Congratulations for taking the first step toward accomplishing your dog training goals by signing your dog up for a dog training package with Canine Solutions. You’re about to learn a lot of new information in a short period and we want you to get a great return on your investment. Here’s How:
ATTEND DOG TRAINING 101!
All new client training packages include a credit for Dog Training 101. DT 101 is a supplemental Owners Only seminar designed to underscore important training concepts such as the Reward Delivery Sequence and setting your dog up for success with good Management Strategies. This class meets Tuesday nights at 7 Pm, every other week, and is best completed in person within the first 2 weeks of commencing training at the DogSchool.
PURCHASE YOUR GEAR!
Your trainer may recommend certain Tools of the Trade. Stop by the DogSchool to pick up the following items to supplement your dog training program:
- 3/4″-1.5″ Martingale Buckle Collar for working in unsecured areas
- 4′-6′ non retractable leash
- 15’ Non retractable long leash
- A Treat Pouch for training treats
- Training Treats such as Ziwi Peak, Vital Essentials, and K9 Naturals!
- Puzzle toys such as the Kong Wobblers, Kong Extreme, or Nina Ottosen games.
- Composure or Edibites oral supplements.
SET YOURSELF UP FOR SUCCESS!
MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES
Management strategies help you set you home up for success and reduce stress in the household. For dogs new to the home let them drag a leash when in unsecured areas and confine your dog to a small dog-safe space or crate when unsupervised. Baby gates and exercise pens are handy for blocking off whole rooms or pieces of furniture. Separate your dog(s) during guest entries and exits from your home to prevent incidents, altercations, or door-dashing. Use visual barriers to break the line of site between your dog and things they find arousing.
EXERCISE AND MENTAL ENRICHMENT
To get the most out of your dog training package you’ll want to use their meals for training. Every meal delivered in a food bowl is a missed training opportunity. Use Puzzle or food dispensing toys to help burn excess energy when hand feeding isn’t an option. Scent work, snuffle mats, or other ‘sniffing’ activities are great ways to burn energy in between training exercises. Join Canine Enrichment and the DogSchool Dog Training Support Group on Facebook.
GOOD BEHAVIOR STARTS WITH DIET
Feed a high-quality dog food such as Nature’s Select Premium Home Delivered Dog Food. Refer to dogfoodadvisor.com or the Whole Dog Journal for more information on available diets. Avoid foods and treats with synthetic food coloring or preservatives. The DogSchool features a variety of healthy high value training treats that many dogs enjoy. Small pieces of chicken, steak, or hotdogs mixed in to dry dog food also work well for training purposes. Bring your treats in a ziplock to help keep your training pouch clean.
CANINE BODY LANGUAGE
Misbehavior is often rooted in stress. Identifying early indicators of rising stress levels facilitates training by keeping your dog under threshold. Print this Doggie Language Handout and hang it on your refrigerator for reference. Common communication signals include paw lifts, tongue flick, yawning, pacing and panting. Dogs with anxiety or fear may need more space, higher value reinforcers, and shorter training sessions. Quickly identifying when your dog is over threshold and unable to learn will help you get back on track. Download the DogDecoder App
TRAIN THE DOG!
Now that you’re set up for success the next step is to do the work! After your initial consultation or first group class it’s important to make time to work on these skills in between appointments. Be realistic with your trainer about your time investment so they can help you choose a follow up package that will get you the results you want. Incorporate training sessions into meal time and REMEMBER: Nothing in Life is Free!