Training and Caring for your Canine Family Member

Why you should hire a professional dog trainer to help

Thu, 05 Aug 2021 06:18:15 GMT

Unintended consequences

Why is training so important for your dog?

First, just like children, dogs don't know what is acceptable and what is not acceptable in life. Notice I didn't write "right from wrong" ... that's because dogs don't understand right from wrong but they do understand what works and what doesn't. Teaching a dog what is acceptable and what is not takes time and A LOT OF PATIENCE. Most people work all day, when they get home they are tired and training their dog is probably one of the last things on their mind. So the dog doesn't act in an "acceptable" manner and owners get upset at their dogs. Doesn't sound very fair does it?

Why should you hire a professional dog trainer?

Dogs learn two ways; by association and consequence. Consequences can be good or bad. You tell the dog to sit, the dog sits, the dog gets a treat ... good consequence. The dog chases a bee, the bee stings the dog ... bad consequence. Those are simple examples, however, it is actually much more complicated than that.

Owners may not realize it, but they unintentionally provide a bad consequence to their dogs everyday for what the owners think are good. Think of this, you are at the dog park with your dog, you call the dog to come, the dog comes (this is acceptable to you), you clip the leash on the dog. WHAT??? You actually just punished your dog by taking away his fun and freedom. Next time you call your dog to come, do you think she will come again knowing the consequence? This leads to all kind of other issues we won't discuss here. Dog owners also unintentionally reward their dogs for unwanted behavior. Without clear communication, dogs can get confused and then everyone gets frustrated.

My point is that, professional dog trainers understand how to train dogs in such a way that good consequences come when the dog does good things and not-so-good consequences come when the dog does not-so-good things. No trainer should ever inflict pain on your dog!!

There are 2 options I offer for training:

Group Classes where you are in a class with other people and dogs
Private Training where we train your dog together

If you are interested in training for your dog, making your life easier and making you and your dog happier, send me a message, email me at hello@southcoastdog.com, or call me at 774-520-3647 (DOGS) .

I look forward to hearing from you!

~Sandy

So, You’re Getting a Puppy…

Tue, 21 Aug 2018 16:30:15 GMT

… or maybe you’ve already gotten him or her

CONGRATULATIONS!

Puppies are so cute and so fun. This is a very exciting time for you, but a time that can also be filled with many questions. If you are first time puppy owner, or you just haven't had a puppy in a long time, things can be a little overwhelming. Either way, there a lot of things to consider when getting a puppy. Check out my information on Items you need , Dog Food and Treats , Dog Toys , Vaccinations , Obedience Training , and Socialization .

As a note, if you have had a pup before, do not expect your new pup to be like your other pup when she was a puppy. All dogs are not created equal, even if they are the same breed or from the same parents. That would be like assuming all people with the same parents would have the same personality. It just doesn’t work that way. All dogs come with their share of behaviors and idiosyncrasies that make them unique.

Items You’ll Need

Mon, 20 Aug 2018 00:00:00 GMT

On to what things you need to buy for your new puppy. Your first walk through the pet store will be fun but also a little overwhelming. “Where do I start? What does my puppy need? I want to buy one of everything! How much will that cost???”

Just start with the basics for three good reasons:

You have to figure out what your puppy likes and doesn’t like;
You have to figure out what is safe for your puppy; and
There is a good chance other people will buy things for your pup.

A quick tip on toys and bones: don’t leave all the toys and bones out all thetime for your pup. Switch them up from time to time. The same toys all the time can get boring but when you bring out new (old) toys, it can feel like theirbirthday all over again.

Identification Tag

Your pup needs to have some type of identification tag. This should go without saying, but it might not be on the top of your mind when you are getting a new pup. All you need is something simple with the dog’s name and your phone number. Some people may put their name on it as well. Many pet stores have ID tags that come in many shapes, sizes, and colors. They often have free engraving, as well. Having your pet microchipped , in case she gets loose, is also a good idea.

Collar and Leashes

Most importantly, you will need a collar and leash. You definitely need a basic flat collar. This is just a regular buckle collar where you can put your pup’s identification tag, rabies tag, dog license and anything else that may help to identify the pup if she gets loose. The collar doesn’t have to be anything fancy as your pup will most likely outgrow it. Nylon collars tend to be a litter slippery and can loosen over time so you may want to consider cotton or leather. Make sure that you can fit two fingers under the collar and make sure you check it as your pup grows. Depending on the type of dog you have, you may need a different type of collar instead of, or in addition to, a flat collar. Ask your trainer which collar is best for your dog.

