08/05/2024
It's award season and we were nominated for another one!
Vote for Top Dog Behavior and Training for Best Pet Training!
https://medfordor.communityvotes.com/2024/01/pet-and-pet-care/pet-training
Effective, humane, and science-backed professional dog training in Southern Oregon
It's award season and we were nominated for another one!
Vote for Top Dog Behavior and Training for Best Pet Training!
https://medfordor.communityvotes.com/2024/01/pet-and-pet-care/pet-training
Last day to vote!
We've been nominated for Best of Southern Oregon and need YOUR help!
https://bestofsouthernoregon.com/vote/ #
Vote for Top Dog Behavior and Training under the General Services - Animal Care Category Tab!
We've been nominated for Best of Southern Oregon and need YOUR help!
https://bestofsouthernoregon.com/vote/ #
Vote for Top Dog Behavior and Training under the General Services - Animal Care Category Tab!
The Jackson County Animal Shelter is offering waived adoption fees until April 14th in an effort to empty the shelter!
Bringing a new pup into your home can be a big adjustment, so we're here to help make it easier with $50 off Private Training Bundles for dogs adopted from the Jackson County Animal Shelter in the month of April.
Ready to book?
Schedule your initial training consultation online at www.topdogbehavior.com
20% off Nutrition Consults for a limited time!
Pet food can be confusing. Get your pet food questions answered by a certified Pet Nutritionist!
Let us share some insight and help you keep your furry friends healthier, feeling better, and living longer!
The Mini Nutrition Consult includes:
- Email or Zoom consult
- Answers and explanations to your nutritional questions
- Food analysis or recommendations
Spring has sprung and Beginner Obedience group classes are back in full swing!
Register online at www.topdogbehavior.com to join our next Beginner Obedience class or book your free private training consultation!
Behavior change takes time!
Four questions to ask yourself when you hit a bump in your training journey:
1. Does my dog understand what I am asking?
Go back to the basics and break down the behavior you are asking for to be sure that your dog fully understands what it is you are asking them to do.
2. Is my dog set up for success?
Is there something that is keeping your dog from being successful? Take a look at your training environment, are there too many distractions? Is your dog in an emotional and mental state to learn?
3. Am I rewarding the behaviors I want to see?
It is easy to notice all the things we don't want our dog to do, but rewarding the things we DO want them to do is so important when it comes to lasting behavior change. Remember: what gets rewarded gets repeated!
4. Is my dog still practicing "bad" behaviors?
Bad habits are hard to quit when you are still doing them! What management systems can be put in place to prevent your dog from practicing the undesired behaviors while we work to learn new ones?
Have you ever felt like your dog does really well in training sessions, but won't listen to you throughout the day?
What gets rewarded gets repeated!
If we are only rewarding the behaviors we like during dedicated training sessions, our dogs are likely going to pick up on this and adopt an "I'll only do it if I see that treat pouch" mentality when first working on new behaviors.
By hiding treats around the house we make it easier for us to reward all those great behaviors (which means our dogs will offer them more frequently) AND our dogs learn that rewards for their efforts can come at anytime and any place.
Hi, I'm Skylar! I am the owner of Top Dog Behavior and Training and have the honor of working with dog guardians from all over the world to better bond with their dogs through training!
I've had the unique experience of working with dogs of many breeds and personalities over the last 10 years, as well as assisting pet parents in improving the diets of their beloved cats and dogs to improve their overall wellness and nutrition over the last 4 years. Prior to receiving my first dog training certification in 2018, I had experience working with and training horses for many years before shifting my focus to working with dogs and their people. Upon learning just how much diet and wellness plays into the behavior of our furry friends, I began to learn more about pet nutrition and began gaining certifications specializing in pet food and raw feeding in 2020.
Throughout my career I have made a commitment to providing my clients with the most up-to-date, scientifically valid, and humane training methods. I continue to uphold this commitment by continuing to gain certifications from highly regarded organizations within the industry, as well as attending industry conferences and continuing education opportunities from some of the best trainers and experts in the world.
