Puppy classes are for socialization, exploration, training, and most importantly, FUN! These three are learning to be calm around each other while on leash and to follow their person, accept petting by other people, and basic skills like sit, down, and come. In addition to having fun learning new things, I emphasize confidence building through positive experiences. Puppies are new here and often need help overcoming fear of unfamiliar things. And as if that weren’t enough, this Star Puppy Class begins preparing puppies and their people for Canine Good Citizen! These pups are on their way to being well socialized, well behaved, and well-rounded dogs! 🌟
Summer and high temps can make dog training a challenge, but we made the best of it! Now goodbye summer. You and your 107 degrees can go!
It was a treat to spend an hour, one-on-one, with my new friend. She’s young so for our first session together I chose exercises that focused on alternatives to jumping and other excited behaviors. Sitting instead of jumping, holding a sit while I did all kinds of silly things, and waiting to be released from position are demonstrated here. This experience is aimed at teaching her what she can do to get rewarded. Desirable alternatives to unwanted behaviors decreases everyone’s frustration and enhances a cooperative relationship!
Food bowl basics with a tiny precious baby! I teach dogs to say “please” with a sit, wait for the cue to “take it,” feel good about me being close while they eat, and call away from the bowl. I never under any circumstances touch a dog while they’re eating. It’s not necessary and can lead to increased tension around the food bowl. Btw, this exercise is NOT for dogs or puppies with pre existing resource guarding (aka trouble sharing valuables). That problem might require a little help from a professional like myself. This exercise is to prevent dogs from developing tension around the food bowl and as you can see, even brand new babies can do it! Happy training!
Play tug with your dogs already! Contrary to what many people believe, tug doesn’t create bad behaviors or allow them to dominate you. Any game that overexcites your dog should be avoided probably, but tug can be structured if that’s the case. It can help dogs learn or practice “drop it” and “take it.” It’s rewarding and fun, it’s a great indoor exercise for everyone, and if your dog likes the game, she’ll bring the toy back for another round.
Some small and also not so small distractions during today’s training session 🤪 Let’s hear it for Justin and Taza! 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
Every time you call your dog you present them with a choice: “should I keep doing what I’m doing or should I go?…” My backyard recall exercise makes their choice an easy one! My secrets to reliable recall are enthusiasm and predictability and little 3 month old Rosie is showing us how it’s done!
Ethical and emotionally considerate behavior help for humans and the animals in their lives. I have been helping pet parents in San Diego since 2002.
