Training A Dog with Distractions: Northern Virginia

Off leash dog training Northern Virginia, ensures that a dog behaves just as well when off the leash as they do when they are on it. If you attempt to train a dog to be obedient off a leash without passing through the on leash training, you will be faced with a hard task.

As I tell people on a daily basis, "If your dog is not near flawless without distractions, why try doing distraction work?"  That is literally just setting your dog up for failure.

Dog Obedience Training Northern Virginia

By the time you finish off leash Northern Virginia Dog training, the dog should be good at responding to basic commands when on the leash such as come, place, sit, and heel among others. The key is for the dog to respond to basic commands even when there are distractions around on and off a leash. The leash should be on the dog at the beginning to ease it into the off leash training session gradually. There should be a successful and gradual progression from one command to the other.

Introduce distractions

The last step is to introduce distractions into the off leash K9 training session. You can choose a place where there are other dogs, cats and people such as a park. Follow the same pattern outlined above and if the dog gets distracted then get back to the earlier training ground until you are sure they have regained focus, before getting back to training in the area with distractions.

If your dog isn't focused when in an off leash distracted area, than that means you need to go back to the basics of on leash or an area without distractions. 

Remember, if your dog isn't near flawless on a long leash or with distractions, then you shouldn't even attempt off leash or distracted training.

Nick White

www.offleashk9training.com

www.facebook.com/offleashk9

Separation Anxiety in Dogs: Dog Training in Northern Virginia

Nervous dogs, or those which have had a history of abuse, often exhibit anxiety when left alone. This can manifest itself as barking or whining, chewing furniture or simply cowering away somewhere it feels more protected. The general term is separation anxiety, and can affect many animals and even humans. For most dogs it is easy to cure. Separation anxiety is caused in most cases by the dog not being confident that it is an accepted part of your 'pack'. In our Northern Virginia dog training sessions we can show you how to gradually correct separation anxiety and in the process make a happy, well adjusted dog which is a pleasure to own instead of a liability.

If a dog is properly treated from birth, then you are unlikely to have any problem with separation anxiety. It is a learnt behaviour, and never a natural, inbuilt characteristic of a particular breed. As such, and as with any learnt behaviours, it is possible to correct if you are prepared to put in the effort. In our Northern Virginia dog training courses we have specialists who are very experienced with separation anxiety cases. They will work with you to show you that it is not difficult to correct, as long as you have patience.

Take small steps and never allow your dog to become stressed.

Every dog is slightly different and requires slightly different approaches to the separation anxiety problem. Some dogs get anxious as soon as the owner is out of their line of sight. Some are OK as long as there is a person somewhere in the house. Still others only become stressed after a certain time of separation. The symptoms of separation anxiety also vary widely, as discussed above. In all cases, though, the same basic principles apply, though the way they are best applied require expert assessment. This is why you need advice from experienced trainers such as those at our Northern Virginia dog training courses.

The breed of the dog is not significant. Large dogs can suffer just as easily as smaller dogs. However rescue dogs seem to suffer from the symptoms of separation anxiety more than most, probably because of some past physical or mental mistreatment. This should be born in mind when taking on a rescue dog. Furthermore the behaviour of the owner when leaving can significantly stimulate anxiety. Consequently, eliminating this problem is as much about training owners as it is about dog training.

Generally, dogs with separation anxiety need more separation.  Meaning, you should put them in their crate or in another room all throughout the day, even when you are still home.  Just to get them accustom to being alone and separated throughout the day while you are still in the home.  Also, try to make it a positive experience, such as giving them a favorite toy or treat.

Nick White
Off-Leash K9 Training
www.offleashk9training.com
www.facebook.com/offleashk9
www.youtube.com/offleashk9training

Training for Competition Obedience: Obedience Training, Northern Virginia

Once you have gone through the processes of house training and basic off-leash training, why not go one stage further? Competition obedience training can be fun, interesting, and best of all your dog will really enjoy it. Dogs are made to be active, and competition obedience training fits the bill perfectly. Our obedience courses in Northern Virginia will exercise your dog physically as well as mentally. Mental fitness is very important for an animal that is naturally inquisitive and has a huge capacity for learning new things

If competition obedience seems beyond your capabilities at the moment, then just remember back to when your dog was a puppy. Did you think then that it would never be the happy, well adjusted animal that it is now? (if this is not the case, then you certainly need to attend one of our general obedience courses in Northern Virginia). Well, if you engage in competition obedience  training you will discover a whole new way to enjoy time with your dog. Competition obedience puts you in contact with very interesting people some of who might become firm friends, gives you the opportunity to travel and socialise, your dog will enjoy it immensely, and best of all you will experience the thrill of competition.

Don't attempt competition work until you are confident.

The only way to judge whether you and your dog is ready to escalate to the competition obedience training level is to seek expert advice. Come along and watch one of our obedience courses in Northern Virginia and seek the advice of an expert. One of our trainers will soon be able to tell you whether you and your dog is ready. If not, they can suggest an additional training program to bring you up to the necessary level. Your dog must be willing to train and enjoy training with you more than it enjoys all the inevitable distractions around it.

We have taken many dogs up to championship level competition obedience and believe that most dogs can achieve a level which allows you to enjoy attending trials, whether they be just local fun events or more serious competitions where you will be up against some very competent dogs and owners. When you reach this level, you will find that progress becomes very rapid and the communication between you and your dog will become almost instinctive.

Nick White

Off-Leash K9 Training

www.offleashk9training.com

www.youtube.com/offleashk9training

www.facebook.com/offleashk9