Devoted to Dog - Behavior and Training

06/12/2022

Do you research your dogs breed—REALLY research—before you commit? All dogs have genetic tendencies due to their breed heritage. It’s important to know what you are signing up for to ensure everyone is a good match for each other.

Other than looking cute and adorable, dog breeds exist for a reason!

Throughout the human and canine history, we have been breeding dogs based on their desirable trait. This means that, from both the breed and individual perspective, the baseline behaviours and temperament can vary drastically from dog to dog. When choosing a dog, remember to take their genetic composition into consideration!

09/11/2022

Tucker was very nervous when he first came home and everything seemed new and scary. We're happy to announce that Tucker is learning the world is FUN! And he LOVES meeting new people and dogs! So now our training is focused on balancing appropriate times to interact with practice moving calmly through public places. Tucker and his family are working hard to help him develop into a polite sidekick for their adventures out and about.

25/10/2022

Apollo and his mom recently completed an initial consultation session in order to address his leash reactivity and some concerns they had in social situations with other dogs. There are lots of moving parts when it comes to dog behavior, and it can sometimes be a challenge to know where to start. A consultation is the first step in our process and we use that valuable initial meeting to evaluate a dog’s routine, environment, and history to create a training plan to meet the family's goals. For Apollo, this meant we:

✅ Confirmed that his physical and mental needs were being met through daily sniff walks, runs, and puzzle toys at mealtimes.

✅ Checked to see if we should change anything around in his home to help his training, including containment and management systems. Apollo's family already had a very successful setup!

✅ Talked through some basics about dog body language and social cues so that his people can start learning Apollo’s signals.

✅ Worked on a few starting training skills and games to begin with a strong foundation focused on clear communication and consistency for skills like "leave it" and others.

✅ Answered additional questions about Apollo and how to manage his enthusiastic friendship attempts with the household cats.

Now that Apollo's family have completed their consultation, we have a clear game plan for moving forward: either with a training program with us, or on their own to work towards their goals and build lifelong skills.

If you’re trying to figure out where to start with your dog, we'd love to discuss our programs. An initial consultation is the first step in setting up a plan that is inclusive of the needs of the entire household, as well as build new habits for everyone.

P.S. Swipe to see Apollo's training "hangover" after playing a few fun games 😅

18/10/2022

Bruno started a Day Training program with us largely because he ate something he wasn't supposed to and ended up needing emergency surgery. A major focus of his training was getting a solid "Drop It." Bruno had a long history of turning items into keep-away games, so Robin went out of their way to show Bruno that not only does "Drop It" pay off - it’s still worth it, even if he thinks the object is tasty or fun! Good boy, Bruno!

14/10/2022

Meet Tucker! Tucker completed a Day Train program to work on all his basic obedience and practice structured socialization to help him become a friendly pet in his busy family neighborhood. He can be a little shy around kids, so we worked on early on training skills and socialization outings to build his confidence and create great associations with relaxing and playing politely around small children. When we take potty breaks, he likes to carry his own leash all the way to his potty spot because he has this leash walking business down, thank you very much!

10/10/2022

Skeeter practicing her recall (coming when called) skills in the presence of distractions (enticing cameraperson and trainer, Robin!). Good girl, Skeeter!

26/09/2022

Where does your dog fall on the Sociability Spectrum? Remember - "selective" is NORMAL!

As we all go into the Holiday weekend this is a friendly reminder…especially because holidays bring dogs together that don’t live together… MOST dogs are not truly social with all dogs. Even tolerant dogs don’t want to socialize with every dog they meet. Please go slow with new dog introductions and don’t add unnecessary stress to seniors or fearful dogs. Sometimes it’s best to separate and keep the peace!!!! My two cents…. Emily

NOTE: I did not create this graph! Thank you to everydogaustin.org for creating this!!

19/09/2022

Training should be FUN! Check out Robin and Bruno's awesome positive energy as they work on recall and good choices (backing up calmly instead of jumping) when people enter his space.

These clips are from Bruno's day training program, which is a great choice for busy folks who need extra support in making sure their pup completes their training homework.

Learn more and book a free inquiry call on our website - devotedtodogtraining.com

16/09/2022

Meet Skeeter! Skeeter's family has a busy social life, but sometimes other people and dogs make her feel nervous. During her 5-lesson package, we have been working on building skills to help Skeeter handle people she finds scary and social situations with other dogs that make her feel uncomfortable. Our goal is to teach Skeeter better choices she can make when she feels nervous, and help to her owners recognize when she needs assistance navigating overwhelming situations. You've got this, Skeeter!

09/09/2022

Does your dog get the "zoomies?"

06/09/2022

Check out Piper's progress! She has been working on approaching new people without pulling or getting too excited. Watch this video to see an example of her and her dad's hard work, and to hear Robin in their award-winning role of "enticing new stranger." 🏆

02/09/2022

Meet Bruno! Bruno just started a 10 session day train program to work on greeting guests politely without jumping, and to build calm leash walking skills around other people and dogs in the neighborhood. He loves chasing his flirt pole in the yard, and he's happy to work for any food that's available!

