Group Dog Training Classes –Are they good for me and my dog?

Group classes seem to be a little difficult to find in the El Dorado Hills/Folsom area. Many trainers and or veterinarians do not recommend group classes as an effective solution for training. Why is that? Well, it’s most likely because it’s hard to find good group classes and it’s hard to teach good group classes! 


Effective dog obedience classes are a wonderful, affordable way to train your dog. Group classes range from 4-6 weeks long and are designed to teach you how to train your dog. Unleashed offers beginning, intermediate and advanced classes. If done well, group classes provide a positive, well-managed environment for your family and your dog. If done poorly, group classes can be over-crowded and can contribute to anxiety and over-arousal in dogs. Unleashed Dog Training & Behavior Center creates a positive learning environment that focuses on a small, well-managed group of dogs and owners. Dogs and owners feel safe and comfortable throughout the class.

The cost of group dog training classes can range from $100-175 for the whole session. This cost is in great contrast to private lessons which can range anywhere from $150-$300 per hour. In addition to being more affordable, group classes can provide an opportunity for much needed socialization and a “support group” for owners with new dogs. Mandy Kennedy, owner of Unleashed Dog Training, has taught successful group classes for over 15 years and teaches now in El Dorado Hills/ Folsom area.

So, don't wait until after the Holidays to improve those manners! Check out our upcoming classes....only a couple left in 2011!

Management...a cornerstone to having a well-mannered dog!

Proper management is one of the key components contributing to a well-mannered dog. Good management essentially entails understanding what are realistic expectations for your dog and how to set your dog up for success. For example, many young dogs aren’t capable of being left alone in the house all day without showing some signs of stress or boredom. Stress and boredom can often lead to destructive behavior. Therefore, many dogs are destructive in the house as a result of poor management. If your dog is alone in the house all day and chews up the couch, what is he learning when you come home and punish him? He will decide that chewing on the couch is fun and you coming home is bad! When you cannot supervise your dog, confine him to a crate or dog-proof area to prevent bad habits from developing. When you are home, supervise your dog so that you can stop misbehavior and redirect him into an appropriate activity.

What was your dog bred for and why does it matter?

Why is it important to know what your dog is bred for? Breed specific behavior can help us reach our training goals faster and understand our dog better.

"Why is our Labrador so mouthy?"

"Why is our Border Collie chasing cars?"

"Why is our German Shepherd so territorial?"

"Why won't our Beagle come?"

These are all breed specific behaviors that are "hard wired" in these breeds. Can you stop these behaviors? In some cases, yes, in other cases, you manage the behavior but can't extinguish it. We shouldn't choose a dog only because they are the right size, or they have short hair, etc. Many Terriers, for example, are small and have short hair, but they are tenacious, smart, high energy dogs bred with a "big dog attitude." Many owners get in over their head with a specific breed. A little research can go a long way...

For more info on breed specific behaviors, check out http://www.anticruelty.org/site/epage/74487_576.htm

Socialize your dog!

Take your dog along! This is a great time of year to bring your dog with you on outings. There are many health and behavior reasons to bring your dog with you when you are running around town.

Dogs need mental stimulation as well as physical exercise. Bringing your dog with you on a quick trip to the cleaners or to the grocery store allows you to fit some training into your day. Work on some car manners, practice a quick wait command as you load up your dog. Even if he doesn't get out of the car, it allows for a change of scenery and new smells. If you have a quick second, get him out of the car and practice some loose leash walking and maybe a sit stay while people walk by. These short, distracting training opportunities are priceless for achieving appropriate manners in public.

My favorite places to train are Starbucks (because its a regular stop for me) and Safeway in El Dorado Hills because I love all the traffic and the shopping cart noises.

Where do you bring your dog?

How Much Training Should I do Each Day With My Dog??

This is one of the first questions we get when owners embark on a new training program, whether it be a group class or private lessons. The answer is simple...do as many short (3-5minutes) training sessions as you can. But, the most important thing to remember is to incorporate your training into your every day activities. For example, practice your wait command as you head out the door for your walk on the El Dorado Hills trails. Or, practice a quick down stay while you make a sandwich or are getting some dishes done.

If you set up one big "training session" per day, your dog will do great during that "training time" and then it all goes out the window when you need it in real life situations...

Remember, every time you interact with your dog, your dog is learning something!!! Make it count!

Congratulations on your new puppy!! Now what?!?!?

Congratulations on your new puppy!! Now what?!?!

