Ozzy is 6 months old and after a week of working with his human, he's doing a great "leave it" with high value foods such as Turkey shown here.
The first video is Arlow learning auto-sit. Dad's hand position was accidentally pulling allows rear out to the side. The second video (in the comments) shows the correction of hand placement that gave him BEAUTIFUL placement that keeps him in line.
The emotions are high right now. We have only one wall of fencing to put up before the fencing for my arena is done. Will likely be done tomorrow. Then, I have the immense pleasure of decorating and making it functional for classes! Stay tuned for Ruff Start Dog Training's group class GRAND OPENING!
Do your kids show an interest in working with your dog? Trick training can be such a great way for your dog to bond with your children. Roxie, the dachshund, used to be very unsure about certain types of affection. Here she is showing off just a few of her amazing tricks. She could very easily apply and pass an AKC novice tricks title. These kids in this family LOVE working with Roxie! Keep it up, girls, you'll be helping me teach classes in no time!
Do you have a Dachshund or another burrow-hunter, such as a terrier? Your dog was bred to dig, crawl into burrows, and capture rodents, then shred them. If your dog doesn't get to do this, their genetics will lead them to very mouthy problem behaviors. Along with this digging, you can get a sandbox and a tennis ball. Cut a slit in the tennis ball and add treats. Bury it, and she has an appropriate use for her instincts. Here, Roxie is learning a cue for digging on something more appropriate. Soon she'll be able to feel like she's doing her job and her quality of life will skyrocket, while her mouthiness will diminish.
It was a great day to be back to work after the big move. Yes, Now Ruff Start Dog Training is in Escondido!
Dogs don't always understand Couch boundaries. You'll get results very quickly if you practice "off" before you need to use it. You might even exhaust your dog with all the up and down, which is never a bad thing 😉
Flirt pole training is NOT only to run your dog out... When done correctly, your dog will learn directionals, how to stop on command, changing direction, and more! This is especially helpful for those herding breeds, such as Heelers, Corgies, Shepherds, Collies, Ausies, etc...
I hand-made these toys for Christmas this year, and all my clients' dogs loved them! It's a great reward to see the dogs enjoy them! Bernice is so cute!
Came in from training the Golden, Naeila and the cat was nuzzling my training bag. 😍
**NOTE! ROXIE'S TRAINING REGIMEN IS SPECIFIC TO HER AND THE TECHNIQUES USED ON HER ARE NOT ONES RECOMMENDED FOR EVERY SEVERE CASE. THIS IS NOT TRAINING ADVICE, ITS TO SHOW GREAT RESULTS FROM CONSISTENT, EFFICIENT TRAINING!**
I wish I had a video of this girl from the start of training. She barked WAY worse than this the ENTIRE hour consultation WITH threats of biting me. She does have a bite record, and was aggressive towards me. On our 3rd training session, this is how much better She is. There's definitely still work to be done to diminish the fear, but with no punishments and a good understanding of her need for slow introductions, she has made leaps and bounds, and it's consistent with all their company! Roxie is now able to fully think and learn in our sessions and her insecurities are beginning to fade away. I'm so proud of her AND her family.
What does a training session with Amy look like?
**Disclaimer! These techniques are catered for Bear and a training plan with your personal dog may look COMPLETELY different**
I work the dog, first, showing our techniques, I'll explain body language cues I'm seeing, and answer any questions you may have. Then, you practice and I'll make sure you're doing it right, so you feel confident you can do it!
Do you know what Proprioception is? Huge word. It is back-end awareness and dogs DO NOT HAVE IT. Go watch your dog walk. Their back foot naturally goes where the front one was. So what happens when we slow the dog down to walk at our pace? They need to learn where those back legs go now that their front ones are moving slower. In this video, this sweet golden is showing how goofy a slow dog actually walks. They have to practice going slow to get the mechanics of proprioception. This is step 1 of loose leash walking.
Good boy, Bear, is getting so advanced in his training that we're going out in public. He is working on handler engagement (eye contact). Notice we are not luring him, but letting him CHOOSE to look at us. Call (219)314-1874 to set up your consultation!
Some people may see a dog who is demanding attention from mom, who is away from him. I see a brilliant young mind who 1.) LOVES his mama, 2.) Understands that offering behaviors (even cute ones) might get him what he wants- ATTENTION!
It's key in dog training to encourage CONNECTION. That's why we get dogs right?! This dog wants to connect with mom because she trains more than Mrs. Amy. I LIKE a dog who will ignore people to work for their owner! He's going to be a STAR!
Bernise, 8 months old, walking in a semi-focused heel. Need help getting your dog walking like this? Call (219)314-1874 to schedule your consultation!
On a successful (dog-enriching) walk, the dog AND the handler have to manage tasks.
The dog: learns how to walk at a human pace (which throws off their natural gate). They also have to learn to respect the leash, meaning they learn that tension on the leash means check in, or stop.
The handler: learns to be PATIENT. Dogs have a massive olfactory gland (the gland that detects odors). The more they sniff, the more tired your dog becomes. Stop walking when your dog sniffs and let them engage their brain. The handler also has to be clear and persistent in their expectations- pulling is never rewarded with forward movement. Lastly, the owner has to be aware of their surroundings and know how to advocate for their dogs.
If you do these things, your walks will be productive and successful.
Listen to D. explaining their training as Priscilla trains Bear! My goal is for YOU to understand your dog so well, that you become their trainer... Kind of like these superstars!
Reposting this glorious video my clients, D and Priscilla, sent me! He went from pulling, lunging and barking, to being OBSESSED with them! I couldn't be more proud! This is what follow through looks like!
