Mastering the Art of Loose Leash Walking: Training Tips and Tools for Your Dog

Person Walking a Rough-Coated Collie

Walking your dog should be an enjoyable and stress-free experience for both you and your furry companion. However, if your dog constantly pulls on the leash, turning a leisurely stroll into a tug-of-war, it can be frustrating and even dangerous. Fortunately, there are effective training techniques and tools that can help you teach your dog to stop pulling and enjoy a more relaxed walk. In this article, we will explore various training methods and recommend some harnesses and collars that can assist in achieving loose leash walking success.

Understanding the Problem

Before diving into training methods and equipment, it's essential to understand why dogs pull on leashes. Dogs pull for various reasons, including excitement, curiosity, or simply because they've learned that pulling gets them where they want to go faster and or garners attention from you and passersby.  Dogs may also pull due to discomfort or fear, so it's *crucial to address any underlying issues before training.

Training Techniques

Positive Reinforcement: Positive reinforcement is a powerful tool in dog training. Reward your dog with treats, praise, and affection when they walk calmly by your side; especially when they do this while making eye contact with you.  We like to use the phrase  “Look at me”.  Use a clicker or a verbal cue like "Yes!" to mark the desired behavior.

Consistency: Consistency is key for so many things in life, including successful dog training. Use the same verbal cues and reward system every time you go for a walk. This helps your dog understand what you expect from them.  Once they thoroughly understand what you expect from them most dogs will gladly comply.

Stop-and-Go Method: When your dog starts pulling, stop walking immediately. Wait for them to release the tension on the leash and return to your side. Once they do, reward them and continue walking. This method teaches your dog that pulling makes the walk stop, while walking politely gets them to their destination.

Change Directions: If your dog pulls, you can try to change your direction abruptly. This encourages your dog to pay attention to your movements and stay by your side to avoid sudden changes.  Dogs and humans are alot alike, in that they are creatures of habit and don’t like sudden changes.

Australian Shepherd Dog Wearing Pet Safe Brand “Easy Walk Harness”

1. Recommended Training Aids

   No-Pull Harness: A no-pull harness, like the front-clip or head halter harness, can be an excellent tool. These harnesses discourage pulling by redirecting your dog's attention back towards you. Brands like the Pet Safe Brand "Easy Walk" or "Gentle Leader" harnesses are popular effective choices. * The beauty of the Easy-Walk Harness is that it also has a built in Martingale across the dog’s chest.

   Martingale Collar: This collar is designed to prevent dogs from slipping out, but it can also help discourage pulling when used correctly. It tightens slightly when your dog pulls, providing gentle feedback. The concept was borrowed from Horse harnesses used in their training.

   Prong Collar and Choke Chain: These collars should only be used under the guidance of a professional dog trainer. They provide a corrective response when your dog pulls, but do understand that misuse of either of them can harm your dog or worsen the pulling behavior.

   Back-Clip Harness: While not designed to stop pulling, a back-clip harness can be a comfortable option for dogs that don't respond well to other harnesses. It distributes pressure evenly across the chest, reducing the likelihood of injury. * Keep in mind that many dogs, especially this descending from the sled-pulling breeds will innately pull when a leash is attached to a back-clip harness, so choose your harness wisely depending on your dog’s behavior, age, size, and do keep in mind that genetics play a significant role.

   Teaching your dog to walk politely on a leash takes time, patience, and consistent effort. *Remember that each dog is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. Be gentle, use positive reinforcement, and stay consistent in your training methods.

   Choosing the right harness or collar can make a significant difference in your loose leash walking journey. However, its highly advised that you consult with a professional dog trainer, animal behaviorist, or veterinarian before making a decision, as they can provide personalized advice based on your dog's specific needs and behavior.

