Such A Good Dog

06/18/2024

Lets talk about.... Dogs and fireworks 💥

If this is your dog's first 4th of July be proactive and set them up to successfully get through it. If you're dog is afraid of thunderstorms they're probably afraid of fireworks. Here are some things you can do:

1. Exercise them hard in the late afternoon/early evening. Crazy long walks, swimming, anything that will tire them out
2. Doggy ear plugs. Ask your vet
3. When the popping starts have the TV or stereo already on loud and keep them busy with a game or indoor recall, something to keep their focus off the sound
4. Be a good example of calm. Don't react to the sounds, be as routine and normal as possible
5. Have them on a leash if there is the slightest possibility that they can dash out a door
6. If it's a serious problem for your dog talk to your vet about medication for the night
7. Start your dog on CBD a few days before.

One of my previous dogs didn’t enjoy the 4th but she get through it without trauma using these techniques.

🔑 The key is to START Desensitizing to Fireworks when the season ends for NEXT year… it’s a slow process but can change their emotional response to them if done correctly!

Anyone have other techniques they've used?

06/16/2024

Happy Fathers day to all the dads of little humans and little pups!
Enjoy your day from all of us at Such A Good Dog 🐾

06/14/2024

What a great example of controlling space and that SIZE doesn’t matter!

06/09/2024

Congrats to the newest Jr High Graduates! They are ready for Highschool and all the field trips that come along with that!

06/05/2024

Updated information from the University of California study on the effects of spay/neutering.

https://www.universityofcalifornia.edu/news/when-should-you-neuter-or-spay-your-dog

06/03/2024

I love it when students bring their kiddos to participate in class! (as long as they are able to not interrupt class, kids are always welcome!)

05/29/2024

This got me rolling 🤪🤪

05/21/2024

CALLING ALL PUPPIES NEAR AND FAR… We have open spots for this Saturday the 25TH's PUPPY GYMBOREE! 🐶 🐕
If you have or know someone who has a puppy 15 weeks of age or younger Saturday at 2:30PM is a one hour Puppy Gymboree Session AND ITS ONLY $35!
What is Gymboree?
This is all about exposing your puppy to new things like tunnels, jumps, uneven surfaces, other puppies and people, all to help them build confidence during this important stage of their life.
This 1 hour single session class is at 517 Jordan lane and is for puppies 8-15 weeks old at class time.
At least 1 round of distemper/parvo from your veterinarian is required.
www.suchagooddog.com

05/17/2024

AKC Trick - Novice class is OPEN for enrollment on our website! Starts Sunday July the 14th at 5pm! It's a 5 week class and if your dog can do the tricks learned at the last class you get your AKC Trick Novice title! https://suchagooddog.com/group-classes

This class start's off with foundational body awareness training and simple tricks to earn your AKC Novice Trick Title with Title and Ribbon earned at Graduation! This is a great class to connect with your dog, tire their brains out in a productive, fun way while also building a strong team bond between you, I mean who wouldn't love to learn "Wipe your paws", "Spin", "High Five" and to teach your dog to "Hold" something with their mouth among much more!

05/04/2024

May the 4th be with you! 10% off with CODE “May4th” today!

Go to https://suchagooddog.com/group-classes to sign up TODAY!

05/03/2024

Anyone free Sunday and want to get into the nitty gritty of dog body language? Fascinating stuff that would teach you a ton and come in handy with your dog!

Sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0F49A8A72DA3F85-49188133-laurel #/

04/29/2024

Congrats recent Highschool graduates! In Highschool they learn a Place command, Under, Heel and AutoSit while also tightening up on ALL they learned in Kindergarten or Elementary and Jr High!

Being able to take your dog in Public places without them dragging you around or jumping on everyone while also being able to leave items and in this case the popcorn all over the floor at Rural King 🤦🏻‍♀️🤣

We have a deal going on in MAY! 10% off all kindergarten and Elementary with code “TIMBARKLAKE” (you know cause… It’s gonna be MAY 😅)

Go to https://suchagooddog.com/group-classesto see available classes!

04/27/2024

Looking for you and your dog to be more “NSYNC” then you’re in luck because we’re doing a SPECIAL just for classes in MAY! 😉

10% off with CODE “timBARKlake” (NOT case-sensitive)

Go to https://suchagooddog.com/group-classes to sign up TODAY!

Group, individual or online dog training. Small class sizes and professionally certified trainers. Serving North AL since 2010.

04/17/2024

Barrier aggression: this video shows it clear as day. As silly as this video can seem it can be stressful for the people and the dogs.

Many dogs are reactive and will exhibit aggressive behaviors when they are behind a barrier, such as a gate, fence, crate or car window. The following technique can be used to eliminate this undesirable behavior, called barrier, aggression, or barrier frustration.

It is not intended for use of the dog who is reactive on lead. 

For your own safety, do the exercise through a barrier, with an opening just large enough for a treat to pass through.

Steps for helping a dog, overcome barrier frustration :

To begin changing the undesirable behavior, you will need to change the dogs negative association with being behind the barrier to a positive association.

