Are Tennis Balls Good For Your Dog?

You just got home from a stressful day at work. Nice. Home. Even better... you are greeted at the door with a huge wag and your dog, tennis ball in mouth! Seriously you can’t help but smile. Play time. After all we all need to live a little more in the play moments like our dogs do so often. It is what makes our dogs so dear to us. Unconditional love and the insatiable idea of play.

Most dogs have a favorite toy and high on the list seems to be the age old tennis ball. Yet there is the concern that tennis balls aren’t safe for your dog. While nothing is absolutely fail safe, let’s take a look at the tennis ball and is it safe for your dog.

One of the big reasons tennis balls are touted as bad for your dog is tooth wear and tear. After doing a little research it turns out it might not be the ball but the dirt. Tennis players tend to get new balls frequently due to the fact that after a short amount of play the ball’s diameter is smaller. Tennis players will tell you that the racquet strings will quickly abrade the softer surface of a tennis ball which is covered with a substance made of wool and nylon or a felt type surface.

Tennis players who play on clay courts will tell you that the strings on their racquet will get worn down quickly by the tennis ball due to the fact that clay, ultimately dirt and/or sand picked up on the surface of the ball is very abrasive.

So there you go. It may not be the ball but the dirt. Your dog needs clean tennis balls to save the teeth! Or at least cut down on the wearing of the teeth.

Other considerations are if your dog chews a tennis ball to pieces and ingests them big danger could make for a really bad play session in the end. As well there is latex in the “ingredients” of a tennis ball and like people some dogs could have an allergic reaction.

So, ultimately it’s up to you to decide if you feel it’s safe enough to continue your dog’s obsession with the tennis ball or deprive your dog of the wild wagging that starts with a mere glimpse of tennis ball.

Should you be looking for alternatives K9 Coach dogs give a big paws up to both Kong Toys and Nylabones. Whatever dog toy you choose take the time to go and have some fun with your dog whether its a nightly game of fetch or a dog friendly event.

Article Jt Clough© 2009

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Dog Training Camp San Diego Goldendoodle

Ever feel so excited about something or someone that you sorta shake inside? Imagine being that way about everything you see or do? That’s Chloe, a 5 1/2 month old Goldendoodle who has come to her exclusive dog training camp to get a grip!

I have to admit it is one of things that I think more people should adopt in their own human lives. We’ve become a society that is overwhelmed with information and not that excited about anything. So I guess it’s about balancing the excitement of being a dog and the overwhelming information we deal with as humans and bringing that to our daily routine.

Chloe is into her second week of dog training camp and is getting so much better. For her it has been about exposure to a lot of people, places and things. Being a puppy everything is new to her and living in an urban society of downtown San Diego during her very short life, her outings have been more along the lines of go outside to go potty, which has been a very successful endeavor. Now it’s time to learn how to be a dog everyone really does want to pet.

Her intrinsic being is that of excitement and keeping that in balance is what her training is all about. The intention is not take the beauty of her joy in everything away, but instead to learn how to bring it out in a way that lets her go more places, meet more people, and have the best dog life possible.

Something as simple as learning how to sit when greeting any person allows her much more freedom. Amazingly enough not everyone is a dog person, and even those that are don’t appreciate her little paw prints all over their work attire, no matter how cute she is.

My biggest advise to anyone that has an over excited dog is to teach your dog to sit for everything. The sit position is like yoga for a dog. It grounding and then you can move forward from that point. Coupled with enough exercise anyone can be on their way to well mannered happy dog.

For more information on exclusive San Diego & Temecula dog training camps, private dog training lessons, and online dog training videos contact us at www.SitK9Sit.com

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Jt Clough© 2009

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Godiva’s Great Adventure - Dog Training Camp 3

Godiva, a Pocket Beagle has been on the adventure of her life and honestly an adventure most dogs never get the chance to be a part of. She’s came to San Diego Dog Training Camp 3 as a way to move her along in her obedience while her family went on a vacation.

