When I first decided I wanted to adopt a dog from the local humane society, I was surprised at the variety of dogs and puppies that they had to offer. It was hard to choose just one. After about an hour of looking at several different dogs, I noticed two Miniature Pinchers jumping up and down excitedly trying to get my attention. As soon as I seen them I knew that I had to adopt both of them and could not split them up.
Shortly after moving to Florida I decided to get a dog to help ease the hom sickness. All my family lived hundreds of miles away and this was the first time I had been away from them. I went to the animal shelter and adopted a lab mix puppy and named him Archie. Archie had more energy than I was ready for. By the time he was six months old he was taking me for walks instead of me taking him. I needed help so I did a search for some professional dog training advice.
You've probably watched competitive agility trials in which the handler moves her fingers just so and her dog completes an obstacle course at top speed. In our professional dog training experience, we've seen plenty of serious handlers work with their dogs to accomplish record times. But we've also enjoyed another type of agility training, meant to combine fun and fitness for your dog.
Formal agility trials are a wonderful sport, one that many people enjoy with their animals. But through pet dog and puppy obedience classes, Sarasota, FL, dog owners have let us know not everyone enjoys that level of competition. They would, however, enjoy running their dogs through their paces in order to share a fun, healthy activity. Does that sound like something you and your four-legged friend might enjoy? There are two important reasons an activity like non-competitive agility classes is valuable:
1. It's possible to combine positive dog training techniques with agility course training and improve your dog's overall behavior and,
2. It's fun! Spending a few afternoons running around an agility course, watching your dog leap, climb and crawl through obstacles is good for you and your dog.
So, what should you and your dog look for in a non-competitive agility class? During our years of dog training, Florida dog lovers have mentioned several promising signs:
* A fun, positive experience -- no shouting, punishment or grouchiness allowed!
* An environment in which owners and dogs grow closer while sharing an outdoor activity.
* Opportunities to fine-tune your dog's obedience by positive dog training methods.
When you locate a professional dog training school that offers this kind of agility class, ask if you can observe a session. We know in other forms of pet dog training, Sarasota, FL, dog owners sometimes need reassurance a class is right for their pets.
A fun agility class may be just what you need to sneak in a little more exercise into your pet's life. Why take the risk that lack of exercise will make your pet unhealthy, when playful physical activities such as this can be so beneficial? Once you and your pet have completed this first foray into fun, you may even decide to turn your own yard into a permanent agility course!
Is your dog taking control of your house? While attending our pet dog and puppy obedience classes, Sarasota, FL, dog owners have shared a common list of complaints about their dogs' behavior. Here's our list of the top five signs it's time for obedience training.
Warning Sign #1: Inappropriate Behavior with Guests
When company comes, does your dog jump, nip and bark at them? A little enthusiasm might be normal, but when you're afraid to open the door, it's definitely time for some teaching! Positive dog training may be all that's needed to persuade your pet to be polite in company.
Warning Sign #2: Pulling on the Leash
Do you enjoy walking with your dog, or is it a contest from start to finish? Even the smallest dog can pull you along if they aren't trained to the leash. Why not make your outdoor excursions something both of you look forward to? Professional dog training can teach you how to guide your pet to a comfortable walking pace. Don't risk a fall or an injured arm; get professional help today to make walking a favorite time for you both.
Warning Sign #3: Biting
This is one behavior that should have you calling your dog training specialists, pronto! During our pet puppy training, Sarasota, FL, dog owners sometimes confess they've become afraid of their biting dogs. Don't give up on your biting pet! Allow someone expert at positive dog trainingtechniques to take the bite out of your family pet.
Warning Sign #4: Rough Play
It may seem at first like innocent roughhousing, but as dogs grow larger, rough play can definitely get out of hand. When your dogs "go at it" until it looks like a dogfight, call in a professional dog training expert. Following our own pet dog and puppy obedience classes, Sarasota, FL,pet owners express relief that their dogs now know when to call a halt to rough play.
Warning Sign #5: Swiping Objects or Food
Most puppies push your boundaries by swiping shoes, food or toys left within reach. But it's not much fun when you're searching the house for one half of your favorite pair of shoes. Give your dog family-friendly boundaries about taking objects and hiding them.
You love your pets, so do them a favor by engaging in professional dog training with them. When you see warning signs such as these cropping up, do the pet-friendly thing and help them learn behavior that will keep them at the heart of your home.
What could be more fun for your family than bringing home a new puppy? Before that ball of fur becomes part of your family, though, there's a little homework to be done. Because we offer pet dog and puppy obedience classes, Sarasota dog owners talk to us all the time about their puppies' reaction to the heat.
