Reliable Rover

06/21/2024

🐾 Already Have a Dog and Thinking About Adding Another Pup to Your Household? 🐶

Before you dive in, let's ask some questions:
✅ Space & Resources: Got room for zoomies and budget for double the kibble?
✅ Time & Energy: Ready for twice the walks, training, and belly rubs?
✅ Current Canine: Is your dog a social butterfly or a lone wolf?
✅ Household Harmony: Is everyone on board for more barks, wagging tails, and everything else that comes with a new companion?

Remember:
❌ A new pup won't magically fix existing doggy dilemmas
❌ Two dogs = double the responsibility (as well as fun!)
❌ Training and patience are key for a peaceful household

But if you're prepared for the challenge and your heart has room for more love...

Go ahead and embark on this amazing and worthwhile journey! 🎉

Every dog adds a unique flavor to the family dynamic. Enjoy the chaos, cuddles, and endless memories!

Need help deciding or preparing? Let's chat! You can dm me here, or you can reach out to me at 318-532-7531📞🐾

06/20/2024

📣 New services are here at Reliable Rover!

🏡 Private in-home lessons: I come to you and work with your family and dog on issues you are encountering with your dog.

🌞 Day Training: I take your dog for an hour for 3 days a week and train them for you! Follow-up sessions with you and videos of the training sessions as well!

🌐 Virtual Consultations or Privates: If you are sick, your dog is more comfortable at home, or another reason, we can meet via Zoom and I can teach your family on how to work with your dog.

🧍🏻‍♂️I am a dog trainer with over a decade of experience and can help with common dog issues such as nipping, leash walking, basic obedience, and more. I can also help with reactivity, aggression, and more.

📨 DM for more information.

06/20/2024

"DROP IT!!!"

As dog owners, we've all been there - your pup has something in their mouth that could be dangerous if swallowed, and you're frantically trying to pry it out of their jaws. Cue the game of chase around the living room as your dog thinks you're playing and you're desperately trying to prevent an unexpected trip to the vet. Afterwards, you're exhausted.

🙌 This scenario can be avoided by teaching your dog the incredibly useful "Drop It" command. Not only will it save you from many potential hazards, but it's also a great way to reinforce your leadership and build a positive relationship with your furry friend.

✨ Why "Drop It" is a Must-Know Command:

🚨 Safety First - Dogs explore the world with their mouths, and sometimes they can pick up harmful objects like toxic foods, sharp items, or even animal droppings. "Drop It" allows you to immediately remove these dangers.

🛑 No More Tug-of-War - Whether it's your favorite slipper or an important document, "Drop It" prevents your dog from damaging or consuming items they shouldn't have.

🤝 Builds Trust - Through positive reinforcement training, your dog learns to trust you and that giving up an object won't result in punishment.

🎉 Teaching "Drop It" is relatively simple and can be a fun training session for both you and your dog. With patience, consistency, and plenty of high-value treats, your pup will soon understand that "Drop It" means they'll get something even better in return for letting go of that tempting item.

💯 Don't let your dog's curious nature put their safety at risk. Invest the time in teaching "Drop It," and you'll have a well-mannered pup who knows when to let go, keeping both of you happy and worry-free.

If you'd like to teach your dog this cue, or other really important behaviors, you can DM me here or at 318-532-7531. Let's turn your pup into the most Reliable Rover in the neighborhood.

06/19/2024

🐕 It's me, Sugar, here to share some pawsome tips for keeping cool and entertained on those hot summer days! ☀️

You know how us pups love to play and run around, but when the heat is scorching, we gotta find ways to have fun indoors. Here are some of my favorite ideas:

🧩 Puzzle time! Dad hides my favorite treats around the house in containers, and I get to sniff them out. It's like a giant nose game! Nosework is a great way to really get me tired! 🦴

🎾 Indoor fetch is the best! We clear a room, and Dad tosses a soft toy for me to chase. So much fun without getting all sweaty! 🏐