As part of her camp and on upon agreement with her owner, she came to Wisconsin with me as I am the co-instructor with Robin MacFarlane for an Advanced Dog Trainers Personal Development course. She’s been with me through a flight (small enough to fit under the seat), new living space for her, meeting other dog trainer’s dogs and has been very well behaved in front of a group of people sitting on her special little dog bed while I present.

As a city girl, seeing cows was a real surprise and we’ll try to get the photos of her checking out the toads at night too. Very funny stuff. If dogs could talk I’m sure she would give you an account of her many other experience from a dog that stands less than a foot high!

The exposure at her age makes for a well rounded dog with the ability to adapt. It a part of dog training that gets consistently overlooked.

For now enjoy her cow video. We are off to the E Palooza 5 with more presenters coming in, many trainers from around the country and a good time for both professional dog trainers, dog enthusiasts and the dogs that accompany them in life.

San Diego Puppy Training: Godiva Update

Godiva, a Pocket Beagle was given the most fabulous start in life as her owners had been through a past dog experience they didn’t want to relive. Off to camp she went as a puppy and the payoff has been huge.

Potty training and basic commands she has down and she’s only 8 months old now. Her family has four small children so nipping and unruly behavior around the kids was something that was really important to the parents. Godiva was socialized as a puppy and because of her early exposure and training she’s very well mannered even around a lot of little hands, food, toys, and noise.

As with anything in life there is alway a balance that needs to be maintained. Too many rules and one is set up for failure. Not enough rules and chaos takes over. With Godiva the fine balance is still in the achievement mode where she’s very much so still a puppy but is able to follow direction and contain herself when it’s appropriate.

Quite frankly I think she’s one of the coolest dogs in the world (other than my own of course). She’s had many pictures on Facebook and Twitter and several blog post written about her. She’s got a following of her own. If she were mine I think she’d have her very own Twitter account!

Great news for those who have followed her... she’s coming back to K9 Coach Dog Training Camp! So more pictures and videos to follow. How exciting for us all. You may be wondering however why she is coming back to camp if she is so well behaved at such a young age.

The answer is two fold. Her family is taking a vacation and rather than board her they’ve decided to give her the chance to learn even more things. Since her breed is actually from the hound dog classification which means she likes to work and she’s got tons of potential, teaching her some very cool things is on the horizon. Secondly, Jt Clough, owner and professional trainer of K9 Coach San Diego is heading out to That’s My Dog in Wisconsin to teach an Advanced Dog Trainers Course and the dog thats going with her as the demonstration dog.... yep, you got it. Godiva.

Follow Godiva on Twitter at Twitter.com/GoTrainYourDog and click the link below to become a fan of K9 Coach Facebook.

K9 Coach offers exclusive dog training camps and private dog training lessons in San Diego and Temecula, CA. Online dog programs are available for those outside the area or who want to bring their one personal dog trainer home only on your time schedule.

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Leash Aggression. What To Do.

Leash aggression is becoming more common in our dog’s urban lifestyle’s. Many owners are baffled by why their dog can be such a tyrant on leash while when off leash display play bows and find dog friends.

Its too bad our dogs can’t talk even if only for a day to say exactly the reason but since they can’t lets explore the obvious. It’s simply not a natural thing to be on a leash. Think about if you weren’t allowed to go anywhere without being “restrained”. It would be rather easy to pick up that unsure feeling, combined with the realization that control lies somewhere other than pure instinct from the dog’s end of the leash. Restriction can be uncomfortable when options are seemingly taken away.

Add owners who start getting that nervous feeling when seeing an oncoming dog due to the fear of what the neighbors, fellow trail users, and other dog owners reactions reflect and the behavior starts to run its course as a merry go round that doesn’t stop. The key to redirecting the behavior is going to lie in finding some balance for dog and owner.

Ollie, an Irish Terrier came to camp with the classic leash aggression habits. His program started with upping the exercise level. By adding exercise for a dog that has a little extra energy anyway, is key in “taking the edge off” of that nervous feeling that has become a habit when meeting an oncoming leashed dog.

Another key ingredient to add is the person at the end of the leash needs to remain calm. As with many dogs who struggle with leash aggression, Ollie makes a big noise ruckus but really has no intention of getting into a fight. Knowing that helps many people to remain calm, take control of the situation and move through it without perpetuating the feeling in their dog.