Teaching Puppies and Young Dogs Leash Manners: Breaking the Biting Habit

Welcoming a new puppy or young dog into your home is an exciting adventure, but it often comes with its share of challenges, one of which can be leash biting during walks. Many puppies and young dogs see the leash as an enticing toy, and they may bite and tug on it, turning your peaceful walks into a game. In this article, we'll explore effective techniques to teach your furry friend that leash biting is not a game and how to enjoy calm and pleasant walks together.

Understanding the Behavior

Leash biting in puppies and young dogs can result from various factors, including teething, excess energy, or simply a lack of understanding that it's not an appropriate behavior. It's essential to recognize that this behavior is a normal part of puppy play, and your role is to guide them towards more acceptable behaviors.

Training Techniques

Provide Appropriate Chew Toys: Puppies often bite the leash because they need to chew to soothe their teething discomfort or to expend energy. Offer a variety of safe chew toys to redirect their biting behavior away from the leash.

Basic Obedience Training: Begin with basic obedience commands like "Sit," "Stay," and "Leave it." These commands lay the foundation for leash manners and help your dog understand what you expect from them.

Leash Introduction: Before you head out for a walk, spend time indoors introducing your puppy or young dog to the leash. Let them sniff and investigate it, ensuring they become familiar with it in a controlled environment.

Positive Reinforcement: Use positive reinforcement to reward your dog when they walk without biting the leash. Treats, praise, and affection can be powerful motivators.

Interrupt the Behavior: When your dog starts to bite the leash during a walk, use a firm but gentle "No" or "Leave it" command. Stop walking and wait for them to release the leash. Reward them when they do so and continue the walk.

Bring an Alternative: Carry a favorite toy or a small bag of treats during your walks. If your dog starts biting the leash, redirect their attention to the toy or treat, encouraging them to release the leash in exchange for a more enticing reward.

Shorter Walks: Puppies and young dogs have limited attention spans very similar to that of human toddlers.  Keep your walks relatively short, gradually increasing the duration as they learn better leash manners.

Professional Training: If your dog's leash biting behavior persists or worsens, consider seeking the guidance of a professional dog trainer or animal behaviorist who specializes in behavioral issues.  *Sometimes your puppy may have initially learned not to bite the leash and walk nicely and then due to some stressful or traumatic event, they may start biting the leash again in an attempt to try to release some of the tension and or frustration they may still be feeling surround the event.   The key is to work WITH them, do some detective work and try to figure out what it is that might be causing them to start biting or tugging on the leash when they had already learned not to and then work to correct it and get back to walking nicely on the leash.

Teaching your puppy or young dog to stop biting the leash during walks is an essential part of their training and socialization. With patience, consistency, and the right approach, you can help your furry friend understand that leash biting is not an appropriate behavior, nor is it a game.

Do Remember that puppies and young dogs are constantly learning, so be patient and use positive reinforcement to reward desired behaviors. *By providing appropriate outlets for chewing, introducing basic obedience commands, and redirecting their attention during walks, you can turn leash biting into a thing of the past.

As your dog matures and learns proper leash manners, you'll both enjoy the benefits of peaceful and enjoyable walks together, getting outside in nature, even if its a daily walk through the neighborhood park, and strengthening the bond between you and your four-legged companion.

CANINE SEARCH AND RESCUE DOGS

Australian Shepherd Search and Rescue Dog and Handler

Remarkable Canines: Masters of Search and Rescue Operations

Search and Rescue (SAR) operations are complex and demanding tasks that require the combined efforts of highly skilled individuals, both human and canine, as well as specialized equipment.  Among the most remarkable contributors to SAR missions are our canine companions.

Canines possess innate abilities and qualities that make them excel at search and rescue operations, including their acute senses, agility, endurance, and unwavering loyalty. In this article, we will explore the unique ways in which canines aid in SAR missions, highlighting their training, skills, and the indispensable role they play in saving lives.

Scent Detection: Canines possess an exceptional sense of smell that surpasses that of humans by several orders of magnitude. This keen olfactory ability allows them to detect and discriminate scents with incredible precision. In SAR operations, dogs are trained to identify and locate specific scents associated with missing persons, such as human scent, decomposing bodies, or even live victims buried under rubble. Their sense of smell helps them cover vast areas quickly and efficiently, significantly increasing the chances of finding survivors.

