Does your current dog boarding facility provide food for your dog while they stay there? Do they feed them premium dog food, or is just something ordinary and maybe not even being of good quality? Even though your furry baby may be only staying just a few days, it’s important to know what food is in your dog’s bowl.
Making sure that your dogs eat healthy involves more than finding high-quality foods that offer the right nutrients and ingredients. It’s also important to keep an eye out for any dog food recalls that have been issued. Several types of dry dog foods were recently found to have toxic levels of vitamin D, resulting in recalls. Hills Pet Nutrition also recalled canned dog foods for this same reason. Vitamin D Toxicity in Dogs The foods in question were found to have elevated amounts of vitamin D. Some dogs who ate these foods developed symptoms of vitamin D toxicity, which can be serious. Some of these symptoms include appetite loss, vomiting, excessive drooling and increased thirst. Complications from vitamin D toxicity can cause dogs to develop kidney failure and other problems that can be fatal. The FDA hasn’t linked any deaths to these foods, but many cases of illness in dogs have occurred. How to Check for Dog Food Recalls The FDA keeps track of dog food recalls and provides an updated list for consumers online. You should check this list from time to time to see if any of the brands you feed your pets are on it. If they are, you should stop giving your dogs this food immediately and switch to a different one. What should you do if the dog food you get hasn’t been recalled, but your pets are showing signs of illness? You should bring your dogs to the vet, especially if they are showing any serious signs of illness, such as symptoms of vitamin D toxicity. You should also give them a different dog food if you believe the food they are eating might be making them ill. You can ask your vet for recommendations on foods that have similar ingredients, so that your dogs can adjust to the new food easily. If you’re nervous about what your dogs eat, keep in mind that you can bring their regular dog food with them when you board them at DoGone Fun. Contact us for more details on our dog boarding policies. If you want to know what foods have been recalled, click on the link: https://www.fda.gov/animalveterinary/safetyhealth/recallswithdrawals/default.htm for more information. This article was previously published at https://www.dogonefunchicago.com/owning-a-dog/dog-food-recall/
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If you’ve looked into dog kennel rates, you’ve probably noticed that they tend to vary from one place to the next. Why do some places charge higher rates than others? In some cases, it’s due to location. For example, you might pay more for dog kennels in major cities compared to small towns. Other places charge more based on the quality of care they provide and the perks they offer.
Trained and Qualified Staff Dog kennels that charge more expensive rates sometimes do so since they are able to provide higher quality care. These kennels have staff members who are trained and experienced in ensuring that dogs under their care stay healthy and comfortable. These staff members usually continue their training and education in order to keep up with the latest developments in dog care. Special Amenities Some dog kennels that cost more offer certain amenities that you won’t typically find in other kennels. These might include spa services, such as facials and massages, high quality treats for dogs and comfortable blankets or beds for them to sleep on. Some places also offer extra playtime or cuddle time with a staff member to keep dogs happy while they’re away from home. These amenities are usually offered for an additional fee, but keep an eye out for special packages that include these perks. Monitoring Dog kennels that charge more usually provide services that keep dog owners updated on how their pets are doing. This might mean creating reports or getting in touch with owners to let them know how their dogs are doing. Some facilities also have webcam services available that make it easy for dog owners to check on their dogs during playtime. This can go a long way toward helping dog owners feel more at ease about leaving their dog in someone else’s care. Playtime Not all kennels offer playtime for dogs. Some only have dogs go for a couple of walks per day and spend the rest of their time in their kennel. Places that have higher rates usually offer playtime for dogs, although the amount of time they’re allowed to play can vary. Kennels that provide several hours of playtime a day tend to charge higher rates. When you’re weighing the costs of a dog kennel, take these factors into consideration. Doing so can help you determine if the benefits they offer are worth the extra cost. This article was previously published at https://www.dogonefunchicago.com/dog-boarding/dog-kennel-rates-higher/ No matter how much you consider your pets as part of the family, they can’t be with you at all times. When you need to leave your pets alone regularly while going to work, dog daycare can give them a fun way to spend those hours. When you have to travel without your pets, dog boarding provides them with a safe place to stay. Knowing more about dog daycare and boarding can help you understand what to expect when you make these arrangements for your pets.
