Dog Training San Diego Update & Events - Kobi the German Short Haired Pointer

German Short Haired Pointers usually have quite a bit of energy and Kobi is no exception to that rule. He’s come to his San Diego Dog Training exclusive camp so that he is very active owners can include him in their own fitness routine even more.

This dog can run. Fast. And though his triathlete owners are training for their next Ironman and can put some miles in, the speed Kobi has far out does the dedication to miles these two athletes employ. Kobi has a hunt drive beyond what most people can handle.

So what is the best way to train for this type of dog behavior? Recall. Recall. Recall. Kobi needs exercise on a daily basis. But he also needs to fulfill that drive to chase it down and do that he needs to be able to be off leash. In order to let him do that he needs to be able to come back when called, even if it’s a really fun squirrel to play chase with. That is what his dog training camp is all about and lucky for Kobi... he is doing fantastic.

If you have a dog, no matter what the drive is, teach a strong recall first and foremost. Start with short distances, say 3 feet and increase. Don’t make the mistake of trying a recall at 15 feet first. If your dog can’t do it from a short distance reliably, increased distance with distraction is impossible.

Next, take your dog a lot of places. For active people especially its important your dog understands how to come when called in more places than the kitchen to the living room, or the backyard to the dog food bowl!

At K9 Coach we are active, our dogs our active and we love to assist others with fun, engaging activities. This weeks on the list of fun: Pup Crawl & Costume Contest

Saturday October 17, 2009 1-5pm Pup Crawl
Featuring 7 amazing bars and dogs in costume, this event is sure to be Paw-some! Check-in at the Tin Fish then crawl from one dog-friendly establishment to another at your leisure. Socialize on the patio with other dog owners and soak up the scene! Each venue will feature a signature drink (like cosmo-PAW-litans) or drink specials. Local pup pleasers will be on site also to give away treats and other dog delights. Human participants will receive a Pup Crawl T-Shirt and drink specials. Costume contest judging from 1-2 at Tin Fish and sponsored by Muttropolis.

For more October Dog Activities and Events check out our K9 Coach Calendar.

Need help with your dog so you can go and do all these very cool San Diego Dog Friendly things? Exclusive Dog Training Camps, Private Dog Training Lessons, and Online Dog Training Programs.

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Golden Doodle Goes To San Diego Puppy Training Camp

Chloe, a 5 1/2 month old Golden Doodle came to San Diego Dog & Puppy Training Camp with regular puppy problems that just need a little professional attention. Its the perfect time to establish good dog manners so that bad habits don’t become permanent.

Puppies should be allowed to be puppies with plenty of play time, good puppy food, and an understanding of when and how to be calm. Establishing an exercise routine and learning how to follow the leader is the life every puppy deserves.

Golden Doodles are a hybrid of a Golden Retriever and a Standard Poodle that was created for the temperament as well as the lack of shedding that many dogs come with. Since most dogs live in the house, shedding can be an issue for cleaning purposes as well as allergies for some people.

Chloe certainly has a very sweet temperament and just needs a little help in how to calm down. She lives in the city of San Diego and needs acclimation to noises, traffic and how to navigate well on a leash.

Her first couple of days at camp have been spent learning how to sit nicely instead of jumping for attention. She gets very excited about the leash coming out and now is getting the picture that sitting to go out makes the people so much happier around her.

Follow her story as we spend time at the beach, around the town, walking on busy streets and learning how to be a really great house dog. She’s already a published dog star in this article: Training Your Dog To Ride in The Car

Dogs do what works. Follow the article tips if you have an over excited dog when it comes to jingly keys, the leash, or even the faint idea you may be taking your dog for an outdoor event!

More cool dog photos, training tips, and cool dog news at www.Twitter.com/GoTrainYourDog

For private dog training lessons or exclusive dog and puppy training camps contact us at 760-436-4364 or www.SitK9Sit.com

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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.

Surf Dog A Thon and Rip Curl Ricki

The Surf Dog A Thon in Del Mar, CA is set to go on September 13. If you are a dog enthusiast at all its something you don't want to miss. It's also something you can start planning on next year as this dog activity is finding its way into the hearts of many in our Southern California surfing community.