I would recommend purchasing two leashes. At some point, you will not be paying attention to your pup, and she will chew one. I see this all of the time. It’s always good to have a backup. Nylon leashes can be a little slippery and feel rough on the hands if you have a dog that is a puller. Cotton or leather leashes are better options. For training, I also recommend getting a longline of at least 12’.

Harnesses

If you are considering using a harness, back clip harnesses are not a good choice for dogs. If you think about sled dogs, harnesses are placed on the dogs and the dogs pull. This is basically what you are asking your dog to do when you put a back clip harness on the dog. Many people use them because dogs also want to pull on flat collars, and, at least with the harness, they don’t feel like the dog is choking itself.

If you want to put your dog on a harness, get one that clips in the front, not the back, such a 3-in-1 made by PetSafe. The dog can still pull, but it won’t be as bad. Regardless of what you choose, please note that a dog can easily slip out of a harness. If you get a harness that clips in the front, you can also clip it to the flat collar with a safety clip as an added safety measure in case they slip out of the harness.

Gentle Leader® Headcollar

The Gentle Leader Headcollar, also made by PetSafe, is a great option for walking your dog. Like a bridle for a horse, the Gentle Leader controls the dog’s head. The Gentle Leader fits over your dog’s nose and around its neck. When the pup tries to pull, it turns her head preventing pulling and giving you your pup’s attention. I work with service dogs, and Gentle Leaders are the tool of choice for walking the dogs. Gentle Leaders reduce excessive pulling, are great for training your dog to heel, make it easy to control your dog, and do not put pressure on your dog’s throat.

There are other options, such as command collars and prong collars, that can be used for walking and obedience. Ask your trainer what would be the best choice for your pup.

Food and Water Bowls

There are a few options when it comes to dog dishes and water bowls: plastic, ceramic, and stainless steel. The plastic and ceramic ones can have some really cute designs on them, but be aware that plastic dishes can harbor bacteria if not washed good enough and ceramic bowls could break. I prefer stainless steel for an everyday dog bowl.

For both food and water bowls, I recommend getting ones with an anti-skid rubber bottom . Your pup will not be able to pick the bowl up and empty the contents onto your floor. Trust me on this, I am writing from experience!!!

Because most dogs tend to want to devour their food, I suggest a slow-feed food bowl . You can get them in stainless steel and plastic. Regardless of the material, make sure you thoroughly wash the bowl to keep the bacteria away. Most bowls are usually dishwasher safe. The ones that have a maze look to them make it more challenging for the pup to eat. This provides some great mental exercise for your pup while slowing down her eating.

Waste Bags

Having a puppy means you will be doing some walking to make sure your pup gets some exercise. Please be considerate and clean up after them.

Grooming Supplies

All dogs, whether they have a short coat or long coat, need to be groomed. This includes bathing, brushing, nail trimming, ear cleaning, and brushing their teeth. Grooming needs to start sooner rather than later so the pup can get used to all these foreign objects doing weird things to them. Make sure you know what type of brush is best for your pup and how to use things like nail trimmers and toothbrushes.

Brushing your dog is beneficial for all kinds of dogs no matter what breed they are, helping to remove dead hair, dirt, and dandruff. Regular brushing also helps to bring out the natural oils in the dog’s fur. As you brush, the natural oils are spread all over your puppy’s fur, giving the coat a healthy sheen.

Another benefit of grooming is that it allows you to check your dog for any abnormalities like skin problems, ticks, and fleas or issues with their nails, teeth, ears, and eyes.

Whether you hire a professional to groom your pet or do it yourself, grooming helps keep your dog happy and healthy, gives you and your dog a time that is set aside just for the two of you, and helps you to save on veterinary bills.

Talk to your trainer about how you can make your pup comfortable with these tools.

Crates

I highly suggest you crate train your dog. Some people think it’s punishing the pup. If introduced correctly and used properly though, the crate actually becomes a safe, comfortable place for your pup to be. Dogs are den animals, so a warm, cozy crate will make them feel right at home. Your pup should be able to stand up, lie down, turn around and stretch while in the crate.

I prefer the stainless-steel crates that have dividers in them as you can adjust the size of their living space as they grow. I recommend throwing a blanket over the crate to make it more den-like. There are also plastic and fiberglass crates that are hard-sided.

Crates and other types of containment, like exercise pens and gates, are necessary to keep your dog safe. Just like you wouldn’t let a small child out of your sight, you shouldn’t let your pup out of your sight until she is fully housetrained. By house trained, I don’t mean just doing her business but also being able to trust that she isn’t going to go chew the kitchen table or eat a sock. Fun fact: Socks are the second most common item veterinarians remove from dogs’ stomachs.

