A New Leash on Life Dog Training

08/23/2024

08/22/2024

Y’all help give Elvis the hunk a hunk of burning love some love! Like the sweet song of a choir; he lights my morning sky!

Elvis is a 12 week old French Bulldog who happens to have a cleft palate giving him that lovable Elvis lip. He will be having surgery to correct it once he’s a little older.

Elvis came to us to be put on the right track with a custom housebreaking schedule and some basic manners and has adapted very well!

When he first got his leash and collar on he spun around and around like a wild bronco being mounted for the first time; he has since adjusted and is doing a great job walking on leash in heel and following his basic commands.

Help show Elvis some love today!

08/22/2024

08/20/2024

👀

08/19/2024

Thanks for being a top engager and making it on to my weekly engagement list! 🎉

Anais Mancera, Jessica Cervantes, Tegan Lattimer, Jeremy Tipping, Jimmy Ramos

08/17/2024

Tune into KBEC today for deals!

KBEC.com
972-938-1390

Hometown Radio KBEC is a radio station located in Waxahachie, Texas, in the the United States. The station broadcasts on 1390 AM and 99.1 FM, and is popularly known as KBEC Radio. The station is owned by Faye & Richard Tuck, Inc. and offers a Classic Country format.

08/16/2024

Y’all help us give Bentley a round of applause! Bentley is a 2-year-old mini Aussie. He came to us pulling on the leash and barking at any and everything. After 14 days of work, Bentley now walks without pulling or barking at people or things he may see, and people can come in and out of the house without him barking at them uncontrollably. He quietly sits and enjoys receiving attention for his good behavior. Bentley has proven that even after two years of bad habits, there is a chance for A New Leash On Life, and he has taken it! Great job, Bentley!

08/15/2024

When I’m addressing jumping behavior in dogs, it's important to understand the underlying reasons and motivations.

Take into consideration dogs often jump up to greet because it’s a natural way for them to interact with others. In their canine social structure, jumping can be a way to get close and engage, reflecting their excitement or desire for attention. Many dogs I see jump as a learned behavior, having discovered that it garners a reaction from people.

From a training perspective, teaching an alternative greeting behavior is crucial for several reasons:

1. Ensuring Positive Interactions: A dog that jumps can inadvertently cause discomfort,fear, or injury in people, especially those who may not be familiar with dogs. By teaching a different greeting behavior, we ensure that interactions are pleasant and comfortable for everyone involved.

2. Promoting Consistency: When a dog jumps to greet, it can lead to inconsistent responses from people, which may confuse the dog and reinforce the jumping behavior. Teaching a calm, alternative behavior helps create a clear, consistent expectation for how they should greet.

3. Fostering Better Control: Managing a dog's greeting behavior through training helps maintain control in various situations. It’s particularly important in environments where jumping might be inappropriate or where safety is a concern.

4. Enhancing Communication: Training a specific greeting behavior enhances communication between the dog and its owner. It establishes a mutual understanding of how greetings should occur, leading to a more harmonious relationship.

Overall, focusing on teaching an alternative behavior provides clear guidance to the dog, helps maintain a positive environment, and strengthens the bond between the dog and its human companions.

If you’d like to teach your dog a new greeting behavior give us a call and we’d be happy to work with you on solving this issue! Every family deserves a dog with A New Leash On Life!

08/15/2024

Dogs, contrary to popular belief, do exhibit some level of planning and strategizing, although it's not as complex as human thinking.

Dogs often figure out how to access a treat or toy that's out of reach. They might use objects in their environment to help, such as dragging a chair closer to reach something high.

When trained with commands, dogs can anticipate the outcome based on their experiences. For example, if a dog has been rewarded for sitting on command, it may preemptively sit when it hears the command or even when it senses a training session is about to begin.

Dogs might use different approaches to gain attention or affection from their owners. For instance, they might nudge you gently when they want to go outside, but if that doesn’t work, they might try a more persistent or direct approach.

During play, dogs often strategize to "outsmart" their playmates. For example, a dog playing fetch might run in a specific pattern to catch the ball more effectively.

These behaviors show that while dogs may not plan with the same level of complexity as humans, they do use experience and learned behaviors to achieve their goals.

Do you have a story about how your dog has shown critical thinking and planning? If so we’d love to hear it!

08/13/2024

08/11/2024

Our Two-Week Board and Train program, which includes 4 follow-up lessons and Lifetime Support, is now on sale for $1,000 until further notice! Pay 1/3 down and the balance in cash at the end of the two weeks. To ensure personalized care, we accommodate up to 4 dogs every 2 weeks, offering small class sizes and plenty of attention. Sign up now to give your dog A New Leash On Life. Spread the word about this exceptional offer and help us reach more people!

08/11/2024

Oops, Was That My Dog?

Common Behavior Issues and Solutions

—10 Likes on This Post to Unlock the Next Tip in this series!

Chewing

Chewing is a natural and essential behavior for all dogs, rooted in their instincts. It is one of the ways they know to deal with their emotions. However, when chewing becomes excessive and leads to destruction, it can turn into a problem. Be proactive!

Common reasons for excessive chewing include puppy teething, boredom, excess energy, anxiety, and curiosity, particularly in puppies.
To manage this, provide a variety of appropriate chew toys and keep personal items out of your dog’s reach.

When you’re not home, confine your dog to a crate or a designated area to minimize potential damage.

If you catch your dog chewing on something inappropriate, redirect their attention to a chew toy.

