Happy Dog Happy You

Mouthing and nipping are two different issues. Mouthing is a communication skill to get you to do a particular thing. Less pressure, less annoying, but still not particularly charming. Nipping is a puppy thing; it is interactive and playful. Nipping puppies are bossy and manipulative and need a firmer regimen.
Mouthing is often an attention-getting behavior. […]

The main purpose in puppy training is to build a communication system between the two of you. You are teaching your dog how to learn. In contrast to the positive approach of puppy training, many obedience classes use a lot of leash jerking and a certain amount of punishment if the dog is not performing […]

The leash is a great tool for distance training. It allows freedom to explore while still leaving you in complete control. As a training tool, you can use it informally during walks to reinforce the following commands:
Name: Call out your puppy’s name enthusiastically: If he looks at you, praise him. If he ignores you, gently […]

1. Use it sparingly. When you overuse “Come”, puppies stop paying attention. When your puppy understands the command, avoid using it all the time. Say it infrequently and make it extremely rewarding.
2. Do not chase your puppy if he does not respond. Practice on-lead for now.
3. Never call for negatives. If you have to groom, […]

Never allow your puppy to bite. This sort of thing will become a bad habit and be hard to break later on.
If he bites your hands, give him a tap on his nose or under his chin. He will probably yelp, but he needs this lesson as early in life as you can give it […]

Should your dog be only so-so in any elements of basic obstacle or retrieving training, shore up weak areas prior to initiating the “Retrieve Over High Jump.”
Otherwise, the animal may extend previous problem behaviors into the new activity.
When starting the Retrieve Over High Jump, begin that day’s session with a Retrieve followed by a recall […]

We do not need to develop the virtue of patience for its own sake. There is nothing to be gained by being patient with a dog who is obviously headed in the wrong direction.
On the other hand, when the dog owner is guided by knowledge and understanding, it is so easy to be patient that […]

Puppies and dogs that jump up on you are only looking for attention, and it is your duty to give it to them.
If, when you enter a room, your puppy dashes over to greet you, bend over to pet him. If you simply stand where you are, he will probably want more of a greeting […]

Distractions are stimuli that may entice a dog to break from command. “Proofing” is exposing your dog to distractions. The purpose is to teach the dog in a controlled setting that he must obey your commands despite whatever is happening nearby.
Taking every dog through every step isn’t mandatory, but do so with animals whose working […]

The following is a list of 6 hand signals that are commonly used in dog obedience training.
1. “Come”: A movement across the body from the side toward the opposite shoulder.
2. “Down”: Can be done in two ways. The first way is with the arm raised to shoulder height in a striking motion if the owner […]