📖 I'm a smart cookie, so Dad teaches me new tricks. Sit, stay, roll over – you name it, I can learn it! It keeps my mind sharp and my body moving. I always love learning new things, from Obedience to Tricks and beyond! 🐕‍🦺

💦 Sometimes Bobby takes me to the beach, and I get to splash around and cool off. Just make sure to check the temperature of the pavement and sand! Burnt paws never feel nice! 🚰

🍦 My absolute favorite is when Dad freezes peanut butter or yogurt in a Kong toy or on a lick mat. It's like a giant, long-lasting pup-sicle! Yum! 😋

So there you have it, guys! Plenty of ways to stay cool, busy, and happy when it's too hot to play like you normally would. Just don't forget to hydrate and take more frequent breaks. Safety comes first, and make sure that no matter what, you know the signs of heatstroke if you take your play outdoors. I would avoid outside during really hot times, though. Better to be safe I always say! 🐕

06/19/2024

🐕 Bella here to give you some tips for the rising temps!

☀️Heat Alert for Pup Parents!☀️

🌞 As temperatures soar, our furry friends are at a higher risk of heat stroke - a dangerous condition that can be fatal if not treated promptly. Let's spread awareness and keep our beloved pups safe!

🚩Signs of Heat Stroke:

🚨Excessive panting
🚨Bright red gums/tongue
🚨Lethargy
🚨Vomiting
🚨Glazed eyes
🚨Rapid heartbeat

🐾Prevention Tips:🐾

🐶Never leave your dog in a parked car
🐶Exercise during cooler hours
🐶Provide plenty of fresh, cool water
🐶Apply cool water to their paws/ears
🐶Offer frozen treats or dog-safe popsicles
🐶Know when to keep them inside

☝️ If you suspect heat stroke, move your dog to a cool area and call your vet and take them to a vet office immediately. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure when it comes to this life-threatening condition.

♻️ Share this post to help raise awareness and keep our furry family members safe during the dog days of summer! 🐶☀️

06/17/2024

Say hi to this adorable little lady - Maya the Shih Tzu mix! Those big eyes and floppy ears just melt me. 🐕

But you know what's even cuter than Maya? A well-trained pup who pays attention to you! Okay, but you have to admit not much is cuter than her. Teaching your furry friend to focus on you from an early age, or early on in training, is a game-changer in the world of dog training. 🐾

Imagine this: You're out on a walk, and your pooch spots a squirrel from afar. With good attention training, a simple "Puppy, watch me" will have their eyes locked on you, ignoring all those tempting distractions. Remember to train it in easy environments and build up the amount of distractions over time! A squirrel really is pretty tempting! 🦫

It's not just about preventing chaos on walks, though. A dog that knows how to give you their undivided attention is a dog that's ready to learn. Want to teach your pup to shake paws, roll over, or even do your taxes? (Okay, maybe not that last one.) Having them focus on you makes every training session a hundred times easier. 🐩

Plus, let's be real – there's nothing quite like having those big puppy dog eyes looking up at you, hanging on your every word. It's like having a little fur-buddy who actually listens when you speak! Kind of a nice change of pace, am I right? 🥺

So, do yourself (and Maya) a favor – start working on that attention from day one. Trust me, you'll be grateful when you have a well-behaved, attentive pup who's ready to take on the world (or at least the squirrels in the park). Just look at that face – how could you say no to those ears? 🦊

Maya rocked her first session today and I'm so excited to help her and her mom conquer their goals of taking calmer walks around the neighborhood! Sometimes Maya gets too overexuberant when she sees people and dogs that she really likes.

Great job Maya! The training journey with her continues! 🐶

If you're interested in training, please reach out here or at 318-532-7531. We can turn your adorable pup into a Reliable Rover in no time. 🤩

03/23/2024

02/26/2024

Meet Pax. Pax is a 4 month old Doberman who is seeing me for leash training and other general obedience. Today was his first day of school and he wanted to look nice.

