Good Dog University

01/10/2024

Tuesday Training Byte: Getting your dog's attention.
Check out my blog post

When most people think about training their dog or a dog training class, they usually think of teaching the usual commands like sit, heel, down, come and solving problem behaviors like jumping up. The very first step that you can start working on at home almost any time is getting your dog to make e...

01/03/2024

Check out my blog post

As with some other behaviors, it is important for a veterinarian to rule out a physical/medical cause for the problem. If your dog is completely housebroken but still urinates when excited or when being petted yelling or disciplining the dog may make matters worse. There are usually two types of inv...

12/27/2023

Check out my blog post

Left to their own, animals will naturally repeat anything that was pleasurable. For example, I put out some birdseed on a few fence posts so that the larger birds wouldn't crowd out the smaller birds. Once my horse discovered that tasty treat, now in the mornings as soon as he is let out of the stab...

12/20/2023

Tuesday Training Byte: Planning ahead
Check out my blog post

Vet visits can be very stressful for dogs. We can help our pups by tailoring training to prepare for the trip. what does this entail? First, if you haven't already done so, be sure to start with getting your dog used to traveling in the car. If they are not used to that, you set them up for a fearfu...

12/13/2023

Tuesday Training Byte: Dealing with a stubborn dog? Follow my weekly blog

Dogs certainly have feelings and can sense our emotions. However, dogs lack the complex emotions of humans such as spite and stubbornness. Often I receive calls and the client describes their dog as stubborn. Dogs have been bred for generations to be companions that want to do man's bidding. Some br...

11/29/2023

Check out my blog post: Is your dog burned out?

Over the decades of having competition dogs in rally and obedience, on occasion I have had a dog decide it wants to quit. This shocked me as my dog always was eager during dog class and training sessions, but then shortly after getting in the ring, my dog lagged behind in the heel free and would slo...

11/22/2023

Check out my blog post
http://wix.to/pdi28A3
Training your dog to stay frozen to the floor.

When I training the "Stay" command, I also put my dog in a down position. I start by walking a semi-circle around my dog, facing it. Once my dog is solid on that I walk in a complete circle around my dog both clockwise and counter-clockwise. I take care to be sure to not step on its tail or paw. The...

11/07/2023

Follow my weekly training blog on my website! This week is about naturally following and separation anxiety.

In the dog pack, the leader establishes the alpha role and the other dogs follow. In the wild, dogs mostly stay together, so it is natural for your pup to follow you everywhere. However, sometimes you need to leave and that causes separation anxiety. Does your dog bark frantically when you leave him...

10/18/2023

Tuesday Training Byte: Communicating expectations

There are times I may want to take my dog on a walk and just let him explore around, sniff, and wander ahead of me. Yet other times I want the dog to focus as we train. For training I use a different collar and I begin by telling my dog in a pleasant tone, "Are you ready to work?" Like a kindergarten teacher, she may bring the kids in from recess and then signal that it is now time to work. I first make sure my dog has had some "free time" or exercise in the yard before we get down to business. My dog soon learns that "work" means one on one time, lots of praise, good treats, and doing some different things. I try to do a variety of things during our short 15 minute training session, rather than just drill on the same thing like heeling in a straight line at one speed. can you say boring? I start out with something my dog already knows well, then I might introduce a new skill. I try that about 4 times and then praise my dog. Then I will ask for a good heel at a fast pace and then stop suddenly. Then I ask for the new skill again. I finish up with something fun and easy like jumping up on the pause table. I cheer my dog with praise saying "Good work!" We head back to the house for a special treat and a few more pets before returning the dog to the yard. In obedience and rally competition, I need the dog to be very focused and willing while we are in the ring completing the required course or exercises, which takes generally less than 15 minutes. My dogs quickly learn the word "work" and associate it with the particular collar and a few minutes of doing a variety of things with me. In training and requiring the focus. Just be sure to also make it clear there are times for the dog to just be a dog and sniff, run, dig, and roll around, and times to pay attention.

10/15/2023

We had a great day yesterday at Good Dog University. Congratulations to the newest graduates of the AKC STAR Puppy program. It was fun to see much much they improved over a few short weeks. We will continue on for the Canine Good Citizen titles and Trick Dog test as well. Julie & Gator with "Buddy", Corrie with "Milo", and Kaye with "Nava". So proud of all of you!

