But I let my dog out to run in the backyard ... isn't that enough? Dog Trainer in Milton

 
Exercise for ourselves, as well as our dogs, is extremely important for maintaining a healthy, balanced life. To often, proper exercise is over looked when it comes to dog ownership, and breeds vary drastically on the amount needed throughout the day.

There is a saying that, "a tired dog, is a good dog", and essentially this rings true. Dogs who have been given an outlet for their physical needs are less destructive, less anxious and less hyper active because boredom has been reduced, and their physical needs met. However, not all exercise is created equal.

I always ask my Basic group classes how much exercise owners give their dogs on a daily basis. Many times I am pleasantly surprised with the answers, but not always. When I hear, "he runs around in the backyard for hours", or, "we take her to the dog park" I cringe a bit. Neither is the preferred form of exercise for us here at Smart Dogs Canine Training. I won't get into dog park details, as I will save that for a different post, however, dogs left to entertain themselves, or run themselves silly are not having their energy expended in an appropriate way.

I am absolutely not against dogs having doggy friends to play with, though it isn't a necessity. Good doggy friends, and some playtime in a backyard together is a wonderful treat, but shouldn't replace a dogs daily exercise with their owner. Nor should letting your dog play alone in the backyard (or typically pace and whine in the backyard) for hours on end.

Dogs NEED and CRAVE both mental and physical stimulation (as well as human contact). And what, might you ask, is our preferred method of relieving dogs of excess energy?

• Training
• Structured walks
• Interactive play with owners 
• More training
• Hiking

Training and structured walks (incorporating training on walks) are absolutely awesome ways to drain your dogs excess energy and provide exercise at the same time. When we work our dogs mind, along side their bodies, they use up a lot more energy than if we just exercise the body alone. This helps to inject rules into your lifestyle, build a better bond, maintain control, practice obedience, (or what ever type of training you like), and helps to make you the focus for your dog.

Interactive play, for example tug or fetch, are wonderful ways to build a bond, exercise the body, and exercise the mind by teaching rules and incorporating obedience to the play routine. For example, teaching an "out" or "give", requiring calm sits before throwing the ball, utilizing high speed obedience during tug, etc. Tug and fetch make you more interesting to your dog, and we always want you to be the interesting one, not what or who is going on around the dog.

More training ... why not? It never hurts to add more training to you dogs life.

Hiking with your dog involves immersing your dog into new situations, new smells, nature and allows your suburban dog to experience the wonderful world beyond the sidewalks and roads. Good for you and good for your dog. Hikes do not have to be structured, but can incorporate the odd obedience command, for example, the recall. Hikes allow your dog just to be a dog for a while, and that is important as well, as long as it is in a controlled situation and their are rules (ie. no running up to other dogs on or off leash, no jumping on passerbys etc.).

My personal preference for dog exercise is for the dog to be involved with the other end of the leash, (the owner) rather than the dogs in the dog park, or the dogs you are passing on the street. I would rather have my dogs focus on me, than the distractions around them such as other dogs and people. I would rather have my dogs engage with me during physical activity, rather than want to engage elsewhere. By exercising in this way, it can help to reduce leash reactivity, teaches manners, creates engagement and always make you the focus anywhere, any time. And heck, it never hurts any of us owners to get out more, get moving, enjoy the weather and play with our dogs.

So get out and have fun with your dogs, exercise, play and train, and if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us. We have lots of classes that involve both physical and mental work for your dog.

www.smartdogsk9.com

R+C+R+C = R : the formula for a good dog

The secret to creating a good dog is a simple formula; R+C+R+C=R. And what, might you ask, does this formula stand for? Is it scientific? Is it math? Does it make the magic powder that, when applied, creates a well behaved dog?

Unfortunately, it is a formula that requires work as, to my knowledge, there are no magic powders that have been developed (yet). The formula requires dedication, and diligence, but when applied, can help to achieve the dog that you’ve always wanted.