Dog Daycare Daycare places for dogs provide a fun environment for pets to use up energy and interact with others. These facilities typically have enclosed play areas that are indoors or outdoors. Dogs are able to run around these play areas and spend time with other dogs. Instead of lying around your home all day waiting for you to come back or causing mischief due to boredom, your pets will stay busy all day long. Dog daycare offers a number of valuable benefits for pets in addition to giving them something to do while you’re gone during the day. These include the following:
When it comes to choosing where you’ll bring your pets for daycare, it’s essential to keep certain factors in mind. Dog daycare and boarding places vary in terms of safety, cleanliness, quality and cost. Finding a place with rates that fit your budget isn’t enough. You should also look for the following before choosing a daycare for your pets:
When you find a dog daycare and boarding facility, you’ll need to make sure that your pets meet their requirements. These usually include the following:
Dog Boarding Dog daycare and boarding facilities offer somewhere for your pets to stay while being closely supervised and taken care of. These places can range from those that only offer basic amenities, to those that offer luxurious ones. Some boarding facilities have dogs stay in a kennel for much of the day except for a couple of short walks. Other places offer several hours of playtime to keep dogs occupied. When your pets stay at a dog daycare and boarding facility, you can rest assured that they are being cared for while you’re traveling. Boarding facilities for dogs provide several advantages over hiring a pet sitter to stop by your house when you’re gone. You also don’t have to worry about making arrangements with family members or friends to care for your pets when you’re traveling. Dog boarding places offer the following benefits:
Choosing a dog daycare and boarding facility is an important decision that takes careful consideration. You want to make sure that your pets will be staying in a place that is safe, clean and comfortable for them. When you’re comparing different dog boarding facilities, watch for the following red flags:
When it comes to requirements for dog boarding facilities, these are typically the same as daycare places. You can expect to provide proof of spaying and neutering, vaccinations, fecal exam results and a license. Your pets might also undergo temperament assessments if they’ll be participating in playtime. This article was previously published at https://www.dogonefunchicago.com/uncategorized/dog-daycare-and-boarding/ At some point, you may find yourself needing to board your pet. This can happen even if you have helpful friends or usually take your dog along on trips. The decision to board your dog can be uncomfortable, especially when doing it for the first time. How do you find a good boarding kennel for dogs? It is best to research local boarding kennels well before you actually need one. The tips below can help you to ensure your pet's health and safety while you are away. Consider the following:
Get Recommendations You can find a good boarding kennel for dogs via other dog owners or your veterinarian. Use those recommendations to make a shortlist of kennels and research them online. This may seem labor-intensive, but can provide peace of mind while you are away. Visit the Kennel There is no better way to evaluate a kennel than to see it in person. Most reputable kennels will allow a walk-through, though some may require you to make an appointment. Consider factors like cleanliness and odors as well as the professionalism and attitude of the staff. You have a right to see where your dog will eat, sleep and play, do not take no for an answer. Ask About Their Practices There are certain crucial questions that you should ask while conducting your inspection, consider the following: What Will my Dog Get to Eat? Be forewarned that the stress of boarding may cause your dog to lose their appetite. If there is something that can be added to your dog’s food to increase their interest in eating, bring it along. Be sure to provide instructions on feeding your dog and information on any special needs she may have. Are Dogs Allowed to Socialize? Find out if the kennel allows dogs to play together off-leash. If so, make sure they pre-screen all of the dogs that your best friend will be playing with. Note that dogs often behave differently when not in the presence of their owners, so your dog may be more sociable than you think! It is always a good idea to get your dog assessed before you are in dire need of a boarding facility. That way you will have something to fall back on if your plans change at the last minute. Remember that any new environment can be overwhelming for a dog. Before your vacation you may want to bring your pooch in a few times for daycare. That way they can make a few friends and will be more comfortable when you leave them overnight. What Happens if a Dog Gets Ill or Injured? Where do they take injured or sick animals? Make sure that their practices include logging meals and any changes in physical appearance. Consider leaving your dog with a kennel that provides regular checkups by a veterinarian. The right kennel can offer the kind of environment that your pet needs. No matter how well intentioned a friend or relative may be, they are most likely not equipped to provide the first aid, scheduled feeding or socialization that a well-run kennel can provide. This article was originally published at https://www.dogonefunchicago.com/dog-boarding/boarding-kennels-for-dogs-what-to-know/ Keeping your pets well groomed is a crucial part of caring for them. Grooming for pets typically includes brushing their fur, bathing them, clipping their nails, cleaning their ears and brushing their teeth. You can perform many of these tasks at home, but keep in mind that some pets are more difficult to handle during grooming. Keep the following top dog grooming information in mind to help you provide your pets with the best care possible.
