New Beginnings Dog Training offers private in-home training using positive reinforcement. We use positive reinforcement training methods. Going to the dog park?
About Us:
New Beginnings Dog Training offers private training in your home, where your dog will be more comfortable and learn more quickly. I specialize in helping you and your newly adopted dog have a successful relationship. New Beginnings Dog Training services the areas of Metro West and Central Massachusetts. Please contact us today at [email protected] or 774-287-1398 for pricing and a free
phone evaluation. Training Philosophy:
New Beginnings Dog Training teaches people and dogs though positive reinforcement. Positive reinforcement allows dogs to be active participants in their learning and they become enthusiastic learners. They learn faster, are more engaged in the training process, and have stronger bonds with their people than dogs trained using punishment. Meet the Trainer:
Owner Martha Palermo, KPA CTP, is a professional dog trainer certified by Karen Pryor Academy. She specializes in helping newly adopted dogs adjust to their new homes. Martha has been involved in animal rescue for over 20 years. She was the founder and director of Bay State Dogs, Inc., a small local all breed dog rescue. She is currently a volunteer for Newfoundland Rescue and Referral and Lagotto Romagnolo Dog Rescue Martha works with several other local shelters and rescues providing training and behavior assessments. Martha has a BS in accounting and a MBA from Bentley University. She is a member of IAABC, APDT, MAC, Doggone Safe and NCNE. Seminars and workshops that Martha has attended include Assess-a-Pet, TACT, The Genetic Basis for Canine Behavior, Dog to Dog Interactions and Sociability vs. Aggression Thresholds in Dogs with Sue Sternberg, How to Teach a Reactive Dog Class with Emma Parsons, and Cementing the Human-K9 Bond with Dr. Tim Lewis and Sue Sternberg. She also participated in an internship with Sue Sternberg studying the behavior of sled dogs at Eden Dog Sledding and the Un-Chained Gang. Martha completed Canine Body Language and Behavior Observation training with Kelley Bollen and is certified as a volunteer evaluator for the MA Animal Coalition program Animatch. Martha is a former adjunct faculty member at Becker College in the Animal Sciences Department and a former mentor trainer for Animal Behavior College. She has also been a Delta Society Pet Partner and a Reading Education Assistance Dog partner with her Newfoundland, Lily. She has also participated in nosework and agility classes with her dogs. Martha and her family have one dog and two horses. Services:
Caring for your New Puppy:
A training program that will teach you how to survive the first few months with your new puppy. We will cover house training and crate training as well as effective ways to manage the typical puppy behaviors of chewing, nipping, & jumping. Puppy Basics:
A training program for your new puppy (8-20 wks) that will teach your puppy the behaviors he needs to become a happy, polite, safe member of the family. Behaviors include:
Come when called
Sit
Watch Me
Settle on a bed/mat
Stay/Wait
Walk politely on a leash
Greet people without jumping
and more...
Manners for the Family Dog:
A training program for an older puppy or adult dog new to training or one that needs more practice. Helping your adult dog be a happy, polite, safe member of the family. Behaviors include:
Come when called
Sit
Watch Me
Settle on a bed/mat
Stay/Wait
Walk politely on a leash
Greet people without jumping
and more.. Taking it On the Road:
Are you uncomfortable walking your dog in your neighborhood? Bringing your dog to your child’s sporting events? Going anywhere in public with your dog? This program will take you on the road with your dog. We will go to a different public place every week and work on handling situations that arise when your dog is out with you. You and your dog will gain confidence. Kids and Dogs:
A training program designed for families with children that will teach your children how to interact with your dog so that they both stay safe and build a stronger bond. We will show your children how they can participate in the care and training of your dog as well as teach them fun games and tricks. The program will be custom tailored to be age appropriate for your children. Behavior Modification:
Is your dog fearful of people? Does your dog bark and lunge at other dogs when you are out walking? Is your dog protective of his food? Do you come home to destruction when you leave your dog alone? New Beginnings Dog Training offers programs custom tailored to help you manage and modify your dog’s undesirable behavior. We understand how stressful it is to live with behavior problems and we can offer solutions. We can help reduce the stress to your family and your dog so that you can peacefully co-exist. Contact us now for a behavior evaluation. Consultations:
Choosing the Right Dog for You:
Puppy or Adult? Which Breed? Adopt or Purchase from a Breeder? Once you have decided to bring a dog into your family we can help you to choose the dog that will best fit your family and lifestyle. If you decide to adopt, and we hope you will, we can ensure that you find a reputable rescue group or shelter. Puppy Preparation:
Are you a first time dog owner bringing a new puppy (or an older adopted dog) into your home? We can help you prepare by puppy proofing your home, providing a list of items you will need, giving you instruction on house training and crate training, teaching you the best way to introduce your new puppy to children and other pets, and more.
