Running/Jogging with Your Dog

Get out there with your dog! We all know that dogs need exercise, but most people underestimate the amount of exercise many dogs need and underestimate the value in a well-exercised dog. A vast majority of behavior issues stem from a lack of exercise and while there are many ways to exercise your dog, for this discussion, we will focus on running/jogging with your dog.

As a runner myself, I know how hard it is to find the time and the motivation to run on some days…the last thing you need is for an inexperienced, wild dog along to ruin your run once you are out there. But, look at the big picture. Usually after just a few “training runs,” your dog will understand what your expectations are and can transform into a great running partner. And just think of the time you’ll save by killing two birds with one stone, so to speak. You won’t have to take the time to walk your dog in addition to running by yourself. So, here are some quick tips...

• Be Selfish! Take on the attitude that this is your run and it’s a privilege for your dog to come with you. So many of us get hung up on the fact that the dog wants to stop and sniff or pee on everything. Well, my answer to that is, too bad. Give your dog an opportunity to relieve himself at the beginning of the run and then again at the end, or middle. Other than that, the dog is only stopping because you are allowing him to.

• Position Decide what side of you your dog will run on and stick with it. It’s not only a hassle to have to switch the leash around every time your dog changes sides, but it’s dangerous as well.

• No Socializing Your dog may want to stop and say hi to every dog he sees, but he’ll figure out real quick that when you are running, he is not socializing. Just keep going as you pass other dogs. Often times it helps to cross the street to make the passing a little easier.

• Appropriate collars/harness You may decide to use something that gives you more control than you need for a regular walk with your dog. I have found that the gentle leaders, although take a while for the dog to get used to, provide the absolute most control when jogging with your dog. They do need to be fit properly.

The bottom line is this. You and your dog need exercise…doesn’t it make sense to do it together??? So, take the time to work with your dog on becoming a great running partner. I promise, you will notice an overall improvement in his behavior and it will be well worth it! Check out "Fido's Forum" at http://www.unleashdogtraining.com/ to get more tips on running with your dog and to add some of your own experiences.

Unleashed Dog Training provides dog training/behavior services in El Dorado Hills, Folsom, Cameron Park and the Greater Sacramento Area.

Group Classes are in full swing!!!

Basic Dog Obedience Classes started this past week. Classes are 6 weeks long, meeting once per week for one hour. The cost is $150 for the whole 6 week session. Dogs 4mos and older are welcome. Bring the whole family for an economical, fun and effective positive reinforcement dog training experience! Conveniently located at Lakehills Church in El Dorado Hills...easy access from Cameron Park, Folsom, Placerville, or Rancho Cordova. The next session is scheduled to start on July 2 and run through Aug 13th (skip 7/16) and will be from 6:45-7:45pm each week.

Unleash Your Dog's Potentil!!
Call (916)605-9778 or email unleashmk@comcast.net with questions or to register

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.

Group Dog Training Classes Coming Soon !!!

Unleashed Dog Training & Behavior Center will be offering Dog Training Classes to the public very soon. Unleashed has secured a venue and hopes to begin classes the first week of May 2009. Please email Unleashed @ unleashmk@comcast.net if you are interested in group classes. The classes will be held in El Dorado Hills and will be convenient for clients coming from Folsom, Cameron Park, Placerville and Rancho Cordova. The classes will be 6 weeks long, meeting once per week and will be focusing on all the basic dog obedience commands of sit, down, stay, wait, leave it, come and loose leash walking. Dog training classes are for your whole family or just you and your dog. So, come enjoy your dog by building your relationship and learning new skills. For more info on group classes, see blog below labeled Group Dog Training Classes

Positive Reinforcement Dog Training

What is it? There are so many different training styles, how is the average pet owner supposed to know what is the best method, or piece of equipment for their dog? Over the past 15 years Unleashed has heard it all. Here are some phrases that pop up when I talk to clients about positive reinforcement training? “I don’t want my dog to get fat,” or I don’t want her to do it just because I have cookies.” These are valid concerns that I agree with. But, the fact of the matter is, that although food can be one component of positive reinforcement dog training, it is certainly not the only one. Most owners want to do the “right thing” by their dog and teach them manners and commands without using force. Effective use of motivators and a relationship built on trust, consistency and leadership is the key. What motivates your dog? Is it the ball, is it a belly scratch, is it a trip to the park, is it a stick, pine cone, or is it food? The list can go on and on. Once your dog figures out that you control her resources and you control her motivators, what won’t she do for you???? Positive reinforcement training allows you to build the relationship you strive for with your dog using tools that your dog loves….just ask her to work for them. Folsom, El Dorado Hills and the Greater Sacramento Area have such wonderful outlets for dogs. As a pet owner, you understand that the more control you have of your dog, the more freedom your dog has because she’s a joy to bring places. Unleash your dog’s potential!

For more information about Positive Reinforcement Dog Training, or to schedule a private consultation, please contact us at unleashmk@comcast.net

Group Dog Training Classes

Group classes seem to be a little difficult to find in the El Dorado Hills/Folsom area. I find that many trainers do not recommend group classes as an effective solution for training. Why is that? Well, it’s most like because these trainers don’t offer group classes and/or have never taught group dog training classes.
Effective dog obedience classes are a wonderful, affordable way to train your dog. Many group classes are 6-8 weeks long and are designed to teach you how to train your dog. Most group classes will cover basic obedience commands like sit, down, stay, loose leash walking, coming when called and not jumping up. If done well, group classes provide a positive, well managed environment for your family and your dog. The cost of group dog training classes can range from $90-$150 for the whole session. This cost is in great contrast to private lessons which can range anywhere from $100-$300 per hour session. 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 15 years and teaches now with 4Paws University (www.4pawsu.com) in Sacramento. In the meantime, Unleashed continues to search for a venue to teach group classes in the El Dorado Hills/Folsom Area. Please contact Mandy @ unleashmk@comcast.net or (916)605-9778 for any dog related questions.

Positive Reinforcement Training

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 these 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. For more ideas on keeping training fun or to schedule a private dog training lesson in the Greater Sacramento Area, contact Mandy Kennedy @ unleashmk@comcast.net