Brushing Your Dog Dogs need to be brushed from time to time in order to keep their coat looking clean and shiny. Brushing can also help prevent mats and tangles from forming. How often you should brush your dog depends on the type of coat and length of hair your pup has. Before brushing your dog’s hair, though, it’s important to make sure that you have the right kind of brush: For short and smooth coats, such as on chihuahuas and hounds, use a bristle brush with soft or medium bristles that are spaced closely together. For short and wiry coats, such as on terrier breeds, use a bristle brush with firm bristles. Go over your dog’s coat with a slicker brush to get rid of any mats that may have formed. For long and flowing coats, such as on golden retrievers and Lhasa apsos, use a top dog grooming bristle brush with soft or medium bristles that are spaced widely apart. Use a wire pin brush as well to make sure that you reach the entire length of the coat, and use a slicker brush for tangles. For double coats, such as on German shepherds and pomeranians, use a bristle brush with firm bristles that are spaced widely apart. Go over your dog’s coat with a wire pin brush as well, and use a slicker brush to remove mats. For thinner coats, such as on Yorkies and Maltese, use a wire pin brush. Go over your dog’s coat with a slicker brush to remove tangles. In general, you should brush your dog every couple of days, but keep in mind that you might need to do this more often in certain cases. For example, your dog might need to be brushed more often if he has a coat that tangles easily or during spring when dogs tend to shed more. If your dog isn’t used to being brushed, you’ll need to start off by letting him become comfortable with being handled. Let your dog sniff the brush, then gently brush his coat. If your dog is alright with this, continue brushing and reward him afterwards. If he seems nervous, keep brushing sessions short until he gets used to it more and continue rewarding him for sitting calmly. Bathing Your Dog Dogs need regular baths to stay clean, but washing them too often can hurt their skin by drying it out. While most dogs only need a bath every couple of months, others need one more often, especially if they like to roll in mud or dirt. When you give your dog a bath, brush his coat beforehand to get rid of tangles and mats. Use a top dog grooming shampoo that’s made specifically for dogs. Human shampoo can actually irritate your dog’s skin. If your dog has dry or sensitive skin, consider using a dog shampoo that contains soothing oatmeal. Depending on your dog’s size, you might be able to bathe him in the sink or tub. However, larger dogs might need to be bathed outside in a kids’ pool. Bathe your dog in lukewarm water, and make sure you completely rinse shampoo so it does not leave any residue behind in your dog’s coat. After your dog’s bath, take time to comb and brush his coat. If you’re working on getting a nervous dog to bathe, reward him with a treat if he stays calm during bath time. You might have to start by coaxing your dog over to the tub, sink or bathing area with a favorite treat. Don’t force your dog into the water, or he might become even more nervous about it. Be patient and give your dog time to get used to the water before giving him a bath. Clipping Your Dog’s Nails Top dog grooming care also involves keeping your dog’s nails short. Otherwise, your dog could get one or more nails caught, which can cause them to tear. Walking with longer nails is also uncomfortable for dogs and leads to more wear and tear on wood floors and carpets. Check your dog’s nails about every other week, and trim them if they’re long enough to make a clicking sound when he walks. There are different kind of nail clippers that you can use for trimming your dog’s nails. You can choose whichever one you and your dog are both comfortable with. Scissor clippers tend to work well on larger dogs with thicker nails, while guillotine clippers typically work well on small and medium-sized dogs. You can also use a grinder tool instead of clippers for thicker nails, but keep in mind that you might have to give your dog time to get used to these. When you’re ready to clip your dog’s nails, it’s important to do so carefully. If you cut too far, you risk hitting a vein and causing your dog to bleed. Make sure you have styptic powder nearby in case this happens, since this helps stop the bleeding. For dogs with white nails, clip until you are just below the pink part where the vein