When it comes to training your dog, there are three essential skills that will change your dog’s life forever! They are a solid sit, a solid down, and a brilliant recall!
🐶 Solid Sit: This basic cue is crucial for maintaining control in various scenarios. Whether you’re at home or out in public, a well-timed sit can prevent unwanted behaviors and keep your dog focused.
🐶 Solid Down: Teaching your dog to lie down on cue helps them stay calm and collected, especially in high-stress environments This skill is invaluable for managing your dog’s energy or being able to drop them at a distance can help prevent an incident occurring.
🐶 Brilliant Recall: Perhaps the most important skill, a reliable recall ensures your dog comes back to you immediately, no matter the distractions. This can prevent potential dangers and keep your dog safe in any situation.
Mastering these three skills will allow you to navigate 95% of situations unscathed, making your dog more responsive, well-behaved, and safer overall.
#dogtraining #lifeskills #keepitsimple
Upcoming 7 days of challenges!!
The notion of having a ‘perfect dog’ is a myth. No dog is inherently perfect, just as no human is without flaws. Every dog has unique traits, quirks, and needs that may not align perfectly with their owner’s expectations. Instead of seeking perfection, focus on building a perfect relationship with your dog through patience, training, and mutual understanding. Embrace their individuality and work together to create a bond that is fulfilling for both of you. This journey of growth and companionship is what truly defines a perfect relationship. #relationshipfirst #lovedogs
The release of a toy or ‘out’, is one of the most important skills to teach any dog, but one that also creates the most conflict. Here are 5 times to teaching a reliable release!
🐶 Use High-Value Rewards: When teaching the “out” command, use treats or another toy that your dog values highly. Offer this reward immediately after your dog releases the toy to reinforce the behavior positively.
🐶 Consistent cues and Timing: Choose a clear, distinct cue such as “out” or “drop it” and use it consistently. Give the cue just once, and ensure your timing is precise to help your dog associate the release with the cue.
🐶 Trade Method: Start by offering a higher value treat or another toy close to your dog’s nose while they hold the toy. As they release the toy to take the offered item, give the “out” cue. Reward them immediately to build a positive association.
🐶 Practice Short Sessions: Keep training sessions short and frequent to maintain your dog’s interest and prevent frustration. Regular practice helps reinforce the cues without overwhelming your dog.
🐶 Patience and Gradual Increase of Difficulty: Be patient and gradually increase the difficulty by practicing in different environments and with various toys. This helps your dog generalise the cue and respond reliably in different situations.
For more information on teaching a reliable release, go to www.kamalfernandezonlinetraining.com
🐾 Adolescent dogs can be a handful, but remember, their strange behaviors are often perfectly normal. This stage comes with unique challenges, but it’s crucial to be patient, compassionate, and kind. They’re still learning and growing, just like teenagers! Embrace the quirks, offer gentle guidance, and cherish this phase of their development.
To find out more about overcoming adolescence, join the Annoyingly Adolescent webinar! To join simply go to www.kamalfernandezonlinetraining.com
🐶💖 #AdolescentDogs #PatienceAndCompassion #KindnessMatters #DogTraining
📢 Hey everyone! 🌟Are you struggling with reactivity challenges? Join us at Relabelling Reactivity, the ultimate online community and course designed to help you overcome these obstacles! 🧠✨ Connect with others, gain valuable insights, and transform your reactivity into a powerful asset. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to grow and thrive! 🚀 Click the link in bio to join now! 🙌 #RelabellingReactivity #OvercomeChallenges #JoinTheCommunity #OnlineCourse
Certainly! Here are five tips to help manage a dog’s over-arousal:
🐶 Consistent Training and Commands: Use consistent commands and positive reinforcement to train your dog to respond to cues that help calm them down, such as “sit,” “stay,” or “settle.” Regular practice in various environments can help your dog learn to manage their excitement.
🐶 Exercise and Mental Stimulation: Ensure your dog gets plenty of physical exercise and mental stimulation to burn off excess energy. Activities like daily walks, playtime, puzzle toys, and interactive games can help keep your dog engaged and reduce over-arousal.
🐶 Calm Environment: Create a calm and predictable environment for your dog. Avoid overstimulating settings and provide a safe space where your dog can retreat when they feel overwhelmed.