09/12/2023

Check out my blog post

Let's be frank: puppies are a LOT of work! However, the positive side of that is the owner can mold the desired behaviors from the day they bring pup home. This is most effective because the pup does not have bad behaviors already ingrained. The problem happens when a new puppy owner does not consis...

08/15/2023

Many people know that driving with your brakes on is a bad idea. If you have your emergency brakes on, your engine strains against it, and if your foot is constantly on the brake pedal, you will wear out your brakes to the point of them not being effective. Are you walking your dog with the brakes o...

08/15/2023

Tuesday Training Byte: Are you walking with the brakes on?

Many people know that driving with your brakes on is a bad idea. If you have your emergency brakes on, your engine strains against it, and if your foot is constantly on the brake pedal, you will wear out your brakes to the point of them not being effective. Are you walking your dog with the brakes o...

08/09/2023

Following my Tuesday training blog on my website!

We often expect our dogs to understand the meaning of our words, like "no" or "stop it". Telling a dog no is problematic because the dog is just being a dog and trying to get your attention. When you say no (even very sternly) and look at your dog, guess what? You just inadvertently rewarded them an...

08/03/2023

Two new classes will be starting in early September! Rally-O starts Friday, Sept. 8 and Great Beginnings starts Saturday, Sept. 9 at Good Dog University in Carnesville, GA! Find them listed under the services tab. www.drweavergood.com

Dog trainer

08/02/2023

Realistic Expectations-
To be sure, dogs are amazing animals and can serve mankind is a large variety of ways. From therapy dog, to detecting explosives, search and rescue, seizure alert, and so on. They give love unconditionally even when we don't deserve it. However, we as humans often fail our dogs when we expect them to be perfect all the time. Dogs need training. This requires consistency and patience. But dogs- similar to people- have feelings. They have good days and bad but we expect the best at all times. It is amazing to me that more people are not bitten by dogs given the sheer numbers of households with dogs and people/dog interactions. It is not funny to tease a dog trying to take away it's toy/treat. It is not fun to the dog to play rough, inciting defensive behavior (growling, snapping, etc.). It is not fun for the dog to be prodded or poked while crated or resting. It is not fun for the dog to be used as a jungle gym or pony. Many dogs will tolerate this bad treatment at the hands of their humans because they are such loving creatures. But then one day when the dog is not up to it, they snap or bite the person. Before you know it, the dog gets smacked and worse, is given up to the shelter or euthanized. Most dog bites happen to children under age 10 by the family dog. And generally they were not respectful of the dog prior to the bite. Even adults engage in behaviors that will test a dog beyond its limits and we expect the dog to be good regardless.

07/28/2023

What a great time at Good Dog University last night. Despite the heat, we had three herding breed dogs all pass their CGC Canine Good Citizen test. The youngest pup of the bunch also passed her AKC STAR puppy test. It is awesome to see kids getting involved in dog sports. The kids will be coming back soon for their trick dog novice title test. Pictured l-r: Miley Parker with Border Collie pup Tica (STAR & CGC); Eli Parker with Border Collie Cricket (CGC), and Renee Smith with Old English Sheepdog, Cooper (CGC). Cooper earned his STAR puppy title a couple of months ago at 7 months. Congrats to all! and thanks for choosing Good Dog University.

07/26/2023

Follow my weekly training blog on my website!

This week's topic is best understood if you read last week regarding precise commands. If you want your dog to be solid and reliable to do what you want, we need to train that way. Many people as they are leaving the house, tell their dog to "Stay". As soon as Mom has walked out the door, the dog mo...

07/26/2023

Follow my weekly training blog on my website!

If your dog has a change in behavior- for example was housebroken but now is soiling in the house- it may be advisable to see a vet to rule out a physical problem. Any sudden changes in behavior is the dog's way to let you know something is not quite right. Sometimes it seems that dogs do something....

07/26/2023

Follow my weekly training blog on my website!

During a recent trip I couldn't help but notice an owner being pulled around by his pittie mix all while giving out a slew of different commands. Guess what happened? The dog just kept on doing what he was doing: ignoring his owner and pulling like crazy. Does this sound familiar? When we get ready....

07/26/2023

Follow my weeking training blog on my website:

For the majority of dogs, food treats are a powerful motivator. Starting out, I may use the food to lure the dog into the desired position. Once the dog is in position, I say "Yes!" with a big smile and treat the dog. After a couple of times, I move the treat to the pocket, using body language to ge...

