If You Can’t Do This, You’re Not Ready for Your Dog to Be Off Leash
Being able to reliably recall your dog is non-negotiable if you want them to be off leash. A strong bond and clear communication are essential, ensuring that your dog will respond to your instructions no matter the distractions. If your dog does not consistently listen to you while on a leash, removing it puts them at serious risk of harm or getting lost. Off-leash freedom requires a foundation of trust, training, and a proven recall. Without mastering these basics on-leash, you’re not ready to let your dog off.
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Working the mental side of your dog is just as crucial as physical exercise, as it taps into their natural instincts and keeps their minds sharp and engaged. Mental stimulation, such as puzzle games, training exercises, or scent work, helps reduce boredom, prevent destructive behaviors, and strengthen the bond between you and your dog. By mixing mental challenges with physical activities, like practicing obedience commands during walks or incorporating problem-solving tasks into playtime, you create a balanced routine that satisfies both body and mind. This comprehensive approach not only enriches your dog’s overall well-being but can also address unwanted behaviors by redirecting energy and promoting focus and calmness.
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Does it get any better than baseball, dogs and this insanely awesome some weather?!?! I think not.
Love when we’re able to combine the dog’s fulfillment needs and the human’s all at once. Rett is working on his swing with his @brucebolt batting gloves and his @rawlings icon bat while the pups get some real work distraction and impulse control work.
We understand that life can get crazy busy with the everyday hustle and bustle but that doesn’t changes the dog’s daily needs to work towards being balanced and fulfilled. Hope this inspires you to get out there and test the limits of tour dog’s abilities and with a-little bit of hard work and determination you CAN do it too!!!!
#estilldogpsychology #dog #dogs #dogpsychology #dogtrainer #dfwdogs #fortworth #dogtraining #dallas #fortworthtx #baseball #baseballdog #batting #dogheaven #balanceddogs #balanceddogtraining #rawlings #brucebolt
Everyone meet Blossom. Here is a great tutorial video (training session ) on how you can build trust with a nervous or fearful dog.
Blossom is a unique and gentle soul, a once-feral dog who has learned to survive through caution and instinct. Unlike many dogs who thrive on human affection, Blossom has always been wary of people. Despite her distrust of humans, she’s incredibly social with other dogs, often seeking their companionship and finding comfort in their presence. Blossom’s natural instincts are to stay at a distance, keeping a close eye on humans from afar, never quite ready to bridge that gap of trust. But, despite her caution, her behavior suggests that with the right approach and patience, she could learn to feel safe around people as well.
Using a long-line leash has been an effective tool in helping Blossom take her first steps toward trust. By allowing her to explore and follow at her own pace, the leash lets her observe and learn from her human companions without feeling pressured or restrained. With the freedom to move and enough space to feel secure, Blossom can engage at a distance that feels comfortable, allowing her to build confidence slowly. This gentle, pressure-free approach is essential for dogs like Blossom, who are fearful and sensitive; it emphasizes the importance of going slow, respecting their boundaries, and recognizing that building trust may take time but is well worth the effort.
#estilldogpsychology #dog #dogs #dogpsychology #dogtrainer #dfwdogs #fortworth #dogtraining #dallas #fortworthtx #leash #leashtraining #dogleash #dogwalking #dogtrust
When should I train my dog and for how long?
We are constantly training our dogs, whether we realize it or not, because they are always observing and learning from our actions and routines. Every interaction with our pets shapes their behavior, reinforcing habits both good and bad. If we are consistent, attentive, and intentional with our training, we see stronger, more reliable results because the dog learns clear expectations. On the other hand, neglecting to put in effort or being inconsistent sends mixed signals, leading to confusion or undesirable behaviors. Just like with any relationship, the amount of work we invest in training reflects in the dog’s obedience and responsiveness.
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You’ve got a puppy!!!! What do you do next???
Here are 3 little quick tips to help you get started. Puppy hood can be such a fun experience but we also have to make sure we’re creating behaviors we want long term. Remember puppy behaviors become adult dog behaviors.
• The crate as a safe space: A crate offers your dog a sense of security, acting as their personal retreat. When introduced properly, it provides a cozy and safe space where they can relax, reducing anxiety and destructive behavior.
• Ample outdoor restroom breaks: Ensuring your dog has frequent opportunities to relieve themselves outside is crucial for both their physical health and house training. Regular breaks prevent accidents and help reinforce good habits.
• Building connection through time together: Spending quality time with your dog, whether through play, training, or simple companionship, strengthens your bond. This connection fosters trust, loyalty, and a happier, more well-behaved dog.
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Being connected and in tune with your dog during walks is essential for their safety and well-being, especially in environments they might find uncertain or unfamiliar. When we disconnect by using headphones, we miss out on crucial opportunities to observe our dog’s body language, anticipate potential hazards, and respond to their needs. Walking without distractions allows us to be fully present, guiding our dog through new or unpredictable situations, building trust, and ensuring their sense of security. This mindful connection makes the walk a shared experience, strengthening the bond between you and your dog.
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Structure vs. Routine
Structure and routine are both important for a dog’s well-being, but they serve different purposes and have distinct effects on their behavior. Routine involves a set pattern of activities, such as feeding, walks, and playtime at the same time each day, which can create a sense of predictability for dogs. However, strict adherence to a routine can make dogs overly dependent on specific times for these activities, leading to anxiety or stress when there’s any deviation from the norm. On the other hand, structure provides a framework where dogs understand that they will receive what they need—such as exercise, food, and affection—but not always at the same exact times. This flexibility helps dogs adapt to changes more easily and reduces anxiety when their schedule is disrupted, as they still receive the fulfillment they need, just at different times.
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Dog owners shouldn’t be afraid of taking their dog home from training, worried about undoing all the progress. Your dog is always going to respond to your energy, so what matters most is your commitment and consistency. If you put in the effort and make adjustments at home, your dog will respond to those changes. It’s not about being perfect but about being intentional and consistent; even small improvements in your approach will lead to positive changes in your dog’s behavior.
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When training dogs, it’s crucial to be patient and start with lower behavioral expectations, as this sets a foundation for effective learning. Initially, your dog may not fully understand what is being asked of them, so maintaining realistic expectations helps prevent frustration for both you and your pet. As you consistently practice and reinforce positive behaviors, your dog will gradually learn and improve, allowing you to raise your expectations over time. This approach not only builds a stronger bond between you and your dog but also helps you effectively correct and shape their behavior to achieve the desired outcomes.
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