Introducing 12-week-old Opie to a target and working on stabilization. She has such a high food drive that she hears her marker and lifts a paw or jumps slightly in anticipation of the reward, so I’m using the closed fist to stabilize her.
Notice how nothing in the environment matters more than what we’re doing? You can learn how to build this type of connection with your dog so that they’re not pulling you towards other people, dogs, things to mark, etc.
Contact us today and start training!
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In our puppy programs we use food to teach/reinforce behaviors that we want, but we also use play. Games are a great way to build trust, teach rules (drop the ball when I give a verbal cue and I’ll restart the game) and boundaries (no jumping up and trying to grab the ball from my hands), and provide mental/physical stimulation. It’s also a great way to build a stronger bond with your dog by doing something they really enjoy. Do you want to build a stronger bond with your dog? Reach out today and start training with us!
4-1/2 month old Springer Spaniel pup, Daly, has completed his Puppy Fundamentals board and train program. This is a clip of his owner working with him for the first time. Checkout the focus and engagement as they loose leash walk at The Strand in Oceanside! If you know this area, it gets very busy.
This is dog training.
When a fearful dog that needed muzzling and sedation for nail trims accept handling, you’re making a difference in the life of the dog and the human.
Contact us today for more information on our training programs! All breeds and ages welcome.
Check my stories for a text from Quasar’s owner. She couldn’t believe it when I told her I dremeled his nails. #dogtraining #australiankoolie #behaviormodification #sandiegodogtrainer #nailtrim
Muzzle conditioning with Quasar the Australian Koolie. There are many ways to help a dog become comfortable wearing a muzzle. The technique I use is dog dependent. In the first clip I’m showing Quasar the food through the muzzle. Once he sticks his snout in, I mark and remove the muzzle. This is to help him understand that if he sticks his snout in the muzzle, the reward will follow. In the next session you see be figured it out. Australian Kookie’s are very intelligent working dogs. Quasar is high-energy and keeps up with my 7-month-old working line Belgian Malinois female. They have the same energy and style of play, which I’ll share in another clip. Both have great bite inhibition and seem to enjoy the sparing match. Is your dog comfortable wearing a muzzle? I muzzle condition all of my dogs. This way, if they were to ever get injured and needed to be handled by an unknown vet, which happened when we were traveling, my dog won’t be stressed out by the use of a muzzle. The vet can then help the dog without fear of injury. If you would like help with training, we have availability for private lessons for the month of December. Please don’t hesitate to be in touch. We would love to help you and your dog.
Logan is a 6-month-old German Shepherd puppy that was pulled from the Riverside shelter by @tailsofmana Rescue. He will be staying with us for the week while his foster parents are out of town. As you can see, he’s uncomfortable with a hand reaching for his collar, so we’re working on countering those feelings by doing collar grabs paired with his kibble. The first rep I brought the food to him, but from there on out I make him come closer for it. Let’s see what we’re able to do over the next couple of days to help Logan gain confidence around people he doesn’t know.
Fearful dogs
Fearful dogs.
I’ve had a lot of success working with fearful dogs. From puppies to adults. Behavior modification is one of the most rewarding avenues in dog training. It isn’t always easy. It takes skill and patience, but the end result is always worth it.
Do you remember the 6-1/2 month old golden retriever puppy who did our three week board and train program? Her program was tailored to build her confidence around noises, dogs, people, and different environments while learning basic obedience. The clip you see here shows the day she arrived versus two weeks into her program. I’m happy to report she is doing well with her family.
If you would like more information on our private lesson packages, day school (2 week minimum), or board and trains (availability starting in May), please don’t hesitate to reach out. We would love to help you achieve your dog training goals!
Eye contact is essential when we're talking
about obedience. It tells us how connected the dog is to its handler in that moment. A dog may sit on cue inside the home, but can it follow the same level of obedience around real world distractions? On a walk, your dog might see/hear people out walking their dogs, squirrels, skateboards, trash trucks, children playing, and the list goes on and on. Do they remain connected to you or does their obedience go out the window? In a non-distracting environment, take the time to teach your dog to make eye contact, then put it on verbal cue, slowly up the distractions to test your dog’s willingness to focus on you, and see what this does to improve their overall obedience. #dogtrainertip #sandiegodogtrainer #sandiegodogtraining
What are the parameters for being in “heel”? Is it when the dog is within two feet of the handler’s side? One foot?
Here we are proofing Maliboo’s understanding of the “heel” position. She understands where we want her, but she’s a nervous dog, and sometimes stops a little close to her handler’s leg or slightly behind it. This will all be cleaned up as we continue to build her confidence while working on loose leash walking.
When we started working with Maliboo, she wasn’t confident enough to hop in her crate. She would put her two front paws inside the door and wait to be lifted into the crate. We showed Maliboo that SHE CAN hop in the crate without help, and that alone boosted her confidence. Maliboo no longer waits to be lifted. She only waits for her release command to hop in the crate.