The Surf Dog Surf A Thon had several surf clinics so you could teach your dog to join the fun. Since we at K9 Coach plan on teaching our own personal dogs to surf look for videos on how to teach your dog to surf in the near future. Plan to go to the event this year with your dog and you can learn tons just by watching.

This year's Surf Dog Surf A Thon also brought out a dog named Rip Curl Ricki. Not only can this Golden Retriever surf but she's part of a team bringing a community effort to a 15 year old boy named Patrick that is as heart warming as a story of boy and his dog can be.

Patrick is a quadriplegic and is quite active. He's able to surf with an adaptive board and Rip Curl Ricki has teamed up with him as tandem surf partner to help raise awareness as well as raise money for Patrick's own service dog.

Find out more about Patrick and Rip Curl and their surfing in this article. Incredible Tandem Surf Team: 15 Year Old Quadriplegic Surfs with Golden Retriever

September is an awesome month to get out and have some fun with your dog. Del Mar Dog Beach is the place!

For more dog training camps and private lessons contact us at www.SitK9Sit.com

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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

Dog With Bad Behavior? The Magic Training Formula.

Your dog causes some of your most spontaneous smiling moments, yet there are those times that bad behavior takes over and you just want to scream! Sound familiar?

This could be the biggest thing you could do to change your dog's bad behavior into a very calm dog that actually listens to you. The cool thing is that for the most part it is free and you can do it starting today!

Click the link to read Dog behaving badly? The magic formula.

Get started today!

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

If you are in the San Diego area and are looking for a jump start to a healthy exercise program for your dog ... exercise equals training in real life... check out our Dog Training Camps, Private Lessons, and Online Dog Training Programs.

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

Dog Behavior: Are You Managing or Training?

The days of summer are flying by... don't miss out on all the fun things you can get out and do with your dog here in San Diego.

Many times the deciding factor is how difficult it is to go on an outing and take your dog. Though it sounds ridiculously basic, to get out and have some fun good habits of behavior with your dog start in your own home. It really is about what you practice.

With just a few basics you can be on your way. K9 Coach has committed to a series of articles for those in San Diego with dogs that need a bit of help with dog training so you can train your dog at home and while you are out and about enjoying the great dog friendly places here.

Read this article: Dog Behavior: Are You Managing or Training? for ideas on how to break the cycle of behavior that drives you crazy and start enjoying your dog.

Follow us on Twitter for fun dog photos, breaking dog news, and training tips and tricks.

Now go train your dog while you are doing all the cool stuff you want to do in the sun of San Diego.

Come & Sit. San Diego Dog Training Camp - Rhodesian Ridgeback/Black Lab

What do you do with an 8 month old Rhodesian Ridgeback Black Lab mix?

First have a lot of fun knowing that this dog wants to go everywhere with you. Anything outdoors, trails, chasing a ball, to the beach, hang out at a dog friendly restaurant, visit a friends house, or just chill at home watching TV. This dog wants to truly be man’s best friend.

The only thing is without some dog training in place, an 8 month old, 70 lbs bundle of energy like this can knock everything over in tail radius and start having your friends add the disclaimer “no dogs”, to the invite. Training your dog just two things can change everything and only for the good.

Come and sit. Its really that simple. Well ok, it takes some practice and it takes understanding of how a dog thinks and learns. And here’s a big tip. Its much different than the way humans learn.

Naiyah has come to dog training camp so she could in fact go do all the fun things out there a dog can possibly do. Her owner being an outdoors type of person, who also takes his dog to as many dog friendly places as he can find in San Diego wanted to get on it while she was a puppy because of her size and so he could get out and have as much fun as possible with her.

Though come and sit can get you a long way with your dog, Naiyah already is walking on a leash nicely, not jumping on people, and coming when called off leash. Its going to give her huge freedom and she’s so much fun to hang out with.

