Beyond Basic Obedience
Training your dog can go far beyond basic obedience . Modifying behaviors to achieve a better state of mind can treat issues that your dog has been struggling with for years or something that may have just popped up. It is important to teach your dog how to handle situations rather than avoiding them.
Do CAR RIDES STRESS YOUR DOG OUT?
Upward Dog Services can help teach you how to make long road trips or short trips around town easier for all of you. From upset stomachs to pacing, drooling and excitement, you can learn how to make a better driving situation.
INTRODUCING A BABY TO YOUR DOG PROPERLY:
Bringing a new baby home is a life changing experience for the entire family, including your dog. Be sure to make the experience positive and advocate for both your dog and your baby from the start. Creating the right relationship from the first introduction is the best way to ensure respect and good manners. Teaching your dog that the humans are at the top of your pack will help alleviate his stress and anxiety. Learn how to integrate and welcome your new baby to the family without the added worry of your dog's jealousy.
DOG AGGRESSION AND POOR SOCIALIZATION
Socialization is an integral and valuable aspect of a dog's life. Despite a negative interaction (or several) in the past, good socialization is something that can be taught and strengthened to help your dog experience the joys of being A DOG! Leaning how to read social cues and act respectfully is a skill that can help build confidence and integrity in your dog. Although keeping your dog quarantined can avoid any further bad experiences, it is not a solution. Implementing positive and controlled experiences can strengthen your dog's trust in you while providing a valuable lesson is communication.
Squish's owners had to leave their first group training class shortly after they arrived with their newly rescued American Bulldog/PBT mix. When I arrived for our first training session, he had already bitten someone, was pushy and defiant, and had an extremely vocal and dramatic reaction to dogs, even as far as a block away. He growled and lunged on the leash and was completely unmanageable to walk.
Fortunately his owners believed in him and with patience and dedication, he is now able to walk and socialize with other dogs as well as offer a friendly, polite greetings.
"We truly appreciate all of your help and guidance (and humor!) with Squish! Tuesday is our 'gotcha anniversary' with him... if you had told us we'd be where we are now- I don't know that we would have believed you!" - Hannah
WOULD YOU LIKE YOUR DOG TO STAY OFF OF THE FURNITURE?
Teach your dog how to respect your space and your furniture. Set clear guidelines regarding your expectations. Learn how to communicate to your dog when it is ok to come up on the bed, which chair he can sit in, or that he doesn't belong on furniture at all.
IS COUNTER SURFING OR STEALING FOOD FROM TABLES DRIVING YOU CRAZY?
Correct these behaviors even when you are out of the room using simple techniques. Using your cell phone as an extra set of eyes can hold your dog accountable when he doesn't think you are looking!
Resource guarding or food aggression?
Resource guarding is often scary and even dangerous. Don't risk getting hurt or bit when taking a toy away from your dog. Mealtime can be a great way to establish your leadership without the stress. Teach your dog when it is appropriate to share toys or bones and when you need to step in to advocate for your dog. Learn how to read your dog's signals in order to teach him more polite manners.
SEPARATION ANXIETY AND CRATE ANXIETY:
Often we, as humans, overlook the early signs of separation anxiety and before long it can become a major problem. Not only can it be a nuisance, destructive,e and even physically harmful, but what a terrible frame of mind for your dog to live in. It can be easy to accidentally reinforce these behaviors without even knowing it. Be sure not to coddle your dog or try to sooth him with affection in this situation. Even if it seems to reduce his stress in the moment, often this results in justifying his concern and makes the situation worse in the long run. Rather, teach your dog how to be confident and relaxed, whether you are present or not.
Daisy managed to do over $20,000 worth of damage to her owner's house because of her anxiety. They could not crate her because the stress would cause her to panic and hurt herself until she inevitably broke free.
After spending only 10 days in a Board and Train program, Daisy loves her crate and no longer suffers from the stress when her owners leave her.
INTRODUCING YOUR DOG TO NEW ACTIVITES AND SURROUNDINGS
It can be overwhelming for your dog to try new things. Exposing him to different settings properly can ensure a positive experience and set him up for success in addition to strengthening your relationship and building trust. Acclimating dogs to water, rain, snow, sports, paddleboards, boats, bikes, or other activities is a worthwhile investment in your dogs confidence. The ability to take him to all of the places and adventures that you want, without concern, will ensure an excellent companion.