Although some people think it's cute when their dog jumps up, they don't understand that their furry friend is actually trying to establish dominance over them.  This behavior begins when they are puppies in the litter and are trying to find their place in the pack.  Dogs express dominance through play behavior, such as chasing, playing keep away with treasured items (such as your shoes or socks!) and jumping up. 

It is important that your dog understand that it is NOT ok to jump up on you.   Once your dog understands the command "OFF", you can teach him "up", or perhaps "gimme hugs".  This is a way to invite your dog up to your level and on your terms.  The rule to this command is that your dog must submit to you first.  He can do this by going into a "sit" or "down".  Once you invite your dog up, you must be able to enforce the command "off" when you want him to go back to 4 feet on the floor.

BASIC OBEDIENCE/LEADERSHIP TRAINING CLASS

In this class you will learn how to be the leader of your “pack”. You will learn leadership skills, how to meet the needs of your dog while maintaining your leadership in the “pack’, and basic obedience skills including sit/stay, down/stay, and the recall. Common behavioral problems will also be addressed.

10-16 weeks old. us is n, confidence building, bonding, and basic obedience work.

Bringing Home a New Puppy
Truer words were never spoken about the laughter and fun of having a puppy, but please be sure if you adopt or buy a puppy this holiday season that you research the kind of pet you are bringing home and that it will be appropriate for your family's size and ages; and for your lifestyle, whether you are active or sedentary.  One final question.....are you ready to be his or her "pack leader?"  The puppy is going to want and need you to assume that role. 

Quote of the month:  "Whoever said you can't buy happiness forgot about puppies." -- Gene Hill
 

Training Tip:  Mouthing/Nipping
These behaviors are also learned at an early age while interacting with their litter mates.  They learn bite inhibition by the other puppy or older dog's reaction to the bite.  Unknowingly, humans encourage their puppies or dogs to bite by thinking it's cute or by not correcting the behavior.  When your dog is nibbling or putting his mouth on you, say "ouch!" loudly and then walk away.  After a few times of this he will learn that his biting is not appreciated and all games end when he does this.  If this isn't getting the point across, contact Paradise, and one of our professional trainers will work with you on how to effectively correct him.

  
Dear Ella, "What does it mean when my dog leans into my leg?"  Love, Patsy.
Hi Patsy, "Your fuzzy friend will lean against your leg for a multitude of reasons.  To name a few, he may be seeking a rub on the head during a moment of boredom, or you have just become a convenient leaning post on a lazy day.   It could also mean that something is bothering him or her and he's looking for a little direction or reassurance.  In this case the best thing for you to do is become the leader that your faithful buddy needs.  If there is nothing actively hurting your dog, simply show them there is nothing to be afraid of by ignoring the situation.  Remember that your baby looks up to you and will copy how you behave." Love Ella

Please click on "Ask Ella" for more frequently asked questions
 

Why Train Your Dog?
    

Dogs by nature, are pack animals with a well-defined social order. As you and your family become your dog’s pack, your new dog will look to you – the leader of the pack – for guidance. Leadership can be established in a firm but friendly manner. Keep in mind that it is unrealistic to expect the dog to abide by the rules of the household without the leader teaching appropriate behavior!

Much like people, every dog is different. Some are hyperactive. Some are laid-back. Some are serious. Others are silly. Some are shy, and yet others have too much confidence. Regardless of these differences, training is necessary for all dogs and beneficial to your entire family.

Training will:   

• Help correct nuisance behaviors such as jumping on people, digging, barking, and chewing, while providing mental and physical activities for your dog.
• Deepen the bond between you and your dog, and to increase the enjoyment, companionship and satisfaction of your relationship with your dog.
• Ensure your dog’s safety and happiness.
• Nurture good canine companionship for the benefit of your family, neighborhood and community.
• Allow you to enjoy the fun and excitement of competing in AKC obedience, tracking and agility trials, among other activities. You and your dog can earn certificates and titles while you continue to strengthen your communication and teamwork.

  

             

 

Training Tip of the Month:  Barking
Barking is how dogs express themselves. They bark when they become excited, scared, territorial, or lonely.  Also, through your reaction to their barking they learn what works to get your attention.  You may unknowingly be encouraging your dog to bark or whine while in his crate.  For example, if your puppy is in his crate & begins whining/barking and you either let him out (due to frustration or respect to your neighbors) or yell at him, you're teaching him that this will get your attention and get him out of his kennel.  Negative attention is better than no attention at all!  Another scenario is that your dog also believes that it is his duty to alert you when someone is entering the pack's territory.  This is his job and it's great that he's doing it, but once he alerts you his job is done.  As the pack leader it is now your responsibility to decide whether or not this person or dog can enter your territory.  You need to effectively direct your dog to a new duty, such as "go to your bed" or to hold a sit, while you greet your guests.  Then, only when your dog is being calm submissive, and after you have finished your greetings, he can meet everyone.
 

              

                                        

           

 

Do any of the following apply to your dog?

ü     My dog jumps on me and/or other people

ü     My dog is out of control

ü     My dog won’t listen to me

ü     My dog won’t come when I call

ü     My dog is mouthing  me

ü     My dog is hyperactive

ü     My dog runs and barks at the door

ü     My dog pulls on the leash

ü     My dog doesn’t like other dogs

ü     My dog rules the house

 

If you answered yes to any of the above then it’s time to call Paradise for obedience training!