If you are working on training your dog at home remember to make it as simple as possible and follow through. Start with sit for every thing. Sit can mean not jumping on people. It can mean stay. It can mean not running out the open door. Repetition and follow through and you are on your way to a super cool dog.

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

Dog and puppy training camps available in the great San Diego area and Temecula, CA. Online dog training programs so you can train your dog at home too.

Pocket Beagle San Diego Puppy Training Camp - Come When Called

The most important thing you can teach any dog, big or small, is to come when called.

Recall.

Come here.

Come on’.

Here.

Let’s go.

Whatever you want to label it, the most important thing you can teach your dog is to come to you when called.

Honestly, when you really think about it, you would be able to call your dog “well trained” if no matter what distraction is going on, when you said, “Godiva, come here.” and sure enough, your dog with flopping ears, and trotting paws headed in your direction, away from the barking dog across the street...

Away from food.

Away from the neighbor’s cat.

Away from your shoe....

Training your dog to come to you every time is really about repetition. Repetition and follow through... every time. Consistency. Its a good thing to practice with your dog and its a good thing for you too.

It’s much more fun when your dog comes to you every time.

Godiva the Pocket Beagle is here for her basic puppy obedience training camp and she’s not only learning how to listen, but getting to do some real cool things along the way in her training.

Her agenda for tomorrow.... she’s heading out to Wags for Wishes.... watch other dogs play agility, flyball, disc dog, Rally-O.. and since she is a working breed... we’ll be checking out some cool thing she can learn to do for her way cool Southern California job.

Follow Godiva pictures on Twitter at www.Titter.com/GoTrainYourDog

And for more Godiva the Pocket Beagle San Diego Puppy Training Camp at K9 Coach Facebook.

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

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

Dog Anxiety and Fireworks

Most people have some sort of anxiety when dealing with anything that isn’t familiar. The same is true for dogs. Fireworks is one of those things that happens for the most part once a year. The 4th of July holiday means friends gathering, outdoor summer activity with a finale of fireworks to the day.

Read this article: Fireworks, Your Dog & the 4th of July for guidelines on how to keep your dog safe as the holiday approaches this year.

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

And for dog events in your area, live dog training web broadcasts, and more cool dog stuff become on fan on our K9 Coach Facebook Page.

K9 Coach offers exclusive dog training camps and private lessons in San Diego and Temecula CA.

Dog Names 2009 Most Unusual

From Blog Photos

Giving your dog a name has some sort of meaning usually tied to your interests or personality. Often times the first name given to a dog doesn’t stick after the traits of both the owner and the dog begin to develop and a new name just sort of develops.

Shelter dogs come with a name that could have been given by the original owner or by the shelter staff. Sometimes it fits the dog, sometimes it’s way off. There is absolutely nothing wrong with renaming a dog. Dogs live absolutely in the moment and aren’t going to dwell on what their name used to be. Quite frankly I think people should adopt this behavior more often as well!

Discovering the right name for your dog sometimes comes easily and creatively and sometimes takes some pondering. If you aren’t in the creative mood a list of dog names can spur you on to the coolest name for your new dog. My dogs even have nicknames and as it goes like find like, many of my friends dogs have nicknames.

Here is a small list of unusual dog names that may spark a creative dog name, or add a nickname for the dog already with a name but full of personality. It comes from the VIP (Vet Pet Insurance) list of wackiest names submitted by their very own patients.

I Am Sparticus
Lunchbox
Sargent Sausage
Blue Man Chew
Bam Bam Noodle Butt
Fluffernutter
Dishwasher
Yardsale
Inspector Foo Foo
Fuzzbucket
Motley Screensaver
Butkiss Hoover
Foxy Divaliscious
Beefsock
Einstein Snickerdoodle
Measles
Lady Obama
Catfish Bob
Buckwheat Yoda
Bunny Duty
Detective Frank
Alabama Whirly
Dr. Love
Tinkle Bell
Special Ed
Ms Noxema Jackson
Princess Babe Shack
Mr. Muscles
Low Jack
Buddha Pest
Spatula
Hair Putter
Major Deposit
Dipstick
Poptart
Drama Momma
Cowboy Von Dawg
Hosehead
Milkshake

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

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For dog training camps, private lessons, and online dog training programs contact us at K9 Coach.