There are so many benefits to dog training! It will improve your relationship with your dog. Training builds trust, cooperation, and a more resilient dog. Training is a must for puppies, but something that can benefit dogs of all ages. It’s never too late to start training your dog. You CAN teach an older dog new tricks and improve their behavior. 😉
#sandiegodogs #sandiegodogtrainer #dogtraining #sandiegodogtraining
There are many benefits to dog training.Through training we can build a dog’s confidence, create resilience, and earn their trust. If you have a dog that barks at people, dogs, or is uncomfortable in new environments, we can show you how to help them overcome this.Reach out today to learn more about our private lesson packages and board and trains. Common problems we can help with: confidence building, loose leash walking, eliminating unwanted behaviors, impulse control in distracting environments, and so much more. We look forward to hearing from you! [email protected]#dogtraining #sandiegodogtrainer #sandiego
Let’s talk about muzzle conditioning! I’m a firm believer in conditioning every dog to be comfortable wearing a muzzle. Why? Most dogs only see the vet when they’re due for their annual shots. Many find vet visits stressful. Imagine how an injured dog would feel if a stranger wanted to move their hurt limp, check between their paw pads, or get their temperature.
Two years ago, one of my dogs got really sick while we were traveling. We visited a new vet who she didn’t know and wasn’t comfortable with. This was in the middle of Covid when clients weren’t allowed to go inside the vet hospital. I was able to muzzle my dog, which allowed the staff to safely treat her. The National Park Service allows muzzled dogs to ride the shuttle buses to Devil’s Postpile National Monument, as do some ferry boats like the one to Catalina. A muzzle can also be a useful tool in a behavior modification program. Why do YOU muzzle condition?
Need help preparing your dog for nail trims, grooming visits, or general handling? We can help! Reach out to us for more information on our private lesson packages.
#sandiegodogtrainer
I love training puppies! They’re a blank canvas.
This is what you get when you take a young puppy and create a strong foundation for learning. Stormi the 4-month-old Rottweiler mix is almost done with her training. Here she demonstrated targeting, rear-end awareness, eye contact, and how to get into the heel position. This is a dog that understands how to earn rewards.
For more information on our training programs for puppies and adult dogs, contact us today! We are accepting new clients for November and beyond.
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Does your dog remain engaged with you with distractions around? Here’s a snippet of a training session with Stormi, the 4-month-old #rottweilerpuppy, as we go through her basic obedience commands while three dogs play in the background.
Board and trains are great for dogs who need to work on impulse control, build confidence, work on socialization, and work on basic obedience. If you’re struggling with unwanted behaviors or need help with general obedience, don’t hesitate to reach out. We have availability for two more clients this month.
Stormi the #rottweilerenglishbulldogmix is 4-days into her #puppycamp. She will be with us for 4-6 weeks working on basic obedience, proper socialization with people and dogs, potty and crate training, and manners around food, doors, and greeting people.
If you have a new puppy, new dog, or existing dog who could benefit from learning better manners, basic obedience (loose leash walking, recall, etc), please reach out. We are accepting new clients.
#sanclementedogtrainer #orangecountydogtrainer #sandiegodogtrainer #puppytraining #rottweilermix #dogsofsandiego #sandiegodogs #sandiegodogtraining #carlsbaddogtrainer #encinitasdogtrailer #temeculadogtrainer
Hanalei used to go after dogs on leash and was very forward when meeting dogs off leash. Here’s a snippet while I do some off-leash obedience with her while a group of dogs are playing in the yard. I can call them over while she’s on place and she doesn’t break the command until released. Super proud of this girl’s progress, but the best is yet to come! Stay tuned!
Hanalei update: Day 5 of her #boardandtrainprogram. When we started working together 5 days ago Hanalei was zig zagging and pulling on leash. She could not be within 15 feet of another dog without barking or lunging at them. Here she is walking at my heel on a loose leash while passing other dogs. I count 5 dogs that walk by in the video. She makes a small move towards the black boxer but not with the same intent as the clip I posted from day 1, and she corrects herself, goes back into the heel position, and calmly continues doing what I ask of her. When you see her final video you’ll appreciate her full transformation. I hope you’re enjoying the content on our page! We sure enjoy sharing it with all of you and helping dogs and their owners live happier lives together.
This is a clip of Hanalei on the morning she was dropped off for her board and train program. Her owners said it was difficult to walk her since she would loose her mind at the sight of other dogs. At 15-20 feet from dogs she’s already past her threshold, meaning she cannot focus or listen to commands, and is ready to go after the other dogs. I’m showing you this so you can appreciate the transformation Hanalei went through during her board and train program, but you have to see it to believe it. A big component to help in the transformation of a dog like this is socialization with a balanced group of dogs. That might include one-on-one socialization with Juno or another dog, small group socials, and pack walks. I work on changing the dog’s emotional association to seeing other dogs, and I have a great group of helper dogs to get the trainee where they need to be. We still have two open spots available for Board and Train programs before we take a break from training. Please reach out if you’re struggling with problem behaviors or need help with obedience training.
Leo has completed his Two-Week Board and Train program! You can see where he started and what he learned. On day one he tried to go after two small girls on scooters, barked and lunged at dogs, and would try to chase birds. Email or call us today for more information on our board and train programs. We are now booking for the month of March. #puppytraining
Leo has completed his Two-Week Board and Train program! You can see where he started and what he learned. On day one he tried to go after two small girls on scooters, barked and lunged at dogs, and would try to chase birds. Email or call us today for more information on our board and train programs. We are now booking for the month of March. #puppytraining
