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Dog Training at Home – Possible or Not?

Dog training at home can be a challenging task, but with patience, consistency, and the right techniques, it can be a rewarding experience for both you and your furry friend. While many people opt to send their dogs to professional trainers, there are also many benefits to training your dog at home. We will explore the possibility of training your dog at home, the benefits and challenges, and some tips for successful training.

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Photo by Jamie Street

Is it Possible to Train Your Dog at Home?

Yes, it is absolutely possible to train your dog at home! In fact, training your dog at home can be a more effective approach for some dogs, as it allows for more personalized attention and a consistent routine. However, it is important to keep in mind that training your dog at home requires a lot of time, patience, and effort on your part.

Training your dog at home requires a deep understanding of your dog’s behaviors, learning style, and temperament. It is important to tailor your training methods to your dog’s individual needs, rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach. With the right techniques and a commitment to consistency, you can successfully train your dog at home.

 

Benefits of Training Your Dog at Home

Training your dog at home has several benefits, including:

Personalized attention: When you train your dog at home, you can give them individual attention and focus on their unique needs. This can be especially beneficial for dogs that are easily distracted or have behavioral issues that need extra attention.

  • Consistency: When you train your dog at home, you can establish a consistent routine and reinforce behaviors consistently. This can help your dog learn more quickly and be more responsive to your commands.
  • Comfort: Many dogs feel more comfortable and relaxed in their home environment, which can make the training process easier and more enjoyable for both you and your furry friend.
  • Cost-effective: Training your dog at home can be more cost-effective than hiring a professional trainer, as you can use simple training tools and techniques that you already have on hand.

 

Challenges of Training Your Dog at Home

Training your dog at home also has some challenges that you should be aware of, including:

  • Distractions: Training your dog at home can be challenging due to distractions such as other family members, noises, and smells. It is important to find a quiet, distraction-free space for training sessions.
  • Lack of expertise: If you are not experienced in dog training, you may not know the most effective techniques for your dog’s individual needs. It is important to do your research and seek advice from professionals or experienced dog owners.
  • Time commitment: Training your dog at home requires a significant time commitment, as you will need to set aside regular training sessions and be consistent with reinforcing behaviors.
  • Behavioral issues: Some dogs may have serious behavioral issues that require the expertise of a professional trainer. If your dog has aggression, anxiety, or other serious issues, it may be best to seek professional help.

 

Tips for Successful Dog Training at Home

If you are ready to train your dog at home, here are some tips for success:

  • Start with the basics: Begin with basic commands such as “sit,” “stay,” and “come.” Once your dog has mastered these commands, you can move on to more advanced training.
  • Use positive reinforcement: Positive reinforcement is the most effective training technique, as it rewards good behavior and encourages your dog to repeat it. Use treats, praise, and toys to reward your dog for good behavior.
  • Be consistent: Consistency is key to successful dog training. Set a regular training schedule and stick to it, and be consistent with your commands and rewards.
  • Keep training sessions short: Dogs have short attention spans, so keep training sessions short and focused.

Why Does My Dog Growl When I Pick It Up?

Dogs are social creatures that communicate through a variety of means, including body language, vocalizations, and scents. Growling is one way in which dogs communicate, and it can indicate a range of emotions, from fear and anxiety to aggression and warning. If your dog growls when you pick it up, it can be a sign that your pooch is uncomfortable or stressed. We will explore some of the reasons why dogs may growl when picked up and what you can do to help your furry friend feel more comfortable.

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Photo by Razvan Sassu

Pain or discomfort

One of the most common reasons why a dog may growl when picked up is because your pup is experiencing pain or discomfort. Dogs can suffer from a range of health issues, from minor ailments like sore muscles and joint pain to more serious conditions like arthritis or even broken bones. If your dog is experiencing pain, it may growl or snap when picked up because it is trying to protect itself.

To rule out any medical issues, it’s important to take your dog to the vet for a thorough checkup. Your vet will be able to examine your dog and determine if there is an underlying health issue that may be causing your dog to growl when picked up. If your dog is diagnosed with a medical condition, your vet may recommend a course of treatment or medication to help manage the pain and discomfort.

 

Fear or anxiety

Another reason why a dog may growl when picked up is because it is is feeling fearful or anxious. Dogs can be afraid of a range of things, from loud noises and unfamiliar people to other dogs and even certain objects. If your dog is afraid, it may growl or snap when picked up because it feels threatened or overwhelmed.