is. For dogs with dark nails, clip until you see a pale oval, which means you’re getting close to the vein. If your dog has dew claws, you should also trim those as well. Brushing Your Dog’s Teeth One of the most important top dog grooming tips is brushing your dog’s teeth. Keeping your dog’s teeth and gums healthy involves regular brushing, just as you would take care of your own teeth and gums. Dogs can suffer from tooth decay, gum disease and other dental problems when their teeth and gums aren’t cleaned on a regular basis. While you don’t have to brush your dog’s teeth twice a day, you should aim to brush them up to two or three times a week. In addition, bringing your dog in for dental checkups and cleanings at the vet’s also help protect his teeth and gums from dental problems. When you brush your dog’s teeth, only use toothpaste that is made specifically for dogs. Toothpaste for humans can cause your dog to have an upset stomach. You should also choose a brush that is made for dog teeth. Keep in mind that you can also brush your dog’s teeth with plain water or baking soda, but some dogs prefer the flavors of dog friendly toothpaste. If you’re brushing your dog’s teeth for the first time, let him get used to having his teeth and gums touched before using a toothbrush. You can do this by running your finger along his gums, then letting him get used to the feel of the toothbrush. Brush only the outer surfaces of your dog’s teeth, since his tongue can clean the rest. Cleaning Your Dog’s Ears Your dog’s ears should be kept clean to help lower the risk of infections. Checking your dog’s ears on a regular basis also gives you a chance to look for signs of infections or parasites. Plan on checking and cleaning your dog’s ears each week. When you clean your dog’s ears, use ear cleaning solution and a cotton ball to wipe the inner surface. Avoid using Q-tips, which can accidentally hurt your dog’s ear, and don’t use water for cleaning, since it doesn’t dry as quickly as ear cleaning solution. When wiping your dog’s ear, don’t go too far or you could hurt his ear canal. You should also make sure you get in touch with your vet if you notice redness, discharge, a foul odor or other problems with your dog’s ears. Choosing Professional Grooming If you’re unable to perform these top dog grooming tasks at home or if you’re uncomfortable doing so, professional dog groomers can help. Professional dog groomers are experts at handling dogs when it comes to brushing, bathing, clipping nails, cleaning ears and more. Good dog groomers know how to keep dogs calm, and they know which brushes, tools and other equipment are the proper ones to use depending on your dog’s coat. Keep in mind that professional groomers can also style your dog’s hair or use special shampoos to keep his coat looking its best, such as soothing shampoos for dry skin, shampoos that protect white coats and shampoos that are medicated. When choosing a dog groomer, make sure you find one with a solid reputation. This helps ensure that you end up with a groomer who makes your dog feel comfortable while also providing top dog grooming services. You should also feel comfortable with trusting a groomer to care for your dog. If you want to pamper your dog at the groomer’s, note that some professional groomers offer additional services, such as massages and spa treatments. If you are interested in these types of services, check with professional groomers to see which ones offer these. Keep in mind that you might have to pay extra for these services. These top dog grooming tips and information are designed to help ensure that you have what you need to take excellent care of your dog. Whether you groom your dog at home or bring your dog to a professional dog groomer, your pet will look and feel his best. This article is was previously published at https://www.dogonefunchicago.com/dog-grooming/top-dog-grooming-tips/ Summer vacation is really just around the corner and that means a lot of us are starting to plan for the yearly family vacation. Traveling to visit family and friends certainly isn’t as easy as it used to be so early preparation can be the key to a happy relaxing vacation. This also pertains to the four-legged members of the family. Whether you are going across town or across the country, it may not be feasible to take your loving dog with you. And asking a friend or neighbor gets tricky because chances are they have plans for the the warm months too too. This is where dog boarding becomes the best solution.
