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Top training tips
Exploring the top training tips for dogs opens up a world of possibilities for building a strong bond, enhancing obedience, and promoting positive behaviors. Consistency and patience are key, as dogs thrive on routine and clear expectations. Breaking down training sessions into short, focused sessions and incorporating fun and engaging activities can keep dogs motivated and eager to learn.
Training 101 - STEP 1: Understanding Motivation
This is where you must begin to start training your dog, don't skip this video!!
Understanding the basics is important before you begin training your dog. This video introduces the first step in being able to successfully influence your dog's behavior. Understanding the 3 main types of motivators and how we can control and ultimately utilize them to our advantage.
Training 101 - Step 2: Management by Restriction/Getting Attention
Set you and your dog up for success.
One of the most important principles in dog training is to have realistic and strategic expectations of how a dog should be behaving. It's unrealistic to expect a small puppy to be free in your home and not cause some type of issue. Whether it be potty accidents, chewing up belongings, etc...The principle of "Management by Restriction" takes the pressure off of you and the dog and puts you in far more positions to build a trusting and positive relationship the animal.
Dog Training 101 - Step 3: Shaping and Marking Behaviors
As we progress in the training program this video articulates how to start creating and capturing the behaviors that you want to see from your dog. It's a critical step on your way to Obedience as this will help lay the foundation for your future commands.
This would be considered a Phase 1 training exercise as we're predominately utilizing Positive Reinforcement and Negative Punishment.
Puppy Training at K9 Heeling
In this video you see some of the exercises a young dog will do and learn while staying at K9 Heeling to learn some of the basics. The dog in this video is a 12-week old Greater Swiss Mountain Dog named Swizzy.
Resource Guarding Prevention
A very common and potentially serious behavior problem can be prevented with this exercise.
Our dual training system in a nutshell
Ultimately instructing on how to teach a reliable "sit".
This training system has been in development for over 50 years. Lead trainer, Mitch, has been studying/implementing it for over 10. It combines the joys of training/teaching with food and the necessity of utilizing physical pressure to achieve fun and reliable results across a broad range of dogs.
How to: Beginner Dog Training
The beginning phases of our dog training system.
This video will provide you with a hands on look at how we begin our dog training programs. While each dog is different, you will see that overall we utilize the same philosophies and principles over and over. The foundation work in this video is beneficial for anyone who is interested in improving their communication lines with their dog.
for already trained dogs...
This is an example of a dog that has gone through our training program and what we expect once the dog goes home. This video offers a demonstration of the foundation commands of "Come, Sit, Down, Heel, and Place". Once the foundation is clearly taught to the dog they can thrive within those clear parameters.
work with their natural instincts
Trying to impose your will unto a dog will most likely leave you frustrated and the dog confused and potentially unsure of the handler. A much more effective approach to creating your desired behaviors in your dog will be to utilize her natural instincts and her style of communication, not yours.
superior intelligence
Although dogs possess numerous admirable qualities, intelligence is not one of their strongest suits compared to humans. Our unique cognitive abilities, including forward-thinking, planning, reflection, coordination, and manipulation, provide us with a significant advantage when it comes to training dogs. Approaching training sessions, daily routines, or overall dog ownership with a carefully devised plan can yield remarkable results. By harnessing our cognitive abilities, we can effectively communicate with and train our dogs, achieving the goals we set out to accomplish.
be creative
Dogs, like humans, thrive on mental stimulation and novelty. By introducing fresh and innovative approaches to training, you can keep your dog engaged, motivated, and eager to learn. Creative techniques help prevent boredom and monotony, which can lead to disinterest or even resistance during training sessions.
be precise
By being precise, you provide clear instructions to your dog, allowing them to understand the exact behavior or command you expect from them. This clarity minimizes misunderstandings and helps dogs learn more quickly and accurately.
bond with the dog
A solid bond forms the foundation for effective communication, trust, and cooperation between you and your furry companion. When there is a deep connection, the dog becomes more receptive to your guidance and instructions, making the training process smoother and more successful.
teach in phases
Teaching your dog in phases is crucial for their learning and overall training success. Breaking down the training process into manageable steps allows your dog to grasp concepts gradually, building a solid foundation before moving on to more advanced skills. This approach prevents overwhelming your dog with too much information at once, reducing frustration and confusion. Each phase focuses on mastering a specific behavior or command, ensuring clarity and consistency in training.
Reshaping unwanted behaviors
Learn how to turn unwanted behaviors into awesome tricks. This video shows an example of how a puppy stealing shoes became a fun command.
complete control - off leash demo
In this captivating video, the incredible off-leash obedience and focus of a Great Dane are showcased. This demonstration not only exemplifies the potential of proper training but also serves as a source of inspiration for dog owners seeking to nurture a strong connection and achieve off-leash reliability with their own canine companions.