Yet Another Sad Dog Training Tool Ban, But You Can Help! Dog Training Milton

***URGENT CALL TO ACTION FOR ALL DOG OWNERS! NEED YOUR HELP BEFORE FRIDAY, 03/31/2017****

There is something really important happening in the dog training community. Hillsborough County Florida (as well as the state of FL) is proposing legislation that will make it ILLEGAL to use any TRAINING COLLAR (slip lead, prong collar, ecollar) and any method that is not considered positive-only. This is VERY real and on our door step in Ontario, and across Canada and the U.S.

Please continue reading to have your voice heard. It does not matter if you live in the county or even in the U.S. Or not, you can still write a letter! If it passes, it will soon be presented as a state-wide law. And it could extend nationwide. This is a war that knows no boundaries.

Your voice as a pet dog owner will weigh more than the voices of trainers! The lives of dogs depend on it! We need you and these letters e-mailed BEFORE FRIDAY, 03/31/2017.

If you are a family that I have helped, or from another trainer, and have experienced personal success with the use of a prong collar, slip lead, remote collar, and similar balanced training approaches, please email the following to oppose the proposed regulation. Failure to stop this regulation will result in a significant impact on your democratic rights and freedoms, not to mention harm to our dogs. Send an email opposing the ban and give your story. Send a picture of your dog and how you have personally been helped
Include the following statement in the subject line:

Opposition to the Proposed Ordinance Requiring Licensing for Dog Trainers

_______________________________________

Dear Commissioner:

I am writing to express my opposition to the proposed ordinance requiring licensing for dog trainers. I am a dog lover and I am extremely passionate about the safety and welfare of dogs.
Let me tell you about my dog and how balanced training methods helped change my life and the life of my dog(s):

SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCE HERE!!!!

Conclusion: Industry regulation such as licensing should not be undertaken without careful thought as to the potential unintended consequences of the licensure requirements. As it is currently worded, this ordinance is wrought with ambiguities that can lead to extreme interpretations that would limit professionals’ abilities to properly do their jobs, and potentially lead to far greater harm for dogs in Hillsborough County. We would suggest at the very least that any attempt to regulate dog training tools, methods etc. be omitted, and all such decisions be left up to the agreement of the professional trainer and the client involved.

Respectfully,
Name
Physical address
_______________________________________

Address all letters to the following email addresses:

WhiteS@hillsboroughcounty.org
HigginbothamA@hillsboroughcounty.org
KempP@hillsboroughcounty.org
MurmanS@hillsboroughcounty.org
HaganK@hillsboroughcounty.org
CristV@hillsboroughcounty.org
MillerL@hillsboroughcounty.org

Add as cc:
TrebatoskiS@hillsboroughcounty.org
RodriguezEM@hillsboroughcounty.org

Thank you for your efforts!

Milton Dog Training Classes

CURRENT and UPCOMING CLASSES AVAILABLE 

Smart Dogs Puppy Class:
April/May - Saturdays 1-2pm - 4 Spots Available

Smart Dogs Basic Class:
Saturday March 11, 10-11am - FULL
Thursday March 30, 7-8pm - FULL
Saturday April 15, 11:30am-12:30pm - 3 SPOTS AVAILABLE

Smart Dogs Fun Agility INTRO:
Sundays April/May - 6 Spots Available

Smart Dogs Fun Agility Refresher (prerequisite Intro):
Sundays April/May - 6 Spots Available

Smart Dogs Bootcamp (prerequisite Basic):
Tuesdays & Saturdays in April/May - 2 Classes

Smart Dogs Advanced Class:
Sundays 10-11am - ONGOING

Smart Dogs Focus Play (NEW):
TBA

To Sign up, please contact dogtraining101@hotmail.com

or check the website for more details:

www.smartdogsk9.com

Wishing you the happiest 2017! Dog Training Milton Ontario

From all of us here at Smart Dogs Canine Training, we wish you happiness, success, joy and love for the coming year 2017! We hope it is your best one yet!

We will be back up and running as per usual, starting January 3rd. If you are interested in group or private dog training, please contact us at dogtraining101@hotmail.com and we'd be happy to help you. We will re-post available classes again shortly.

www.smartdogsk9.com

Happy Holidays! From Smart Dogs Canine Training of Milton

Wishing you and your familes the Happiest Holiday Season, a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from all of us here at Smart Dogs Canine Training!

www.smartdogsk9.com

Website Issues

We've been trying to update classes on our website www.smartdogs.com, however, for some reason we can not get in. We have contacted the host company to sort out the issue and appologize for any inconvenience.

Classes currently available are listed below:

Fun Agility Intro - November 5th, 10-11am (might be one spot left)

Basic Obedience - November (TBA) Saturdays 11:30-12:30 (four spots left)

Puppy Class - November (TBA) Saturdays 1:00-2:00 (four spots left)

Possibility of Bootcamp before the snow - November 9th, 7-8pm

Please contact us if you are interested in any of the above. You can visit the site for full class details on the "Group Classes" page.

www.smartdogsk9.com

Puppy Classes in Milton - Milton Ontario Dog Training

Our popular Puppy Class for ages 10 weeks to 5 months old is starting up again. We filled on our first session, so we are opening a second.

