A common issue that dog guardians face is a pet’s exuberant jumping when family members or visitors arrive at the door. While jumping is a display of joy and enthusiasm, it can be overwhelming, and even intimidating, for some visitors. Teaching your dog alternative behaviors such as four on the floor, touch, or to settle on a designated mat or spot offers the dog a clear alternative to jumping and helps the dog channel excitement into a calmer, more controlled behavior.
Every dog guardian knows the joy and excitement our furry friends exhibit when it’s time for a walk. It’s a moment dogs await eagerly—a chance to stretch their legs and take in the world around them. However, have you considered adding a twist to your regular walks? By incorporating games and interactive activities, you can take your canine companions’ outdoor experience to a whole new level and provide numerous benefits for their physical and mental well-being.
Socialization plays a vital role in puppy development, helping puppies become well-adjusted and confident adult dogs. Even shy or timid puppies will gain confidence and develop social skills when you incorporate socialization into their routines gradually.
Visiting the veterinarian can be a stressful experience for both pets and their guardians. From the unfamiliar smells to the uncomfortable procedures, the entire visit can be overwhelming. However, by preparing for the appointment and employing positive reinforcement training techniques at the clinic, you can transform vet visits into positive experiences for your beloved companions.
Philip Sun, KPA CTP, transitioned to learning the basics of dog behavior, having a dog, and then training others’ dogs himself when his industrial equipment sales position was eliminated. Chance encounters with stray dogs, and with their happy and grateful owners when Philip reunited dog and owner, sparked interest and feelings in Philip just when he was leaving one job and facing a job hunt. He remembers thinking, “Oh, wow. Working with humans and dogs, the two ends of the leash, feels SO different from closing a large deal.”
Renowned animal behavior expert Ken Ramirez firmly believes that we often underestimate the abilities of animals. Take horses, for example. While they are widely recognized for their physical strength and agility, what lies beneath their impressive physicality is an intelligent mind that thrives on engaging and enjoyable learning experiences.
Exercising your dog outdoors every day is essential for the dog’s physical and mental health. However, what do you do when it’s too hot outside? Well, bring the fun indoors! With summer here officially, indoor training games are fun options for keeping your dog active and stimulated when the weather heats up.
Is your dog fearful of loud noises or events, such as thunderstorms, fireworks, or even the vacuum cleaner? Or is your dog fearful of certain people, like children or strangers? Creating a safe place where your dog can escape as needed can help reduce your dog’s anxiety during stressful situations. It also helps establish clear boundaries—if the dog is in the safe space, the dog needs alone time and does not want to be pet or played with.
One of the most delightful and fulfilling experiences as a dog guardian is
having a pup who knows how to greet people politely. By using a hand target cue, you can develop a pleasant greeting routine for both guardian and dog.
Laurie Schlossnagle, KPA CTP, has been clicker training for 20 years. Her first training was with her own dog, in therapy work and Rally Obedience. Now the owner of Side By Side Dog Training, LLC, in Salt Lake City, Utah, Laurie works with people and their dogs of all ages across many training paths. Her training offerings range from manners, life skills, and problem behaviors to canine sports and competition, service- and working-dog behaviors, and tricks! Laurie is also a multi-level judge for several of these industry sectors.