His first lesson went like a charm and he's an intelligent dude. Looking forward to working more with him and his dad. There will be videos to come! Great job today dude.

02/26/2024

You control so much of your dog's life. Give them some control once in awhile and the benefits will be enormous.

Shake it…shake it off…

A recent study by two researchers in France looked at sniffing, pulse rate, and leash length on walks. Sixty-one dogs were taken on three separate walks, five minutes each walk, once with a 1.5m leash, once with a 5m leash, and once without a leash at all (walk order was randomized for each dog). Off-leash dogs sniffed the most, more than 3x as long as the dogs on short leashes. Dogs on long leashes spent nearly as much time as unleashed dogs sniffing, almost 3x as long as dogs on short leashes.

This study also found that sniffing resulted in lowered pulse rates, and the more intensely they sniffed, the more their pulse rates lowered. Pulse rate was also lowered when dogs “shook off” during walks on all leash lengths. The “shake off” behavior was often seen when the dog’s pulse rate was particularly high.

Read more about it below!

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1HX77kp2HBDiTxmq/?mibextid=Le6z7H

https://www.tuftsyourdog.com/everydaydogcare/giving-your-dog-time-to-sniff-on-walks-will-literally-soothe-his-heart/

What else can we learn about dogs from their walking behavior? Take your best friend on a Sniffari and see what you observe!

02/25/2024

📣 New services are here! More info to come!

🏡 Private in-home lessons: I come to you and work with your family and dog on issues you are encountering with your dog.

🌞 Day Training: I take your dog for an hour for 3 days a week and train them for you! Follow up sessions with you and videos of the training sessions as well!

🌐 Virtual Consultations or Privates: If you are sick, your dog is more comfortable at home, or another reason, we can meet via Zoom and I can teach your family on how to work with your dog.

🧍🏻‍♂️I am a dog trainer of 10 years and can help with common dog issues such as nipping, leash walking, basic obedience, and more. I can also help with reactivity and aggression.

More info to come soon!

12/12/2023

BUILD A RELATIONSHIP WITH YOUR DOG

Emphasize relationship building in puppy/dog classes. Your dog will be around for YEARS. That is PLENTY of time for training them to do all the things they need to learn.

In the beginning, you should get to know them. What do they like? What do they not like? Do they prefer food? Do they find toys way more reinforcing than food? What are their cues for needing to use the toilet? Are they a cuddle monster, or a dog that prefers to lie next to you? Hell, do they like obedience or do they really fu***ng enjoy agility?

Relationship building opens up a universe of options for reinforcement that works for your dog. You become better at reading what your dog wants, doesn't want, and so much more. You have a dog that is happy to see you and a dog that is happy to work with you.

At the very least, what point is there to having a well trained dog if you don't have a relationship? Just to have a dog that obeys your commands? Build the relationship first, and training can come later. I promise you and your dog will be better off.

Pictured are Sugar and I at the Canine Biathalon a few years back.

10/12/2023

Be sure to keep your pup safe and comfortable this Halloween. Check this out and feel free to share.

07/26/2023

As a dog trainer, I cannot emphasize enough the importance of mental stimulation for our canine companions. A dog's brain needs activity just like their body does! 🧠🐶 Physical exercise is crucial, but engaging your dog's mind is equally vital for their health and happiness.

Mental enrichment helps prevent boredom, frustration, and related problem behaviors. Dogs left without mental stimulation often find undesirable outlets like destruction, barking, or aggression. Providing brain games and new challenges is preventative care!

Some enriching activities to try:

- Nosework - hide treats around the house and let them sniff out the treasure hunt! This engages their natural scouting skills.

- Food puzzles and interactive toys - make mealtime an engaging game and reinforce their problem-solving abilities.

- New walking routes - explore new sights, sounds and smells to pique their curiosity. Variety is the spice of life!

- Trick training - teach new commands and behaviors. Learning is enriching!

- Hide and seek - dogs love seeking out their favorite toys.

