puppy training columbus

A Shiloh Shepherd puppy training at a park in Columbus

Socialization – A Dirty Word in Dog Behavior?

March 12, 2024December 5, 2024by Shaina

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 Training

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

February 13, 2024December 5, 2024by Shaina

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!

Uncategorized

How to Potty Train a Puppy

December 28, 2023December 5, 2024by Shaina

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.

Boarding with Training in Columbus: Our Dog Training Programs

March 10, 2023by Shaina

At Dog Dynamix Ohio, we put a lot of effort into ensuring that dogs and their owners achieve the best results through our selection of dog training programs. Our off-leash Board and Train options as well as our Puppy Training programs come with extensive owner counseling after graduation and have evolved over the years to get the greatest results possible.

Our Board and Train is a very popular program for dog owners in Columbus and Dayton looking to get high quality training results for their dogs on an expedited timeline.

We provide a few different Board and Train programs:

Our Ohio dog trainer will teach your dog how to walk properly on a leash, go to their bed (and stay there), come when you call them, behave correctly on field trips to various dog-friendly establishments, parks, trails, and more throughout our four-week off-leash focused training program.

If off-leash training isn’t a goal, our three-week program is a fantastic on-leash program that handles leash walking, wait at the door, bed-stay, and behavior at home and on field trips.

Additionally, we offer a ten-day program that focuses solely on walking nicely on leash around mild distractions, and basic house manners. This is a great program for dog owners going on vacation who want to make productive use of their time away from their dog.

For dogs who need an intensive training program focused on behavior modification, Dog Dynamix Ohio has a Dog Bootcamp that aims to treat troublesome behaviors in dogs like aggression, barking at other dogs or people on leash, separation anxiety, fear and phobias, and other issues. The long duration of this program allows for long-term behavioral adjustment, for the greatest results.

We have a puppy to adult Perfect Puppy Program for puppies that consists of two weeks of on-leash puppy foundation training (name recognition, crate games, beginning leash walking, wait at the door, leave it, confidence building, and handling for grooming), and three weeks of off-leash training when your puppy is at least seven months old.

In addition, we offer a two-week puppy training program that starts puppies off on the right track but does not get into the advanced off leash training when they are older.

So, why choose board and train for dogs?

The biggest benefit of a board and train program may be the amount of time that our experienced Columbus dog trainer can commit to training your dog. In a Board and Train program, your dog’s dog trainer gets the chance to put the training techniques to use every single day. We’ve been doing this for a long time, and our system works (and has been proven via many dogs each year!). While in training, your dog receives repetitions every day as well as deliberate introductions to new dogs, people, and environments intended to serve as distractions.

The daily training for a prolonged length of time can be quite helpful when trying to resolve more serious behavioral difficulties. Due to frequent exposure to long-term triggers, lack of consistency, and the fact that dog owners don’t have the skillset of a dog trainer, things can move more quickly with a trainer than they would at home.

At our specialized training facility, your trainer has access to a wider variety of people, dogs, and other significant distractions than you would at your house. It can be quite challenging to locate neutral dogs and people to work with frequently enough to make significant progress if your dog is overly thrilled to meet new people or other dogs. Dog trainers are able to set up your dog for success by using their own well-trained dogs, other dogs in training, dog trainer friends, and coworkers as everyday distractions. One of the most important aspects of dog training—and one that can be the most difficult—is teaching your dog how to behave consistently and securely around people and other dogs. In a dog training setting, socialization does not entail a free-for-all, overly enthusiastic greetings, improper conduct from the new human or dog, or anything else. We manage the atmosphere so that your dog learns how to act in a thoughtful and shrewd manner.

Some of us have very little time for dog training because our everyday lives are so busy, whether it’s because of work, kids, or a mix of things. Board and train programs can assist dog owners teach their dogs effectively on a tight schedule. In most cases, all you need to get ready for a Board and Train program is the food your dog will need for the duration of their stay and their vaccination documents. You don’t have to worry about keeping up with your weekly training “homework” in between appointments because the trainer will handle all the tiresome repetitions. Private Lesson programs are without a doubt a fantastic choice for many people, but if your schedule is already full, adding another commitment may be challenging. Knowing that your dog will receive the necessary training from a trainer you can trust and that all you need to do is pack up their food and drop them off removes your tension.

If you’re heading out of town for vacation, boarding and training programs are a terrific option. A Board and Train program may be the best option for you if you don’t want to board your dog while you’re away on business or vacation in an unstructured way that can create more bad behaviors. If you’re planning a trip and know you’ll need to board your dog, why not take advantage of the chance to combine excellent training with doing so? Your dog will behave better when you return, in addition to being in good hands while you’re away.