🐶 Controlled Socialisation: Gradually expose your dog to social situations and stimuli that typically cause over-arousal. Start with less stimulating environments and gradually increase the level of activity or noise. Reward calm behavior and remove your dog from situations if they become too excited.
🐶 Clear mechanics can help reduced over arousal. Smooth, fluid, efficient handling can influence the dog’s behaviour. Ensure you master these, before attempting any manoeuvres with the dog
Implementing these tips can help your dog learn to manage their excitement better and lead to a calmer, more balanced demeanor.
For more information on Over Arousal in dogs, join my webinar ‘OTT No More’ for advice and guidance on overcoming arousal issues.
https://calendly.com/lamakfernandez/ott-no-more?month=2024-08
Navigating adolescence in dogs can be a challenge, but there are three key strategies you can use to manage, ignore, or train through this phase:
🐶 **Manage**: Take an active role in guiding your adolescent dog through their behavioral changes. Set clear boundaries, maintain a consistent routine, and provide plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. Managing their environment and activities can help reduce undesirable behaviors and promote a calmer, more balanced dog.
🐶**Ignore**: Sometimes, the best approach is to pick your battles. Not every misbehavior needs immediate attention. Ignoring minor annoyances can prevent reinforcing unwanted behaviors. Focus on reinforcing positive behaviors instead, allowing minor issues to resolve on their own as your dog matures.
🐶 **Train**: Equip your dog with the skills they need to navigate life confidently. Consistent training sessions focusing on obedience, impulse control, and socialization are crucial during adolescence. This approach helps build a strong foundation for a well-behaved adult dog.
To learn more about these strategies and how to effectively handle the unique challenges of canine adolescence, sign up for our “Annoyingly Adolescent” webinar. This informative session will provide practical tips and insights to help you and your dog thrive during this critical developmental stage. Don’t miss out—reserve your spot today!
https://calendly.com/lamakfernandez/annoyingly-adolescent
Here are five key benefits of hands-on practical experience with dogs for those considering becoming professional dog trainers:
1. Skill Development and Mastery:
Practical experience allows aspiring trainers to develop and refine their training techniques. This hands-on approach helps in mastering essential skills such as leash handling, command delivery, and behavior correction, which are critical for professional dog training.
2. Building Credibility and Confidence:
Working directly with dogs builds confidence in one’s ability to handle various breeds and temperaments. This confidence, combined with proven hands-on experience, enhances credibility when seeking clients or employment in the field.
3. Understanding Canine Behavior:
Direct interaction with dogs provides deep insights into their behavior, body language, and communication signals. This understanding is crucial for diagnosing and addressing behavioral issues effectively, which is a key aspect of professional dog training.
4. Real-World Problem-Solving:
Hands-on experience exposes trainers to real-world challenges and problem-solving scenarios. Dealing with different behavioral issues, environmental distractions, and unexpected situations helps build a practical, adaptable approach to training.
5. Creating Strong Dog-Trainer Relationships:
Developing a bond with dogs through hands-on interaction is essential for successful training. This relationship-building aspect helps future professional trainers understand the importance of trust and rapport, which are fundamental in achieving positive training outcomes.
These benefits collectively prepare aspiring dog trainers for the professional demands of the field, ensuring they are well-equipped to provide effective training and establish a successful career.
Enrichment is crucial for the well-being of dogs, offering significant benefits to their mental and physical health. At its core, enrichment involves providing stimuli and activities that cater to a dog’s natural behaviors and instincts, which can range from hunting and foraging to playing and exploring. This is essential because it prevents boredom, reduces stress, and mitigates the development of destructive behaviors such as excessive barking, chewing, or digging.
A well-enriched environment helps in keeping dogs mentally stimulated. Activities like puzzle toys, interactive games, and training sessions challenge their minds and encourage problem-solving. This mental exercise is as important as physical exercise, promoting cognitive health and preventing decline, particularly in older dogs.
Physical enrichment through regular exercise, varied walking routes, and opportunities for play is equally important. These activities not only help maintain a healthy weight but also support cardiovascular health and muscle strength. Moreover, varied environments and experiences during walks can enhance socialization skills, making dogs more adaptable and less anxious in different situations.