Kick off the New Year with effective, humane, and science-backed dog training from Top Dog Behavior and Training!
Private Training:
For flexible schedules and specialized skills!
Enjoy customized one-on-one training sessions in the comfort of your own home to address your specific needs from obedience and specialized skills to separation anxiety and reactivity.
Group Training:
Affordable training for all skill levels!
Learn new skills and proof behaviors in new environments with affordable training for all skill levels with our variety of classes.
What a year we've had!
💙 85 different dogs trained with Top Dog in 2023! Of those 85, the vast majority were private training students. Training plans range from 5 session group classes to extensive, multi-month programs to meet specific training goals!
💙 We teach a variety of skills through training. OVER HALF of the dogs we worked with this year worked through reactivity! In the new year, we hope to include more teams in more specialized training like AKC evaluations and trick dog training!
💙 We've had the honor of working with all sorts of breeds and mixes this year! Our most common breeds this year were Australian Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, Doodle Mixes, German Shepherds, Dachshunds, and Poodles. We also got to work with a fair amount of Pitbulls, Huskies, Labrador Retrievers, and Bernese Mountain Dogs!
💙 We also got to add some new breeds to our list this year: a Wolf-Hybrid and a Wheaten Terrier!
Thank you all for such a great year!
Skylar Lynch
Top Dog Behavior and Training
Private in-home training sessions are the best solution to Canine Upper Respiratory Infection concerns while still learning the skills you and your pup need to be successful!
The same effective, humane, and science-backed training from a multi-certified dog trainer you love from the comfort of your own home!
Happy Thanksgiving!
As you feast, you may be tempted to share a side dish or two with your furry friends. While most foods should be kept to "humans only", there are a few foods that can be shared.
Here is a brief list of the foods that are SAFE for dogs this Thanksgiving, and a list of those that are NOT!
Dog Safe Thanksgiving Foods
✔️ Unseasoned Turkey Meat
✔️ Sweet Potato (Not the kind topped with marshmallow)
✔️ Pumpkin (Not the pie filling, though!)
✔️ Potatoes (Boiled or baked with no toppings)
✔️ Apples (Without the core and seeds)
✔️ Green Beans and Peas (again, no seasoning)
Not Safe For Dogs
🔴 Casseroles
🔴 Ham
🔴 Alcohol
🔴 Bread
🔴 Grapes
🔴 Desserts
Not sure if a food is safe for your dog?
Keep it on the table!
Use code: Black Friday for 20% OFF Group Dog Training!
Upcoming Schedule:
Jan 6. Beginner Obedience
Jan 6. AKC Canine Good Citizen Prep
Jan. 10 Puppy Preschool
Jan. 16 Leash Manners Workshop
Why celebrate Black Friday once when you can celebrate it every Friday of November?
Each Friday this month we will be sharing a special deal valid only for that week.
This week we are sharing 20% off of our Group Dog Training! Classes are taught by an award winning, multi-certified professional and utilize the most effective, humane, and science-backed training methods you can feel good about!
*20% off deal valid for Group Training Sessions only.
Expires Nov. 24th 2023
We only have 22 days of availability on our schedule left before the new year!
Days and times are filling up fast so be sure to get on the books ASAP for your November and December training sessions.
If you are normally one of our friends who likes to stick to a regular schedule or book your sessions week by week, we recommend shooting us a message now to be sure you get the time you want!
Use code BlackFriday for 25% OFF your Pet Food Consultation with a multi-certified Pet Food Specialist!
Why celebrate Black Friday once when you can celebrate it every Friday of November?
Each Friday this month we will be sharing a special deal valid only for that week.
This week we are sharing 25% off of our Pet Food Consultations! This consultation is conducted by Skylar Lynch, our multi-certified professional with 5+ years of experience in pet food and Veterinarian Nutritionist endorsed certifications: Pet Food Specialist and Raw Feeding Specialist.
