Basic obedience training builds the foundation for more advanced training, particularly for commands you will use in the field. The big 4 that your dog needs to know, regardless of his or her purpose, are described here.
Sit
Although a simple command, sit is the foundation for nearly everything you will teach your pet.
To begin, hold a treat in your hand and position it near your dog’s nose. As you move your hand towards the ceiling, your dog’s gaze should follow, which will naturally cause his or her rear to hit the floor. As soon as your dog reaches the sitting position, provide a treat. Once your dog understands the motion, overlay the word “sit.”
Here
What’s the difference between “here” and “come?” When your dog is at a distance, “here” will travel farther (and is easier to say) than its counterpart.
To train “here,” start with a short leash and a flat collar. With a treat in hand, say “here” and encourage your dog to walk towards you using a combination of gentle pressure on the lead and the treat. Provide plenty of positive praise when your dog reaches you. Over time, use a longer leash or check cord before practicing in a yard or field.
Heel
Your dog should walk next to you both on and off-leash, which is why the “heel” command is important.
The traditional way to teach heel is with a choke chain. While out for a walk with your pet, give a quick tug on the chain to position your dog properly, with his or her shoulder in line with your knee. .
The second way to teach heel is with a high value treat. When walking with your dog, hold a treat at your chest. Your pet will look towards the treat, which will naturally keep him or her at the proper position. If your dog gets ahead of you, redirect with a treat.
In both instances, do not overlay the “heel” command until your dog is consistently walking in the proper way in response to your correction.
No
“No” is an essential command, whether you use it to keep your dog from chasing the wrong game or from climbing onto the couch.
One of the simplest ways to train “no,” is with the help of a treat. First, place a treat in your hand, show it to your dog, and then say “no,” as you close your hand around the treat. Your pet will likely lick and paw at your hand. As soon as he or she stops showing interest in the treat, provide praise. Continue this drill until your dog understands that “no” means the treat is withheld. As your pet progresses, increase the difficulty of the command. Place the treat on the floor and say “no.” Only praise your dog if the treat is ignored. Otherwise, quickly place your hand or foot over the treat and do not give it to your dog until he or she loses interest.
Note: The above uses the aid of food/treats for training, formal training at Bull Valley Retrievers does not include the use of treats, other than a very few exceptions. Contact Bull Valley Retrievers for all breed obedience training help or for any of your dog boarding kennel needs.
Dog parks are popular destinations for many dogs and their owners. However, these off-leash areas are not ideal for all pets or situations. Here, the good and bad points of dog parks are discussed in an effort to help educate dog owners.
What is a Dog Park?
A dog park is an area where animals are permitted to roam off-leash. This can be a sanctioned dog park, such as one that is maintained by the city, or simply an area where dog owners gather with their pets to play.
Benefits of Taking your Dog to the Dog Park
The benefits of taking your pet to the dog park are diverse. If you and your pet live in an apartment or are otherwise short on yard space, a dog park provides a wonderful opportunity for your pet to stretch his or her legs and exercise. In addition, dog parks are a great meeting area for both animals and humans alike, providing a chance for socialization.
Drawbacks of Dog Parks
Unfortunately, there are a number of limitations when it comes to the dog park, many of which can lead to behavioral problems and general stress for both dog and owner.
Aggression Aggression is a top concern when dogs are allowed unstructured playtime in an uncontrolled setting. There are many types of dog aggression, each of which is possible at the dog park.
Dominance aggression can occur when two dogs struggle to determine their hierarchy over one another and the owners do not diffuse the situation accordingly.
Dogs with different play and/or greeting styles can cause a dangerous situation. For instance, some pets prefer calm, drawn out greetings, while others have a tendency to immediately pounce on the nearest animal. When two differing dogs greet, the animal that prefers a more subdued introduction might snarl or snap in an effort to ask for personal space. This behavior, in turn, can be misinterpreted by the more energetic dog, leading to retaliation.