  Tracking and Trailing: Canines excel at tracking and trailing, making them invaluable assets in SAR operations. Using their powerful noses, dogs can follow the scent trail left behind by a missing person, even across challenging terrains or in adverse weather conditions. These canines can distinguish between different scents and discern fresh tracks from older ones, aiding in the search efforts and leading search teams directly to the target individual.

Golden Retriever and Handler

Wilderness Search: Canines are especially adept at navigating through dense forests, rugged terrains, and other wilderness environments. Their agility and nimbleness allow them to maneuver effortlessly in challenging areas where humans may struggle to access. Dogs can squeeze through tight spaces, climb over obstacles, and cross difficult terrains, ensuring no area is left unexplored during SAR operations.

Golden Retriever Water Search and Rescue Dog

Water Rescue: Canines are not only efficient on land but also excel in water rescue operations. Certain breeds, such as Labrador Retrievers and Newfoundlands, possess natural swimming abilities and a strong affinity for water. They can effortlessly swim long distances, dive underwater, and locate drowning victims by scent or visual cues. These water rescue dogs provide critical support during floods, boating accidents, or when searching for individuals lost at sea.

Avalanche and Disaster Response: During avalanches, earthquakes, or other disasters, time is of the essence. Canines are trained to locate and dig out victims buried under snow, rubble, or debris. Their exceptional scent detection skills enable them to identify air pockets and pinpoint the exact location of survivors, greatly increasing the chances of successful rescues. Their agility and endurance make them indispensable in navigating unstable environments, saving crucial time that could mean the difference between life and death.

Emotional Support and Comfort: Apart from their physical abilities, canines offer significant emotional support and comfort to both rescuers and survivors during SAR missions. Their very presence can alleviate stress, anxiety, and trauma experienced by those involved in search operations. Due to the fact that  canines have been interacting with humans for an estimated 40,000 years, all canines have a remarkable ability to form strong bonds with humans, providing a sense of companionship and solace to individuals affected by disasters or traumatic events.

So, as you have now learned, canines’ remarkable abilities and unwavering loyalty make them exceptional assets in search and rescue operations. Their acute sense of smell, tracking skills, agility, and endurance allow them to navigate challenging terrains, locate missing persons, and bring hope to desperate situations. The unique bond between humans and canines, combined with their specialized training, ensures that these remarkable animals continue to play an indispensable role in search and rescue efforts, saving lives and providing solace during times of crisis.

WHAT ARE SOME WAYS YOUR DOG CAN RIDE SAFELY IN THE CAR?

There are several safe ways for your dog to ride in the car:

1. Use a crate: Using a crate is the safest option for dogs. It will prevent them from being thrown around the car in the event of an accident or sudden stop. Make sure the crate is large enough for your dog to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably and that the crate itself is securely fastened to the floor/surface of the car using bungee cords, etc. if necessary.

2. Use a dog seatbelt: You can purchase a dog-specific seatbelt that attaches to your car's seatbelt or to the headrest of the rear seat of the vehicle and hangs down long enough to allow for some but not much movement. This will prevent your dog from moving around the car while you're driving.

3. Use a dog car harness: A dog car harness is similar to a seatbelt, but it's designed specifically for dogs. It will keep your dog secure and prevent them from being thrown around the car in an accident.

4. Use a barrier: A barrier can be installed between the back seat and the trunk to prevent your dog from climbing into the front seat while you're driving.