Whether you are interested in upgrading your pets' current meals, battling food sensitivities, or interested in raw/whole food feeding, leave your pet food consultation feeling more confident armed with the information to make the best choices you can for your furry friends!
*25% off deal valid for "Pet Food Consultation" only.
Expires Nov. 18th 2023
With evenings getting darker and weather getting chillier, safety and comfort are still our top priorities!
Here are a few things to keep in mind while you are booking your training sessions:
For your safety, all training sessions must be held indoors once the sun goes down. If you are working on outdoor skills, like leash manners or reactivity, expect to work with your trainer to schedule earlier training times!
Extremes in weather, like heavy rainfall, snow, or high winds, may require that training sessions be rescheduled or held indoors.
Winter can be a great time to practice new skills and get your training ready to go for spring adventures!
Daylight Savings can be tough for some dogs and their guardians, especially if they rely on the routines they have set.
Here are 3 tips to help your dog (and yourself) survive daylight savings!
Tag a new puppy parent below!
Use code BlackFriday to get our Puppy Potty Training Virtual Course for FREE!
https://www.topdogbehavior.com/challenge-page/pottytraining
Why celebrate Black Friday once when you can celebrate it every Friday of November?
Each Friday this month we will be sharing a special deal valid only for that week.
This week we are sharing our Puppy Potty Training virtual course to get you and your pup off to positive start! This course is taught by a multi-certified dog trainer and contains everything you need to potty train your pup using the most effective, humane, and science-backed training methods!
Take your dog (and yourself) back to school!
Register now for our upcoming Beginner Obedience group class AND enjoy 20% OFF* our Pet Food 101 webinar!
*originally $75, now $60! No code needed. Discount ends 9/15
It is going to be a hot week!
View our full Canine Heat Stroke for Dog Owners mini-webinar complete with slides, comprehension quiz, and printable symptom guide with space to include your pet's emergency medical information.
https://www.topdogbehavior.com/challenge-page/heatstrokeawareness
Happy RAW-gust!
Follow along for more raw feeding information and FAQs this month as we celebrate the 'most biologically appropriate diet'!
Congratulations to our recent private Puppy Preschool graduates Zuko and Bear!
Our Top 5 Best Training Tools!
1. Non-Restrictive Harness
When looking for a harness for your dog, you want to make sure that your dog is still able to move freely and there isn't any uncomfortable rubbing.
2. Clicker
While these aren't required, clickers can help to improve the timing and constancy of your reward marker! We love this style of clicker, so much so that we have an assortment of Top Dog clickers available on our website! 😉
3. Treat Bag
You can use a dedicated treat pouch, recycled f***y pack, or an easily accessible zip-lock. We prefer silicone treat bags because they are easy to clean after a training session!
4. Treats
An assortment of treats adds variety and helps to keep your dog engaged longer!
5. 6ft Leash
Your leash should connect directly to your dog's harness with a reliable clip. Your leash can be nylon, strong cotton, rope, or biothane, just be sure it is in good condition before every use.
Kibble was created for our convenience, not the optimal health of our pets.
Kibble is lacking in moisture, an essential element of your pet's diet that aids in digestion and helps to prevent damage to organs like the kidneys.
There are a ton of fun ways to add additional moisture to your pet's diet while also adding nutrients and variety!
If you are unable to add a topper to each of your pet's meals, soaking the kibble in warm water before feeding can add the moisture they need and help to make the food more enticing.
The Golden Rule of dog training!
At the end of the day, dogs are opportunists and will make decisions based on what gets them rewarded the fastest and the most.
We use this to our advantage in training by teaching and rewarding the behaviors we want to see. The more we reward these behaviors, the more likely your dog is to start offering them on their own!
The sinking of the Titanic, Queen Victoria, and Ancient China: this breed has been there for it all!
I love client updates throughout the week!
This one was sent a few days after our first leash skills lesson!
Ryker gets very excited on walks, but after a couple sessions and lots of hard work from his guardian it is like a walking a whole new dog!
Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Top Dog Behavior and Training posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
Send a message to Top Dog Behavior and Training:
Watch this before introducing your dog to water! Prevent injuries and stress by following these tips:💧 Play games with your dog near the water (if it is safe to do so) to get them comfortable with the space💧 Allow your dog to go into the water at their own pace💧 Fight the urge to carry your dog into the water or attempt to lure them further than they are ready for💧 allow your dog to retreat on their terms and let you know when they have had enough for the day Have questions about introducing your dog to water?Shoot us a message!#watersafety #dogsafety #forcefreedogtraining #forcefreetraining #positivereinforcementdogtraining #southernoregon #roguevalley #oregondogs
Watch this before introducing your dog to water! Prevent injuries and stress by following these tips: 💧 Play games with your dog near the water (if it is safe to do so) to get them comfortable with the space 💧 Allow your dog to go into the water at their own pace 💧 Fight the urge to carry your dog into the water or attempt to lure them further than they are ready for 💧 Allow your dog to retreat on their terms and let you know when they have had enough for the day Have questions about introducing your dog to water? Shoot us a message!
How did we use ONE word to help teach this reactive Labrador puppy attentive loose leash manners? We taught "Look"! In this instance "look" means to look at the handler and is used to help maintain communication between dog and guardian to help prevent pulling before it starts and associate being close with rewards. Rather than reacting to the pulling once it happens, we are working to teach the walking position we prefer! (And save our shoulders in the process) "Look" or "Watch Me" is a fantastic versatile skill to teach and we use it in so many other ways like working through reactivity, practicing off-leash skills, and learning "leave it"!
Why you CAN (and should) give your dog affection, even if it is a reward! First thing's first, why is this bad advice in the first place? The idea of ONLY ever giving affection as a reward is rooted in the "no free lunch" theory. This is and outdated technique that says your dog must work for every piece of food they receive. This is a ultimately a form of applied "negative reinforcement", a methodology that studies have shown leads to increased frustration, learned helplessness, and emotional and mental damage. While not as graphic or obvious as tools like shock or prong collars, this methodology is still a form of coercion and can lead to lasting psychological damage.
Look how much they've grown in only 5 weeks! My favorite part of teaching Puppy Preschool is seeing how much these puppies grow and change over the short time we have together! Charlie and Finley became best friends the first day of puppy class! Their after-class play time taught everyone a lot about reading body language, appropriate play, and what happens when puppies lose teeth! Finley was nicknamed "The Tooth Fairy" after assisting Charlie in removing a few loose teeth😅 Is your puppy ready for preschool? Shoot us a DM to register!
"Alpha" "Pack Leader" "Dominance" All of these terms are based off of a study conducted 50 years ago that has been disproven and debunked for 30+ years! Where did this even come from? Most of the science behind today's use of the word "alpha" can be linked back to studies done in the 60's and 70's that were done on unrelated male wolves in small enclosures with limited resources. This entire set up is already a stretch from the reality of wolf packs, which are made up of familial groups. In 1970, the book 'The Wolf: Ecology and Behavior of an Endangered Species', written by researcher David Mech, was published and popularized the "alpha" concept. Mech has made it public on his website that he has repeatedly asked the publisher to stop printing his book because so much of the information is outdated, including the concept behind the alpha wolf, and yet the book is still being sold. And, even if the "alpha" theory wasn't completely disproven by the scientific community, you are not a dog and your dog doesn't think you're a dog so the hierarchy wouldn't extend to you anyway!
