Springfield Dog Trainers: Off Leash K9 Training

04/27/2023

Did you know it's National Mule Day?! We didn't either, don't worry!

Don't be a mule, train your pup to rule 😉

04/26/2023

🐶 Here is a list of the top dog names for both male and female:

👉 MALE: Charlie, Buddy, Cooper, Rocky, Bear
👉 FEMALE: Daisy, Annie, Molly, Sadie, Maggie

What's the best name you've heard?

04/25/2023

It's time you start loving yourself as much as your dog loves you 💕

04/24/2023

It's true, ask anyone who's got four paws and can bark. 🤪

04/17/2023

Ever wonder "Can my dog eat that?"

The world is seeing more and more dogs with stomach sensitives and food allergies so be careful when family/friends are over that they don't sneak food to your pooch!

04/01/2023

🐾🚀Transform Your Dog with Off Leash K9 Training Massachusetts! 🚀🐾

Is your furry friend eager to learn new tricks? 🐶 Bring them to Off Leash K9 Training Massachusetts, where our expert trainers work miracles! ✨

👉 Unlock your dog's full potential with personalized training programs designed for obedience, behavior modification, and more! 🌟

📞 Call us NOW at (508) 449-0488 to book your session! 📞

Don't miss out! Happy, well-behaved dogs are just a phone call away! 🐕💖

04/01/2023

Congratulations to “Cinnamon” on her graduation from our 2-week Board and Train program. She was probably one of the tougher clients we’ve had, and certainly preferred to stay in bed all day, watch the birds building a nest out of the window, and steal food with zero care given on her end. We are considering agility or dock diving as our next adventure.

03/30/2023

Sometimes we have to go on a hunt for Trainer Paul, as he tends to find the BEST hiding spots with his pups. Thankfully, we keep GPS trackers on our training pups and so far, Paul has fallen for it! 🐾😍🐾

03/29/2023

Listen. We are just going to let this one sit as it is, OK?

03/28/2023

Title: "Unlocking Your Dog's Inner Genius: Chris's Top 5 Training Tips for a Smarter Pup"

Are you ready to tap into the hidden potential of your canine companion? As a professional dog trainer and the owner of Harrisburg Off Leash K9 Training, Chris has helped countless dog owners transform their pets into well-behaved, intelligent companions. In this blog post, Chris shares his top five dog training tips to help you unlock your dog's inner genius.

Consistency is Key:

One of the most important aspects of dog training is consistency. Ensure that you're using the same commands and training techniques every time, and make certain all family members are on the same page. This helps your dog understand what's expected of them and reduces confusion, leading to a more successful training experience.

Make the Praise Worthy:

Using praise and toys as rewards encourages your dog to repeat desired actions. Remember to reward your pup immediately after they perform the desired behavior, so they associate the action with the praise. If you're praising in a monotone command voice, you're boring the dog. I little excitement and change in tone of voice can go a LONG way. Like Chris always says, get the "Barbie Girl" voice going!

Patience and Persistence:

Dog training takes time, and it's essential to be patient with your furry friend. Some dogs may take longer to grasp new concepts, and that's okay. Persistence and repetition are crucial in helping your dog understand and retain new behaviors. Celebrate small victories, and remember that progress is a marathon, not a sprint.

Socialization:

Exposing your dog to different environments, people, and other animals is vital for their overall development. Proper socialization helps your dog become confident and well-adjusted, reducing the likelihood of fear-based behaviors. Be sure to introduce your pup to various situations in a controlled and positive manner to ensure a successful socialization process.

Make Training Fun:

Training should be an enjoyable experience for both you and your dog. Incorporate playtime and make sessions short and engaging. By keeping training sessions fun, your dog will be more eager to learn, and you'll strengthen the bond between you and your furry friend.

By following Chris's top five training tips, you'll be well on your way to unlocking your dog's inner genius. Remember that dog training is an ongoing process, and celebrating progress along the way will keep you and your pup motivated. With patience, persistence, and a little bit of fun, your dog will transform into a well-mannered, intelligent companion in no time!

03/27/2023

🐾 Dog training isn't just about teaching your furry friend basic commands, it's about building a strong bond and mutual respect between you and your pet. Training your dog can be a challenging and rewarding experience that can bring out the best in both of you. 🐾

03/25/2023

Don't be the FOOL on April Fool's Day!

I can remember playing several tricks on my parents growing up, and anyone who knew me growing up knows that I LOVE to be a trickster and comedian. If you've escaped me so far, I'd watch your back. Your time is coming!

I'll never forget how many times my mom fell for the rubber band around the sink sprayer trick, or how many times I waited for my dad (God rest his soul) to come home from work as I hid with the garden hose around the corner.

As we move into April Fool's Day, please consider your pets in your tricks:

Tricks at open doors can provide the perfect opportunity for your pet to escape.

Glitter, confetti, ribbon, balloons and silly string can create intestinal issues and blockages in pets.

Pets may attempt to quickly consume dropped items or liquids that land on the floor.

Loud noises can scare your pets. Poppers, burst balloons, slammed doors might be a great way to surprise your loved one, but can also cause your pets to flee out open doors, into abnormal areas, etc.

I'm 100% in support of pulling amazing April Fool's pranks (and if you need any suggestions, please reach out to me!) but make sure you plan appropriately so the fool isn't you as you search for your pets or pay expensive vet bills.
-Chris Darhower
Owner

03/24/2023

Easter Holiday Dangers for Dogs: Keeping Your Furry Friend Safe

As Easter approaches, many families come together to celebrate with egg hunts, colorful decorations, and delicious treats. While this festive holiday is a time of joy for humans, it can pose several dangers to our beloved canine companions. This post aims to educate dog owners about potential hazards associated with the Easter holiday and provide tips for keeping pets safe during the festivities.