Dog Beds

Shamefully, I have one dog, four rooms in my house, and five dog beds. I like to make sure Homer, my chocolate Labrador Retriever, is comfortable. You will want a bed in your pup’s crate, and, if there is a place where you hang out often like the kitchen or living room, another one in that area. There are so many options in dog beds out there that it’s hard to recommend any particular one. I would consider one that is water-resistant, “chew-proof”, and has a removable/washable cover. When it comes to dogs, I don’t believe there is anything that is truly chew-proof. Puppies chew on things. That’s one of the reasons why we crate them or keep them contained in a certain area. Make sure your pup isn’t going to chew her bed up when you put her in the crate or elsewhere.

Dog Food and Treats

Sat, 18 Aug 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Dog Food

Not all dog foods are created equal. There are so many choices out there; it can be a little overwhelming. Talk to your veterinarian or a knowledgeable pet store associate about what food might be best for your pup. Some pups are more sensitive than others, so you may have to try a few different kinds before you find something that works for your pup. If you decide to change your dog’s food, make the transition slowly. Dogs have sensitive stomachs, and a rapid change could wreak havoc on their intestinal system. Pay attention to your pup’s general health . If you changed her food and she starts scratching or chewing, has dry skin, or any other new issue, contact your veterinarian as your pup might be allergic to something in her food.

Dog Treats

As with dog food, there are many options when it comes to dog treats. First, from a training perspective, don’t go out of your way to get specific dog training treats. Dogs are pretty simple and are usually food motivated. I prefer to use their dog food to train them, and then I use special treats when I want them to be super-focused or excited about learning something, like coming when called. I’m not saying we don’t need special treats to train them, I’m just saying that there is an alternative to using them all of the time.

My favorite training treats are Charlee Bear Bear Crunch and Zuke’s. Both can be broken up into smaller pieces, which is great especially for puppies and smaller dogs.

Dog Toys

Thu, 16 Aug 2018 00:00:00 GMT

This is my favorite part. I think I have an obsession with dog toys because I can’t pass them up, especially if I am getting a good deal on them. Start off with just a few toys until you figure out what your pup likes or doesn’t like.

Anytime you get your pup a new toy, they need to be supervised until you know the pup won’t chew it up and ingest it. Don’t believe it when a company states their product is indestructible. I have watched my dogs rip up some “indestructible” toys. Here are my suggestions on what toys to start with:

Nylabone– They have different ones for different dog sizes and ages. Check out

www.nylabone.com for pet safety and information on their products.

As a note, some behavioral problems happen because dogs don’t get enough exercise so please take the time to exercise your dog both physically and mentally.

Vaccinations

Sat, 11 Aug 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Getting your pup vaccinated is extremely important. Depending on your veterinarian, they may recommend different vaccinations or vaccination schedules. According to the AKC, here is a general guideline of the puppy vaccination schedule for the first 4 months of the pup’s life. This is a just guideline. Ask your veterinarian what is best for your puppy.

Socialization

Sat, 04 Aug 2018 00:00:00 GMT

SOCIALIZE, SOCIALIZE, SOCIALIZE! Socialization is probably one of the most overlooked part of having a dog. Having a well-socialized pup is more important than having a well-trained pup, although you can have both . By socialization, I am not only referring to your pup being around other dogs of different sizes and shapes, but also around other animals and a variety of people such as, kids, adults, those with facial hair, wearing hats, sunglasses, or hoodies, carrying handbags or wearing a backpack. Every one of these scenarios is a novel experience for your pup. The more they experience and are ok with at a younger age, the better they will be as they get older.

Socialization is most important in the first 16 weeks of a puppy’s life and it will set the stage for their temperament going forward. However, they are not fully vaccinated until they are 16 weeks, therefore there is a risk of transmission of disease. The fact is, the risk of a dog dying because of infection is much less than the greater risk of a dog ending up in a shelter and being euthanized because of a behavioral problem.

Training, socialization, and vaccinations should go together in a program to protect the lives of dogs and improve the relationships with other animals and people.

Obedience Training

Sat, 04 Aug 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Training your pup is not an option but an obligation . Why is it so important? Dogs, like humans, are not born knowing what is acceptable behavior and what is unacceptable behavior; they have to be taught the difference. A dog that is not trained properly as a pup will end up with unwanted behaviors as they grow older. Training them early helps prevent problems from getting started in the first place! Basic obedience training can begin as early as 8 weeks.

Click here to learn more about our obedience training services.