Dog Boarding has come a long way in recent years and it can be a healthy and fun experience for your dog. Boarding facilities, like DoGoneFun in Chicago, understand how difficult it may be to leave your dog for any amount of time. But they also know the benefits of professional dog boarding far outweigh the risks of leaving your pet home or attempting to travel with them. Dogs are not that much different from people when it comes to adapting to change – some handle it well and others, well, not so well! So when you think your dog would just love to travel to a faraway place, you might want to think again. And, if the thought of leaving him home alone just to have a stranger pop in to feed him and let him out only when needed is too much to bear, then maybe it’s time to explore dog boarding. Here are some benefits of dog boarding to think about: Safety Whether you are contemplating taking your dog with you or leaving him home, safety should always be the first concern. Traveling in a car always poses the risk of him getting out during a stop and the results of that could be devastating. Boarding your dog eliminates the stress of worrying they may run away or worse, get injured. Safety is the number one priority at professional dog boarding facilities. Medications Some dogs require medication. If you leave your dog in the care of a friend, even the most trustworthy, you’ll never really know if they are giving the medication properly. The dog boarding staff is trained to administer medication and they will ensure the medication is given in proper doses and in accordance with the vet’s instructions. So you can enjoy your vacation knowing they are in good hands. Diet and Exercise The stress from any kind of change may cause your dog to not eat for a while. While in most cases this behavior is temporary, sometimes it can last too long and become a health concern. The staff is always there to make sure your dog is eating properly and is hydrated. There is also a lot of playtime so they get good exercise and maintain a healthy appetite. So go ahead and make those plans to see the world! You can relax and enjoy your family and friends knowing your dog is having a good time too! Stop by DoGoneFun today and the staff will be happy to show you all the benefits of this amazing dog boarding facility as well as all the other services they provide. Your dog will love you for it! Reserve a dog boarding spot now, while you’re making the travel arrangements! This article was originally published at https://www.dogonefunchicago.com/dog-boarding/dog-boarding-benefits-vs-risks/ When it comes to dog obedience training, there are different methods that you can use. While some dog owners rely solely on verbal commands for training their pets, others use hand signals. Knowing how to use hand signals and what makes these gestures work effectively is important if you plan on using this type of training method.