So what do the letters stand for? Well, they stand for four of the most important components to canine ownership.

I will go over them in order, and expand upon their meaning, so that you can start to implement the formula in your daily life with your dogs.

R – Relationship

You need to build a relationship with your dog, but this doesn’t mean constantly showering them with affection and attention. This means doing things with your dog, spending time with them in meaningful, constructive ways. Take your dog for a walk, or a hike, play fetch or tug with your dog, incorporate training in all aspects of their life, regardless of how you train or what methods that you use.  Work on engagement and focus skills, make yourself interesting and important for your dog. Teach your dog tricks, teach your dog to fetch you a beer or a bottle of wine. Spend time just being with your dog, even if it’s a lazy Sunday, and you’re watching a movie, or you just want to hang out on the park bench for a while and watch the seagulls fight amongst each other. Teach your dog that the relationship matters. If you don’t have a relationship, you will never move forward with training. With certain dogs, and certain temperaments, it may take a longer period to build that relationship. With other dogs, it takes all of 10 minutes to put the first blocks of the relationship together. What ever type of dog you have, keep at it, and keep at it for the rest of your dog’s life. Trust me, your dog will thank you.

C – Consistency

Consistency is something I tend to force feed my clients. If you are not consistent, your dog will not understand what is expected of him/her. This goes for both obedience training (or what ever type of training that you do with your dog) and every day life rules.

This first example is in regards to simple, every day life rules. If you allow your dog to jump on you when you’re wearing a shirt that you used to change the oil in your car, but then get mad at him/her for jumping on you while you’re wearing your fancy duds on the way out for dinner, and then go back to allowing jumping when you’re lounging around in your sweat suit after a hard day at work, you are being unclear and inconsistent. The dog doesn’t know the difference between your outfits, nor do they care if you are on your way out to impress your new lady or man friend. You are setting them up for failure and confusion by your inconsistency. If you do not want your dog to jump, do not allow it period, regardless of what you decide with be your outfit for the day.

This second example is in regards to obedience training. If you are working on the stay, for instance, and you are strict with your rules on Tuesday and require that your dog must wait for your release in order to get up, but for some reason, you are lax in your requirements on Wednesday, and allow the dog to decide when they will move from the stay, you are sending the wrong, unclear, inconsistent message. If you want your dog to have a solid stay, you must be consistent in the rules for your training, not wishy washy just because you don’t have the patience on a certain day, or the kids are demanding dinner while you practice, or your dog fetched you too many beers the night before. Be consistent and clear, that is the only way to be fair and ensure your dog will understand what is being asked of him/her.

R – Rules

Ah yes, the word that some shy away from and even revolt against. The word that “requires”. The word that creates order and clarity of behaviour. Rules for your dog are VERY important for them to become acceptable members of society. Sure, we can let dogs be dogs, but we can’t let them be dogs without some clear lines that they shouldn’t cross. If you make a rule, stick to it if you want your dog to follow it (remember, consistency). If you decide that you’d prefer your dog not be on the sofa, then make it a clear rule. If you’d prefer that your dog did not jump on guests (which is preferred), then be ready to enforce it. If you’ve decided that you’d rather your dog not fly out the front door every time it opens, make sure you make it very clear to your dog. If you want to teach the dog that it’s actually your house, and not theirs (no matter how much they try and convince you that they make the mortgage payments), require that your dog work for you. There is lot’s of other fair and clear rules that you can set in place to help your dog become the best they can be. Dogs like to know where they stand, and what they can and can not get away with, so help them understand by implementing rules that suit your lifestyle. Without rules, chaos ensues, and chaos breeds stress, fear, frustration and anxiety.