Social enrichment, through interactions with humans and other dogs, is another critical component. Social play helps dogs learn appropriate behaviors and cues, enhancing their ability to communicate and reducing aggression or fearfulness. Positive human interactions, such as petting, talking, and training, strengthen the bond between dogs and their owners, fostering a sense of security and trust.
In summary, enrichment is vital for the holistic health of dogs. It ensures they remain mentally sharp, physically fit, socially adept, and emotionally balanced. By incorporating a variety of activities that stimulate their senses and engage their instincts, we can significantly enhance their quality of life, leading to happier, healthier, and more well-adjusted pets.
The concept of the 5 E’s—education, emotional stability, enrichment, exercise, and entertainment—provides a comprehensive framework for ensuring a dog’s overall well-being. Each aspect is crucial in its own right and collectively they help in nurturing a happy, well-adjusted, and balanced dog. Here’s a detailed look at the importance of each of these elements:
1. Education:
Importance: Education involves training and teaching a dog how to behave appropriately in various situations. It helps in setting boundaries and understanding commands, which promotes good behavior and enhances safety.
2. Emotional Stability:
Importance: Emotional stability is essential for a dog to feel secure and confident. It helps in preventing anxiety, fear, and stress, which can lead to behavioral issues.
3. Enrichment:
Importance: Mental stimulation through enrichment activities keeps a dog’s mind active and engaged. It prevents boredom and associated destructive behaviors, while also promoting problem-solving skills and overall mental health.
4. Exercise:
Importance: Physical exercise is vital for maintaining a dog’s physical health, managing weight, and burning off excess energy. It also contributes to mental well-being by reducing stress and anxiety.
5. Entertainment:
Importance: Entertainment involves activities that are fun and enjoyable for the dog. It helps to strengthen the bond between the dog and the owner, and provides opportunities for socialization and learning.
By addressing each of these 5 E’s, you can create a holistic approach to your dog’s care. This comprehensive approach ensures that their physical, mental, and emotional needs are met, leading to a well-rounded and contented pet. Consistent attention to these aspects will help in nurturing a happy, well-adjusted, and balanced dog.
Heelwork hands!
Depending on the sport you do, the positions of your hand can vary!
You can have the ‘hand on hip’ for UK Obedience…
Swinging arms for IGP or FCI Obedience….
Or Hand across your stomach for AKC Obedience…
The truth is, the hand position shouldn’t matter for a dog that TRULY understands their position!
The hand position becomes irrelevant IF Heelwork is trained thoroughly!
It’s ALL just heelwork ;)
To find out EXACTLY how to train Heelwork for ANY of the above, go to www.kamalfernandezonlinetraining.com
Incorporating play into dog training offers numerous benefits that significantly enhance the effectiveness and enjoyment of the training process. One of the primary advantages is that play makes learning fun and engaging for dogs. This engagement is crucial because it keeps the dog motivated and eager to participate, which can lead to faster and more effective skill acquisition. When training sessions are enjoyable, dogs are more likely to look forward to them and respond positively.
Using play as a reinforcement tool creates a strong positive association with training activities. This positive reinforcement helps reduce stress and anxiety in dogs, making them more receptive to learning new commands and behaviors. For instance, playing a game of fetch or tug-of-war as a reward for successfully following a cue reinforces the desired behavior in a way that feels natural and enjoyable for the dog.
Play also helps build a stronger bond between the dog and the trainer. Engaging in playful activities together fosters trust and cooperation, which are essential for effective training. This bond enhances communication, making it easier for the trainer to convey instructions and for the dog to understand and follow them. The mutual enjoyment of play strengthens the relationship, leading to a more harmonious and productive training experience.
Play also provides an excellent outlet for a dog’s energy and natural instincts. Incorporating activities that mimic hunting, chasing, or herding into training sessions allows dogs to fulfill their innate desires in a controlled and constructive manner. This can lead to improved behavior, as dogs that are mentally and physically stimulated through play are less likely to engage in undesirable behaviors out of boredom or excess energy.
