Terri's Training for Dogs & People

03/09/2024

Here is a video of a member of a Level 1 dog Agility Class running part of a course - yes even mastiffs love to run with their humans

03/09/2024

Here is a picture of some of the members of the Fall 2023 Dog Obedience Class - small classes with lots of individual attention!

03/09/2024

Here is a picture of some of the members of the Fall Dog Agility for Fun Class!! Both dogs and humans work hard together.

03/09/2024

Spring 2024 Dog Agility for Fun Class
Sundays, 4/7 - 5/12 from 1 - 2 PM
Through Decatur Parks and Recreation
To Register: https://register.capturepoint.com/reg/cat_program_list_detail.cfm?season_id=24397&program_id=2230631
For Questions: contact Terri at 404.510.3113

Terri Kruzan offers personal training, coaching and classes to help with:
- Solving your dog's probl

03/09/2024

Spring 2024 Dog Obedience Class
Wednesdays, 4/10 - 5/15 from 6:30-7:30 PM
Through Decatur Parks and Recreation
To Register: https://register.capturepoint.com/reg/cat_program_list_detail.cfm?season_id=24397&program_id=2230746
For Questions: contact Terri at 404.510.3113

Terri Kruzan offers personal training, coaching and classes to help with:
- Solving your dog's probl

10/27/2023

Building confidence in your dog is especially important for many rescue dogs. I have found a confident dog is usually easier to manage for a dog owner - they typically act in a more reliable manner and are more likely to have positive interactions with other dogs, people, and their environment. They respond to setbacks more quickly.

Improving a dog's confidence can lead to a better quality of life (for both dogs & their owners). Learn how to increase your dog's confidence.

10/05/2023

A couple of dog owners recently shared with me their worries about their dog and ADHD. Both dogs turned out to be working dogs and needed more structure and exercise, but this article truly gets into the research and how to work through with your vet whether your dog has an ADHD condition. Like in humans, it is a nature/nurture combination with some research focusing on lack of socialization as a puppy.

Does my dog have ADHD? Think your dog has ADHD? Here's what to know about ADHD and how to help your dog learn calming behaviors.

08/30/2023

Fall 2023 Dog Obedience Classes
Saturdays, 9/30 - 11/11 from 10 - 11 AM
Through Decatur Parks and Recreation
$180/6-week Session
To Register: https://register.communitypass.net/reg/cat_program_list_detail.cfm?season_id=24397&program_id=2081583
For Questions - contact Terri at 404.510.3113

Terri Kruzan offers personal training, coaching and classes to help with:
- Solving your dog's probl

08/30/2023

Fall 2023 Dog Agility for Fun Classes
Fridays, 9/22 - 11/3 from 5:45 - 6:45 PM
Through Decatur Parks and Recreation
$190/6-week Session
To Register: https://register.communitypass.net/reg/cat_program_list_detail.cfm?season_id=24397&program_id=2081165
For Questions - contact Terri at 404.510.3113

Terri Kruzan offers personal training, coaching and classes to help with:
- Solving your dog's probl

07/22/2023

Great article about how good dog agility can be for your dog. Fall classes will start in September through Decatur Parks and Recreation.

Whole Dog Journal‘s mission is to provide dog guardians with in-depth information on dog food, training, behavior, health, and more.

05/30/2023

Best way to strengthen your dog' good manners is to use everyday situations to train without spending a lot of time on dedicated dog training sessions. It boils down to this: Whatever the dog wants, don’t give it away for free. Don’t open the door just because the dog paws at it; don’t throw the ball just because he barks at you. For those and countless other privileges, ask the dog to say “please” first by doing something like sitting quietly. Here is our dog sitting before we play ball with her.

05/16/2023

Good info about dogs who respond to 'normal stimuli with an abnormal (higher-than-normal) level of intensity.' Lots of dogs who are under-stimulated work dogs - or dogs who have been in shelters and not socialized need to learn how to better live in their domesticated worlds. The most important bit of advice is - do not give up!

“Reactive Dog Behavior” is a term gaining popularity in dog training circles – but what is it, exactly? And how can your train a reactive dog?

