Clay's Top Dog - Professional Dog Training in Arkansas

06/14/2024

Pet dogs are important to us but on occasion we get to deal with competition obedience and protection dogs. Thought we would share some pics from Clay’s recent trip to the UK to judge a PSA Trial. They have some amazing dogs and trainers in the UK!

07/30/2023

Every now and then we get a unique breed in for training. Today was one of those days. Meet Ghost, yep the name is appropriate. Ghost here is approximately one year old and is a Samoyed breed. He did a great job at his first lesson today and we look forward to helping him become a Top Dog!

To learn more about these guys visit the AKc link below:

https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/samoyed/

06/17/2023

River and Zoey finished out their final session today working on the Place Command and then went outside for some distance work. These two sweet girls are full of energy but have showed so much improvement. Hopefully we will get to see them out and about around town somewhere soon!

06/17/2023

Well we said it was sit/stay day, and next up was Apollo. Here they are killing it, he has the most precious smile we have to be sure and capture that next time! Great job with him.

06/17/2023

5 month old GSD sit-stay…30ft away on the first session is pretty good Trey! Keep up the good work, this guy is super smart (even though he talks back A LOT) and is going to be huge!

Today is Sit/Stay day for several pups!

06/16/2023

06/15/2023

Pre-soaking your dog's dry food before feeding it to them can offer several benefits for their health and well-being. Here are some of the main advantages of this practice: Improved digestion: One of the main benefits of pre-soaking dry food is that it can help to soften the kibble, making it easier...

03/04/2023

March 4th we had a full day including getting started with Chase McCoy the Bishon poodle and a couple siblings learning to walk together calmly.

02/17/2023

Oreo came in today to learn how to be a Top Dog. She took her lesson very seriously, as you can tell.

01/13/2023

Bloat, also known as gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV), is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition that affects dogs. Some of the main risk factors associated with bloat in dogs include:

Large or deep-chested breeds: Dogs with larger or deeper chests, such as Great Danes, Saint Bernards, and Weimaraners, are at an increased risk of developing bloat.

Age: Older dogs are more likely to develop bloat than younger dogs.

Eating habits: Dogs that eat large meals quickly or drink large amounts of water after eating are at a higher risk of bloat.

Exercise habits: Dogs that exercise immediately before or after eating may also be at an increased risk of bloat.

Stress: Dogs that are under stress or anxiety may be more prone to developing bloat.

Family history: If a dog has a family member (such as a parent or sibling) that has had bloat, they may be at an increased risk of developing it as well.

If you think that your dog may be at risk of bloat, it is important to speak with your veterinarian for advice on how to reduce their risk. They may recommend avoiding exercise before and after eating, and avoiding stress as much as possible. In severe cases, your veterinarian may recommend surgery to prevent future occurrences of bloat.

Some common symptoms of bloat in dogs include:

Abdominal swelling: The abdomen may appear swollen or distended, and may feel hard or tight to the touch.

Restlessness or pacing: Your dog may pace or circle around, or they may seem restless and uncomfortable.

Panting: Your dog may pant excessively or have rapid breathing.

Salivating: Your dog may produce a lot of saliva or foam around their mouth.

Loss of appetite: Your dog may lose their appetite or seem disinterested in food.

Weakness or lethargy: Your dog may seem weak or lethargic, and may have difficulty standing or walking.

If you suspect that your dog may be experiencing bloat, it is important to seek veterinary care as soon as possible. Bloat is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition that requires immediate attention.

01/08/2023

What do dogs do after they finish obedience school?

They get their masters.

01/06/2023

Why did the owner give their dog a watch?

So it could be a watchdog!

01/06/2023

The more you know...

Training a dog to focus and heel involves teaching the dog to pay attention to the handler and follow their commands while walking on a leash. Here is a summary of the steps of one method that you can follow to teach your dog to focus and heel:

Begin training in a low-distraction environment, such as a quiet room or a fenced-in yard.

Start by getting your dog's attention with a treat or a toy. Hold the treat or toy in front of your dog's nose and move it slowly in front of your dog's face. This will encourage your dog to follow the treat or toy with its eyes and nose.

Once your dog is focused on the treat or toy, begin walking forward slowly. As you walk, hold the treat or toy at your side and continue to move it slowly in front of your dog's face to keep its attention focused on you.

As your dog walks with you, use a command such as "heel" or "with me" to encourage it to stay by your side. If your dog begins to pull or stray from your side, stop walking and wait for it to return to your side before continuing.

Practice this exercise in different environments and with increasing levels of distraction to help your dog learn to focus and heel in any situation.

It is important to be patient and consistent when training your dog to focus and heel. It may take some time and repetition for your dog to learn this behavior, but with patience and positive reinforcement, your dog will eventually learn to focus and heel on command.

01/06/2023

The more you know...

