The Benefits of Dog Training You Might Never Have Thought Were Possible

Making sure that dogs are properly trained isn’t just about teaching them to obey commands. Dog training also provides a number of important benefits that go beyond basic obedience, especially when dogs and owners receive guidance from a professional dog trainer. These are some of the advantages you can expect when your dogs have proper training.

Improved Safety for Your Dog

Dogs that know how to listen to commands such as “stay” or return to you on command have a lower risk of running off and being hurt. Whether you’re walking your dog down the streets of your Chicago neighborhood or visiting a local dog park, you don’t have to worry about your dog suddenly taking off and possibly getting into trouble or getting hurt. If your dog does start to run off or approach something dangerous, you can give the appropriate command to have her return to your side or stop where she is until you reach her.

Stronger Bond

Taking the time to train dogs help strengthen the bond you have with them, as long as you maintain a positive atmosphere. You’ll find that you will also end up learning more about a dog’s personality when you work on teaching them to follow commands. This can help you understand your dog more, which makes it easier to adapt training as needed. For example, you’ll know that you need to be more patient and allow for more training time if you have a dog who doesn’t learn as quickly as others or a dog who is easily distracted.

More Social Opportunities

When you have dogs that are well-trained, you’ll be more willing to bring them to your local dog park or take them out in public. You won’t have to worry about them embarrassing you or upsetting others with poor behavior. This means that you and your dogs will be able to enjoy more social interactions with others.

These are just a few of the extra benefits that come with dog training. Keep in mind that undergoing training provides several other advantages for both you and your dog.

Basic Dog Training Tips

One of the most important responsibilities of having dogs is making sure they’re trained. When your dogs have gone through obedience training, they’re more fun and less stressful to be around. You don’t have to worry about them running off on you or jumping up on other people. When you’re ready to begin dog training, the following tips can help you out.

Build a Positive Association

How can you train dogs to obey commands like “sit” or “stay?” One of the most effective ways to do so is by setting up a positive association between verbal commands or hand signals and the correct behavior on your dog’s part. When dogs follow the commands you give, offering them a reward right away builds up positive reinforcement. This makes them more likely to repeat the correct behavior the next time you give the same command. Rewards can be in the form of treats or praise.

Stick to a Routine

When you work on dog training, make sure that you’re being consistent when teaching your dogs a certain command. Don’t use different words or hand signals for the same command, or your dogs will end up being confused and not knowing what to do. Try to use the same tone of voice as well if you’re using verbal commands. Being consistent makes it easier for dogs to learn to follow commands.

Ignore Negative Attention Seeking Behavior

If dogs do things they’re not supposed to in order to get your attention, such as jumping on you or barking excessively at you, be careful with the way you respond. Giving dogs any kind of attention, even if it’s negative attention such as a stern reprimand, reinforces the unwanted behavior. Instead of giving them attention, turn away from them and wait for them to settle down.

Practice Patience

Dog training isn’t something that takes place quickly. Think of it as an ongoing process instead, and learn to be patient with your dogs. Staying patient helps them stay calm and prevents training sessions from becoming stressful, which can help dogs learn to follow commands faster.

Dog Training is as important for you as it is for your dog.

There’s no doubt that dog training is an important part of a dog’s life. Learning to follow commands makes dogs less likely to cause trouble with their owners or with other people and pets. However, training is beneficial for dog owners as well. These are some of the reasons why obedience training is just as important for you as it is for your dog.

Reduces Stress

Pets bring a lot of joy to our lives, but untrained ones can be stressful to deal with on a regular basis. When you have a trained dog in your home, you don’t have to be concerned about facing behavioral problems, such as inappropriate elimination, excessive barking, jumping or other issues. Dogs who have been through training are generally calmer and easier to deal with than dogs who have not been trained. This can help you enjoy your pet’s company even more without having to find ways to ease pet related stress.

Encourages Social Interaction

When you have a poorly trained dog or a dog who has not had any training, you might find that you’re reluctant to go out in public much with your pet. This might mean limiting walks to short ones in areas where you’re less likely to run into other people or pets. When you have a dog who has been trained, you can count on having more pleasant social interactions with others. This can encourage you to bring your dog out in public more, whether that means going for longer walks in busier areas or heading to dog parks.

Keeps Your Dog Safe

One of the biggest reasons for dog training being important for dog owners is that it helps keep their pets safe. When your dog knows how to obey commands, you don’t have as much to worry about when it comes to potential dangers. For example, if your dog dashes into the street, you can call him back with a command, so he won’t get hurt. Knowing that your dog is safer provides you with more peace of mind as a dog owner.

3 Important Benefits of Dog Boarding and Daycare

Whether you need a place for your dog to stay during the day when you’re at work, or someone to care for your pet while you’re traveling, dog boarding and daycare offer great options. Dog boarding provides your pet with a comfortable place to stay and interact with other dogs when you’re away. Dog daycare offers a safe environment for your dog to play with other pups for a few hours a day or several hours per day. Both of these options provide important benefits for dogs.

Close Supervision

When your dog stays overnight at a high quality boarding facility or joins a dog daycare group, you can rest assured that trained staff are keeping an eye on your pet. Boarding facilities that offer play groups and around-the-clock supervision provide close supervision, so you don’t have to worry that no one is making sure your dog is safe while you’re gone. Dog daycare facilities also have trained staff members on hand to ensure that all dogs behave while playing with others.

Physical Activity

Dog boarding and daycare provide dogs with ample opportunity to stay physically active during the day. Just keep in mind that not all boarding facilities offer play groups. When you choose a facility that does offer this, your dog can spend several hours per day interacting with other dogs, which helps burn off excess energy. Getting physical activity is an important part of making sure that dogs are in good condition and lowering their risk of obesity, which is associated with diabetes and other health conditions.