A new puppy in the household is an exciting time for everyone. You and your family have a vision of how your puppy will grow and mature into the dog you’ve always wanted. You know your pup needs training. There are so many books out there and suddenly every friend and stranger you meet is an expert on how to train your puppy.

Raising a puppy is a lot of work, but it can be such a wonderful experience as well. Let Unleashed help you take the frustration and mystery out of it. There are four main components of getting through puppyhood successfully. They include…

1. Having realistic expectations

2. Knowing and using the appropriate management tools

3. Setting the foundation for relationship early

4. Proper socialization

Everyone agrees that it’s important to socialize your puppy. However, that is easier said than done. The experiences your pup has, specifically with other dogs, at a young age can shape their perception of other dogs for the rest of their life.

The Puppy Basics Class at Unleashed Dog Training and Behavior Center is not about just throwing your pup in with a bunch of other pups and hoping they get “socialized.” Unleashed Puppy Basics Class is specifically designed to teach your pup how much fun other dogs can be as well as teach them appropriate manners around puppies and well mannered adult dogs. And, your puppy won’t be the only one learning important skills. As your dog’s pack leader, it’s important that you understand how to set your dog up for success and create an environment that your dog feels safe in. The Puppy Basics Class will focus on the 4 main components referred to above as well as some foundation training, like coming when called and leash manners.

Classes are held in the El Dorado Hills/folsom area. Come enjoy our clean, new facility

New Class Schedule for January

Happy New Year!!! Check out our new class schedule for January/February 2011! Unleashed has a new location in El Dorado Hills and is ready to help you meet those 2011 Dog Training Goals. Register Early because class sizes are kept comfortably small to ensure a well-managed, productive environment for you and your dog. Go to www.unleashdogtraining.com to register online

Quick Tips for a Solid Stay

It seems most dogs who have taken any obedience class know what stay means. Stay, or don’t move from the position I put you in, can be an incredibly convenient command for owners. How many of you can honestly say that your dog’s stay is solid? Will they sit and stay when you see a friend outside of Starbucks in El Dorado Hills? Will they lay down and stay when you have guests over for dinner on these warm Sacramento evenings?

These are the kind of stays that we’re talking about. The key to a successful stay is practice. Generalize your stay command by practicing it in a number of different places. Don’t combine duration and distance when you are first starting out. Practice one at a time. Keep the exercises short and successful. Most owners push it too fast and set the dog up to fail by not reinforcing enough and setting unrealistic expectations. Practice with minimum distractions and gradually build, making sure to praise often. And finally, make sure you have a specific release word that your dog understands to mean he is done with whatever you’ve asked of him.

Obedience is fun for you and your dog. But, remember it can also be a huge help in achieving your long term lifestyle goals in dog ownership. Do yourself and your dog a favor by continuing to practice and build on the obedience you’ve already achieved.

Combine Training with Play

Owning and caring for a dog takes a lot of time and commitment. Plus, for dogs who need a lot of exercise, you not only have to find time to run the dogs but you need to find time to train the dog as well. Who has that kind of time??? Remember that combining training and play can save time and create a more solid understanding of commands for your dog. For instance, let’s say you have one of those ball-crazy, “I’ll do anything for the ball” dogs. Although taking her to the park and chucking the ball 50 times will do wonders for her behavior around the house because she’s just plain tired, why not incorporate some training into that ball chucking? Kill two birds with one stone, so to speak. Can she sit before you throw it? Can she lay down? If she knows these commands, then she can do them for the ball. She may not know she can at first because she doesn’t know how to think when the ball is present, but with patience and clarity on your part, she will learn how to think with the ball and she’ll even learn to think faster because the reward is not a pat or a treat, but it’s what she wants most at that moment...for you to pull your arm back and hurl that ball as far as possible. Another example is asking for a sit or a heel on the way into the dog park. It may take some repetitions but your dog will figure out that the reward does not come until the behavior you are asking for is accomplished. So, on those beautiful days in El Dorado Hills, take your dog to the park to the throw the ball or to the Folsom Dog Park and have her work for what they want most…entrance to the park!

New Classes!!!

What are Drop-in Classes? Are they right for me and my dog?