Ensuring your dog gets plenty of exercise and mental stimulation is crucial in preventing destructive chewing behavior.

Our puppy training course will teach you exercises to work on, and if followed strictly, prevent costly damage; teaching you how to instill good chewing behaviors in your puppy.

If this was beneficial to you please hit that like button and share with your friends; if you’d like to get signed up just send us a message and we’d be happy to design a program tailored to you and your dog!

08/11/2024

08/09/2024

Building confidence-

On a green dog, one that's kind of troubled, I might let them cuddle up to me because it's not a disrespect, they're looking for some support and comfort. Then gradually I know part of the process is that I put him back out on the end of the leash and see if he/she can stay out there and still feel my comfort from out there. But I won't ask him/her to stay for long. Short victories! I work my way toward everything I get in small increments, a little bit at a time.

08/08/2024

📻 Join Us for the KBEC Radio Auction! 🎙️

Save on over $10,000 in merchandise! 🛍️💸

🗓️ Date: August 17th
🕗 Time: 8 AM to 1 PM

Don't miss out on amazing deals and unique items! Tune in and be part of the excitement. Share this post and spread the word!

08/07/2024

25% off training if you adopt a pet!

This July, FREE adoptions of adult dogs and adult cats at our Dallas Animal Care Center, Ellis County Animal Care Center, and Foster!

08/07/2024

Dogs actions are driven by instincts, training, and their desire for attention or rewards. Dogs only know to succeed or to fail; there is only two outcomes in their world.

When it seems like a dog is "working" a human, getting away with bad behavior, it's usually a result of the dog's understanding of how to get positive outcomes, like treats or affection, rather than a deliberate manipulation. Dogs respond to cues and learn behaviors that earn them rewards like attention, which is more about their adaptive nature and training than intentional scheming.

Dogs crave attention and social interaction from their humans. When they don't receive enough positive attention, they might engage in undesirable behaviors, such as barking, whining, or acting out, to get noticed. This is because any form of attention—whether positive or negative—can be reinforcing for them. To a dog, being acknowledged, even if it’s through scolding or correction, is better than being ignored.

This underscores the importance of providing consistent, positive reinforcement and engaging activities to fulfill a dog's social needs and prevent unwanted behaviors.

This situation dives deep and reflects a complex interplay of psychological and emotional factors. For some dogs, especially those in abusive relationships, the dynamics of attention and validation can be deeply intertwined with their self-esteem and sense of self-worth. The attention, even if negative, can sometimes feel preferable to the emotional void of neglect or loneliness. They might seek the familiar patterns of interaction and validation, even when it's harmful. This can be influenced by past experiences, attachment styles, or a belief that they don’t deserve better. Understanding and addressing these dynamics often requires empathy and professional support to help them break out of those unhealthy patterns and learn the benefits of healthier relationships.

If you’d like to know more and start A New Leash On Life please reach out to us! We are ready to help you and your dog have a happier, healthier relationship.

08/07/2024

If you’ve spent any time looking in our local shelters and rescues or driving around the countryside here in Ellis County, chances are you’ve come across several large white dogs. While the Great Pyrenees is the unofficial dog of Ellis County, we do have a great number of Kuvasz as well.

Many people have heard of the Great Pyrenees, but the Kuvasz usually doesn’t get the same attention. Today, I’d like to point out the differences between the two.

The Great Pyrenees and the Kuvasz are both large, white livestock guardian dogs, but they differ in their origins, appearance, and temperament. The Great Pyrenees, hailing from the Pyrenees Mountains of France and Spain, typically has a dense double coat that is longer and more flowing. This breed is known for its gentle and calm demeanor, making it excellent as a family companion as well as a guardian. In contrast, the Kuvasz originates from Hungary and has a shorter, denser coat that is less prone to matting. The Kuvasz is generally more reserved and assertive, often displaying a more protective and independent nature. Both breeds are strong and loyal, but the Great Pyrenees tends to be more adaptable to family life, while the Kuvasz is often more focused on guarding and protection.

Coat style: Kuvasz coats are straight to very wavy, while Great Pyrenees coats are straight to slightly undulating.

Head shape: Kuvasz heads have a more apparent differentiation between the forehead and snout, while Great Pyrenees heads are big and blocky.

Color: Great Pyrenees are mainly white, but can have some grey or beige markings, while Kuvasz are all white or ivory in color.

Dew claws: Great Pyrenees have rear double dew claws, while Kuvasz do not.

Temperament: Kuvasz are more independent and protective than Great Pyrenees.

Size: Male Great Pyrenees are between 70 and 80 cm tall, and female Great Pyrenees are between 65 and 75 cm tall. Male Kuvasz are between 70 and 76 cm tall, and female Kuvasz are between 65 and 70 cm tall.

I’ve trained dozens of both; personally I like the Kuvasz better, mainly for its coat but also I think our demeanors match better. We don’t know the meaning of grey. 🤣

08/07/2024

If you're not a leader inside, don't pretend you’re a leader outside. You're either a leader everywhere or nowhere.

08/03/2024

This bronze statue of a life-size Belgian Malinois, outfitted in full deployment gear, is the first in the world to depict this type of military dog. These dogs, known as "multi-purpose canines" (distinct from military working dogs, or MWDs), are considered "super dogs" for their ability to jump from planes and track and apprehend enemy combatants under the most challenging conditions. Sculpted by Lena Toritch, the statue is located at the Airborne and Special Operations Museum in Fayetteville, NC, and may be the only one of its kind. Surrounding the statue are paver stones listing the dogs that were killed in action.