puppy training dayton

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!

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)!

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

Pros and Cons of Boarding and Training Programs for Dogs

March 7, 2023by Shaina

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.

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.

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.

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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.