07/26/2023

Tuesday Training Byte: Problem recall

In dog class last week, a common question came up about dogs not coming when called. Typically, I do not give a command that I am not able to enforce. As a result, for most younger dogs, that means I have control of them on a leash when I give a command. The issue arises when the owner lets their dog out into the fenced backyard, usually at night and then the dog will not come in when called. The reason? Well the dog is just having a grand ol' time outside which is much preferred to getting put in the crate or to bed. Here is the fix. Most dogs have at least some prey drive or play drive. Have a short slip leash tucked in your waist band and go out and encourage a game of "come and get me" running away from your dog. Do not give your dog a command- just play. Even bring a toy for a quick tug. Once the dog is within your grasp, slip the lead on and continue to pet and play with your dog. After a few minutes, say- "Let's get your treat!" as you walk your pup back into the house. Spend a few minutes interacting with your dog. I do not call my dog to come at this point in training, because the chance is good he will not. You must make sure that the dog connects coming to you results in more reward than running around alone in the yard. In time, you will add in the come command. Be ready to give a treat or toy, some petting and then release your dog to play again. At all costs, avoid scolding the dog that is slow about coming and avoid taking him directly to his crate.

07/26/2023

Tuesday Training Byte: Prevent the train wreck

Most dogs I have trained and owned over the many years are smart. In fact, this evening I took a young female out for 10 minutes to teach the "stand" and free stack. I have worked her minimally like under 5 hours total in basic heeling, sit, down, and come. But that includes an automatic sit when I stop. She literally figured out the new command and hand signal on the third time. I try my best to foresee what could go wrong and not put my dog in the situation where they will not be successful. I want the right response to be the easy one. Due to the heat, I was considering working her in the house. but then I would need to remove any bones, toys, and other dogs that could interfere with learning. Once my dog knows the command well, then I can slowly add distractions- but not at the very beginning of a new command. Otherwise it would be similar to having a child with ADHD sitting at a circus and being made to do their math homework! I try to not give a command if there is a chance my dog will be too distracted to obey it. If that happens, they learn in a minute that when you are giving a command, that they can ignore it. For example, tell my young dog to stay, I drop the leash and walk away 10 feet. Then a kid goes running by waving their arms and yelling. That train wreck is preventable. The dog has just learned it can break the stay because you are several feet away and have no control of the dog. Fixing it after the wreck takes so much more work and causes frustration for both you and the dog. Like calling the dog to come to you when he bolts out of the open door and down the driveway at warp speed. If the dog has not been trained to wait back from an open door, then put the dog in a crate, or hold it's collar preventing the "train wreck". The reward to the dog of running free can be hard to un-train. Set them up for success by removing those obstacle. Happy training.

05/31/2023

Tuesday Training Byte: Precise commands
Dogs obviously do not speak English. They do however understand body language quite well. This is why I combine body language or hand signals with a command when training. Beyond that, I pick commands that mean a precise thing. If I tell a dog to "stay" for example, it means the dog must remain exactly in that spot in that particular position until I come back and release the dog to move. If I want the dog to remain for a moment and then come, I use a different command, "wait". Wait can be used in various situations such as when I place the food bowl down for the dog. This prevents the dog from potentially knocking it out of my hand and spilling it. Wait can be used as you open the door to go and you don't want your pup to rush out ahead until you grab your umbrella. Stay is like "freeze" right where you are. I use a different command so that the dog doesn't anticipate and jump the gun or come, etc. Another example of precise commands is the leave it command versus wait. Leave it means that the dog cannot have that item. Period! If you put a biscuit on the dog's nose and say "leave it" only to release the dog to take it, at some point the dog will get the idea that in a moment it can have that item you said no to. Leave it in this case should be replaced with wait. If you want your dog to reliably stay or leave it, then you need to use the precise commands only for those exact behaviors. I have indoor dogs that know the snacks on the end tables are taboo (I pointed to the items and said leave it. Then I reward a dog from the treat jar. I never give the dog any snacks from the table. Now I can go to work and the dog reliably leaves the snacks alone. Precise commands help the dog clearly understand what it is or is not supposed to do. Happy training!