To help your dog feel more comfortable, it’s important to identify what is causing this fear or anxiety and work to address it. For example, if your dog is afraid of loud noises like thunderstorms, you can try to create a safe and comfortable space to retreat to during storms. You can also try using calming supplements or medications to help your dog feel more relaxed.

It’s important to note that forcing your dog to be picked up or holding it when your pup is scared can actually make the problem worse. If your dog is afraid, it’s important to give it space and let your dog come to you when it feels comfortable.

 

Overstimulation

Some dogs may growl when picked up because they are overstimulated or excited. This is especially true for puppies and young dogs who have a lot of energy and can easily become overwhelmed. If your dog is overstimulated, it may growl or snap when picked up because it is trying to communicate that it needs a break.

To help your dog feel more comfortable, it’s important to give plenty of opportunities to burn off excess energy through play and exercise. You can also try using calming techniques like massage or aromatherapy to help your dog relax.

 

Lack of training or socialization

Finally, some dogs may growl when picked up because they have not been properly trained or socialized. Dogs who have not been exposed to a variety of people, animals, and situations may become fearful or aggressive when confronted with something new or unfamiliar. Similarly, dogs who have not been taught to accept handling may become defensive when picked up.

To help your dog feel more comfortable, it’s important to work on training and socialization from a young age. You can enroll your dog in obedience classes or work with a professional trainer to teach your pooch how to behave in different situations. You can also work on handling exercises with your dog to help it become more comfortable with being picked up and held.

Helping Your Dog Through Separation Anxiety

Dogs are social animals, and they form strong bonds with their owners. So, when their owners leave them alone, it can cause them to become anxious, stressed, and even depressed. This condition is known as separation anxiety, and it’s one of the most common behavioral problems in dogs. If your dog has separation anxiety, it’s essential to understand the causes and symptoms of the condition and how to help your furry friend overcome it. Here are the way of helping your dog through separation anxiety.

 

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Photo by Razvan Sassu

 

Causes of Separation Anxiety

Separation anxiety can be caused by several factors, including:

  • Lack of socialization: Dogs that were not adequately socialized as puppies may become anxious when left alone.
  • Changes in routine: Changes in the owner’s work schedule, moving to a new home, or changes in the household can all trigger separation anxiety.
  • Past experiences: Dogs that have had traumatic experiences, such as being abandoned or surrendered to a shelter, may be more prone to separation anxiety.
  • Genetics: Some breeds, such as German Shepherds and Labrador Retrievers, may be more prone to separation anxiety.

 

Symptoms of Separation Anxiety

The symptoms of separation anxiety can vary from dog to dog. Some common signs to watch out for include:

  • Destructive behavior: Dogs with separation anxiety may chew, scratch, or dig at doors, windows, or furniture when left alone.
  • Barking, howling, or whining: Dogs with separation anxiety may vocalize excessively when left alone.
  • House soiling: Dogs with separation anxiety may urinate or defecate in the house when left alone, even if they are house-trained.
  • Pacing or restlessness: Dogs with separation anxiety may pace back and forth, drool excessively, or exhibit other signs of restlessness when left alone.

 

 

Helping Your Dog through Separation Anxiety

If your dog has separation anxiety, there are several things you can do to help them overcome the condition. Here are some tips:

  • Gradual desensitization: Start by leaving your dog alone for short periods of time, gradually increasing the duration as they become more comfortable.
  • Positive reinforcement: Reward your dog with treats and praise when they exhibit calm behavior when left alone.
  • Environmental enrichment: Provide your dog with toys, puzzles, and other forms of entertainment to keep them occupied when you’re not home.
  • Consistency: Establish a routine for your dog that they can rely on. Feed them at the same time each day, and establish a consistent bedtime.
  • Medication: In severe cases, your vet may prescribe medication to help your dog manage their anxiety.
  • Professional help: Consider seeking the help of a professional dog trainer or behaviorist to help you address your dog’s separation anxiety.

 

Separation anxiety can be a challenging condition to manage, but with patience and consistency, you can help your furry friend overcome it. By understanding the causes and symptoms of separation anxiety and following the tips outlined above, you can help your dog feel more comfortable and confident when left alone. Remember, every dog is different, and what works for one dog may not work for another. So, be patient and persistent, and don’t hesitate to seek professional help if needed.

