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Many dog training classes are full of what you should let your dog do and what you should not let your dog do. You tell your dog where and when he can’t go to the bathroom, when to eat, when to sleep (and usually where), when he gets exercise and when he has to be quiet. We pretty much run our dogs’ lives. But should we? Dogs are thinking animals – with a brain they should be using. They also … Read more
Do you own one of those dogs that greets someone by immediately turning their back to them, often pushing their rump toward the person’s legs? It’s a strange behavior, no doubt, and fairly common. We have had many people ask why dogs do this on our forum, so we went to an animal behavior expert to get the answer. Sherry Woodard CPDT-KA is Best Friends Animal Society’s resident animal behavior consultant. As an expert in animal training, behavior and care, … Read more
Does any (or all!) of this sound familiar: Barks for food Barks to go out Barks for attention Barks for you to throw the toy If so, than you probably dealing with a demand barker! Demand barkers are simply pups that don’t have a lot of self-control AND have learned from you that all they have to do to get your attention is to bark at you. Don’t feel ashamed or embarrassed we all do it. Usually it happens … Read more
This just might be the most debated topic among dog trainers. Even those who are positive-reinforcement or “force-free” trainers, will debate whether food should be used and, if so, to what extent. And of course, those who do not use positive reinforcement have all sorts of reasons they believe you shouldn’t train your dog with food. I am here to tell you IT’S OKAY TO TRAIN WITH FOOD! And, I am not just going to tell you that, but I … Read more
For some of you it may be hard to understand, but there are dog owners who do not want their dog licking them constantly. It may be because of allergies or they just don’t like it. For others, it has to do with their goals for the dog as a working partner – for example therapy dogs are not allowed to lick the people they visit in hospitals or retirement homes for health reasons. Regardless of why you may not … Read more
If you have ever witnessed a dog fight, you know they are scary. Even if no dogs are hurt, it sounds like they are killing each other – and sometimes they do. While many people have been told what to do if there is a dog fight, it’s best to know how to avoid a dog fight altogether. The following tips can help you stop dog fights before they happen. #1 – Know Your Dog The first and most important thing … Read more
Many dogs get what owners affectionately call “the zoomies” after a bath. Something about it gets them riled up and they speed through the house, often stopping to rub all over a bed, couch, blanket, etc. But the question is, why? Tonya Wilhelm, owner of Global Dog Training, has been a dog training specialist for almost two decades and was just named one of the top ten dog trainers in the United States. She focuses on treating dogs holistically, from … Read more
It’s #BackToSchool time and why shouldn’t that include your dog? It’s okay if you got a little lazy over the summer and forgot to work on Sam’s stay or Laura’s leave it, but now that the kid’s are in school, it’s time your dog brushed up on his skills as well. And, just like with your kids, having the right supplies can make learning easier. RELATED:The Best Online Dog Training Classes #1 – PetSafe Train n’ Praise Potty Training System … Read more
To a lot of people, fetch is THE game to play with your dog. In fact, some people have a dog so they can go outside, get some fresh air and play fetch. Others like it because it can tire the dog out without costing you too much energy. However, not all dogs naturally fetch. In fact, many dogs, of all breeds, are not “into the fetch.” Or maybe your dog likes to chase the ball, but never brings it … Read more
You may not want the next AKC Obedience Champion. You may not care if your dog Sits or Downs on command. Of if he jumps on you every time you come in the door. How much (or little) training you do with your dog is your choice. BUT There is one cue that every single dog without exception should know. COME! Why? Because it’s the one cue that can keep them from running away or getting lost, allows them to be … Read more
It seems like a cute trick – you tell your dog to “go to bed” and he runs to his bed (mat, kennel, whatever) and lays down. But actually, a “mat” or “bed” behavior is an extremely useful training technique and one that I recommend every dog owner teach their dog. Here are just a few reasons why every dog needs a “bed” behavior. #1 – Teaches self-control The basis of the mat behavior is a prolonged stay. No matter what’s … Read more
Dogs do some things that seem pretty weird to us humans…and sometimes it’s things we find downright disgusting or annoying. But why do they do them? Canine behaviorists spend their lives trying to answer that very question. While we may never know for sure about some of these, thanks to research, we definitely know more than we used to about these strange behaviors. #1 – The “Guilty” Face Does your dog look just downright pitiful when you come home and … Read more
Clicker training can seem overwhelming at first: juggling a dog, treats, leash and clicker. Knowing when to click and when not to, remembering all the “rules” – all while trying to pay attention to what your dog is doing so you can successfully teach him something new. Don’t fret! We all struggle at first! The following are a few tips to help you improve your clicker skills to make training easier and faster. Have your own tips that help you? … Read more
The idea of this article actually came from an ex-client of mine (ex because I moved states) who begged me to write an article on a topic that causes her a lot of frustration as the owner of two reactive dogs. She is not alone, either. Anyone that owns a reactive dog deals with this anytime they go out. And the main reason is because many dog owners don’t realize that they shouldn’t let their dog stare. What do I … Read more