Operant conditioning is a type of learning in which the likelihood of a behavior being repeated is influenced by its consequences. In the context of dog training, operant conditioning can be used to shape and modify a dog's behavior by reinforcing desired behaviors and punishing undesired behaviors.

There are four quadrants of operant conditioning that are commonly used in dog training:

Positive reinforcement: This occurs when a behavior is followed by a positive consequence, such as a treat or praise, which increases the likelihood that the behavior will be repeated in the future.

Negative reinforcement: This occurs when a behavior is followed by the removal of an unpleasant stimulus, such as a leash correction, which increases the likelihood that the behavior will be repeated in the future.

Positive punishment: This occurs when a behavior is followed by the addition of an unpleasant stimulus, such as a scold or spray of water, which decreases the likelihood that the behavior will be repeated in the future.

Negative punishment: This occurs when a behavior is followed by the removal of a positive stimulus, such as a toy or treat, which decreases the likelihood that the behavior will be repeated in the future.

It is important to note that all forms of punishment, whether positive or negative, should be used sparingly and with caution in dog training. Using punishment excessively or improperly can have negative consequences and may result in fear, anxiety, or aggression in the dog.

01/05/2023

Obedience training for dogs is an important aspect of responsible pet ownership. It helps to ensure the safety of both the dog and those around them, and it can also improve the bond between owner and dog.

One reason why obedience training is important is that it can help prevent accidents and injuries. For example, if a dog is trained to come when called, they are less likely to run into the street and get hit by a car. Similarly, if a dog is trained to sit and stay, they are less likely to jump up on people and potentially knock them over.

In addition to preventing accidents, obedience training can also help to prevent problems with aggression. A dog that is not trained to listen to their owner may become anxious or fearful, which can lead to aggression towards other dogs or people. On the other hand, a well-trained dog is more confident and less likely to act out in an aggressive manner.

Obedience training can also improve the bond between a dog and their owner. When a dog learns to listen to and trust their owner, they are more likely to form a strong bond. This can lead to a more fulfilling relationship for both the dog and their owner.

Obedience training is an important aspect of responsible pet ownership. It helps to ensure the safety of both the dog and those around them, and it can also improve the bond between owner and dog.

Happy Training

01/05/2023

GSD v. Malinois?

German Shepherds and Belgian Malinois are both intelligent, highly trainable breeds that are often used as working dogs in a variety of roles, including police work. Here are some key differences between the two breeds:

Physical appearance: German Shepherds are larger and more muscular than Belgian Malinois, with a distinctive long, thick coat. Belgian Malinois are smaller, with a short, sleek coat.

Energy level: Belgian Malinois are known for their high energy level and need for regular exercise and mental stimulation. German Shepherds also require regular exercise, but they may be slightly less energetic than Belgian Malinois.

Temperament: Both breeds are intelligent and have strong working drives, but German Shepherds are generally considered to be more laid back and easier to train. Belgian Malinois are more sensitive and may be more prone to anxiety if not properly trained and socialized.

As far as strengths go, both breeds have their own unique set of skills that make them well-suited for police work. German Shepherds are known for their loyalty, strength, and intelligence, which make them excellent search and rescue dogs and guards. Belgian Malinois are known for their speed, agility, and endurance, which make them well-suited for tasks such as sniffing out drugs or explosives and tracking suspects.

07/07/2022

07/07/2022

“None shall pass”
“Tis but a scratch”

05/03/2022

Are you feeding your dog too often? ⏰🍗⏰🥩⏰🥕🐶

Dogs fed once a day are less likely to be diagnosed with age-related conditions than pooches fed more often, study claims.

In the largest largest study to date of feeding frequency conducted in companion dogs, University of Arizona-led experts analyzed data on 24,238 pet dogs from the US and found:

• Being fed once a day lowered the risk of nine types of canine health problems
• These included cancer, dental issues and either kidney or urinary complications
• Similarly, dogs fed only once daily scored lower on tests of cognitive problems
• But the team said it is too early to advise owners to change their pet's diets

“We view these results as an exciting first step of an ongoing exploration of the impact of diet on companion dogs living in human environments. Given the intense interest in, and popularization of, ‘longevity diets’ such as intermittent fasting and time-restricted feeding, these types of studies in dogs are both timely and important. We believe these studies will ultimately offer insights into factors that promote health and longevity for both dogs and humans.” - The Dog Aging Project

The scientists and researchers we interviewed for The Forever Dog book agreed that one meal a day for healthy dogs is ideal, in terms of maximizing autophagy and minimizing metabolic stress.

To learn how to transition your pup to a new eating schedule and create an eating window (which allows your pup to receive the benefits of intermittent fasting while offering the same amount of food) check out the section in our book “Personalized Meals as Medicine” found here: www.foreverdog.com

02/16/2022

We have secured a new training location.
The address is
7 Medical Lane - Suite D
Conway, AR 72034

07/22/2021

You are their whole life.