Thursday, November 19, 2009

Leader of the Pack

After I adopted my dog, I knew I was going to need some help getting past some of the issues he had from his previous owners. The dog I adopted had been abused and neglected and needed more than just love to get him past those issues. I enlisted the help of a professional dog training business to teach me what I needed to do to help my dog become a great and loyal dog.

I was interested in positive dog training techniques as I felt this was the best approach to help my dog come out of the bad behavior I had begun to see. I refused to use any kind of negative training devices such as shock collars and such as I felt that would just make his behavior worse. I found the trainers that I wanted and made an appointment for the next day. I was excited to get the training started so that my dog could come out of his shell and be able to enjoy living with me.

The approach these trainers used was remarkable. They called it “dog training Florida style” which meant a lot of running on the beach and swimming in the ocean. They told me that big dogs, such as I have, need lots of hard exercise every day. I wanted to take him walking on the dog beach but he seemed to have a problem with other dogs. They quickly recognized the problem and helped my dog understand that other dogs are good. Once he got passed the shyness of being around other dogs he was like a brand new dog. We took him to the beach where he ran and went swimming for over an hour. That night he was calm and relaxed and slept very well.

I was amazed that all it took was one lesson in positive dog training and my dog was an obedient and friendly dog. It was like turning on a light; he was transformed from a shy and mildly aggressive dog to an outgoing and friendly dog in just a matter of hours. Every day we spend at least an hour at the dog beach or the dog park where he can run and play with other dogs and go swimming to work off the energy he builds up while I am at work. Taking him to the beach and park has been beneficial to him and to me as I have lost some weight and gotten in better shape while he gets the exercise he needs.


Sunday, November 8, 2009

Training My New Dog

When I fist decided to look for a dog, I researched many breeds. I knew that I wanted a dog that was of medium energy and not too hyper. I also took into consideration on what size dog that I wanted. I decided upon a smaller breed like a cocker spaniel or a toy poodle. I called several breeders in my area. After contacting several breeders over months and looking at many puppies, I could not find the right dog for me. None had the personality that I was looking for and a few seemed too hard to train.

I was about to give up on looking for my perfect dog, when a co-worker suggested that I check out my local animal rescue shelter. I was still not sure about adopting a dog that I did not know its background or medical history. My co-worker assured me that he had two dogs that were rescues from the shelter and they were wonderful additions to his family. After much discussion about it, I decided to go see what the Humane Society of Sarasota County had to offer.

As soon as I arrived at the Humane Society, the staff was very helpful in finding me what type of dog I was looking for. I looked at several smaller dogs, but still could not find one I clicked with. When I was about ready to leave the worker suggested that I look at a few larger dogs and there was Buddy. He was the total opposite of what I was looking for. He was a Great Dane mix that I just fell in love with. I had to adopt him. I filled out the paper work and soon Buddy was enjoying his new life with me.

After many weeks of trying to train Buddy myself was no easy task. I called the Humane Society to see if they had any suggestions of where I could find a qualified dog trainer. They gave me the number of a Professional Dog Training facility called K9 Korral.

I took Buddy in and the staff was very helpful in helping me decide on how to train my new dog. The staff assured me that they only used Positive Dog Training methods. This was what Buddy needed to become an even better pet.

Since having Buddy trained, he has been one of my greatest joys in life. He is now the dog I always dreamed of owning. Thanks to the great Pet Dog Training of Sarasota FL, I now have a new love of rescued dogs.

Monday, September 28, 2009

Three Common Mistakes Dog Owners Make

Because we provide pet dog and puppy obedience classes, Sarasota, FL, dog owners often come to us to correct the mistakes they've made. There seem to be three common mistakes dog owners make that can spell big trouble over time. If you're having problems with your pet, this list might shed some light on where you're going wrong.

Dog Owner Mistake #1: Nagging Instead of Teaching
Just as with children, people who nag instead of teach their pets make problem behavior worse. Here's how that sounds, "Brutus, stop! No, I mean it, get down! I'm not kidding, you're going to get into so much trouble! Brutus, this isn't what we learned in obedience school! Why did I pay all that money? Brutus, that's enough!" And so on.