Mental exercise promotes relaxation, reduces stress, and strengthens your bond. Plus it's rewarding for both of you! 💕 Give your dog's brain a workout and see the benefits. Share your favorite enrichment ideas below!

Let's keep our companions' minds happy and healthy! A mentally-engaged dog is a happier dog.

07/25/2023

The Benefits of Letting Your Dog Take the Lead During Walks 🐕

- Improved mental stimulation and engagement for your pup as they get to dictate the pace and route based on smells that interest them most

- An opportunity to slow down and be present on your walk, taking in the sights and sounds around you

- Strengthens the human-animal bond through a shared experience where you allow your dog some autonomy

- Physical exercise for both of you as you continue moving, just at an unhurried and meandering pace

- A chance to see your pet happily immersed in their natural instincts to explore, smell, and engage with their surroundings

- Less frustration and pent-up energy in your dog from being restricted to a fixed path

- More smiles and laughs as you delight in your pup leading the way 😊🐾

Give your leashed friend some freedom today and reap the rewarding benefits! A relaxing, engaging stroll awaits you both.

07/17/2023

Living in the city with a reactive dog can be challenging, but with some planning and training it is very manageable. My dog Sugar used to lunge and bark at every dog we passed on the sidewalk. Wait? A trainer has had reactive dogs? Yes I do! Reactivity is actually super common. It was stressful for both of us. Here are some tips that have really helped us enjoy our daily walks:

🌇 Avoid peak times. I plan our walks for early morning or late evening when there are fewer people and dogs out. This helps limit triggering situations.

🐾 Stick to quieter routes. I scope out side streets and less trafficked areas where we're less likely to encounter triggers head-on. Crossing the street also helps create more distance.

🌌 Give space. I give people and other dogs a wide berth. Letting reactive dogs "say hello" can make reactivity worse. I'll even cross the street or turn around.

🐕 Be understanding. Reactivity stems from a variety of emotions. Getting frustrated doesn't help. Patience, consistency and positive reinforcement work wonders.

07/16/2023

Potty Training Your Puppy 101 🐶

Bringing home a new puppy is so exciting! But house training can definitely be challenging at times. Here are some tips to help make potty training your puppy a little easier:

🚨 Set a schedule - Take your puppy outside to go potty first thing in the morning, after meals, after play, after naps, and before bedtime. Puppies need to go out every 1-2 hours. Set a timer to remind you. The older they get, the less frequent they may need to go.

💦 Choose a potty spot - Pick a designated potty spot outside and take your pup to the same spot each time. The scent helps remind them what to do there. Stay with your puppy in that spot until they go, and reward immediately after.

🏠 Crate train - Crate training helps tremendously with potty training. The crate should be big enough for them to stand up and turn around. Never use it to punish.

😊 Watch for signals - When puppies need to go, they may sniff around in circles, pace back and forth, or whine. When you see these signs, promptly take them out.

💩 Accidents happen - Don't punish accidents. Just calmly clean it up and make a mental note to take them out more frequently. Limit access to rooms until fully trained. As your puppy gets better at potty training, you can slowly give them more access to different areas of the house. Do not let your puppy free roam the house without supervision, though.

🙌 Praise and reward - Lavishly praise and give treats when your puppy goes potty outside. This positive reinforcement helps speed up the training process.

Consistency and patience are key! Stick with a schedule, offer lots of praise, and soon you'll have a potty trained pup. Let me know if you have any other puppy training questions!

06/30/2023

Whether you are purchasing a puppy, or adopting, please do your research. Picking a puppy out is a HUGE decision, and not all breeds will grow out of their energy, chewing, and rambunctiousness. Some of these breeds include German Shepherds, Border Collies, Belgian Malinois, and more.

High energy breeds will often become destructive if their needs aren't met. Time put aside in the day for walks, hikes, mental enrichment, fetch, or more are key. Most dogs do not want to lounge around with you on the couch. If you get a breed that is active and you don't work with them or exercise them, they can often become destructive. They are not doing this out of spite or to be dominant, they are just bored. Training is something that you should prepare to invest in as well. The world of humans is very foreign to a puppy, or dog. I want to help your new pet adjust accordingly and live a life where he or she is as confident as they can be.

