The Hyper Pup K9 Training and Rehabilitation

Roscoe

Roscoe was dropped off earlier today for 4 weeks of training. Fearful, anxious, reactive, and not afraid to use his teeth. Already made two attempts to bite at me. Stay tuned.

PLACE command

Jude and Teddy practicing their PLACE skills. I’ve evolved my style of training over the years. Directing a dog to PLACE involved simply getting on the bed, making no distinction between sitting, downing, or standing. Now they’re taught to automatically down. The PLACE command is now much more energized and dynamic than I’ve taught it in the past. This makes it more fun for the dogs and the behavior more deeply ingrained.

Dog Training

Training still goes on while we continue to get the space ready. Bo heads back home tomorrow so we’re getting in a few warm up sessions.

Ongoing practice develops muscle memory and makes behavior stronger.

Protocols

I place a major emphasis on teaching protocols during my training (sit at thresholds, feeding time, greetings, etc.). It’s not something that I often see from many owners. That’s usually because they don’t appreciate the importance of these protocols, so allow me to outline a few… Clear Communication: Protocols establish clear communication between the dog and the owner or trainer, making expectations and boundaries explicit. Consistency: Consistent protocols help dogs understand what is expected of them in various situations, leading to more reliable behavior. Training: Protocols provide a structured framework for training, allowing dogs to learn new behaviors more effectively and efficiently. Safety: Following protocols can enhance the safety of both the dog and those around them, reducing the risk of accidents or unwanted behaviors. Think of resource guarding or food aggression. Behavior Modification: Protocols can be tailored to address specific behavior issues, providing a systematic approach to modify or manage problem behaviors. Again, see above. Bonding: Working together to follow protocols strengthens the bond between the dog and the owner or trainer, fostering a positive relationship based on trust and cooperation. Predictability: Dogs thrive in environments where they know what to expect. Protocols create predictability, which can reduce stress and anxiety in dogs. Problem Prevention: By establishing protocols for common situations, owners can prevent problems before they arise, such as jumping on guests or pulling on the leash. Life Skills: Teaching and reinforcing protocols instill valuable life skills in dogs, such as impulse control, patience, and self-regulation, which are beneficial in various contexts.

Puppy Training

How far you take your dog with training depends on the dogs ability and the quality of the training. It’s never too early to begin that journey, even if retention is limited due to age. One day, after putting in the work, you’ll reap the benefits. Rosy and her human are having fun with their training.

Standards

The difference between a good trainer and the average dog owner is that the trainer will work at maintaining a standard of behavior. Staying consistent with that standard makes the difference between reliable behaviors and a dog who learns it doesn’t always need to listen. I remembered this lesson yesterday when I dropped in to meet with Sergeant and his owner as a follow up to his board and train. The standards are being upheld.

Self-Control

It's super important to teach dogs self-control. It helps keep them safe and happy. When dogs can control their impulses, they're less likely to get into trouble or act aggressively. Plus, it makes training easier and strengthens the bond between dogs and their owners. Self-control exercises are like mental workouts for dogs, keeping their brains sharp and their behavior in check. So, teaching self-control isn't just about obedience – it's about helping dogs live their best lives alongside us humans!

10 weeks and Rosy is already learning some valuable life skills. She’ll have a strong foundation by the time she finishes our puppy program. It’s never too early to learn. #puppytraining

Puppy Training

10 weeks and Rosy is already learning some valuable life skills. She’ll have a strong foundation by the time she finishes our puppy program. It’s never too early to learn. #puppytraining

Down in motion

This was made to provide Raina with a brief overview of how to teach the “down in motion”. I thought it would be good to share and show Basil working during his first week of board and train. This boy is a quick study.

Practicing loose leash training is crucial for a pleasant and safe walking experience with your dog. A dog that walks calmly on a loose leash not only makes the walk more enjoyable for both of you but also ensures the safety of your pet and others. Loose leash training teaches your dog to walk beside you without pulling, reducing the risk of accidents or injuries. It enhances the bond between you and your canine companion, promoting a positive and cooperative relationship. Also, a well-behaved, leash-trained dog is more welcome in public spaces, fostering a sense of responsibility for pet owners. Consistent practice of loose leash training contributes to an stress-free and enjoyable outdoor experience, allowing you and your dog to explore the world together in a controlled and harmonious manner.

Loose leash training

A short snippet of a successful leash training session with a client whose dog always pulled and disengaged from her. So many struggle with this but it’s something that can be addressed with just a small amount of work.

Teaching a dog recall, or coming when called, is crucial for their safety. It allows them off-leash freedom while ensuring they return promptly, reducing the risk of accidents or getting lost. A reliable recall also strengthens the bond between the owner and the dog, fostering trust and communication. This command is useful in various situations, from everyday activities to emergency scenarios, enhancing overall control and responsiveness. Sergeant will be finishing up his board and train tomorrow and returning to his family. He’ll have a very active life so this new skill will be incredibly useful. #dogtraining #recalltraining

Luring a dog with a food treat involves using the treat as a motivator to guide the dog into specific actions or positions. The idea is to entice the dog by presenting the treat and then guiding them into the desired behavior by moving the treat in the desired direction. This positive reinforcement technique helps establish a connection between the treat and the desired behavior, making it more likely for the dog to repeat the action in the future. It’s a helpful tool in dog training to encourage obedience and teach new commands. #dogtrainingtips #dogtrainingadvice

Security and routine are crucial for dogs because they provide a sense of stability and comfort. A consistent routine helps dogs feel secure by knowing what to expect each day, reducing anxiety. Additionally, a secure environment, both physically and emotionally, contributes to a dog’s overall well-being and helps build trust with their owners. Dogs are naturally creatures of habit, and a stable routine can positively impact their behavior and mental health. Security and routine create a supportive environment that allows dogs to thrive and feel safe in their surroundings. #dogtrainingtips #dogtrainingadvice

Off leash heel drills

This is the unsexy part of training your dog. The repetitious process of doing the work day in and day out. For me it often means outdoors at all hours and in uncomfortable temperatures. Simply getting a dog to perform a behavior isn’t enough. You want to make it an automatic reflexive response. That takes work most are not willing to do. This dog (Sonny) has a very active owner. He’ll be hitting trails, going on hikes, camping, and regularly running. Reliable, consistent behavior is an absolute necessity.

Finishing up a board and train with Bruno

From a down/stay to a recall to an automatic heel. Apollo, you’re a rockstar. #gsdtraining #dogtraining