The Canine Mind

How you use your leash is important! Everybody that has a dog is most likely using a leash! Using your leash, constructively, and as information for your dog to learn from will dramatically increase our dog’s understanding of what we want from them. Teaching loose leash walking starts with our dogs understanding that walking with us is comfortable and fun. Once that concept is in their heads, introducing leash pressure makes much more sense to them.

A huge step in gaining off leash reliability for your dog! Making the transition to off leash training can be tricky. The long lead is a great tool for the in between phases when your dog needs more room, and you need to be able to use your other tools more. The long lead allows your dog more freedom to make choices, so you have more opportunity to guide them, without the physical intervention of the leash. When working with the long lead, use your body, voice, e-collar and your treats before you assist your dog with the leash. Find a place with less distractions to start, and move to more challenging environments once your dog responds to your other tools without needing any help from the leash. #dogtraining #dogsofutah #dogtrainingtips

You’re not a jerk if you have rules for your dog, you’re a GOOD owner. Without the guidance and structure we provide, their lives feel messy. Rules don’t have to be unfair. You can have a rule for your dog to freely sniff a certain area, and then you can have a rule that your dog heel’s next to you and can’t sniff anything. The rules are what make it FUN, your dog understanding time and play is what makes it FUN! #dogsofinstagram #dogtraining #dogtrainingutah #saltlakecitydogs

Dogs guard food, affection, toys and comfortable places All dogs are capable of resource guarding, but it looks different depending on the temperament of your dog. Soft tempermented dogs are going to feel threatened, the more you leave them to enjoy their items around you, the safer they feel. Hard tempermented dogs are going to want to compete, and do better with trading valuable items. #dogsofutah #dogtraining #resourcegaurding #dogtrainingtips #dogowners

Your dog needs to be neutral! It’s important your dog isn’t cowering or being overly crazy when interacting with people. Letting your dog calm all the way down before interacting with people helps set them up to have appropriate, safe and fun experiences! This starts with you making people aware your dog is training and can’t be pet until they are ready. #dogowner #dogsofutah #dogtrainingutah