Classes will run Saturday's in October, 11:30am-12:30pm.

Puppy's need 2nd set of shots to join.

Awesome class for introduction to simple obedience, manners, lifestyle, games and more!

Spaces are limited, so please contact us if you are interested in joining. Three spots available.

dogtraining101@hotmail.com

or visit the website for details:

www.smartdogsk9.com

Welcome to Smart Dogs Canine Training Big Steve

Well, this past weekend Iron Clad's Big Steve, the Olde English Bulldogge, started his career with us.

This big boy, has been with us since the moment he was born, and was my son's favorite. He has been, by far, the easiest puppy I've ever owned.

This guy is well adjusted, friendly, independent yet still socially motivated. He has high food drive and toy drive, but is fantastic at relaxing. He reminds me a lot of Brandy, but without the terrier "tude" (and don't get me wrong, I enjoy the terrier "tude", but Bulldogge attitude is a bit different.).

We are training this guy for Conformation, Obedience, Rally Obedience, and yes, I think I'll try some Agility with him ... though his top speed is not really what I would call fast.

This guy is going full time with us shortly, and once mature, will be helping out dogs with reactivity issues. Keep an eye out for this guy at classes and coming events, and come say hello.

www.smartdogsk9.com

Why Train with Us? Milton Ontario Dog Training

Why train your dog with us?

• Smaller Class sizes - 7-8 max, typical is 6 dog/handler teams
• Unlimited email support
• Video homework along side written instruction
• On-going continuing education for trainers/staff
• We prepare you for the real world - our 2nd (and sometimes 1st) group level is outdoors, around town, where you would take your dog on a regular basis - makes sense to owner and dog
• We don't overwhelm you with too many exercises in a single session
• We focus on CALM, not high enery obedience - Family obedinece not sport dog obedeince.
• Group and private training- from Puppy to Advanced
• Fun classes such as Agility and Focus/Play
• Not married to a single method or technique - we do what works for your dog
• We give your dog the whole picture, not just part of it - a high percentage of positive reinforcement (food, play, toys, praise, touch) along with thoughtful use of pressure and corrections
• We understand it's not all about the dog - you have a job, family, a life, and we make it easy (and fun) to fit training into your busy lifestyle.

For more information on our training, visit out website at:
www.smartdogsk9.com

or email us with any questions:
dogtraining101@hotmail.com

Puppy Classes in Milton

Smart Puppy Group Class will introduce you and your puppy to basic obedience training in a fun, positive manner - sit, down, stay, come, place, handling and more! We also go over important items such as crate training, house training, nipping, jumping, socializing and all typical puppy issues. This is a great starting point for all puppies and sets them up to succeed.

Classes start April 3rd Sunday's 4-5pm.
4 one hour sessions.
$135 plus HST.
Class takes place at the Milton Fairgrounds

Puppies must have 2nd shots to join.

Please contact us dogtraining101@hotmail.com or visit the website for more details:
www.smartdogsk9.com

SPACE is limited - only 2 spots remaining

Puppy Class in Milton - Dog Training Milton Ontario

We have a couple spots left in our upcoming Puppy Class starting December 13th, 4-5pm.

This is a fantastic class to introduce your puppy to the basics of obedience in a fun, positive environment. It is also a very imformative class, going well beyond sit, down and stay.

For puppies 10-18 weeks - second shots required.

Cost is $125 plus HST for 4, 45min - 1 hour sessions.

Please contact dogtraining101@hotmail.com if you are interested in signing up, or check out the website for more details:

www.smartdogsk9.com

Beginner Dog Training Classes in Milton

Come join us for our highly anticipated Smart Dogs Basic Class!

If you take no other class, make sure you take this one.

Our Basic Classes teaches you how to engage with your dog, teach your dog the basics of obedience, and creates a better understanding and bond with your canine companion.

Class runs for 7, one hour sessions, cost is $220 plus HST. For puppies and dogs 18 weeks and up.

Basic Classes take place at the Fairgrounds, Hall #1, downtown Milton.

Available times are:

Friday September 11th, 7-8pm (5 spots available)

Saturday September 12th, 10-11am (2 spots available)

Class sizes are limited for optimum individual attention, so contact us ASAP to sign up, or visit the website for details: www.smartdogsk9.com

Holding a Sit ... Dog & Puppy Training in Milton Ontario

I am often asked by my clients, is it ok to let their dog lay down during a sit/stay or long sit. And the answer I give is this:

If you plan on competing in obedience, rally-o or protection sports, then there are specific requirements that would make it beneficial for the dog to hold the sit position. If they don't or can't, an NQ (non-qualifying score) will follow in competition, resulting in failure during that particular run.

Now that being said, 98% of the owners coming in for training will never show an interest in competing in dog sports. What I maintain to be the most important aspect of staying is holding the place, rather than the specific position. If I ask a dog to sit, and they do so, but after 20 seconds or longer, they decide to lay down because the dog figures we're going to be a while, there is no point in nagging them for perfection, when in essence, they are doing what we asked, by holding their place beside us. The same thing goes for the sit/stay at a distance. As long as the dog comprehends the initial difference between the two commands, down and sit, and does both independently when asked, it doesn't matter if they slide out to get more comfortable.