Unleashed Dog Training & Behavior Center understands the changing needs of their clients. Fall/Winter can be tough to commit to a full Group Class session. However, many owners are anticipating the approaching Holiday Season and having a well-behaved dog with visiting family would be wonderful! Therefore, Unleashed is offering Drop-In Training Clinics. The format will allow you and your dog the opportunity to work in a group with other dogs and owners as well as an opportunity for a question /answer period. Come to as many as you can and pay as you go.
· Do you want a well-behaved dog but just don’t have time to commit to a whole class?
· Do you need help fine tuning your stays?
· Do you need a little refresher on loose leash walking?
· Is this whole training thing new to you and your pup and you need help getting started?

Then this is the option for you!!!! Each week, we will focus on basic obedience exercises that will help you to Unleash Your Dog’s Potential.

Special Notes: These classes are geared towards dog-friendly dogs. If your dog is aggressive with other dogs or people, please call us to schedule a private lesson before attending our drop- in classes.

When: Saturday mornings 9:30-10:30am
Where: Lake Hills Church, El Dorado Hills (upper lawn, outside)
Dates: Oct 31 - Dec 12
Cost: $15 per dog/owner team

Space is limited and each class will be on a first come/first serve basis. Please call or email with your intention to attend or if you have any questions. Check our blog frequently at http://www.unleasheddogtraining.blogspot.com/ as our classes will be cancelled in inclimate weather

Unleashed Dog Training & Behavior Center
unleashmk@comcast.net
(916)605-9778

Dog Park Etiquette

A few years ago, Unleashed Dog Training & Behavior Center was asked to do a presentation to pet owners and pet professionals on Dog Parks. We entitled the presentation, "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly of Dog Parks." More recently, we have been asked to comment on our blog about Dog Park Etiquette. Here is a quick overview of what you can expect at Dog Parks. But, we at Unleashed, encourage you to visit “Fido’s Forum” on our website, www.unleashdogtraining.com and post your own Dog Park experiences.

The Dog Park can be your best friend or your worst enemy. Dog Parks are usually specially designed fenced in areas for dogs to run and play off leash. In theory, this is a great idea. Many dog owners are apprehensive to let their dogs off leash in an unfenced area because they are worried about them running away. Also, many dog owners understand the benefits of socialization and exercise; and it can be hard to achieve these with a busy schedule. For these reasons, A Dog Park can be a wonderful opportunity for you and your dog. For the purposes of this blog, we’ll use the Folsom Dog Park as an example.

What you can expect
All well-behaved spayed and neutered dogs are welcome.

There is a double gate for you and your dog to enter through. This ensures that dog’s don’t escape as you are coming in.

Take off your dog’s leash after you go through the first gate, but before you go through the second gate. This will enable your dog to have the most natural body language as they say hello to other dogs upon entry.

As you and your dog enter, walk right past the other dogs, as to avoid a stopped crowd at the gate.

For your first few visits, try to go at the “non-busy times.” These times are usually during regular working hours…after 5pm and on the weekends can be very crowded and a little overwhelming for you and your dog.

Check the regular hours. In the past, the Folsom Dog Park was closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays…not sure if this is still the case.

The Folsom Dog Park has two separate areas. One is for dogs 25lbs and under and the other is for larger dogs.

Watch your dog’s interaction carefully. If your dog seems afraid or overwhelmed, try to distract him/her with a toy or start walking and encourage your dog to come with you.

If there is another dog there that appears to be “bullying” your dog or if your dog is bullying other dogs, try to interrupt the behavior. Be prepared to leave if the situation doesn’t improve.

Remember that not all dogs want and need the socialization that a dog park may provide. If your dog doesn’t appear happy, be prepared to leave.

In conclusion, Dog Parks are not monitored and some owners bring inappropriate dogs. It is your job to keep your dog’s interactions positive and safe.

Unleashed Dog Training & Behavior Center of El Dorado Hills provides evaluations and private lessons in home, or at a dog park, to help owners determine whether it’s a safe and productive environment for your dog. Unleashed also conducts Positive Reinforcement Group Training Classes to build your dog’s obedience base and improve on your relationship with your dog. Contact us at unleashmk@comcast.net or visit our website www.unleashdogtraining.com for more information.

NEW CLASS DATES --- Register early to secure your spot

Smart Starts Basic Obedience----6 weeks long meeting 1x per week for $150
Thursdays Sep 3- Oct 8 5:30-6:30pm
Tuesdays Sep 15 -Oct 20 6:00-7:00pm

Intermediate/Advanced Obedience----6 weeks long meeting 1x per week for $150
Thursdays Sep 3-Oct 8 6:35-7:35

Just email unleashmk@comcast.net or call (916)605-9778 to register or get more information regarding classes

Proud to be "Cookie Trainers"

There is lots of talk out there about best practices for training dogs. Mandy Kennedy, with Unleashed Dog Training & Behavior Center, has seen and done most of it.