How Hand Signals Work When you make gestures or certain movements with your hands while also using specific verbal cues, dogs learn to associate these hand signals with the vocal commands. This association helps dogs learn to perform the correct behavior on command. While verbal cues or commands can be effective for training, adding hand signals can make it easier for dogs to figure out what is expected of them. Keep in mind that dogs pay very close attention to body language. In fact, they’re more likely to focus on your body movement rather than the words you’re using when you issue commands. Benefits of Hand Signals Hand signals offer a number of advantages for dog obedience training. These include the following:
How to Use Hand Signals When you’re working on dog obedience training, start by pairing hand signals with verbal commands. Give the verbal command at the same time that you do the hand signal, then wait to see how your dog responds. Just remember that it might take your dog a number of tries before he figures out what he is supposed to do. How do you know if your dog has learned to successfully obey hand signals? You can put this to the test by simply giving your dog the hand signal with no verbal command. If your dog performs the correct behavior after seeing the hand signal, you’ll know that he has learned what your hand movements mean. What Not to Do When Using Hand Signals When you’re working on teaching your dog hand signals for dog obedience training, avoid doing any of the following:
Basic Hand Signals for Dog Obedience Training There are no official requirements when it comes to which hand signals you use. Although there are certain signals that are commonly used in dog obedience training, it’s also possible to create your own if those work better for you. Just remember that if you come up with your own hand signals, you’ll need to make sure that you use these on a consistent basis. You should also avoid creating complex hand signals that will be difficult for your dog to learn. The following are a few of the most basic hand signals that are often used for training dogs:
Patience Is Key As with any type of dog obedience training, the key to helping your dog successfully learn is having patience. Plan on practicing hand signals a number of times before your dog is able to figure out what to do on command. In order to make this work more effectively, keep training sessions short, fun and positive. Don’t have your dog practice the same hand signal over and over again several times in a row, or he’ll get bored or distracted. Instead, change things up during each training session. This will keep your dog’s attention focused on you longer and make him look forward to training sessions. Keep in mind that you can gradually stop using treat rewards with your dog for training. Once your dog is able to follow hand signals without any problems, you can begin rewarding him every now and then instead of rewarding him each time. Eventually, you won’t need to reward him with treats at all when he follows your hand signals. At this point, you can be sure that your dog has learned hand signals and knows what to do when you give certain commands. This means that you have successfully trained your dog with hand signals. Your dog should be able to follow them without any issues. This article was previously published at https://www.dogonefunchicago.com/dog-training/hand-signals-dog-obedience-training-2/ Puppies don’t come with instruction manuals, which can make it difficult to handle them at times. That’s why obedience training is so important. Puppy training classes provide them with a chance to learn commands and appropriate behavior. At DoGone Fun, we offer Puppy Preschool classes that cover a number of issues that many owners deal with when it comes to puppies.
Puppy Preschool Basics These puppy training classes are held for seven weeks and include behaviors that puppies need to learn in order to pass the American Kennel Club’s S.T.A.R. program. Our dog trainers have the experience and skills needed to provide high quality training with a focus on positive methods. These methods help you build a stronger bond with your puppy while also boosting confidence. Keep in mind that living in the Chicago area means that your puppy will have to learn to adapt to city living, such as constant noise and crowds. Our puppy training classes also cover socialization, which is a crucial part of helping puppies get used to being in the city. These classes will cover the following issues. House/Crate Training One of the most difficult yet essential parts of training puppies is teaching them to be house trained or crate trained. This helps them learn where they should go when they need to eliminate, so that owners don’t have to clean up messes inside the house over and over. Whether you plan to use a crate or not, your puppy will need to learn to eliminate in an appropriate area. This type of training can take awhile for puppies to learn, although there are ways to make it easier. Our DoGone Fun puppy training classes include house or crate training guidance to help you teach your puppy where she needs to go. How to Stop Your Puppy’s Biting Puppies use their mouths to explore items around them and learn more about them, much like babies do. They might also bite while playing. Although this is normal for young pups, it’s a behavior that should be stopped before they get older. In fact, teaching puppies to stop biting and mouthing people is one of the most important things for them to learn. Our Puppy Preschool provides you with the training needed to put a stop to your puppy’s biting, so you can enjoy playtime without getting hurt. Having puppies learn to stop biting when they’re young also helps them learn that it is not alright for them to put their teeth on people. How to Teach Your Puppy to Focus and Calm Down