One of the best decisions you can make for your new dog is enrolling them in dog training classes. Bringing a dog into your life is a decision filled with boundless joy and companionship. However, along with the love and cuddles comes the responsibility of training your furry friend. While it may seem daunting, enrolling your dog in training classes will benefit you and your dog for years to come. Let’s explore the benefits of attending dog training classes and why they’re essential for you and your canine companion.   Building a Strong Foundation   Dog training classes provide a str ..read more

Having a dog that is comfortable on the grooming table can be very useful!  It’s much easier to groom your dog if they are elevated up on a table, and the positive associations with the grooming table will help vet visits go more smoothly.  Even if you don’t groom your dog, your groomer likely uses a table, so you want to ensure your dog is comfortable to ensure the most positive experience possible.   During puppy classes at Golden Paws Dog Training, we work with you and your pup to create a positive association with the grooming table.   Understanding the Importance of a ..read more

In the realm of dog training, mastering eye contact in the presence of distractions is an important skill that not only deepens the bond between you and your dog but also enhances obedience skills. Increasing the difficulty by adding distractions is a challenge that some dogs find particularly daunting, so be sure to use a high rate of reinforcement when your dog offers you attention.  This step-by-step guide will help you through the process of getting eye contact from your dog, even around distractions. Look Away from the Distraction   The initial steps involve training your dog to ..read more

An important step in reducing reinforcement is getting the cookies off your body.  We need to show the dogs that it doesn’t matter if we have rewards in our hands or not; the dog can still be rewarded for doing the behavior.  We are going to use treats as both a distraction and a reward.   If you want to read more about reducing reinforcement, check out this blog!   Step One: Cookies in Pocket   As you start the process of reducing reinforcement, you want to start in a familiar training area.  We want the environment to be as simple for the dog as possible as we f ..read more

Embarking on the journey of rally with your dog can be rewarding, but it’s crucial not to overlook a skill that’s often underestimated – ignore the signs and cones on the ground. In the competitive world of rally, these seemingly insignificant objects can become significant distractions for your dog. In this blog post, you’ll learn how to train your dog to gracefully navigate through the course, paying little attention to the signs and cones that may try to steal their focus.   Acclimating to Distractions   Before even contemplating entering the rally ring, it’s essential to ensure t ..read more

We often use hand signals to prompt movement, but learning how to attach cues to those behaviors is much more convenient.  For instance, is it easier to point to the ground for down or simply say the cue?  In this blog, we will discuss the process of teaching verbal cues for learned behaviors.   Don’t Use the Verbal Cue Right Away   Why wouldn’t you just start saying the verbal cue right away?  Because it’s meaningless chatter when the dog doesn’t know what you’re asking, so the dog doesn’t interpret it as important.  I don’t attach verbal cues until the dog readi ..read more

Bringing a new puppy into your home is an exciting and joyous occasion, but it also comes with the responsibility of creating a safe environment for your furry friend through a process called puppy proofing! Puppies are naturally curious, and their boundless energy can sometimes lead them into mischief. To ensure a happy and secure living space for your newest family member, follow this comprehensive puppy-proofing checklist.   Secure Hazardous Areas   Stair Gates: Block access to stairs to prevent falls. Secure Cabinets: Use childproof locks to protect puppies from potentially harm ..read more

Arguably, the most crucial command in a dog owner’s repertoire is a reliable recall, or having your dog come when called. A solid recall is not only a fundamental safety measure but also paves the way for the freedom of having your dog off-leash. While teaching this behavior requires time and patience, investing in a well-structured training process will yield rewarding results.   Step 1: The Name Game – Laying the Groundwork   Before diving into recall training, ensure your dog has mastered the Name Game. This sets the stage for a responsive dog who gives you their attention when yo ..read more

Puppy health care is an important topic that should be considered when you bring your puppy home.  It’s such a joyous and exciting experience, and as a responsible pet owner, it’s crucial to ensure your furry friend’s health and well-being. In this blog, we will explore the essentials of puppy health care, focusing on vaccinations, preventative care, and vet visits, all while emphasizing the importance of cooperative care.   Cooperative Care: A Positive Approach To Puppy Health Care   Cooperative care is an approach that aims to make your puppy’s healthcare experiences as stress ..read more

There are a few different ways to teach a stand for obedience and rally.  You can simply teach your dog to walk forward into the stand, but this will result in the dog being ahead of heel position.  Many people choose to teach the dog a kickback stand, meaning that the dog’s front stays in the same place while the back legs kick back into a stand.   Teaching the stand is one of the skills we work on in my online class RA260 Get Ready to Rally Foundations!  Registration is open until February 15th, so if you’d like to join, it’s not too late!   When you first start teac ..read more