Dog Dynamix provides board and train programs for dogs and their owners in Ohio (Dayton and Columbus) and Colorado (including the Denver Metro area).

If you’re interested in our Board and Train Programs, please contact the trainer in your area by visiting their page (which is listed above)!

How to Raise a Puppy

February 14, 2023December 5, 2024by Shaina

I’m raising a few puppies right now. I’ve done a lot of puppy raising over the years, both for breeders and for clients (and, obviously, for myself). When clients are struggling with their own puppies it’s usually pretty easy to guess the root of the problem: too much freedom and attention.

I know, I know… you got a puppy because you wanted a pal. You don’t want to keep them in a box. You took two weeks off of work so you could make every crate experience the puppies own choice and bonded by hanging out on the couch. But now, that two weeks is up and you HAVE to put the puppy in the box… and the puppy isn’t having it. Yikes, what went wrong?

I love my puppies just as much as the next person. But loving them means understanding that what *I* want to do with my puppy isn’t always what is best for them.

If I want my puppy to get used to being in a crate when I’m out of the house, I need to make that a normal part of their life as soon as possible. I feed every meal in the crate, have them spend plenty of time in them both when I am home and when I leave, and I have multiple crates/pens set up around the house so they don’t get too accustomed to a certain environment/amount of activity. My time spent with my puppies is intentional and always directly supervised.

Potty training is also less complicated if you aren’t letting your puppy run around loose all day while you’re home. Baby puppies have baby bladders… and they need to physically mature a bit before they can learn to hold it. Too much freedom in the house means a high risk of accidents, and a more difficult time potty training. Puppies need to go outside regularly and have no opportunities to make a mistake inside. That’s the secret to it. How do you accomplish that? By using a crate, making a schedule, observing your puppy closely, and understanding that any mistakes they DO make are probably human error. With time, physical maturity, and structure, healthy puppies will potty train. But a puppy with too much freedom, no schedule, and inconsistent owners will struggle for much, much longer.

Jumping/biting/counter surfing/stealing household items/etc… don’t let them do that! Again, too much freedom is happening if your puppy is able to jump all over your house guests or run off with a sock. Keeping your puppy on a leash in the house, using your crate when you can’t directly supervise, and making sure all inappropriate items are out of reach when the puppy is out will prevent those normal-puppy-issues from spiraling out of control as they grow.

Puppies are hard. I get it! But they’re WAY harder if you don’t look at restricting their freedom as a temporary (necessary) state of existence. Preventing bad behavior now will save you a LOT of trouble later… do right by your puppy and your family by raising your puppy like a dog trainer would! And if you need help, contact Up N Atom Dog Training today.

A cat and a dog sit on a place cot in the Dog Dynamix lobby.

5 Tips For Finding Quality Dog Training Near You

January 18, 2023by Shaina

Finding quality dog training nearby can be a challenge. With this guide, you’ll have the tools you need to find the perfect dog training program for you and your dog. Learn 5 easy tips so you can get started with professional dog training in your local area today!

Research Online For Local Dog Training Courses.

The first step in finding a quality dog training course near you is to research online. There are many websites and directories online that list local dog trainers and classes, and every trainer has a social media page for their business these days. Take the time to read reviews from other dog owners and find detailed information about the courses taught by each trainer. This way, you can easily compare programs and choose one that best meets your needs. Things to look out for:

How many dogs are assigned per dog trainer?

Does the trainer accept dogs and puppies of all ages, breeds, and sizes?

What opportunities are there for advancing in training? Does the program have significant follow up opportunities post-graduation?

What is the dog trainers professional experience? Did they mentor under any other dog trainers, and do they regularly attend dog training workshops?

Will the dog trainer send you homework for when the training program ends?

There are all important considerations, and can greatly affect your dogs’ training success rate.

Ask Your Friends, Family and Veterinarian for Advice & Referrals.

Don’t forget to ask your friends, family members and veterinarian for advice and referrals. They may have personal experience with a quality dog training program and can let you know what worked well for them. Pay attention to THEIR dogs’ behavior! If their dog is a bit of an out of control wild-child, maybe don’t press them for a recommendation… but you should absolutely ask dog owners that have calm, polite dogs out in the world and see how they trained their dog! Dog Dynamix Ohio gets a lot of calls that start out as, “I was out and about in town, and I saw this REALLY WELL TRAINED DOG, I just had to ask where they got their dog trained…”. When you reach out to people, be sure to ask about the cost of the program, what type of techniques were taught, and whether or not the instructor was someone they’d recommend or return to. This will help you quickly narrow down your options so you can select the best training program for your pup.