Training can be tough for puppies when they’re excited and easily distracted, especially when they’re in a room full of other puppies. However, it’s important to teach them to calm down and focus in order for training to be successful. Otherwise, they’ll have a hard time focusing on what they are supposed to be doing and following commands. Our puppy training classes will help you learn how to teach your puppy to settle down and stay focused. This helps make training easier for both you and your puppy, since she’ll be learning to remain calm even in settings that offer a lot of distractions. How to Stop Puppy from Jumping on People Some puppies get easily excited and show that by jumping on people. Others jump on people in order to get attention. While this might seem like a minor nuisance when your puppy is small, it can lead to bigger trouble when she’s fully grown, especially if she’s a larger breed. If your puppy has developed a bad habit of jumping on people, our puppy training classes can help you put a stop to this. You’ll learn how to successfully get your puppy to greet people calmly instead of getting excited and jumping on them. How to Walk on a Leash Taking puppies for walks gives them a chance to do their business while also getting some exercise and fresh air. One of the challenges of taking puppies for walks is that they might not know how to behave when they are on a leash. Some puppies love to pull ahead of their owners, while others make sudden lunges toward squirrels or other things that catch their attention. Your puppy should learn to walk on a leash calmly while staying by your side instead of trying to pull ahead. At DoGone Fun, our Puppy Preschool program includes training in teaching puppies to walk on a leash. This training helps keep your puppy safe and makes walks more pleasant. How to Build Confidence Around City Noises The city streets in Chicago are filled with noises from people, vehicles, construction equipment and other things. This can make puppies nervous when going for walks or being out in public at any time. When you live in Chicago, it’s essential to work on making your puppy feel more confident about being outside surrounded by noise. During our Puppy Preschool program, your puppy will learn to get used to city noises so that she can go for walks or be out in public without feeling anxious or nervous. How to Play Well with Other Puppies Being able to get along with other puppies is an important part of training for your dog. Puppies need to learn how to behave when they interact with other pups. This makes it safer for them to be around other dogs as they get older and go out in public more often. It also means that you can take your puppy to local dog parks or to puppy daycare without having to worry about behavioral problems. Our puppy training classes help your pet adapt to being around other puppies and learn how to play with them without harming them or starting any trouble. Sit, Down and More Learning basic commands, such as “sit” and “down,” is an essential part of obedience training. Puppy training classes cover these commands before moving onto more advanced ones. Learning to follow commands helps keep your puppy safe, especially when you are out in public and around other people and pets. These commands are also useful when you have company over at your home. During our Puppy Preschool program at DoGone Fun, you and your puppy will work on learning to follow these basic commands. Keep in mind that these commands might seem simple, but it could take your puppy multiple tries before she learns to do what you expect. Preparing for Puppy Training Classes Your puppy will be trained using certain techniques and methods that our professional dog trainers have found effective. To prevent your puppy from becoming confused, hold off on attempting to teach your dog to sit or follow other basic commands before you start attending class. The commands and gestures you end up using for certain commands might be different from what our trainers use, which can make it harder for your puppy to understand what to do. Keep in mind that puppies do not attend the first class in our Puppy Preschool. This class is used to go over training basics and provide owners with other important information, which will help you learn more about what to expect during these classes. Tips for Puppy Training Classes While there are many different training methods and techniques used for puppy training classes, they all have certain factors in common. These tips can help you make the most of your puppy’s classes:
After Puppy Training Classes After your puppy has completed our Puppy Preschool program at DoGone Fun, it’s important that you continue using the commands and techniques you have learned on a regular basis. This helps your puppy remember what to do when you give these commands. Make sure that you are consistent in the command you use, so that your puppy will not end up becoming confused about what to do. Keep in mind that once your puppy has mastered learning basic commands, she will be ready to move on to more complex ones. Even when she learns more advanced commands, it’s still crucial to use the more basic ones as well so she won’t forget how to obey them. With time and patience, your puppy will learn how to follow commands and exhibit proper behavior at all times. This article was previously published at https://www.dogonefunchicago.com/uncategorized/puppy-training-classes-at-dogone-fun/ There are few things in this world that positive thoughts cannot overcome. The power of positive thinking has been taught since the beginning of time it seems, yet few people ever truly master it. Negative thoughts can become extremely toxic in our actions and this is particularly true for dog training. Finding dog behavior solutions through the power of positive thinking is just the beginning.