29/08/2022

Heading to the beach this summer? Check out these Dog Beach Tips from Devoted to Dog first!

* Remember; not every dog is at dog beach to "play with other dogs". Many dogs are at the beach to stretch their legs, play retrieving games with their owners, sniff and explore the fauna, and or just enjoy the scenery. Give everyone space until they make it clear they are ready to play with your dog!

* If you take your dog to dog beach, your dog MUST have a reliable recall. If your dog's recall is questionable, or even worse, non-existent, you are setting up multiple parties to fail, get injured, or even worse. Work on that recall before you go to the beach so your dog and others can be safe!

* While you may think it's cute that your dog wants to "share"--aka steal toys from other dogs--that could lead to a potential altercation. If your dog loves toys, ensure your dog has their own toy, work on your recall, and keep an eye on your dog around other dogs with toys. If your dog steals a toy, don't stand there bemused. Quickly get it back and return it to its owners.

* Related to the above; PLEASE, pay attention! Your dog is off leash, in an unfenced environment, with other dogs and people you know absolutely nothing about. Don't be the owner absently scrolling on their phone while their dog is running amok creating havoc. Be present.

* Size Matters!!!! Please, please, don't allow your 100+ pound adolescent large breed dog to run wild, playing "HULK SMASH!" with other dogs. Be mindful if you have a giant dog and make the effort to manage the situation accordingly. Conversely, if you have tiny dogs, ask yourself if they feel safe in that environment. Be mindful of their safety and what they are trying to tell you.

* Age and health matter. Your 12 week old puppy is not physically or mentally ready for the demands of playing with much larger and stronger adult or adolescent dogs. Your old, or overweight dogs also need to be carefully monitored so they don't get hurt. Stay within your dogs' limits, or take them on a quiet walk instead.

* If your dog has ANY history of aggression towards dogs or humans, off leash time in a public place is never a good choice. Similarly, if your dog's social history is unknown, this is NOT the place to start. Dog beach or dog parks are NOT the place "to socialize dogs". They are places for dogs that ARE socialized. For young dogs work them up to it, and for dogs with negative or unknown histories, there are a lot of safer and lower keys ways to provide exercise and enrichment.

* Lastly, this seems to go without saying, but, it still needs to be said, pick up after your dog. PLEASE. Not only for the environment (which is the most important reason), but so that we all con continue to enjoy these public spaces.

You can send comments, questions, kudos and hate mail to us at [email protected]. We also *can* help you to train the skills you need (positively!) for off leash time, and give you a solid plan for socializing your dog.

25/08/2022

Meet Eugene! Eugene is working through an in-home private lesson package with his mom to achieve better communication between the two of them, and to teach Eugene to ask more politely for what he needs (instead of bowling through anything and everything in his path)! Eugene has a fabulous work ethic, and has already come a long way on recall, waiting more politely at barriers, settling on his place, and more polite toy skills. He has a bright future ahead of him in dog sports, and we are excited to have helped steer Eugene and his family back on track.

17/08/2022

What we do at Devoted to Dog!

01/08/2022

Meet Plex! He just started a 10 session Day Training* package to address his leash reactivity, help him feel more comfortable when being handled, and practice successful socializing with his two new doggy housemates. He already knows a few skills, but he needs help being consistent when he is very excited or while interacting with his new brothers. Plex enjoys long runs and cheese snacks.

*Day Training is our program where one of our trainers comes to your home to conduct sessions with your dog while you work, take care of your kids, or just relax! Let us do the work for you - set up a free inquiry call to learn more at devotedtodogtraining.com!

01/08/2022

What do you think about this? Does your dog "owe" you anything?

26/07/2022

I mean, we all know where this is headed…. 😜

25/07/2022

Meet PIPER! Piper is starting on her second package of private lessons to continue to work on her recall, polite greeting, and leash walking behaviors. She has been working hard on her basics and is now taking field trips to parks and patios to challenge her manners in more exciting environments. Her owners have been working hard and it shows in Piper's progress every week! Nice job, Piper!!

05/07/2022

MEET CAIRO!! Puppy Cairo and his boy Cooper are two peas in a pod and ready to learn how to be bestest buds forever. Mastering essential life skills like coming when called, settling on a designated place, and polite leash manners will ensure Cairo will be able to follow Cooper wherever he will go and grow!

02/07/2022

4th of July is almost here! The holiday we love to celebrate as Americans can unfortunately be really hard for our dogs. Here are some tips from our trainers to help keep your dog safe and happy this coming Fourth.

BEFORE THE FESTIVITIES

>>>CONTACT YOUR VET ASAP: If your dog exhibits any of the following extreme signs of stress, they will benefit from an evaluation with their veterinarian to discuss appropriate prescription medication for a less stressful experience:

-Increased respiration
-Spatulate tongue (tense, curling up, not loose)
-Eyes wide with dilated pupils
-Stiff and tucked tail
-Abrupt or unusual body movements: shivering, trembling, fleeing, freezing
-Apparent inability to settle
-Increased sensitivity and/or aversion to external noises or events
-Attempting to escape or flee home/known areas
-Decreased bite inhibition

*Sileo is an FDA-approved gel for the treatment of canine noise aversion that your vet may recommend.