DOG WEARING DOG-SPECIFIC SEATBELT

Regardless of the method you choose, it's important to ensure that your dog is comfortable and ‘secure’ while riding in the car. *You should also avoid letting your dog ride with their head outside the window, as this can be dangerous and lead to eye and ear injuries. Also, it’s not a good idea to allow your dog to ride in the front seat of your vehicle. Common sense should tell us that if in most states and provinces it is ILLEGAL to allow a human child or adult human who weighs less than 100 pounds to sit in the front seat of a vehicle due to the fact that IF the front and or side airbags were to deploy in the event of an accident, it is HIGHLY likely that passenger would sustain injuries if not worse, it does not even make remote sense to allow a tiny creature like a dog to ride there does it?…

WHY DOES MY PUPPY/YOUNG DOG BARK, WHINE AND BOTHER ME AS SOON AS I GET ON THE PHONE?

There could be several reasons why your young dog barks, whines, and bothers you as soon as you get on the phone:

1. Attention-seeking: Your dog may bark and whine to get your attention because they want to interact with you, play with you, or simply be close to you. They may feel ignored or left out when you are on the phone, so they try to get your attention by making noise.

2. Separation anxiety: Your dog may have separation anxiety, which means they become anxious or stressed when they are separated from you. When you are on the phone, they ‘may feel like’ they are being separated from you, so they bark and whine in an attempt to be reunited with you, much like human toddlers do.

3. Lack of specific training: If your dog is young and hasn't been trained on how to ignore the phone and when you are on it yet, they may not know how to behave when you are on the phone. Barking, whining, and bothering you may simply be a result of their lack of  specific training associated with the phone and what that actually means.

4. Protective instinct: Dogs are naturally protective of their owners and their territory. If they ‘perceive’ the phone as a threat to you or your home, they may bark and whine to warn you of the danger.

Best Ways To Help Transition Your Dog To A New Food

Lately we have had several questions from pet guardians wishing to know the best ways to help transition their beloved doggies to a healthier diet.

Here are some helpful ways to start and make the transition easier for both your pet and for you.

The first bit of advice we will offer is to do this gradually.

By gradually, we mean plan to do this over at ‘least a two week time period ‘ in order to give your dog’s taste buds and digestive system time to acclimate.

You should stick with the food she is currently eating as the basis of her diet, and slowly phase in bits of the new food, until finally when you reach the end of the two week time frame, your pup is eating only the new food and doing well.

In this example, we’re going to use the word ‘kibble’- (We are not advocating, nor dis-advocating kibble)

Let’s Say your pup eats 2 cups of premium kibble per day; ideally split between the morning meal and her evening meal. * Remember, we shared with you that dogs are creatures of habit, so try to keep their mealtimes around the same time each day.

You will want to start the transition by leaving out a quarter cup of her current food, and mixing in a quarter cup of her new food over the first few days, and if she is doing well and not experiencing issues like vomiting, diarrhea, bloating, excessive itching, things along those lines, then Continue to phase in a 1/4 (quarter) Cup of her new food while simultaneously phasing out a quarter cup of her current food, until Finally at two weeks time you are feeding her only her new food and she is doing well.

Remembering that unlike humans, dogs have very short digestive tracts, so they are very sensitive to anything new. Some of the higher evolved breeds like the herding breeds are well known to being Highly Sensitive in pretty much every good sense of the word; including their digestive systems. Those old ‘limited beliefs’ that dogs can eat pretty much any and everything and be healthy are not true. You are doing your best to ensure that YOU eat the most highly nutritious foods available to you so that you will function at your optimum BEST and you will want to do the same for your puppy/dog family member.

The key is to take things slow, make sure your pup is doing well with their transition, and as always, if you have any questions and wish further advice feel free to [Contact Us], here for a more in depth consultation.

IS IT RUDE FOR A NEIGHBOR TO ALLOW THEIR DOG WHO HAS SEVERE SEPARATION ANXIETY, TO BARK, CRY, AND HOWL INCESSANTLY WHILE THEY LEAVE the dog ALONE FOR LONG LENGTHS OF TIME?

Yes, it is generally considered rude for a neighbor to allow their dog to bark and howl incessantly for hours, especially if it is due to separation anxiety. Not only is it disruptive to the peace and quiet of the neighborhood, but it can also be distressing for the dog and cause unnecessary stress and anxiety.

