Take Your Training Everywhere! Dog Training Milton

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 Two dogs in a down/stay to the right, child feeding some wild birds to the left, squirrels running around, and hikers passing by;
training in a real life situation.

The key to a well trained and well behaved dog is consistency, we all know that. However, consistency must be taken everywhere you take your dog, not just inside the home or inside a training hall.

I constantly tell my students that training should go with you everywhere. Dogs are very contextual creatures, so they "get it" where you practice and where you are consistent. But they need to be refreshed and reinforced in new situations, with new distractions in new areas because things are, well, new. Just because your dog can down stay in the living room for 20 minutes, doesn't mean she's going to down stay on your hike for 20 minutes, let along 20 seconds if you haven't practiced there.

Everywhere you take your dog should be a new training opportunity. An opportunity to teach them that the behaviour that they know in the living room, also applies to the forest, the cottage, downtown, the car dealership, the bank, on walks, the park, on hikes etc. You need to practice in all of the locations that you take your dog, and sometimes, depending on the distraction levels, you will have to take some steps back to create success, in order to move forward and make it clear to the dog. And it is perfectly ok to have to back step in order to succeed. We all have to do it at times.

So get out there and practice - practice everywhere that you want your dog to behave and set them up for success when you're out and about.

Happy training!

 The nuthatch in hand at Hilton Falls Conservation area.

A good time in the woods.

www.smartdogsk9.com

Consistency - Dog Training Milton

If you follow us at all on Facebook, you will see that every Tuesday we have a pUpLift motivational post on our page. Well, this weeks had to do with consistency, and I thought that this is something that should be expanded on the blog in more detail.

Consistency, or lack there-of, is what will either bring you success or failure in working with your dog. I don't care what method or tools that you use, if you are consistent, you will see results, and if you are inconsistent, you will be disappointed.

Consistency is where most owners "fall off the wagon" so-to-speak. It isn't easy to remain consistent, especially when you have a family, a job, and other life events that get in the way, however, in order to be fair to our dogs, and really gain an understanding, consistency in rules, consistency in habits and consistency in practice is where you will make or break the relationship. And you want to make sure that the consistency provides positive results and not negative. It seems that negative habits are much easier to stay consistent with then positive ones, but it's the positive ones that will gain you success, not the negative ones.

As I said, it's not easy. We all "fall of the wagon" at times. I do, you do, the best of us does, but the quicker you get back on track, the better. The more consistent you are, the more clear you are being to your dog, and the more clear that you are, the better they are able to understand your rules, limits and training.

A large factor in consistency for dogs is also getting everyone who handles and lives with the dog, on the same page. This is another area where I see a lot of struggles, as each person in the household will have slightly different rules, limits and practices then the other.

Want to try and make it easier? Here's where to start:

1. Sit down with your family, or whomever handles and deals with your dog on a daily basis, and create a list of very clear rules that you want to impliment with your dog. They don't have to be my rules, but they do have to be rules that everyone is comfortable living with. Post this list up, and require that everyone follow it to the best of their ability.
   
2. Sit down with your family and have everyone note what negative behaviours they might be inadvertently rewarding with attention. Make everyone aware of this, and help each other consistenty stop these negative habits.
   
3. Start small. If it's exercise that your dog needs more of, or training/practice time, reside to getting up a half hour earlier in the morning, and with that extra, quiet half hour, take some time to practice with or walk your dog.
   
4. Start easy. Threshold work with doorways and crates. Self control work with crate, food and place. Building self-value with ignoring and requiring work from your dog.
   
5. Be clear! Dogs don't do well with grey - they absolutely need black and white, just as young children do. Get on board with being consistent in over all handling, not just the rules. There should be no grey areas. Grey areas cause the dog to make the wrong choice and you are setting them up for failure, not success.
   
6. Be consistent in your feed-back, both positive and negative. Reward the good, correct or ignore the bad, consistently, every time.
   
