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Dog Behavior Training From an Early Age

Posted on by Gideon

Dogs are widely regarded as man’s best friend, and for good reason. They’re loyal, affectionate, and have a natural ability to understand and interact with humans in a way that no other animal can. However, owning a dog also comes with a great deal of responsibility. One of the most important responsibilities that comes with owning a dog is to ensure that they are well-behaved and well-trained. This is why dog behavior training from an early age is so important.

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Training your dog from an early age is essential for a number of reasons. Firstly, it helps to prevent any potential behavior problems from developing. Dogs that are not trained are much more likely to develop bad habits such as jumping up, barking excessively, or even biting. These behaviors can be difficult to correct once they become ingrained, and can even lead to the dog being rehomed or euthanized.

 

Secondly, training your dog from an early age helps to establish a strong bond between you and your pet. Dogs are social animals and thrive on attention and interaction from their owners. By training your dog, you are not only teaching them obedience and good manners, but you are also spending quality time with them and strengthening your relationship.

 

So, how can you start training your dog from an early age? Here are some tips to get you started:

 

Start with the basics

When it comes to training your dog, it’s important to start with the basics. This means teaching them simple commands such as “sit”, “stay”, and “come”. These commands are the foundation of all training, and will help you to establish a good relationship with your dog.

 

Use positive reinforcement

Positive reinforcement is the key to successful dog training. This means rewarding your dog for good behavior, rather than punishing them for bad behavior. When your dog performs a command correctly, reward them with a treat or praise. This will encourage them to repeat the behavior in the future.

 

Be consistent

Consistency is important when it comes to dog training. Make sure that everyone in your household is using the same commands and techniques, so that your dog doesn’t get confused. It’s also important to train your dog regularly, rather than sporadically. This will help them to learn the commands more quickly and effectively.

 

Socialize your dog

Socialization is an important part of dog behavior training. This means exposing your dog to a variety of people, animals, and situations from an early age. This will help them to develop confidence and good manners, and will also prevent them from becoming anxious or aggressive in new situations.

 

Seek professional help if needed

If you’re having difficulty training your dog, don’t be afraid to seek professional help. A qualified dog trainer can provide you with the guidance and support you need to train your dog effectively.

 

Dog behavior training from an early age is essential for the well-being of your pet, as well as your relationship with them. By starting with the basics, using positive reinforcement, being consistent, socializing your dog, and seeking professional help if needed, you can ensure that your dog grows up to be a happy, well-behaved, and much-loved member of your family.

The Role of a Dog in a Family

Posted on by Gideon

Dogs have been called “man’s best friend” for centuries, and for good reason. They are loyal, loving, and often considered a member of the family. The role of a dog in a family can vary depending on the household, but there are some common themes that most dog owners would agree on.

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Companionship

One of the most important roles a dog plays in a family is that of a companion. Dogs are social creatures and enjoy spending time with their humans. They are always happy to see us and are eager to be near us. This companionship can be especially important for people who live alone or those who have lost a loved one. A dog can provide comfort and help alleviate feelings of loneliness.

 

Physical and Mental Health

Dogs also have a positive impact on our physical and mental health. Studies have shown that owning a dog can lower blood pressure, reduce stress, and increase our activity levels. They also provide emotional support, which can be helpful for people with anxiety or depression. Additionally, taking care of a dog can provide a sense of purpose and routine, which can be beneficial for our mental health.

 

Protection

Another important role a dog can play in a family is that of a protector. While not all dogs are bred for protection, many breeds are naturally protective of their families. They can bark to alert us of potential dangers or intruders, and their presence alone can deter criminals from targeting our homes. This can provide a sense of security for the entire family.

 

Teaching Responsibility

For families with children, owning a dog can be a valuable opportunity to teach responsibility. Children can learn how to care for another living being by feeding, walking, and grooming their dog. This can help instill a sense of empathy and responsibility in children, which can benefit them in other areas of their lives.

 

Bringing Joy

Perhaps one of the most obvious roles a dog plays in a family is that of a joy-bringer. Dogs have a way of making us laugh and smile, even on our toughest days. They are always excited to see us and are often eager to play. Their unconditional love and affection can bring a sense of happiness to our lives that is hard to replicate.

 

Choosing the Right Dog for Your Family

While dogs can bring many benefits to a family, it’s important to choose the right dog for your household. Different breeds have different temperaments and activity levels, so it’s important to do your research before bringing a dog into your home. Some things to consider include:

  • Activity level: Do you want a dog that is high-energy and requires lots of exercise, or would you prefer a more low-key companion?
  • Size: Do you have enough space in your home and yard for a larger dog, or would a smaller breed be a better fit?
  • Temperament: Do you want a dog that is good with children or other pets, or do you have a specific temperament in mind?
  • Grooming needs: Some breeds require more grooming than others, so consider how much time and money you’re willing to invest in grooming.

 

The role of a dog in a family can be multifaceted. From providing companionship to teaching responsibility to bringing joy, dogs can have a positive impact on our lives. However, it’s important to choose the right dog for your household to ensure a successful and happy relationship. With the right breed and proper care, a dog can become an integral part of any family.

Lastly, dogs are intelligent animals with complex social and behavioral needs. While they are often referred to as “man’s best friend”, dogs are not born knowing how to behave in human society. Just like humans, dogs need to learn and follow social rules to live successfully and safely in their environment. This is where Lodge & Learn Training becomes crucial.

5 Benefits of Owning a Trained Dog

Posted on by Gideon

Owning a trained dog can bring numerous benefits for both the owner and the dog. A trained dog is a pet that has undergone training to learn obedience and perform specific tasks or behaviors on command. This training can include basic commands such as “sit,” “stay,” and “come,” as well as more complex tasks such as agility training, therapy work, and search and rescue operations. Here are the 5 benefits of owning a trained dog:

5 Benefits of Owning A Trained Dog
Photo by Destiny Wiens
Increased obedience and behavior improvement:

A well-trained dog is more likely to follow commands, making it easier for the owner to manage their behavior. This can lead to a more harmonious and enjoyable relationship between the owner and the dog. Additionally, behavior problems such as excessive barking, chewing, or jumping can be addressed and improved through training.

 

Enhanced security and protection:

Trained dogs can be excellent protectors, keeping their owners and their home safe. They can be taught to bark at strangers or intruders, alerting the owner to potential dangers. Some breeds, such as German Shepherds or Belgian Malinois, are particularly suited for protection work and can be trained in specific tasks such as personal protection or police work.

 

Better socialization and decreased aggression:

A well-trained dog is more likely to interact well with other dogs and people, reducing the risk of aggressive behavior. This can be particularly beneficial for dogs who struggle with socialization, allowing them to lead a happier and more fulfilling life. Training can also help owners manage and prevent aggression in their dogs, promoting a safer environment for all.

 

Improved mental and physical stimulation:

Training provides mental stimulation for dogs, helping to keep their minds active and engaged. This can be especially beneficial for dogs who are prone to boredom and destructive behavior. Physical stimulation is also important, and trained dogs are often able to engage in more physical activity, such as agility or obedience trials, helping to keep them fit and healthy.

 

Stronger bond with owner:

The process of training a dog can help to strengthen the bond between the owner and the dog. The dog learns to trust and respect the owner, and the owner learns to understand and communicate with the dog more effectively. This can lead to a closer and more loving relationship between the owner and the dog.

 

In conclusion, owning a trained dog has many benefits that can improve the life of both the owner and the dog. From increased obedience and behavior improvement, to enhanced security and protection, to better socialization and decreased aggression, there are many reasons why owners should consider training their dogs. Additionally, the process of training can help to strengthen the bond between the owner and the dog, leading to a closer and more fulfilling relationship.

Do you need professional dog training? At Puptown Houston we offer a variety of dog training services. Contact us!

How to potty train a puppy

Posted on by Shaina Zaidi

Potty training a puppy can be a bit of a challenge, but with consistency and patience, it can be done. Here are some steps you can take to potty train your puppy:

  1. Vizsla puppy training Magnolia txEstablish a routine: Puppies thrive on routine, so it’s important to establish a regular schedule for feeding, playing, and going potty. Take your puppy outside first thing in the morning, after every meal, and before bedtime.
  2. Choose a potty spot: Pick a spot in your yard where you want your puppy to go potty, and take them there every time. Use a specific command, such as “go potty,” to help them associate the command with the action.
  3. Supervise your puppy: When you can’t be directly supervising your puppy, confine them to a crate or a small room with easy-to-clean floors. This will help prevent accidents in the house.
  4. Reward good behavior: When your puppy goes potty in the designated spot, be sure to praise them and give them a treat. This will help them understand that going potty outside is a good thing.
  5. Watch for signs: Learn to recognize the signs that your puppy needs to go potty, such as sniffing around, circling, or whining. When you see these signs, take your puppy outside immediately.
  6. Be patient: Potty training takes time, so be patient and don’t get discouraged if your puppy has accidents in the house. Accidents will happen, and it’s important to stay calm and not get angry with your puppy.
  7. Consistency is the key: Keep up with the routine and do not deviate, reward them every time they go potty outside, be patient and be consistent in your commands and rewards, will help your puppy understand what is expected of them.

Remember to be consistent and patient, and your puppy will learn to go potty outside in no time. Training pads can also be helpful if you live in an apartment or have bad weather, so you can gradually move the pad outside as they get comfortable and will want to go outside.

Importance of Puppy training in The Woodlands

Posted on by Shaina Zaidi

A doodle puppy smiles happy at the cameraPuppy training is an essential part of raising a well-behaved, healthy, and happy dog. Not only does training provide an opportunity for bonding with your furry friend, but it also helps to prevent behavioral problems, keeps your puppy safe, and ensures that your dog grows up to be a well-adjusted adult.

One of the most important reasons to train your puppy is to establish good behavior from the start. Puppies are like sponges, and they learn very quickly from their environment and their interactions with people. By providing consistent training and setting clear boundaries, you can teach your puppy what is and is not acceptable behavior. This will help to prevent common problems such as disobedience, destructiveness, and aggression.

Another important reason to train your puppy is to keep them safe. Training can help to prevent accidents and injuries by teaching your puppy to respond to commands such as “sit,” “stay,” and “come.” These commands can be used to prevent your puppy from running into the street, eating something harmful, or getting into other dangerous situations.

In addition to promoting good behavior and safety, training can also help to improve the overall health and well-being of your puppy. Training can provide mental and physical stimulation, which can help to prevent boredom and destructive behavior. It can also help to prevent obesity, as training sessions can be an opportunity for your puppy to get exercise and burn off excess energy.

Overall, the importance of puppy training cannot be overstated. By investing time and effort in training your puppy, you can help to create a strong bond with your furry friend, prevent behavioral problems, keep your puppy safe, and ensure that they grow up to be a well-adjusted adult

Training Stubborn Puppies

Posted on by Sheena

How to Train Stubborn Dogs and Strong-Willed Puppies

The dog may be inclined to be in the service of the owner or may have a mind of its own. There is no doubt that if you own a dog in the latter category, you may wonder how to train such a dog. You have a very good point, and this article was written specifically to address your question.

Let’s start with this: if you’re having trouble training your pet, don’t worry. It is not unusual for dogs to be a bit reluctant at first and require a little more effort than they would. If you are patient and persistent, there is no doubt that you will eventually figure out how to train a stubborn dog.

Despite the challenges of training a stubborn puppy, you may build a relationship with your dog that will last a lifetime by being patient and consistent. All dogs have various personalities and character traits, and certain breeds are more high-strung.

Depending on your dog’s personality, you may need to start with one approach, then try another until you find one that works for it.

Training Strategies for Stubborn Dogs

The method you employ to overcome stubborn behavior should be essentially the same whether you are training a puppy or an adult dog. Several dogs may need additional time to unlearn long-term behavior, but it is still quite possible with continuous training.

Here are the strategies that can help you with stubborn dog training:

  1. Choosing the Most Appropriate Reward

Let’s be honest: When it comes to training your dog, bribery can go a long way when it comes to getting the job done. The reward must, however, be appropriate for your dog’s effort for it to be effective. How food-motivated is your dog? In that case, get your dog some high-quality treats.

You may want to offer an additional game of catch if your dog is not enthusiastic about food. In this case, the goal is to find out what motivates your dog and use that to train it to perform desired behaviors.

  1. Start with the Simplest Command

Initially, “sit” is the most straightforward command to teach. Once they learn this, most of the other commands will become easier to teach. After a while, they will start to see that if they can understand what you are saying, they will get praise and a treat.

It is important to use both visual and audible commands. In addition to saying “sit”, you should make some sort of gesture as well. Always do the same thing each time, or the dog will become confused, and the process will be prolonged.

  1. Decide on the Right Location

To ensure maximum success for your dog in training, you need to create the ideal environment. In the same way that you would not instruct a child how to read at an amusement park, you should not expect your dog to listen to you at their favorite dog park.

Try to pick an indoor space that’s calm, quiet, and free from distractions. Over time, you can begin to gradually introduce distractions to your dog as he progresses in his training.

  1. Don’t Rush Things

Don’t apply excessive pressure to the situation, yourself or your dog, or you’ll end up in a rut. Progress does not always occur overnight.

Consider taking things step-by-step and rewarding even the smallest achievements. Don’t forget about those yummy treats, too. This progress can translate into large gains in some dogs, even if it is only a small amount at the start.

  1. Avoid Punishing your Dog

Using negative reinforcement is something that can easily damage a puppy’s confidence if timing isn’t correct. Avoid using negative reinforcement until you’ve spoken with a professional. Often times our pups are not doing what we asked due to a lack of understanding/

As an alternative, reward your dog only when he follows instructions and take him back to a previous step where it was successful. It is possible to reinforce your confidence and understanding by taking a few steps backward.

  1. Maintain Consistency in your Training

Training any dog requires consistency, but when dealing with a feisty dog, it is especially necessary.

Certain family members may reinforce contrasting behaviors, which can give your dog an entirely legitimate reason for being confused, rather than stubborn. Ensure that everyone in your family is on the same page regarding training and command usage. Furthermore, it is important to train regularly and with a consistent amount of intensity.

It is not realistic to expect your dog to become proficient at a behavior after only one lesson. If you wish to see any real improvement, provide many, consistent repetitions of the same training. You must incorporate the practice into your daily routine and reward it appropriately for it to be effective.

  1. Consult a Professional when Necessary

Some dogs seem stubborn at first, but with time and consistent repetitions of the same training, they will learn. However, this may not always be the most appropriate solution. The idea of assertiveness being contrary to aggression is very important to understand, especially when dealing with training an adult dog.

If your dog exhibits signs of aggression or extreme fear, you should be concerned. You should call a professional dog trainer to assist you with this sensitive process and to provide any essential behavioral training.

  1. Become Familiar with their Language

Dogs and puppies communicate using body language. When you train your pup, you need to understand their language to effectively communicate with them. Consider the dog’s posture, behavior, and facial expressions while determining his attitude.

For example, the varying wags of his tail indicate how he feels, such as a high, rigidly moving tail indicates he is feeling tense. On the other hand, a relaxed, gentle tail denotes happiness. This distinguishing factor simplifies the process of communicating effectively.

Conclusion for Training Stubborn Dogs and Strong-Willed Puppies

These tips should provide some assistance in helping you train a stubborn dog and a strong-willed puppy. Keep in mind that clear communication and considerable patience will ensure success in the long run.

Also, remember to choose the right reward and the right place to practice, then repeat the activity as often as possible to reinforce the desired behavior.

Teaching your dog requires patience as well as refraining from using any type of punishment. If at any time during the training process, your dog becomes aggressive, you should seek immediate assistance from a professional trainer.

4 Ways to Raise An Obedient Puppy

Posted on by WebDev2021

Adopting a puppy can bring you a lot of joy, but there are also challenges attached to it. Training a puppy for obedience can be difficult, and the first few stages of getting them to do things can take a while.

Puppies add a lot to our lives and become our undeterred companions. Raising an obedient puppy requires patience and time.  They need to be taught how to do things and not think of the living room as a toilet, much like children.

Puppies if not treated properly may show signs of aggression and bad behavior, which can lead to other problems. Remember taking a dog in is a responsibility; it does not matter if you are simply adopting it or buying it for your choices, and it is a two way relationship.

Training, a lot of affection and positive reinforcement are the keys to raising a loving, healthy and obedient puppy.

Here are a few tips that can help you a lot in raising your puppy right.

Positive reinforcement

Positive reinforcement is the best way to get your puppy to obey. New experiences can be challenging for your puppy, they may feel afraid and overwhelmed, which can cause them to freak out. When taking them on their first walk or car ride, talk to your puppy and maintain a positive attitude, and yes, keep rubbing his belly. Make sure that they feel ready for the adventure. Whenever he listens to you or does something that is positive, give them a treat if they are acting-out or barking at people or jumping on them presuming a disappointed tone is better than resorting to extreme measures and punishment.

Hire a trainer

Rely on professional help if you need help; you can always take the time out to enroll your puppy into a board and train facility.  Professional trainers will teach your puppy how to behave obediently, they will potty train him and teach them how to act in crowds and whatnot – which will make things easier for you in the long run.

Obedience

Obedience is not just limited to your dog getting off the table; training your puppy to listen to you is a powerful means of keeping the little guy safe. Practicing multiple situations such as telling your dog to come to you when in the park, telling them to jump over an obstacle or avoid touching something that may be harmful; can set the right pace for you and your dog. Telling it to lie down, roll over and stand up are starter commands that can help your pup learn to be more obedient.  And of course, a treat can always help.

Trust

Puppies require attention and affection.  They can become attached to the individual spending the most time with them.  As a result, they may begin to become aggressive or intolerant of others.  So your family needs to be as involved in their daily activities as they can. Make sure all the members in your family are on the same page when you are adopting a puppy.

Bottom Line

Your efforts will make the right impact on your puppy and they will definitely respond to your approach and actions. Using the above mentioned tips can be extremely helpful in training a well-loved obedient little puppy.

 

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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Crate Training for your Puppy

Posted on by WebDev2021

Why to Crate Train a Puppy

puppy crate training houston tx

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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