Fear aggression can occur if a dog becomes stressed and uncomfortable at the dog park, but the owner does not step in and “save” the animal. If the signs of stress are not noticed (i.e. trembling, whale eyes, tail between the legs, appeasement behaviors), the next step a dog will take is to seek space by growling, snapping, or snarling. Over time, dogs can learn to default to these behaviors both at the park and at home when feeling uncomfortable.
Training Regression Everyone has seen – or even experienced – the owner at the dog park who tries to recall his or her dog, only to have the pet play a long game of keep away. The dog park can result in training regression in one of two ways. For instance, dogs can observe the bad behaviors of other pets, and then mimic those behaviors at home. In other instances, dogs will engage in bad behaviors, such as the game of keep away described above, which are inadvertently reinforced. For this reason, it is recommended to only take well-trained and reliable animals to off-leash locations.
Undesirable Behaviors When dogs are in a pack of animals they can behave differently than they do at home. Resource guarding can become a real problem. For instance, your dog might view you as a resource, and become uncomfortable when other dogs draw near. In addition, balls, toys, or treats can cause undesirable behaviors to surface if your dog feels the need to protect them as his or her own.
Frustration Allowing your dog to spend time with other animals off-leash is great for their socialization skills. However, it can also create problems. A dog that spends a lot of time at the dog park may not understand why, when walking on a leash, he or she is not allowed to visit other dogs that pass. This can create leash frustration, where the dog will lunge and bark out of frustration that he or she cannot say hi to a potential new friend.
Inappropriate Playgroups One reason that dog parks can be dangerous is because there is no policing of dog age, size, personality, or play style. Instead, all dogs fall into one large pack, even though they might not be compatible playmates. Therefore, a large, young, exuberant dog that plays rough might be intimidating to a small, submissive, senior dog that prefers calm play. Inappropriate playgroups can result in misunderstandings among dogs, and, ultimately, dogfights.
Sensory Overload The dog park is akin to an amusement park for children. However, when dogs enter into a state of sensory overload, they become overly aroused and unable to calm down. This arousal can lead to inappropriate and uncharacteristic behaviors, and ultimately a dog that is difficult to control.
Trauma Finally, dog parks can result in physical and emotional trauma for your pet that can be difficult to overcome. When a dog has a negative experience – such as being involved in a fight – the animal might avoid dogs in the future. Reversing the trauma often involves a lengthy period of desensitization and training, which is both costly and frustrating.
Choosing a Dog Park When choosing a dog park for your pet, there are a number of features you should look for in order to have the safest experience possible.
All entrances and exits should have double gates for safety. The fencing should also have shielding that prevents the dogs already in the park from seeing other animals that enter. Dog parks should preferably have multiple entrances so that dogs do not congregate in front of a single entrance.
The park should be at least an acre with multiple geographic features that reduce the possibility of dogs running at one another full speed. For instance, trees, hills, and lakes are all strategic components within a park. Agility obstacles or structures are also useful for providing scared dogs areas to hide.
Dog Park Tips When taking your dog to the park, there are numerous ways to make your trip successful. Do not enter the park if a pack of dogs is congregating at the entrance, as this situation can make greetings and introductions tense.
Watch your dog at all times, and interrupt your pet if his or her play style becomes too aggressive, hyperactive, or intense. If necessary, move around the park with the pack in order to provide utmost supervision.
If your dog is showing signs of fear, anxiety, or is bullying other animals, pack up for the day and head home.
Finally, leave toys and treats at home in order to avoid resource guarding issues.
The above should be used for reference and the final decision is made by you, but I do not recommend taking your dog to any park of day-care as the potential for issues to arise to too great and hours of training can be washed down the drain. However, if you must, use the above guidelines to help with your visit.
The first time you board your dog can be stressful. How do you choose the right kennel? What should you know before you drop off your dog? Will your pet forget you? The answers to these questions – and more – will be discussed below.