7. Make a schedule. Set out some specific walking and training times, and stick to it. This isn't just to benefit the dog, this is also to benefit your relationship with the dog and your health. Get everyone on board.
   
8. Change your mind. If you are a negative thinker, a consistently glass-empty-all-the-time type, you absolutely need to change this in order to see the success with your dog. There are lots of ideas on YouTube to help change negative thoughts, patterns etc. that if you impliment and remain consistent with, will translate down to not only your dog, but to the rest of your life, family, job etc. If you are consistent with negativity, you will breed negativity. If you can change that to being more consistently positive in your training outlooks, you will gain more positive results.

These are just a few ideas to start to move you forward in a more positive and consistent direction. It's not rocket science, nor is it overly difficult work, but it can be a challenge if you are not used to consistency in new, more positive habits. But I absolutely know you can do it with a bit of effort.


It should also be noted that consistency shouldn't just be implimented for a week and then dropped. If you try this, your dog will fall right back to square one. It's building a new foundation and sticking to it. It's building a new system of communication and being clear about it. It's clarity in your new rules so there is no confusion, and making sure to remain black and white. It's adding a more positive balance to the relationship and enjoying the benefits of it.

Happy training!

www.smartdogsk9.com

Let's Talk Crates. Dog Training in Milton

"Of course, the goal is to get them in the crate, not on it. This girl loved her crates."

Dog crates can be a bit of a touchy subject for some. I've heard it all, the dislike of containing a dog, left over feelings from a dogs previous life, just plain cruel, projections of human emotions on the "sad" dog etc. I would like to discuss here some of the many benefits of crate training your dog.

By properly crate training your dog, you do the following for them:

• Create a safe environment to ensure both your dog and your house are safe when you leave
• Build a spot for the dog to move to if they feel uncomfortable or feel like they need to move away from something
• Aids greatly in house training
• Teaches the dog about limits and allows the owner to take a break from the dog if needed
• Ensures that if emergencies happen, you have reduced some of the stress by teaching your dog it is ok to be confined - all vets offices will put your dog in a crate if they need over night stays, operations etc. and its better to get them comfortable before something like that happens
• You have a spot to place your dog to travel safely in the car
• Excellent for traveling and visiting family/friends/hotels
• Can aid in helping dogs with separation anxiety 

It is, of course, best and easiest to get your dog used to the crate from day one. Some breeders will start crate training puppies as young as five and six weeks old, and this helps immensely for the transition with the new owner.

Older dogs who have never been in a crate can take a bit longer to get used to the idea, but if you introduce it in a positive way, starting when you are home (not when you leave) you will reap the benefits of this awesome tool.

Over all the crate should be viewed as a beneficial tool, not as cruel punishment. It could save your dogs life one day.

Happy Training!

www.smartdogsk9.com

Beginner Dog Training in Milton

Basic Obedience Class

If you only take one obedience class with your dog, this is the one!

We work on: come, stay, sit, down, stand, heel, leave it, off. We work on engagement with your dog, focus and attention. A fantastic class, and a must have! A class that works on relationship and training.

7 one hour sessions.
Classes take place at the Milton Fairgrounds
$230 plus HST
18 weeks and up, must have all shots.

Classes begin April 22nd Friday evenings, 7-8pm or April 23rd Saturday mornings 10-11am.

If you are interested in joining please contact us or visit the website for details:
www.smartdogsk9.com


Space is limited - classes kept small for optimum individual attention.

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

Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Dog Training Milton

We're a little late on this, since the original post did not take, but we would like to take a moment to wish everyone all the best over the Holiday Season, no matter what you celebrate! We hope that you had a safe, joyful, Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy New Year!!

www.smartdogsk9.com

December Basic Obedience Dog Training Classes in Milton

We have had a few spaces open up for our Basic Obedience Classes starting in December. This is a MUST class. If you take no other group training, you NEED to take this one. Prepares your dog to work around distraction, to maintain control, and know that calm behaviour is what you are looking for. Small class sizes for optimum individual attention.

