As much as we want to believe our pooches are perfect, there are times when this is just not true. However, there is good news - It can be true! According to Brice Cavanaugh at Total Dog! Dog Training Solutions, dog problems can be solved with the proper care and guidance. You can break those bad habits with packages from Total Dog! Dog Training Solutions that have lifetime guarantees.
According to Cavanaugh, he has many services including dog training shows for business grand openings, pet safety for children and school groups, online dog training (coming soon), expert witness, consultation, entertainment for childrens' parties, doggie daycare/overnight boarding, physical fitness with your pet, and more!
Brice Cavanaugh and Total Dog provided 10 tips and tricks that will help empower all dog owners:
1. Be positive! When starting your training plan, think about what you want your dog TO do, not what you want the dog to STOP doing. Many times, by providing structure, those undesired behaviors take care of themselves. If you only concentrate on the negative, your training won't be enjoyable, and will be limited in its effectiveness.
2. Live in the moment! Regardless of the dog's past, it is in a good home now. Often times owners will take the dog's past as reason not to train ("He's had a hard enough life"), when in reality, the structure gives the dog a predictable outcome, making them happier!
3. Give your dog CPR! While pet first aid IS important, this is actually an acronym to remember for training…Consistency, Patience and Repetition. Like anything of value, you get out of training and your relationship what you put in to it.
4. Frustrated? Put the leash down! When you are training, if you reach a point of frustration, end the session and come back to it later. While we try and end on a good note, no training is better than bad training. Frustration will travel down leash, as does fun!
5. Dogs are not people! If dogs knew that some of us look at them as little furry humans, they would likely be offended…and maybe they already know! What makes a dog special is what separates dogs from humans. By humanizing, we are not only selling them short, but we are incorrectly labeling certain behaviors as human, and providing human answers to dog problems. Doesn't work. I am not saying to stop loving your dog, just love them the way that they receive it best!
6. Learn your dog! Your dog will tell you everything that you need to know to help keep it in balance. Dogs that "zoom" around the house need more physical exercise. Dogs that exhibit neurotic behaviors (nipping, whining, barking, chewing, etc) are lacking mental stimulation. Balance it out! Some items CAN be breed specific (Heelers nip) or developmental (chewing for a dog that is teething), but allowing these things now can end up as a conditioned behavior.
7. Silence is acceptance! Dogs are creatures of habit, they take the path of least resistance, and they are a lot more consistent than we are. This can work to our advantage or disdain. Not stopping or allowing a behavior can lead to a conditioned behavior (yes, this was repeated for a reason!).
8. Get help! Get the most out of your dog…have a professional help you train! Your dog should be a source of joy and companionship, not frustration! The more structure we provide now, the more freedom the dog can enjoy shortly thereafter!
9. Build a good relationship with your Veterinarian. Keeping your furry friend in great health is of utmost importance. We find a lot of behavioral problems that stem from a medical abnormality. The same can be said of groomers and other pet care services!
10. Have fun with your dog! Get out, have a good time! A simple walk builds rapport, and camping trips can really be a blast! Anything in between is great!