Dog training classes in San Antonio will really help your pooch to learn how to be the best dog and best friend you can have. While you might think that training your dog on your own works, and it might, it is better to have the help of a professional who can show you how to be consistent and to help your pup learn all the basic commands he or she needs to learn to develop other skills over the years.

Benefits of Dog Training Classes

One of the most important things about dog training classes in San Antonio is the opportunities your pup gets as a result of being signed up for these classes. Your dog will be able to socialize with other dogs of all different sizes, different people, and it will provide the dog an opportunity to adjust to a new and different place. The dog trainer will know how to handle all of these socialization skills and can teach you what you need to be able to be successful around other pets or people.

Another important thing that your puppies can learn in dog training classes in San Antonio is how to form a relationship with you, the owner. Whether you’ve purchased a puppy when it was old enough to be on its own or you got a pup from a local shelter, you will want to create a good relationship and bond with your pet, because he or she will be more likely to listen to you and be loyal. Dog training classes are attended by both the dog and his or her owner, so this way, you will be able to learn how to apply the commands you learn and and practice them on your pet.

For more tips on Dog Training Classes in San Antonio keep reading…

Remember all of these should be fun for both you and the dog so keep your voice light and happy and enjoy your dog and all the new interactions you have with him.  Also, for a list of my group San Antonio Dog Training classes click here or give me a call at 830.981.5003.

In the meantime grab Marlene’s FREE “Well Behaved Dog Training Tips” report by entering in your contact information in the form to the right and she will send you this valuable tool with NO questions asked. Get great info about San Antonio Dog Training as well as Puppy Training .

San Antonio Dog Training at it’s best

The Benefits of Dog Training

When you get a new puppy or adopt a dog, there are more benefits to training your pet than you realize. An untrained dog or puppy becomes an unruly member of the family and may try to claim its dominance in the home. Dogs are pack animals and without obedience, structure and training will demand their leadership in the home instead of the other way around. Dog training in San Antonio stresses the importance of training your dog.

Training your dog is a way to nurture a healthy relationship between canine and human in the home and in society. It builds a better communication and rapport between you and your pet. The best training techniques work on positive reinforcement rather than punishment. Results are much more achievable when the dog or puppy knows they will get a reward for doing so. After all, most dogs have a strong will to please their humans and are delighted when they know they have performed appropriate behavior.

A well-trained dog is a joy to be around rather than one that jumps on strangers, chews excessively to the point of destruction, ignores commands and good behaviors, pulls when being walked and just follows its own lead rather than that of its owner. A behaved dog is easier to live with and visiting the home of that dog is a much more pleasant experience.

Dog training in San Antonio instills values and good conduct in your dog or puppy in a positive manner. A training session that is both fun and rewarding for both you and your dog reaps better rewards. To encourage appropriate behavior during training, a dog most often will work its hardest for a food treat which most trainers use for best results.

The best gift you can give your new dog or puppy is obedience classes. Dog training in San Antonio teaches basic commands for good behavior such as “sit,” “stay,” “down,” and “heel.” Further lessons may include teaching the dog not to jump on people, to drop an object on command as well as leisurely, controlled walking on a leash. Another huge benefit in professional training is the socialization that the dog gets around other animals and people, so important for a dog with a friendly demeanor and less anxieties about those around them.

Training and socializing can also help the shy and reserved pup to come out of its shell and build its confidence along with social skills. All dogs train at different paces and require a great deal of patience and consistency for a happy, healthy, well-mannered dog.

For more San Antonio dog training tips keep reading…

Remember all of these should be fun for both you and the dog so keep your voice light and happy and enjoy your dog and all the new interactions you have with him.  Also, for a list of my group San Antonio Dog Obedience classes click here or give me a call at 830.981.5003.

In the meantime grab Marlene’s FREE “Well Behaved Dog Training Tips” report by entering in your contact information in the form to the right and she will send you this valuable tool with NO questions asked. Get great info about San Antonio Dog Training as well as Puppy Training .

