Many Dog Parents Make This Big Leash Training Mistake, But It’s Fixable!
When training your dog to walk beside you, the way you give them rewards might have a big impact on their success.
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If you’re working on leash training with your dog, you may be making a common mistake without realizing it. When teaching your dog to walk nicely beside you, they might cut in front of you to grab their rewards. Most dog parents hold the leash next to their dog and grab treats with the opposite hand, causing the dog to reach across their handler to get to the treat. This mistake can lead to your dog cutting in front of … Read more
The American Staffordshire Terrier, often mistaken for its close relative, the American Pit Bull Terrier, is a breed characterized by its strength, intelligence, and affectionate nature. When raising such a breed, it’s crucial to instill proper behavior during the puppy phase. An American Staffordshire Terrier puppy can develop biting tendencies, which, if not addressed, can become problematic in adulthood. This guide will delve into effective methods to ensure your American Staffordshire Terrier puppy grows with a gentle disposition. 1. Understanding … Read more
iHeartDogs is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. Recall training for dogs is essentially teaching your dog to come to you when you call them. It is one of the most important and useful commands a dog can learn. The recall command is useful in a variety of situations, from simple everyday tasks to potentially life-saving situations. Imagine your dog runs off chasing a squirrel … Read more
iHeartDogs is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. Teaching your dog to play Hide and Seek is about more than just fun! Learning recall skills with this fun game will teach your dog to come when called even if they can’t see you and improve their listening skills. It will also increase your furry buddy’s desire to seek you out. After all, when your dog … Read more
Is your dog scared of the veterinarian’s office? Is every trip to the doctor filled with stress for your pup that becomes stress for you too? Imagine a visit to the clinic that comes without worry! Let Steffi Trott of Spirit Dog Training explain how to help a visit to the vet become a fear-free event. Fear of The Vet – A Common Occurrence The other day I was at the vet with my dog, Fusion, for some routine blood … Read more
Learning the recall cue can be tricky for some dogs. If you’re practicing in a location that’s full of distractions, it can be especially difficult to get them to come to you. They may even mistakenly relate the rewards to running around and having fun, making them less likely to listen to you. So, the best way to teach the recall cue is to start with baby steps. Start by working in a quiet, “boring” environment where your dog has … Read more
iHeartDogs is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. Does your dog sometimes lose focus during training? Does their mind wander away when you need them to pay attention? Getting your dog’s attention back on task is more important than you know. Let Steffi Trott with SpiritDog Training explain why. A Pro Dog Trainer Explains Why Refocusing your Dog’s Attention is Important There’s a common dog … Read more
Many dogs become ecstatic as soon as they see their leash or hear you grab your keys. While their enthusiasm is cute, getting overly excited before a walk can make training difficult. How your dog feels when you start a walk can affect the entire adventure. If they’re running around like crazy before you leave the house, it will be near impossible to train them while walking outside. Luckily, there are ways you can calm your dog down before going … Read more
iHeartDogs is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. Isn’t it a joy watching your furry friend master a new trick or command? That wagging tail and excited look speak volumes about their achievement and your training prowess. But before you showcase their new skills at the park or a busy café, practice your pup’s new skill at home. Whether it’s sitting, lying down, shaking hands, … Read more
Many people wonder if they can use toys instead of treats for training. If dogs are picky eaters or need to lose weight, it might seem like the obvious solution. But the answer is much more complex than a simple ‘yes’ or ‘no.’ You can use toys for training, but only in certain situations. Even if your dog loves toys more than treats, training with toys all the time can do more harm than good. When training your dog, it’s … Read more
Chihuahuas are adorable, feisty, and full of personality, but like all puppies, a Chihuahua puppy may also develop some challenging behaviors, including biting. Although they are small, it’s crucial to address biting habits early on to ensure that your Chihuahua puppy grows up to be a well-mannered dog. In this article, we will explore the steps and strategies to effectively stop your Chihuahua puppy from biting. 1. Understanding Why a Chihuahua Puppy Bites Before tackling the issue, it’s essential to … Read more