>>>GEAR UP: Accessorize with contact information! Dress up with a well fitted collar and/or harness, attach ID tags with their name, your name, and your phone number. Make sure your dog is microchipped and licensed.

>>>EXERCISE: The day before or morning of the Fourth, schedule some time to give your dog some extra attention and exercise. Here are some ideas:

-Take them for an extra long walk on a 15-20ft leash and allow them to freely explore and sniff the flowers at their own pace
-Play their favorite interactive toy games like tug, fetch, frisbee, or flirt pole
-Practice training games like hide and seek recall and puppy pushups
-If they have favorite dog or human friends, take them for a social visit

>>>ENRICH: Offer novel independent brain games to stimulate and satisfy their innate senses:

-Scatter treats or kibble in the grass or snuffle mat
-Smear soft food on a lickimat (freeze for longer fun)
-Hide snacks in puzzle toys with closed flaps, doors, and drawers
-Bury favorite toys in a bundle of blankets and towels

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DURING THE SHOW

>>>REMOVE VISUAL STIMULATION: Unexpected flashes in the sky can be pretty scary even for the most stable and calm dogs.

-Bring them indoors
-Close blinds and curtains
-Cover their crate
-Let them hide in the closet, under a bed, or in a bathroom

>>>DROWN OUT THE SOUND: All that extra noise sounds like a war zone of dropping bombs!

-Keep all windows closed
-Turn up the volume on the television
-Play low frequency music like rock or taiko drums
-Keep fans or air conditioners on, run the laundry and/or dishwasher for white noise

>>>DISTRACT & COMFORT: Keep them occupied and close by, and offer extra tasty treats:

-Bully sticks, rolled beef cheeks, no-hide chews
-Raw knuckle or marrow bones
-Frozen stuffed kong toys with peanut butter, canned food, cream cheese, etc
-Extra cuddle and snuggle time
-Skip the show and stay home with your dog

*You cannot “reward” fearful or anxious emotional responses! Your dog may exhibit “unwanted behavior” that they would not in other circumstances so give them some leeway. Do feel free to comfort and reassure your dog in whatever way works for them.

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RECOVERY

>>>GIVE THEM TIME: Every dog will recover from stressful events differently. Some may be totally fine as soon as the booms and flashes are over. Some may need 2-3 days to decompress. Let them have plenty of space and quiet time if they seem more irritable or unable to settle normally.

>>>HAVE FUN: Revist the relaxing exercises and enrichment activities you did with your dog before the event to help them come back to their normal baseline behaviors and routine. Be forgiving and understanding if their stress responses linger through the following week.

>>>GET HELP: If it seems like recovery time is extending much longer than anticipated or undesirable behaviors are becoming disruptive or problematic to daily life, feel free to reach out to us for assistance. We have immediate availability for virtual or in person consultations! You can get started at https://devotedtodogtraining.com

*Take good care and happy Fourth to you and yours!

28/06/2022

Meet Sydney! Sydney is a 5 and a half year old mini Aussie who was her parent’s first baby. She’s had some trouble adjusting to life with the new human baby in the family….who is more of a mobile toddler now! We’re here to help Sydney learn some very valuable safety skills like recall, relaxation, and muzzle conditioning to improve happy harmony for everyone in the home.

Need some training for your dog? Book a free inquiry call at devotedtodogtraining.com to learn more and get started!

23/06/2022

It's only funny because it's true....! ;)

17/06/2022

Come say hi to us on Friday, July 1 at Carlsbad Pet and Feed!

FREE "Ask The Trainer" Event
Carlsbad Pet & Feed
2235 S Melrose Dr, Vista
Friday July 1st, 3-6 PM

Stock up on your dog's favorite goodies and learn how to help them to destress before an eventful and exciting holiday weekend. Learn about fun training tricks and games to play, calm and relaxing enrichment ideas, successful set ups to prevent escape, and MORE!

Featuring Devoted to Dog trainer Courtney Roberts, CPDT-KA

To learn more about Devoted to Dog or get in touch about private training opportunities, please visit devotedtodogtraining.com.

Bring your questions! We've got the answers!

10/06/2022

Next time you feel tempted to swirl your hand around in your dog’s food bowl….. 😂

09/06/2022

How much agency does your dog have? Can you observe the difference between your dog asking for something and when he is clearly saying no?

Agency, choice, and control are essential for psychological integrity.

02/06/2022

Meet PUA! She is an adorable and eager to learn 6 month German Shepherd/Chihuahua super mutt (yes, you read that right!) rescue from Mexico. She’ll be spending the next month with our trainer Courtney building a reliable response to her name and recall, calm and quiet responses to visiting human friends and passerbys, and more positive associations to handling for grooming and vet visits! Welcome to the DtD family, Pua!