04/02/2023

Dog Obedience and Agility classes start this week and are full - though here is a quick reminder about the benfits of Agility work with your dog.
'...just as “rope courses” build confidence in people, agility course training builds confidence in dogs. As dogs learn to leap over hurdles, run through tunnels, and balance over planks, their confidence increases. Since most aggression is based on fear, this increase in confidence is helpful. A more confident dog is usually a less fearful dog.'...

Whole Dog Journal‘s mission is to provide dog guardians with in-depth information on dog food, training, behavior, health, and more.

03/16/2023

What a good idea - Sniffspot is a new on-line resource to find people's fenced in backyards in your area which you can rent for your dog to play safely. The cost appears to be about $10-12/hour. Read the whole article - and I checked out Sniffspot and there are fenced in backyards in the Decatur/Atlanta area. Perfect for reactive dogs who need to get out energy to better learn some manners!

Whole Dog Journal‘s mission is to provide dog guardians with in-depth information on dog food, training, behavior, health, and more.

02/24/2023

If you have a working dog (hounds, herders, scent dogs, etc), remember they like to use their bodies and their brains - so be prepared. We have made many of these dogs into pets and they would prefer to be out working. Keep in mind that :
15 minutes of mental stimulation is = to 60 minutes of physical stimulation to calm your dog.

A high-energy dog’s behavior might beg a comparison to the symptoms of humans with ADHD or hyperactivity, but these diagnoses are rare in dogs.

02/22/2023

If you have the financial resources - understand it’s not a quick fix - trust the professional trainer - and understand you still need to invest some time & effort into transferring the behaviors from the trainer to yourself – it can be a great way to jump-start your dog’s learning.

In the best of circumstances, sending your dog away for training at a “board and train” facility can be a good way to accelerate your dog’s education. Just know that you, too, will need to learn from the trainer so you and your dog are on the same page. (And watch out for unscrupulous or dange...

02/03/2023

Nutrional supplements can be good for senior dogs, but do not over-do it. Joint supplements can be effective, but takes a # of months to have an effect. And melatonin can be helpful for sleep while dog pheromone products such as Adaptil can also help older dogs who are struggling with anxiety/stress. Always check with your vet first.

The best senior dog vitamins are the ones your dog needs and that have an NASC seal on them. Learn more about supplements for senior dogs.

01/11/2023

New Year - and for many a new dog? Here is a good, but detailed article about helping your dog who is reactive (barking, pulling, growling, fearful crouch) to other dogs, people, noises, etc. First thing is to figure out if they are frightened/anxious or frustrated in not getting what they want, such as playing with another dog on lead.

Take heart: Reactive dog behavior can be modified and improved.

11/26/2022

Good info for those who may be thinking of bringing a new dog home for the Holidays or in the New Year. Do know what characteristics in a dog you are looking for. Some things to look for in a dog:
-happily approaches you
-knows how to play
-not easily aroused and uses their teeth more than you are comfortable with to get your attention

Whole Dog Journal‘s mission is to provide dog guardians with in-depth information on dog food, training, behavior, health, and more.

11/11/2022

It’s important to research and tour prospective boarding facilities well before you need one. Start by checking online reviews – check with the Better Business Bureau - ask your neighbors, friends or vet.

Do you plan on boarding your dog for an upcoming trip? Make sure to tour the boarding facility and look out for these red flags.

11/07/2022

Our Fall 2022 Dog Agility for Fun class just finished and one of the humans shared this silly, but true video of a dog/human team acing the course on our last day of class. Dogs and humans had a fun time - notice the wagging tail dog!

10/07/2022

Easy way to help your dog lose weight. If you cannot feel their ribs - reduce food amount. If your dog's ribs are too easy to feel - feed them more food. If you also add people food to your dog's meal and treats during the day, reduce the amount of kibble.

Whole Dog Journal‘s mission is to provide dog guardians with in-depth information on dog food, training, behavior, health, and more.

09/23/2022

Best tip from the article on being with a teenage dog -
Think about how you might be able to give your dog more choices. Which toy would she rather play with? Which treat would she rather eat? Which path would she rather take on your hike? Would she prefer to stay inside or go out in the back yard? Just like any other normal teenager...