Determine What Type of Program Is Right for You and Your Dog

Before you start your search for the perfect dog training course, it’s important to understand what type of instruction will best serve your pup and your unique needs. Are you looking for an overnight board and train program, an in-person group training class, private lessons, or an online training course? If you have basic training skills mastered but are looking to really push it to the next level, a lot of high quality dog training instructors have content available online for a fee. You can also look into in-person dog training seminars/workshops from highly respected dog trainers traveling through your town. There are so many options these days, so do your research before settling on a dog trainer near you.

Read Reviews Before Putting Down a Deposit.

Knowing the quality of instruction you will be receiving before committing to a dog training program is key. Take some time to read online reviews and talk to people who have had success with any instructors or trainers you are considering. Many cities and towns also have Facebook groups dedicated to pet owners looking for advice on local businesses, including trainers, so don’t forget to take advantage of those resources. Ask around, and see what names regularly get brought up in your community, and why. You should always dig for good reviews and bad reviews, and decide which ones are credible, honest reviews from clients, which are from people who just seem unhappy because of unrealistic expectations, and which reviews might be fake. Just like shopping on Amazon, we need to look at things with a magnifying glass!

Inquire About a Trainer’s Qualifications and Experience.

Before enrolling in any dog training classes or courses, find out what type of qualifications the trainer holds. Is he/she certified by any industry organizations? Is the trainer experienced and educated in modern dog training methods? Have they worked with or under other experienced dog trainers, and if so, for how long? Do they compete in any dog sports? How is their reputation in the local dog training community? Ask as many questions as you need to be sure you’re investing your money in a qualified and ethical trainer that you can trust.

We hope this guide helps you find the best dog trainer near you. With so many options, the choices can seem overwhelming… but following these quick tips should get your pooch on their way to better behavior fast! If you are local to Columbus, Dayton, or Cincinnati, contact us for more information on how we can help you train your dog.

Finn, a daschund puppy from Columbus, Ohio, in training.

Is Hiring a Local Dog Trainer Important?

January 7, 2023December 5, 2024by Shaina

The reality is, unlesss you have a real knack for animal behavior and leash handling, most dog owners will need the help of a professional dog trainer in order for them to make fantastic household pets. When the doorbell rings, most dogs will bark. Other dogs will pull hard on leash to visit the neighbor or practice doggy parkour in order to harass the household cat. While barking, jumping, digging, pulling on leash, and chasing prey items are normal canine behaviors, it can be really helpful to get a professional dog trainer on your team to help you figure out how to best live with your dog and avoid problematic behaviors from occurring.

Dog trainers can be extremely beneficial for dogs of all ages who may have a variety of problems, such as fear, aggression, and difficulties learning advanced (or even simple) obedience commands. If you want your dog to join you on off leash adventures, it is critical they are reliably trained under heavy distraction. Dog friendly patios can be a blast… unless your dog spends the entire time barking and trying to visit other patrons. Hiring a dog trainer doesn’t make an owner a failure, nor is it a sign that there is something wrong with the dog. Hiring a dog trainer should be a proactive move made to help better your relationship with your dog.

Finding the pet expert who is best for you is the first step in strengthening the link between owner and dog. Check out this guide on how to get in touch with the best dog trainer for you and your dog.

Dog training can begin at any age. Beginning with a trainer as soon as a new puppy comes home can start them off right; it’s a lot of work raising a puppy, and there is a lot of conflicting information out there! Hiring a puppy trainer can help you learn how to properly socialize your new friend, create an appropriate potty training schedule, and help you deal with pesky, but normal, puppy behaviors such as jumping, biting, and barking in the crate.

Get the tools you need to practice at home. Consider the tools you’ll need to reinforce excellent behavior at home after consulting with a trainer. Learning simple training skills like “sit,” “down,” and “leave it” can be done at home with minimal effort, with just a leash and some yummy dog training treats. You should have a short leash as well as a long leash for practicing coming when called out and about, and a properly fitted collar that won’t slip over your dogs head. A dog kennel helps puppies learn to respect other people’s property and facilitates housebreaking. We love Ruffland Kennels and KBC Kennels for solid crates that will last you years.