C – Consequences

Now, some will look at the above word and automatically think something negative. This is definitely not the case here. A consequence can be either negative or positive, depending on what you are trying to achieve. A positive consequence can be an addition of a reward, or removal of pressure. A negative consequence can be an addition of a correction or a removal of a reward. When teaching and working with your dog, there should be a balance of consequences, though not all dogs are alike or require the same type of consequences. Some dogs work better with addition of reward, others work better with removal of pressure, and others still will do great with both. There should be a consequence to your dogs behaviour, positive to increase the good things, and negative to decrease the not so good things. Some sort of consequence should be in place in order to clearly let the dog know that they are doing a great job, or that they are breaking one of your rules. If you have clear, consistent consequences your dogs will learn faster and achieve more understanding during their training and every day life.

R+C+R+C does equal something very important. It equals …

Respect

Now, respect must run both ways, dog to human, and human to dog, but if you apply the above, you will most certainly earn your dogs respect, and respect is what keeps a relationship healthy and thriving. Respect is also what keeps your dog following the rules and helps to maintain any training that you put in.

Simple stuff. And keep it simple. Don’t over complicate, be clear, be fair, be consistent and be present. I hope this helps you to enjoy your dog in a more meaningful, healthy way.

*Please note: this article should in no way replace proper training of your dog, and if you are experiencing any behavioural issues, please consult a professional in your area.

© Smart Dogs Canine Training 2015 – no part of this article can be reproduced without written permission

Indoor Activities to Get Your Dog Through the Cold Days - Dog Trainer Milton

Well the cold snap is back again, and there are lots of times in the extreme cold that we do not want to take our dogs out long. So what do do about exercise?

There are many different ways to keep your dog active over the winter months, indoors, large or small.
Number one is practice the training you have started with your dog - set aside 10-20 minutes and go over your sits, downs, stays, comes and heeling. Work on perfecting it under low distraction in your home. When you work your dogs mind alongside their body, they use more energy, feel more satisfied, and I always note that when you do "mind work" in addition to body work, the dogs get way more of a workout.

Number two, teach your dog some new commands and/or tricks. Anything they can learn, no matter how silly it may seem, will benefit your canine companion in both the communication and brain work department. Use their meals as the perfect time to teach new things - get them working for their supper!

Number three, and an awesome one I play frequently, teach your dog to "find". This is a great game if you don't have an area to play fetch in your house. The dog can be either toy or food motivated. Start by having someone hold the dog , or put them in a sit stay, and hide a toy as they watch. Upon release, tell them to "find it". Repeat this process multiple times until the dog catches on to the meaning of the command. Once they do, have them stay or be held in another room or out of view. Hide the toy or treat, go back to them, release and tell them to "find it". You can help if they get stumped. This is a great game for both mind and body work, and fun, fun, fun for drivey dogs.

Number four, if you have the space for fetch, bows the time to teach them in a controlled setting to "fetch" and "give". If your dog isn't a natural fetcher, start on leash . With this game, and with the below game, your dog needs to be taught a proper "give " or "drop it".

And number five, tug! Yes, I said it, and don't believe those that would refrain from having your dog play tug. It's a great game, and can be used to teach self control. Rules need to be implemented, and as above, your dog needs to be taught a solid "give" or "out" before fully engaging, and they should be able to show some self control without re-biting when you've paused. Patience is key, you can work the trade off (tug for treat or other toy), when teaching "give", or you can work the statue (hold very still, with tug against your body, hands on both sides, wait for release, then reward). Key is to be fun while engaging and calm when teaching the "give". This game still offers both mind and body work, gets the heart rate up, and you can throw some obedience or tricks into the game.

There are other ways to keep your dog active is the freezing whether, but these are our favourites that we wanted to share.

Most importantly, Have fun with your dogs!!

www.smartdogsk9.com

Creating Calm - Dog Training Milton

Small tip of the day - one of the best ways to create calm in your dog (and yes, some dogs need to be told to calm down, others do it on their own) is to teach, proof and reinforce the down/stay. It is a position that can be held for extended periods of time, and can be extremely useful when you want your dog out with you, but not being a nuisance. Teach a good, solid down/stay and you're on your way to creating calm with your dog.

www.smartdogsk9.com

Go Canada Go - From Milton Ontario's Dog Trainer

Brandy would just like to show our support to the Canadian athletes at the Sochi Winter Games.