Why Choose a Boarding Kennel?
Dog owners have numerous options when it comes to providing care for their pets during vacations or business trips. Common options include pet sitters, leaving your dog with neighbors, and boarding kennels. The benefits of a boarding kennel include:
No strangers in your home
No inconveniencing your neighbors
Leaving your dog in the care of trained professionals
Dedicated care to your dog’s special needs
24 hour staffing
Emergency protocols in place
Choosing a Kennel
There are a number of considerations that must be made when choosing a boarding kennel for your pet.
First, you must find a trusted establishment. A great way to start is by asking friends, family, or trusted canine professionals for recommendations. Look online for reviews or ratings, as well.
Next, tour the facility. If possible, bring your dog so that you can see how he or she interacts with the staff. While exploring the kennel, keep the following components in mind: sanitation, safety, and supervision. Each dog’s sleeping areas should be clean and tidy, and there should be adequate ventilation such that no dog or cleaning odors are noticeable. Dog areas should be free of urine and feces, with every attempt made to clean up after messes are made.
Safety should be a top priority for the kennel staff. Ask how emergencies are handled, including illness, injury, and natural disasters. During your tour, look for signs that verify the safety of the facility. Fences should be at least 6’ tall, dividers should be placed between kennels, and dogs should be supervised when outside of their enclosures at all times.
Finally, meet with the staff and ask questions. Are personnel trained in First Aid and CPR? What is their experience with animals? Do you feel comfortable leaving your pet with these people? Ultimately, trust your gut when making these decisions.
Preparing for your Trip
Make sure your dog will be up to date on the necessary vaccinations at least one week before your pet is scheduled to be boarded. In addition, consider a flea and tick preventative if your pet is not currently using one as an additional safety precaution.
If your dog has never been boarded before, or if the kennel you have chosen is new to your pet, consider boarding your pet for a short overnight stay before you leave for your trip. This will help your dog acclimate to the new environment. When you drop off your pet, leave an item from home, such as a favorite toy or blanket. Avoid lengthy goodbyes that could make your dog feel anxious. Don’t forget to leave emergency contact information in case the boarding kennel needs to reach you.
Common Owner Anxieties
When you board your dog – particularly for the first time – it can be hard not to worry about your pet’s well-being. It is important to remember that your dog is being cared for by professional pet lovers who are dedicated to putting the needs of your dog first. To set your mind at ease you can call the kennel once every 2 – 3 days to check in on your dog.
Another common anxiety that dog owners have is that their pet will not remember them, or will feel abandoned. If you are concerned that your pet will worry that you have left for good (a particular concern for dogs who were adopted from a shelter), leave an item with your scent such as a t-shirt or pillowcase. Rest assured that your dog will not forget you, even if you are gone for an extended period of time. Numerous studies have shown that dogs are able to remember their owners, even after years of not seeing one another. When you return from your trip and your dog greets you with hyperactive wiggles, your fears will instantly subside.
The final step of your dog’s retriever training is the first hunt. However, there are many mistakes that can – and commonly are – made during this important occasion. Here, tips for your dog’s first hunt are discussed.
One of the easiest mistakes to make is to hunt your dog too early. Oftentimes, hunters find that their dogs are retrieving perfectly in the backyard and, given the dog’s lineage and price tag, expect the animal to replicate this behavior prematurely. Instead of taking your dog directly to a new situation, such as a duck blind, go to a basic gun dog course when your pet is 12 – 14 months old in order to reinforce proper behaviors with simple commands.
Remember that there are four stages of training: yard work, field work, transition work, and the first hunt. While many retrievers master yard and field work quickly, transition work is frequently lacking before the first hunt takes place. Transition work entails practicing all types of hunting situations your dog might encounter during that first experience. Here, hunters should anticipate problems in order to better hone their dogs’ skills.
