The Obedient Dog- Canine Training

12/06/2024

Are you obsessed with the word "no" when it comes to training your dog? While the word 'no' can have a time and place in training, it isn't a 'behavior'.

Too often as pup parents, we become obsessed and oftentimes overreliant on the word 'no'. The problem with the word 'no' is that it doesn't teach our dogs what we DO want them to do. The key to training is communication, and if the only thing we communicate to our dog is 'no' or 'stop', we've only done half the work.

Focus on teaching your dog what you DO want them to do.

11/14/2024

Does your puppy sound like this when in a crate? If so, helping your pup learn to self-soothe can give you the peace you’re looking for. This baby had a major improvement in less than an hour. See the before video below, see the after video in the first comment.

10/31/2024

Dream Scenario:
😇 Your dog quietly sits on their bed when guests walk in the door
😇 Your dog waits patiently for attention and treats
😇 Your dog doesn't even look at the table, let alone beg, while you're eating dinner

The Unfortunately-Often-Realistic-Scenario:
😱 Your dog jumps up on and crowds everyone at the door
😱 Your dog demand barks for attention and treats while you're trying to catch up with family & friends
😱 Your dog steals the entire glazed ham off the counter (real story... I've never seen my uncle so angry)

Call today… you and your dog deserve the dream scenario! 973-809-5797! Theobedientdog.com

10/25/2024

Dog communication is like human communication with complex layers - ears are clues!

Ears Up and Alert: When your dog lifts their ears upright and forward, it means they are on high alert. They can lift their ears like antennae to collect information.

Your dog could be excited about a walk, curious about a new visitor, or simply tuned into the world around them.
Take a look at what has captured their attention to figure it out.

Ears Back and Relaxed: When you know how your dog looks at home and chillaxin’, you can see whether their ears look the same when you are out and about. Both perky and floppy ears can relax their muscles, and appear soft compared to when they are alert.

Ears Flattened and Pinned Back: This often signifies fear or anxiety. A dog with ears plastered against its head during a loud thunderstorm, for example.
They may be hoping the scary thing might go away, or they may want to shut out the noise, but ears tight against a dog’s head means “Watch out!”

Sudden ear flips backward could also be a sign of fear or anxiety, especially if accompanied by a lowered head and flattened tail.

One Ear Up, One Ear Down: Dogs can pay attention to more than one thing, listening forward and behind at the same time. Ears that "disagree" can also mean your pup is unsure or conflicted. Maybe they're torn between chasing a squirrel and responding to your call, or they're trying to process a confusing situation.

Keep an eye on the rest of their body language for clues. Ears can tell a lot but look at the whole body to get the full picture. Other body parts that will give you clues to your dog's mood:

tail wag
body posture
facial expressions
vocal cues

Bonus Tip: Some breeds have unique ear shapes that can affect their communication. For example, Bulldogs' squished ears might be harder to read, while Schipperkes' bat-like ears can exaggerate their expressions. Get familiar with your dog's ear quirks for even clearer communication!

09/30/2024

Love, love, LOVE when a nightmare on leash learns to heel like a pro and can go to a warehouse store filled with distractions. Although the video doesn’t show it, this beautiful pup can switch her heel from right to left and vice versa! Way to go Snowball. Training paid off!

09/24/2024

Dogs, much like humans, flourish when they feel a sense of control over their surroundings.

It's essential to offer dogs choices within this framework to support their well-being. This approach allows them to express their preferences, minimizes stress, and encourages a happier, more confident demeanor.

**Walking Routes and Exploration**
- **Let Them Lead Occasionally**
- **Sniff Breaks**
- **Rotate Proteins**
- **Mix Wet and Dry Food**
- **Healthy Treat Options**
- **Variety of Toys and Toy Rotation**
- **Different Types of Toys**
- **Interactive Toys**
- **Diverse Bed Options**
- **Playdates with Choices**
- **People Preferences**
- **Quiet Time**

Offering choices is key to improving your dog's well-being and quality of life. By implementing these strategies, you can create an environment that honors your dog's preferences and needs, resulting in a happier, more content companion.

09/13/2024

Tail wagging often gets misinterpreted! While most people associate a wagging tail with happiness, a low wag could mean the dog is scared…proceed with caution. Another example is a high, stiff wag - yes, the tail is wagging, but it can signal aroused tension or aggression. Seeing the rest of the body language is key.

09/10/2024

🐾✨ Training Tip: For a reliable recall, make it fun! Use a special, high-value treat that your dog only gets during training. Call them enthusiastically and celebrate like you just won the lottery when they come back! Remember, the more exciting you make it, the more they'll want to return! 🎉🐶

08/18/2024

Hello There 👋
While bringing home a new dog is exciting, it’s easy to forget that it’s a major change – both for the dog you are bringing home and the dog(s) you already have at home.
Taking the time to safely introduce your dogs is an important step in helping ensure a smooth transition.
Here are some tips for introducing your new dog to your pup:

Make the introduction on neutral ground
Let your dogs interact while keeping a close eye on body language
Take them for a short walk together

04/23/2024

04/23/2024

03/08/2024

Always be calm and confident when Dog Training. Dogs are very perceptive, they read body language, tone of voice, and energy. If we’re projecting fear, tension, or frustration, our dogs pick up on that. This levels up their anxiety and can trigger reaction.

12/31/2023

12/24/2023

Holding in a down position and leave it practice with all the distractions in a home improvement store!