Dog Parks, the Real Poop! By Lyn Richards Pawlowski DogLogicDogTraining.com Hello friends, today we’ll be talking about dog parks, and why you should or should not visit them with your dog. On the surface, they seem like a great idea for socialization and play, both of which are important, especially if you don’t have a fenced yard or play area for your best bud. However, there are some very real reasons that on average, you should avoid them. First of all, most dog parks are unregulated, meaning there is no way of knowing that the dogs visiting them have any training, are under control, or have been vaccinated or given parasite control precautions. What does this all mean? Is your dog trained with a reliable recall, and to listen to you when you give commands? Your response is probably yes. However, what do you know of the other dogs using places such as dog parks? Probably nothing, unless you personally know the owner. The problem is that other dogs may not be as well trained a...
Want a better behaved dog? Want to wow your friends with an amazingly well trained best friend? Start with attention training! Its simple and is the basis for a lifetime of obedience and fun! To begin, start with some high value treats (kibble is not your first choice unless your dog is diet restricted), such as string cheese, or cooked chicken, ham (unsalted) homemade treats or the like. Something your dog will work for with enthusiasm. Also, if your perform these exercises outdoors, or in a non-secure location, PLEASE use a 6 foot leash and secure collar or, my preference, a harness. Please pay attention to your dog when around distracting environments and please do not use a flexi- or extendable leash. They aren’t safe in groups of people and animals and can cause significant injuries if used improperly. Start by asking for a simple sit . If your dog doesn’t have a trained sit yet, no worries, just get him to stay still in front of you. Step a foot or ...