San Antonio Dog Training at it’s best

For those with new dogs or puppies, the importance of dog training cannot be stressed enough. It is neither dangerous to the dog, nor will if destroy the owner-pet relationship. Many people forgo any type of training so as not to stress out their pet, believing it will break their spirit. This can be a terrible mistake. It is important to remember that dog training does not affect the bond in a negative way but can instead forge an even deeper relationship that the dog can find helpful. As with children, the importance of setting boundaries with dogs can actually make them feel safer and loved.

The Importance of Dog Training

San Antonio dog owners looking for formal obedience training for their pets will look for the best training atmosphere. Effective dog trainers will focus on the nurturing aspect of training, an aspect that ensures the best communication between the dog and owner. The result can be amazing. A dog that might have been completely anti-social, bordering on dangerous, instead can be controlled in a gentle way that reassures the pet that all is right with the world.

Dog training in San Antonio gives the owner an option that would not be available otherwise: the option of leaving the dog out of its crate. A well trained dog can be trusted when guests come to visit. Annoying barking can be a problem of the past. The owner-dog relationship can move to new levels of trust and love that can include outsiders as well.

Dogs that snarl and growl are not cute. If anything, they can instill fear in a stranger, increasing the odds of a violent meeting and subsequently a lawsuit. Dog owners should never let a training opportunity pass by. Some dogs might need more than one training class to understand the message of good behavior. San Antonio dog trainers know what’s needed in a dog’s training regimen. They can also be on hand to watch the dog’s behavior and make suggestions for alternative commands to reach the desired performance.

There is no reason for a dog to not be polite in almost any given circumstance. Dogs that perform heroic acts never seem to be vicious animals afterwards. In fact, a well-trained dog is just the type to go out and prove how much their dog training made a difference in what they can do. While most owners are not interested in the extreme performance their dog might give, the positive benefits cannot be denied. San Antonio dog trainers can help dog owners get the best results.

For more San Antonio dog training tips keep reading…

Remember all of these should be fun for both you and the dog so keep your voice light and happy and enjoy your dog and all the new interactions you have with him.  Also, for a list of my group San Antonio Dog Obedience classes click here or give me a call at 830.981.5003.

In the meantime grab Marlene’s FREE “Well Behaved Dog Training Tips” report by entering in your contact information in the form to the right and she will send you this valuable tool with NO questions asked. Get great info about San Antonio Dog Training as well as Puppy Training .

San Antonio Dog Training at it’s best

A new dog owner who is concerned about raising a healthy, happy pet in San Antonio may tend to focus on the basics of survival. The owner makes sure to provide the dog with proper nutrition and water, sufficient exercise through daily walks and playtime and regular visits to the vet, while ignoring the benefits of dog training classes. Whether the dog is a six-month old Cocker Spaniel or a five-year-old Golden Retriever, all canines have the potential to do better after going to obedience school.

Getting Ready for Dog Training Classes

It’s important to use a professional trainer to help you raise your dog or new puppy. Ask your friends, family members or colleagues at work for recommendations to help you find suitable dog-training classes in San Antonio. You may also meet dog owners while out for a walk or when playing with your dog at a park. If someone’s dog seems well behaved, you can ask who the trainer is. Your vet or local obedience-training club may also be a good source to help you find a professional trainer. Finally, you can turn to social networking sites to ask your online friends for advice about training your dog.

Make sure that you check the credentials of your prospective dog trainer. Ask whether the trainer is nationally certified with the Certification Counsel for Professional Dog Trainers. Find out if he or she belongs to the Association of Pet Dog Trainers or the National Association of Dog Obedience Instructors. Ask the trainer about how much experience he or she has, and see if you can verify this information.

Your dog trainer may ask you to bring in some favorite treats to use as rewards to help motivate your dog during each class. Some trainers like to use a clicker, which is a small device to make a sound during training—you can even use a clickable pen. You will also likely be told to wear comfortable shoes with flat heels, such as tennis shoes, and clothing that is suitable for indoor and outdoor training exercises in San Antonio.

