and how you respond to undesired behaviors — is what affects their training and behavior the most. You are one of the most important antecedents in the dog training equation! If you don’t put in the effort to learn how to maintain the training at home (or you do not have a dog trainer who is willing to take the time to teach you how to act like a dog trainer) your dog will soon revert back to what they used to do. This can be frustrating for people who did not get the proper follow up instruction after investing in a board and train. They see how well their dog performs for the trainer, but then feel like it didn’t “stick” or that somehow they’ve failed. Owner instruction has to happen for long term success, and that means dog owners need to read all of their homework instructions, pay attention during the graduation lesson, schedule their follow up lessons, and immediately contact their dog trainer if they are struggling.

PUPPY BOARDING AND TRAINING

If you have a new puppy in your life, it can be overwhelming to make sure they get lots of positive experiences in a variety of environments during their critical socialization period. A board and train program can be ideal to provide appropriate socialization to different people, other dogs, and other important experiences. This requires a dog trainer who knows how to raise a confident puppy, because bad experiences during this socialization window can have lifelong effects on a developing brain.

While a board and train can be very helpful for socialization with appropriate dogs, people, and places the average dog owner doesn’t have access to (or time to access), a Board and Train Program for a puppy isn’t generally that helpful for potty training. Housetraining is probably one of the most exhausting parts of raising a puppy. And while you might feel that passing this task off to a trainer at a board and train program sounds like a good idea, it doesn’t tend to help much. Potty training is incredibly location-specific for young puppies. They may be housetrained quickly at a board and train where the routine and the potty spot are consistent, but once they return home, they have to relearn where they are supposed to go potty. It might not be starting at square one due to physical maturity that takes place during a training program, but it certainly won’t be done.

There are many benefits to beginning puppy training sooner rather than later. Having a dog professional on board to guide you through the process can make a lot of common problematic behaviors (biting, jumping, pottying in the house) easier to navigate, and by starting training young we can help guide our puppy into long-term behaviors we want when they are an adult dog. Board and train for puppies can be a great thing, as long as dog owners are realistic about what can be accomplished with a baby puppy and are willing to continue the work at home.

BOARD AND TRAIN FOR AGGRESSIVE DOGS

There are different types of aggression in dogs, and a board and train for aggressive dogs will not cure aggression (nor will any other type of dog training program). Management and safety are key components for addressing a dog’s aggression and requires the dog owner to learn proactive and defensive handling, dog body language, and how to effectively manage their dog’s environment.

Aggressive dog training

A Reactive Dog Bootcamp will benefit a dog struggling with leash reactivity, as your trainer will be able to quickly teach the reactive dog obedience skills (leash walking, coming when called, bed stay) and then expose the dog to a lot of new dogs, people, places, and things to help move the process forward as a faster pace than they would be able to with an inexperienced dog handler. Then, just like a regular board and train, the dog trainer will coach the dog owner how to be successful at home. Reactivity can take a long time to fully resolve, so expect to do significant follow up training after your dog returns home.

Aggressive behavior can either exacerbated or suppressed in an unfamiliar environment with a new handler (the dog trainer). A dog may shut down in the new environment, or they may exhibit more aggressive behavior than usual. Either way, the aggressive dog needs time to unwind and settle in as stress makes it difficult to practice counter conditioning methods (which is used to help change a negative emotional response to a positive one) and to teach critical obedience skills (leash walking, recall, bed-stay, wait at the door, leave it, all under heavy distraction), so longer program durations will be required. It is important to note that aggression is always managed, and never fully cured. While a Bootcamp training program designed for addressing aggression is always going to make a dog easier to live with — assuming the dog trainer is knowledgable, and the dog owner is committed to following the training protocols — they are not going to make a truly aggressive dog social with former triggers.

ARE BOARD AND TRAIN PROGRAMS WORTH IT?