How To Teach Your Dog The Shake Hands Trick

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Photo by Bethany Ferr

Teaching your dog how to shake hands is not only a fun trick, but it can also be a useful behavior that can help you bond with your furry friend. Shaking hands is a basic trick that most dogs can learn, and it can be a great way to impress your friends and family. Here’s how to teach your dog the shake hands trick:

 

Start with a solid foundation

Before you start teaching your dog how to shake hands, it’s essential to make sure that they have a good understanding of basic obedience commands like “sit” and “stay.” This will help you communicate better with your dog and make the training process easier.

 

Get your dog’s attention

Get your dog’s attention by calling their name or using a clicker. You can also use treats to get your dog’s attention, but make sure not to give them a treat until they have completed the behavior you’re asking for.

 

Place your dog in a sitting position

Once you have your dog’s attention, ask them to sit. You can use a treat to lure them into the sitting position, or you can gently push their rear down while saying “sit.” Make sure to praise your dog and give them a treat for sitting.

 

Hold a treat in your hand

Once your dog is sitting, hold a treat in your hand, and make sure your dog sees it. Your dog will likely start sniffing and pawing at your hand to get the treat.

 

Repeat the process

Repeat the process several times until your dog is consistently lifting their paw when you offer your hand and say “shake.” You can also try using a different hand or changing the position of your hand to make sure that your dog is responding to the command and not just a specific hand or position.

 

Phase out the treat

As your dog becomes more familiar with the command, start phasing out the treats. Instead of giving your dog a treat every time they shake hands, give them a treat every other time or every few times. Eventually, your dog will learn to shake hands without the need for a treat every time.

 

Practice regularly

Practice the shake command regularly to reinforce the behavior and keep it fresh in your dog’s mind. You can also try adding variations to the command, like using a different hand or having your dog shake with both paws.

 

Teaching your dog how to shake hands is a fun and easy trick that can be a great way to bond with your furry friend. With patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement, your dog can learn to shake hands in no time. Remember to always use treats and praise to reward good behavior, and practice regularly to reinforce the behavior. With a little bit of training, your dog will be shaking hands like a pro in no time!

 

Contact Puptown Houston now and book an appointment to learn more about dog tricks!

Effective Puppy Training Techniques: A Guide For New Pet Owners

Bringing a new puppy into your home is an exciting time, but it can also be overwhelming. Puppies, like babies, require a lot of time, patience, and consistent training in order to grow into well-behaved adult dogs. In this guide, we will discuss some effective puppy training techniques that will help you raise a happy and well-trained pet.

Puptown Houston Dog Training Facility: Effective Puppy Training Photo by Andrew Schultz from Unsplash

Start Early

The first thing to keep in mind when training your puppy is to start early. As soon as you bring your puppy home, begin working on basic commands such as sit, stay, come, and heel. Consistency is key when it comes to puppy training, so make sure to set aside time each day to work on these commands.

Potty Training

Another important aspect of puppy training is potty training. This can be one of the most challenging aspects of raising a new puppy, but it is also one of the most important. To potty train your puppy, establish a regular schedule for feeding, walking, and going outside. This will help your puppy learn when it is appropriate to go potty.

Positive Reinforcement

Positive reinforcement is also an important part of puppy training. This means rewarding your puppy when they do something good, rather than punishing them when they make a mistake. Treats, praise, and playtime are all great ways to reward your puppy for good behavior.

Socialization

Socialization is also an important part of puppy training. Socializing your puppy means exposing them to different people, animals, and environments. This will help them become well-adjusted adults who are comfortable in a variety of situations.

Patience

Lastly, it is important to remember that every puppy is different and may learn at a different pace. Be patient and don’t get discouraged if your puppy doesn’t seem to be catching on quickly. With time, patience, and consistency, your puppy will learn and grow into a well-behaved adult dog.

In conclusion, training your new puppy can be a lot of work, but it is also a lot of fun. By using positive reinforcement, consistency, and socialization, you can raise a well-trained and happy pet. Remember to be patient and always keep in mind that every puppy is different and learn at their own pace.

Do You Have Puppy That Needs Training? Visit us at Our Facility

Crate Training for your Puppy

Why to Crate Train a Puppy

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Dog crates can serve many purposes, but two stand above all others- potty training and safety.