If you feel comfortable speaking with your neighbor, you might consider politely yet firmly expressing your concerns and suggesting potential solutions. For instance, that the neighbor could try providing the dog with toys or treats to keep them occupied, or they could perhaps hire a dog walker or pet sitter to keep the dog company while they're away. These days there are SO many options that were literally not available even twenty years ago. Consider APPS like: Wag.com, Rover.com, Fetch.com, Trustedhousesitters.com, which all require background checks and screening for provided services. They could also purchase a pet/nanny cam and ‘monitor’ the dog while trying to leave home, and they would start by doing so for a few minutes at a time and ‘work up to more time’ in increments. That way, they can tell if their dog is over-anxious, cannot settle down, is crying or howling incessantly then they can return quickly. There are even Dog-Centric Cameras like FURBO that not only monitor the dog, the camera also tosses out little treats!

If speaking with your neighbor doesn't work, you might consider reaching out to your local animal control agency, because contrary to public belief, they will first most usually come out or call the dog owner who has the dog having the problems, and offer viable solutions like the ones mentioned, as well as offer resources to dog training and with an emphasis on behavioral issues like separation anxiety, dogs that have come from traumatic situations like shelters, puppy mills, etc. If the problem continues and the dog is still in a state of distress and the owner/neighbor is absent and or non-responsive, then you may have no other recourse than to contact your local law enforcement for assistance. *Most people don’t want to do this first, if at all because many are pet parents/pet owners themselves and they are ‘genuinely’ concerned for the welfare of the dog in distress, but they DO want the dog’s owner to get help for the dog, and simultaneously they want their neighborhood to get back to and to remain in a state of relative peace and quiet.

If you've talked with your neighbor cordially and suggested the above things and all they have to say is: It will just take time for my dog to quit barking while being left alone, then what do you do?

If you have already spoken with your neighbor and suggested potential solutions, and they are not willing to take positive action steps to address the barking and howling, you and or a group of concerned neighbors may need to peacefully escalate the situation. Here are some steps you could take:

Check local noise ordinances: First, check your local noise ordinances to see if the barking is violating any laws. If it is, you may be able to file a noise complaint with your local authorities. Most if not all of these places will tell you that it is in fact inhumane, as well as a violation of the law to leave a dog barking, howling, crying, baying for longer than 5 minutes within any hour long time frame. Unfortunately, even though many cities are well funded, Noise Ordinance and or Animal Control Departments seem to be some of the MOST Understaffed. Many will tell you that even in a huge geographic area where the County may be one of the Largest counties in the State or Province, they only have 3-6 ‘dedicated’ employees in that department to handle such a HUGE area. Don’t despair, try to call in ‘as SOON as’ you hear the dog in distress because most of these departments also do NOT even ‘dispatch’ the officers to the call until sometimes an Hour or more PAST the time they receive your call because they are busy with Internal as well as External issues involving Noise and or Animal Noise/Control complaints/issues.

Document the barking: We realize that this is an incredible inconvenience and takes up alot of your time and energy that you would normally utilize to live your own life peacefully and as a good neighbor, but it may be helpful from a legal standpoint for you to keep a log of the times and duration of the barking and howling, as well as any other relevant details such as whether the dog is left outside or inside, and whether the owner is home or not. You could also record video and audio of the barking, baying, howling dog(s) IF you have the time and technical skills to do so, but keep in mind that you need to do so away from the barking dog’s/negligent neighbor’s property or they may try to ‘gaslight’ the situation and insinuate that you neighbors are trying to get their dog(s) to bark, when in fact it is actually simply a person who doesn’t care if their dog is in distress OR if their Neighborhood and their more peaceful neighbor’s own pets, kids, are now upset by all the incessant barking with no reprimand or training/intervention. Btw, since common sense dictates that dogs are pack animals, and it is instinctive for them to want to find our why the other dog(s) are barking in distress AND why No humans are going to their aid. Even the smartest dogs simply do NOT understand WHY no one would help a fellow canine; especially when ‘they view us humans as the leaders up their packs and look up to us.’

