Almost every dog training facility has a puppy socialization class. But not all of these classes are created equal. Not all classes achieve what you want them to. The problem is that everyone has a basic idea of what they want to accomplish, but the average dog owner does not know how to go from point A to point B. Objectives of Puppy Socialization To prevent aggressive or nervous behavior problems To build confidence in…   Continue

One of the most misunderstood aspects of dog training is that the trainer is teach both you, and your dog, a series of problem solving tasks. At one time trainers felt that the owner could start an activity. If the dog didn’t understand it was punished. Ultimately the dog would ‘figure it out’ and then there would be harmony. This caused several problems. The most obvious was that the dog shut down emotionally and frustration…   Continue

One of the most frustrating ‘left overs’ from the days when dogs were treated as an animate object is the belief that the leash is a switch, steering wheel, or brake. If you hank it hard enough the dog will magically respond in a positive, obedient manner. I’ve seen dogs progress wonderfully through obedience training, then start regressing to a defensive behavior, or shutting down, because the owner starts yanking on the leash. The question…   Continue

Rally obedience is for pet owners who want to have fun. Where to train and compete. All 3 organizations allow unregistered and cross/breed dogs. Canadian Kennel Club Rally Obedience CARO – Canadian Association of Rally Obedience United Kennel Club Little Known Facts about Rally Obedience or Rally O You can treat in some Rally competitions on stationary posts. Toys are allowed You can talk to your dog Hand signals and guidance are allowed You are…   Continue

Before any obedience training we need to calm our dog. A dog won’t focus on us if it is worried that something will come around the next bush or building. A dog will forget to stay at our side and heel if it is watching another dog play ball. The first step to an obedient dog is to teach your dog exactly what you want. But you can’t teach a stressed dog. You need to…   Continue