While working with a trainer, you can get into the habit of incorporating training exercises into your daily routine with your dog or puppy. Each walk should be spent reinforcing excellent leash manners, rather than teaching your dog to drag you around the park. You can practice leave it during dinner, and work on your bed stay at night while watching TV (while also paying attention to your pup, of course). Every time you let your dog outside to go to the bathroom is a time to practice “wait at the door”. Being consistent and keeping your dogs brain active goes a long way in future good behavior!

In the end, hiring a reputable dog training professional and devoting time to training will help your dog succeed and open up your world to more adventures together. We would love to discuss training options with you if you are local to Northeast Ohio. Our dog trainers specialize in Boarding and Training programs for dogs and puppies.

A small Belgian Malinois puppy trots in the snow towards a dog trainer.

Puppy Training Cleveland: Get Expert Advice Now

November 21, 2022December 5, 2024by Shaina

Looking for Dayton puppy training? Starting off with good puppy training is such an important part of preparing your pup for a lifetime of happiness and adventure. This guide offers expert tips and advice on training your pup in Dayton, OH, so you can set them up for success from the start.

Establish Boundaries and Structure.

Establishing boundaries and setting structure is an important part of puppy training. Consistency and repetition are key to teaching your pup the boundaries and what is acceptable behavior. We always start puppies off with engagement (focus and attention on the handler), name recognition which will help with coming when called later, wait at the door, and leave it, all of which will help you maintain control of your pup in different situations as they advance in their training. Additionally, establishing rules such as ‘no jumping,’ ‘no barking indoors’ or ‘no chewing on furniture’ will help your pup learn what behaviors are acceptable or unacceptable in the home.

Establish a Consistent Routine.

Having a consistent routine when you are training your puppy is key – it helps create clarity for both of you! Once you have designed your puppy’s schedule, stick to it and be as consistent as possible. This will also help you and your pup get into the habit of performing certain commands or behaviors with ease. Consistency helps your pup grow in confidence and makes the training process much easier. The world is not a scary place if it is black and white! Finding a professional dog trainer to help guide you through this process can make a huge difference, as puppies can go through various fear periods throughout their growth.

Begin Socialization and Manners Training.

Socialization and manners training are important aspects of puppy training in Dayton. From an early age, it is important to start teaching your pup how to interact with other people, animals and its environment in a friendly and safe way. This is done by gradually introducing your pup to new sights, sounds, smells, objects and animals. Staying patient as you introduce your pup to new experiences and rewarding good behaviors with treats or verbal praise will help form positive associations for your pup. Taking regular trips to the local park or introducing your pup to pet-friendly businesses are great ways to socialize and teach them good manners, but remember that it is most important that your puppy learn to ignore other dogs and people! Any physical interactions they have with people or other dogs should be well-controlled with those you know and trust.

Potty Training with Positive Reinforcement.

Potty training your puppy is often the most challenging part of the process. However, reinforcing positive behaviors and providing consistent house rules is the key to success in potty training… meaning supervision, supervision, supervision is key here. Practicing a schedule with meal times, play times and bathroom breaks is important for establishing routines. Rewarding your pup when they do their job in the right area with treats or verbal praise will also help them form positive associations and learn good habits. Be patient as you go through this process, as different puppies move at different speeds when it comes to learning! Do not allow your puppy to sneak off and have accident in the house. Make sure you are crate training, using a leash in the house, and not giving your puppy too much freedom too quickly. It will take up to a few months of consistent work, but if you do not allow mistakes inside your puppy WILL potty train!

Introduce New Tasks Gradually and Be Consistent With Commands.

As your puppy gets more and more comfortable with the basics like potty training and house rules, you can start introducing the more complex commands like stay, come, sit and how to walk on a loose leash. Start off by teaching one command at a time in a low distraction environment (like the house or backyard) and keep the overall routine consistent. Don’t push your puppy too quickly by expecting them to perform under higher level distractions or in new, novel places. Use lots of positive reinforcement – in the form of verbal praise or treats – when your pup does a good job, as it will help solidify their understanding of that particular command. Remember to go slow – Rome wasn’t built in a day – and have patience as you introduce new tasks to your pup!

If you are located in Ohio and need help with Dayton puppy training or Columbus puppy training, please reach out. We have puppy programs designed to help you navigate this critical period in your life; we are experts in puppy obedience training, on and off leash training, socialization, focus and attention, potty training, crate training, house manners, and more.

Dog Trainer Shaina Zimmerman at the 2022 NARA National Championship

How to Find the Best Dog Training Near Me

January 13, 2020December 5, 2024by Shaina

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.