Pee puddles in the kitchen, mysterious smelling stains in the hallway, “packages” soiling your favorite living room rug— a dog that hasn’t yet grasped the concept of house training is an unpleasant situation. It’s normal to see gradual improvements in a dog’s bathroom habits within a few weeks of training, but for some dogs, the path isn’t that easy. Reverse potty training is something that can happen to puppies, newly adopted rescues, and even resident dogs that have lived in a … Read more
With their satiny soft ears, perfectly plump paw pads, and irresistible puppy dog eyes, falling in love with your new puppy is easy. What you teach your new puppy, however, is a different story. Countless cute puppies grow up to be adult dogs with unmanageable behavior problems, and animal shelters are filled with dogs that were surrendered because no one took the time to train them. If you want your puppy to grow into the adult dog you’ve always wanted, … Read more
Does the sound of you picking up your car keys make your dog quake in fear? Have you gotten complaints from your neighbors that your dog barks nonstop every time you leave your house? Do you often come home to destruction, especially around doors and windows? Your dog may be suffering from separation anxiety. This problem can be debilitating for your dog and frustrating for you. Helping your dog overcome separation anxiety isn’t easy, but it is possible. Symptoms of … Read more
Teaching your dog to love their crate should be a top priority for any new pet parent. Dogs are den animals, and enjoy small spaces where they can hide when they feel unsafe, or rest at nap time. It’s a safe space in your home that your dog considers his own. Crate training is easy to do and shouldn’t be something that makes you feel guilty or as if you’re subjecting your dog to “doggy jail.” Understandably, some owners are … Read more
You come home from work thrilled to be greeted by your four-legged best friend, but it’s soon obvious you weren’t the only one who had a rough day. Stinky accidents, chewed up belongings, destroyed furniture, another noise complaint from the neighbor—they’re all signs your dog gets stressed when home alone. Whether it’s extreme separation anxiety or a general loathing of being left alone, not being able to safely stay home alone is a problem. You hate the clean-up, but your … Read more
iHeartDogs is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. Many dog parents are switching to online dog training classes as opposed to in-person sessions. Both types of training are great tools, but every dog has different needs when it comes to learning new commands and behaviors. All dogs can benefit from training, but traditional training classes aren’t ideal for every dog. Some dogs struggle to focus … Read more
Are you tired of your enthusiastic pup greeting guests with a flying leap? Jumping on people may be a common behavior in dogs, but it can be quite frustrating and even potentially dangerous. The good news is that there are several effective online training courses available that can help you teach your furry friend to keep all four paws on the ground when meeting new people. Whether you’re a new dog owner or have been struggling with this issue for … Read more
It’s no secret that taking your dog out for a walk can quickly turn into a battle of wills if they haven’t mastered proper leash manners. Having your arm yanked out of its socket by an over-excited canine can be more than just frustrating—it’s also potentially dangerous for both you and your pet. Therefore, loose-leash training your dog can save a life! Fortunately, the internet is awash with solutions for this common problem. In an era where digital learning is … Read more
As a dog owner, dealing with resource guarding can feel like an uphill battle. It’s a common yet challenging behavior that revolves around your dog’s instinct to protect their food, toys, or even people. These courses, designed by experts in canine behavior, provide you with actionable advice, step-by-step strategies, and compassionate approaches to help alleviate and manage this issue, fostering a healthier relationship between you and your furry friend. Our Picks for the Best Online Dog Training Classes on Resource … Read more
Potty training can be a challenging process for both new and experienced dog owners alike. These online courses offer expert advice, step-by-step tutorials, and practical techniques, all aimed at transforming your furry friend’s habits in no time. Whether you have a stubborn puppy or an older dog that needs a little guidance, these resources will equip you with the skills you need to successfully navigate housebreaking your pup. Our Picks for the Best Online Dog Training Classes for Potty Training … Read more
iHeartDogs is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. When you bring home a new dog, signing them up for training classes is probably one of the things on your mind. But training can be expensive, and finding a trainer that aligns with your schedule and values can be tricky. So, many dog parents are choosing online dog training because of its convenience. With online dog … Read more
iHeartDogs is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. All dogs need some type of training, whether it’s basic obedience or something more specific like reactivity. Yet, training classes can be pricey and not all dogs do well training in public settings. Thus, online training classes are a great solution for busy dog parents who would prefer to train in the comfort of their homes. There … Read more
