S.R. Dog Training

11/04/2023

Right now there are senior dogs sleeping alone in every U.S. shelter, just wondering when their time will come… Their time to be a part of a family. Their time to find a loving home to call their own. Their time to finally have a warm, safe, & loving place to rest.

Share your love with a senior dog by visiting a local shelter or adopt a senior pet who will be forever thankful that you did.

www.SRDogTraining.com

11/03/2023

Now that fall is in full swing, many dogs love romping through the leaves for fun an enjoyment. Just don’t let that be your dog’s only form of exercise & play.
Your dog wants to be with YOU. Take 5-10mins to play Tug & Fetch with your dog. They will thank you for it! Use these videos to teach your dog how to properly play both games...

Tug: https://srdogtraining.com/how-to-play-a-structured-game-of-tug-with-your-dog/

Fetch: https://srdogtraining.com/teach-dog-play-fetch/

10/30/2023

Halloween is a prominent holiday enjoyed by children and adults alike. However, our canine friends don’t necessarily like it nearly as much. Halloween can be a potentially scary and dangerous time for our dogs. It is important that we act as a proactive advocate for our dog during the Halloween season.

Here are a few ways to help keep your dog safe this Halloween (pay special attention to #’s 3 & 6):

1. Trick-or-treat candy is meant for humans, NOT your dog. Chocolate, tinfoil, and wrappers can be a major health risk if consumed.

2. Be cautious of lit pumpkins. It’s easy for dogs to bump into a pumpkin lit with a candle. This can cause a fire or injury to our pets.

3. Do NOT leave your pet in the yard alone on Halloween. Pets should be kept indoors on Halloween and only taken out on a leash to go to the bathroom. Unfortunately there are too many horrible stories of animals being teased, injured, stolen, and even killed on Halloween night.

4. Dog costumes are not for every dog. Only dress your dog in a costume if you know they are completely comfortable with it. Costumes can be an unnecessary stressor for your dog.

5. If you do dress your dog up, make sure the costume is not overly restrictive or obstructive to their view. Even the nicest dog may snap, growl, or show aggression if they can’t clearly see what’s going on.

6. Make sure your dog does not bolt out the front door. Most people open their door frequently on Halloween night to greet trick-or-treaters. Each time you open your door, it is one more chance for your dog to run away. Place your dog in another room that is safe for them to stay for the evening.

Halloween is a fun and exciting evening for humans, but let’s make sure we keep our dogs happy and safe this October 31st.

www.SRDogTraining.com

10/28/2023

National Pit Bull Awareness Day – Breed doesn’t matter, responsible & competent ownership does.

Always choose to adopt, don’t shop.

www.srdogtraining.com

10/20/2023

Does your dog seem to ignore most of what you say and find ways to “break the rules” every chance they get?

Remember this phrase and you will be fine, “never give a command you cannot reinforce”. If you ask your dog to do something (i.e. Sit, Come, get off furniture, etc.), make sure you follow-through.

Learned irrelevance happens when you are inconsistent with what you say and what you do. If you are inconsistent, your dog becomes confused, frustrated and learns they can undermine your rules and requests. It’s essential you establish clear rules, boundaries, and a system of communication your dog understands.

It is equally important to be consistent with rewarding good behaviors and choices, as it is with ignoring or discouraging unwanted behaviors. Inconsistent follow-through leads to inconsistent compliance, and consistent reinforcement leads to impeccable compliance. www.srdogtraining.com

10/14/2023

If shelter dogs were human, we would call them wise. They were dealt a bad hand and let down by humans, but they responded with courage. They exemplify the true meaning of love.

Use this weekend as your chance to volunteer or ADOPT a shelter dog. You should be proud to have their greatness by your side.
www.SRDogTraining.com

10/13/2023

We started this month off by honoring National Black Dog Day on Oct. 1st and we are now almost halfway through National Pit Bull Awareness month. It’s so important that we use this time to remember the countless dogs who sadly get overlooked simply based on their color or breed. Black dogs and Pit Bulls get “lost in the system” simply because of their looks.