Do you have that dog that acts like like a busy bee? Crazy, spun-out of control and just can’t listen for longer than a second? Or maybe you have the dog that just sits there, half asleep, and responds so slowly to your cue that everyone else in class has done 5 repetitions to your one. A new study by the animal experts at Duke Canine Cognition Center has proven what many dog trainers already knew – your training technique … Read more
This is one of my favorite tricks – it is super simple to learn but it looks impressive and can be a “gateway” to all sorts of fun tricks. In fact, the first time I taught it was quite by accident. I wanted a straight back and was using my legs to guide him, I ended up with what I call “the shuffle” instead. The Shuffle I have no idea what others call this, it may not even have a … Read more
When something goes wrong, it’s easy to blame the dog – after all, he can’t speak to defend himself! However, many times we humans inadvertently cause the very things we are trying to stop our dogs from doing. If you’ve made some of the mistakes listed below, don’t worry–we all have! The good news is that you can make some changes, but first, you have to be informed! Here are some ways you may be accidentally encouraging your dog’s most annoying habits: #1 … Read more
This question is a BIG one. It can be a reason a dog is taken to the shelter or debarked by a frustrated pet parent. It’s also one I get asked a LOT as a dog trainer. Unfortunately, the answer is not as simple as we’d like it to be. There can be a varying range of reasons why dogs bark at other dogs. What we will do today is try to provide more insight into that question so that … Read more
If you own more than one dog, you may have noticed some behaviors that make you think of two siblings fighting over things. For example, maybe you are petting one dog and the other runs up for attention too. I knew someone who used this as a way to train her dogs. If she called the dogs to her and only one came, she would loudly tell the dog that came that he was a good boy and was “getting a … Read more
Summer is upon us, which means time for fun in the sun and water. Whether you live near the sea, a lake, river, stream or your own swimming pool, chances are your dog will come in contact with water this season. But, did you know dogs are not natural swimmers? “Most dogs do not just jump in and start ‘doggy paddling’ with ease,” says Jennifer Fish Office Manager and swim coach at Dogs Gone Swimming in Portland, Oregon. My husband … Read more
Some dogs love going on a car ride. Others do not. If you happen to have a dog that doesn’t like the car, or doesn’t like to jump into it on their own, going anywhere can suddenly become a big hassle. Before you start training your dog to load on cue, you need to ask yourself the following questions: Is My Dog Not Willing to Jump in the Car out of Fear? If your dog is afraid of the car … Read more
While cats have the reputation for hating water, most dogs do not just run and jump into a body of water either, regardless of their breed. In some cases, it could be because their only experience with water up to that point has been a bath; if your dog doesn’t like a bath, he may not be eager to get into the water. Others it just might be a fear of something new or a timid nature that just takes awhile … Read more
There are a lot of beliefs out there when it comes to the “best” way to train a dog. And, being a dog trainer, I’ve seen how heated these discussions can get. While there may be more than one way to successfully train a dog, the following are 15 myths about dog training that are (almost) universally accepted to be false. Related: Best Dog Training Schools #1 – You Can’t Teach an Old Dog New Tricks We all know this isn’t … Read more
The most recent study conducted by the Center For Disease and Control (CDC), says there were roughly 4.5 million dog bite victims in America per year. That is an alarming number, but luckily there are careful tips that can be implemented to change that statistic. Here are our 15 tips to help prevent dog bites. (www.dogbitelaw.com) #1 – Don’t Approach Strange Dogs A loose dog may be scared, sick, injured or just not friendly. If you do not have experience with that … Read more
Taking a dog out on the water can be a ton of fun for both you and the dog. However, if your dog has never been on a boat, kayak, raft, canoe, etc., it can take some getting used to. In fact, some dogs might be scared or nervous at first –as the motion can cause them concern and so can all that water. Kimberly Brenowitz is a Master Dog Trainer, certified with EARS (United Animal Nations) now known as Red Rovers … Read more
This is a much needed video that every parent needs to watch, whether they own dogs or not. It’s estimated that 77% of dog bites involving children come from the family dog or a dog they know. Unfortunately, it’s all too common that the dog ends up suffering just as much as the child. This video supplies the ultimate answer to dog bite prevention — education. Adults need to learn and understand dog behavior so they can teach it to … Read more
Sometimes called the “moonwalk,” this is not only a cute a trick, but it strengthens your dog’s back legs and teaches them about hind end awareness, which can help them in sports and prevent injury. It’s also relatively easy to teach and can be fun to show off at parties. Before Beginning… Make sure your dog is physically fit enough to perform this trick. If they have any type of past injury or chronic condition like arthritis, ask your vet first. … Read more
Owners of reactive dogs have it ruff. People often glare at you if you try to bring them anywhere. You stress, so your dog is even more stressed. You feel like people believe your dog shouldn’t be allowed in public. Sometimes, it may even feel like they don’t think he should be alive. I can relate – I have two reactive dogs. One is fearful and is easier to deal with, because she just cowers. But the other, used to … Read more
Show of hands, how many owners have dogs that go ballistic when they hear a knock or the doorbell ring? How many owners have dogs that dart out the door as soon as it is partially opened? 70% of dog owners deal with this on a daily basis. Through training, persistence and a lot of patience, a dog can be trained to “tone it down” when guest come to the door. Here are a few tips. Back to … Read more