Keep your dog moving. Its a huge mistake that many people tend to make out of trying to get everyone involved to deal in a human way. Stopping out of not knowing what to do, or trying to force your dog to stop doing it in the beginning of rehabbing this behavior simply is going to bring the stress level up for everyone.

If you have a dog that struggles with leash aggression start your training program by:

•Add a lot of exercise
•Work on your own reaction
•Remain calm and work your dog through it
•Don’t stop movement by focusing on the oncoming dog
•Do keep moving with your dog
•Ignore the barking and lunging and use your body to move onward
•Keep your nervous reaction in check
•Don’t give your dog appeasement with words like “it ok”
•Move, move, move and add exercise

Ollie is doing so great and about to go home from his exclusive dog training camp. He’s been out on trails, to the beach, walked past outdoor restaurants, and any other urban normal neighborhood thing that goes on. He needs a ton of exercise and gets it through running along side a bike, walking trails, running trails, playing with our “dog coaches” at camp, and repeating more of the same.

Follow Ollie’s pictures, dog training tips, and news about other dogs on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/GoTrainYourDog

K9 Coach offers private dog training lessons, exclusive dog training camps in San Diego and Temecula, and online dog training lessons for dogs anywhere.

Article by Jt Clough® 2009

Dogs Rule; Or Should the Dog Have Rules?

Sometimes we go along in life without realizing that what has become normal on a daily basis around us, drives most other people crazy. Or at least it really bugs them!

As a dog trainer I have several people come to me who have been on their own, then found a relationship and the dog is coming along with one or the other or both people. What was acceptable behavior for the dog when there was one of you many times simply does not work when there are two or more of you in the household.

What better time to get some help with dog training considering it is a great thing to work on together. When it comes to the dog, finding some common ground for training can establish great communication tools for the whole family. It can come down to the way you look at it as this article Dog Behavior: Are You Managing or Training? suggests.

A perfect example is Molly who came to camp without a lot of direction in her life. Due to circumstances she had become the dog that just sort of hung out while everyone did what they needed to do. During that time she developed some of her own entertainment like getting into the garbage and using it to redecorate the house. Jumping up for a little attention at just the moment you’ve come out of the kitchen with your morning cup of coffee in your hand.

Her social habits had grown to be hard to handle for simple things like going out on a walk. The leash thing was just not something she “got” and because of it, the walk became not so fun for anyone. The natural course of action becomes hang out and wait for an opportunity to knock the garbage can over.

The great news is, Molly is on a new course of action now. She’s come to dog training camp where she has learned that the right kind attention is when she is doing things with good dog direction. Exercise has helped her immensely. Walking on a leash doesn’t have to be a scary thing and Molly is very stoked about it now.

So what do you do if you have a dog that displays this kind of behavior? How can you help everyone to take steps in the right direction? Start with two things. Come and sit. If you are frustrated with your dog’s behavior start thinking about getting a really strong “sit” for everything first.

Sounds basic I know, but in the redirection process its always better to build a very simple base first, then move to more complex actions. Walking on a leash is really built off of come and sit. A process we teach in our dog training camps, private lessons, and our online dog training programs.

Already, Molly has turned around from a dog without direction to a dog that is really happy. The exercise, knowing what to do in the house, and how to greet people brings a sense of content to both Molly and her people.

For more fun dog photos, dog training tips and tricks and dog news follow us on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/GoTrainYourDog

4th of July San Diego Dog Activities

Summer is in full swing and here in San Diego there are tons of outdoor activities for those with dogs to enjoy. With summer comes the 4th of July, and though it is a great day to be outdoors with friends, family and the dog, the fireworks finale at the end of the day is a better place for people to enjoy than dogs.

Our clients at K9 Coach have a private online training website as part of there dog training camp or private lessons. This year I've written some articles about the 4th of July and what to do with a dog that is fearful of fireworks as well as activities that are dog friendly during this summer time holiday.

