Breakthrough K9 Training

Keeping Your Dog Safe from Ticks and Fleas During Warmer Weather

Fri, 19 Apr 2024 15:21:00 GMT

As the weather warms up, it’s essential for pet owners to be vigilant about protecting their furry companions from ticks and fleas. These pesky parasites not only cause discomfort for dogs but can also transmit diseases. Here are some valuable tips to help keep your dog tick and flea safe during warmer months.

Use Flea and Tick Prevention Products

One of the most effective ways to keep ticks and fleas at bay is by using veterinarian-recommended preventative products. These can include spot-on treatments, oral medications, collars, and sprays. Consult with your vet to determine the best option for your dog based on their age, health status, and lifestyle.

Regularly Check for Ticks and Fleas

Perform routine checks on your dog for ticks and fleas, especially after spending time outdoors in grassy or wooded areas. Focus on areas where these parasites are commonly found, such as around the ears, neck, and belly. Use a fine-toothed comb to help detect and remove any hitchhikers.

Maintain a Clean Environment

Keep your home and yard clean and well-maintained to reduce the likelihood of tick and flea infestations. Regularly vacuum carpets, furniture, and pet bedding, and wash these items in hot water. Trim tall grass and bushes in your yard to minimize hiding spots for parasites.

Limit Exposure to Tick and Flea Hotspots

Avoid walking your dog in areas known to be hotspots for ticks and fleas, such as tall grassy fields, wooded areas with dense underbrush, and marshy areas. Opt for well-maintained trails and open spaces whenever possible. Consider using tick and flea repellent products for outdoor adventures.

Practice Good Grooming Habits

Regular grooming not only keeps your dog looking and feeling great but also helps in preventing tick and flea infestations. Your veterinarian can recommend a shampoo that is effective against parasites.

Be Aware of The Symptoms of Flea- and Tick-borne Illnesses

Stay alert for signs of tick and flea infestations or related health issues in your dog. These can include excessive scratching, redness or irritation of the skin, hair loss, visible parasites, and changes in behavior or appetite. Promptly consult your vet if you notice any concerning symptoms.

Follow Vet Recommendations

Follow your veterinarian’s recommendations regarding parasite prevention, vaccination schedules, and regular check-ups. Your vet can provide valuable guidance tailored to your dog’s specific needs and risk factors.

Educate Yourself

Stay informed about common tick and flea species in your area, their life cycles, and the diseases they can transmit. Knowledge empowers you to take proactive measures in protecting your dog’s health.

By implementing these proactive measures and staying vigilant, you can help keep your dog safe and comfortable from the threats of ticks and fleas during the warmer months. A combination of preventative strategies, regular checks, and timely veterinary care is key to ensuring your furry friend enjoys a parasite-free season and doesn’t pass along unwanted pests to other dogs.

Understanding Common Dog Parasites and the Importance of Fecal Testing in Boarding and Training Facilities

Wed, 27 Mar 2024 18:44:00 GMT

As a responsible dog owner, ensuring the health and well-being of your furry companion comes naturally. One aspect of canine health that often goes overlooked is the presence of parasites and worms. These pesky organisms can wreak havoc on your dog’s health if left untreated, and they’re more common than you might think. Since parasites are typically passed from dog to dog, all dog owners share in the overall health of the dog community at dog parks, daycare and boarding facilities.

Common Dog Parasites:

Heartworm – These spaghetti-like worms are among the most common intestinal parasites in dogs. Transmitted mostly by mosquitos, infections can lead to heart problems.
Hookworms – Small parasites that attach to the intestinal wall and feed on blood. They can cause severe anemia, especially in puppies and debilitated dogs.
Tapeworms – These segmented parasites live in the intestines of dogs. They’re transmitted through the ingestion of infected fleas or small mammals.
Whipworms – Residing in the large intestine can cause diarrhea, weight loss, and anemia in severe cases.
Giardia and Coccidia – These are protozoans that live in feces and are transmissible to dogs and humans. although contaminated water is the more common way humans get infected. Symptoms include diarrhea, weight loss, dehydration due to vomiting and a poor coat.

Severity and Transmission:

These and other parasites can cause a range of health issues in dogs, including diarrhea, vomiting, weight loss, anemia, and even death in severe cases. Moreover, some of these parasites are zoonotic, meaning they can be transmitted from dogs to humans, posing a risk to public health.
Dogs are often exposed to these parasites in environments where infected dogs are allowed to visit, such as boarding kennels and daycare facilities. Close contact with infected dogs or contaminated areas, such as soil or grass where eggs or larvae are present, increases the likelihood of transmission.

