Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Weave! Dog Training in Milton

Oh yes, small dogs certainly can weave just as good as the big guys. Check out this video of Brandy showing off her skills in the poles. In my opinion, one of the hardest agility obstacles to teach, but persistence pays off.



Check out www.smartdogsk9.com for information on our training.

Saturday, July 16, 2011

Canine Performance Events Trial - Milton Ontario Dog Trainer

Just wanted to share a video of my little dogs "older" work.

Canine Performance Events is a great organization to get started in agility with. They offer lots of games classes, a great atmosphere and fun for both dog and handler.



For more information on agility or if you interested in trying it out in a private session or two, please feel free to email dogtraining101@hotmail.com. Even if you don't plan on competing, agility is a great way to bond with your dog, gain more control and increase confidence.

Monday, July 11, 2011

Celebrate 1 Year with Mutt Life in Milton!


Mutt Life on Ontario Street and Derry Road in Milton is celebrating their first anniversary of being here in Milton.

With a do-it-yourself dog wash and high quality canine products, how could you not love a store like this?

So join them, Saturday July 16th, 10am-5pm for the celebrations that include 10% off in the entire store, prizes and giveaways.

Mutt Life is located at 15-585 Ontario Street, beside Food Port. And visit them on the web at www.muttlife.ca.

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

Private Lessons - Milton, Ontario Dog Trainer


Smart Dogs Canine Training in Milton Ontario is taking on new private clients!

We offer obedience training and problem solving, not limiting ourselves to anyone method, you can be sure to get an abundance of information, tips and training to help you achieve a well behaved, stable companion.

For more information, please visit our main website at www.smartdogsk9.com or email us at dogtraining101@hotmail.com.

All breeds welcome!

Sunday, June 19, 2011

The Agility Table, how does it relate? Milton Ontario Dog Training

The table in agility might be one of the most "obvious" pieces of equipment, it's a table, what can really go wrong? But there is plenty that can go wrong, and I have seen it happen many times.

A lot of times the focus is on the harder pieces of equipment, such as the teeter and weave poles, or difficult jump sequences. The table just doesn't seem as important because at first glance, the obstacle looks very simple, however, it is not. Many a dog has pooched (pun intended) a run due to lack of proofing on this piece of equipment.

A dog won't "down" on the table in the rain, refuses to "down" after another dog has been on it, doesn't like the surface texture, hasn't been trained to "down" any where at any time, waits until the 6th time you repeat down before she complies, prefers to sniff than lay down. The dog has never been required to "down" ... if he doesn't, oh well, just try again.

How does this relate to training when you're not interested in competing in sports with your dog?

Well, you may think down is simple and obvious once the dog "knows" the command, so you over look "proofing" the "down". Most dogs tend to be contextual learns, meaning, that sure, they can "down" on the carpet in your living room, but "down" can mean something totally different on the sidewalk outside your home if you have not trained them in that location as well.

Proofing a command by repetitive practice on all surfaces, and in all environments that you think you will need the command in, is vital in order to have a dog that will respond to you where ever you are. Over looking simple things, such as this, may result in confusions for your dog and frustration for you. This goes for all commands, not just "down". Sits, stays, comes etc., all need practice in different environments. This doesn't mean hours on end, but rather a few minutes here and there weekly in order to get and maintain the training that you are hoping for.

Another important factor that is often overlooked is the requirement of the command. If you never require that your dog responds, then don't expect her to respond in all situations or under distraction. Requiring a command means there is a consequence for misbehaviour which can take the form of a verbal or physical correction once the dog fully understands the command. Of course, to be fair, you need to be sure that your dog is well aware of what the command is before you start correcting for lack of response. This means that you've taught the command in all situations with many repititions, and the dog can comply without a lure, coercion or being physically placed. In other words, if you don't require the down at home, why should your dog down on the sidewalk or the agility table. This applies to any and all obedience commands.

Here's two videos of table training with two different dogs. One is experienced, and just practicing, the other is new and just learning. Both are "proofing" their "downs" on a different surface from a normal down.





If you are interested in learning how to proof your dog for all commands, or are looking for help with basic training or issues that you are having with your canine, please feel free to contact us at Linkdogtraining101@hotmail.com and check out the website for details on our training www.smartdogsk9.com

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

New Website - Dog Training in Milton

The new website is up and running!

Please check out www.smartdogsk9.com for information about lessons and what we offer.

Group classes will be starting soon.

Please don't hesitate to email if you have any questions.