Training Methods Used

At Lifestyle Dog Training we employ science based, force free, positive reinforcement training methods.   Training methodology is not a matter of opinion ... its a matter of science.

We do not advocate confrontational punitive training methods which promote out dated dominance based "pack leader" training modalities.    Dog training has come a long way in the past 30 years!!  We now understand canine behaviour much better & modern trainers are well versed in learning theory.

Our goal is to forge a bond of trust and understanding between you and your dog.   We utilize a reward based system which includes food, toys, praise, and life rewards. 

Our basic rule = if you wouldnt do it to a small child, dont do it to your dog!

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Easy Methods To Help Train Your Dog

Training your dog is among the most important aspects of your pets life. Training your dog is something that will be repaid to you over the future years because you will have a happy and healthy dog who respects your family and listens to you when necessary. Learn more about dog training with this article.

Obedience classes are good ways to train your dog to follow your commands. The trained instructors can help your pup with any issues he may have, including unnecessary barking, chewing, house training and normal obedience issues.



The best time to start training a dog is when its a puppy. Much like human children, puppies learn faster than adult dogs. Beginning your dogs training when he is still young will help him to be a well-behaved dog as he ages.

Unless breeding is in your dogs future, make sure he or she is spayed or neutered before six months of age. This should be done at the same time you start obedience training. A dog that is fixed will be more willing to learn. You and your pet will enjoy a longer and happier life together.

Be careful not to spend too much time at once training your dog. Your dog will get bored and antsy if you spend too much time on one thing. The first few sessions especially should be kept under 10 minutes.

There is no denying that dogs possess certain innate urges and behaviors, and therefore it is necessary that they be allowed to exhibit them on occasion. Dogs require a nutritious diet, space to run in and activities and toys to keep them busy.

Your dog should always give you its attention when asked. When a command is reinforced properly and often enough, your dog will begin to shift his focus from the distractions around to you in order to wait for your signal.

If you are attempting to crate train your dog, remember that it is a multi-step process. As soon as they start to feel comfortable in the crate when the door is open, try closing the gate and have them eat inside. Only keep the gate closed for short periods of time at first and increase time slowly. If the dog becomes agitated, slow down a little more to make them more comfortable.

If you catch your puppy chewing something that he should not be chewing, put an immediate stop to it. Get some toys for your puppy to chew on and make sure he understands the difference by scolding or praising him.

When training a dog it is important to teach him good habits from the start. It is easier to instill good habits than it is to deal with bad ones. To avoid begging at the table, avoid giving the dog food off the table to begin with.

Have a blast during each training session with your dog. By playing games with your dog, a strong bond will develop between the two of you, which helps the dog respond in a positive manner during training. Training can be a fun experience, however, getting some enjoyment for yourself and the dog through play is a good thing.

Dogs with separation anxiety can benefit from training. Separation anxiety can cause your dog to misbehave while you are away, like non-stop barking and destructive chewing. It is possible to train your dog to refrain from such activities and control himself while he is alone. Doggy nerves can also be soothed by showing your pet plenty of affection.

Be aware of what foods and treats your dog loves the most. Your dog will work harder to get the food that he/she loves so much. Take note of how your dog responds when he is given his reward.

When you want to have success at dog training, understanding what your dog is motivated by is half the battle. Dog training can be a learning experience, especially with it comes to determining what motivates your pet. Offer your dog a lot of positive reinforcement and an array of training techniques. A contented puppy will perform well, and be easier to train.

Keep track of how many treats used to reward your dog every day for a healthy diet. It is easy to forget about treats when you consider how much you are feeding your dog. This can happen especially when you are training him.

Do not allow your pet to become complacent in his training. Establish a clear set of rules and stick with it at all times. A lot of times owners thing training is a one time event. However, pets are ruled by habits, structure and routine in much that same way that humans are. You must remain strict with your dog.

Dog training may be expensive, but its money well spent. A dog that does not behave in an appropriate manner will cause a lot of unneeded stress and damage, leading to families questioning whether to give the dog up. Use the information here. Choose to train your dog and your dog will be a pleasure for everyone.

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Simple Methods For Effective Dog Training

A dog can be trained to stop negative behavior such as growling and barking. The information ahead will allow for not only correcting, but hopefully removing these bad habits as well. If you train your dog correctly, he or she will be the ideal pet.

Introduce new animals to one another very slowly. Weighs the pros and the cons before adopting another pet. For optimal bonding, select a new pet whose personality is similar to that of your current pet.