Another myth: Certain breeds cannot be trained using positive methods
The Ten Myths of Canine Behavior:
Myth #7: "German Shepherds learn differently than other dogs."
Learning Theory is universal among animals through associations and interactions with their environment. Dogs are not stubborn; the instructions provided are not clear.
Get ready for thunderstorm & fireworks season by counter conditioning now.
Ah, the irony. I had planned to repost a piece about helping to prevent or treat thunder phobia, and then ended up in the cellar last Tuesday night after the TV weather dude said, not quite in these words, “There’s a tornado moving toward your house, it just hasn’t touched down yet.” We are ...
MANAGING RESOURCE GUARDING
I see a lot of dogs with guarding behaviors, especially newly adopted dogs. Why? Maybe they were living as strays, competing for resources on the streets. Maybe they lived in a home where their people were constantly taking stolen items from them. Teaching your dog to trade will prevent guarding before it happens. If he's already guarding, teach him that you will always give him something more valuable than what he has. I love the way Emma Parsons explains item exchanges is her book "The New Click to Calm - Solutions for All Dogs in a Challenging World":
"...you have a $100 bill in your hand. A friend walks by and takes it away. You look at your friend, questioningly, wondering if he's going to return it. He doesn't. The next day, you have a $50 bill in your hand. Your friend says hello, take the $50 bill and leaves. The next day you have two $100 bills in your hand. You see your friend approaching. This time you don't wait until he swipes your money! You either run in the opposite direction or you tell him in no uncertain terms that, if he tries to take your money, he'll get into trouble."
In contrast, "you have a $100 bill in your hand. A friend walks by, takes it, and gives you two $100 bills. You look at your friend in joy and disbelief. The next day you have a $50 bill in your hand, Your friend says hello and replaces the $50 bill with a $100 bill. We love this friend! The next day you have two $100 bills in your hand and your friend asks if she can have one of the bills. You bet! You would gladly share what you have in anticipation of a greater payoff!"
Kenya is looking for a dog-free home. Please share!
Send a message to learn more
If you want to try a dog sport, check out a nosework class. This is 8 year old Lola doing her first vehicle search. You can tell how much she loved it.
Dogs are reading your body language. Be aware of what you’re saying to them.
The key to dog body language is recognizing stress signals, and understanding what our own body language communicates to our dogs.
Have you tried a lick mat? Provides mental stimulation, reduces anxiety, prevents boredom. Spread with peanut butter, mashed sweet potatoes, banana, yogurt, and any combination of these. Freezing makes them last longer. Lots of different sizes and shapes. Supervise your dog while he’s enjoying it.
Disturbing!😡
WORDS TO LOOK FOR WHEN RESEARCHING A DOG TRAINER:
*postive reinforcement
*force-free
*certified
*science based
*clicker training
WORDS TO AVOID WHEN RESEARCHING A DOG TRAINER:
*dominance
*pack leader
*alpha
*balanced
*guaranteed
WORDS MATTER!
Missing Dogs Massachusetts does a great job reuniting lost dogs with their owners. Many of these dogs are recent adoptions. Please use a martingale collar while your dog is adjusting to his new home.
What do you do if you see a stray dog? Remember in Massachusetts it’s illegal to keep a dog that you find.
4/23/24 Today is Lost Dog Awareness Day! If you see a wandering dog, the safest and quickest means of helping reunite that dog is to call your local animal control officer.
If you're aware of a lost dog in your community, or if you see a flyer matching the dog's description, call the number on the flyer directly to report the sighting instead of trying to catch the pup.
Pursuing and calling out to a dog, who may be in survival mode, can force the dog to hide, or run in a panic near busy roads.
A great way to help owners reunite with their lost dog is to help hang flyers locally, and enter the number in your contacts so you can report sightings ASAP, this is much safer and more effective than heading out and actively searching for a scared dog.
And remember, a dog's appearance can change quickly when lost - fur becomes dirty and matted, dogs can lose weight if there isn't a reliable food source - it doesn't mean the dog was neglected or unloved.
Help spread awareness!
Set up your dog for success:
Do you find yourself repeating a cue before your dog does what you asked?
Ask yourself what can I do to help him?:
Is your cue clear and does he understand what it means?