No two dog training classes are alike. They vary according to the needs of the dogs and owners and the style of the trainer. Your trainer may use lure-reward training, in which he or she encourages your dog to move into the right position with the lure of a hand-held treat. A trainer may also move the dog into the desired location and position while offering verbal praise or a treat. Another method relies on using a sound, word, or a clicker to indicate the exact moment when the dog is behaving correctly.

After you participate in some initial dog training classes, you are sure to see the benefits that a professional trainer can provide to you and your canine companion.

For more Dog Training Classes tips keep reading…

Remember all of these should be fun for both you and the dog so keep your voice light and happy and enjoy your dog and all the new interactions you have with him.  Also, for a list of my group San Antonio Dog Obedience classes click here or give me a call at 830.981.5003.

In the meantime grab Marlene’s FREE “Well Behaved Dog Training Tips” report by entering in your contact information in the form to the right and she will send you this valuable tool with NO questions asked. Get great info about Dog Training Classes in San Antonio as well as Puppy Training .

San Antonio Dog Training at it’s best

Does your dog annoy the neighbors by barking all night long? Are you uncomfortable taking your dog for a walk in beautiful San Antonio because of your pet’s inability to get along with other dogs? Perhaps you enjoy the companionship of your dog but find it impossible to have company over without isolating your furry best friend.

Your animal may be indicating that it is time to find dog training classes. Here in San Antonio, these training classes are the ideal way to help your dog learn proper socialization techniques.

Many pet owners resist formal dog training for various reasons. If a new puppy at home is wreaking havoc in the house, owners may think the little guy will soon grow out of the unwanted behavior. Unfortunately, if undisciplined, young dogs grow up into misbehaving adults who often have to be locked up in order to keep them from harming other animals or even humans. Early training helps puppies grow into good citizens so owners can avoid taking radical steps to correct adult behaviors that rage out of control.

There’s no shame in asking for help when it comes to Dog Training

Other San Antonio residents find it embarrassing to admit they need professional assistance with their animals. There is no shame in asking for help. In truth, you can’t know what to do until someone teaches you. Professional dog training classes will help you be a better companion to your dog. Already the bond between the two of you is strong. Why not strengthen it further by learning skills that will improve all aspects of your life together?

Dog training classes are as much for pet owners as they are for dogs. Learning basic commands and experiencing a positive response from your pet boosts your confidence and pride as a pet owner. As your dog senses your new found pride in her behavior, she will respond with greater loyalty and affection.

When you make a close friend, you should have the opportunity to spend time with that friend. Helping your best animal friend develop society-friendly behaviors increases the opportunities you will have to spend time with your dog. On your own, teaching simple commands and behaviors to your pet can be frustrating and time consuming, but with expert assistance through dog training classes, you can help your dog become the pride of San Antonio.

There is nothing better than the opportunity to walk through the streets and beautiful parks of our fair city with a faithful dog at your side. Let us help you make this dream a reality.

For more San Antonio dog training tips keep reading…

Remember all of these should be fun for both you and the dog so keep your voice light and happy and enjoy your dog and all the new interactions you have with him.  Also, for a list of my group San Antonio Dog Obedience classes click here or give me a call at 830.981.5003.

In the meantime grab Marlene’s FREE “Well Behaved Dog Training Tips” report by entering in your contact information in the form to the right and she will send you this valuable tool with NO questions asked. Get great info about San Antonio Dog Training as well as Puppy Training .

San Antonio Dog Training at it’s best

As any San Antonio dog training company, big or small, would inform their prospective clients, pets become more loveable when they are well-behaved. They are also healthier and happier because they do not get into things that might make them sick, do not fight with other dogs, and generally ignore what might cause them harm. A well-trained dog does not hurt others, even accidentally by jumping up on them, nor does it bite or misbehave at the veterinarian.