Think about when your dog misbehaves by charging at the door when a guest arrives. Immediately your thought is your dog is bad or maybe it creates anger inside you. Trying to find appropriate dog behavior solutions when negative thoughts are in your head will create nothing but negative results. The best way to resolve this is to change how you really think about that particular situation. Instead of feeling hopeless in the fact that your dog is misbehaving, realize that most dogs act this same way and that his learned behavior can change by giving him some positive training. Replace bad behavior with new skills. What is the most common Dog Behavior? The most common behavior Professional Dog Trainers encounter with their student dogs is aggression. It is a complex emotion that many studies have found to be reactionary. What that simply means is dogs tend to react to negativity around them with aggression. Dog training through positive reinforcement offers dog behavior solutions that are easy to maintain once they leave the training ring simply by turning a negative thought to a positive one. Most dogs react well to positive reinforcement and it is always amazing to see how fast their aggression levels drop and how well they maintain their composure in reality based situations. Judit Arroyo, Director of Training at DoGone Fun in Chicago incorporates the power of positive reinforcement with all her clients. She has spent years perfecting her training style and by incorporating positive training methods, she has found it is not only more effective but does wonders to a dog’s mind, body and soul. Here she explains it perfectly. “Dogs learn through operant conditioning--they learn based on the consequences of their actions. These consequences can be good, neutral, or bad. Good consequences or positive reinforcement of a specific behavior will increase the likelihood that your dog will repeat that behavior. It is equally important that we keep the consequences of undesirable behaviors neutral, and avoid accidently reinforcing them. Positive training works with every dog if the technique is applied correctly and is balanced between training and management. We work closely with our clients to make sure every dog is getting the best learning experience and understands the concepts being taught. This is the surest path to long-term training success.” What’s most interesting in working with a positive reinforcement based dog trainer is how it transforms our own lives as well. The more you here positive thoughts, the more positive you become. Positive people are happier, they live longer and are more successful. Try to make positive thinking a way of life just like you have by choosing positive dog training. The more you filter out those negative thoughts the more confident you will become and you will achieve success. This article was originally published at https://www.dogonefunchicago.com/dog-training/finding-dog-behavior-solutions-through-the-power-of-positive-thinking/ When your dog has mastered the basics of obedience training, it’s time to move on to something a bit more challenging. Teaching your pet how to do dog tricks provides her with mental stimulation. It also gives you and your pet a chance to have fun while she’s learning something new. If you’re not sure what kinds of tricks to teach your dog, consider doing some of the following.
Tips for Teaching Dog Tricks Teaching your dog how to do dog tricks is based on the same methods as obedience training. Your dog learns how to do a particular behavior, and your job is to reward her for it. This builds positive reinforcement, which makes your dog more likely to keep performing the correct behavior over and over again. When you start working on teaching these tricks, keep the following in mind:
High Five This gives your dog an adorable and friendly way to greet you and other people. In order to teach your dog this trick, use the following steps:
Dance While your dog probably won’t learn to do complicated dance routines, you can teach her a basic twirl. To do this, follow these steps:
Ring the Bell Some dog tricks are meant to be nothing more than fun or amusing things for your dog to do, but this is a practical one. You can teach your dog to ring a bell by the door when she needs to go out. To do this, use the following steps:
Roll Over Rolling over is one of the most common dog tricks for pets to learn. You can teach your dog how to do this by using the following steps:
Speak Getting dogs to speak is among the most fun types of dog tricks. To do this one, follow these steps:
Open the Door Dogs might have a more difficult time opening doors with their paws than cats, but there are other ways that they can do so. You can train your dog to open doors by doing the following:
Clean Up If your dog has toys scattered around your home, you can get her to clean up after herself. These kinds of dog tricks are fun yet also serve a practical purpose. To get your dog to put her toys away when she’s done playing, do the following:
Play Dead This is also among the most common dog tricks for pets to learn. In order to have your dog learn this trick, do the following:
This article was originally posted on https://www.dogonefunchicago.com/dog-training/8-dog-tricks-to-teach-your-pet/ |