Have you practiced that behavior without distractions until it is solid before adding distractions?
Is the reinforcer you are using rewarding for your dog?
Are you asking him in a stressful environment?
Have you tried breaking the behavior into smaller steps?
Is he physically able to perform the behavior?
If you have any questions please ask in the comments.
If you want to prevent food guarding instead of messing with them while they’re eating walk by their bowl and toss something yummy in it.
Do training methods matter? Absolutely!
The science supporting positive-reinforcement dog training is abundant. It's more effective and more humane than force-training. Here's why.
Lately I have seen so many dogs at airports, grocery stores, restaurants and other public places with their owners claiming that they are service dogs. Service dogs perform tasks for an individual with disabilities. They cost thousands of dollars to train. They are not dogs wearing a vest from Amazon. They are not comfort dogs.
Sharing one of my favorite pictures in honor of Kelsey on the anniversary of her birthday. Even toddlers can safely and appropriately help with the care of their pets.
Listen to the whispers.
Luce’s sister is visiting this week. If I were to describe this breed in one word it would be happy!
Tell me what you notice about this dog.
MEET THE TRAINER:
Owner Martha Palermo, KPA CTP, is a professional dog trainer certified by Karen Pryor Academy. She specializes in helping newly adopted dogs adjust to their new homes. Martha has been involved in animal rescue for over 20 years. She was the founder and director of Bay State Dogs, Inc., a small local all breed dog rescue. She is currently a volunteer for Newfoundland Rescue and Referral and Lagotto Romagnolo Dog Rescue Martha works with several other local shelters and rescues providing training and behavior assessments.
Martha has a BS in accounting and a MBA from Bentley University. She is a member of IAABC, APDT, MAC, Doggone Safe and NCNE. Seminars and workshops that Martha has attended include Assess-a-Pet, TACT, The Genetic Basis for Canine Behavior, Dog to Dog Interactions and Sociability vs. Aggression Thresholds in Dogs with Sue Sternberg, How to Teach a Reactive Dog Class with Emma Parsons, and Cementing the Human-K9 Bond with Dr. Tim Lewis and Sue Sternberg. She also participated in an internship with Sue Sternberg studying the behavior of sled dogs at Eden Dog Sledding and the Un-Chained Gang.
Martha completed Canine Body Language and Behavior Observation training with Kelley Bollen and is certified as a volunteer evaluator for the MA Animal Coalition program Animatch. Martha is a former adjunct faculty member at Becker College in the Animal Sciences Department and a former mentor trainer for Animal Behavior College. She has also been a Delta Society Pet Partner and a Reading Education Assistance Dog partner with her Newfoundland, Lily. She has also participated in nosework and agility classes with her dogs.
More recall practice on the beach with the ocean being the biggest distraction.
Remember to start training recalls inside with no distractions.
More on shock collars:
This dog was surrendered to rescue due to behavior issues and was trained using a shock collar. The first picture shows her before surrender. The second picture shows her in her foster home being trained using positive reinforcement training.
A picture is worth a thousand words.
Lately I have had a lot of questions about shock collars. This type of training equipment causes fear, anxiety, and even aggression. There is no quick fix to train behavior. It's a daily practice based on a bond between dog and human.
Ian Dunbar said it best regarding the use of shock collars.
Shaping is the process of breaking down the goal behavior, in this case, settling on the Kurunda bed, into smaller increments. In previous sessions she had already progressed to putting all four feet on the bed. As you can see at the end she needs to be quicker before we can move on to the next step.
Keep your dogs safe tonight.
Seamus
This big guy is appropriately named Happy. Happy to meet new friends, happy to learn, happy to show off all his tricks. Happy was rescued from a neglectful situation in the Dominican Republic and is thriving in his new home.
Seamus enjoying his Reiki session with Linda. He gets regular sessions to help with his IBD symptoms. It has completely stopped his chronic teeth grinding.
Grafton, MA
01519
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If you want to try a dog sport, check out a nosework class. This is 8 year old Lola doing her first vehicle search. You can tell how much she loved it.
Shaping is the process of breaking down the goal behavior, in this case, settling on the Kurunda bed, into smaller increments. In previous sessions she had already progressed to putting all four feet on the bed. As you can see at the end she needs to be quicker before we can move on to the next step.
Newfoundland agility.
Seamus
Poppy learning to give eye contact on cue. Eye contact is an important behavior to teach your dog to focus on you. This is especially useful if you have an aggressive or anxious dog.