iHeartDogs is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. Dog training is an essential part of every dog’s care, but traditional training classes can be too expensive and time-consuming for many dog parents. Yet, that doesn’t mean that your precious pup has to miss out on learning essential skills. Online dog training is a great alternative because it allows you to train your dog at your … Read more
iHeartDogs is reader supported. Some of the links below may be paid affiliate links, where we receive a small commission on a product at no additional cost to you. Samoyeds are a beautiful and popular breed known for their friendly nature and fluffy white coat. While they make excellent family pets, their strong-willed personality can make them challenging to train. Teaching obedience to a Samoyed requires patience, consistency, and an understanding of their unique temperament. In this article, we’ll share … Read more
Because iHeartDogs is readers supported, this blog post contains affiliate links where we are paid a commission at no additional cost to you. Our SpiritDog Review Discover the world of SpiritDog online training, a comprehensive dog training platform that has earned a remarkable 4.5-star rating from our team. SpiritDog offers a wide range of specialized courses that cater to diverse canine training needs, ensuring a positive and rewarding experience for both you and your furry friend. With a unique training … Read more
Yesterday, I made a big mistake. And it could have cost me my dog’s life. We were having the carpet replaced in our home, and workers were walking in and out all day. My dog is normally being watched closely by my wife and I, especially with strangers in the home. However, with the craziness of the kids getting home from school, and workers walking in and out, we lost track of our pup for a short time. Then we … Read more
Los Angeles is a city filled with dog lovers, and with so many pet owners in the area, it’s no wonder that the demand for top-notch dog training services is high. Whether you’re looking to teach your furry friend basic obedience, work on specific behavioral issues, or simply enhance the bond between you and your canine companion, there’s a dog trainer or obedience school in Los Angeles that can help. In this article, we’ve compiled a list of the best … Read more
iHeartDogs is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. Dog training is essential for all canines, but not every dog parent has the time or money to visit a dog trainer. Yet, trying to train your dog without assistance can also be tricky. So, SpiritDog Online Dog Training offers a way for you and your dog to get help from dog trainers in your home and … Read more
For us humans, it’s not exactly socially acceptable to go up to an acquaintance — or even an old friend, for that matter — and start humping them. Nor is it appropriate to go to town on a toy or pillow with onlookers nearby. However, our canine companions don’t have these kinds of social inhibitions, but for us humans, our pups’ frisky behavior can be pretty embarrassing! Sometimes, a mount can even lead to an altercation between two dogs. So … Read more
By Sophie Vershbow Reviewed by Sarah Wooten, DVM No matter the breed, all dogs need to go outside on a regular basis. Depending on your pet’s physical ability––and your own schedule––that can mean anything from a quick stroll around the block to an all-day hike in the woods. “Dog walking has great health benefits both for the pet and the walker,” says Dr. Ian Wright, a veterinary surgeon and head of the European Scientific Counsel for Companion Animal Parasites (ESCCAP) U.K. … Read more
When training your dog to walk beside you, the way you give them rewards might have a big impact on their success.
Teaching the recall cue can be difficult if your dog is easily distracted. So, start off with this game to set them up for success.
If your dog gets too excited before a walk, it can be difficult to train them. Luckily, there's an easy solution!
If a dog doesn't like treats, should you train them using toys instead? The answer may depend on the situation.
Countless cute puppies grow up to be adult dogs with behavior problems if they're untrained. Here are the first 10 lessons to teach your new puppy.
These steps will teach your dog to love their crate. Dogs are den animals and most appreciate having their own space where they can relax.
Online dog training classes can be a great option for pet parents looking for flexible courses in a stress-free environment.
Our expert team reviewed the top online courses for housebreaking your adult dog or puppy.
Brain Training for Dogs is a convenient, affordable online training option to help tackle tricky behavior problems in your furry friends.
Kingdom of Pets offers a variety of online books and videos to help you effectively train your dog from the comfort of your home.
K9 Training Institute is a great online dog training option because it uses methods that have successfully trained service dogs.
SpiritDog Training offers a variety of online courses that are convenient and allow dog parents to work at their own pace.