For instance, transition work can include:
Exposing your dog to decoys
Teaching your dog not to pick up decoys
Retrieving dummies from amongst decoys
Loading your dog in and out of your boat
Practicing dummy retrieves from the boat
Retrieving from the boat through decoys
Conditioning your dog to goose/duck calls
Conditioning your dog to shooting overhead
Even after your dog’s first hunt, it is important to continue with transition work any time you introduce your dog to a brand new hunting scenario. Ultimately, the best way to have your dog prepared for the first hunt is to think about the finished product when you start your initial training. By paying close attention to everything your dog might encounter and properly conditioning him or her to these scenarios, your dog’s first hunt will be a success.
Getting and Keeping Your Dog Ready for Hunting Season?
Whether your dog is a veteran or a beginning bird dog, keeping your canine’s skills fresh throughout the year is important. Are you doing everything it takes to make sure your dog is ready to go and make the most of the limited time frame of hunting season? Listed here are skills you should work on during the summer to ensure dog is ready.
Functional Obedience
Regardless of your dog’s role in the household, he or she should practice obedience on a daily basis. For hunting dogs, field skills should be incorporated into these sessions. For instance, instead of simply asking your dog to “sit,” have him or her sit on an object, such as a tree stump. Instead of asking your dog to “heel” during a walk, put on waders and have your pet heel through a shallow pond. Obedience drills such as these will keep your dog’s hunting skills fresh.
Steadying / Honoring
Throughout your dog’s training, he or she learns that it is desirable to excitedly chase a bumper or dummy, which can decrease your dog’s steadiness and ability to honor your commands. Instead of throwing multiple retrieves everyday, throw numerous bumpers but only allow your dog to bring back 2 – 3 each session.
Lining
During the off season, dogs can become lazy and lose their good habits. One such habit is lining, which is running a straight, clean line towards the target. Work on this skill by throwing a bumper along a fence or building, which will force your dog to run as straight a line as possible. Increase the difficulty of this drill by adding obstacles for your dog to run over, such as a fallen log.
Marking
You will know your dog is almost ready for hunting season when he or she is marking well. To keep these skills fresh, choose more difficult marks that will challenge your dog. For instance, instead of tossing a bumper in an open field, throw the bumper from the field into thick cover which will simulate real-life scenarios.
Handling
Is your dog able to follow your hand signals and whistle reliably? Working on these skills in the off-season can pay huge dividends. A popular drill utilizes a real or imaginary baseball diamond. With your dog near the pitcher’s mound and you at home plate, use hand signals and your whistle to direct your dog to first, second, and third base. Eventually, use these cues to direct your dog towards hidden bumpers for retrieval, encouraging your pet to bring them directly to your hand.
Birds
If you use bumpers or dummies during the off-season, make sure to re-introduce real birds before the first hunt of the year. One simple way to incorporate game birds is to freeze carcasses throughout the year and bring them out for special training days. Bird wings can also be used.
Socialization
Make sure your dog is ready for everything that is encountered during a hunt. Like birds, you should reintroduce your dog to the sound of a gun before the first hunt of the season. Simulate a hunting scenario as closely as possible by firing multiple shots. Additionally, if you hunt in a boat make sure to incorporate training drills in the boat (in water or on dry land) before the first outing. Finally, make sure your dog remembers the purpose of the decoy by spending time running decoy drills. First, set up 6 – 8 decoys and then throw bumpers in front of, into, and past the group. Your dog should learn that birds are found in areas besides decoys for optimal skills.
Heat Acclimation
Be careful with your dog during the warmer months, and remember that your pet won’t have the same heat tolerance in June as he or she will in August. Start slowly, and keep your dog cool at all times. Train in the mornings or evenings and avoid direct sunlight. Utilize water training to get your dog into shape, such as by going on long retrieves. This will provide a better workout and will generally be safer than running your dog in warm weather.
Not sure what you should be doing or Need Help? Give Bull Valley Retrievers a call to help with your training regimen.
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