Thursday December 11th, 7-8pm
Saturday December 13th, 10-11am

Class runs for 7, one hour sessions. Cost is $220.00 plus HST. This is for puppies/dogs 18 weeks and up. Classes take place at Hall #1 at the Milton Fairgrounds off of Robert Street, downtown Milton.

Please contact us ASAP if you are interested in signing up dogtraining101@hotmail.com

Or visit the website for details:

www.smartdogsk9.com

Milton Choice Awards - Number One Dog Trainer in Milton

 THANK YOU SO MUCH TO EVERYONE WHO VOTED!! Smart Dogs Canine Training received the DIAMOND AWARD for favorite DOG TRAINER in the Milton Choice Awards. We truly appreciate all of your support and your referrals. THANKS AGAIN for helping us make it to #1!!!

www.smartdogsk9.com

Dog Training DEMO Class Biography - BRANDY

Last but not least, my little dog.

Brandy works for Smart Dogs Canine Training, is part of our DEMO Class, and was suppose to  participate in the 2014 Milton Fall Fair Doggy Deomonstration, but a ruptured cyst the day of, and an emergency vet trip, prevented her from attending. Here is a little more about this intelligent little girl:

Brandy is a 12 year old, multi-titled, Jack Russell Terrier, and though not perfect, she is the perfect dog for me. She's done everything that I've asked of her, and I've asked quite a lot. She is a retired agility dog, though still plays for fun with the JRTCC, still competes every-now-and-then in Rally Obedience, and takes her job helping reactive dogs, very seriously.

Brandy loves learning, and thrives on using her mind. Though she is a senior (and sometimes cranky) she enjoys coming out and training with the rest of the DEMO class. She is awesome, my best bud, and my son's best bud. Couldn't have asked for a better dog!

www.smartdogsk9.com

Basic Obedience Training - Milton, Ontario

 Smart Dogs Canine Training Basic Obedience Classes will begin again in December 2014. We have started a wait list for this popular class, and if you are interested in a spot, please contact us ASAP to be added to the list. You will receive an email as soon as registration is open if you are added to the wait list.

Class is open to all breeds from 18 weeks and up. Class size is kept small for optimum individual attention.

Please contact us for more information or check out the website for details:

dogtraining101@hotmail.com

www.smartdogsk9.com

Dog Training DEMO Class Biography - THEO

Theo is part of our DEMO Class at Smart Dogs Canine Training, participated in the 2014 Milton Fall Fair Doggy Deomonstration, and here is a little about this sensitive guy:

Theo is a two year old male Standard Poodle. He has very distinctive colouring that is referred to as Phantom, with a black (blue) coat with tan on his eyebrows, face, ears, chest and legs. His Phantom colouring attracts a lot of attention and Theo loves every minute of it. He is always up for a good run in a field and his favourite toy is still his bear that he came home with at 8 weeks of age. Theo loves to sing and accompanies the piano when someone plays at home.

Theo has been training with Smart Dogs since he was 12 weeks old. His training has included private puppy training, group training and agility. Initial puppy training helped with walks and targeted problematic puppy behaviours. Further training helped to develop good routines both in and outside the home, confidence in new situations and to become an even more cherished part of his family.

www.smartdogsk9.com

Dog Training DEMO Class Biography - PALOMA

Paloma is part of our DEMO Class at Smart Dogs Canine Training, participated in the 2014 Milton Fall Fair Doggy Deomonstration, and here is a little about this sassy girl:

Hi! My name is Paloma and I am one year old. I was born in Nunavut. I don’t know my breed, but I’m 100% awesome. I’m curious, bright, and a little sassy. I like swimming, playing with my football, chewing on my antler treats, and training with the other Smart Dogs. I dislike sitting still and bedtime. My biggest wish is for all dogs to find their forever home like I did.

www.smartdogsk9.com

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

Prong Collar Loose Leash Walking - Dog Training in Milton

A good video from Leerburg, who by the way, highly promotes marker training/positive reinforcement training, in regards to loose leash walking with a prong collar.

