What is Place Command for Dogs Place is a command that tells your dog to go to a specific location and remain there until released. It can be a small rug, cot, dog bed, even a bath mat or towel. Place is a helpful command for getting your dog to settle and using it regularly…
Why Short Walks Can Be More Effective for Your Dog When most people think of a tired dog, they think of long walks, running free, or playing fetch. Each of those has its place. But for many dogs, especially those struggling with behavior, shorter walks can be far more effective. Not because they burn more…
When you want a better-behaved dog, it all starts with establishing your dog’s calm state of mind. By focusing on training at home with lower distractions, you teach your dog how to be calm. A calm dog doesn’t just naturally happen without your instruction. If your dog is too activated and adrenalized, nothing you say…
Full crate training teaches your dog to self-settle in their crate, with the door closed, whenever you place them there for a nap or nighttime sleep. This approach provides the greatest benefits of crate training and contributes to better behavior both inside and outside your home. Why Is Crate Training Important? Beyond the practical benefit…
When you’re trying to train a better dog, every day is a good day to train your dog. Feeding morning breakfast, getting “dressed” with collars and leash, going out the door, and on your everyday walk, the opportunities can be significant. How do you identify training opportunities? Seeing issues that need changing is easy when…
While dog parks may seem like a good idea, they can compromise your dog’s calm, manageable state of mind and all the work you’ve done on training your dog. You can never be quite sure who is there and how other dogs will behave. Instead, opt for one of these choices that support your balanced…
There’s no question that food can have a powerful effect on a dog. How you choose to incorporate food into relationship-based dog training actually matters. By using a dog’s natural food drive, you can impart lessons of leadership, calmness, impulse control, and respect. Move to Set Mealtimes Scheduling your dog’s meals and sticking to a…
Socialization of your dog is built on your human-canine relationship before it’s time for a fun canine-canine interaction. Leadership precedes socialization. Socialization of dogs goes beyond the simple concept of “mixing with others” and “let the dogs work it out.” Your dog is properly socialized when he has learned to behave acceptably whether he is…
Many dog owners are already walking their dogs every day. But if your dog is pulling, scanning the environment, reacting to everything, or making their own decisions the entire time, that walk may be adding more stimulation than it’s relieving. A Structured Walk is different. Instead of your dog leading the walk, you are setting…
Getting a new puppy is a big milestone. Whether you’re a seasoned dog owner or it’s your first dog, these puppy training tips will help get you started. The more time you put in with your puppy now, the quicker success you’ll have getting better behavior in the future. A simple schedule and household routine…