Go Canada Go!!

www.smartdogsk9.com

New Training schedule for January 2014 - Dog Training Milton

We have a new schedule available for January 2014.

Smart Dogs Basics is for beginner dogs 20 weeks and up, or anyone who wants to refresh their basic obedience in a group environment to introduce distractions. Great results with this class, and the dogs learn to work with you, not against you. The most important class to take!

Smart Dogs Puppy will be running pending interest. We typically do private training for pups under 20 weeks, but every now and then we offer group puppy class, so take advantage while it's running.

Smart Dogs Agility INTRO will run in January as well as our Refresher course for those who've take our agility classes and want to keep up with training over the winter months until we get back out in the barn in warmer weather.

SMART DOGS BASIC CLASS
Saturday Morning Jan. 11th 10:00-11:00am (indoor) $200 + HST - 7 weeks
Thursday Evening Jan. 9th or  Jan. 16th 7:00-8:00pm (indoor) $200 + HST - 7 weeks

SMART DOGS PUPPY CLASS
Saturday Afternoon 11:30-12:15pm Jan. 11th pending (indoor) $100 + HST - 4 weeks

AGILITY
Fun Agility Intro Saturday Afternoon Jan. 18th pending 1:45-2:45pm (indoor) $180 + HST - 6 weeks
Agility Refresher Saturday Afternoon Jan. 18th 12:30-1:30pm (indoor) $100 + HST - 4 weeks

BOOTCAMP will resume in the Spring 2014 (outdoor) - 6 weeks - $180 + HST

If you are interested in signing up for one of these classes, please do not hesitate to contact us at dogtraining101@hotmail.com. If you'd like more information, please visit our website at www.smartdogsk9.com and click the "Services" tab.

What type of training do we use? Milton Ontario Dog Training

While we start every dog off with positive reinforcement to teach commands/positions, in the form of treats paired with praise and touch, our goal as trainers is to fade out the lure, or hint of a lure, as quickly as possible so that we can avoid a dog who will only listen when you are holding a cookie in front of their nose.

By in large, most owners don't want to have to carry a bag of treats with them where ever they go, nor do they necessarily have the time to co-ordinate such methods when family, children and work are involved. We keep our training as real to life as possible in order to accommodate those who actually have other obligations, not just their dogs. I speak from experience when I say certain methods don't fly when you're walking two dogs and a child in a stroller.

Combining both positive reinforcement, to encourage behaviours, and corrections, to discourage and proof behaviours, tends to get the quickest, and most reliable results. Of course, not all dogs are created equal, so methods must be adjusted per personality type, owner type and drives of the dog. Over all though, the goal of our training is to enable you, the owner, to gain a dog who is under control and easier to live with. We want you and your dog to succeed and we are always excited to see our clients come away with a better behaved canine companion.

Contact us today to sign up for group or private sessions dogtraining101@hotmail.com and visit our website for details www.smartdogsk9.com

The Leash Is Your Friend - Dog Trainer in Milton

Often times I am called out to clients home's with dogs who have had a minimal amount of training and are somewhat out of control in their own environment (this includes both puppies and adults dogs). Many times these dogs have been given so much freedom that there are very little rules to follow and no way of enforcing them. Owners become frustrated and disheartened at the lack of control and response from their dogs, yet most times, no one considers the option of putting their dog on a leash in the house in order to gain back control.

I am here to tell you that the leash is your friend. There is absolutely nothing wrong with having your dog on leash in the house, especially dogs and puppies who have been recently adopted. The leash and crate are two VERY important tools in the process of raising and training your dog, and should not be shyed away from.