We know from their stories which breeds suffer most when exposed to our tropical temperatures. One of the most important considerations for dog owners here in Florida is what type of dog does well in a warm climate. Right up there with professional dog training, Florida dog owners know a big consideration will be regular grooming. As your family is picking a puppy, keep in mind how often your dog will need to be trimmed to beat the heat.
Many dog breeds can adapt, of course, to changes in temperature because their coats shed and thicken accordingly. Any dog that will be kept indoors in air-conditioned quarters will probably do just fine in Florida. But if puppy's going to be spending a lot of time outdoors, you should definitely consider a dog with a lighter coat. Consider the sleek breeds -- Italian Greyhounds, the Pinscher breeds or one of the Terriers. Big dog lovers here in Sarasota regularly pick one of the Retriever breeds or the ever-popular German Shorthaired Pointer.
Also, keep in mind that those breeds with stubby little noses like Pugs and Pekinese might find sleeping outdoors in the sweltering heat unbearable. If you're planning to keep them in climate controlled quarters, terrific, but reconsider keeping one of these little guys outside in Florida.
We love seeing these canine additions to families as customers bring them in for pet puppy training. Sarasota, Florida, is definitely a fun place to enjoy your dog year-round. Keep in mind these thoughts about picking a puppy for warm weather, and keeping your new family member cool and collected will be a breeze!
Our Boston terrier, Paulie, is the light of our life. My husband, Charles, and I fell in love with the breed about four years ago when visiting my brother and sister-in-law in Destin. Their neighbors had a seal-and-white Boston terrier and she was so gorgeous and sweet. We decided this was the breed of dog for us.
As we are both very career-oriented, my husband and I didn’t think about the amount of time Paulie would need. A couple months after we brought him into our home, we were still having difficulty house-training him and he was overly hyper. We thought it was just the puppy in him and shrugged it off and continued doing what we were doing. It wasn’t until Paulie shredded the arm of our couch and several of my best pairs of shoes that we decided it was time for an intervention.
Charles and I investigated various obedience schools in the area and couldn’t agree on one that we thought would be right for Paulie. We were determined to keep him and knew that we needed to do something to help him adapt. We also thought perhaps his behavior might stem from something we were or were not doing. We happened across the Web site to the K9 Korral Obedience Training Center. It was so close to our home and we were so impressed with the variety of classes and opportunities available for dogs at the center. We talked at length with a trained expert at the facility about Paulie’s behavior and what we could do to address his disposition. What a relief it was for us to learn that Paulie’s behavior was not unusual for dogs that suffer from separation anxiety. We were told that obedience training would be a great start, but that we would need to spend more focused attention on him. He required more attention from Charles and me.
This was something we were not accustomed to giving. It took some time, some valuable training through K9 Korral Obedience Training Center, as well as some personal lessons for Paulie, but with the right focus on his well being by the wonderful professionals at the training center, and the proper attention from us, Paulie is a dream pet. He is attentive and fun, as well as well behaved and adoring. We love our Boston terrier and can’t say enough to praise the efforts of the professionals at K9 Korral Obedience Training Center.
I can’t thank the K9 Korral Obedience Training Center enough for helping my Chihuahua Pedro work through his behavioral issues. He has always preferred me most out of our family. My husband and children are only of interest to Pedro when I am unavailable or not home. The second I walk into a room, Pedro used to morph into a different dog. Before I would walk in, he would be snuggling with one of my three daughters on the couch or sitting at my husband’s feet. But as soon as he would see me, he would abandon them and give me his full and undivided attention. And if anyone would try to sit beside me, Pedro would snap, bark and growl at them.
When this first started happening, we thought it was a bit comical. But as his behavior became more and more aggressive, it started to cause us all great concern. He started to become extremely possessive and protective of me.
After talking about the issue at great length, my husband and I decided it was time for Pedro to receive some focused, professional help. We investigated different canine schools and training centers near our home in
Pedro went through Puppy Preschool, Puppy Kindergarten, Pet K9 Obedience classes and private lessons. Through the private lessons, his specific aggressive behavior was addressed. I am so happy to report that Pedro is cured. We still take him back to the K9 Korral Obedience Center for Reiki and therapeutic massage, which he thoroughly enjoys. I can always tell when he needs a visit and it always changes his outlook on life. My whole family is relieved to have our darling little angel back to normal. Now he cuddles and snuggles with the entire family. And since he is the family dog, this is what we always had hoped for.
I would recommend K9 Korral Obedience Center to anyone who is struggling to change behavioral characteristics, or who is looking for the right place for their canine to receive the best available training. I couldn’t be more pleased with the results.