Anyone who has raised a puppy knows they are like small human children, and must be watched constantly or the puppy could chew up electrical cables, bedding, chew the paint off walls (yes- that too), or swallow small objects that can pose a choking hazard. It is in the puppy’s best interest to be crated when it can’t be monitored, if only to keep the puppy safe.

 

How to Choose a Good Dog Crate

Consider a well ventilated crate large enough for your puppy to stand up and turn around in easily. Bear in mind as your puppy grows (and they do grow fast), he will need more room. It’s usually a good idea to invest in a full size crate adjusted for his expected adult growth! If your dog is a mixed breed, consider the expected size of the larger breed in the mix.

Also, try to avoid purchasing an overly large crate. Too much room might allow for your puppy to make a mess without disturbing his immediate bedding.

Be Patient

Crate Training can take days or weeks, depending on your dog’s past experiences. In the case of shelter dogs, workers sometimes can’t get to the puppy in time; proper training may take longer because the dog is used to eliminating in his enclosure.

Crating and Potty Training

puppy crate training houston txDogs prefer not to relieve themselves in small confined areas or where they sleep. In the crate, your puppy will hold his bladder as long as he can. Bear in mind- that is a very small and underdeveloped bladder; your puppy will need frequent potty breaks.

Make it Comfortable

Don’t think of your puppy’s crate as a cage, but more of a comfy doggy den! Make sure the bottom is lined with soft blankets or other comfortable material. Leave a favorite toy or two in your dog crate. Most of all- never, ever, associate your crate with punishment. In order for your training to run smoothly, you’ll want your little one to enjoy his little den!

Start Small & Familiarize

This is possibly both the most important step to the training process and the most neglected. In order to avoid anxiety from developing, you absolutely must be patient and let your puppy become accustomed to his or her crate. In other words, don’t start off the bat crating for hours at a time unless it is absolutely unavoidable.

Begin by letting your puppy inspect the crate with the door open. After you do this once or twice, start out by creating your pup for short 5,10 or 20 minute intervals while you are in the room. After you’ve done this a few times, you can begin crating and leaving the room for short durations.

If you have to work on Monday, try starting out Friday after you return home. In order to create further pleasant associations, begin feeding your dog in his crate at feeding time.

Be sure to set a potty training/ crating schedule for your puppy to help familiarize them to the process!

Your Puppy’s Perspective

Dogs all too often developed separation anxiety, sometimes to an extreme, possibly even causing injury in attempts to escape or tearing up blanketing to confetti, because owners start out by caging them for day- long periods. Remember, dogs do not understand why they are being caged, and often think their pack- family member and parent has left them, never to return. How would you feel if you were placed in a small cell with no explanation or other human contact?

The entire idea behind this gradual process is to give your puppy time to adjust, showing him or her you will always return and he doesn’t need to worry. Remember to crate various times throughout the day to help your puppy familiarize himself to the process!

Summary

Introduce your dog to the crate.
Begin crating while you are in the room.
Feed your dog meals in the crate.
Start leaving the room.
Slowly lengthen crating periods (with appropriate bathroom breaks).
Begin crating your puppy when you leave.
Crate your puppy at night.

Why Never to Use the Crate as a Punishment

Comfortability ranks right up there with familiarity and patience above. You always want your puppy to form positive associations with his crate at all times! If you crate your puppy directly after chastisement, he will learn ‘crate means my parent is upset; I don’t like the crate because I don’t want the parent to be upset’.

A Small Bladder

Crate training a puppy is different from crate training an adult dog. Even if you have to work, expect to come home to soiled bedding if you leave your puppy crated all day. Small puppies are still growing and developing, and need frequent potty breaks.

On the other hand, it is a good idea to begin crating your puppy overnight. He will probably whine at first, and you probably won’t get a full night’s rest (but that is to be expected for any young puppy owner). Most puppies should be able to sleep the entire night without a potty break by 4 months of age.

  • Barring sleep, puppies under 6 months of age shouldn’t stay crated for more than 3-4 hours at a time (Humane Society)
  • It is said puppies can be crated without potty breaks for their age (months) in hours plus one. Ex.- 3 months = 4 hours
  • In order to properly develop social skills, puppies shouldn’t be separated from litter mates prior to four weeks. Many experts recommend no less than eight weeks.