Any tool can be mis-used/abused, it's not about the tools, it's about the techniques, and the person in control of the tools.

Harnesses, head halters, choke chains, prong collars and even flat collars, can all be dangerous in the wrong hands.

 

http://youtu.be/yycwgokHDXU

www.smartdogsk9.com

Off Leash? You're not ready yet - Dog Training Milton

Common sense should tell us if our dogs are not fully reliable off leash, then we should NEVER EVER try to walk them through town, bike paths, by schools or anywhere with other dogs and people around without a 4-6 foot leash on. Alas, common sense does not always prevail.

The problem here is that it takes time, consistency, practice and some hard work to have a truly reliable off leash dog. And by truly reliable, I mean that you can call the dog off of any distraction, and heel your dog past others completely under control. Not all owners are willing to commit to this and not all dogs and owners are able to achieve this. I do find it to be a small minority that say "oh well" and un-clip the leash when the dog isn't ready. But that minority puts a damper on other people and dogs out enjoying the day, adhering to the leash by-law that we have in town.

I am a dog lover (obviously), but I absolutely loath off leash dogs running up to me, my child, my dogs and my clients while I am out on a walk or in the middle of a training session. It is an unsafe situation at best, at worst, it can cause injury to anyone involved.

These offending owners have the tendency to doddle, assume the best and yell out "oh, don't worry, he's friendly", then mosey over, smile and play it off as if nothing happened. I don't care how friendly your dog is, or how well behaved that you think your dog is, it should never, ever be running up to a stranger (dog or human) off leash, uninvited.

If you are someone who allows your dog to roam off leash, even with the best intentions, you are also putting your own dog in danger. The dog on the leash with it's owner, originally minding its own business, may feel uncomfortable, frightened or threatened in this situation, and lash out. A bite in this instance is the fault of the unleasher, and fights do break out in situations like this, injury caused to both dogs can happen, not to mention the people invovled.

And the person who is being accosted, even if it is a freindly advance by the off leash dog, may feel uncomfortable, frightened or threatened as well; not everyone is a dog lover. This may lead to anxiety for someone who is frightened of dogs, and cause them undue stress on their walks or outings. Truly unfair.

Bottom line, if your dog isn't trained to off leash standards, DO NOT LET THEM OFF around other people and dogs, or in areas where you know you will encounter other people and dogs. If you want your dog to have off leash capabilities, take the time, work on it, train, train, train, hire a trainer to help you and practice in real life situations. Use common sense, use your leash and respect others personal space (and yes, dogs have personal space as well).

www.smartdogsk9.com

Happy New Year!!

All the best in 2014!!

www.smartdogsk9.com

It's not always the dog - Dog Training in Milton Ontario

This is a good post and definitely worth the read, especially if you've ever encountered a "problem dog" in your life. It's not always the human half to blame. So much of behaviour relies on genetics and heredity that we can not always blame the other end of the leash. But not all trainers are willing to admit this.

This isn't to excuse people who are not willing to put the time and effort into training their canine companions, far from it, but it does allow those, who've put the effort in, and blamed themselves, to take a step back and realize that it might not be all them to blame when their dog has severe behavioural issues (especially fear and aggression).

http://caninediscourse.com/its-all-about-how-you-rise-them-right/

Got a doggy problem? We can help. Check out the website for details:

www.smartdogsk9.com

The Walk - Socialization at it's Best - Dog Training Milton

Dogs need to be socialized in order to become stable, well rounded companions. However, I believe there is a big misconception on how we socialize our dogs, particularly not taking into account the temperament of the dogs in question. Yes, it is very important that puppies are able to meet as many different people (adults, children, men, women, different races, different sizes etc.) and get out to as many different places as possible in their early months in order to accustom them to our ever changing, busy world, but, no one seems to mention that if a dog is inherently fearful, or inherently shy, you can throw 30,000 people at them in there first optimal socialization days, but you may still end up with the dog who is nervous around strangers or skittish at new surroundings.