Sending your dog off to boarding and training near you is worth it if your expectations match what’s actually possible in a short time period. While three weeks seems like a long time to be away from your dog, it is a very short time in the grand scheme of things. Dog trainers are not magicians and a board and train program still requires intensive owner commitment, daily repetitions to upkeep behavior, and a long-term dog training plan. Behavior change does not happen overnight. It doesn’t happen in one or two weeks. Training your dog is a lifelong commitment. A board and train program can certainly jumpstart your dog’s learning and get where you want to be faster than group classes or private lessons, but you need to be committed to the training program for the long haul.

Overall, board and train programs for dogs can be a good option for those dog owners who are committed to continuing training for long after the program ends. Because a board and train can be a major financial investment, it’s important to make sure you’re choosing the right program to meet the needs of you and your dog. If you live in the Cleveland, Ohio area, reach out and see what we can offer for you and your dog.

Dutch Shepherd Dog

Training for Reactive Dogs

Troubleshooting behavioral problems in dogs can sometimes feel like an uphill battle. Despite all of our best efforts, there will be dogs that have a hard time adapting to the world in the way we’d like them to. This is especially true with reactivity cases where the reactive behavior stems from fear and insecurity — no matter how much training, structure, and consistency we provide for them. While these issues can be difficult, there are things we can do to make it easier on ourselves and our dogs.

Reactive behavior is often an emotional response that becomes deep-rooted in our dogs personality over time. There are many cases where by the time professional help is involved, the dog has lost trust in their handler, strangers, other dogs, and the environment to the point that they are essentially living with a form of PTSD. In these situations, just the thought of a trigger appearing can send them into a full-blown panic. The response they have is not rational, but it can be nearly impossible for them to control themselves. When we are dealing with these types of cases it is CRITICAL to look at the entire picture of the dog. We need to make sure the dog understands what we are asking of them, and that we have properly prepared them to handle that environment. If the reactive dog cannot maintain heel position when nobody is around (with minimal interference), for example, they will likely fail around triggers. Taking it slow and steady and making sure all of the skills are muscle memory BEFORE taking the show on the road helps set the dog for success. They should also be well-exercised BEFORE any public training outings (treadmill training can be a great tool for this), so they are of clearer mind and body before training begins.

Reactivity Dog Training Chart
Our goal is to train our reactive dogs in a state where they are emotionally capable of learning.

Many dog trainers preach about “relationship” and how it influences reactivity. Perhaps your dog does fantastic when your spouse, or dog trainer, or dog walker takes them out, but is extremely reactive when you are holding the leash. Relationship is a big part of dog training, and we obviously need to address any holes there as a part of our training plan. Too much affection without enough structure, an unwillingness to reward good behavior and correct bad behavior, or allowing pushy/inappropriate behavior day-to-day can all absolutely fuel reactive behavior. Dogs like working with clear, consistent handlers who they know will keep them safe. Being a leader for your dog is being a role model who will advocate for them, not for someone who is unpredictable, nervous, and unclear. As your dogs handler, you should be 100% confident in your handling skills and expectations. You should ALSO be focusing on making yourself the most interesting thing in the room via engagement skillslong-line training (where your dog is able to make the correct decision — in a safe space — without constant leash tension and tugging), and you should be giving lots of rewards for good behavior. Some dogs, however, are just more reactive by nature. We see it often in herding breeds, and in dogs who are shy/nervous/anxious. These dogs would likely always exhibit reactivity to some degree due to their genetics, no matter how early we began training. Those cases likely won’t be immediately cured by a good relationship and obedience training alone, but they should show major improvements over time if we stick to a productive, well-thought-out training plan.