Ask a Professional for Advice

If you have any questions about the above information, please contact us.  Or if you would like to inquire about training options where our professionals train your puppy for you at our facility, please call us today at 832-930-0073!

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How to Be an Incredible First Time Pet Owner

 

Congratulations on deciding to get your first pet! Pet ownership is a hugely rewarding experience that allows you to build a deep bond with your four-legged friend. As special as those first few weeks and months might be, there will undoubtedly be challenges and some unexpected situations that will inevitably pop up, even if you’ve made all the appropriate modifications to your home.

 

Being a pet owner for the first time can be confusing. Chances are, you might not even know where to begin. Take a few deep breaths, relax, and know that you can do this. In fact, millions of people own pets in the United States alone. You can do this!

 

Now… where to start?

 

Are you sure?

Chances are, if you’re reading this article, you’ve already made up your mind to get a pet. Just in case you’re still on the fence though, have you asked yourself whether you’re committed to taking care of a pet for the next several years or even decades? Do you have time for a pet? Can you afford a pet? Is your current living situation suitable for a pet? What will you do if and when your pet develops a serious health condition or disability?

 

Be patient.

It will take time to build a bond between yourself and your pet. This comes with practice – and yes, with making a few mistakes, too. Take it easy on yourself (and your new pet) if the two of you don’t quite have it all figured out just yet.
Training

You know those well behaved dogs you see your neighbors walking down the street? Or the animals in the movies who do the incredible stunts? Those animals (and their owners) have spent lots of time doing something called pet training. Training is one of the most important aspects of pet ownership because it builds trust, communication, and that strong bond we just mentioned above. For best results, consider watching some YouTube videos, getting a pet training book, or even hiring a professional to help you train your new pet.

The Basics of Protection Dog Training

Personal protection is very important, especially given today’s social climate, though in truth, protection has always been critical. The one thing that tends to differ from person to person is how they provide themselves with that protection, and in our experience many people rush out to the nearest store to buy a can of mace, a gun, or perhaps a stun gun. These are all outstanding methods of protection, but have you ever considered protection dog training?

The expense might be a bit more elevated with Woodlands dog training specialists, but the rewards are outstanding. You get a dog that is well trained, you get the protection you need, and you get a companion that will be with you for many years. There is nothing better than having a sentient being at your side ready to defend you in the event of an attack and there are so many different spots that will require this type of protection.

Woodlands Protection Dog Training – Where you Need It

sniper_belgian_malinois_protection_dog_2At HomeThe risk of burglary is elevated in urban areas and while an alarm system is certainly beneficial to you, you will find that having a weapon on hand, or some other form of protection is even better.

OutsideYou might be out for an early morning jog or you may simply be walking around the neighborhood. Maybe you’re even going to the store – it doesn’t matter too much, as you’re going to find out eventually. Having protection on your walks both during the daytime and at night is essential and a well trained dog can definitely do the trick for you.

ShoppingWhether you’re at a mall or at the store, there is always going to be a chance of danger and you already know what we’re going to say: make sure you’re properly protected.

Above we’ve listed just a few of the occasions in which you might need that extra layer of protection, but it goes far deeper than you think.

The Ultimate Crime Deterrent

A dog is not always necessary when it comes to stopping a crime against you or your property, in most cases the very presence of a protection dog can stop crime from occurring in the first place. Most would be attackers, robbers, or other unscrupulous individuals are warded off easily when they sense that the dog in question is capable of defending you. In other words, your beloved companion can stop the crime before it even begins, and that’s very beneficial to you, especially if you are the type that likes to avoid confrontation.

Beyond Protection

You don’t need to buy a brand new dog specifically trained for protection. As a matter of fact, we can train your existing family dog, ensuring that you have one that is already familiar with your family, and already one that you love. The most important thing to remember is that your dog will be trained to defend you and your family rather than engaging, which reduces the chance of unprovoked attacks significantly.

Most importantly, while your dog will have a critical skill set that helps both you and your family, they will also be capable of having fun with you. It’s a mutual relationship that is highly beneficial and definitely something you will want to start investing in.

Help from the Professionals

Our trainers are industry leaders and capable of bringing out the best possible potential in your dog. It won’t be long before you have exactly what you need in a canine companion and the ability to keep your world protected. If you’re ready to change the way your dog functions within your family, and if you’re ready to bring about a complete change for your household, then maybe it’s time for you to give us a call and see what we have to offer you. We are without a doubt some of the best dog trainers in the country and we place your protection at the forefront in this comprehensive program.