“When I started training dogs 15 years ago, there was only one way to do it…put a choke chain on the dog, teach him new behaviors, exert your dominance through force and then praise him when he complied, usually out of fear.”

But now, there is so much new evidence and research to support other methods of behavior modification and training. Why do so many trainers still rely on those out of date, ineffective and often dangerous training techniques?

Since relocating from the Bay Area less than a year ago, Unleashed is shocked to see how few trainers are actually implementing a positive approach to training. In the Bay Area pet owners are hard pressed to find a trainer still implementing the old school, compulsive style of training, yet here in the Greater Sacramento Area, it is the norm. There is even a term, “cookie trainer,” that is supposed to be a derogatory phrase apparently used to describe trainers who subscribe to a more humane, and effective approach. Well, Unleashed Dog Training & Behavior Center is proud to be labeled “cookie trainers!” The simple fact that we educate owners to control essential resources and ask their dogs to earn motivators is the first step to improving the relationship between dogs and their owners. Positive does not mean permissive. Just ask yourself this as an owner, do I want my dog behaving because she wants to earn something positive (not always food) or because she is afraid of the consequence of what might happen if she doesn’t comply? With the recent popularity of the TV Show, The Dog Whisperer, many owners are gravitating to local trainers who tout their relationship with Cesar Milan’s methods. This show does make for great TV, but is physical force the best way to establish leadership? Check out this article written by Lisa Mullinax with 4 Paws University in Sacramento… http://www.4pawsu.com/dogpsychology.htm

In the end, Unleashed wants dog owners to know there are options out there for training your dog. You can get compliant, well-mannered and appropriate behavior without using force and without using food forever! But, are you willing to praise, throw a stick, give a belly rub or just a quick verbal “Good girl” forever when your dog chooses to make good decisions?” Because that’s what it’s going to take
Unleash your dog’s potential!!!

Time is running out to register for positive reinforcement classes with Unleashed. Classes are a convenient drive from Folsom, Rancho Cordova, Cameron Park, Shingle Springs and Placerville. They are scheduled to start Thursday, May 7th at Lakehills Church in El Dorado Hills (near Target). Contact us at unleashmk@comcast.net or (916)605-9778 to register.

Unleashed Online

Wouldn’t it be great to train your dog on your own schedule and in the comfort of your own home? Unleashed Dog Training located in the Folsom/El Dorado Hills Area gives you the guidance and support necessary to teach your new dog or puppy their basic commands using positive reinforcement training techniques. Think about all the other classes and workshops you can take online. Why not dog training? Unleashed Online can send daily or weekly updates of where you and your dog should be in the training process. It’s like having your own personal dog trainer in house to answer questions and walk you through exercises. Call or email for more information. Unleashed Dog Training serves the greater Sacramento area and offers private lessons and behavior consultations for all your dog training needs.

Effective Management for You and Your Dog

Management is a key component in your goal of achieving a well-mannered dog. Management, not training, can be the difference between a chewed couch, stolen food off the counters, numerous holes in the backyard and complaints from neighbors for barking. Good management essentially means setting you and your dog up for success. That is to say, understand that your dog is not a furry person but an animal that possesses a set of instincts which guide her behaviors. In order to successfully communicate with your dog, it’s important to understand what these instincts are and how you can use them to your advantage. For example, dogs are den animals who enjoy and relax in tight, enclosed places. Being den animals, their instincts usually tell them to keep their den clean. Crate training uses the dog’s natural instincts to help you with destructive behavior as well as housetraining. Crate Training is one of four main management tools that owners need to be aware of. How many you use will be determined by your goals and lifestyle with your dog.

Unleashed Dog Training is located in El Dorado Hills and serves the greater Sacramento Area. Feel free to contact us with more questions on effective management.

Puppy Training in El Dorado, Folsom and Greater Sacramento areas

Puppystuff

Congratulations on your new puppy! Adding a puppy to the family is an exciting and trying time for everyone. The keys to success when getting a new puppy are:

Realistic Expectations
It’s important to understand that puppies are not furry little people. They come with a set of instincts that guide their behaviors. Depending on your puppy’s age, she most likely has been playing with other puppies. She doesn’t have hands so she uses her mouth for play. You will soon realize her teeth feel like little razor blades and she can overwhelm small children quickly. Puppies usually don’t get bladder control until they are about 12 weeks old. So, it’s important to take your puppy out to potty often (every 1 ½ hours). Praise her when she potties outside. Most puppies will need to potty after they eat, sleep and play.