 When you are working on crate training with your dog or puppy small steps is what works best for them to get used to it. When they seem comfortable in it with the door open, try shutting the gate and feed them treats through the wires. At first, leave the dog enclosed in the crate for only short periods of time, such as 10 seconds, and then gradually increase the duration. If the puppy gets too upset then you increased the time too much, too fast.

 Stay with the training, so that he doesnt forget the lessons that he learned. Keep him in practice. A lot of times owners thing training is a one time event. You can encourage your dog to adopt good habits. That is why it is vital to ensure your dog maintains a strict rule system.

 Everyone in the family should use the exact same commands when training your dog. If you mix up commands, like one family member saying "up" when another says "jump," the dog will have a more difficult time figuring out what you want. As long as you use consistency, then your dog has a great chance of learning all of the tricks and behaviors that you wish.

 Dont use doggy treats as your sole positive reinforcement mechanism. Giving treats to dogs in order to teach them new behavior is quite effective. Having said that, carrying treats on you 24/7 is not very likely. Try patting your dog on the back and giving him an "enthusiastic, that a boy."

 If your dog suffers from separation anxiety when youre away, encourage him to bond with other members of the household. This will help it be less focused on the fact that you are not home.

 While you can train different types of dogs with various personalities, it could be near impossible for you to train two dogs. Dogs have the tendency to distract each other. If you find this happening it is likely best to separate them.

 You need a commanding control if you are starting to train your dog. Your dog will neither obey nor respect you if he believes he is the leader of your household. Never allow your dog pull on the leash while you are on a walk.

 Try to get your dog on a regular feeding schedule. This will give you an idea of when the dog is likely to have to go, so you can take it outdoors to take care of this matter before an accident occurs on your rug. Sticking to a schedule will teach your dog how to control himself until his next scheduled potty break.

 Get everyone in your house on the same page regarding dog training. If the dog jumps up and you use "get down" but your husband says "no boy", the dog will get confused. You give your dog a greater chance for success if everyone is on board with using the same words.

 Any introductions to new animals should be made very slowly. Give your own pet great consideration before bringing another animal into the house. You can boost bonding efforts by getting a new pet that has a complimentary personality to your own.

 Never try to train a dog while youre short on patience. If youve had a bad day or are unusually short-tempered for some other reason today, its better to put off training until another day. Your patience is vital for encouraging the focused attention your dog needs to get the full benefits of training.

 It is vital to train your dog when its still a puppy. Younger dogs learn more quickly and easier than older canines. Beginning your dogs training when he is still young will help him to be a well-behaved dog as he ages.

 To house train your dog, you should make sure that your dog follows a regular feeding and elimination schedule. This can train your dog to whine or come get you when he feels the urge, so you can let him out and prevent him from doing his business inside. Having a set schedule will teach your dog how to wait until he can go outside for the next potty break.

 You can rest assured that when you train your puppy, they may have an accident in the house. Immediately clean up every accident for training purposes. Carpets are known to trap the smell of urine and encourage the dog to return to that spot for further marking. Buy a product specially designed to neutralize odors.

 Mentally stimulate your dog if you want it to be healthy and happy. Among some of the best things for your dog are plenty of strolls in the neighborhood, chew toys and rawhide bones. If your dog gets bored, chances are he will find a way to stay busy, and you probably wont like what he chooses.

 When you begin training your puppy, create a bond with him by first teaching him his name. Simply start by calling his name as often as possible. Once he learns his name, you can encourage him to come to you when called. Your dog should learn these items before any others as theyre the most important. Spend plenty of quality time with them, so that they know that they can trust you. In this way, he will be more receptive to advanced training later.

 Behavior problems that suddenly occur with no reason may indicate a medical problem that needs to be evaluated by a veterinarian. Your dog might be acting out because he is suffering. This behavior may be his way of telling you that there is something wrong with him.

 You can prevent your dog from destroying your home by keeping it outdoors when you are away from the house. When this isnt possible, you want to provide things that both appeal to your dog and that are okay for the dog to chew on. Establishing acceptable chews toys is also about keeping those things you do not want your dog to chew up behind closed doors or well out out of reach.

 As this article has demonstrated, dog training is a very wise use of your time and energy. A badly behaved dog can destroy your house and stress everyone in the family; soon no one will want him around. By applying the information found in this article, youll be making a wise choice and helping your dog to be an enjoyable member of your family..

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