Friday, June 8, 2012

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.

Monday, June 4, 2012

Puppy Class in Milton - Dog Training in Milton Ontario

We've got two spots left in our upcoming Puppy Class starting June 17th.

Class will run for 5 weeks from 10-10:45am Sunday mornings. Cost is $160.00.

Smart Puppy Basics will help teach you how to start to gain control of your canine companion. We help you to teach your new puppy some of the basics in a fun, positive environment. We will work on socialization games, go to your mat and discuss house breaking, crate training and other puppy "issues".

10-20 weeks of age.

Visit the website to sign up www.smartdogsk9.com or contact us dogtraining101@hotmail.com

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

I Said STAY! - Milton Ontario Dog Training


Stay is one of the most important commands a dog can learn, and also one of the hardest for many owners to perfect with their dogs.

Here's a few tips that we've found useful over the years to obtain a better, more reliable stay:

  • Make sure your dog knows what's required, that means practice makes perfect - start in low distraction areas and from there start to build up on duration and distance
  • Once your dog is getting good in low distration, proof your stay in all sorts of locations, different durations and distances (a long line helps with this)
  • Don't try and hold your dog in place with your eyes - that direct stare is very inviting
  • Don't call your dog out of a stay too many times - return more times then recalling from a stay and you won't get that anticipation
  • If you're dog isn't looking at you, who cares, as long as he's holding his position - don't use his name to get his attention back on you, he's most likely going to think you want him to come back to you
  • Once your dog knows what is being asked of him, make sure there is a consequence for breaking the position - a correction and a replacement back to where he was usually suffices
  • Make sure you're using a release command such as "ok" so your dog knows when to move - no release means he can move whenever he feels like it
  • Don't reward half way through the stay and expect your dog to keep holding it - "what's the point", they think, "I already got the reward" - reward after the release

A stay can mean the difference between life or death in certain situations, so having a rock solid stay is extremely important. If you need help training your dog, please feel free to contact us to set up an appointment at dogtraining101@hotmail.com and visit the website to see the classes and private training that we offer www.smartdogsk9.com.

Saturday, May 19, 2012

New training style impacts obedience | Home | Toronto Sun

Interesting article from a professional trainer with over 20 years of experience dealing with every kind of issue dogs can throw at you.

New training style impacts obedience | Home | Toronto Sun

This is not rocket science, but just common sense. Reward and corrections play a critical role in training your dog to be a well behaved member of your family.

Friday, May 18, 2012

Brandy Takes a Break - Dog training in Milton

Brandy takes a break on one of our walks to do her favorite thing in the entire world - spend time with a ball.

New Dog Obedience Classes Starting Soon in Milton & Burlington


Does your dog need training? Are you frustrated with your dogs lack of control?

We're here to help!

Smart Dogs Canine Training is expanding to Burlington. We will be offering our group classes out of our new location at Canine Cabana Pet Services Ltd. on Advance Road.





Smart Puppy Classes

Wednesday Evenings 7:15-8:00pm Milton (Indoor)

Friday Evenings 7:15-8:00pm Burlington (Indoor)
Sunday Afternoons 1:00-2:00pm Burlington (Indoor)



Smart Dog Basic Classes

Saturday Afternoons 11:30-12:30pm Milton (Outdoor)

Sunday Mornings 10:00-11:00am & 11:30am-12:30pm Burlington (Indoor)



Smart Dogs Bootcamp

Saturday Mornings 10:00-11:00am Milton (Outdoor)
Saturday Afternoons 2:30-3:30pm Burlington (Outdoor)

We also offer private, in home training and problem solving. We take the approach that no two dogs are alike and tailor our private sessions to your needs.

Our balanced approach to training gives your dog the whole picture, not just half. We are not a click and treat school. We rely on reward to teach, but our goal is to have your dog listen to you and respect you without the constant use of cookies.

Visit our website to sign up for class or inquire about private lessons www.smartdogsk9.com and don't forget to like us on facebook www.facebook.com/smartdogsk9