Consider mediation: If you have a homeowners association or community mediation program, or a landlord, consider contacting them to see if/how they can help mediate the situation between you and your neighbor.

Seek legal action: If the barking continues and is causing a significant disruption to your quality of life, you may need to consider seeking legal action. Consult with an attorney to see what options are available to you.

Ultimately, it is important to remember that resolving the issue may take some time, quite a bit of behavior modification and professional training for the dog(s), and for their owner/your neighbor to do consistent training with the dog(s)at home and/or send them to a professional trainer so that the neighborhood can get back to its peaceful state of being and so that the dogs receive the time and attention that they deserve in order to be better canine citizens.

DO DOGS LIKE IT WHEN WE TALK IN HIGHER PITCHED ‘BABY TALK’ TO THEM?

The answer is Yes, dogs do seem to respond positively to "baby talk" or a higher-pitched voice when we speak to them. Studies have shown that dogs are more likely to engage with and pay attention to their owners when they use a higher-pitched voice, similar to the way we might speak to a young child or baby. This type of speech, known as dog-directed speech, seems to be more effective at getting a dog's attention than regular speech.

There have been several studies conducted on the subject of dog-directed speech and its effects on dogs.

In one study published in the Journal Animal Cognition in 2018, researchers recorded women speaking in both dog-directed and adult-directed speech while looking at pictures of dogs. The study found that dogs were more likely to approach the speaker when she used dog-directed speech, compared to adult-directed speech. The dogs also showed more interest in the speaker and in the pictures of dogs when she used dog-directed speech.

Another study published in the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B in 2016 looked at the way dogs responded to different types of speech. The researchers found that dogs were more likely to turn their heads and look at the speaker when she used high-pitched, dog-directed speech, compared to lower-pitched, adult-directed speech. The study also found that dogs were more likely to approach the speaker when she used dog-directed speech.

A third study published in the journal PLOS ONE in 2017 found that dogs showed more positive behaviors, such as tail wagging and body language indicating excitement, when their owners used dog-directed speech compared to normal speech.

Overall, these studies suggest that dogs do respond positively to dog-directed speech, and that using a higher-pitched, more exaggerated tone when speaking to dogs can help get their attention and engage them. However, it's important to remember that dogs rely on a variety of communication cues, not just speech, and that every dog is different. So while dog-directed speech can be helpful, it's also important to pay attention to your dog's body language and respond accordingly and ‘higher pitched’ ‘baby talk’ is great to ‘get the dog’s attention’, but not necessarily recommended to ONLY use this ‘tone’ of voice all of the time when communicating with them.

While dogs do respond positively to higher-pitched, baby talk-like tones of voice, it's important to *remember that dogs also respond to other tones of voice and communication cues.

For example, dogs may respond more to a calm and soothing tone of voice when they are anxious or scared, or a firm and assertive tone of voice when they need to be corrected for misbehavior, very similarly to how a human toddler might respond. In fact, using the same tone of voice for everything you say to your dog can actually be confusing for them and make it more difficult for them to understand what you want from them and in what context.

So, while using a higher-pitched tone of voice can be effective in getting your dog's attention and engaging with them, it's also important to vary your tone of voice based on the situation and your dog's behavior. As previously mentioned- Pay attention to your dog's body language and adjust your tone accordingly to help them understand what you want from them.

The Unparalleled Assistance of Guide Dogs: Training, Regulations, and Boundaries

Guide dogs, often referred to as "seeing-eye dogs," are remarkable and highly trained canine companions that serve as lifelines to individuals with visual impairments. These intelligent and devoted dogs provide their handlers with the freedom and independence to navigate the world confidently. In the world of Guide Dogs, exploring the extensive training they undergo, the responsibilities of their handlers, and the laws and regulations that govern their access to public spaces looks like this:

1. The Crucial Role of Guide Dogs: Guide dogs play an invaluable role in the lives of people with visual impairments. These exceptional animals act as their handler's eyes, assisting them in avoiding obstacles, navigating crowded spaces, and maintaining a sense of safety. With their impeccable intelligence, guide dogs are trained to memorize common routes, locate objects, and react to traffic signals, ensuring their handler's well-being and independence.