Sometimes, physical and emotional maturity can help decrease reactive behavior (if maturity happens in conjunction with solid obedience, confidence building, and engagement with the handler). “Picking the scab” by repeatedly putting the dog in situations where they feel overwhelmed and reactive in the name of exposure can easily push a dog to the point of no return. With a young, maturing dog, sometimes the best thing we can do is take a step back from training in busy spaces all together, and focus on slow-and-steady confidence building in environments we know the dog will be successful. This doesn’t mean hiding behind trees and only taking the dog out at 3AM, but it does mean they should only go places they feel confident and safe (large open spaces away from other dogs and people, their dog training center where they feel secure and have fun, Day Training programs where they can be around other dogs under the guidance of a trainer, and the like) while avoiding places such as parks with no easy escape route, dog-friendly stores, patios, and, yes, neighborhood walks where they have had repeated bad experiences, until they are older. This may mean loading your dog up to a quiet neighborhood to do your training walk so they don’t encounter “that house with a dog who always charges them from behind the fence/front door/etc” for the foreseeable future, as those types of repeated encounters cause some dogs to go on the defensive well before the trigger appears.

Mental Maturity in Dogs
Some dogs may begin to decrease reactive behavior when they are mentally mature, if we take the proper steps through adolescence.

Reactivity is tough. It can be frustrating, and hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel. We have to go into these cases understanding that while training can massively improve our lives with our dogs, each dog is an individual who will move at a different pace. Every dog with advanced training and dedicated owners should eventually be able to calmly navigate situations where there are other dogs/people/bikes/etc, IF we commit to taking it slow and being realistic about the dog in front of us. If you’re struggling with reactivity, you are absolutely not alone. Find help (we’d love to help you if you live in Northeast Ohio), and get your dog the training they need to begin to see the world as a less threatening place to be.

“Dog training is a journey, not a destination.”

Golden Retriever Puppy Training

How to: Socializing your Dog or Puppy (the right way)

There is a important distinction between a ‘social dog,’ and a dog that is ‘dog obsessed.’

What people want is a dog that is happy to engage with other dogs and people without dog aggression, or human aggression of any kind. What they actually end up creating can be a different story.

It seems like the obvious solution is to introduce your dog to as many dogs and people as possible. But, there’s so much more to it! The interaction itself must be a positive experience for your dog! If you see your dog avoiding the dog or person you are trying to introduce them to; If they are attempting to move away, make themselves small, or if you find yourself saying things like, “it’s okay….”, your dog is NOT having a great experience! There are steps you must take to ensure your dog walks away from that interaction thinking, “hey, that was easy.” We don’t want them to be like, “OH MY GOSH, THAT WAS THE BEST THING EVER!!!!” and we also don’t want, “THAT SUCKED… PLEASE, don’t make me do that again.” We want something lukewarm; medium if you will. Let me explain…..

If we are going for Dog Social:

Your dog can see another dog (off in the distance) and take it or leave it. Social dogs don’t get frustrated when they can’t access other dogs, and they don’t drag their owners to get to them.

While your dog is engaged with other dogs, they are still aware of you (if you feel like your dog is “blind” to your presence, your dog is not socializing in a healthy way).

When your dog sees a dog friend, they can quickly and easily be brought back under control, even if they are excited initially.

During play, your dog is easy to recall and refocus.

 

Dog Neutral: It’s important to note that **most mature dogs fall into this category**. Dog Neutral does not mean unsocialized.

Your dog is selective about its dog-friends. It doesn’t always enjoy playing with other new, stranger adult dogs or may have to be introduced in a thoughtful way.

Your dog probably grew up with the dogs it likes, and those relationships are friendly and fun.

It retreats, or growls and postures, when another (stranger adult) dog gets in their face or tries to sniff them.

When stranger dogs try to play, they move away and seem disinterested.

While they don’t enjoy playing with strange dogs, they are able to be near other dogs, or pass other dogs on or off-leash as long they don’t ‘get in their face.’

These dogs are usually tolerant of, and willing to play with puppies.

Think of how YOU behave in public. Is it appropriate to run up and hug every stranger you see? How about banter (joking around) or wrestling? It doesn’t connote that you are a mean person, it simply shows you are aware of behavioral norms. Some behaviors that were totally acceptable as a child are frowned upon as an adult. The same is true with Dogs. We don’t typically accept overly touchy, clingy, childish behavior from friends. Those are considered Toxic.