It also seems that many people think of the dog park as a great place to have their pooch socialize and learn how to behave around other dogs, but this really isn't in the best interest of your dog as there are too many things that can "go wrong" at the dog park. The concept is nice, but the fact that they are not "policed" and the fact that owners bring dogs who shouldn't be there, or decided they don't need to pay attention to their dogs once in the fence, makes the "go wrong" inevitable. Dogs who lack confidence, are fearful or aggressive are sure to experience negative situations at the dog park that can exacerbate their already delicate temperaments.

One of the best forms of socialization that we have found is simply taking your dog on a walk, be that walk with another canine buddy, another human buddy or just by yourself with your best friend. The walk is a fantastic time to practice obedience, and also is a great opportunity to get dogs out into the world without putting direct social pressure on them that may be overwhelming to some.

To clarify, the walk should be a walk only, and not a parade of greeting all other dogs outside, as this can have negative consequences down the road. It is more important to have your dog pay attention and listen to you, rather than learn that the walk means playing with other dogs. It is important for your dog to learn to coexist with other dogs passing by, but that you are more important than those other dogs. If not, you can end up with the screaming roaring mess at the end of the leash, that demands to greet every canine it encounters, which in turn can lead to leash aggression.

Teaching proper human greeting skills is essential and can be practiced on the walk as well. Sit nice for petting and a friendly stranger may offer a treat - this doubles up on both the positive experience with other people, and the reinforcement of good behaviour around newcomers.

Keep in mind, when socializing and working with your dog on a walk, that many others will not have the same control over their own dogs (or children for that matter), and it is best, at the point of passing, to move off so that your dog does not experience the negative behaviour of the other, on-coming dog. Keep the social experience positive, and keep that positive directed towards yourself so that you become the best thing in the world to your dog, and their confidence in you grows.

A great way to introduce dogs to each other is going for a walk together. I've had many dogs become "friends" this way as the dogs got the opportunity to learn about the other using their noses, ears and eyes, without the sometimes overwhelming, direct contact/pressure. Of course, this means keeping your dog under control, and preferably in the heel position while you are walking, as the idea of this is not a leash tangling, free-for-all. Even my anti-social Jack Russell has accepted and even made friends with dogs in this way. The dog has the opportunity to feel comfortable first and that is extremely important.

So use the walk as both an opportunity to introduce your dog to the world, as a reduced social pressure environment and always use it as a training opportunity when ever possible.

www.smartdogsk9.com

Happy Canada Day! From Smart Dogs Canine Training

Just want to wish everyone a Happy Canada Day and a safe, sunny, fun-filled holiday weekend!

www.smartdogsk9.com

Over Exuberant Praise - Dog Training Milton

 

Utilizing praise in training your dog is a key component in the reward process. You always have praise with you, so it is a good idea to learn how to use it. However, often times it gets owners in trouble when they are trying to gain or maintain a calm state of mind in their dog. The level of praise is extremely important and differs from situation to situation.

Remember this; the more excitable and flamboyant your praise, the more you are driving your dog back into that frenzied, excitable state that you may be trying to avoid. Unless you are amping your dog up for a run on the agility course, or releasing from a stationary position and looking for better engagement, praise needs to be kept calm and level in order for your dog to maintain control. It is unfair to ask our dogs to compose themselves when we are bouncing around in front of them, with high pitched, squeaky voices and are acting un-composed ourselves.

Another tid-bit to keep in mind is that over-done praise can also act as an aversive to dogs who are not so into the "baby talk" or those who are shy/nervous/fearful/anxious, instead of viewing it as rewarding they view it as something to be avoided. It's easy to see in the body language of your dog if they are enjoying the interaction or not. If your dog is backing up, trying to avoid you, or looking uncomfortable when you lavish on the praise - stop!

Soft eye contact, a sincere "good girl" and/or a pat under the chin are often enough to show the dog that they have done well, to keep them in their current clam state of mind, and to not overwhelm them with your own excitability.

www.smartdogsk9.com