Leash and Dog Reactivity

Q: Why does my dog react aggressively or anxiously toward other dogs or people while on a leash?
A: Leash reactivity often stems from fear, frustration, or a lack of proper socialization. Your dog may feel trapped and unable to approach other dogs naturally, leading to barking, lunging, or growling.

Q: How can I help my reactive dog stay calm on walks?
A: Proper training involves desensitization and counterconditioning. We work on rewarding calm behavior, redirecting focus with commands like “watch,” and gradually exposing your dog to triggers in a controlled manner.

 

Counter Surfing

Q: How do I stop my dog from stealing food off counters?
A: Counter surfing is a learned behavior often reinforced when your dog successfully grabs food. Preventative measures include keeping food out of reach, teaching the “leave it” command, and reinforcing positive behaviors using rewards.

Q: What should I do if my dog jumps on the counter?
A: Avoid rewarding the behavior with attention. Instead, redirect them to a designated space, such as a mat, and reward them for staying there. Using management tools like baby gates can also help limit access.

 

Barking and Jumping

Q: How can I teach my dog to stop barking excessively?
A: Barking can be caused by excitement, fear, or boredom. We identify the root cause and teach an alternative response, such as rewarding quiet behavior or using commands like “quiet.”

Q: My dog jumps on people—how do I stop this behavior?
A: Jumping is often an attention-seeking behavior. Teaching your dog an alternative behavior, such as “sit” when greeting people, and rewarding calm behavior will help curb this habit. Ignoring jumping and rewarding only when all four paws are on the ground is key.

 

Crate Training

Q: Is crate training cruel?
A: No! When done correctly, crate training provides your dog with a safe, comfortable space. It helps with house training, prevents destructive behavior, and gives your dog a sense of security.

Q: How do I get my dog comfortable in a crate?
A: Gradually introduce the crate with positive reinforcement. Start with short sessions, use treats and toys, and never use the crate as punishment. Over time, your dog will see it as a safe retreat.

 

Puppy Training

Q: When should I start training my puppy?
A: The earlier, the better! Puppies start learning from the moment they arrive home. Basic training can begin as early as 8 weeks old, focusing on socialization, potty training, and foundational commands.

Q: What are the most important things to teach my puppy?
A: Puppies should learn bite inhibition, socialization skills, house training, and basic commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “come.” Positive reinforcement techniques help them learn faster and develop trust.

 

Basic Commands

Q: What basic commands should my dog know?
A: The core commands every dog should learn include:

• Sit – Helps with impulse control.

• Stay – Prevents bolting or jumping.

• Watch – Focuses attention on you.

• Come – Ensures your dog returns when called.

• Down – Encourages relaxation.

• Heel – Keeps your dog walking nicely on a leash.

Q: How can I effectively train these commands?
A: We use positive reinforcement, rewarding good behavior with treats, praise, or play. Consistency and patience are essential for success.

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Door Dashing

Q: How do I stop my dog from running out the door?
A: Teaching impulse control through commands like “wait” or “stay” at doorways can prevent door dashing. Using positive reinforcement to reward calm behavior and practicing threshold training will help your dog learn to wait patiently.

 

Fear Aggression

Q: Why does my dog show aggression when scared?
A: Fear aggression often results from past negative experiences or lack of socialization. Gradual desensitization and confidence-building exercises help your dog feel more secure in challenging situations.

 

Anxious Dogs

Q: How can I help my anxious dog feel more secure?
A: Providing a structured routine, using calming aids, engaging in confidence-building exercises, and rewarding relaxed behavior can help anxious dogs feel more at ease.

 

Aggressive Dogs

Q: Can an aggressive dog be trained?
A: Yes, but aggression must be handled carefully with behavior modification techniques and professional guidance. Identifying the triggers and reinforcing alternative behaviors is key to managing aggression.

 

Leash Training

Q: How do I train my dog to walk nicely on a leash?
A: Teaching “heel” and rewarding loose-leash walking helps prevent pulling. Using positive reinforcement and stopping movement when pulling occurs can reinforce proper walking behavior.

 

Resource Guarding

Q: Why does my dog growl or snap when I approach their food or toys?
A: Resource guarding is a natural survival instinct. Training involves desensitizing your dog to sharing resources and teaching trade commands to build trust.

 

Separation Anxiety

Q: How do I help my dog with separation anxiety?
A: Gradually increasing alone time, providing engaging toys, and using desensitization techniques help ease separation anxiety. Avoid making departures and arrivals overly emotional.

 

Impulse Control

Q: How do I teach my dog better self-control?
A: Training exercises like “wait,” “leave it,” and structured playtime help develop impulse control. Consistent reinforcement of calm behavior leads to long-term improvement.