Let’s use this opportunity to create positive change. Help spread the message of choosing to adopt, and when you do, give extra consideration to adopting a black dog or Pit Bull. True love is blind, a black dog or Pit Bull will love you unconditionally and they deserve the same love in return.

www.SRDogTraining.com

10/12/2023

You must focus on helping your dog to be successful, rather than correcting every time they make a mistake.

It’s common for owners to expect too much, too soon. They push for longer “Stays” and try getting too much distance from their dog, and try practicing around high level distractions. This results in you having to say “No” more than “Yes”.

You must look for every opportunity to reward small achievements. Set your dog up for SUCCESS. Reward the 5 second “Stay”, reward just two steps of distance, and say “Yes” for ignoring even the smallest of distractions.

Building on habits of success is essential, NOT patterning failures. Perpetual failures lead to your dog becoming confused, not listening, and you over correcting every mistake they make.

Constant feedback for each small success will lead quicker to your desired outcome, than over correcting ever will.

www.SRDogTraining.com

10/07/2023

All withdrawals and no deposits. I hear it all the time, “I want my dog to stop jumping on guests…My dog doesn’t come when I call…I tell my dog to stop barking and he doesn’t listen…etc.” Those are withdrawals. You are asking your dog to comply with your request, but what have you done to foster your dog’s compliance.

You must make daily deposits in developing the relationship and understanding you have with your dog. This is not difficult to do - daily walks, obedience training, and play sessions will develop a strong bond and system of communication. These daily deposits will allow you to make the important withdrawals when you need to, and your dog will happily and easily comply.

www.srdogtraining.com

10/06/2023

Logically that makes perfect sense. Now we know why… 🤣

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10/03/2023

October is Adopt a Shelter Dog Month. With nearly 3 million companion animals killed in U.S. shelters each year, millions more sitting in shelters wishing for a loving home, and most pet store puppies coming from puppy mills or back yard breeders (resulting in animal abuse, neglect, and poor health – for both puppy and mother), these should be all the reasons you need in order to choose to adopt.

However if you need a few more, here they are…

Most shelter dogs are:

- Housebroken

- Know basic obedience commands

- Are microchipped

- Spayed/Neutered

- Up-to-date on vaccinations

This saves you money, time, and energy.

I want to encourage you to save a life and adopt your new family member this month! If you can’t adopt or already have a dog, please at least visit your local shelter, foster a dog, donate supplies, or volunteer to walk & play with these very deserving dogs who want nothing more than your love and affection!

***Let’s make this month of October the best month possible for shelter dogs across the world!***

www.SRDogTraining.com

09/30/2023

Something funny for your Saturday 🤣

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09/27/2023

A common mistake dog owners make, is repeatedly taking the food bowl away at meal times. This is an old myth of how to prevent resource guarding, when in actuality it teaches your dog that people can’t be trusted near their food. (I know there will be people who say they did this with their dog and it was fine. That’s great, but we can’t use the exception to prove the rule.)

If you want a food-friendly dog, walk up to their dish while eating and drop in something of high value, such as a piece of cheese. Whatever you add should be better than their kibble. This will teach them that when people come near food, something nice happens. *This procedure is ONLY for dogs who are NOT yet food aggressive or a resource guarder*

Think about this from a human perspective…

If you were eating at a restaurant and every time the waiter comes by he takes your plate away and interrupts your meal. This will get annoying real fast. Whereas if every time the waiter comes by, he tops off your drinks and gives you a complimentary dessert. It’s pretty evident which waitering style you would prefer, and your dog feels the same way about your training approach.

www.SRDogTraining.com

09/19/2023

Let’s not forget, we are their life!

www.SRDogTraining.com

09/18/2023

Now that Monday’s here, we start the rat race all over again. We rush around & worry about a million things we ‘should’ve, could’ve, and would’ve done’. Instead of wasting today, worrying about yesterday & tomorrow, let’s learn from our dogs…

Try staying in the moment, so you fully enjoy the present. Take your dog for a short walk or out in the yard to play Fetch. When you do, leave your cell phone inside, only focus on your dog, & fully enjoy those irreplaceable moments with your dog.

