In the dog training world, there's always an opinion about everything. Personally, I don't like to sweat the little stuff. If you don't like dog slobber on your face, that's totally fair. If you wanna spoil your baby sometimes, I totally get it. If you really want a multi-dog household even if you haven't finished training the first one, you can still make it work.
But I DRAW THE LINE at using flat collars on dogs that are crazy pullers. Not only does it not help with pulling (on its own), it puts your dog at serious risk!!! Flat collars on heavy pullers can create areas with hair loss and callouses, cut off oxygen, and even cause a dog's trachea to collapse. Is watching your dog suffocate in front of your eyes worth it to you?!
TRAIN. YOUR. DOGS. Use appropriate tools for different situations that aren't going to be risking serious harm to you or your dog. Teach them not to pull and reward them when they don't. When you've got it under control, a flat collar could be totally fine! But if you don't know how to teach your dog these things, find a trainer! Please! We can and would love to help you.
#leashtraining #dogtraining #dogtrainer #dogsofinstagram #dogs #dogsofutah #utahdogtrainer #dogobedience #obediencetraining #barkstobreakthroughs
Happy New Year, y'all! New year, new us, right?
With Brutus having been diagnosed with kidney failure recently, I've been stressed over how to continue exercising him while balancing safety and being close to home in case of emergencies. We still take walks and hikes on good days, but this has been a great supplement to keeping him fit in a safe way. Artie loves it too because he can actually run full speed!!
I've wanted one for a while due to my own physical limitations in the harsh Utah winters (damn joint issues!) and it was worth every penny. I've set up my exercise bike right in front actually and have been exercising at the same time as the boys which has helped motivate me to exercise more consistently 🚴♀️
I see a lot of trash talking about slatmills, so I wanted to make a little list of benefits to them as well as touch on some of the frequent complaints. Yes, the dogs still get to go on regular walks outside. Yes, the dog can actually stop if they want (shown in the video). No, owners that have slatmills are not just lazy, though some of us may have physical disabilities, which do not make us less good dog parents. And yes, they're actually happy to be on it. You can see their tails wagging throughout and they always get special toys or treats as motivation and rewards, so they get super excited when they get harnessed up for it. My boys love their slatmill!
Want to try a slatmill for your dog without having to commit to buying one? Visit my website and book an hourly session, and come use mine!
#slatmill #treadmill #dogtreadmill #dogtraining #dogtrainer #dogsofinstagram #dogs #dogsofutah #utahdogtrainer #dogobedience #obediencetraining #barkstobreakthroughs
I LOVE boundary training. It's such a crucial element for a well behaved dog. You can also use it for things like keeping your dog out of a certain room of the house or staying off furniture. What kind of physical boundary training do you wish your dog had? Let me know in the comments 👇 and then let's teach them together!!
#boundaries #dogtraining #dogtrainer #dogsofinstagram #dogs #dogsofutah #utahdogtrainer #dogobedience #obediencetraining #barkstobreakthroughs
And we're back at it! Thanks for bearing with us during our long break while Brutus had to have two major surgeries, and a subsequent ICU stay. 🥺😩
Brutus has been on a special diet of meatballs after his surgeries (one of which was on his throat) and with how drugged he's been on painkillers, I've been so grateful that he's so good at taking food/treats gently. (I had to actually rile up my boys before filming this video to get them to even attempt taking the meatballs more aggressively 🤣) I know tons of dogs that would probably bite my fingers off without being in a drugged state 😅 Here's the method that I've always used to encourage my pups to be gentle.
Of course, every dog is different and what may have worked well for me and my dogs may not work as well for you. What methods have you liked to encourage your dogs to take treats gently? Let me know in the comments 👇
#dogtraining #dogtrainer #dogsofinstagram #dogs #dogsofutah #utahdogtrainer #dogobedience #obediencetraining #barkstobreakthroughs
Did you know dogs can burn their paw pads on concrete and asphalt? Studies have shown that on a 95°F/35°C day, asphalt temperatures can be as high as 140°F/60°C. 🥵 That kind of heat can cause severe blistering of the paw pads resulting in them sloughing off entirely, which can take 3+ weeks of rest, antibiotics, and consistent bandage changes to heal. A good rule of thumb is to put the back of your hand on the pavement and hold it there for 10 seconds. If it's too hot for you to tolerate, it's too hot for your dog!!
With this crazy heat wave going on worldwide, I wanted to share some of my favorite ways to mentally (or physically) exercise your pups indoors. 🐶 Here's more ways! Stay safe out there!! ☺️
What are some of your favorite ways to facilitate indoor mental or physical exercise for your dog? Let me know in the comments 👇
#heatwave #indoortraining #mentalstimulation #dogtraining #dogtrainer #dogsofinstagram #dogs #dogsofutah #utahdogtrainer #dogobedience #obediencetraining #barkstobreakthroughs
Did you know dogs can develop heat stroke in less than 30 minutes in temperatures above 80°F/26°C? 🥵 Signs of heat stroke are red or purple gums/tongue, excessive panting and drooling, dry nose, not being able to get up, vomiting, muscle tremors, incoordination/staggering, collapse, and more. Heat stroke is life-threatening and a medical emergency.
With this crazy heat wave going on worldwide, to share some of my favorite ways to mentally (or physically) exercise your pups indoors. 🐶 Here's more ways! Stay tuned for part 3 of this series and stay safe out there!! ☺️
What are some of your favorite ways to facilitate indoor mental or physical exercise for your dog? Let me know in the comments 👇
#heatwave #indoortraining #mentalstimulation #dogtraining #dogtrainer #dogsofinstagram #dogs #dogsofutah #utahdogtrainer #dogobedience #obediencetraining #barkstobreakthroughs
Did you know vets recommend dogs not be outside for more than 10-15 minutes in temperatures above 90°F/32°C? 🥵
With this crazy heat wave going on worldwide, I wanted to share some of my favorite ways to mentally (or physically) exercise your pups indoors. 🐶 Here's one way! Stay tuned for part 2 of this series ☺️
What are some of your favorite ways to engage in indoor mental or physical exercise? Let me know in the comments 👇
#heatwave #indoortraining #mentalstimulation #dogtraining #dogtrainer #dogsofinstagram #dogs #dogsofutah #utahdogtrainer #dogobedience #obediencetraining #barkstobreakthroughs
Let's talk about eye contact 👀
Eye contact is so important in dog training. Not only does it help condition your dog to look to you for cues (like release commands or help with problem solving) it also helps you bond with them! One study actually showed that when dogs and their owners looked into each other's eyes, it resulted in an 130% increase in a dog's oxytocin levels (the "love chemical") and a 300% increase for the humans! 🤯🐶🥰
Brutus struggles with making eye contact before being released sometimes, because I've only started reinforcing/requiring this behavior over the last year or so (old dogs can totally learn new tricks!!) and he just wants his toy SO BADLY - definitely more than looking at his boring mom 😂
Start small by calling your dog's name and rewarding them the instant they look at you. Then increase the duration they need to look at you before they get rewarded. Slowly increase difficulty and distraction levels- you can have them lay down, then throw a toy and wait for them to look at you before releasing. Once they've mastered that, try doing it outside in places like a busy park! Trust me, the results are so worth it ❤️
#eyecontact #brutus #dogtraining #dogtrainer #dogsofinstagram #dogs #dogsofutah #utahdogtrainer #dogobedience #obediencetraining #barkstobreakthroughs