Dog Training Tips & Tricks

Many dog training experts use a clicker to mark and reward good behavior. Referred to as clicker training, the approach relies on positive reinforcement – which is considered to be both effective and humane. You can use a clicker to teach your four-legged family member basic commands, new skills and even complicated tricks. To do so, click it at the…

When you first got your dog, boot camp likely wasn’t on your mind. But with everything going on in your life, you’re finding that you don’t have enough time to commit to a consistent training schedule. And as a result, your pooch isn’t all that well-behaved or obedient. A boot camp for dogs — also known as a board-and-train program…

You’ve decided to have a dog trainer work with your furry friend – and you’ve found that in southern California, quite a few professionals offer dog training services. With all of the trainers out there, how do you figure out which one to hire? Choosing the right professional dog trainer is important, regardless of what skills and behaviors you want…

While there are many ways to help fearful dogs develop confidence, professional dog trainers frequently turn to two behavior modification techniques – desensitization and counterconditioning. Both were developed by psychologists, and both are used to help both people and canines learn to cope with their fears. Here’s a look at how the techniques work. Desensitization Desensitization is a process that…

Does your dog growl, lunge or bite to block access to their possessions? Resource guarding is a common issue – and bringing it to a stop should be a top dog training priority. Also known as possessive aggression, resource guarding can be problematic for several reasons. Your furry friend may refuse to give up something harmful, for example, or you…

Given the amount of time and care involved, dog board-and-train programs or boot camps aren’t typically a low-cost training option. However, you definitely get what you pay for – and the truth is, live-in boarding and training offers several advantages. If you’re frustrated with your dog’s behavior and your training efforts haven’t been all that successful, a dog board-and-train program…

Does your dog regularly growl, nip or bite? Aggressive behaviors like these are the reason many pet owners seek out the services of a professional dog trainer. Aggression is a complicated issue, and while there is no quick and easy solution, training can help your pooch learn to change their behavior. After visiting a veterinarian to rule out medical problems…

If your dog act distressed or gets destructive when everyone leaves the house, they’re probably suffering from separation anxiety – and dog training can help your furry friend learn how to cope. When training a dog with separation anxiety, the goal is to help them gain confidence and feel secure enough to better tolerate being left alone. With moderate to…

If your family just got a puppy, professional puppy training can help your new furry friend become a well-behaved and well-adjusted companion. Working directly with a professional dog trainer is quite beneficial for your pet – and for you. Here, we explain the ins and outs of puppy training. Preparing for Puppy Training Before you bring your new pup in…

Dog training is one of the best – and most effective – ways to ensure that walks on the leash are stress-free for you and your pet. Whether you have a new puppy who’s new to the concept of using a leash or an older pooch who never learned how to walk nicely instead of pulling you along, getting your…