2. The Training Process: The journey to becoming a guide dog starts early in a puppy's life. Training organizations, such as guide dog schools, carefully select and breed dogs with the ideal temperament, intelligence, and physical traits required for the role. Puppies are raised in specialized environments that expose them to various sights, sounds, and experiences, ensuring their socialization and adaptability.

   At around 12 to 14 months of age, the selected young dogs enter formal training. Expert trainers introduce them to basic commands, obedience skills, and gradually expose them to the complexities of guiding work. The training process encompasses elements like obstacle avoidance, intelligent disobedience (refusing a command if it's unsafe), and efficient navigation in diverse environments.

   3. The Bond between Handler and Guide Dog: Once a guide dog completes its training, he/she is matched with a visually impaired individual, also known as the handler. The handler and dog undergo a period of adjustment and bonding, forming a deep and trusting partnership. Handlers rely on their guide dogs to interpret visual cues, communicate information, and provide unwavering support. The bond formed between a handler and their guide dog is built on mutual respect, understanding, love, and constant communication.

   4. Public Access Rights: Guide dogs are granted special legal rights and protections in many countries. These laws ensure that guide dogs and their handlers can access public spaces, including restaurants, stores, public transportation, and other establishments. These rights are designed to facilitate the independence and inclusion of individuals with visual impairments.

   However, it is important to note that access rights are subject to certain regulations and guidelines. Handlers must adhere to specific etiquettes, such as keeping their guide dogs well-behaved and under control. They are responsible for the care, health, and cleanliness of their dogs, ensuring that they do not pose a threat or inconvenience to others.

   5. Limitations and Exceptions: While guide dogs are generally welcome in most public areas, there are a few ‘common sense’ exceptions and limitations. For instance, in certain areas where the presence of animals might compromise hygiene or safety, such as: operating rooms or sterile laboratories, access may be restricted. Additionally, there are situations where guide dogs may not be permitted due to health and safety concerns, such as zoos or wildlife reserves. Common sense would obviously dictate that you would never want to place your Guide Dog in ‘harm’s way’ by taking them to places where they or you could be injured by a wild animal, such as a zoo. It may seem obvious, but some people don’t realize that walking though a zoo, or wildlife park is like literally enticing those wild creatures to take notice of you.

It is crucial for guide dog handlers to familiarize themselves with the specific regulations and laws in their respective regions to ensure a smooth and respectful experience for both themselves and others.

Guide dogs are more than just highly trained animals; they are transformative companions that empower individuals with visual impairments to lead fulfilling lives. The intensive training, deep bond, and legal rights associated with guide dogs enable their handlers to navigate the world with confidence and independence. Understanding the rules and regulations surrounding guide dogs allows society to embrace their presence and support the invaluable work they perform, ensuring inclusivity and equal access for all.  As a productive, positively contributing member of society and your community, it would also be wise for you to do some research and look into the laws and regulations where Guide Dogs are concerned in your respective geographical area so that you are respectful of the Guide Dog and his/her handler.

Obedience Class Levels to Teach Your Puppy/Dog

Basic Obedience

Our goal in teaching you about basic obedience skills is to provide your dog with a set of commands that she understands, and which will make both your life and hers much more enjoyable.  Just like human children that do not have a solid foundation of manners and direction, dogs who do not have a solid set of obedience and manners can quickly grow out of hand.

First of all, let us say that we only advocate positive reinforcement and do not believe in nor advocate the use of any type of choke, pinch, or shock collars, and stand by a firm rule of 'never ever yell at or hit your dog’. Ever. You must treat them as you would like to be treated; with love and respect, and they will reciprocate.