 

Basic Therapy Dog Requirements and How to Meet Them

Therapy dogs are not service animals but instead dogs who accompany their owners to settings such as schools, hospitals, and nursing homes.  Service dogs are specifically trained to perform specific tasks to help a person with a disability.  For example, a service dog might be a blind owner’s “eyes” or assist a person with a physical disability.  Therapy dogs bring comfort, affection, and happiness to people in confined situations such as hospitals and/or nursing homes.  They are also brought into schools after a crisis, as demonstrated by a fleet of Golden Retrievers being brought to Sandy Hook Elementary after the devastating shooting which took place there.

Roles of a Therapy Dog

Service Dog TrainingOne of the key roles of a therapy dog is to bring comfort to people recovering from a crisis.  They also assist those with learning disabilities, assist medical professionals in their practice, and serve as a calming element to those with mental disorders.  Therapy dogs are especially known for comforting those suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD.  In fact, there are several therapy dog programs which train and donate these exceptional animals to veterans.

Dog Power

These pups improve people’s physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being.  Visits from therapy dogs can reduce anxiety without medication and have even generated positive responses and reminiscing from those with dementia.  Cancer patients have had their blood pressure brought down to an acceptable level to receive chemotherapy thanks to visits with service dogs.  Other healing affects associated with these amazing animals are decreases in stress, decreases in depression, decreased aggression, increased socialization, a greater sense of happiness and well-being, increased mental stimulation, and increased self-esteem.

Therapy Dog Training

Believe it or not, therapy dog training is fairly simple and easy to seek out.  For those interested in seeking out this certification, the dog must be at least one year old, healthy, the handler must have good character, and service dogs cannot be registered as therapy dogs.  The American Kennel Club (AKC) recommends the best starting points being the AKC STAR Puppy Training Program followed up with the Canine Good Citizen Certification.  Both of these programs teach basic obedience, socialization, good manners, and being adaptive in a wide array of situations.

The therapy dog test itself is fairly simple and consists of two phases and thirteen tasks called tests.  Phase I covers the entry table or “dog reception”, check in and out of sight, walking around people, group sit/stay, group down/stay, recall on a 20-foot leash, and visiting with a patient.  Phase II consists of testing reactions to unusual situations, leave it part 1 and 2, meeting another dog, entering through a facility door, and reaction to children.

How Puptown Fits In

Therapy DogIf you live in or near The Woodlands, TX, you have the good fortune of being able to bring your dog to Puptown Houston to start their training.  We start off by teaching future therapy dogs basic obedience with fundamental commands like sit, stay, come, and leave it.  We also offer private classes, group classes, and “doggy day camp”.  With your permission, our expert trainers expose your dog to a wide array of environments and other people and animals by taking them for walks, to dog-friendly spots, hiking, outings in the park, and interaction with other dogs to develop socialization.

We understand that this crucial first step means a future therapy dog will be well-prepared for and comfortable in nearly any situation thus focused on preforming its job and taking care of its human.  Puptown’s professional dog trainers use programs that are in direct accordance with AKC obedience recommendations thus offer your pooch a great start if you want to get him or her certified as a therapy dog.

Good canine manners and obedience training are only part of having a future therapy dog.  The third piece of the puzzle is socialization and while this is easiest to teach a puppy of young dog, it can be learned by dogs of any age.  As you can see from the therapy dog tests, socialization is a huge part of the certification process and critical when introducing a dog to different individuals and environments.

Your dog will most likely be facing a multitude of people, places, and situations in their life and needs to be prepared for the outside world.  Once more, entrust your pup to our training specialists to familiarize your dog with a variety of scenarios and distractions.  This also helps our trainers to identify any fears or phobias and help your dog overcome these obstacles.  So if you are interested in training your pooch to be a therapy dog, contact Puptown Houston today to begin your fulfilling journey.

 

What You Need to Know About Service Dog Training

A therapy dog is an entirely different animal (pun intended) and in order to truly perform its job, a therapy or service dog needs to undergo extensive training to be properly registered and ensure it provides the necessary assistance to its owner.  The training is a two-fold phase as it involves good canine citizenship in nearly every scenario possible and being attentive to owner needs. Continue reading “What You Need to Know About Service Dog Training”