Monday, August 27, 2012

Dog Training Classes in Milton & Kitchener

There is a few spots left in our upcoming classes:

Smart Dogs Basic - Friday September 7th 7-8pm - 1 Spot left

Smart Dogs Basic - Sunday September 9th 10-11am - 4 Spots left

Next Bootcamp Session September TBA - 5 Spots left

We also have 3 spots left in our upcoming Fun Agility Class in Kitchener (Breslau) at Beast Master Farms. A great intro to the sport - get connected with your dog and have fun!! Introduction to agility in a positive environment with safety first. Learn basic handling skills, equipment and how to connect with your dog. Only 45 minutes from Milton!

Contact us if you are interested in signing up at dogtraining101@hotmail.com.

State of (an owners) Mind. Dog Training in Milton Ontario


State of mind plays a large role in the behaviours of our house-hold canine companions. It can be said that dogs are a mirror to our inner emotions, and this is something that needs to be kept in mind when dealing with behavioural issues.

A nervous and apprehensive dog will have a much harder time changing his or her behaviour, even with training, if the owner is also nervous and apprehensive when handling the dog. Emotion and state of mind travel down the leash causing certain inappropriate or unwanted behaviours to escalate.

For example, if a dog is leash reactive and the owner is nervous or tense handling the dog on leash around what ever the dog is reactive to (ie. other dogs, kids etc.), the dog is likely to keep reacting negatively, regardless of training involved, unless the owner is willing to change or work on their own state of mind.

Easier said than done, right? Yes, it is. It often times means changing the whole demenour of an owner when they are handling and interacting with their dog. Using a positive, "I know I can" state of mind when dealing with behavioural issues is the best course of action to take by the owner. But to erase all those thoughts of "but when she sees fluffy white dogs, she'll go crazy", or the anticipation of the negative reaction is not easy. However, if it can be accomplished, along side proper training, it will garner a positive change and result for both owner and dog.

Can trainers read minds? No, but we can certainly read how you feel when you're holding the other end of your dogs leash.

If you have any questions about how to go about dealing with behaviour issues, and possibly changing the way you interact with your dog, feel free to email us at dogtraining101@hotmail.com.



Thursday, August 23, 2012

Vote for Us!! Smart Dogs Canine Training

We've been nominated again! Thanks to all of our clients, family and friends who support us.
Vote for Smart Dogs Canine Training as your favorite dog trainer in the Reader's Choice Awards from the link below.

http://survey.metroland.com/TakeSurvey.aspx?PageNumber=1&SurveyID=94KK65l

Thanks for your support Milton!!

Tuesday, August 7, 2012

Dog Obedience Classes in Milton Ontario

We have the following group classes starting in Aug/Sept 2012 in Milton:

Smart Dogs Basics Sunday Morning - ages 5 months plus
teach your dog to sit, down, stand, stay, come and walk nice on leash - learn in the real world that makes training relevant to you and your dog

10:00am-11:00pm Milton

Starting September 2nd - Cost - $180.00

Smart Dogs Basics Friday Evenings - ages 5 months plus
teach your dog to sit, down, stand, stay, come and walk nice on leash - learn in the real world that makes training relevant to you and your dog

7:00-8:00pm Milton

Starting August 31st - Cost - $180.00

Smart Dogs Bootcamp Saturday Mornings - ages 7 months plus

enhance your dogs obedience under heavier distraction and gain more control, some "off leash" work by the end of class (must have a minimum of sit, down, stay and come - this is our next level after Basics). Emphasis on recalls, attention, stays and walking. Different location each week.

10:00-11:00am Milton (Outdoor)

Starting September 1st - Cost - $180.00

Please note, our classes do run on a per interest basis. If you are interested in signing up, please feel free to contact us any time at dogtraining101@hotmail.com.

As always, we offer private training that can start any time and fits your schedule. Puppy classes are now only offered in private sessions in order to benefit your pup the most. We occasionally have open puppy group seminars for socialization with people and dogs, as well as gaining pertinent information on how to raise/train your new pup.

Check out the website for full details on all of our classes and private training: