Is there something you're finding challenging to teach your dog? Want to know why an experienced dog trainer can make training look easy? Keep reading for the skills that can take your training game to the next level and how to develop them.
![]() Having a dog that can't settle and relax in the car makes for very challenging car rides. The good news is that there are things you can do to teach your puppy to be a good traveler and to help your adult dog be more comfortable and relaxed in the car. Safety First
Dogs Without Jobs![]() At one point not that long ago, dogs lived with humans because they had a job to do, something that benefited the humans they lived with. The jobs were as varied and unique as the different breeds of dogs that were selected for their ability to do those jobs well.
It often seems that when it comes to dogs in your home, 1+1 isn't 2, it's more like 3 or 4! Don't get me wrong, I love having more than one dog at a time, other than about a year after Reese passed before Tristan came when Tilly was an only dog, I've had 2 or more dogs since 2003. However, it does involve some extra challenges. So lets look at some ways to set your multi-dog home up for success! Individual AttentionThis is important for several reasons. If you want to teach your dogs something, it is best to teach them individually, then to practice with both of them together. If you've had multiple dogs before, you know how much they can feed off each other's excitement! Also, especially if your dogs are close in age, or littermates, individual time allows them to practice coping with things on their own, and builds their confidence. If you dogs are always together, and a time comes when they need to be separated (i.e. injury, illness) it can be very distressing for the dogs if they are not used to it. My preference if I have two dogs and I'm taking one dog out for an activity/training is to leave the other dog with a special treat/toy/stuffed Kong to enjoy. If it is a training session, I'll then switch dogs and leave the other dog in with a special treat while we're out working. It makes me feel better, and I feel it helps the dog who isn't currently the focus of the training/outing. Stationing![]() Summer time is often family time, and in some families, that means your dog may be joined by other dogs or kids they don't live with. Some advance preparation can help ensure a happy time for all. You will see I tend to err on the side of caution, as I find that if the first few gatherings go well, future gatherings are easier and less management is required as the expectations have been set from the start. ArrivingOften emotions run high when we first get together. People are busy greeting each other, often hugging and exclaiming. Kids and dogs arriving may be full of energy after the trip. This can be a prime time for canine chaos. Therefore, consider how your dog might react in advance. If you think they will be extra wound up from the excitement, then consider getting the initial greetings out of the way before involving your dog in the mix. Perhaps a leash would be a good idea to prevent any jumping up or accidentally scaring kids - some dogs get very excited and forget their size, potentially knocking over kids from enthusiasm.
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