How to increase the odds that you and your dog survive her trying teenage times with your relationship intact.

09/15/2022

Fall 2022 Dog Training Classes - Decatur Recreation Center
Basic Obedience - Saturdays, 9/24 - 11/5 from 10-11 AM
$180/six-week session
To Register: Jada Jordan - [email protected] - 678.553.6541

09/08/2022

Never easy to be the human with your aging companion dog - nature takes care of aging in the wild, but domesticated animals need the help of their humans. In this article, there are three links to 'End of Life Assessment Tools.' They provide some support in end of life decision-making.

Different quality of life assessments have provided different conclusions on what I should do about my aging dog.

09/06/2022

Fall 2022 Dog Training Classes - Decatur Recreation Center

Basic Obedience - Saturdays, 9/24 - 11/5 from 10-11 AM
$180/six-week session

Dog Agility for Fun - Mondays, 9/19 - 10/31 from 5:45-6:45 PM
$190/six-week session

To Register: Jada Jordan - [email protected] - 678.553.6541

08/26/2022

Dogs can get dementia, as those of us who live or lived with older dogs already know. New studies are happening to understand it, but the current findings are that active dogs are less likely to get dementia. So keep your dog moving in brain and body. This link is from the NYT - you may not be able to open.

https://www.nytimes.com/2022/08/25/health/dog-dementia-causes.html?unlocked_article_code=1rIoA3lrsJ_mXElrs8u5xvh9oWZ7YknlTGaVNq4EMvhNKozuqDdgUeNRBZucteoYvX-E7yYM_n3zcFIvQ9a0bWEyEfICkCTXYtzq5QA3qaIktlNe7s4ATXCGv6sYdjM61B1-ZoPwt3Fpr_FpSh9sqJnSZhsHEpypq2h424V76ciER6eVOdBdYWTdMGTxYCLkEI8PaA1Gfh5Txm4M7VCy1XQpdyJ75omN1nwbUQAhSQhgDCaz5XgY9y7s2u1hX3NyPyE58BCag_ZEzKzLM3leEy9SH6V4AMTuReTtVJ48KoT4C-oCeNO0SVXQv4WPQjek06PGBw8t7H9uWnBP&smid=share-url

The risk of canine cognitive dysfunction, a.k.a. “doggy dementia,” is far greater in dogs who don’t get enough exercise, researchers found. Their risk factors echo some in humans, whose homes they share.

08/22/2022

Come to the Grand Opening of Oakhurst Recreation Center from 11 - 1PM on Sat 8/27. My dog, Piper and I will be doing a Dog Agility Demonstration around 12 Noon. The new Center is next to Oakhurst Dog Park at 450 East Lake Dr

08/09/2022

Is it bad for your dog to eat grass? Most times not, and I am glad to hear that as my dog is a big grass eater. Dogs are historically omnivores and eat grass for fiber in their diet - or due to boredom - or just to get your attention - or for some, it is a sign of a medical conditions, such as acid reflux. Yes, dogs can have acid reflux...

https://www.whole-dog-journal.com/behavior/why-do-dogs-eat-grass-and-should-they-stop/?MailingID=1845&sc=TOTW20220726-CanineEnrichment&st=email&utm_source=ActiveCampaign&utm_medium=email&utm_content=Why+Do+Dogs+Eat+Grass+%28and+Should+They+Stop%3F%29&utm_campaign=TOTW20220726-CanineEnrichment

Why do dogs eat grass doesn’t have an easy answer and can be anywhere from they just like it, to wanting more fiber to boredom or upset stomach.

07/09/2022

This is wonderful - talk to your dog like you talk to a human toddler with simple, consistent phrases to help them understand the human world and calm them down - it is called 'Applied Ethology." The example phrases make a lot of sense!
https://www.whole-dog-journal.com/training/how-to-talk-to-your-dog/?MailingID=1794&sc=WE20220709-CanineEnrichment&st=email&utm_source=ActiveCampaign&utm_medium=email&utm_content=How+to+Talk+to+Your+Dog&utm_campaign=WE20220709-CanineEnrichment

Do dogs like when you talk to them? Using this "Mr. Rogers" hack to talk to your dog will help make them happier and calmer. Learn more.