Some basic commands we suggest that you teach your dog are: Sit, Down, Sit-Stay, Come, Stop, Off, and Leave it.

Intermediate Education

Continuing obedience work, adding new commands such as "Off", fun games such as "Find Me", and so forth are what we would consider and teach as Intermediate Education.

Advanced Education

Tricks and Tasks such as Agility, Preparing for CGC(Canine Good Citizen) Certificate, Training for working in the Film Industry, are all considered Advanced Education.

SPECIALTY WORK-

Specialty work would be things like Guide Dog or Service Dog training and we’ll talk about those in separate articles.

Dogs are amazing creatures and certainly many find them to be our Best Friends.

Dog Stroller Training And Tips

Thinking about buying your doggie a dog stroller? Already bought a dog stroller but having a bit of a challenging time getting your pup to stay put while using the stroller?

Here are some Pro Tips for Dog Stroller Training:

Training your dog to ride in a dog stroller can be a great way to give your furry friend some fresh air, exercise, and a change of scenery and free up your hands and save your neck and back the added pressure and pain from having to carry your dog when she/he gets tired.

1. Introduce the stroller gradually: Start by letting your dog explore the stroller while it's stationary and in your home in familiar surroundings. Let them sniff and investigate the stroller on their own terms, and reward them with treats or praise for any positive interactions.

2. Use positive reinforcement: Reward your dog with treats or praise every time they get into the stroller or ride in it calmly. This will help them associate the stroller with positive experiences.

3. Start with short rides: Begin by taking your dog on short rides in the stroller around your home, neighborhood, or short trips around the local grocery store. Gradually increase the length of the rides over time.

4. Get them used to the motion: Some dogs may initially be nervous about the movement of the stroller, even if they are used to riding in a car every day, it is a different kind of motion and sensation. To help them get used to it, start by pushing the stroller slowly and gradually increase the speed as your dog becomes more comfortable. * Your pup may get nauseous or vomit or even pee in the stroller the first few times you take them out in it, so be prepared for this as well. You might even take a larger potty pad and wrap it around the stroller pad so that clean up is much easier and your pup doesn’t stress out and feel bad if he/she has an accident in it. The good thing is that the stroller is a small area and your pup is confined, so if and when they do have a an accident, its relatively quick and easy to take care of and be on your way.

   * Ginger root is a good thing to have on hand for preventing nausea for both animals and humans. * We also like to take along some type of natural, non-pharmaceutical Hemp ‘calming treats’ for stroller rides and car rides as these really help with anxiety in many ways.

5. Make it comfortable: Make sure the stroller is comfortable for your dog. Add blankets, pillows, or toys to make the ride more enjoyable. * Do NOT put any type of soft toy with stuffing inside of it for a stroller or crate ride because while you’re busy pushing the stroller ,its pretty much guaranteed that your pup is tearing up the toy and may accidentally ingest that stuffing from the toy. You may also want to remove the padded seat cover and or the restraining straps if you have a puppy or dog that is the ‘velociraptor’ type aggressive chewer. At least until they get used to the stroller, its movement, and they grow out of the chewing phase. You could also consider purchasing a bottle of Grannick’s Bitter Apple Spray and spray it ONLY on the seat pad and straps you don’t want your pup to chew on.

6. Keep your dog secure: Make sure your dog is securely fastened in the stroller with a harness or leash to prevent them from jumping out. * Most reputable brands of strollers have one or more straps with a clip already built in to the bed of the stroller. The stroller we have for our current puppy PawHut Luxury stroller comes with a clip outside in front rather than zipper closure so this one is very durable and safe.

7. Be patient: Some dogs may take longer than others to get used to the stroller. Be patient, and don't force your dog to ride in the stroller if they are uncomfortable.

By following these tips and taking things slow, you can help your dog get comfortable with riding in a stroller and enjoy some outdoor adventures together.