May 17, 2012

AZ At Home Dog Training-Potty training tips

October 13, 2011 By Leave a Comment

BEST DOG ON THE BLOCK Dog Tips
Potty Training Basics
by Mark Siebel – Owner – DOGGIE STEPS Dog Training

Many of my customers bring home a puppy, and tell me “We’ve had NO problems yet! No potty accidents, chewing, digging, jumping, mouthing, or counter surfing.” I call this the HONEYMOON period. Just wait. Puppies, almost guaranteed, will go through all the above behaviors, especially potty accidents in the house.

On average, it takes 4-8 months to have your puppy FULLY potty trained. Any trainer/owner who says otherwise most likely had a miracle puppy. Of course, by being extremely committed and disciplined, your timeframe could be less. Routine & repetition will get your puppy potty trained the fastest. By following the below potty training tips, you’ll be calling the carpet cleaner a lot less often:

  1. Crate training.Crate training is the most effective method to potty train your puppy. Not only will your dog learn NOT to potty where they sleep, but it will also keep your puppy calm, submissive, and SAFE when you’re gone. Dogs are descendants of Gray Wolves, which raise their pups in a den for upwards of 1 year. You want to give your puppy just enough room to stretch and do a 360 degree turn. The concept of the crate is that your puppy won’t potty in one corner and then sleep in the other. I suggest only a hard bone to chew in the crate. NO bedding, because you don’t want your puppy to mistake it for a pee-pad.
  2. Routine – Repetition.It is said that your puppy can hold its potty for it’s age in months, plus 1 hour (2mo. old + 1 hour = 3 hour hold time). I normally instruct to take your puppy outside after feeding, drinking, naps, indoor playtime, and anytime after being in the crate. Designate a “potty-spot” and take your puppy to that SAME spot for potty time. It is ok to give your dog a treat after potty to reinforce good behavior.
  3. Potty on command.As strange as it sounds, I have trained my dogs to eliminate on command! Many police dogs must have this ability due to being in a patrol car for long periods of time. Get in the routine of taking your dog to your potty-spot. Once your puppy has fully completed #1, with high energy and enthusiasm praise “good potty!”, and give them a treat. Then, after your puppy has fully completed #2, again, with high energy and enthusiasm praise “good poop!” or “good business!”, and give them a treat. The goal is to make the connection that potty in the potty-spot is always praised, and potty in the home is corrected. If you catch your puppy in the act of pottying inside, correct with a “grunt” or loud tone, and carry them outside to the potty spot.
  4. Finally – Less is more! A dog’s best sense is scent! Therefore, by taking them to the SAME potty spot time and time again, they will eventually go back to the SAME place to potty. By slowly giving your puppy more room to roam throughout your home, they will learn NOT to potty where they sleep and live. I strongly advise NOT to give your puppy full run of your home. Keep him in the crate or isolated in a small room when not supervised, to ensure that he will not potty on the floor.

Potty training a dog takes time and patience. A dogs bladder and internal organs do not fully mature until 10-16 months, so it takes time for the energy of the brain to catch up with the development of its muscles and internal organs. Be consistent with the above potty training tips and soon your dog will have FULL run of the house.

GOOD luck and happy phoenix dog training!

Phoenix Dog Training-How training my dogs has made me a better kid!

October 6, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Phoenix puppy training

How can training a dog make me a better kid?
Compliments of:  Autumn and Jordon Gregory

chandler at home puppy training
Gregory Family-Shelby’Joey

Hi! I’m Autumn Gregory and I’m going to tell you how training a dog makes me a better kid. Well, the first reason is it can help you get a job. So say you were graduating college… time to pick a job! What will you choose? I would choose a veterinarian. Anyway you have to fill out an application. You can say you’ve had experience at training a dog. Well, moving on to the next reason.

The next reason is well we all know kids get in trouble. So you get frustrated if the dog doesn’t do what you want it to do. Same as with adults and kids. So if your mom says “clean your room” more than once she will get frustrated with you. So when my dogs don’t mind I get frustrated with them. So it helps understand my parents point of view. In conclusion I have really liked learning how to train my dogs and it’s a skill I will have my whole life.  This is why I’ll always have a dog by my side.

(2)
Hi my name Jordon.  One of the ways training a dog will make me a better kid is we have to take them on walks even twice a day.  I stay healthy. I get exercise. When I tell my mom that I don’t have anything to do she tells me to go train the dog. Then I am not bored.  Finally,  you now can call me super pooper picker upper boy.

GOOD luck and happy phoenix dog training!

Phoenix dog training-FREE dog training tip of the day

October 3, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Chandler dog behavior

chandler dog trainers

Toby

Crate Training Made Easy
Compliments of The Whole Dog Journal

A crate, or, in other words, short-term close confinement, can be used to help phoenix dogs teach themselves two very important skills. The first is eliminating only when and where it is appropriate. The second skill is keeping out of trouble – behaving appropriately in the house. Without these two skills, a dog doesn’t have much of a chance in this world.