The easiest, the most effective way, is with yummy food treats. Use these step:

1) prepare yourself with food rewards. For safety, long stick treats are recommended put the rewards in a pouch around your waist so that your hands are free.
2) take the dog to an area where you can use food rewards without interference from other dogs. If you have to work in a run, remove the other dogs until you finished. Situate yourself, so there is a barrier between you and the dog.
3) begin by giving a treat through the barrier, regardless of what the dog is doing. Even if the dog is barking, or reacting to you, you can throw a treat to him through the barrier. Give another treat as soon as the first has been eaten; repeat until you’ve given the dog five treats. 
4) then, stop and wait for 3 to 5 seconds; if the dog remains calm, give him five more treats. If he becomes reactive, say nothing to him just turn and walk away.
5) if the dog became reactive, move him to another area (behind another barrier) where he hasn’t been practicing the unwanted behavior. Give him five treats; if he remains calm, give him five more.
6) Repeat this process each session and gradually increase the time you ask the dog to stay calm.

As you work with DOG, here are some things to keep in mind :

• always use a calm, gentle tone
• Keep sessions short: five minutes or less at first.
• Remember to take breaks. Stop and take the dog out for a walk or think of another activity your dog might enjoy, such as playing, catch or sniffing around the yard.
• be patient, optimistic. Progress may be slow, but it will happen. Keep a journal of your training sessions to track your progress.

Once progress has been made with one handler, start introducing different handlers in different locations to help the DOG generalize about the positive associations .

04/15/2024

Very important to avoid creating separation issues and for building self confidence.

04/14/2024

Highschool class went out to Cabela’s today and they all did so well! It’s wonderful weather so take your dogs out to work their obedience and get some mental stimulation!

If you are looking to take your dog places and not have them pull you everywhere and jump on everyone a group class or private session is a great place to start!

www.suchagooddog.com

04/11/2024

In celebration of NATIONAL PET DAY use code NPD for $10 OFF any classes! Go to www.suchagooddog.com to sign up for a class! Code expires at MIDNIGHT!

Share a pic of your pets below for brownie points 😉

04/04/2024

I’d LOVE to see some Such A Good Dog students win the cutest pup contest 😉

I’ll be there to celebrate! Want to enter your pup?

Click HERE: https://form.jotform.com/201927845456060

04/02/2024

Classes cancelled for tonight! Check your email if you had classes tonight!

Be safe out there!

04/01/2024

Aprils Fools

03/18/2024

Let's talk about... Adopting a dog

Here are just a few things to do:

When you adopt a dog the first thing you should do when you get home is take them for a long walk. A lonnng walk. There can be tremendous stress on the dog and walking helps them get rid of some of this anxiety, and it familiarizes them with their new 'hood'. If they will be joining an existing pack have the other dog(s) meet you in the street and take them all for that initial walk, then walk them into the backyard and drop the leashes.

Relegate them to one room/area of your house for a few days before you give them access to more of the house. This way they aren't overwhelmed, and you can keep an eye on them.

When you bring them into the house essentially ignore them. Putting social pressure on them to be petted, come to you over and over, or constant eye contact and sound can add to the stress. Let them come to you when they want to, give them a little calm petting and let them settle down.

The first 2 weeks or so is the time to establish rules and boundaries--sit/wait to eat, wait to go outside, etc. They use this time to figure out where they fit in the hierarchy and what are their rights, privileges and responsibilities. They tend to be on their best behavior initially because they are the new pack member so it's the perfect time to set up that structure.

I can't tell you how many times I've met with someone to work on behavior issues where the conversation starts with, "He was so good the first few weeks and then he started to....". Many times this is because the rules weren't established and with the lack of structure the dog went down a bad path.

Most importantly, thank you for adopting a dog. You saved a life and that's good for everyone :-)

03/11/2024

🫣🤣👏🏼

03/01/2024

LETS TALK TRICKS! What are some tricks you would love to learn?! Can be things NOT mentioned!

We have a TRICKS CLASS STARTING THIS SPRING and we want to make sure to offer things YOU would love to learn!

We will have beginners through advanced!

02/27/2024

We have a Kindergarten class starting THIS Thursday at Noon for your puppies up to 5 months in age and have a few open spots left!

•What does Kindergarten cover?

🐕 This class covers all the foundation obedience: Loose leash walking, recall, down, sit, stay, wait, release, drop it, leave it, sit for greetings, as well as typical puppy issues like nipping, chewing, house-training

🚨 Get $5 off by putting 5-OFF at checkout when you sign up for the class!

Click HERE to go to the kindergarten class signup: https://app.squarespacescheduling.com/schedule/9c0a81fc/appointment/36162579/calendar/any?appointmentTypeIds%5B%5D=36162579

02/26/2024

Congrats Tulan and Helena for graduating Highschool!
Go to www.suchagooddog.com to sign up for a group class if you want a dog you can take everywhere.

02/12/2024