Every time a training article is written, the first paragraph should be begin with “Every dog is unique, every dog has different learning styles, and there is no cookie cutter technique that will work with every dog!” There are positive reinforcement and negative reinforcement techniques that are effectively used in the training process, most often applied in behavior modification. Not all dogs respond to 100% positivity. On the flip side, no good comes from 100% negativity either. There can be … Read more
There’s more than a few mistakes dog owners make. It happens. We’re human, and it’s hard to keep rules in place when your new pup looks at you. But inconsistency can cause problems that you may have to deal with your dog’s whole life if you don’t correct them. Hindsight is 20/20, but new dogs owners may be struggling, and learning as they do! Here are a few mistakes to avoid if you are a first-time dog owner or starting … Read more
Dog Bite Prevention week is coming up, which means it’s a great time to think about biting dogs and how to get them to stop. A puppy may start out with small bites or what seems like play, but if you let him keep doing it, eventually those bites will become serious and you will be faced with a decision no dog owner ever wants to have to make. Luckily, it is fairly easy to get a puppy to learn … Read more
It can take a while to train a dog to not jump up when greeting. In the meantime, how do you keep your dog from jumping up while you are still training him? Here are a few tips you can try to keep your dog’s paws on the floor until he has learned to do it on his own. #1 – Stay calm Tell anyone that wants to greet your dog to be calm. A soft voice and slow movements … Read more
It can be easy to think you need a second dog – you see other people with multiple dogs, you see all those adorable rescues that need homes – but that doesn’t mean you are ready for a second dog. There are many things you should think about before you bring home another canine family member. #1 – Do you have the time? A second dog means more time bathing, grooming, walking, playing, training, etc. If your current dog barely gets … Read more
It happens to pretty much anyone who has ever trained a dog: you dog is doing amazing in class and/or at home, but then you take him somewhere else and he won’t listen to anything you say. This is the point where most dog owners get frustrated and claim their dog is stubborn – only working when he feels like it. The truth is, most dogs are not stubborn. There are in fact a few reasons why your dog may not … Read more
There is just something too cute about a dog waving. As demonstrated in this video, you can teach your dog to wave with each paw, or both paws at once. The best part about wave? It’s fairly easy to teach and most dog enjoy doing it. Teach The Trick Step 1 Make sure you have treats and a clicker (if you use one) on hand. Sit or stand facing your dog and put one of your hands in a fist … Read more
When your puppy was very little, he followed you everywhere. But now he is older, independent, and has found that the world has a lot more to offer than you (sounds like human kids, huh?) This time when you call him, instead of flying into your open arms, he stands and looks at you like, “why should I?” or, if he is really brazen, he takes this opportunity to flee in the other direction. Never fear, there is hope! Here … Read more
Photos of dogs balancing things on their heads have been sweeping the internet. After all, its adorable and impressive because your dog has to have a lot of self-control to sit or stand that still. But, it’s also a great trick to teach a dog lacking in self-control how to be calm. Have a dog that’s a bit head shy? This trick will teach them that things coming at the heard are a GOOD thing! Here is a video of … Read more
All dogs should have some sort of basic obedience training, but unfortunately many owners seem get lazy and lose interest in training their dogs. This is bad not only because you’re likely to end up with an uncontrollable dog with bad manners, but it will make your dog unhappy because they end up having no structure and no idea what you want from them. But beyond basic manners and house training, there are other commands you can teach your dog … Read more
Regardless of the dog you have decided to share your life with, there are certain behavior challenges we all have to face. On a really bad day, it can be enough to make you want to scream. But, before you do, stop and think about these two things: Every dog owner has felt like you do – they got through it and so will you. Correction (yelling or other forms of punishment) don’t work. The dog usually doesn’t understand why … Read more
All dogs need some level of obedience training, but that doesn’t mean you need to become the next world champion team. Some owners think they’re dogs are good enough without being trained or don’t want to spend the time and money required to successfully teach basic house manners. But there are many reasons you should take your dog or puppy to an obedience class. Whether it’s a group class at a local pet store that teaches beginning obedience or you … 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. Ever wondered how your dog is feeling? Of course you have, we all have! And while some emotions may be harder to pinpoint, boredom is one that most dogs display quite clearly. Here are 12 signs that your dog is bored and needs something to do. One thing to note: a lot of these can also be signs … Read more
Does your puppy or dog jump “maul” you when you come home? Can you not get through the door without him clobbering you with love and attention? What about when you are holding a piece of food? Does he perform dolphin-like leaps to get that morsel from your hand? Even worse, does he do this when he meets a stranger on the street or a guest in your house? While his intentions may be (mostly) good, this type of jumping … Read more
Are you tired of your dog walking you? Wondering why none of the methods you have tried have worked? As a dog trainer, I have found that leash-pulling tops the list when I ask my clients what they would like to work on with their dog. And no wonder! It’s not only frustrating and exhausting to be pulled for an entire walk, it’s also dangerous. A dog that pulls on a leash can: Pull their owner over Trip them Get … Read more
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