What is consent-based paw handling? Your dog's paws may be handled in a variety of stressful situations: checking for foxtails, clipping nails, cleaning off mud. Wouldn't it be so much easier if your dog CHOSE to have this done and work with you rather than against you? This is Lucy's first-time practicing consent-based paw handling. We started by teaching Lucy "paw", to put her paw in my hand on cue. This was heavily rewarded to start to build up a strong reinforcement history. Once she was ready, I started to pet her paw while it was in my hand. As long as her paw was in my hand, she is getting rewards at regular intervals. As soon as Lucy feels uncomfortable or wants to opt-out of this experience, she has total freedom to remove her paw and I will not start again until she chooses to put her paw back on my hand. During our first session of this (about 10 minutes) I was able to check between her toes and paw pad with Lucy's full participation! As we continue working, we will start introducing towels and nail clippers and eventually start to decrease the frequency of rewards as Lucy becomes more comfortable with having her paws handled. Are you wanting to make grooming, handling, or vet visits easier on you and your pup? Shoot us a message to learn more about cooperative care training!
🚩 DOG TRAINER RED FLAGS 🚩 1. "I've owned dogs my whole life" Dog training is a behavioral science and the dog training industry is completely unregulated, anyone can call themselves a dog trainer whether they are knowledgable or not. Certifications, continued education, and other credentials help to ensure your trainer is knowledgable and continues to stay up-to-date on the newest science-backed methods and information. 2. "Balanced" training methods Multiple studies have shown that punishment-based and punishment/reward-based, aka "balanced", training methods increase stress and compromise physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing. 3. Dogs need punishment or "corrections" to learn Studies show that the use of "corrections" or punishment for "wrong" or undesired behavior actually makes training more confusing for the dog, weakens your bond with your dog, increases stress, and is completely unnecessary to the learning process. 4. Aversive tools like prong, choke, and shock/STIM/e-collars These tools function by decreasing undesired behavior through pain or "discomfort". Multiple studies detail the lasting fallout associated with the use of these tools like increased anxiety, increased aggression, and decreased overall wellbeing. 5. "Pack Leader", "Dominance" All of these statements rely on an outdated theory that has been debunked for over 30+ years! 6. Some breeds can't learn without "tough love" Force Free and Positive Reinforcement, methods backed by research, can be used successfully on any dog, breed, or species! These same methods are used in zoos to safely handle and work with crocodiles, tigers, bears, and more! 7. You are "too soft", kindness is weakness There is nothing "weak" about showing the animal you love kindness and refusing to knowingly do harm. 8. Pressures you into using methods you are uncomfortable with You are your dog's advocate! If you are unsure about what is being asked of you, ask questions (to a certified trainer, not just
Looking for a professional, certified dog trainer? Wanting someone who utilizes effective, humane, and science-backed training methods you can feel good about? We have you covered!Shoot us a message to learn more!
Stop Feeding Your Dog (and Cat) DRY Kibble! Kibble was created for our convenience, not the optimal health of our pets. Kibble is lacking in moisture, an essential element of your pet's diet that aids in digestion and helps to prevent damage to organs like the kidneys.There are a ton of fun ways to add additional moisture to your pet's diet while also adding nutrients and variety! Canned Food, Fresh Meats, Pumpkin Puree, Bone Broth, Raw Goat Milk, and so much more! If you are unable to add a topper to each of your pet's meals, soaking the kibble in warm water before feeding can add the moisture they need and help to make the food more enticing. #petnutrition #petfood #dogfood #positivereinforcement #positivereinforcenttraining #forcefree #forcefreedogtraining #southernoregon #southernoregonlife #medfordoregon #ashlandoregon #jacksonvilleoregon
Happy National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day! How cute are these dog treats! I absolutely would have eaten one myself had no one told me! Well, now I'm off to find a cookie of my own!#nationalchocolatechipcookieday #nationalcookieday #chocolatechipcookies #chocolatechipcookieday #southernoregon #southernoregonlocals #medfordoregon #ashlandoregon #jacksonvilleoregon
Register now for our upcoming group classes! ✅ Puppy Preschool ✅ Beginner Obedience ✅ AKC Canine Good Citizen All training is done using the most effective, humane, and science-backed methods taught by a certified dog trainer! Message us or visit www.topdogbehavior to get registered today!
Will letting your dog win tug-of-war create behavior problems? The short answer: no! So why is this something that I hear all the time from trainers and pet parents alike? It often comes down to 2 things: an outdated, debunked methodology and the human ego! (And trusting poor advice from people promoting the first 2 things) Don't be a sore loser and let your dog win!