Toxic Dog Behavior

Stage One Clingon: When your dog sees another dog in the distance it pulls hard on the your leash. You can ‘sometimes’ wrestle them back into compliance. Trying to use treats to control their behavior is ‘hit or miss’ when trying to refocus.

Stage Two Clingon: Your dog is pulling so hard on the leash, it compels you to explain your dog’s behavior with “He’s just so excited…” Treats are as useless as your leash. You dog is difficult to refocus until the other dog is far away.

Stage Three Clingon: While you’re trying to explain how excited your dog is, the other people can’t hear you over your dog’s barking. You can’t reach your treats without losing your leash and your dog. Walking your dog is becoming more of an upper body workout.

Stage Four Clingon: Seeing another dog in the distance gives YOU anxiety. Taking your dog for a walk is embarrassing. They are basically unaware of your presence in search of other things to interact with. They barely flick an ear at you even if you (repeatedly) call their name. Barking is become unbearable.

Stage Five Dog Obsessed: The thought of walking your dog gives you pause. Hiding behind trees and cars when you spot another dog in the distance is the norm. You know there’s a problem. Is the Dog Park a solution?

First, the Dog Park and Dog Daycare is rarely the way to go, as (as counter-intuitive as that may seem), because they can actually facility Cling-on behavior.

If you notice your dog becoming a Cling-on, the best time to intervene is BEFORE STAGE THREE. Your dog needs proper dog training to retain or mitigate their social behavior. If Cling-on behavior has developed, the goal is to get Dog Neutral. Dog training is helpful, but not miraculous. If you are teetering on stage four or five, life-long management and mitigation of the dog’s behavior is in order; dog training will *help but may not fix the problem. At that point the dog may struggle to return to Dog Neutral, and Dog Social will likely never be an option.

Tips for Socializing your Dog

Focus on long-term doggy relationships (friend, neighbor, and family dogs). Monitor their play and intervene when things appear to be getting too amped. Don’t wait until there is aggressive behavior. Monitor their body language and step in early. If you need additional guidance, contact a dog trainer.

Avoid meeting strange dogs your dog will never see again.

Reward your dog for ignoring other dogs on walks. I know…. That doesn’t sound right!? If you want your dog to like other dogs, isn’t ignoring them the opposite? NO, not in dog psychology! Pairing a reward event with the presence of other dogs helps build that positive association, without the adrenaline and cortisol rush, or the potential for the interaction to go south!

If you feel like your dog isn’t getting enough exercise, treadmill train, teach them how to tug, and/or hire a dog walker or dog hiker, instead of doggy daycare or dog parks.

Up N Atom Dog Training can help you reach your training goals through various dog training program options. We offer dog training in the Cleveland and Northeast Ohio area, so reach out and let us get your dog on track.

Puppy Potty Training

How to Potty Train a Puppy

Potty training puppies can be relatively simple, or cause us a lot of grief. This guide will cover some of the best techniques that simplify the potty training process, and some of the common reasons it can be a ruff time for new puppy owners. The main concept is that PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT in all aspects of puppy training, whether it’s a habit we want our puppy to develop, or one that we don’t.

Potty Training Habits Start Early

First and foremost, the way that the litter was raised will have a profound effect on potty training your puppy. Crazy, right? Training is training, amiright? I wish… If the area your puppy was raised in was not kept clean, and the puppies soiled the same area they slept in, they already have a dirty habit. Puppies whose sleeping area is kept very clean early on, and have access to a separate area for pottying, and an area for playing, eating and sleeping that is done far from their excrement, are MUCH easier to potty train. So if you buy a puppy from a breeder or a rescue who keeps the puppies contained in the same area for sleeping, pooping and eating, what those puppies are learning is that it’s okay to poop where ever they can. The puppies that have an opportunity to have distance from their poop and pee are much cleaner puppies, and will be fussier (in a good way) about needing to use the bathroom away from their sleeping, eating and play-places. Practice makes perfect.