Dog Training at Home

Training a dog at home can be done; however, each dog may behave differently according to their circumstances and their owner’s personality. When the owner has questions, who can they turn to when they are on their own? Dog training through a San Antonio professional means the pet learns from an experienced individual who has seen many scenarios and doggy personalities and knows how to deal with them. They can also instruct the dog owner how to handle their dogs so that problems do not occur once the animal leaves the trainer’s influence.

Proper dog training does not teach a pet to do tricks, though advanced obedience courses allow for that option. Basic obedience training includes the commands “sit,” “stay,” “lie down,” and “come.” It also teaches the dog to walk on a leash, which is a necessity in San Antonio due to the city’s leash laws. Other training commands that would benefit a dog that a professional can teach them are “off” for keeping them from jumping up on people, “fetch” for dogs who like to play, and “stand-stay” for times when the dog needs to remain on its feet and not move (like bath time).

Some owners may feel that teaching a dog how to do these things is an expense or chore. Others may feel that the dogs are part of the family and therefore treat them like children instead of pets. Regardless of the reasoning, not training a dog even in the basics is irresponsible and even detrimental to the creature’s health and well-being. This is because training allows the dog to get a mental workout as it sees the owner as its natural leader. Mental stimulation via dog training helps keep away boredom, which can destroy yards and décor unnecessarily, and potty-training from an early age is a must. Having a dog that knows its owner means business when the command “come” is given can even save it’s life. Plus, walking and jogging with a dog can help better an owner’s health. The benefits are many.

For more San Antonio dog training tips keep reading…

Remember all of these should be fun for both you and the dog so keep your voice light and happy and enjoy your dog and all the new interactions you have with him.  Also, for a list of my group San Antonio Dog Obedience classes click here or give me a call at 830.981.5003.

In the meantime grab Marlene’s FREE “Well Behaved Dog Training Tips” report by entering in your contact information in the form to the right and she will send you this valuable tool with NO questions asked. Get great info about San Antonio Dog Training as well as Puppy Training .

San Antonio Dog Training at it’s best

My beautiful “Sizzle” died on October 22, 2011 peacefully at home in our bedroom. She was only nine years old. She was diagnosed in late September with hermangiosarcoma, cancer of the blood vessel cells. She had a large tu-mor on her heart and masses in her lungs, spleen, liver and abdomen. She was given three to five days to live. It took me a day to get off the floor. Then we had many tests run and went to several specialists. The oncologist’s answer: my dog is going to die….how can this be? My whole life was planned around Sizzle living to be fifteen.

I’m sure you have heard Tim McGraw’s country song, “Live like you were dying”…well that’s what we did the pre-cious last weeks. She would wake up every day with our morning ritual of her laying across me licking my face. “What should we do today….? Whatever Sizzle wants to do!! Mommy will worry about making a living next month.”

Sizzle

Sizzle was my best friend, my daughter, my confidant and my sleeping partner. She was my joy, a huge part of the abundant life that I have been blessed with. Why did I have to lose her? I do understand this from a spiritual stand-point…but on the other hand sometime life just sucks. I have had some anger over this loss, but never a moment that I wasn’t grateful for the great gift she was to my life. Many people go their entire lives and never experience what I had with this beautiful living being.

I wanted a dog with some spunk, so I got an Australian Shepherd! I also wanted an agile creature. “Be careful what you wish for”. I soon realized she had more spunk than me. Sizzle competed in Conformation, Agility and Obedience. She taught me a lot and we worked well as a team.

My Sizzle was there for me more than any dog that I ever had. When things were bad, she was by my side…my rock….the positive influence in my life. When things were good, she was happy to cheer me on and take what I had left to give. We always joked that “Mommy used all her energy on the paying dogs”.