If you have any questions about different breeds or if a breed is right for you, please reach out and I would be happy to have a chat. If you get a new puppy, I have an awesome puppy course to ensure your new baby learns all the key skills to living in the world of humans. This program even suits older dogs!

Lastly, again, do your research please. Make sure the dog fits your lifestyle. Many dogs are bought or adopted and soon after are turned into the shelter because the owner didn't realize what they were getting into.

You can reach me at 318-532-7531 via text or call, or message me at Reliable Rover on Facebook. I look forward to working with you.

06/29/2023

Many believe their dog is dominant, I see a dog that is excited, and/or is being reinforced for bad habits.

Many believe their dog is aggressive, I see a dog that is fearful. That growl you heard? Oh... Is he in pain? Does he have a medical condition? If not, maybe he doesn’t like you petting him like that, or being in his face.

Many believe their dogs are stubborn, I see a dog who doesn’t understand what is being asked of them.

Many believe their dogs know what they are doing wrong or have a sense of guilt, I see a dog using body language to de-escalate the situation.

Many believe their dogs are spiteful or getting revenge because they chew up shoes or the furniture, I see a dog who isn’t getting enough enrichment, physically or mentally.

So often I hear these things that people believe to be true. So often I find the true reason why the dog does what it does.

Let me help you and your dog today. I can help create a bond that will last a lifetime. I will create an understanding between you and your dogs.

06/18/2023

Management in Dog Training

When starting a training plan, management is often utilized alongside the training process. This ensures that undesirable behaviors don't happen and can minimize stress on the dog. From dogs who surf the counters, to pups who chase cars. Management even applies to dogs who are fearful, guard resources, or are aggressive.

When dealing with something as simple as counter surfing, the biggest thing is making sure nothing is on the counter, at ALL times. When dealing with a dog who is chasing cars, you want to prevent him or her the opportunity to chase cars. In both scenarios, there will be training implemented as well as management. However, when you aren't able to train, you don't want the dog to be reinforced for participating in the behaviors. The dog is reinforced by snatching food from the counter, and the other dog is reinforced for chasing the car and making it go away. For the dogs who are aggressive, or fearful, you want to make sure they aren't around the trigger. This minimizes stress for you and the dog. Management, in these cases, also prevent the dog from practicing behaviors such as barking, lunging, etc. In any scenario, you don't want setbacks if it is avoidable.

Management is implemented in every single training plan. This is a great way to prevent many behaviors from even happening when you aren't able to train. If you have any questions or need training for your dog, please reach out at 318-532-7531 via call or text. You can also reach me at here on Facebook.

06/18/2023

Welcome to Reliable Rover, where I offer professional dog training services that utilize positive reinforcement techniques. With over 8 years of experience, I specialize in teaching basic obedience, engaging tricks, and handling behavior cases such as reactivity and fear. My approach is based on building trust and a strong bond between you and your furry friend, enabling effective communication and mutual understanding.

At Reliable Rover, I understand that each dog is unique, and we tailor our training programs to suit individual needs and goals. Whether you want your pup to learn basic commands or need help with more complex behavioral issues, I can help. My training is designed to be fun, engaging, and rewarding for both you and your dog. In addition to my dog training services, I also have experience with horses and birds of prey, having ridden horses for barrel racing and worked with raptors through falconry. This diverse background allows me to bring a unique perspective to our training methods and contribute to a well-rounded approach to working with animals.

At Reliable Rover, I believe that a well-trained dog is a happy dog, and I am committed to helping you and your furry friend achieve your training goals. Contact me today to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards a more reliable and well-behaved Rover!

Reliable Rover is based in the Andersonville, Chicago area.

06/18/2023

Happy Saturday!

When training with you and your pup, my goal is to not only teach your dog behaviors. I also want to help build effective communication between the both of you. I want you both to understand each other.