Management

There are four management tools that are essential with a young puppy. You can use all four, or any combination of them, depending on your needs.
1. Exercise is the first and most important management tool. “A tired dog is well-behaved dog.” 2. Crate Training. Dogs are den animals and feel safe and secure in tight, enclosed places.

3. Tie Down. A tie down is a short leash attached to something immobile. A tie down should never be used if you are not home.
4. Dragging Leash. A dragging leash is a 6ft nylon puppy leash with the smallest buckle you can find. A dragging leash is ALWAYS attached to your puppy’s buckle collar when someone is home.
Relationship
A solid relationship with your dog is THE key component in achieving your dog training goals. Many owners can’t wait to get started with the training of their new puppy and while teaching them sit, down and not pulling on the leash is important, there is plenty of time to work on these commands as your puppy gets older. Spending quality time on name recognition and attention is the priority with young puppies. You want to always encourage attention from your puppy by reinforcing them with praise, play or a treat when they look at you, or follow you on or off leash. Be silly, be unpredictable with your reinforcement and most of all, be fun. This will dramatically improve your chances of achieving the ever-elusive off leash come command when your dog is older.

Socialization
Do not underestimate the importance of good socialization for a young pup. Imprint socialization phases your puppy goes through cannot be “done later.” It is important in the development of your puppy’s personality to expose them safely at an early age to life experiences. Many dog owners get mixed messages when facing the socialization question. Some professionals suggest not taking your puppy off your property until she has all of her shots, but by then she has missed some important developmental milestones that cannot be retrieved. More dogs are put to sleep for behavior issues stemming from a lack of socialization than dying from diseases like Parvo and Corona Virus every year. Yes, it is important to be smart when socializing a young pup. Keep her on leash and on pavement. Don’t let her come into contact with other feces. But, take her on walks around the neighborhood. Introduce her to small children, kids on bikes and skateboards. Take her outside of Safeway and let her watch and see the shopping carts, cars, and buses. Introduce her to well-socialized, vaccinated adult dogs. These are all experiences that we want her to see as positive. This effort will contribute greatly to well-rounded, more stable adult dog.

By following these important first steps with your puppy, you are giving yourself, your family and your puppy a head start in attaining your goals for your new companion.

Unleash Your Dog’s Potential

Contact:

Mandy Kennedy

Unleashed! Dog Training and Behavior Center

Serving Folsom, El Dorado, Foothills and Greater Sacramento areas.

http://unleasheddogtraining.blogspot.com/

Mandy Kennedy: dog trainer at 4 Paws University in Sacramento

Mandy is also a trainer at 4 Paws University in Sacramento and can serve your dog training and behavior consulting needs not only in the El Dorado - Folsom foothill areas, but thru-out the greater Sacramento areas as well. See her featured at 4Paws University by clicking here: Sacramento, Folsom, El Dorado Dog Training - Mandy Kennedy. Or click on the snap shot below to see more.

Mandy Kennedy Unleashed Dog Training

Have you seen our latest dog training hand-outs? Just click here.

And, visit my NEW El Dorado - Sacramento Dog Training Blog.

What type of dog training do you need?

Puppy Training: get started off on the right paw with help in housetraining, jumping up, mouthing and socialization.

Basic obedience: Many of us don’t have time to take a group class to learn basic obedience commands. Train your dog in the comfort of your own home, on your schedule with in-home private lessons.

Behavior Consultations: Many of your dogs know their basic commands but need help with specific behavior issues. These issues can range from fear behavior, leash frustration and aggression.

Advanced Obedience: Realize you and your dog’s full potential by teaching them advanced commands like off-leash recall, commands at a distance and solid “bomb proof” stays

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Contact me by email, or (916) 605-9778

Unleashed Dog Training comes to El Dorado / Folsom

New Dog Trainer in Town
My name is Mandy Kennedy and I am new to the El Dorado Hills/Folsom area. I have been training dogs in Marin & Sonoma Counties for over 15 years, and now I live here and would love the opportunity to help you with your dog training needs.

I believe that clear communication and mutual trust are the keys to building and maintaining rewarding relationships between dogs and their owners. Dog training should be fun and interesting for you, your family and your dog. Therefore I use a variety of training techniques to guide you and your dog on the path to realizing your personal goals.

Contact me by email or (916) 605-9778.