As a Therapy Dog, Sizzle was outstanding. She wasn’t a retriever, she was herself and it served her well. This is probably a life lesson. She made the day for many people in nursing homes and a Rehab hospital where we went to visit. I’m also confident in saying that she changed a few lives. A brain injured college student that spoke his first words during a session with Sizzle, a patient that refused to walk – but changed his attitude when he could walk with Sizzle. A lady that had given up until Sizzle crawled in bed with her and made her laugh until she cried. She had this cute behavior she would do with Rehab patients….they would be reaching for her toy…she would pick it up and put it about three inches away. Everyone would laugh and she would wiggle all over….making the patient work a little harder. I got the hugs and the Thanks You’s…but Sizzle did what she did because she could feel. She just knew what each person needed.

Will I get another dog? YES! I feel very strongly about the old saying: “It is better to have loved and lost, than never to have loved at all!” My heart is broken over this huge loss, but I promised Sizzle that I will be okay and I will get another dog. I haven’t been dog less since 1974.

A special “Thanks” goes out to Stevie Ricks, my friend, neighbor, and Homeopathic Practitioner. She worked with Sizzle giving her remedies for her symptoms. There is not a question in my mind this is the reason she lived as long as she did and that her quality of life was good until the very end. I know who will be at my side when I die.

Sizzle…Thanks for making my life complete…these memories will last a lifetime. It has been a privilege and an honor to call myself your MOM! Tell Beau, Willey, Ester and Maynard – I still love them and – all of you are to wait for me at the Rainbow Bridge.

Marlene

San Antonio Dog Training at it’s best

Our toy of the month is a Bungee rope toy. It is a very exciting interactive toy that is so fun you can even use it as a reward in training. There are many shapes and many different brands you can buy, however most will consist of a rubber body, sometimes with a squeaker attached to a bungee cord covered in fairly chew resistant material. Some will even be airtight so the toy can float.

As San Antonio dog trainer I am a very big fan of the bungee, because it has plenty of "give". It allows your dog to tug and bounce while it protects your arms and body from the shock of his powerful pull.

Since most are not necessarily super resistant to chewing, this is one of those toys that usually only comes out for interactions with you. This makes it a very high value toy, which is why you can use it as a reward during training. I use it a lot when teaching dogs loose leash walking as it makes for a wonderful break from the rigidity of the exercise. I’ve also seen similar toys used at agility trials to get the dogs focused on their handlers and pumped up for their run.

As always it is important to teach the dog the rules of the game, since we will have the dog grabbing something from our hands they need to know that we are looking for an accurate and gentle grasp. Begin with a pocket full of delicious treats (hotdogs, cheese, freeze dried liver) and the toy. Offer your dog the toy and the second he puts his mouth around the toy “click” and offer a treat, make sure you are holding on to the toy. Notice how we are teaching both “Take it” and “drop” at the same time. Since the second he grabs it you offer a treat, he should automatically drop the toy to get the treat. Once you do this a few times in a row you are ready to introduce the cues. Say “take it” and offer the toy, when he does, instead of feeding straight away start playing tug or bounce by wiggling and moving the toy up and down and side to side. After a bit ask your dog to “drop” it and stop moving your arms so the toy is not moving anymore. If you have to, grab a treat and offer it to your dog, as he opens his mouth “click” and feed him the treat. In many cases once they understand the game you won’t need a treat anymore, you can just ask him to “take it” and start the tugging again. A little variation to the game is have your dog fetch the toy so after he drops it you toss it and then brings it back for more tugging.

Use the Bungee Rope Toy In conjunction with your training says San Antonio Dog Trainer Marlene Ring

Always end the game before your dog gets bored. I will usually have a treat for the last ”drop” you ask of your dog so he gets a fair exchange.

Once your dog does well with this you can start asking for more complicated versions of the game where maybe he has to sit and wait even if the toy is dangling close to his face, or toss the toy and have him wait until you ask him to go get it. If at any point your dog tries to just grab it out of your hand the game is over and the toy gets put away, same thing if he bites down on your hand, even if it is accidental. You can try again after about an hour.

When you take the toy out on a walk you want the dog to focus on walking first and after a few feet of walking politely you let him tug for a bit, then “drop” and keep walking, you can hide the toy under your shirt if he is too focused on the toy.

For more San Antonio dog trainer tips keep reading…

Remember all of these should be fun for both you and the dog so keep your voice light and happy and enjoy your dog and all the new interactions you have with him.  Also, for a list of my group San Antonio Dog Obedience classes click here or give me a call at 830.981.5003.

In the meantime grab Marlene’s FREE “Well Behaved Dog Training Tips” report by entering in your contact information in the form to the right and she will send you this valuable tool with NO questions asked. Get great info about San Antonio Dog Training as well as Puppy Training .

San Antonio Dog Training at it’s best

How To Deal With Pet Loss And Grief Is A Part San Antonio Dog Training

The 5 Stages Of Grief

Stage 1. DENIAL/ SHOCK:  

How could this be true?!   My dog has three to five days to live?!  She was fine yesterday!  I got a referral to the specialty clinic…as I couldn’t accept this diagnosis.  After many tests..the oncologist said that my dog was going to die.

I was in shock!! I’m going to lose my perfect dog….I just couldn’t  believe it.

Stage 2. GUILT:

If only…this is guilt talking.  Maybe if I had fed Sizzle a raw diet….maybe if I had noticed something health wise and taken her to the doctor early…chemo may have been an option.  Maybe she would have lived. If I would have stayed in contact with my breeder…maybe she would have told me that cancer was appearing in other dogs in my litter.

Stage 3. ANGER/ BLAME:

I was angry!!  How could this happen to me?!  I’m a good person, I pay taxes, I volunteer in my community, I work hard, I’m good to others.  I do not deserve to lose my dog!  She is a therapy dog, she helps people…why does she need to die?

I even pulled over to the side of the road and screamed…"It’s not Fair!"

Stage 4. DEPRESSION:

In this stage there is sadness, a feeling of being helpless and hopeless.  This stage happened for me as the days went by…it was the thinking..is today going to be the day she dies?  Ultimately  Sizzle lived for three and a half weeks after being diagnosed.

Stage 5. ACCEPTANCE:

This is the final stage.  It is accepting the loss and coming to terms with the great life you had with this wonderful dog.

Every person deals with the loss of their pet in a different way. Not everyone goes through all these stages.  Just about the time you think you are in the acceptance stage, you may flow back into one of the other stages…this is all normal.

One of the greatest healers of grief is time.  But you must allow yourself to grieve. It’s okay to feel how you feel…cry, scream, yell, get angry, be depressed and be sad.

A SUPPORT SYSTEM:  As a San Antonio dog trainer I have a wonderful support system.  I have friends and clients that have been there and understand.  If you don’t have a support system, find one.  You can talk to your veterinarian, an understanding friend,  a pet loss support group, or get one-on-one therapy.  You can even call me…I get it!

Rituals can help during the grief process.  Memorial Services, Burials, or placing the ashes in a certain place, donations in your pet’s name.  My ritual is that I write a tribute about my dog and include the information on that dog’s death.  I will be uploading my tribute on this website if you would like to read it, so please stay tuned.   It is personal, but I feel that this is a subject that needs to be shared with others not only to aid you with your loss, but as part of my grieving process and coming to terms with the loss of my angel Sizzle.

In Loving Memory

"Sizzle"

If you want to learn more about our San Antonio Dog Training program, be sure to call a top dog trainer in San Antonio.  Please give Marlene a call at 830.981.5003.  (and for some other tips be sure to check out our blog)

In the meantime grab her FREE “Well Behaved Dog Training Tips” report by entering in your contact information in the form to the right and she will send you this valuable tool with NO questions asked. Get great info about San Antonio Puppy Training as well as Adult Dog Training .

Marlene Ring ~ San Antonio Dog Training Expert