We spend a lot of time talking about how to train your canines. This makes sense given that we are Sarasota area dog trainers. We have invested considerable time, education and resources in order to guarantee that your dog has the best experience when he comes to us. Whether you are in need of puppy training, playcare, obedience refresher courses for older dogs, or boarding your pet – our professional trainers are the best at what they do. However, even the most eager canine needs your help in learning proper behaviors. This is why training humans to assist their dogs is important as well!
We are being a bit silly, of course, when we speak of training humans. However, it is essential that dog owners learn to be consistent and predictable in their commands and reactions so that the dog understands his boundaries. Once a new dog comes into the house, every member of the family should commit to being consistent in his training. This would include:
- Learning Commands: Each member of the family should understand the command words being used in training, as well as how and when to use them. This way the dog can learn more quickly what is expected of them.
- Consistent Rules: There is nothing more confusing to a dog than when two of his favorite humans given him mixed signals. Therefore, the rules of the house must be clear. If the dog is not allowed on the furniture when dad is home, mom shouldn’t invite him up on the couch to watch TV with her. If your dog is not allowed to beg at the dinner table, it is important that all members of the family refrain from feeding him in this way.
- Sticking to It: Even if your dog has mastered a command or behavior, he will stop performing it if he gets away with not doing so. For instance, imagine you have taught your dog to heel and walk with a loose leash. If he gradually begins pulling on the leash and running ahead of you and you don’t stop him, he may lose the preferred behavior.
- Avoid Poisoning: If you or your family are prone to giving snacks to your dog off your own plate, it is imperative that you all understand which foods are toxic or harmful to dogs. In this case, training humans in your home may actually keep your dog from getting sick. While there are some foods which are perfectly safe for your dog – such as vegetables and unseasoned chicken or meat- there are other foods which can actually be fatal to your dog. Make sure the entire family understands an acceptable diet for your dog.
- Noticing Changes: Life gets busy and sometimes details get missed, but your dog can’t communicate with you like the rest of the family can. Keeping an eye open for any changes in eating habits, sleeping habits, socialization, or personality may indicate that your dog is sick, injured, or even depressed. Getting to know your dog’s normal behavior is a great way to understand if your dog isn’t feeling well.When you bring your dog in for our 2 week board and train program, you’ll love how effectively we’ve trained your best friend. But we will also make sure that we show you how to consistently maintain and sustain the methods we taught your animal. In this way, we partner with you to effectively ensure that all his hard work is productive and long-lasting. At Gulf Cost K9 Dog Training, we understand that your dog is happiest when he has rules and boundaries he understands. By training humans in his life to be consistent, he will always feel safe and secure.