Importance of Fecal Testing in Boarding and Training Facilities:

Given the ease of transmission and the potential severity of parasitic infections, reputable boarding and training facilities prioritize the health and safety of their canine clients, staff and visitors. One essential measure to achieve this is requiring negative fecal tests from all dogs before they are admitted into the facility.

Fecal testing allows for the detection of parasite eggs or larvae in the dog’s stool, even before symptoms manifest. By implementing a policy of mandatory fecal testing, boarding and training facilities can identify infected dogs early and prevent the spread of parasites to other canine guests.

When choosing a boarding or training facility for your dog, keep your dog healthy by making sure fecal testing is required. A reputable facility will prioritize the health and safety of all dogs in their care, and negative fecal tests are a crucial component of their health screening process.

Remember, prevention is key when it comes to parasite control. By staying informed and working with facilities that prioritize preventive measures, you can help keep your dog healthy and happy for years to come.

Winter Safety Tips

Wed, 31 Jan 2024 17:10:00 GMT

Winter brings snowy landscapes and chilly temperatures, which can pose unique challenges for our canine companions. As pet parents, it’s essential to take extra precautions to ensure our furry friends stay safe, warm, and healthy during the colder months. Here are some valuable tips to keep your dog safe and happy this winter.

Dress for the Weather

Just like us, dogs need protection from the cold. Depending on your dog’s breed and size, consider investing in a well-fitted coat or sweater to provide warmth during outdoor activities. Dogs with shorter fur or lower body fat might need extra insulation to stay cozy when temperatures drop.

Paw Protection

Ice, snow, and road salt can wreak havoc on your dog’s paws. Protect their sensitive pads by using pet-safe ice melts on your property and wiping their paws after walks to remove any chemical residues. Dog booties offer excellent protection against the elements and help prevent ice build-up between their toes.

Control Outdoor Exposure

While dogs love romping in the snow, it’s essential to limit their time outdoors during the most extreme cold. Shorten the duration of walks and outdoor play sessions, and consider indoor activities to keep them mentally stimulated and physically engaged without overexposing them to harsh weather conditions.

Hydration Matters

Don’t forget that staying hydrated is crucial, even in winter. Dogs can become dehydrated in cold weather, especially when indoor heating dries the air. Monitor their water intake and consider adding warm water or broth to their meals to encourage drinking.

Watch for Warning Signs

Be attentive to signs of hypothermia or frostbite in your dog. Look out for shivering, lethargy, pale skin, and cold extremities. Should you notice any of these symptoms, seek immediate veterinary care. Remember, older dogs, puppies, and those with certain health conditions are more vulnerable to cold-related issues.

Maintain Physical and Mental Exercise

Shorter daylight hours and inclement weather can disrupt exercise routines. Keep your dog mentally stimulated with indoor games, interactive toys, or training exercises. Maintaining a regular schedule of physical activity and mental engagement is crucial for their well-being during winter.

Winter brings its own set of challenges for our canine companions, but with the right care and attention, you can ensure your dog remains safe, warm, and content throughout the season. By implementing preventive measures, monitoring their health, and providing adequate protection from the cold, you can enjoy the winter wonderland with your furry friend while keeping them safe and healthy. Remember, a little extra care goes a long way in ensuring your dog’s comfort and well-being during the colder months. Here at Breakthrough K9 Training, we have indoor and outdoor training areas so our students get plenty of fresh air…weather permitting.

Problem Chewing in Dogs

Fri, 08 Dec 2023 20:52:00 GMT

As pet owners, we all know the excitement and apprehension upon opening the door after being away all day, when we are about to be greeted by our very happy pets and then discover just what they’ve been up to in our absence. Did my dog chew a hole in my favorite T-shirt or is there cushion stuffing trailed throughout the house? Most dog owners will at some point have to deal with the common issue of problem chewing.

In general, chewing is necessary for dogs to maintain strong jaws and clean teeth, however it becomes a frustrating problem when the chewing gets out of control or is not directed towards appropriate items like your dog’s toys. If you and your dog are dealing with ongoing problem chewing, you’ll want to consider the causes and simple steps you can take to manage and hopefully resolve the issue.

Why might your dog be chewing so much?

Puppies need to be puppies

As a way of exploring their surroundings, puppies will naturally chew on just about anything they are exposed to using their favorite tool – their mouth. Just like human toddlers, puppies need lots of supervision. Puppies can be taught and trained to differentiate between the items they can and cannot chew but left unsupervised, puppies cannot be blamed for trouble they may get into. Fortunately, puppies can quickly learn to feel safe and comfortable in a crate. When you have to leave your puppy alone, don’t hesitate to put a reward or food in the crate and leave the puppy alone for short periods of time or at bedtime thus, creating a positive association with the crate.

When puppies are teething you can give your puppy special teething chew toys that can be frozen.

Dogs Chewing to Relieve Boredom or Anxiety

Dogs will often chew to relieve feelings of separation anxiety or boredom. If your dog isn’t getting enough mental or physical stimulation throughout the day or spends many hours alone and shows other signs of having separation anxiety such as barking, whining, pacing or urination, the chewing is likely stress related. To help your dog whose stress issues are causing a chewing problem it is important to provide plenty of stimulation, especially before being left alone for long periods of time. Taking your dog for a long walk, doing some training exercises or socializing with other dogs before leaving home for the day can remove their need to chew.

What can you do to help your Dog chew Less?

Fight Doggie Boredom

The first step to take to help limit the chewing problem is to think about prevention. It can be hard for dogs to differentiate between their toys and your personal items, so it helps to keep your house tidy with laundry and toys off the floor. If you leave your dog at home alone, try to block off any messy areas. It’s important that your dog has plenty of appropriate items to chew, such as toys and bones. It is much easier to train your dog to chew on only certain things than it is to teach them not to chew at all.

For dogs that are prone to boredom you can make sure they have a variety of different kinds of toys. Try rotating these toys throughout the week to keep things interesting. Leaving your dog with a puzzle, such as a toy that contains a tasty snack is another good way to keep them entertained while you are away.

If there is something specific that your dog is prone to chewing you can also spray it with a taste deterrent that is specially made for dogs or just try mouthwash which most dogs detest.

What not to do

Remember not to scold your dog when you find items chewed. Do NOT pick up a sneaker and aggressively scold your dog when you find a huge hole in your favorite footwear. Dogs cannot associate a scolding with something that already happened hours ago and being reprimanded will likely only add to the root cause of your dog’s chewing. Instead of scolding try using positive reinforcement by giving your dog a chew toy followed by plenty of praise.

Professional Dog Training help is just a click away.

Problem chewing is a very common problem in dogs and puppies and is something that with attention and patience can be fixed. If going it alone isn’t working for you and your dog, Breakthrough K9 Training professional help is always just a call or click away.

Keeping Your Dog Healthy

Fri, 17 Nov 2023 16:41:00 GMT

Evidence shows that owning a dog can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, as well as provide benefits to your physical health. All that, just from having a dog around! However, your mental and physical health benefits are enhanced by also keeping your dog in good shape. Here are some basic guidelines for keeping your dog healthy.

Proper Nutrition

Diet directly affects almost every aspect of your dog’s health. Make sure you’re feeding your dog high-quality food made by a reputable company, and that your dog’s specific nutritional needs are met. Not all dogs should be on the same diet so consult with a veterinarian to make sure you’ve got the right food for your dog.
Don’t be fooled by product names, even from big brand dog food manufacturers. Terms like “beef dinner” or “beef entrée” might not mean what you think.

Regular Exercise

Even the most low-maintenance breeds, as well as older dogs, still need a certain amount of regular exercise to stay healthy. A couple of daily walks, just to do some business, are probably not enough. Remember, a tired dog is a happy dog.
When you get back from a walk or off-leash run, your dog should show you that the play time was enough exercise. Signals like immediately picking up a ball to play fetch when you get home, may indicate that there has not been enough exercise.

Regular Grooming

Grooming isn’t just for show dogs. Every dog needs regular nail trimming and bathing. Long hair breeds will need more brushing than short hair breeds, but both will need it. Try to brush your long-haired dogs every other day to keep their coat lush and remove any debris. During tick season, use this time to check foot pads to make sure they’re not dry or cracked and to check for ticks.
It’s a good idea to take your dog in to a groomer once in a while, even if you do at-home grooming!
Clean your dog’s teeth as much as possible. Keeping your dog’s mouth clean isn’t just about bad breath – gum disease is linked to many other health problems.
In addition to the necessary health benefits of regular grooming, grooming your dog is a good bonding and confidence building activity.

Dog-Proof Your Home

Make sure your home is safe for your pet. Be aware of things that might get chewed on (like electrical cords or plastic bags), and make sure they can’t get into human food or garbage cans.
Make sure your dog is properly contained, perhaps with a fence around your property.

Visits to the Vet

While your dog may not be happy about it, an annual checkup at the veterinarian will go a long way to maintain your dog’s health. Some of what your vet will do is check for parasites, administer vaccinations, check your dog’s dental health, spot any issues in your dog’s coat and provide valuable insight into your dog’s health.
Be sure to ask for recommendations specific to your dog’s health and ways to keep your dog in the best shape possible, happy and healthy for years to come.

Keep your dog hot – and cold.

Depending on the breed, keep your dog warm in the cold season with a sweater or booties, especially if they have a short coat. In winter, snow can clump around paws which can cause problems and salt on sidewalks should be avoided. During the warmer months, walk your dog in the shade or on grass to keep them from burning their paws.
Remember – NEVER, ever leave a dog in a hot car alone.

Traveling with your Dog

Sat, 25 Feb 2023 00:15:00 GMT

Traveling with your dog

There’s nothing better than time spent exploring new places or visiting loved ones near and far and taking your dog along for the journey, especially if you are properly prepared. With a bit of planning ahead to understand the rules together with a some travel preparation, you and your pet’s next trip will be a breeze.

Road Trips with your dog

Before jumping into a road trip with your dog it’s a good idea to plan ahead so you can keep your pet relaxed and comfortable the whole ride. For starters, if your dog hasn’t been on a long trip, go on a few short practice trips. You’ll want to end these mini drives with a fun outing like the dog park, so your dog builds a positive association with being in the car other than going to the vet. If your dog is still nervous around spending time in the car try some serious exercise just before departure. Then, plan your trip to include plenty of pit stops where your dog can get some exercise, be outside and use the bathroom. A good guideline to follow is taking a break every 2-3 hours.

Keep your dog entertained while you’re on the move by having toys or fun bones to chew during the trip. If your dog is prone to car sickness, consider feeding after the long drive or at least a few hours before getting in the car as traveling on an empty stomach might help them not get sick.

Flying with your dog

There are very specific guidelines for each airline about flying with pets so ensure to take a close look at what your carrier allows and requires. Before flying you might want to confer with your vet that vaccinations are up do date. And take a copy of all vaccinations with you. If your dog is small enough to ride in the cabin, make sure to have some distractions available to help keep your traveling companion relaxed and comfortable.
Before bringing your dog into an airport make sure that they are well trained and can behave properly in busy public settings. It likely won’t be a fun trip for your pet if they are highly anxious and still working on their public behavior, so you might want to spend some time before the trip to reinforce training.

Staying at hotels and property rentals with your dog

Luckily there are many hotels and rentals that allow dogs, sometimes for a small added pet fee. When traveling to hotels make sure your dog is comfortable and not excessively noisy. If your dog might not handle a hotel environment well, consider alternative options like a property rental. In most cases it is not a good idea to leave your dog unattended at a hotel or homestay as many dogs will be prone to excessive barking or damaging property when left alone in a completely unknown environment. When arriving at a rental or hotel room make sure to inspect the room or property for pet safety concerns like loose wires or poorly fenced in areas before letting your dog or puppy run around.

Crates can be useful for traveling with pets

A crate can be an excellent tool to help your dog during travel as it can serve as a safe place in a car or in a hotel room as well as help prevent them from doing damage to anything. When buying a crate for your pet make sure that it is large enough for them to stand and lie down in, has ventilation on both ends and is sturdy and well made. You will want to put a cushion or blankets inside to make it cozy and put toys or bones and water in there as well to keep them entertained and comfortable.

Exploring the National parks with your dog

Dogs are allowed in most National Parks but only in developed areas and each park will have its own special policy so make sure to double check before you go. In general, you can take your dog to parking and picnic areas, on the roads and to campgrounds but there might be restrictions regarding travel to the popular sites in the park or on hiking trails.
The general guidelines are that while in all National Parks your dog must remain on a leash under 6 feet long and can never be left unattended, even in the car.

Hiking with your dog

While some National Parks don’t allow you to travel on trails with your dog there are plenty of other wonderful hikes that are available no matter where you are traveling to. The key to hiking with your furry friend is always planning ahead and preparing! You wouldn’t go on a long hike alone without bringing plenty of food and water and your pet feels the same way so ensure plenty of drinking water and a bowl along with snacks and treats to keep them happy all the way there and back. Depending on when and where you are hiking, carry bear spray and maybe citronella spray as well.

At all times during your hike, you need a charged cell phone in case of emergencies so plan accordingly and bring a backup charger on longer hikes. Plan ahead for possible changes in weather or temperature changes if you are going to be ascending much terrain by packing some warm layers for yourself and your dog’s jacket too.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help from the professionals

If you are worried that your dog might not behave well while in public traveling, outdoors or wherever your trip takes you, you can always schedule some training sessions with the professional dog trainers at Breakthrough K9 Training. Our premier trainers are here to help you tackle dog training challenges that might be standing in the way of planning a fun trip with the whole family.

Tips for Keeping your Dog Safe During the Holidays

Wed, 23 Nov 2022 15:16:00 GMT

The holidays can be a wonderful and exciting time of year when our homes fill with family members and friends, tasty foods, interesting gifts and festive decorations but it is also an important time to stop and give some special attention to how we can keep our pets safe. By protecting your dog from certain potentially dangerous holiday-time risks you can fully enjoy the festivities with your pets and loved ones worry-free.

Decorations

One of the most festive parts of the holiday season is the variety of cozy decorations that we bring in to brighten up our homes. Decorations can be dangerous to our pets posing a tempting choking hazard or a possible risk of electrical shock. Make sure that your Christmas tree is well secured and won’t be easily knocked over if your pet chooses to climb on it. Keep an eye on your dog around the tree to ensure they aren’t interested in eating the evergreen needles or drinking the tree’s water which can be harmful if swallowed. Keep ornaments and decorations out of reach and don’t decorate the bottom of your Christmas tree where your pets will be able to get a hold of anything hanging. You can also put up a barrier around the tree, like mini-fencing.
When using extension cords for your decorations, be careful not to leave them somewhere your pet might be tempted to chew and inspect them closely, discarding any cords that are at all damaged. Your pet may also be tempted to chew on strings of lights or other cords for decorations so make sure to unplug these when you aren’t around. Never leave candles or fires unattended or left alone with your pets and be very careful not to arrange candles on low tables where a doggy tail might reach.

The Dangers of Gift Wrapping

Gift wrapping poses its own threat to dogs who get excited by shiny and crinkly things and who might enjoy exploring what it’s like to ingest them. Our favorite tinsel and curling ribbons can be dangerous to a dog’s stomach if eaten so be careful when using them this holiday season and dispose of them immediately as you never want to leave any lying around the house. Once your gifts are opened don’t leave small toys or batteries lying around and available for your pets to chew on. If a piece of ribbon suspiciously goes missing or you suspect your pet might have ingested something potentially dangerous consult your family vet immediately.

Decorative holiday plants

There are many special ornamental seasonal plants that we bring into our homes this time of year that could pose a threat to pets. Many of the typical holiday plants are toxic to dogs so do some research before bringing anything into the house. If you are going to have plants that you aren’t sure are safe to have around pets, just keep them in a safe place, out of reach or in an inaccessible part of your house where your dog does not have access to them. Amaryllis, holly and mistletoe are a few of the many holiday plants that pose a toxicity risk.

Holiday Foods

Just like us our pets are interested in all the festive treats that fill our houses this time of year so it is important to be careful to keep certain foods and treats well out of reach.

Most holiday foods in general should be kept away from your pets but pay special attention to desserts and anything in the kitchen that might cause a choking hazard. Chocolates – especially the darker varieties can be toxic to dogs so make sure to keep these away from your pets. Never give your dogs cooked chicken bones as they can easily splinter and give your pet serious internal issues. Be extra careful to take the trash out as pets can easily get into it and be endangered by what they find there, especially when disposing of bones.

If you are having a party be mindful of where your guests could potentially leave food that your dog might be able to get. Consider keeping your dog separate from the party festivities. If your dog gets into a potentially harmful food don’t hesitate to call your Vet.

Hosting Parties

If you are going to be hosting parties or receiving many visitors to your home this time of year your dog might feel some added stress. Make sure your dog has access to a private and quiet room or place they can go to escape the chaos of a party. If you know that your dog is especially nervous around visitors, you should consider putting a crate in a quiet room with some toys and snacks.
This can be an easy time for dogs to slip out the door unnoticed as many visitors are coming and going. It is always a good idea to keep a collar with a tag on your dog and even microchip just in case they should slip out.

Other Hazards

Other cold weather-related hazards to your pets are the chemicals used during the winter months like rock salt and antifreeze that contains ethylene. These can irritate a pet’s paws and become ingested when they lick themselves causing internal irritations so be careful of what you are using that your pet may become exposed to.

Enjoy a Safe and Fun Holiday Season

Just the simple increase in activity around your home during the holiday season can be stressful to your dog. The number of guests coming and going, new sights and smells within the house from decorations, meals and gifts and a change in the normal household routines can all cause extra anxiety for our beloved pets. Do your best to provide your dog with a safe and quiet space this time of year, limit their access to harmful decorations, foods or plants and you will be sure to have a cheerful holiday season free from pet emergencies.

Safety Tips for Introducing your Dog to your new Baby

Wed, 23 Mar 2022 15:58:00 GMT

We’ve all seen adorable videos of dogs becoming fast friends with newborns – playing with them or protecting them from vacuum cleaners – but how do we safely arrive at this happy place? Strategies for introducing your furry best friend to your newborn child is an often-overlooked topic but a crucial one. There are important steps you will want to take to make sure that your dog understands how to be around your baby safely, and that both your dog and your baby understand how to spend time together.

Your Baby Comes First

The first thing to establish is that your newborn baby is always your priority. It may seem obvious, but there are important ways to show this to your dog.

Let your dog see you showing love and affection to your newborn – holding the child, coddling, anything to “baby” your child.
Have at least one parent whose full attention is on the baby at all times in the room – if you are holding your child, this isn’t the time to also pet the dog.
There shouldn’t be any accidental interactions between your dog and your baby. This is an important time to maintain structure.

Creating Structure Around the Baby

Have a place command for your dog whenever the baby is out. This can be a pen, a pillow, or a pad – as long as the dog has a specific place to go and be when the baby is in the same room. The dog will know that he is expected to be in his place and won’t have to wonder what to be doing.
Always keep the baby physically higher than the dog to help establish hierarchy. If the baby is on the couch, make sure the dog stays on the floor.
It is important that your dog experiences the baby’s presence as a positive thing. Provide praise and rewards when the dog stays in her designated place and gently correct behavior if necessary.

Establishing Roles

Make sure that your baby and your dog always eat separately. is a great opportunity to add some structure to the routine. Most importantly, it prevents your dog from seeing the baby as competition for food.
Make sure that your baby and your dog always sleep separately. This reinforces the hierarchy you’re building.

Some Things to Avoid

Now that we’ve covered some ways to introduce your dog to your baby and create some structure, here are some things to avoid during the process:

Don’t bring your baby to your dog to smell.

Some folks think the dog needs to put its nose on or near the baby for a good sniff to become familiar and accept the new family member. In reality, a dog’s sense of smell is among the most powerful in the world, and can smell the baby from a mile away, let alone from the other side of a room. There is no need to introduce your baby to your dog this way, and it’s best to keep your baby above your dog as we discussed earlier.

Don’t let your baby annoy your dog.

Maintain your control of the relationship. If your baby begins to poke your dog or otherwise pester, gently correct your baby’s behavior – and make sure your dog sees you. This way, your dog will know that you will step in if something is bothering her, and that she doesn’t need to react. You’re in charge – don’t make your dog try to figure out how to react.

Don’t leave your baby alone with your dog.

No matter how much your dog loves your new baby, it’s not the time to leave them alone together. Your dog is relying on your leadership, make sure to allow time and comfort level between the two to grow, and for your baby to get a bit older before being alone with the dog.

At Breakthrough K9 training we know that well trained dogs are integral members of happy families and are more than capable of understanding that your new baby is deserving of the most special respect and love.

Basic Puppy Training

Tue, 02 Nov 2021 13:23:00 GMT

Puppies are cute, enthusiastic little sponges just waiting to soak up whatever social cues they can from anyone around them. Whether you are doing it consciously or not, you are training your puppy through all your actions and postures. The earlier you get started, and the more focus you put on developing positive habits, the better off you and your puppy will be.

The Very Beginning

The most important things to remember when you start training your new puppy are simplicity and consistency. Keep the focus on learning one command at a time and start with the basics, such as “come” and “stay.” Once you have decided on a command to work on, be consistent, clear, and, most of all, patient. Remember, puppies are learning an entirely new language, and it will take some time to get them to figure out what those commands mean.

Starting out, a good idea is to work on the commands in an environment that doesn’t have lots of distractions. The attention span of your pup is short so having a calm area in which to begin developing skills will help keep them focused.

Rewarding every time they correctly follow a command will reinforce good behavior as they begin to connect obeying the command with a reward. Rewards come in all forms – praise, high-value food, a toy, affection etc. We love praise because you always have that in your pocket ��

Moving Forward

Now that your new friend has started getting better with the command, it is time to start introducing some distractions. This is a great way to test their focus, and it will start to prepare them for good listening behavior in the real world.

If you’re working on the “come” command, for example, putting an obstacle between you and them before you call is a perfect next step. As they get better, the obstacle should become more pronounced, to the point of even putting you out of sight. As their ability grows even further, you can have that distraction be more animated and tricky such as another person trying to stop them from getting to you (although maybe not trying too hard!).

Consistency is Key

No matter what command you are teaching or how advanced your puppy, keeping a consistent training schedule and reward system is the best way to get the most out of the hard work. The more comfortable your puppy is with the routine, the more effective the training will be. While you don’t necessarily have to set an alarm clock for the exact same time every day, setting aside a certain amount of time for training every day will give your puppy a sense of comfort. This familiarity with the idea of training, makes it more effective.

Along with having a fairly regular training schedule, consistency with rewards is also crucial for their continued improvement. They should be rewarded immediately upon command fulfillment every time.

Training With the Pros

Basic puppy training can feel like a daunting task, especially if you are new to the idea. The good news is that the professionals at Breakthrough K9 Training are just a click away! Lenny and Stephanie have been training puppies in the Richmond VA area for over 10 years and have had hundreds of pups become well-trained and happy dogs through their tutelage. If you have any worries about training your new furry friend, give us a call at (804) 301-2836 today and see what the incredible benefits of professional training can look like for you!

Where does e-collar training fit in?

Thu, 04 Feb 2021 16:00:00 GMT

No training tool will magically turn your dog into a perfectly behaved pet for all occasions. If you’re even a little familiar with the Breakthrough K9 Training balanced approach, you’ll know that we always use the safest and most effective training tools, and that balanced training means both positive and corrective reinforcement.

At Breakthrough K9 Training, we use remote e-collars to get a dog’s attention and reinforce verbal commands during off-leash training, just as we use pressure from a prong collar during on-leash training.

What an e-collar does and does not do?

We use remote e-collars to get a dog’s attention, and we use the least possible amount of stimulus. A properly used remote e-collar does not deliver pain; that would be cruel and completely ineffective for training purposes. We teach dogs that they can turn the pressure off by completing our verbal commands.

The e-collars we use are adjustable from 1 (least stimulus) to 100 (most), and majority of dogs respond to a setting of 8 or lower – that’s something most humans wouldn’t even feel!

Assess the benefits of e-collars

Outside of the professional training environment, depending on your specific training goals, it may make sense to consider an e-collar to use for training sessions at home. Keep in mind that e-collars can bring greater consistency in training sessions but can also create a confused dog if not introduced properly and used in a consistent manner, so be sure to do your research first.
When used properly, there are numerous benefits, such as:

E-collars can help make sure a dog follows verbal commands when they are off-leash. If your dog is approaching a busy road, or maybe a porcupine, wouldn’t you like to know your dog will respond to your commands immediately?
E-collars can be used to make expectations and house rules very clear for your dog. In short order, a dog should learn that it is unacceptable to bark every time someone walks on the sidewalk in front of your home or when there’s another dog passing by out the window. If you don’t want your dog jumping on guests, counter surfing, or stealing the kids toys, e-collars can help establish clear boundaries for these negative behaviors too.
E-collars should make at home training sessions less time-consuming and more efficient and productive. When used properly, the collars focus a dog’s attention instantly, delivering the message faster.

Let us evaluate your dog

The dog experts at Breakthrough K9 Training would never promote e-collars for every dog – or even every owner. This would be like advocating the same physical fitness training program for every adult. Too many variables exist to make such a blanket statement.

What we do advocate is that you let us assess and evaluate your dog, and your challenges by talking with you about specific behavioral issues and answering your questions. One way or another – with or without an e-collar – you can count on one thing: a long-awaited breakthrough for your beloved dog.

Don’t play games with Aggressive Dogs

Wed, 01 Jul 2020 15:14:00 GMT

The post Don’t play games with Aggressive Dogs appeared first on Breakthrough K9 Training.

The Right Dog Will Complement Your Lifestyle

Fri, 03 Apr 2020 20:10:00 GMT

With so many of us staying at home, there’s been an increased interested in adding dogs to the family. Keeping in mind that life will resume and some dogs will be left alone during the day, picking the right dog is more important than ever.

For some people, it’s love at first sight. Falling in love with a puppy or a rescued adult dog is an emotional reaction, but logic and good sense must enter the mix at some point – and preferably well before you spend your energy and a small fortune on food, toys and training.

Take it from the experts at Breakthrough K9 Training: no matter the emotional connection, it’s worth making sure the breed of dog matches up with your lifestyle and expectations. The best way to avoid disaster is to invest the time in researching dog breeds BEFORE you decide to bring in a new member of your family.

Why does the right dog matter?

It’s easy to fall in love with almost any puppy or dog in need of rescue. But if taking the next step is a purely emotional decision, then turmoil and bigtime stress is likely to follow. For example, if you like long daily walks then you’ll do fine with a dog breed that needs lots of exercise but that same dog will exhibit behavior problems and cause big problems if confined indoors.

Dog breeds featured in popular culture tend to be common choices regardless of how appropriate they may be for a given situation. Belgian Malinois and Dutch Shepherd are popular even though they are intensely driven and bred specifically for police/military style structure. These breeds in a family setting can become a liability. It’s also sad for those dogs as they are not getting to do the work they were bred to do, which leaves an insanely bored dog which leads to pent up energy which leads to destructive or aggressive behaviors.

You might become smitten with a high-energy fuzzball – only to find later that that same puppy grows into a high-energy adult in need of a constant outlet for that energy to not become destructive. Conversely, you could fall for a quiet puppy assuming it would be great with small children – only to learn that as an adult, the dog is not playful at all, preferring its own company rather than the kids’.

Doing your homework will pay dividends

The dog behavior experts at Breakthrough K9 Training encourage you to take your time to get yourself and your family the right dog breed and help ensure a long and harmonious relationship. Not only will everyone be happier (including the dog) but the right dog will be easier to train and enjoy.

With over 200 dog breeds to choose from and unlimited mixed breeds, the right dog is definitely out there for you. All you need to do is ask yourself some direct questions – and, more important, supply some honest answers. This will help guide you to the dog that will be best suited to your personality and lifestyle:

Why do you want a dog? For companionship? As a “playmate” for children? For home security?
Do you want a dog whose activity level matches your own – or maybe one that will challenge you to keep up with him?
Does the intelligence quotient of a puppy matter to you? (Keep in mind that in general, the smarter a puppy is, the easier he will be to train.)
How big of a dog are your comfortable sharing your home with?
How much experience do you already have taking care of dogs?
How much time do you have to devote to training a puppy?
How much time do you spend at home?
How big is your home and yard?
Does anyone in your home have dog allergies or reactions to pet dander?

Home in on a suitable breed

All dogs are unique and there’s no guarantee of an individual’s personality, but each breed does come with clear tendencies. Fortunately, it’s not hard to identify the pros and cons of different breeds. Do your research. Pick a good match. And fall in love with a new member of your family.

Why Is My Dog Aggressive?

Mon, 03 Jun 2019 20:21:00 GMT

It may help you to know two things from the get-go: Your dog is not the only aggressive one on four legs. As badly as he may behave and as embarrassed as he may make you feel, plenty of dog owners share your predicament.

This knowledge may provide some temporary relief, but there’s something else that can bring about the long-term change that will restore real peace to your life: The understanding that aggression is treatable with behavioral modification – and the experts at Breakthrough K9 Training are uniquely qualified to provide it.

You Know the Signs of Aggression

Like many pet owners, you probably see good qualities in your pet – beyond aggression. In fact, you may be the only one who sees these qualities. So, you’ve probably been struggling to deal with your dog’s aggression on your own for some time.

Understanding some common signs of aggression and the most common causes of dog aggression are the first steps you can take in successful rehabilitation.
Your dog may exhibit one or more of these aggressive signs:

Baring teeth
Biting, ranging from snipping to puncturing
Growling
Lashing out when placed on a leash
Pinning ears back
Snarling
Stiffening the back

Triggers Flip a Dog’s Aggressive “Switch”

Dogs rarely act out for no reason. Like people, they usually respond to some sort of trigger or stressor. With dogs, the triggers can be:

A need to establish dominance
Fear
Pain or illness
Protection of his possessions or territory (resource guarding)

You May Recognize the Most Common Types of Dog Aggression

These triggers manifest themselves in various types of aggression. The six most common forms include:

Fear aggression, which, unlike other types of aggression, is rarely preceded by any warning signs. This is because the behavior is often connected to a trauma in the dog’s past. Similar to people, dogs face a flight or fight response – and many choose to “fight” by being aggressive.
Frustration aggression, which surfaces when a dog is forced to do something he doesn’t like, such as being pulled back by the collar or forced into a cage.
Leash aggression, or when a dog begins barking, biting or lunging as soon as he is put on a leash. This can be a particularly frustrating type of aggression, especially if the dog is calm immediately before seeing the leash. Clearly, this dog does not like being restrained. But it also is often the easiest type of aggression to correct.
Pain-triggered aggression, which is easiest to diagnose if it comes out of the blue. Illness, discomfort or pain supply a justification for why a normally good-natured dog would act out.
Resource Guarding, which centers on a dog’s fixation on his food, toys or favorite resting place. In the same way, territorial dogs can act out if intruders invade their turf. They can be possessive about their territory.
Social aggression, which is most prevalent in households with multiple dogs but sometimes multiple cats or other pets. Animals seem to work out boundaries on their own, but a dominant dog will remind others in the pack who’s the boss.

You Can Count on Breakthrough K9 Training

As your gut instinct has probably told you, aggression of any type is a serious problem. As much as you may hope against hope, you know it’s one your dog will not “grow out of” on his own. We know you love your dog. And we both know you need professional help that combines the very best in skill and compassion – the kind you’ll find at Breakthrough K9 Training.