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This time of year is a wonderful time to find gratitude in the home you’ve created for yourself, including the new dog you’ve welcomed into your home. Each dog is unique just as every human is unique. They all have their own special way of going about life and bringing about joy into our lives.
Sometimes the joining of lives together is smooth and seamless, but often there is a transitional period that takes time. Welcoming a new being into your home is an exciting milestone, but it can also come with conflict and tension. Most are not aware of all the situations that can start off a relationship on the wrong foot (or paw) which is why it is important to work with a professional early in the journey. Together we can navigate each person and animal’s needs to avoid unanticipated conflict and start building trust right away.
Contact me at 660-890-5766 and we can discuss how to best support your family during this transition if you are bringing home a new member of the family soon.
Upcoming Howliday Hacks
The best ways to lead your pup through the holiday season:
Determine when and where they will take a rest. When humans are over-tired and under-rested, it can lead to bigger mood swings. The same applies to dogs that haven’t had enough rest. Take the lead by giving them ample quiet time in a crate or room away from the chaos.
Lead your guests in their interaction with your dog. If you have guests over, give them gentle guidance on how to interact with your dog. A simple “he prefers chin scratches overhead scratches” can guide their hands to less intimidating positions. You can also try “he prefers to be the one to come to you over you coming towards him, he’ll warm up in a few minutes.” Your guests will appreciate the clarity in what to do as they greet your dog, and your dog will appreciate your advocacy for his personal space!
Top Trainer Tip
Are you having trouble with your dog counter surfing, jumping, or being constantly underfoot while you’re trying to cook? Consider giving them a home base.
A non-slip bathmat in the corner of the kitchen where your dog can go to be close - but not too close - is a great way to keep them involved but out of trouble.
How can you get them to become magnetized to the mat? It’s simple! Sprinkle tiny treats on the mat when they aren’t looking. They’ll think it’s a magic carpet in no time! (Alternative methods are available for multi-dog or multi-species households.)
Today’s Pawsitively Inspiring Story
Misty reached out when she brought home her new puppy Sam. She had had dogs before but wanted to do things “the right way” this time. We are so glad she called because her transition in bringing home her new puppy and helping him adapt to her lifestyle has gone so well! We carefully evaluated his needs and her schedule to establish a routine that would accommodate their lives together. Misty gets to come home to a clean home and a happy dog that joyfully greets her every day. She’s also able to confidently take her new dog on adventures on the weekends with ease because of the techniques we worked on together. We take a multifaceted approach to training so that the solutions we provide are comprehensive and most likely to succeed in your unique situation.
FAQ
“I don’t want to use treats for training, shouldn’t my dog just do what I ask because I asked?”
I love to hear this question because it allows me to provide a new perspective. Often when we see people out and about with their well-mannered, obedient dog or dogs on TV that comply with every ask, we are seeing the end result of training. It's easy to jump to the assumption that the dog was born that way and the human is lucky. In reality, it’s similar to the professional athlete that makes the sport look easy - until you try it yourself! What we don’t see are the hours of practice, routine, and discipline that have gone into achieving such a feat.
In dog training, treats are just a tool. They allow us to provide the dog with a quick and natural reward for behaviors we want to see more of. For dogs, treats are their paychecks. Over time, however, this evolves. Dogs usually end up liking the person who gives them their favorite things! We can then move from treats to using toys and praise to reinforce their efforts and that is when a beautiful, cooperative bond develops. Curious to know more? Call and let's schedule a complimentary consultation.
Bring in a Pro
Ways We Can Work Together
You and your dog deserve a cooperative and joyful bond together.
Book a complimentary consultation today or complete our Dog Training Evaluation Form at https://www.dalmatiabnb.org/services
Check our website for services: Click https://www.dalmatiabnb.org/services to get to know what services we offer.
Call me at 660-890-5766 to get started training.
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