There are two items that we have to watch however, one being the "dive and go", the squigglers who were asked to sit/stay, and do the dive in order to crawl forward. The other being the confusion of commands at the get go. We don't want sit to mean down, as there are times that a sit can be more useful then a down, and we want to make sure that the two are clearly defined. These are the only times that I will fix a dogs position back to a sit, and typically it just means the dog needs more work/help in that particular area.

Of course standing up is a big no no, and I'm sticky on the getting up into a sit while the dog is suppose to be maintaining a down, I just won't allow that, but I will save that for another day.

So bottom line, if your plans do not include compeition level obedience, don't sweat the small stuff. If your dog is compliant, engaging and working for you, response should be the goal, not absolute perfection.

www.smartdogsk9.com

Puppy Class in Milton - Milton Ontario Dog Training

Puppy Class coming!!! 

Did you get a new pup, or are thinking of adding a pup to your family for the new year? 

We have a great puppy class that starts young puppies off on the right foot, in a positive environment that lets them enjoy learning, improves the bond with your pup, and teaches the owner how to handle

typical puppy issues.
4 sessions, 45 minutes - 1 hour each. Cost is $125 plus HST.

January 31st, 1:00-1:45pm
For puppies up to 16 weeks of age - must have two sets of vaccines.
Space is limited, please contact us today for more information dogtraining101@hotmail.com.

www.smartdogsk9.com

Puppy Class - is that it? Dog Training in Milton

Puppy class, or private puppy training is a fantastic option to start your new addition off on the right foot, introduce them to simple obedience, start building a great bond and respect from your canine companion. However, puppy training is just that ... a start. In no way, shape or form should puppy training be the end of teaching your dog, just as in no way shape or form should grade one be the end of your childs education.

Puppies are constantly growing, changing, learning and exploring. Every day for a puppy is a learning experience and every day for puppies should be a new training opportunity. It would be disappointing to say the least, to end your puppy's "world education" at 16 -18 weeks old. Puppies need consistent, fair and clear training for an extended period of time before formal instruction should end to get the most out of your dogs training (though I believe, just like us humans, training and learning should never end) This time period going upwards of a year, and beyond with certain breeds/temperaments.

I always recommend my clients take a minimum of Basic Training after working through a Puppy Training session. It's great if everyone could add a Bootcamp or Real World type training session after Basic as well, to ensure that your puppy/dog can and will respond in real life situations.

So make sure that if you enroll in puppy training, that you continue your dogs education with basic training or beyond to get the most out of your dog's mind, to ensure that you have a good way of communicating with your dog and to keep your dog happy - a trained dog is a happy dog.

For information on our puppy training and basic training please feel free to contact us at dogtraining101@hotmail.com or visit the website for details:

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

Family Dog Obedience Training Classes in Milton, ON

Smart Dogs Canine Training beginner family dog obedience classes starting Thursday July 31st, 2014 7-8pm.

This is a great class for those just starting out with their dogs. We welcome puppies 5 months and up, and any age beyond that.

Dogs will learn the basics (sit, down, stay, come, heel) and how to work and focus around distraction.

Class runs 7 sessions, once a week for 1 hour. Cost is $220 plus HST.

Classes take place at the Fairgrounds, downtown Milton.

Please contact us if you are intersted in signing up. Space is very limited as our classes are kept small for optimum individual attention (max 6 per class).

Visit www.smartdogsk9.com for more information or email dogtraining101@hotmail.com

Friday Night Group Obedience Class in Milton

 

Smart Dogs Basic Obedience Class starts Friday February 28th, 7-8pm.

This is a 7 week course that teaches you and your dog all of the basics of obedience (sit, down, stay, come and heeling) and gets the dogs working with and focusing on the owners under distraction. A must have, essential course for dogs/puppies 20 weeks and up. A perfect class for those looking to gain more control and response from their dogs.

We specialize in family dog training, and make learning easy and enjoyable for both owner and dogs.

Classes take place in Hall #1 at the Fairgrounds, downtown Milton.

Cost for this results oriented course is $200 plus HST.

Classes are kept small, 6 maximum, for optimal individual attention in a group environment where needed.

Please contact us to sign up dogtraining101@hotmail.com or the website, www.smartdogsk9.com to sign up or if you have any questions. Space is limited.

Puppy Class in Milton

We don't run them often, but every now and then we offer a Puppy Class for young pups under 16 weeks of age.

This class introduces your puppy to training in a fun, positive way, emphasizing focus and self control as well as teaching the sit, down and come. We do a little socialization work as well.

Class runs for 4 weeks, 45 minutes once a week, cost is $100 plus HST.

This is a great base to start with before entering the more challenging and structured Basic Class.

This class runs on a per interest basis and is scheduled for Thursday evenings starting in November, 6:30-7:15pm. We have two spaces available.

Contact us at dogtraining101@hotmail.com if you are interested in signing up or visit our website for more details:

www.smartdogsk9.com