Chocolate and Candy:
The most well-known danger to dogs during Easter is chocolate. Chocolate contains theobromine, a compound that is toxic to dogs, causing vomiting, diarrhea, rapid breathing, increased heart rate, and even seizures. Dark and unsweetened chocolate contain higher levels of theobromine, posing a greater risk. Also, many candies contain xylitol, an artificial sweetener that can lead to insulin release, resulting in hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), seizures, and liver failure in dogs.

Safety Tip: Keep all chocolate and candy out of your dog's reach. If your pet ingests any, contact your veterinarian or an emergency pet clinic immediately.

Easter Lilies and Other Toxic Plants:
Easter lilies, daffodils, and tulips are beautiful additions to Easter celebrations but can be deadly to dogs if ingested. Lilies can cause kidney failure, while daffodils and tulips can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, and increased heart rate.

Safety Tip: Choose pet-friendly plants or opt for artificial decorations. Keep all toxic plants out of your dog's reach.

Plastic Easter Grass and Decorations:
Plastic Easter grass, colorful plastic eggs, and other decorations can be attractive to dogs. If ingested, these items can cause intestinal blockages or choking hazards.

Safety Tip: Use pet-safe alternatives like shredded paper or tissue paper for Easter basket fillers, and keep small decorations out of your dog's reach.

Easter Egg Hunts:
Easter egg hunts can be fun for the whole family, but small plastic eggs and foil-wrapped treats can be dangerous to dogs if ingested.

Safety Tip: Keep your dog indoors or on a leash during egg hunts, and ensure all hidden treats are accounted for once the hunt is over.

Stress and Anxiety:
Holiday gatherings can be stressful for dogs due to increased noise levels, unfamiliar guests, and disrupted routines. This stress can lead to behavioral issues and anxiety.

Safety Tip: Provide a quiet, comfortable space for your dog to retreat to during festivities. Consider using calming aids such as pheromone diffusers or calming treats. Ensure that guests are instructed to close all doors and gates. Take the time to update your pet's microchip information and ensure they are wearing their collar with ID tags in case of accidental escape!

The Easter holiday can be an enjoyable time for both humans and pets if the necessary precautions are taken. By being aware of the potential dangers and taking steps to protect your furry friend, you can ensure a safe and happy Easter for the whole family. Our canine training team wishes everyone a safe and happy Easter holiday!

03/24/2023

•Flash 🔙 Friday• Draco graduated his board and train a year ago! Trainer Angela checked in on Draco, who is doing great back at home 🐶🐾🐕
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03/23/2023

03/22/2023

Koda man is killing it during training with lead trainer Angela 🐶🐾👍
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03/21/2023

Willie's story below is an all too familiar experience that many dogs live on a daily basis in shelters throughout our country. My Off Leash K9 Training teams have worked with so many dogs that have been given a chance by families who chose the "underdog". Ive often personally found that those same dogs have turned out to be some of the best companions, and that many times their "issues" were created by the overwhelming experience of being in a rescue or shelter. This isn't a "slam" on shelters or rescues; they are so very need in our communities and do amazing work. I proudly work with them in many ways between my businesses and non-profit. If you're struggling with training, please reach out to us to see if we can help!
www.harrisburgdogtrainers.com
www.worcesterdogtrainers.com
www.dogtrainerspringfield.com
-Owner Chris Darhower

Woof! Hey there, humans! My name is Willie, and I'm a canine resident at the local dog shelter. I may not have opposable thumbs, but I have a story to tell, and I hope you'll lend me your ears (or, in this case, your eyes). You see, I've been at this shelter for quite some time now, and although the staff are kind and do their best to make us feel comfortable, it's hard not to feel a little blue.

Between the barking and the close quarters, life here is not exactly a walk in the park. Don't get me wrong, I'm grateful for the shelter and the love we receive from the staff and volunteers, but I can't help but dream of the day when I can find my forever family. I watch my friends come and go, wagging their tails as they leave with their new humans, and I can't help but wonder, "When will it be my turn?"

I've heard the humans say I have a "rough appearance." I guess my fur isn't as soft and fluffy as some of the other dogs here, and my face might not be as symmetrical as a purebred's, but I've got a lot of love to give. My heart is full of loyalty, and I promise to be the best friend you've ever had.

I can't help but think about the life I could have outside of these walls. I dream of long walks in the park, where I can sniff all the wonderful scents of the world, and roll around in the grass. I imagine a warm and cozy home, with a comfortable bed of my own, and a family that loves me unconditionally. I want to be a part of birthday celebrations, holidays, and lazy Sundays spent snuggling on the couch. Most of all, I want to be someone's best friend and guardian.

Some days, the sadness overwhelms me. I try to be patient, but it's hard not to feel a little discouraged. The thing is, I know there are so many loving humans out there who could give me the life I've always dreamed of. I just need them to look past my rough exterior and see the loving, loyal heart that beats within me.

If you're considering adopting a dog, I encourage you to visit your local shelter. We come in all shapes, sizes, and breeds, and each of us has our own unique story. If you're willing to open your heart and your home to a dog like me, I promise we'll repay you with endless love and devotion.

So, please, next time you come across a dog that may not have the "perfect" look, take a moment to get to know them. Sometimes, the most beautiful hearts are hidden beneath the roughest exteriors. I may not be the cutest or the youngest, but I promise I have so much love to give.

In the end, what really matters is the bond between human and canine, the unbreakable love that transcends appearances. I believe in my heart that there's a family out there just waiting for me, and I won't give up hope. Until that day comes, I'll be here, wagging my tail and dreaming of the day when I can finally call a family my own.

Love and licks,
Willie

03/20/2023

Saber the husky is working on her off leash capability during her 2 week board and train 🦮➡️🐕🐾
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