San Diego Dog & Puppy Training Tip: How To Walk 2 Dogs On Leash

As a professional dog trainer I get common questions about how to get dogs to do certain things. One of the biggies is getting a dog to walk on a leash without pulling. Even more challenging, yet more common is “How do I get 2 dogs to walk on a leash together without pulling?”

It is challenging, but my tip for this dog training problem is first chunk it down, and by that I mean, start with one dog at a time. If your dogs cannot walk separately without leash pulling, the hope that they can walk together without pulling is going to equate to exactly none!

One of the biggest mistakes I see when trying to leash walk a dogs is simply too much leash. It’s sort of like the old cliche if you given an inch, they’ll take a mile. As the leash goes, if you let your dog have all of a 6 foot leash, guess what? Yep, your dog or dogs will be out at the end of it, trying to get just a little more.

Give your dogs enough leash to walk comfortably by your side without tripping you up, and teach them that this is the picture you want them to have. You’ll stop them from getting so distracted with all the smells they can reach 6 feet away and start getting them to pay attention to the job at hand, walking by your side without pulling.

For more dog training tips, dog photos, and cool dog news follow K9 Coach on Twitter at Twitter.com/GoTrainYourDog

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Summer Vacation for You & Your Dog

Summer time is here. The time of year many families like to take a vacation... with kids out of school, tv finales over, & the nice weather its sort of a tradition like apple pie and baseball. With the recent economic times though, summer vacations may look a little different this year.

I don’t necessarily think its a bad thing in many ways. Don’t get me wrong, financial crisis is something I wish upon no one. But when I look at the things that are happening to people and what is important... like really important... its becoming much more real these days.

I find that people are spending more time around home, with family and friends, and that also includes The Dog. Its kind of interesting that many Americans have been going with lack of sleep and spending most of their time working so they can do things away from the home that was the focal point of “having it all”. It’s all starting to come around and spending time around home is bringing more joy to people and their dogs.

The idea of vacation is also taking a new perspective. People are tending to get a little more creative about it and finding that there are so many places they haven’t been right around home to enjoy. Places where you can go with family and friends, including the dog, that are fun and even free!

Trail hikes are an awesome thing to do and the benefits are many. Not only do you spend time with one another, spend time talking that you normally wouldn’t, but you are getting fresh air, exercise and by taking the dog everyone is learning to hang out together and in the end have a lot of fun... for the attractive price of free!

The more time you spend with your dog, the easier the training aspect becomes. The more exercise you get with your dog, the easier it is to have an incredibly well behaved dog.

So plan a vacation around home... check out some way cool hikes you can take, then start doing a daily walk from your house for the “training runs”. I plan to post more articles on the practice training you can do to make planning some longer hikes and outdoor adventures more fun for your and your dog.

If you are in the San Diego area and are looking for some way cool places to go with your dog check out our book “Leave Only Paw Prints” for maps and details. Make it easy... get outside with your dog and have some fun!

For more tips and training tricks, cool dog photos, and dog news follow us on Twitter at www.Twitter.com and K9 Coach on Facebook. And of course feel free to contact us at K9 Coach for any of your dog training questions, private lessons, and dog training camps.

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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NPR, The Family Dog, Training, & Happiness

From San Diego Dog Training

NPR tends to discuss stories that effect those in our communities we exist in a very real way. Yesterday NPR did a piece on the place the dog has taken in our lives, and clearly described why dogs have become some an important family member.

Dogs bring us so much happiness in times of uneasiness simply because no matter what your bank account balance says, or who you had to deal with today: the wag, coupled with the adoring eyes your dog has at the mere sight of you is no doubt a fantastic feeling.

We truly feel lucky that we work with dogs every single day here at K9 Coach for many reasons. We get the “looks” from the dogs that melt you. The looks that make you appreciate the small moments in life.... And we get the moments of people in our lives that are so relieved, pleased, and feel the real joy of a dog that is an absolute joy to be around even if they came to camp with a few bad habits, they always leave as good dogs!