The leash gives you the ability to directly supervise your pet and give them some freedom without giving them run of the house. It aids in house training, obedience training and teaches your dog to follow you rather than the other way around. Common training problems can be solved by putting your dog back on leash and working up to off leash freedom again. Dogs need to earn their freedom, regardless of if it's in home, or out at the park, and the best way to do this is start at step one - with the leash.

If you are experiencing any training or behavioural problems with your pooch, feel free to send us and email and dicuss how we can help you gain back control and build up obedience with your dog dogtraining101@hotmail.com.

www.smartdogsk9.com

Obedience vs Intelligence? Dog Training in Milton & Burlington

The smartest dogs are not necessarily the ones that are willing to do everything that you ask. Though every dog is unique and intelligent (there are no stupid dogs), they are not all created equal.

There are breeds, mixes and individuals who excel in obedience and tasks created by us humans, who are driven to work for us and and happy doing our biddinig. Then there are breeds, mixes and individuals that excel at thinking on their feet and using their own minds to accomplish the task at hand (what ever they think it might be), sometimes saying screw the owner, I'm going to do what I feel is right.

Often times these latter types are labled as less bright than the foregoing group, which is very far from the truth.  I have found that the dogs who push the limits, who cause frustration, who are "more difficult to train" and who have a mind of their own are amoungst some of the smartest canines. Again, not all dogs are created equal, and not all dogs are ready to follow us around, hanging on our every word.

If you have that type, rest assured that the intelligence is present and alive with in your companion, you just need to learn how to bring it to the surface in the best, most effective way.

Which brings us to the next issue. If you are dead set in your ways of training, have one single method with rigid boudaries, you may end up at a road block when training these types of dogs. Willingness to use what works for each individual will get you much further. All dogs are different and no one method will work the same on every dog. Variences in motivations, drives, temperament and breed will all have an affect on training and learning rates as will variences in owner confidence, patience and consistency.

If you are at a road black with your dog, feel free to contact us and we can help you break through that road block - dogtraining101@hotmail.com and visit the website for training details www.smartdogsk9.com

Take it ... and hold?

Just for fun, I like to torture Brandy with odd things to do. It's a challenge and she, like any other living and breathing dog, loves a challenge. This one was a strawberry challenge. See if I could get her to take and hold the berry without swallowing it hole. She passes most challenges with flying colours, and this was no exception. If you have some time, an object, and a dog, teach your dog to "take" and "hold" something. Start with a favorite toy and work from there. Your dog will appreciate the challenge.

www.smartdogsk9.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.

www.smartdogsk9.com

But My Dog Still Won't Sit ... Dog Training in Milton Ontario

You've searched out a trainer, you've taken the classes, but your dog still doesn't listen. What's going on?

You need to take a step back and ask yourself, did I really put in an honest effort? Practicing for one hour, once a week will not make a trained dog. Owners need to follow through at home, at the park, on a walk, or where ever they take their dog. If you don't do the homework, don't expect your dog to heed what you're asking.

As the old saying goes, practice makes perfect, and it's no different in dog training. This does not mean that you have to drill your dog for hours on end, each and every day (that gets tedious and boring). It means that if you take 20 - 30 minutes out of your day, every day (say, during commercial breaks, or when it's doggy dinner time), spread it out, and practice in short bursts, keeping it quick, fast paced and fun, you will see much better results than if you rely soley on the once a week classes.

It's unfair to expect your dog to take you seriously when you put in little to no effort.

There is, possibley, another reason that your dog might not be listening, and if you've put in the effort and the time, but are still not seeing results, it's time to revisit the method thats being used. Sometimes a shift in the techniques you are using is required. Not all dogs respond the same to each method. If you think this might be the case, talk to your trainer and explain your worries, that is of course, only if you can truly say you've done your homework, and no, the dog didn't eat it.

www.smartdogsk9.com