"Puppy Training? No Can Do!"

"Puppy Training? No Can Do!"

Trust me, without the most basic dog/puppy training, even the six pounder's can be a pet sitter's worst nightmare! All it takes is becoming distracted by a noise,  or the sight of another animal  to lose complete control of the dog.  And, how can we,  Chicagoans side step the notoriously bitter, icy winters!

   "Puppy training? No can do!" pet owner's shout from the hill tops! Yet, owners will shell out thousands of dollars for a specific breed and/or over the life of the pet, but do little to nothing in the way of training. 

    One must keep in mind that no matter the age, training is vital to the dog's overall physical and mental health.  Remember that dogs are pack animals and training will  allow the dog to define boundaries. In other words, where he is on the family totem poll, and he's definitely not the head honcho! 

     So let's start with basic training.

• Collars. Take into consideration the dog's age, size, behavior, breed & keep several different styles on hand during his lifetime and training sessions.

• Leashes.  Experts suggest have several on hand while training to see which works best.

• Positive Reinforcement:  This is the  very foundation necessary to train any pet.  Reinforcement encourages the pet to continue with the correct behavior. Dogs constantly learn throughout the day. So don't miss an opportunity!

• Behavior Treats: Used only during training sessions & only when behavior is performed correctly.

• Leash Behavior: Allow the dog full rein while training on a leash/collar.

• Practice Sitting Still, Politely. "Practice makes perfect". Sit when there's visitor, sit when supper is served, sit for visitors, watching t.v. and so

• Real Life Training Experiences. Shopping trips to the store. Practice sitting at the car door, when he gets out, at the store entrance. Real life training is all around. 

• Dog Ques: Listen/look at/ his behavior while training or meeting new people. Are his ears back, tail between his legs or his he hiding behind your body. Learn his behavior to keep people safe and the dog safe at all times. 

   The benefits of a well trained dog are life changing for both the pet owner and the dog, alike. Training has shown to be the number one factor for a lifelong friend. Conversely,  a poorly managed dog is the primary reason for them to be sent to pound.
     My experience as professional pet sitter backs up this fact.  I've run across dogs sent back  two and three times before someone adopts the pet, permanently. Why, because these new owner's understand the dog's nature, personality, health problems, and, most importantly, the owner's are patient and train the dog, appropriately.   

     Dog training, whether it's a formal six week boot camp, private, in-home trainer, or the local park district, allows any dog to participate in a broad range of activities that keeps him sharp, his weight down,  and staves off old age.

      So don't miss out on all the wonderful opportunities  that  abound in everyday life to keep your dog as the old adage states "healthy, wealthy and wise"!