On many occasions the quote “Investing in Dog Training Camp was worth wayyy more than the money in the overall happiness of my life.” What a greater sense of accomplishment can one have other than that?

View some of our K9 Coach San Diego Dog Training Campers at www.YouTube.com/SitK9Sit

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

Chula Vista Boxers, Dog Training Camp & Becoming Good Dogs!

The most important thing in a dogs training life: Recall. Recall. Recall.

What does that mean to our San Diego Dog Training Campers? The thing that we work on first is how to come when called, with leash, without leash, with no distraction, or with a lot of distraction.

Having a dog well trained means you can go a lot of places and do a lot of things with your dog. Cypress, a 5 year old Boxer who comes from Chula Vista has gone from doing whatever he pleased once he was out the gate, to coming when called in all kinds of distraction. And he’s done this without only doing it because there was a big ol’ piece of steak to lure him back!

It’s amazing but you can actually teach a dog what action goes with a word. For instance “come” means “move towards me until you get to me”!! It’s about consistency and how to help you dog see the picture in the beginning.

People get that confused with the lure of food. Luring with food alone is great for a beginning help process, it’s great for a reward but if it’s the ONLY thing your dog comes for... your pretty much in big doo doo when you REALLY need your dog to come to you and you don’t have a juicy treat in your hand!

For dog training tips, techniques, and tons of info to apply to how to train your dog at home watch our weekly K9 Coach Live Web Broadcast. 5 pm PST Wednesday nights.

Dog Training Camps in the San Diego area for those who want a well trained dog are available by contacting us. We only train a few dogs at a time and in a real home living situation so you get to have a dog trained for your real lifestyle... not kennel style!

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Viszla Mix joins Rhodesian Ridgeback At Dog Training Camp San Diego

Ya gotta love Rosie. No other way to look at her, ya just gotta love her. Brody, the Rhodesian Ridgeback came to camp last week and when Brody’s mom told her brother about it, he thought “what a great thing to have Rosie (his dog) trained at the same time”.

As it turns out it is a really great thing. Rosie started a few days behind Brody but she has her things she is already doing spectacularly! This Viszla mix has different dog problems than Brody has, but training side by side each of their “deals” can be addressed. And since as a family they tend to hang together a lot anyway, all will be well for both of them.

Brody is a boisterous boy... Rosie a timid little girl. Rosie was a rescue dog... and who knows why she is the way she is but no time to speculate. Instead at her exclusive San Diego Dog Training Camp, complete with her own bed in the house, backyard pool, large yard, and plenty of trails nearby; she is getting new skills to deal with her tendency to break down in the shakes with the look of “oh my, I’m afraid and don’t know what to do” behavior.

It’s about building confidence and to do that we work on some basic obedience to take her through those times when life gets a little scary for her. Even though Rosie has an owner who has been very good about working with her on obedience skills before, she now is being taught how to integrate how to do things in a more relaxed state when she feels like the world has become a bit of a scary place for her.

Obedience is key, exercise is key, and having a dog be able to know what to do, even if its a simple sit in the face of huge distraction, or something that for whatever reason has become scary for her, brings a dog like Rosie the confidence to handle those things she melted about before.

As a general rule, dogs pick up on energy before they pick up on anything else. If there is one big huge tip I could anyone who has a dog that does the meltdown for no apparent reason, it would be to learn to relax and teach your dog to do the same.

Yeah, yeah, easier said than done. And even though we think we do that (relax), next time your dog either gets too excited or or appears to be scared, realize how tense you are in trying to get your dog to stop.

More on those skills in future blog posts... for now... no matter what your dog’s personality, think about what sort of energy you are putting out there by looking at how your dog is acting. To change any behavior start with slowing down, letting the situation not become so stressful, and letting everyone including your dog relax and settle into knowing what to do.

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

And for more info on getting you and your dog into the exclusive dog training camp designed to train your dog for real life, and you how to chill and have some fun with your dog contact K9 Coach.

Now go out and have some fun with your dog!

Woof!