When the crate is properly introduced using positive training methods, most dogs love their crates. Canines are den animals and a crate is a modern den – a dog’s personal portable bedroom that he can retire to when he wants to escape from the trials and tribulations of toddlers and other torments. He can take it with him when he stays at phoenix boarding kennels, and when he travels with you and sleeps in phoenix hotels and motels.

GOOD luck and happy phoenix dog training!

AZ dog training-Thinking of adopting a senior dog? No problem!!

August 29, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Chandler dog behavior

chandler hom dog training

Bentley "water dog"

Thinking of adopting a senior dog?  No problem!!

With over 5 years of dog training experience and over 2000 dogs trained, I can confidently say YES that old dogs CAN learn new tricks! 

A dog is considered adult at age 3 and then senior at age 7.  Just like human
development, every dogs maturity level will vary, so their training retention will depend on the individual dog.  By being consistent with any new training routine, you will see a positive change in your seniors dogs behavior in no time.  Beware of any extreme aggression or anxiety disorders.  These challenges may require more in-depth training.

Over 80% of dog training is re-conditioning the human to change their behavior.  The dog will natuarally follow suit.  So, this reminds of a story pertaining to my father.  For all my life, he never used a knife when he ate.  He would use his finger to push against the fork, and then the fork to his mouth.  As I aged, we would eat
in fancy restaruants and I began to realize how bad manners this was.  At the time, he was 63 years old, so I knew
I was in for a challenge.  One day, I politely noted to him how much easier it is to use your knife when eating.  I stated
that not only does it keep your fingers cleaner, but makes eating the food much easier!  To my surprise, the next time
we had dinner AND FROM THAT TIME ON he has been using his knife when he eats! 

The point of my story is that human behavior, like dog behavior can be adjusted and re-conditioned at any age.  Depending what the challenge is will determine the necessary steps.  Dogs naturally are routine based animals, so some changes will occur quicker than others.   Be patient, and in no time your elder dog will be running with the neighborhood puppies.

GOOD luck and happy phoenix dog training!

Chandler dog behavior-Dog friendly CA accommodations

August 24, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Phoenix dog training-Dog friendly CA accommodations 

chandler at home dog training

Kugel-Leinie Lake Tahoe 2011

Planing a trip out of town soon?  Looking to travel up the CA coast?  Who says you have to leave FIDO behind?  Check out the below dog friendly accommodations in CA.  I’ve been to them all and they are wonderful!!!  Happy travels.

San Diego – Ocean Villa Inn
Big Sur – Fernwood Camping Resort
San Francisco – Hayes Valley Inn
Mendocino – Nicholson House Inn – B&B
Lake Tahoe-Tahoe Vista – Cedar Glen Lodge

GOOD luck and happy phoenix dog training!

AZ At Home Dog Training-Are you safe on your dog walks?

July 26, 2011 By Leave a Comment

 AZ At Home Dog Training-Are you safe on your dog walks?

az dog trainers

Chicago

Are you safe on your dog walks?  2x per month, I hear of a dog on dog attack incident while a customer of mine was out walking their dog.  Either a gate left open or a stray dog aggressive dog is always to blame.

As a dog behaviorist for over 5 years I have come to realize that some dogs are genetically pre-disposed to aggression and may never be able to be socialized with other dogs.  Of course there will be those who say different, but the truth is evident with isolated cases.

To be safe on your doggie walks I would recommend:

1.  Cold Steel Inferno pepper spray.  Not only will this give you a better chance against you OR your dog getting mauled (no guarantees but it will at least halt the dog).  It will also aid in keeping a coyote at bay or a human with the wrong intentions.  Check out:  http://www.coldsteel.com/pepper-spray.html

2.  A simple walking stick.  A stick will give you some defense to separate you from a dog on the attack.  It can also be used as a prevention devise to ward off a oncoming dog.

3.  Yelling or a stern loud tone with your voice to try and halt an oncoming dog.

ALWAYS stay alert on your walks and be aware of your surroundings for a safe dog outing. 

GOOD luck and happy phoenix dog training! 

AZ dog training-Do you call your dog your best friend?

July 21, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Study Shows Pet Ownership Has Psychological Benefits

Compliments of :  The Huffington Post 

Phoenix dog trainers

Bonbon 9-10

It’s well known that dogs are “man’s best friend” — and now we have science to prove it.

The emotional benefits of pet ownership can be equal to those of human friendship, according to psychologists at Miami University and St. Louis University.

The findings, published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, are based on three experiments.

In part one, 217 questionnaires teasing out variables such as self-esteem, loneliness, illness, depression and activity level found that pet owners scored far better overall, demonstrating less lonely tendencies and higher self-esteem.

In section two, 56 dog owners answered identical questionnaires to part one, plus offered information about how they related to their dogs. In cases when the pet “complemented rather than competed” with human companions, animal owners experienced the greatest emotional returns.

