Taking your dog out and about town to experience new sights, sounds, smells, surfaces and humans is one of the best things you can do for him. (And, if you're in a J9'sK9s Beginners Fun & Games or Puppy Head Start class, you can even win a prize if you photograph your adventure!) Urban socialization is a great way to spend time with your dog - and it does wonders to help tire him out, too. Click on the link below to check out our list of dog friendly stores, restaurants and more in the greater Los Angeles and Valley areas to help you get started!

CLICK HERE FOR DOG FRIENDLY LIST

PLAY WITH YOUR DOG EVERY DAY.

THE 4 PLACES TO TRAIN YOUR DOG ARE:

1. A PLACE THAT IS FAMILIAR TO YOUR DOG WITH NO DISTRACTIONS

(The easiest – use for training new commands)

2. A PLACE THAT IS FAMILIAR TO YOUR DOG WITH DISTRACTIONS

(A little more difficult)

3. A PLACE THAT IS UNFAMILIAR TO YOUR DOG WITH NO DISTRACTIONS

(A lot more difficult)

4. A PLACE THAT IS UNFAMILIAR TO YOUR DOG WITH DISTRACTIONS

(The most difficult! Use only with commands your dog is good at in places 1 through 3.)

As your dog begins to respond CONFIDENTLY and RELIABLY to commands, you may begin practicing those commands only  in more difficult places. Be sure to make yourself and your training methods FUN to keep your dog’s attention.

(Here’s a dog trainer’s secret: a tired dog is a good dog. Remember that teaching dogs commands, tricks, and playing games tires them out too! J )

Protect Your Four-Legged Loved Ones in the Event of an Emergency with our Disaster Preparedness for Pets Tips!

MORE TIPS FOR YOU AND YOUR POOCH!

 A 5 MINUTE WALK IS BETTER THAN NONE AT ALL.

TAKE YOUR DOG TO NOISY, DISTRACTING PLACES ONCE A WEEK, AND TRY TO BUILD CONFIDENCE AND ATTENTION WITH FOOD, TOYS, AND PLAY. If your dog is responding well, you may try practicing the obedience commands or tricks he's best at. Give lots of upbeat praise – RECOGNIZE EVEN SMALL SUCCESSES.

Remember, a dog can have just as much fun on leash as off leash.

Play games like "HIDE AND SEEK" and "FIND IT" with treats and/or your dog's toys, with your dog as "it". As your dog catches on, make them harder – hide in more difficult places, etc. – BE CREATIVE! Make a BIG SILLY FUSS when your dog finds you/the treat/the toy!

Be patient, especially around distractions.

Always try to end on a positive note, (after success).

ONE OF THE MOST COMMON MISTAKES YOU CAN MAKE IS MOVING AHEAD TOO FAST. IF YOUR DOG IS HAVING TROUBLE, GO BACK A STEP.

  back to J9's home page

top of page

©1998-2008 Janine Pierce/J9's K9s Dog Training Inc. All original work on this site is copyrighted. No portion may be copied without express written permission.