Its such a great holiday to get out and enjoy that I want to share two articles available for anyone with a dog to make this 4th of July safe and fun for the whole family including the dog. Please feel free to make a comment and tell K9 Coach about your dog, things you like to do around the San Diego area as well as how your dog handled the fireworks this year on these articles:

Things To Do With Your Dog on the 4th of July

Fireworks, Your Dog & the 4th of July

Have a great holiday with your dog!

For more dog training tips, cool dog photos, and fun dog news follow us on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/GoTrainYourDog

Become a fan of K9 Coach Facebook and find out about live online dog training events.

For more information on dog training camps, online dog training programs, and private lessons contact us at www.SitK9Sit.com

Dogs and The Good Life They Bring Our Families

The family dog used to live out side with a big bowl of food, usually table scraps, water, and a dog house. No more. Our dogs are part of the family. Our dogs live in the house, eat organic dog food out of clean bowls, and many even sleep in our beds.

The only question is how much joy they bring us due to house training versus the dog that is a thorn in your side at times!

Even that dog that has chewed 4 pairs of your flip flops... and that favorite pair really pissed you off. Has his own design in the frame of your couch and bolts out the door if it’s slightly opened brings us some sort of joy when we get the wag and big dog smile at the mere sight.

Everyone knows though that the “good dog” gets to do more and brings way more fun, joy and peace to our lives. The thought of “dog training” can seem like such a regimented thing in the midst of everything else we do in our lives, that sometimes it just doesn’t get done, and unfortunately in the end, everyone misses out including the dog.

So what to do to make it not seem so overwhelming? This dog training thing at least... well start with the small things.

If you have a dog that seems a bit out of control even though your love him or her to the end, and just want to start having more fun, start with a simple “sit” for everything. Sit to get a pet. Sit to get a treat. Sit to go out the door.

In your mind make it that simple. If it’s even for a second the “sit” will establish the first step. Build on how long you can get your dog to sit. Then start adding distraction. Most important, start with simple and follow through. And feel free to get a hold of us at K9 Coach if you get stuck and need some help!

For more dog training tips & tricks, fun dog photos, & cool dog news follow us on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/GoTrainYourDog

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Changing Your Dog's Bad Habits

Dogs have bad habits. People have bad habits. Only one way to change that, practice a new habit. Problem is with dogs, they don't even get that its a bad habit!

Many dog owners have irritation over a bad habit but don't really know what to do to change it. And if you've ever tried and had no result it gets even more irritating, yet the idea of fixing it gets to be further in the back of your mind as one of those things that just can't be dealt with.

Join us for our live web broadcast tonight on "Changing your Dog's Bad Habits" with Jt Clough of K9 Coach & Robin MacFarlane of That's My Dog. Since dogs don't think like humans or learn like humans coming and finding out how to communicate so they "get it" better could be the best thing you do for yourself today... this week, or maybe even this month.

We'll even answer your dog training questions live!

You can find our dog training web broadcast at www.GoTrainYourDog.com (click on the paw for the screen to pop up) We'll be on at 5 pm pst, 7 pm cst, 8 pm est.

At K9 Coach here in San Diego we have exclusive dog training boot camps available for dogs with bad habits or who just need obedience. We also have an online dog training program done with That's My Dog of Wisconsin available for those who want the private dog training class to come right to your home no matter where you are, what time it is, or what kind of dog you have.

Follow us on Twitter for fun dog photos, tips & tricks, and cool dog news www.Twitter.com/GoTrainYourDog

Potty Training House Breaking Free E-Book For Your Puppy or Older Dog

It’s way up there on the list of calls that we take as professional dog trainers here in San Diego. “My dog pees in the house and I don’t know what to do.”

One of the most frustrating things for people is feeling like the dog should know this one from the many things you have tried, and yet it keeps happening. Its really hard not to get mad at the dog. And yet in many cases its just a step in the training that is missed, or often people try to get the puppy to logic this whole thing out... which seems entirely possible to most people but simply does not work in a puppy’s thought process!

Many of the dogs who have come to K9 Coach Dog Training Camp have come for obedience training, but they have also come because the owner simply wants potty training that works. Since in the beginning supervision and then more supervision, along with a sequence of repetitive house breaking rules are practice the success rate is astoundingly awesome. And our clients absolutely love that!