Socialization

Dogs who stay at boarding facilities with play groups and dogs who participate in daycare have a chance to socialize with other dogs. This is an effective way for dogs to work on their social skills while also having fun with other pups. These environments also give dogs a chance to get used to being in different surroundings, which can help them become calmer and less stressed when they’re in new places or situations or when they encounter other dogs or people that they aren’t familiar with.

3 Tips for Choosing Affordable Pet Grooming

While you can perform basic pet grooming at home, such as giving baths and brushing, bringing your dog to a professional groomer can be a good idea. Professional groomers can help keep your pet’s skin, coat, nails and ears in good condition with their services. They can also handle tasks that you might not be comfortable with, such as trimming your dog’s fur a certain way or clipping their nails. If you’re worried about how much these services will cost, keep in mind that affordable pet grooming is available. Use the following tips to find a reputable pet groomer with prices that fit your budget.

Don’t Automatically Choose the Lowest Price

Going with the lowest price can be tempting, but it’s important to keep quality in mind. The professional pet groomer you choose should have the skills and experience required for providing high quality services. This helps ensure that your dog is treated well during grooming and also lowers the risk of injuries or other problems that might occur if you go to a groomer with little experience or poor skills, such as nail injuries from improper trimming. Choose a pet groomer who offers rates that are in your price range while also having a reputation for providing quality services, even if this means paying more than the lowest price around.

Estimate Costs

The costs of affordable pet grooming vary widely based on your location, your dog’s size and your dog’s coat. Keep in mind that more difficult hair cuts, such as those for dogs with thick coats, typically cost more. You’ll also be paying more for additional services, such as shampooing, ear cleaning or nail trimming.

Check Out the Facility

When you find a professional pet groomer who fits your budget, there are certain factors to consider before booking an appointment. Make sure the grooming facility is well lit and clean. It should also have staff members who are friendly and knowledgeable about pet grooming. In addition, the grooming facility you choose should take steps to minimize the risk of injury, such as monitoring dogs during blow drying to avoid overheating.

Practical Tips on Preparing for Pet Boarding

When you hire a pet boarding service to watch and care for your dog while you’re away, it’s important to make sure that your pet is prepared. In addition to meeting the boarding facility’s requirements, you’ll also need to take steps to keep your pet from getting lost as a precaution. Whether you’ve used this type of service before or not, these practical tips can help ensure that your dog is ready.

Get a Copy of Your Dog’s Medical Records

Make sure that your dog is up-to-date on all shots that the boarding facility requires, which typically includes rabies, distemper, bordetella and parvovirus. You’ll have to show proof that your dog is current on required vaccines. This requirement helps lower the risk of dogs getting each other sick while boarding. You might also have to show proof that a fecal exam tested negative for parasites within the last year.

Update Your Dog’s License

If your dog’s license is expiring soon, make sure you update it before you plan on boarding your pet. Dog boarding facilities require dogs to have a valid license. You’ll need to show the facility that your dog’s license is up-to-date, so bring proof with you, such as a license tag.

Check Microchip Information

While many pet boarding facilities take steps to stop dogs from being able to run off, such as having sturdy fencing, it’s still important to check your pet’s microchip information beforehand. Make sure the contact information linked to your pet's microchip is up-to-date, and bring a copy of the microchip number to give staff members at the boarding facility.

Get a Sturdy Collar

If your dog’s collar is looking a bit worn, get a new one before using a pet boarding service. Look for a collar that is sturdy and won’t slip off your dog’s neck. Attach your dog’s license tag and any other ID tags you have to it. These tags can make it easier for dogs to be returned to their owners or to the boarding facility they’re staying at while their owners are away.

What to Expect From a Puppy Hotel

When you’re traveling and staying in a hotel, but can’t bring your pets with you, they can stay in their own hotel. Puppy hotels provide a great place for pets to stay while their owners are away. What can you expect from one of these facilities? These are some of the benefits your pets will enjoy while staying at a puppy hotel.

Comfortable Place to Curl Up

Places that offer basic boarding services generally just have dogs sleep in plain kennels that don’t provide much in the way of comfort. Puppy hotels usually offer sleeping environments that are much more comfortable. Some places even give pups their own plush beds and private rooms to stay in. Others offer cozy blankets or pillows to make sure pets are able to get a good night’s sleep.

Perks for Pampered Pups

When your pets stay at a puppy hotel, there are usually perks available. In some cases, these perks are included when you book your stay. Other places offer these perks for additional fees. Some of the perks that puppy hotels offer include spa services, where pets can get facials, baths with special shampoos and conditioners to keep their coat and skin in great condition, and have their nails trimmed and even painted if requested. Some places also offer puppy massages, extra special treats and one-on-one playtime with a staff member, so pups won’t feel lonely or bored.

Peace of Mind for Pet Owners

Puppy hotels typically have a camera set up that allows pet owners to check on their pups. Some hotels have these cameras installed in play areas, which gives owners a chance to watch their pets play. Puppy hotels will usually provide pet owners with regular updates to let them know how their pets are doing. Owners can find out if their pets are eating ok, if they’re adjusting well to being away from home, and if any special requests they’ve made are being honored.

A Chance to Make Friends

Some puppy hotels have play areas set up where dogs are allowed to spend time together. This gives them a chance to meet new friends, burn off energy and work on their social skills. This is especially important for puppies as they learn how to play nice with other dogs and how to adapt to new surroundings and encounters with other pets and people.