05/31/2023

Tuesday Training Byte: Precise commands

Dogs obviously do not speak English. They do however understand body language quite well. This is why I combine body language or hand signals with a command when training. Beyond that, I pick commands that mean a precise thing. If I tell a dog to "stay" for example, it means the dog must remain exactly in that spot in that particular position until I come back and release the dog to move. If I want the dog to remain for a moment and then come, I use a different command, "wait". Wait can be used in various situations such as when I place the food bowl down for the dog. This prevents the dog from potentially knocking it out of my hand and spilling it. Wait can be used as you open the door to go and you don't want your pup to rush out ahead until you grab your umbrella. Stay is like "freeze" right where you are. I use a different command so that the dog doesn't anticipate and jump the gun or come, etc. Another example of precise commands is the leave it command versus wait. Leave it means that the dog cannot have that item. Period! If you put a biscuit on the dog's nose and say "leave it" only to release the dog to take it, at some point the dog will get the idea that in a moment it can have that item you said no to. Leave it in this case should be replaced with wait. If you want your dog to reliably stay or leave it, then you need to use the precise commands only for those exact behaviors. I have indoor dogs that know the snacks on the end tables are taboo (I pointed to the items and said leave it. Then I reward a dog from the treat jar. I never give the dog any snacks from the table. Now I can go to work and the dog reliably leaves the snacks alone. Precise commands help the dog clearly understand what it is or is not supposed to do. Happy training!

04/20/2023

Follow my training blog on my website:

Unless you work at home or work limited hours, puppies may not be a great choice because they need constant supervision. Some breeders will have a retired show dog that they are willing to place in a good home, or perhaps a rescue has an adult dog available. But if you already have that pup, here ar...

04/05/2023

Boredom breaking activities help your dog.

How many of the following behaviors has your dog done? Getting into the trash, chewing the furniture, nipping and chewing on you and the grandkids, running the opposite direction when you call, jumping up on everybody. People often call me as a last resort before they take the dog to the pound or gi...

03/22/2023

Tuesday Training Byte: What age to begin training

People often ask me what is the best age to begin training a dog. Now is the best time is my reply. Because my philosophy is that every interaction we have with our dogs is training them, the training happens throughout the dog's life. Generally, the first year I focus on learning to be a good dog. This means house training, crate training, manners, socialization, riding in the car, and a few basic commands like sit. If you have a pup under 1 year of age, then taking the dog to an AKC STAR Puppy class is a great beginning. You can find a trainer and classes on the American Kennel Club website. Mixed breeds are welcome to come and earn working titles. Many people like to start their pup around 4 months and earn the STAR Puppy title, then move on the earn the Canine Good Citizen title. If you have adopted an older or senior dog, you can still earn the CGC! Any dog can earn their trick dog title as well. These titles having overlapping skills and are a fun way to bond with your dog. If you have a timid dog, teaching your dog tricks will help build the bond at the same time as boosting the dog's confidence. If you have more time to invest, you may find it both fun and rewarding to enter a rally obedience competition. There are endless types of activities and titles you can earn with your dog, from dock diving and lure coursing, to barn hunt and fit dog. These events are great for all ages of people and their dog companions. Training can go through the entire life of the dog.

02/08/2023

Tuesday Training Byte: Too much too soon

I previously wrote about setting training goals for your week or even for the training session. A common mistake is to expect too much too soon. For example, if my goal this week is to keep the dog's attention and be able to heel in a straight line for 10 steps, and the dog does this well, stop and praise your dog! However, many owners think, "my dog is walking well for the 10 steps, so I will go ahead and walk another 30". It is important to stop and reward or praise the dog for successful completion while he is still focused and doing it right. Walking a distance in a straight line or heeling in a large circle is boring with a capital "B"! If the dog is bored, it is no longer focused and paying attention to you. Mix it up and make it fun. Asking too much sets the dog up for failure and not for success. This same concept applies to teaching the "stay". To begin with, set a small goal with minimal distance, duration, and distraction. Then return to your dog and praise it like it accomplished a great feat. Maybe have your pup do a couple of about turns in heel position and then try the stay again. Perhaps add a little more distance, while keep the duration and distractions low. If you were successful, stop there and call it good. Look at this dog, "Gene" in the Rally obedience ring (photo by Epic Tail Photography). Is your dog focused on you while heeling and on a loose leash? If so, after a few feet of great heeling, stop and praise your dog. Don't make the mistake of asking too much too soon.

02/01/2023

This can be a controversial topic among dog trainers. Some will argue not to use food rewards under the premise that you cannot expect the dog to obey when you don't have the treat. And then there is the opposite camp of trainers who use treats exclusively. This method is appropriately named "Learn....