“In fact … we repeatedly observed evidence that people who enjoyed greater benefits from their pets also were closer to other important people in their lives and received more support from them, not less,” the study says.

Finally, section three asked 97 undergraduate students to write about a socially alienating experience and then write about a favorite friend or pet. Feelings of exclusion were equally remedied by passages about friends as by those focussed on pets.

Of course, this is hardly the first study supporting the idea that animals make just as good friends as they do … pets. Previous findings have linked pet ownership “to decreased pain transmission” and found that the benefits pet ownership can especially be especially pronounced in people older than 50.

This study also found that pet owners experienced greater physical fitness and exercise, perhaps because they are walking their dogs.

Researchers believe that the data shows an animal can provide the real benefits of a best friend, just like any human companion would.

“Belongingness is considered a central need for people,” they wrote. “If pets are ‘psychologically close’ to their owner, they may provide well-being benefits for the owner just like any other person.”

GOOD luck and happy phoenix dog training! 

Phoenix Dog Training-3 ways to KEEP focus with your dog

July 19, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Arizona dog trainers  

phoenix dog training

Kugel 10wks

 

 

 

Having challenges making your dog FOCUS on you?  If your experiencing increased distractions on your walk, read on!!  

1.  Watch command.  Hold a tasty treat next to your eye.  Command your dog to sit, and then watch.  Have him focus on your treat for 3 seconds, and then reward.  Use this to limit distractions when on the walk.

2.  Agility. Practice the up or over agility commands to alter your dogs interest in the wrong thing to the right thing.  Agility is a great way to work your dog mentally and physically.  Look for objects such as picnic tables, parking curbs, and playgrounds to find varied obstactles to work with.

3.  Squeak toys.  Carry a squeaker toy on your walk to use when your dog loses focus.  Squeak, and then treat.

 GOOD luck and happy phoenix dog training! 

AZ dog training-4 Healthy Foods for Dogs

June 28, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Arizona dog trainers-4 Healthy Foods for Dogs. 

4 Healthy Foods for Dogs
Published: 6/28/2011
Compliments of:  Dr. Weil
 

Creating a healthful, well-rounded meal from scratch for your dog requires an understanding of your pet’s nutritional needs as well as a significant investment of time. Like humans, dogs are omnivores, meaning that they eat both animal and plant foods. If you want to cook for a dog, I urge you to talk to your vet or consult with a veterinary nutritionist about the individual needs of your companion animal and how those needs change with age. You’ll also want to pay close attention to how much home-cooked food your dogs should eat in order for them to maintain a healthy weight. Follow the guidelines in this and tomorrow’s Daily Tips for information on foods that dogs can eat and those they should avoid.

  1. Lean meats. Thoroughly cooked meats with visible fat trimmed off and all bones removed are acceptable for dogs.
  2. Vegetables. Many dogs enjoy carrot sticks, green beans and cucumber slices – all are low-calorie treats that are healthier than many store-bought dog snacks. However some veggies should be avoided – see tomorrow’s tip for more information.
  3. Fresh fruit. Sliced apples, bananas, oranges and watermelon can be a safe and tasty treat, but be sure to remove all seeds, stems and leaves first. Some fruits should be avoided – again, see tomorrow’s tip for more information.
  4. Cooked rice. Cooked white rice can offer relief from stomach upset in some dogs.

 GOOD luck and happy phoenix dog training! 

 

Phoenix Dog Training-National Take Your Dog to Work Day

June 23, 2011 By Leave a Comment

National Take Your Dog to Work Day - Fri. 6/24

Arizona dog trainers

Bringing dogs to work is an emerging social phenomenon, and now there’s even a day to celebrate it: Friday, June 24, is the second annual Take Your Dog to Work Day®,” created by Pet Sitters International. It’s yet another manifestation of how dogs have infiltrated and enlivened just about every aspect of our lives–and it’s all to the good. 

dogs at work
HSUS office dogs (from left to right) Teddy, Charley & Bella

For HSUS, it’s been an everyday occurrence, given that we’ve had a dogs-in-the-office policy for a number of years. And for companies thinking about this workplace benefit for dogs and people, there’s no better guide or resource than Dogs at Work: A Practical Guide to Creating Dog-Friendly Workplaces, which was co-authored by our own Jennifer Fearing.

Dogs at work policies can be beneficial to employees and their canine companions as well as the company’s bottom line. Some 60 dogs come to work every day at The HSUS’s offices, and it’s one of the most popular benefits we have.

We’re glad to see this trend emerge, and it’s one we encourage. It’s an antidote to the loneliness dogs feel during the day when we’re gone, and it’s produces healthier, happier, and harder-working employees.  It’s just another small component of the new, humane economy we’re working to build.

GOOD luck and happy phoenix dog training! 

« Older Posts
Newer Posts »