What we've learned in all our years providing positive dog training is that once you move past simple, positive statements with your pet, he tunes you out like a teenager. No matter how emotionally connected you are with your Shih Tzu, she isn't really listening to your lecture on how her biting makes you look to the neighbors.

One of the first things our clients learn is how to speak in clear, positive ways that reinforce the pet/owner bond and eliminate the need for nagging.

Dog Owner Mistake #2: Inconsistent Training
Imagine how confused your puppy becomes when on Saturday she's told to stay off the sofa but on Sunday she's allowed to sleep there all day! Your pet needs consistent, positive boundaries for behavior in order to learn what you expect. Professional dog training includes helping the owner get clear about what they do and don't want their pet to do. Through consistent, positive training techniques, you and your dog stay connected while she learns proper behavior.

Dog Owner Mistake #3: Heavy-Handed Discipline
Through our pet puppy training Sarasota, FL, dog owners are learning to deal with their pets in positive ways rather than using heavy-handed discipline. Pets who fear an owner's discipline begin behaving in all sorts of negative ways. If your own dog is destructive, disruptive or downright disobedient, it could be because your training techniques are over-the-top. It's time to learn how to break the harsh discipline habit while reinforcing behaviors you'd like your dog to exhibit.

Owning a dog can be a marvelous experience, or the relationship can be exhausting. Consider whether your training techniques fall under these three mistakes dog owners make, then get some help if they do. We promise, there's a rewarding relationship waiting!

Saturday, August 15, 2009

Help your pet live happier, healthier

When I first came across the Web site for K9 Korral Obedience Training Center, I knew it was the right choice for our dog. My husband and I had looked into obedience schools around our home and weren’t completely satisfied with the types of classes and programs available. We both thought there should be some types of programs available through the center we chose that offer an atmosphere that addresses the dog’s total needs.

I was so impressed to find that K9 offers therapeutic massage, the healing art of
Reiki, acupressure and types of aromatherapy. My husband and I have been long time supporters of alternative health philosophies. We personally take natural herbal supplements and vitamins each day, and practice yoga and tai chi every morning and night. We feel strongly that these practices are important to optimizing health in us, as well as in our pets.

My husband and I have noticed a difference in our dog’s general behavior. He listens better, he follows commands, he seems happier. Instead of being hyper or anxious, he now has a sense of focused energy. He has always been the friendliest dog. Since starting classes and engaging in therapeutic treatments, his demeanor is calmer and gentler. He just seems much more fulfilled and confident.

K9 Korral Obedience Training Center is everything it advertises to be and so much more. My husband and I are continually impressed by the professionalism and expertise of each and every staff member. Our dog looks forward to going to the center, which is confirmation for us that we have chosen the right place. He gets focused attention and specialized training to help him address his stressors and anxiety issues. Just like every animal that undergoes training and techniques at the center, he is given personal attention and the staff is committed to his success.

In conclusion, we couldn’t be happier. We are so glad that we took the time to check out different centers and found K9 Korral Obedience Training Center. It has made such a difference in all of our lives at home. Prior to his time at the center, our dog would frequently chew up our shoes and furniture, get into the trash and dig in the backyard. He no longer does any of these things. We learned so much about anxiety disorder in our dog, as well as separation anxiety, specifically. He had so much nervous energy and now he displays an entirely different outlook. He is a different dog and we are so thankful.

Thursday, August 6, 2009

K9 Korral made all the difference

My rat terrier Oliver was out of control. He would get wild and crazy and it seemed I couldn’t do anything to help him calm down. I investigated the various obedience schools in the area and couldn’t find one that I felt would really appropriately address Oliver’s issues. I happened to come across the K9 Korral Obedience Training Center and was so impressed with the variety of services and classes available on the site. Each item featured on the Web site had so much interesting and relevant detail about how the programs helped your pet. I decided to drive a little further out of my way to make sure Oliver was getting the special attention and care that I know he deserves. I am so glad that I did.

