Thursday, November 3, 2011

Have Fun With Your Dog - Dog Training in Milton

I'll start by saying dogs want to have fun too.

Yes, many of them enjoy their strolls in the park, or hikes in the woods, but why not spice it up a bit for them?

Utilize what's around you to give them a challenge on their walks. Rocks, benches, trees, curbs, playground equipment and more make great obstacles for your dog. Teach them how to use their bodies and where their feet are in order to conquer the obsticles.

Allowing your dog structured play like this on a walk actually helps to increase self confidence. Keep it structured though, that is the key. You tell them when and where, and encourage them to try (and make sure you tell them they are doing a good job) and they will give you all their effort once they get the hang of it. They learn that there is nothing scary about new things, in fact, it's fun.

This type of activity works your dogs mind as well as his/her body. Working their minds will often times tire them out more than just working their body, and a tired dog is a happy, well behaved dog.

So get out there on your next walk or hike and use what is around to challenge your dogs body and mind and over come any lack of self confidence that they may have.

Interested in joining one of our classes? Please email dogtraining101@hotmail.com and visit the website for more details www.smartdogsk9.com.

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Doggy-Style Fitness! Dog training in Milton Ontario

Join us for our newest class!!!

Are you one of the many who hate to leave your dog behind while you go and work out?

Smart Dogs Canine Training and Madjam Fitness are changing that. Doggy-Style Fitness allows you to get an awesome work out in all while training and exercising your dog. What more could you ask for???

Classes are Saturday mornings at 10:30am and will be taking place at Madjam Fitness Studio in Milton.

Check out the website for more details www.smartdogsk9.com/dogggy-style-bootcamp.html

or email us for more information dogtraining101@hotmail.com.

Saturday, October 15, 2011

Group Dog Training in Milton Ontario

THIS CLASS IS NOW FULL!
WE WILL BE OPENING ANOTHER ONE FOR THE END OF NOVEMBER

Smart Dogs Canine Training Group Basic Class (all ages) has one spot left for registration.

Start Date: Friday, October 25th, 2011
# of Classes:
Cost: $160.00
Location: St. Paul's United Church on Main Street, Milton, ON

Please contact us if you would like to sign up dogtraining101@hotmail.com

We will be running another Group Basic Class Starting at the end of November 2011 as well.

For more detailed information about our training, check out the website www.smartdogsk9.com

And don't forget to like us on facebook www.facebook.com/smartdogsk9

Friday, October 14, 2011

Don't Let 'Em - Dog Trainer in Milton

I often find people listing off the issues that they are having with their dogs, but not understanding why they are happening. Of course, we as trainers are here to help them understand and break down any issues, but it truly does come down to common sense.

First and foremost, 9 times out of 10, the owner is to blame for much of their dogs behaviour.

And secondly, if your dog is doing something you don't like ... very simply put, don't let him.

Frustrating answers? I suppose.

But we, as trainers, can step back and take an unemotional stance in order to help our clients come up with the solutions to their problems. Emotions get in the way of common sense, and in the dog-human relationship, the emotions run wild and sometimes common sense does not prevail.

If you find you are having issues with your dog, try to take a step back and consider the situation from a different view-point, and don't let emotions cloud your view. Think about your actions, and then think about your dogs reactions.

If you feel your situation is too difficult, there is no shame in calling in a professional who can help walk you through the problems, give you advice, training tips and results, after all, that's what we are here for.

If you need help with your dog, please don't hesitate to contact Smart Dogs Canine Training in Milton at dogtraining101@hotmail.com and visit the website for details on our training programs www.smartdogsk9.com



Friday, October 7, 2011

Thank you Milton!!! Dog Trainer in Milton


Thank you Milton for voting Smart Dogs Canine Training #1!!!

Canadian Champion Reader's Choice Diamond Award for best dog trainer!!

Trained dogs are happy dogs and have happy owners - contact us to improve the relationship with your dog - we're always happy to help.

dogtraining101@hotmail.com
www.smartdogsk9.com
www.facebook.com/smartdogsk9

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Reserve Champion!!! Dog Training in Milton Ontario


A Sunday spent outside in Paris, Ontario was well worth the drive.

Brandy held her own in the agility competition taking home the title of Reserve Champion in Agility II & III and winning the Small Dog Steeplechase competition. As far as the lure coursing and brush hunt went, she left a little to be desired. But she showed promise in the ball toss - but fatigue had started to kick in.

A big thank you to everyone at the Jack Russell Terrier Club of Canada, the volunteers, the judges, the board members, sponsors and the competitors who made this event fantastic. Also, a huge thank you to our president, Deb Mahon, she's done a great job!!!

For more information about joining the club please visit www.jrtcc.com.




Also, don't forget to visit the Russell Rescue www.russellrescue.org

Thursday, September 1, 2011

Kids and Dogs...They Can Be Friends - Dog Training in Milton


Yes, it is true, dogs and kids can make the best of friends.

The key to this relationship is maintaining control of both, supervision, proper etiquette and rules.

Supervision is the most important of course. Never, ever, ever leave a child alone unsupervised with a dog, regardless of how good that dog is with the child. Either could get hurt, and it is best not to ever let that happen.

Maintaining control of both your child and the dog is a top priority. If you have no control over either, they you will encounter, at some point, issues with both dog and child. For dogs, obedience training is a must! Even just the basics of sit, down, stay and come. Without these, control becomes difficult to maintain. It is also a great idea to get the children involved in the obedience training. This can help establish that the child is on a higher level than the dog, and help to build a better relationship between both. As a parent, you need to be able to end the game at any time you want without a struggle.

Proper etiquette and rules means that both child and dog need guidelines in order to play together. The child should never be allowed to hit, pinch, kick or scare the dog purposely. The dog should never be allowed to put teeth on skin, mount, nip at or rough play with the child. This of course goes back to maintaining control on both.

If you are consistent, fair and are able to maintain control your children and dogs should be able to grow a healthy, happy relationship together.

If you are having any issues with your dog around your children, please contact us dogtraining101@hotmail.com. This is never an issue that you should take lightly, and it can be resolved with a little guidence from a professional trainer.


Keep in mind there are certain dogs/breeds that, due to their background, temperament, socialization (or lack there of) or other such reasons, should never be around children, period.

* Please note, the dog in the below photos is extensively trained, and socialized with the child shown. The child, though very young, is learning how to play nice. If you are unsure about the way that your dog will react, do not try the below.

Dog hides

Baby finds

Dog hides again and baby finds


Then we share toys