This breeder has a great set up for these puppies future families, by example:

https://youtu.be/X2OS8tVnbkQ?si=gdTlk3vdL5KO1lg5
Potty training habits start when puppies are very young.

Puppies raised in a small space (whether from a breeder, in a shelter, or puppies out of a pet store (face-palm)) are much more likely to be difficult to potty train simply because there isn’t the space for them to ‘practice’ sanitary potty training behavior. Practice Makes Perfect.

Keeping your puppy on a schedule

Timing the feeding routine, access to water, and potty breaks is critical. Puppies need to poop and pee right when they wake up, after eating, and after playing. While confined in a crate and at rest, most puppies can ‘hold it’ for 2 hours for every month of age. You will likely need to do one or two middle of the night let outs for an 8 week old puppy. Your feeding routine should be on a schedule. In order to predict the timing and quantity of what should be coming out, you need to monitor when the food is going IN. You will need to adjust your schedule based on the success of the routine. Practice Makes Perfect.

Pro-Tip: If you REALLY want to get the most bang for your buck, you should feed your meals via a simple training routine, or puppy preschool style session. You will be surprised how quickly you can feed an entire meal practicing and rewarding some manners and good social puppy behavior. Practice Makes Perfect.

Most dogs (see above) understand near or far from their own poop and pee. Inside or outside is less important on their list — which is also a big reason small breeds, such as yorkies and maltese, can be more difficult to potty train. To really instill that concept you must supervise and confine your puppy. Allowing them to wander out of your sight, even for a second, will likely result in an accident in the house. Opportunities to play and really get the zips out need to be outside. Not only will they likely need to potty if they are really getting some energy out, but they will also quickly associate indoors and the calm space, where they don’t use the bathroom, and that outside is the exciting place, where play and pottying are encouraged. Pro-tip – When your puppy goes potty outside, take AT LEAST 3 more minutes to play with them or do little walk about with them. This will teach your puppy to potty outside quickly, instead of dilly-dallying about. Puppies will quickly make the association that their walk or outing ends as soon as they use the bathroom, and they will hold it outside to maximize their ‘fun time.’ Practice Makes Perfect.

You may notice they have certain body language that indicates they are looking for a place to go potty. This is why it’s so important that you keep an eagle-eye on them.

Image Source

Potty Training and Diet

Feeding your puppy a high quality diet can insure that they will develop properly mentally and physically, and are less likely to have digestion or urinary tract upset. Poor quality dog food has a lot of ‘fillers’ and materials that dogs don’t need and can’t digest, just read the label. All those fillers and preservatives will cause your puppy to poop more, needing more frequent potty breaks. Most kibble is the equivalent of fast food for dogs. Yes, you can survive on processed foods, but there will be a host of maladies that are possible with poor nutrition, and added chemicals and preservatives. Many people will coach you to ‘ask your vet,’ about diet advice. It’s important to note that Veterinarians are general practitioners. They are not nutritionists, and if they had any education in vet school on this topic, it was likely taught by Purina or Science Diet, for one semester or less. Diets can certainly be customized to a breed’s needs factoring in growth rate and body type, and optimized for each individual. The gold standard of canine nutrition is feeding a balanced raw diet. Whether you feed a raw diet or kibble, do some research on canine nutrition, to aid you in potty training a puppy.

Image Source

If you are following the schedule, supervising and confining your puppy, feeding a high quality diet, and they are still having accidents (especially if in the crate) the next step is to rule out a GI or Urinary Tract issue. It is incredibly common for puppies to have Giardia, or other parasites, and to get Urinary Tract Infections. Even if your puppy was previously de-wormed, you should still take a stool sample to your vet to be sure of a clean bill of health, or a urine sample in to rule out UTI (both should be available to you without an appointment). Before you can solve potty training problems, you need to rule out any medical condition.

If this sounds like a lot of work to you, that’s because it can be! Consider a puppy boarding and training program with a professional dog trainer to keep your puppy on track. Practice Makes Perfect.

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15001 Madison Ave
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