Training Resources
Training Library
Every dog's friend should have a training library to help them understand their dog better and to help them find the best ways to deal with issues as they come up. Here are a few titles which we recommend for your reference.
Web Resources
Clicker Solutions (www.clickersolutions.com) has a great collection of clicker training articles, ranging from how to start clicker training to exercises for the advanced trainer. This site also has a pretty comprehensive resource list
Susan Garrett (www.clickerdogs.com) has written a number of useful training articles. We especially like "Make a Motivating Toy", "Perfect Recall Account", "Distractions for your Recall", "List of Reinforcers" and "Training Reminders".
In their monthly newsletter, Courteous Canine, Inc offers interesting training tips and product reviews.
If your dog is sensitive about having her nails trimmed, you might wanty to try using a dremel tool to grind them instead. Here is a website, by Dawn S. Garrett, at which you can find out how to get your dog used to nail-grinding and also how to do it more safely. Click on the quick link on the left for "How to Dremel Dog Nails" once you get there (www.DoberDawn.com).
Training Aides
For most dogs who are moderate to heavy pullers, Easy-Walk® harnesses are a great way to control their pulling and redirect their motion. Giving you this control lets you concentrate on training your dog to walk with you without worrying about falling down.
For dogs who are heavy-duty pullers, Gentle Leader® headcollars are gentle, humane tools that can help control pulling, lunging and aggression.
Tug Toys for Training
Playing tug can be a very rewarding activity for your dog. It can increase your dog's attention towards you, as well as her excitement towards training. If you choose to use a tug toy, however, your dog should consistantly drop it when you ask her to.
A great tug toy for a food-motivated dog who doesn't know how to tug is the Power Paws Tug 'N Treat.
Here is an excellent article by trainer Susan Garrett about how to make a toy motivating for your dog.
Interactive Toys
Kongs (www.kongcompany.com) — be sure to check our their section on how to use the Kong; it has some great Kong-stuffing recipes. Kong also sells a product called "Kong Time", which delivers a pre-stuffed Kong toy at different times during the day.
Buster Cube (www.bustercube.com) is a great interactive toy. Not only does it give your dog something to do but it works on intermittent reinforcement principles we work on in class!
Some other interactive toys may also be found at your locally owned pet supply store.
Contact Us
Please feel free to contact us for more details about how we can help you to train your dog towards better behavior.