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5 Reasons to Invest in Puppy Training

GETTING A NEW PUPPY IS EASY. But what about potty training the puppy? How do you socialize her safely? Get her to drop things when you ask? Walk nicely on leash? Getting a new puppy is easy, but what comes next can be incredibly overwhelming. We believe that the absolute best investment you can make for your new puppy is in early puppy training (we’re talking as early as 8 weeks of age!), and here’s why. 1. YOUR NEW PUPPY’S PRIMARY SOCIALIZATION WINDOW ENDS AT 16 WEEKS. If for no other reason, invest in puppy training because there’s a time limit on your pup’s socialization and early learning abilities. During this period, your puppy is like a little sponge, absorbing every bit of the world around him. It’s extremely important that he has positive experiences, learns that humans are safe and reliable, and has a consistent routine, structure, and clear boundaries. You do not want to wait until all vaccines are completed prior to beginning training; later is too late . Succe...
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How Soon Should You Start Training with Your New Pup?

One of the most common questions we get asked is: “How soon should I start training with my puppy?” The answer is always…now. Yesterday, really. Whether you’re working with a professional or training on your own, training should begin the day you bring your new dog or puppy home. CONSIDER THIS: 1) PUPPIES HAVE A PRIMARY SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT WINDOW THAT CLOSES AROUND 16 WEEKS OF AGE. Before then, they need to be exposed to all of the people, animals, objects, and environments that they will need to be comfortable with long-term.Put simply, later is too late.Take advantage of your puppy’s most formative weeks by making interactions safe and fun; the goal is for your pup to come away from each interaction feeling good. 2) MANY NEWLY ADOPTED DOGS (AND CERTAINLY NEW PUPPIES) HAVE NO KNOWLEDGE OF THE STRANGE EXPECTATIONS WE HAVE IN OUR DOMESTIC HUMAN WORLD. Don’t chew that. Don’t eat this. Don’t go there. It’s our job to help set fair rules and expectations from day one, and stick to the...
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Dog Training Using Positive Techniques

We’ve come so far since those dark days just over a decade ago when virtually all dog training was accomplished through the use of force and compulsion. I know those days well; I was quite skilled at giving collar corrections with choke chains and attained several high-scoring obedience titles with my dogs using those methods. And as a shelter worker responsible for the euthanasia of unwanted dogs for whom we couldn’t find homes, I was convinced that a little pain in the name of training was acceptable and necessary to create well-behaved dogs who would have lifelong loving homes. In fact, when I enrolled my Australian Kelpie pup in the now-renowned Dr. Ian Dunbar’s first-ever puppy-training classes at our shelter in Marin County, California, I was so sure that using physical corrections in training was the only way to go, that I dropped out of the class after just two sessions; I was convinced he was ruining my dog with training treats! It was several more years before I crossed ov...
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Dog Training Method: Which Training Style is Most Effective?

While each dog training method is different, the basis behind dog training is to teach your dog to want to do desired tasks by setting them up for success and providing them with the chance to complete the desired task. If you are successful, you and your dog will reach an understanding of each other’s wishes. And the process is enjoyable for everyone involved. It is a win-win situation. All local dog trainers have different methods of training. Which methods work best for you and your dog? If you ask a group of dog trainers what dog training method works best, they will all have very different opinions. Most commonly, you will find dog trainers that would say that positive reinforcement works best, while others would say that corrective dog training methods works best. You will often find a lot of criticism about both methods based on which side of the spectrum dog trainers are on. Positive reinforcement dog trainers have been called stuff like “cookie pushers” and ‘treat slingers’...
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Dog Trainer Near Me: What Type of Dog Training Do I Need?

From teaching your dog basic obedience to advanced training and behavior modification, a great dog trainer can make all the difference. When searching for a “dog trainer near me”,  here are a few things to consider when choosing a trainer. Which type of dog training is most convenient for you? There are a lot of choices when it comes to training these days, including private in-home dog training , group classes, and even online courses. It can be  difficult to decide whether training your dog at home or in a class setting is best. There are many reasons why training at home is a good option. For starters, the schedule is much more flexible than group classes, allowing you to work around your personal life. However, online courses let you do the training whenever it is convenient for you. Group classes allow your dog to socialize with and be around other dogs, unlike private training or online courses. At-home training is tailored to fit your specific training goals, rather...
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Halloween Safety Tips

Halloween can be the spookiest night of the year, but keeping your pets safe doesn’t have to be tricky. The ASPCA recommends taking these simple, common sense precautions to keep your pet happy and healthy all the way to November 1. Stash the Treats The candy bowl is for trick-or-treaters, not Scruffy or Fluffy. Several popular Halloween treats are toxic to pets. Chocolate in all forms—especially dark or baking chocolate—can be very dangerous for cats and dogs, and sugar-free candies containing the sugar substitute xylitol can cause serious problems in pets. If you suspect your pet has ingested something toxic, please call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 immediately. Watch the Decorations and Keep Wires Out of Reach While a carved jack-o-lantern certainly is festive, pets can easily knock over a lit pumpkin and start a fire. Curious kittens are especially at risk of getting burned or singed by candle flame. Popular Halloween plants such as p...
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