Did you know…
Patience is a virtue in the world of dog training? Please remember that we are working across species. We need to give the dog time to learn the behavior—to figure out what we are asking for. Here I am waiting for the behavior “sit.” Wait for it!
Sadie, a 6 month old American Bulldog is learning to heel through the use of a target stick. The “stick” is used as a lure which she follows. Dogs usually find this game which uses a wooden spoon and peanut butter coated kibble enjoyable and will gladly work for the “cookies.” It is a gentle way of teaching the heel position and is one of the first things a dog needs to learn in order to master walking on a loose leash.
Dog affection.
Grooming behaviors are learned in the litter.
Here is Zeus ( on the left) being groomed by his older housemate ( and half-sister) Lexi.
Dog on the hunt!
The snufflemat is a good tool to have on hand to provide your dog an outlet for hunting and exploring. Like the Kong, it has many applications. Here is Leo using his snuffle mat just to give him something to do.
Keep your dog engaged! Teach new things once in awhile.
Play!? Here are Cruiser, a 84 lb. Golden Retriever and Riley, a 60 lb. Golden at play. I waited a bit for it but a role reversal finally happened. Be patient if you can . Fighting is not high on a dog’s list of things to do and usually happens as a last resort when they are not getting needs met.
Do you need enrichment activities for your dog during the summer heat or storms? Here is a miniature Schnauzer, 5 month old Tucker, exploring a homemade food dispensing toy. Tennis balls, muffin tin and treats. That’s all there is to it. The dogs love it and it gives them something to do. Enjoy!
Here are Ares, a 3 month old German Shepherd Dog and his Dad learning to walk on a loose leash. He is on a front-connect harness made by PetSafe. It helps the dog make the (desired) choice of walking near his handler as opposed to pulling in front.
It is important to get your puppy out and about when he is still very young. Here is 16 week old Benson in an early encounter with a foreign species— a cat!
Benson,a 16 week-old French Bulldog needs to chew! Puppies begin losing their puppy teeth at this age. Their gums swell and hurt. Provide plenty of chewing opportunities to help them along.
Here is Sophie learning mat training ( Go to Place and Stay) with her Dad yesterday. She is a 16 week old Golden Retriever and already has this stuff figured out!
Behavior Training for Dogs provides in-home behaviorally based training for families and their companion dogs.