Are you looking to start incorporating raw into your pet's meals? Starting your raw journey can be overwhelming, so we are here to help! Schedule a nutrition consultation with our certified pet nutritionist to get your questions answered, discuss raw feeding options, and find the best fit for you! Not sure if you're ready to schedule a consultation? Check out our free online resources on our website including handouts available for download and informative videos on our blog! Give this page a follow for more raw feeding, nutrition, and training tips! #rawdietforcats #rawdogfood #rawfoodforpets #barfdiet #petnutrition #petfoodmatters #buildabetterbowl
Do Prong Collars, Choke Collars, and Shock/STIM/E-Collars cause your dog pain? A common myth I hear from compulsion, aversive, "balanced" or force-based trainers is that the tools they use do not cause your dog pain. "Don't worry", they'll say, "Put it on your hand, arm, or neck, you'll see that it doesn't hurt you, so it won't hurt your dog" The truth is, if these tools truly didn't hurt, they wouldn't work. Aversive training tools utilize a quadrant of Operant Conditioning called "Positive Punishment". This term is used to describe something ADDED to the environment to DECREASE a behavior by making the dog work to ACTIVELY AVOID the added stimulus. This means, by definition, the tools used must be painful enough or uncomfortable enough to make your dog go out of their way to avoid it being used. No ifs, ands, or buts. That is how the tools are DESIGNED to work. Yes, even if "properly used". Additionally, these tools don't teach your dog anything but how to avoid the pain or discomfort that is being inflicted on them. This leads to "sneaky" behavior and "loopholes", a reliance on the aversive tool to maintain their "training", and inevitable behavior and training fallout including increased anxiety and increased aggression. Last but not least, the list of countries that have banned these tools entirely continues to grow! Countless studies have shown that the use of aversive-based training methods and tools leads to compromised animal welfare and can damage your dog mentally, emotionally, and physically. Show me the studies! You can find links to 25+ studies on different training methods and tools and how they affect your dog on our website!
Will Comforting Your Dog Create Behavior Problems? Your dog is either going to feel comfortable expressing their fear to you or they won't, but that won't change the way that they feel. Comfort your dog. Help them seek refuge from the scary sights and sounds. Offer treats and toys as a fun distraction. Above all else, DO NOT PUNISH YOUR DOG FOR EXPRESSING VERY REAL EMOTIONS. #4thofjuly #fourthofjuly #fireworks #oregondogtrainer #medfordoregon #dogtrainingtips #dogtrainingadvice #dogtrainer #positivereinforcement #positivereinforcenttraining #forcefree #forcefreedogtraining #southernoregon #southernoregonlocals
Foxtail/Cheatgrass PSA: This abscess was most likely caused by a foxtail. The vet's theory is that a foxtail had worked its way in through Luna's eye or mouth, causing her eye to swell up. Then the swelling migrated to the side of her head as the foxtail continued to move throughout her body and landed in the side of her head where an abscess grew. This abscess required an exploratory surgery, drainage tubes in Luna's head, and two weeks of cones, crate rest, and constant cleaning.I am pretty diligent about checking her over for foxtails (yes, even her mouth) and yet this still happened. Go inspect your dogs! Note: This happened Summer of 2020. Luna is A-okay now and only has a few scars as reminders of this expensive scare!
I'm so excited to have the oppurtunity to work with you and your dog, and I can't wait to hear from you!
Stop Feeding Your Dog (and Cat) DRY Kibble! Kibble was created for our convenience, not the optimal health of our pets. Kibble is lacking in moisture, an essential element of your pet's diet that aids in digestion and helps to prevent damage to organs like the kidneys. There are a ton of fun ways to add additional moisture to your pet's diet while also adding nutrients and variety! If you are unable to add a topper to each of your pet's meals, soaking the kibble in warm water before feeding can add the moisture they need and help to make the food more enticing.
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