We always think we need to teach our dog, but they have a lot to teach us…if we slow down to listen.

www.SRDogTraining.com

09/13/2023

Who else would do this? 🙋‍♂️

www.SRDogTraining.com

09/12/2023

Do you see a man running into the woods or a dog? Drop your answer in the comments.

www.SRDogTraining.com

09/07/2023

The shortest “self help” book ever written…

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08/31/2023

Children all across the country will be starting school next week. They are going to school to LEARN. Children also need to be taught how to interact appropriately and safely with dogs. That is not something they will learn in school, this is something you must teach at home (just as you would with any other aspect of safety & respect).

- Dogs are NOT ponies - Children shouldn’t ride them.

- Dogs are NOT stuffed animals - Children shouldn’t hug them.

- Dogs are NOT responsible human adults - Children shouldn’t be left unsupervised with them.

- Dogs ARE sensitive - Their ears, tail, lips, etc. should be left alone (not pulled or grabbed).

- Dogs ARE animals - Their food/water bowls should be left along (not played with).

- Dogs ARE living beings - They should be respected.

Even the most “good natured” dog and “well-mannered” child can make a mistake. As responsible adults, it’s our job to advocate for the respect and safety of both dog and child.

www.SRDogTraining.com

08/28/2023

I think we have all been there 🙋‍♂️

www.SRDogTraining.com

08/26/2023

Today is National Dog Day. It is a day for us to celebrate our four legged companions. We should especially celebrate the millions of dogs who are waiting to be adopted at your local shelters.

Use today as a reminder to donate, volunteer or adopt – YOU can make a difference in the life of a shelter dog. Help spread the word so every homeless dog gets saved.

www.SRDogTraining.com

08/25/2023

And now you know…
(click the photo for the full image)

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08/24/2023

I hear it every day, “My dog won’t listen when we are outside. He sniffs the grass and chases squirrels. It seems like I am not even there. How do I tell him ‘No’ when he does that?”

I will get right to the point…Telling him “no” is NOT your issue. Focus and engagement ARE.

Rather than correcting your dog for wanting to smell the grass or showing interest in squirrels, start thinking of how you can become more interesting to him.

The key is to make your dog want to play with you, pay attention to you, and find you more fun than the novel stimuli of the outside world. Proper training should focus on teaching your dog a system of communication (obedience commands) that stems from motivating your dog. Motivation comes from treat rewards, game play, and positive interaction with YOU.

Cats, p*e on a fire hydrant, the neighbor’s dog, and a passing bicyclist, are all REALLY interesting to your dog. However, through the relationship, obedience training, and game play you develop - you can be even more fun to your dog. He will quickly learn that you are the best thing in the world, if he pays attention to you, great things come his way.

Look for every opportunity to reward your dog for their focus and engagement with you. Use treats, petting, and toys/game play at every possible opportunity. If you do, you will quickly notice your dog’s obedience and relationship transform for the better!

www.SRDogTraining.com

08/23/2023

08/18/2023

The Ten Commandments of Dog Ownership

1. My life is likely to last 10-15 years. Any separation from you will be very hard and painful for me. Remember that before you adopt me.

2. Give me time to understand what you want from me. Please be patient with me.
3. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well being.

4. Do not be angry with me for long, and do not lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends and your entertainment. I only have you!

5. Talk to me, even if I do not understand your words, I understand your voice when it is speaking to me. You only have to look at my tail!

6. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it!

7. Before you hit me, remember that I have teeth that could crush the bones in your hand, but I choose not to bite you. (NEVER Hit Your Dog!)

8. Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I am in pain or sick, or my heart might be getting weak and I cannot tell you.