Using play as a reinforcement option in dog training offers a host of benefits, including increased motivation, reduced stress, stronger bonds between dog and trainer, and the ability to tailor traini
Building drive in dog sports involves several key elements to enhance your dog’s motivation, focus, and enthusiasm for the activity. Here are some effective strategies:
1. Positive Reinforcement: Use high-value treats, toys, and praise to reward your dog for desired behaviors. The rewards should be something your dog loves and is willing to work for.
2. Short, Fun Sessions: Keep training sessions short and fun to maintain your dog’s interest and enthusiasm. End sessions on a high note, before your dog gets tired or bored.
3. Play-Based Training: Incorporate play into training. Games like tug-of-war or fetch can be excellent for building drive, as they tap into your dog’s natural instincts and energy.
4. Engage Their Instincts: Tailor activities to your dog’s natural instincts. For example, herding breeds might excel in activities that involve chasing and controlling movement, while retrievers might enjoy activities that involve fetching and carrying.
5. Variety and Challenges: Introduce variety and new challenges to keep your dog mentally stimulated. Change up routines, add new obstacles, or increase the difficulty of tasks gradually.
By incorporating these strategies into your training routine, you can help build and enhance your dog’s drive for sports and activities.
For more information about building drive in your sports dog, go to wwww.kamalfernandezonlinetraining.com
Toy play is a valuable tool in dog training for several reasons:
🐶 Motivation and Engagement: Toys can serve as powerful motivators, keeping dogs engaged and focused during training sessions. The promise of a favorite toy can encourage a dog to perform commands and tasks more eagerly.
🐶 Exercise and Energy Outlet: Play with toys provides physical exercise, helping to burn off excess energy. A well-exercised dog is often more calm and responsive during training.
🐶 Positive Reinforcement: Using toys as rewards can reinforce positive behavior. When a dog associates following a command with getting to play with a toy, they are more likely to repeat that behavior.
🐶 Bonding and Trust: Playtime with toys strengthens the bond between dog and owner. This trust and positive relationship make training more effective and enjoyable for both.
🐶 Distraction Training: Toys can be used to train dogs to focus amidst distractions. By incorporating toys in a controlled manner, dogs learn to maintain focus on commands even when excited.
🐶 Reducing Anxiety and Stress: Play can be a great way to reduce anxiety and stress in dogs. A relaxed and happy dog is more likely to be responsive and open to learning.
🐶 Behavioural Management: Toys can redirect inappropriate behaviors. For example, a dog that tends to chew on furniture can be taught to chew on a toy instead, which is a more acceptable behavior.
Incorporating toy play into dog training can create a more dynamic and effective training experience, benefiting both the dog and the owner.
For more information, go to link in bio!
Unlock the benefits of having an “on and off” switch for your dog!
Imagine a dog that knows when to be calm and when to be active, making your life easier and your dog’s life happier. Our Obedience FUNatics and Heelwork Masterclass courses are now open for sign-ups. These classes offer expert training to achieve this balance, ensuring a well-behaved and joyful companion. Don’t miss out—enroll today! www.kamalfernandezonlinetraining.com
Shout to Trudy Groenenboom and Seel, on realising their dreams!!
We are thrilled to celebrate Obedience FUNatics Member, Trudy Groenenboom’s outstanding achievement in winning the Dutch Obedience Society Championship! And then going on to win a ‘ticket’ and qualification for Crufts 2025.
Our newly revised Obedience FUNatics and Heelwork Masterclass courses are now open for sign-ups! Where you can join and start chasing your dreams!!
Don’t miss this opportunity to train with the best and enhance your skills.
Simply go to www.obediencefunatics.com
The Obedience Funatics group, a vibrant community for dog sport enthusiasts, celebrates the remarkable achievements of its members, like Kat Farrants and her Australian Shepherd, Grace. Kat and Grace have reached impressive milestones, including qualifying in IGP3—a demanding three-part competition involving tracking, obedience, and protection skills—and earning the title of Obedience Champion. This duo’s success exemplifies the dedication and hard work fostered within the Obedience Funatics group.
The group is open to anyone passionate about any dog sport, providing a welcoming environment for both beginners and seasoned competitors to learn, grow, and share their experiences. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to reach new heights in your dog sport career, the Obedience Funatics group offers support and camaraderie to help you and your canine partner succeed.
To join NOW, simply click on the link in my bio! Or go to www.obediencefunatics.com
