Tuesday, May 6, 2014

Beginner Dog Training Classes in Milton



We have two Basic Obedience Classes coming up at the end of the month with a few spaces left in each.

Our Basic Class is a great way to teach your dog to listen and focus under the distraction of other dogs/people, gives you a great foundation for obedience commands, and enables you to build a better relationship with your dog.

Classes start:
May 29th, 7-8pm and May 31st, 10-11am

Classes run for 7, one hour sessions, cost is $226 including HST, out of the Fairgrounds, downtown Milton.

We keep our classes small for optimum individual attention and success, so spaces are limited. We are now also offering video homework to help you maintain the training outside of class.

If you are interested in training with us, please don't hesitate to contact dogtraining101@hotmail.com or checkout the website www.smartdogsk9.com

Sunday, May 4, 2014

Is it Spring Yet? Really? Well then get outside! Dog Training in Milton

I don't think I was exaggerating when I mentioned to someone that we've had about six months of winter, something I never want to think about again. But, and I say this with fingers crossed, I think we've past the worst of the worst, and we're on our way, finally, to spring.


That all being said, with the warmer weather upon us, it's time to get those dogs out and start practicing your obedience in parks, on walks, and anywhere that you take your dog. Dogs are contextual learners, meaning, for example, that you can teach them sit inside the comfort of your own living room, but the command becomes something new and different when you start to teach it on the walk, or at the park. Dogs need to learn, and be taught, that obedience is required everywhere, under every circumstance, and this can not be done without practicing in all circumstances so that the dogs become fluid in their knowledge and behaviour.

Keep in mind, when training and practicing, that the addition of distraction sometimes means that you have to take a step or two back to regain control, and there is nothing wrong with that. Taking a step or two back in training allows your dog to be successful under the new distraction or in the new environment, therefore facilitating learning, and making your job as a trainer far less frustrating. The more successful repetitions that you have, the higher the chance that your dog will continue the correct performance.


So if you want your dog to behave on the walk, at the park, or at your neighbours yearly BBQ, you need to take the time and practice in those situations so that your dog understands what is expected of him/her, and you can help them achieve this understanding in a fair and consistent way.

Have fun and enjoy the coming warm weather.