9. Take care of me when I get old, you too will grow old someday.

10. Go with me on difficult journeys. Never say, “I can’t bear to watch it” or, “let it happen in my absence.” Everything is easier for me if you are there.

And always remember, I Love You!

c. Stan Rawlinson

08/15/2023

Way too many owners believe their dog is “stubborn”, “disobedient”, or even “spiteful”. When in actuality, they simply lack a TRUE understanding of what is expected.

You might be saying, “Yeah but…My dog sits at the door before going out and he sits before his food” or “If I say ‘Go to your bed’ after she foes something wrong, she will go lay in her crate”. It’s great that your dog will do these things, but they do not demonstrate a clear understanding of commands. In most cases, your dog is picking up on the routine/pattern, your subtle body cues, or voice inflexion, which leads to these habituated behaviors.

True obedience is your dog listening to you around distractions, regardless if they feel like it, and even if you don’t have a treat. **Your dog must demonstrate unequivocal evidence that they clearly understand what is expected of them, before you can claim your dog “knows the command”. Your dog must perform a command when asked (not just randomly or based on a patterned routine). They should complete the command WITHOUT any hand prompts or food lures and in various settings (inside, outside, on a walk, etc.)** That is how we know your dog truly understands our verbal command.

Too many owners and sadly many “dog trainers” do not understand this concept. This lack of understanding leads to stress, frustration, and inevitable failure for both dog and owner. This is exactly why I approach my training in a clear, concise, and progressive manner.

It’s crucial that we first clearly and fairly teach your dog what is expected. Only after they have demonstrated a proficient understanding, can we hold them accountable to their known commands. Not doing so, is unfair and needlessly stressful for you and your dog. I believe it’s essential to only use simple, safe, and effective dog training principles. This is what leads to a reliably obedient, happy, and well-behaved dog!

www.SRDogTraining.com

08/15/2023

Do you think using a laser pointer is a good way to entertain & exercise your dog? It’s NOT! Find out what the long-term psychological risks are… https://srdogtraining.com/danger-using-laser-pointer-dog/

08/10/2023

I am sure many of you can relate to this 🤣…

www.SRDogTraining.com

08/06/2023

Just a few dozen of my 1,000 dog training success stories.

If you want to be successful with your new puppy or adult dog, contact me today to find out how I can help you.

Let’s improve their obedience training, leash walking, housebreaking and puppy training.

Contact me today to learn more: 914-774-7654 | [email protected] | www.SRDogTraining.com

Client Results: https://srdogtraining.com/client-results/

08/06/2023

Adopt your best dog today!

www.SRDogTraining.com

08/03/2023

If you agree, give a ❤️, 🐶, 🐕, 🦮, or 🐾 emoji.

08/01/2023

Today is DOGust the 1st, the day to celebrate the Universal Birthday of Rescue/Shelter Dogs Everywhere. We may not know their exact birth date, but let them know you care!

Use this week to visit your local animal shelter to ADOPT, donate, and more importantly...share your love & affection which these dogs so desperately want.

Tell your friends & family about DOGust the 1st, so we all can help brighten the day of a shelter dog!

www.SRDogTraining.com

07/30/2023

Whatever behaviors your puppy displays, you need to ask yourself: “Do I want him doing this when he is 5 years old and 80 lbs?” Countless owners surrender their dog to shelters and struggle with behavior issues, because they never thought that the way their puppy is acting - is the way they will act as an adult dog.

Your family and guests love to encourage your puppy to jump on them when they come in the door; but they find it rude and annoying when he does it three years from now at 60+ lbs.

When raising a puppy, it is important to make sure that you are not encouraging/reinforcing a behavior that you would not want them to display as adults. Dogs cannot inherently decipher that it was ok as a puppy to do something, but not as an adult. It is unfair to expect them to do that. It is essential to lay a proper foundation of structure, guidance and leadership that will last a lifetime.

Need help with puppy training? Check out my puppy clients in Putnam, NY: https://srdogtraining.com/puppy-training-putnam-ny/

And Puppy Clients in Westchester, NY: https://srdogtraining.com/puppy-training-westchester-ny/

07/24/2023

Summer heat is in full swing, so make sure to keep your dog safe & cool with these Summer cooling tips:

- Exercise early in the morning or late at night.
- Avoid hot black top, by walking on grass or in the shade.
- Allow access to water at all times.
- NEVER leave a dog in the car.
- Dogs cool from bottom up (apply cool water to paws and stomach first, then their coat/back).
- Dehydration signs include (but are not limited to): excessive drooling, lethargic demeanor, bloodshot eyes, less elasticity in skin.

Immediately take your dog to the Vet if they are not feeling well.

For more Summer Safety Tips for Dogs: https://srdogtraining.com/summertime-safety-tips-dogs/

Proudly serving Westchester NY, Putnam NY, & CT with at-home dog/puppy training for over 10 years!

www.SRDogTraining.com

07/22/2023

Considering a dog? Adopt a dog who is at least 1 year old. This enables you to better gauge the dog’s temperament, demeanor, and energy level - in order to see if it will be compatible with your family, lifestyle, and personal energy level. Choosing the right dog for your family is essential to creating a happy and successful relationship.

It does not make sense for a family who lives in a condo, has no yard, and is out of the home most of the day to buy a high drive purebred German Shepherd puppy. Set you and your new dog up for success by adopting the right older dog for your family/lifestyle.

When visiting your local shelter, keep in mind that most dogs are confined to small cages for 23+hrs. each day. They display atypical behaviors as a result of their pent up energy. Barking, jumping, and chewing of blankets/toys may not be their “normal” tendencies (just a manifestation of frustration). Relieve some of the dog’s mental and physical energy by taking them for a walk before making your decision as to whether this dog is right for you.

Save a Life - Choose to donate, volunteer, foster, or ADOPT!

www.SRDogTraining.com

07/21/2023

I never tell owners to keep their dog off the furniture. That is their personal prerogative.

However if you do want to keep your dog off a chair, couch, or bed, here is one way to do it:
https://srdogtraining.com/keep-dog-off-furniture/

07/18/2023

A Challenge for Every Dog Owner… You can singlehandedly improve:

- The relationship with your dog
- Decrease behavior issues
- Relieve your dog’s pent up energy
- Teach impulse control
- Practice obedience commands

…all by simply playing with your dog. Very few activities in life bring a greater return on your investment!

I Challenge Every Dog Owner to: play a structured game of Tug or Fetch with your dog for at least 10 minutes every morning & 10 minutes every evening. Do this for one week and note the positive changes in not only your dog, but in your life!

It’s important that these activities be a structured event, not a random activity with no rules and structure. Teach your dog how to play a structured game of tug and fetch:

Tug: https://srdogtraining.com/how-to-play-a-structured-game-of…/

Fetch: https://srdogtraining.com/teach-dog-play-fetch/

07/16/2023

Right now, there are senior dogs sleeping alone in every shelter across the world. Just wondering when their time will come… Their time to be a part of a family. Their time to find a loving home to call their own.

Their time to finally have a warm, safe & loving place to rest.

Share your love with a senior dog by visiting a local shelter or adopt a senior pet who will be forever thankful that you did.

www.SRDogTraining.com

07/15/2023

Who Else Can Relate to This? Thankfully our dogs' are very forgiving and can often tell the difference between accident and intent.

www.SRDogTraining.com

07/14/2023

Who can relate to this real life phenomenon? 🙋‍♂️🤣 Well most dog owners can!

So use this free article to help your dog “Come” when you call: https://srdogtraining.com/dog-training-recall/

If you want your dog to “Come” off-leash in the backyard, at the beach, hiking in the woods or anywhere else, contact me today to find out how I can help you & your dog: 914-774-7654 | [email protected]

Specializing in at-home dog training in Westchester NY & Putnam NY for over a decade!

www.SRDogTraining.com