Dog training advice. When hiring a dog trainer, it’s important to consider several key factors to ensure a successful experience for both you and your dog. First, look for a trainer with proper credentials and experience, ideally certified by a recognized organization like the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT) or the International Association of Canine Professionals (IACP). Their training philosophy is also important. Positive reinforcement techniques are widely recommended as they encourage good behavior through rewards rather than punishment.
Consider the trainer’s experience with your dog’s specific breed or behavioral issues. Communication is vital, so choose someone who is patient, listens to your concerns, and explains training techniques clearly. It’s also helpful to observe a session or ask for references to gauge the trainer’s effectiveness and approach. Remember that training is a partnership; the trainer should involve you in the process, teaching you how to reinforce good behavior at home. Ensure that the dog training environment is safe and conducive to learning, whether it’s in a group setting or private sessions. By thoroughly evaluating these aspects, you can hire a dog trainer who will help your pet develop good habits, improve behavior, and strengthen your bond.
by Vivian Zottola, MSc, Human Dog Relationship Therapist, & founder of BostonK9Concierge LLC
When teaching any non verbal individual, whether a human child or non human animal (pet dog), there really is no place or need to use force or pain. Kind training is supported by the veterinary community in peer reviewed scientific literature, American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), as well as medical and psychiatric community. AVSAB, the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior recently published an updated position statement stating the same. (more…)
by Bryan Litchford CPDT-KA, owner of PCDTRAINING, and author of the book Excuse Me Sir… Do You Speak Dog?
Help my dog ate my couch!
I don’t think there is a week that goes by that I don’t get a phone call from a frantic dog owner crying foul. My dog ate my couch, my dog destroyed my backyard, my dog scattered the trash or my dog barks non stop. Although there can be numerous reasons for these behaviors and numerous solutions, in this post, I am going to focus on what I consider the most common issue: boredom. (more…)
Many puppies and dogs are afraid of car rides. Often this resolves by itself by taking the puppy to fun places in the car. But sometimes a more linear approach to treating car phobias is needed because the fear doesn’t go away or even gets worse over time. (more…)
We love our pets, there’s no question about that. And love includes feelings of affection and attachment, care, closeness, and trust.
How can we show love to our pets beyond the basics of appropriate care? By understanding them and being patient when we don’t understand them. Canine emotion and cognition are being studied more and more and provide us with a peek into the secrets of how dogs think about the world and us. Then there are those mysterious felines that are beginning to be studied and are revealing more about what might be going on inside their heads. (more…)
If you ever had to come into close contact with a long aisle of various harnesses at a pet store, you likely experienced the overwhelming feeling that often pairs with purchasing a dog harness. (more…)