After his first private lesson, I noticed an improvement in his demeanor. He had been extremely hyper and high strung, but after his lesson, he was able to relax a bit more. Following his Pet K9 Obedience classes and more private lessons, I noticed continually progress in the modification of his behavior. He finally was able to turn himself off and lie down and spend quality time just existing, as opposed to constantly being on edge.

I still bring Oliver to the center. He enjoys his weekly Reiki treatment, which is a therapeutic massage, as well as his ongoing private lessons. It really has made all the difference in the world. He’s a much less anxious dog now. He enjoys attention, but doesn’t go out of his way to seek it out. You can tell that he feels more confident and less fearful of being abandoned.

I can’t tell you how impressed I am with the quality of the care that Oliver received, and continues receiving, through the K9 Korral Obedience Training Center. I really don’t think he would have gotten the same level of personal attention and care at any other center in the area. I am not the only one who has noticed the major differences in Oliver’s personality and behavior. My husband and two sons, too, said they are so pleased with the results. If I had any regrets, there would only be one. It would be that we didn’t investigate the options out there for obedience training, or more specifically, the services available through K9 Korral Obedience Training Center, sooner. If we had, Oliver could have gotten the help he needed more quickly, which could have saved him a great deal of anxiety and restlessness.

Saturday, July 25, 2009

No Dog is Beyond Hope

One thing that most pet owners want is a well trained dog. Occasionally, you may run into a type of pet that is difficult and obstinate, but that does not mean the pet can't be trained. No dog is beyond hope. You should never give up on any pet -- there are alternatives available that can make your dreams of a well trained animal come true. With the assistance of Professional Dog Training and positive reinforcement, your pet can become a well behaved member of the family.

If you are looking for the best puppy training possible, you should research some known online resources. When you are a first-time pet owner, you may feel a bit overwhelmed. Or perhaps you are considering a new pet; if so, you will want the pet to have the best advantages possible and starting early on training is just one of those advantages.

When you get your new pet, you can schedule a consultation with a professional trainer. During your consultation with a dog trainer, you will be able to make sure you know everything you need to know about how to be successful with your new pet.

Professional trainers often also offer private training lessons. Depending on your request, the private training session can take place at the center or in your home. Professional Dog Training is an excellent way to learn how to interact with your pet and with positive reinforcement, your pets behavior will dramatically improve, which is just another advantage.

Take time to gather the tools and knowledge you need to successfully train your animal and make it a valued member of your family. You can learn Positive Dog Training you can show your pet a new way of life and the result of which is a much happier and well adjusted pet. The benefits of training your pet will long outweigh any expectations you may ever have thought possible, you are doing the best service you can for your pet when you engage the services of Professional Dog Training.


Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Time-Tested Puppy Training

Professional dog training requires time and devotion and is not something that most pet owners have the time to undergo. As such, hiring a licensed professional to train your pet is the best way to get quality training without worrying whether or not you’ll have the time to get the ball rolling. Professional dog trainers should embrace compassion, professionalism, dedication, and positive reinforcement in order to cultivate a great learning environment for your pet. Each of the aforementioned factors combine to make for a successful program that will teach your pet positive behavior.

You love your pets like your own children and if you want the best for them in regards to training and behavioral reinforcement, your pet deserves the best and the best professional training available. A professional dog trainer will make all the difference in the world!
The process of bonding and training your new pet begins as soon as he or she steps foot into your home. You are the “alpha dog” and if your pet doesn’t respect this fact, you should expect to experience discipline problems. To strengthen the bond you have with your pet you will need to spend time doing behavior modification and display a strong and firm but gentle hand. Unfortunately, in today’s busy world, most pet owners, love their pets though they may, don’t have the time dedicated to training a new puppy.
Expert trainers have been addressing various behavior issues in pets for years and can provide you with the tools you need to build respect and trust between yourself and your puppy. In situations that may seem otherwise hopeless, the help of professional dog training can make a bonafide difference in the temperament of your pet.
So, if you have an uncontrollable pet, you should consider checking out all the various techniques that can provide your pet with the reinforcement necessary to make a change for the better. After all, professional dog training is just one of the many things you can do to improve your life and the life of your beloved new puppy.