Dog Training Group Classes---Get Started Next Week!

Unleashed has available classes starting as early as next week. Check out our website and register now so you can have a better behaved dog for the Spring!!

Are getting littermates a good idea??

What do you all think?? Feel free to chime in on this question on our Facebook Page, but read ahead to see what Unleashed says…

I wish more people asked us this question before they get the dogs. Unfortunately, we usually get this comment after they’ve hired us to help them…”I wish someone told me this wasn’t a good idea!”

Getting littermates isn’t all-bad. The dogs are usually very nice dogs! And, you only need to go through the potty training and puppy-chewing phase once. Those are some pretty big pros.

The problem is that there are two of them! Many owners are under the false impression that two dogs are easier than one…”they have each other to play with.” The fact is that we never recommend that someone gets another dog unless they want another dog and have twice as much time to commit to another dog. Don’t get another dog to keep your first one company! The novelty can wear off quickly and then you have two dogs that are chewing things up in your yard or barking excessively.

The three biggest things to consider when you look at getting littermates is your relationship with your dog, training and socialization. Relationship is probably the most important part of having a well-behaved dog. Dogs are pack animals and need to feel part of a pack. Ideally you want your dog to be totally and completely bonded to you. With littermates, it’s much harder to achieve this relationship because they already have their pack, with their littermate. Littermates don’t “need or want” their owners company as much as each others’. To remedy this, make an effort to separate the puppies for a short time on a daily basis in order for them to learn how to be alone. This is an important life skill. It also gives you a chance to bond to the other puppy.

Training is tricky with littermates. Take it from us, training two dogs together can be almost impossible.
Effective obedience training requires consistent reward and impeccable timing. The ideal thing to do is to separate the dogs when they are learning new behaviors. Once the behaviors are solidified individually, then try to work with them together.

Many owners who have littermates don’t realize how important it is to socialize their dogs separately with other dogs and with people. During puppyhood, it’s extremely important to take your puppy safe places and expose them to the real world. Expose them to safe, older dogs, children, shopping carts, skateboards, etc. Let them see the world. This is much harder to do with two dogs than one.

What do we recommend? We always tell people to wait at least 6mos before adding another dog to your pack. That gives you time to bond to the first dog and get them off to a good start from a training standpoint. Then if you feel you are ready for the commitment of another dog, go for it!

Unleash Your Dog's Potential

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