The cost of cleaning the carpet, getting a new chair because of leg lifting, or even having to go to the point of replacing entire rooms of carpet to eliminate the smell of urine gets extremely costly. House training at our San Diego Dog Training Camp has been cost effective in a quick amount of time, not to mention the warm fuzzy feelings for your puppy come back quickly when the fear of that cute thing peeing in the house goes away!

We have an instructional e-book on how to potty train or house training for your puppy or dog which will be out soon if you are the person who can give the time and effort to get it done properly. We’d love to help you out with that and if you want a copy please contact us here and put “Potty Training E-Book” in the subject line.

For more dog photos, tips, and cool dog news follow us on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/GoTrainYourDog

Dog Problems? Going Mental On Training Your Dog

It’s true that more Americans than not have a dog at home. The exact statistics go between 60-70%. That’s a lot of dogs. Being in the dog world so much I always find it interesting to find out just why people have a dog. There are many reasons why people have dogs in thier lives but the overwhelmingly popular answer is simply for companionship.

For the most part it usually works out as the greatest companion one could ever have... you know, walk through the door after battling traffic or dealing with computer software wars all day to the dog that’s looking at you with a big smile and a tail wagging so hard one cannot stop themselves from that moment of “wow, its nice to have someone so happy to see me.”

However, as a dog trainer I do hear the stories about how the family dog is about to drive you right over the edge with dog problems. Coming home to a chewed shoes, an armless couch, or the sprinkler system made instant fountain by the dog is enough to send anyone to tears after dealing with the rat race of a busy overwhelming day.

The joy in that for me is so many people have come to me with this love hate relationship with the their dog because of problems that a proper training program could fix quickly. Years ago I decided to have dog camps rather than do a bunch of private lessons just for the number of people coming to me who in fact have a dog, but have a life of work, family, and maybe time for a few other interests but the dog training escaped them.

Companionship in any relationship does require harmony and a chewing, barking, jumping dog doesn’t add to anything along the lines fo harmony. Like most people, I like my own dogs to be able to go and do the fun things that I can get out and do. Especially living in a place like San Diego. Trails, beaches, outdoor restaurants and so many other dog friendly things to do... but if you have a dog that is so unruly you can’t go anywhere with him... the comapaniship starts to drive you mentally batty and another thing that really should be quite joyous goes to the wayside.

Dog training camps are designed to get your dog out in public so it becmes normal behavior. As well, the camp is designed to train your dog to live in the house with all the nice house rules you would like. It is why our exclusive dog camp is a bit different and why it’s become in such high demand.

The difference is only taking one or two dogs at a time, and then living with your dog 24/7 just as if it were one of our own dogs. Beleive me the success rate goes way up... which is another reason to keep our dog training boot camps as exclusive as possible. A dog that went to training that isn’t trained just isn’t going to ever be part of our program!

So if its’ puppy potty training, house breaking, barking, jumping, pulling on the leash, or a dog that just doesn’t seem to know how to play well with others, consider checking out San Diego’s best dog training camp! A happy dog makes our day... but the happy owner makes the joy of success top priority in our programs.

K9 Coach dog training services San Diego, Encinitas, Carlsbad, Del Mar, Vista, Temecula, CA.
Exlcusive training for your dog, exlusive private website for immediate help afterwards are only a couple of the things you’ll find beyond the normal in dog training programs.

For fun dog photos, tips & tricks, & cool dog news follow us on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/GoTrainYourDog

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K9 Coach Sit K9 Sit Dog Training Blog for Urban Dog Training

Understanding the Psychology of Dog and providing the knowledge people need to communicate with their dog: You can have the obedient, happy, confident dog you always wanted.
K9 Coach San Diego Dog Training specializes in dog "board and train" boot camps for San Diego & South Riverside County. Our dog boot camp training includes an exclusive in-kennel dog training camp for your dog or dogs, with follow-up private to semi-private people training. In addition to our in-kennel dog training we offer private lessons and online dog training.

Thanks for visiting my blog and I look forward to all of your "dog-ments".

Jt Clough
www.SitK9Sit.com