Training
Solve your pet's behavior problems — and teach a trick or two — with our positive-reinforcement based techniques.
Helpful Training Articles
Stopping Your Dog's Destructive Chewing
Chewing is a common complaint among those caring for dogs younger than one year old. Part investigation, part teething, and all fun...
Help with Cat Spraying
Urine stains found approximately at cat-nose level on vertical surfaces, such as furniture, drapes or walls, are telltale signs of feline spraying...
Training Your Dog to Come When Called
This is the probably the most important command your dog will ever have to follow...
Dealing with Separation Anxiety
Supposedly, absence makes the heart grow fonder. However, the absence of an owner sends some dogs into wailing and barking
Top 10 Dog-Training Tips
1. Listen to your dog! Learn to read his body language. If he seems uncomfortable meeting another animal or person, don't insist that he say hello.
2. Be generous with praise. Make sure you give him lots of attention when he's doing the right thing � not just when you're unhappy with him.
3. Tell him what you want him to do. Telling your dog "no" doesn't give him enough information. If he dog jumps up to say hello, ask him to sit instead.
4. Be consistent. Get as many family members involved as possible so everyone's on the same page.
5. Have realistic expectations. It's never too late to change a behavior � some will just take longer than others.
How to Find a Good Trainer
Finding a professional dog trainer may take a bit of research, but making the right choice will be worth the time. Here are some guidelines to help you find a good trainer:
- Ask if you can observe a class. Are the dogs happy? Are the people having fun? Is there a good ratio of people to dogs?
- Observe the tools being used in the class. Good ones include leashes, flat collars, head halters, bite sized treats, toys and harnesses
- The trainer should use lots of praise � and never use physical punishment.
- Ask what organizations the trainer belongs to. The APDT, IAABC, NADOI and the CCPDT strongly encourage or even require continuing education for their members.
Read more about how to find a good trainer.
