Your San Antonio Dog Trainer Has Some Christmas Safety Tips For Your Canine

San Antonio Dog Trainer Has Some Great Safety Tips For Your Dog

I love Christmas!!  And my home is decorated to the "MAX" for the Holidays!!

The big QUESTION is:  Is my house safe for my dogs? Dogs are fascinated by the smells and textures of all the new things that are now appearing all over the house.  This is normal curiosity.

 

Make sure your tree is in a sturdy stand and attach it to a window or wall with a clear string.  I say this because many years ago I had an adolescent Golden Retriever who pulled the Christmas tree over onto himself.  At this point I wasn’t concerned about many broken ornaments…my concern was my wonderful dog being traumatized.  He was fine, he moved very quickly and was only hit by part of the tree.  It happens….so be prepared. 

Do you think ornamental Christmas tree balls look inticing to your retriever?  Yes, they do! The problem is the dog ingesting it, and ingesting things like ribbons, gift wrap, tree lights, or even chewing on those extra electrical cords we have everywhere during the holidays.

Remember one emergency trip to the veterinarian can ruin the Holiday Fun!

**Stay away from decorating with candy canes, pop corn or cranberry garlands on the tree.  The smells are just too tempting to your dog.

**Leave the leftovers for the humans says your San Antonio Dog Trainer**

Rich fatty foods can cause stomach problems for your dog.  Caution guests about feeding your dog scraps from the table.  Also don’t let Fido eat every treat or gift on the same day.  Save some until later.

Management.  Use a baby gate to keep your dogs out of the Christmas room when not being supervised, or put your dog in a crate.  Another idea is to put a play pen fence around the tree.

Holidays can be hectic, don’t forget to relax and spend quality time with your dog.

Keep your local veterinary emergency room phone number handy with driving directions to the location.  Be prepared…just in case.

 

If you want to learn more about our San Antonio Puppy Training, 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 Trainer

 

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Dog Behavior & Training From Your San Antonio Dog Training Expert

Paw-sitive Dog Training & Behavior From Your San Antonio Dog Training Expert

Your dog may like to watch TV with you, but he’s a wild playful animal at heart.  He has many instincts and drives that make up his personality. After some practice one can learn to use these behaviors to their benefit when training a puppy. One of the most crucial dog behaviors for training would be body language.  So please pay close attention and check out the message from your San Antonio Dog training expert Marlene Ring.

san antonio dog training

 

San Antonio Dog Training expert, Marlene Ring, and her Philosophy on Body Language and Paws-itive Training

When you bring a new dog or puppy into your home, it is my philosophy that this dog becomes part of your family unit.
In the structure of the  family there is no changing hierarchy. A father will always be the ‘dad’, a mother will always be ‘mom’, and the children will not supercede either mom or dad. In fact, everyone’s roles and expectations are well defined with boundaries that are enforced and respected by all.  This brings me to my second point in my perspective of paws-itive training: body language.

Dog body language. Because your dog can’t carry on a verbal conversation, the simplest way to familiarize yourself with him is to listen with your eyes. Your four-legged companion talks to you all the time through dog mannerisms, also known as body language. Sometimes it’s clear what your puppy really wants to say, like when he wags his tail to greet you or barks when there’s danger. But much of your dog’s body language may go unnoticed if you don’t pay attention.

Here are some tips as a San Antonio Dog Training Expert, I recommend in dog training on how you can utilize this philosophy.

The paws-itive training and body language should play an integral part of your puppy training exercises.

First, YOU should always be ‘mom’ or ‘dad’. Your puppy has a natural desire to follow who they perceive as such, so if you assume the position he’ll be ready to listen and take directions during training. Being a ‘mom’ or ‘dad’ to your puppy doesn’t mean you have to coddle and fuss over your dog, it simply means you need to be the guidance and encouragement in their training, and to establish boundaries and alternate means of obtaining and maintaining your dog’s attention. It is very similar to a teacher in school, where they grasp the attention of the student without any harsh means and keep that focus through fun learning exercises.

Second, use your body language consciously to coach your dog. Express what you want your dog to do both using your voice and your body. When you give your dog a training command use gestures and feel confident. When you reward your dog smile and allow your excitement to flow. 90 % of communication is nonverbal, whether it’s with others or with your dog, so learn how to make use of your presence effectively. If you find it tough expressing yourself, try to mimic the movements of a teacher or a school coach you admire or someone you’ve seen at work with the attitude you need. With a little bit of practice it’ll become second nature.

Third, learn how to read your dog’s body language. Like people, every dog learns differently. The more you understand your dog’s body language (is he frustrated? bored?) the easier it’ll be to train him in a way that works best for him.

When you work with your dog’s natural behaviors and use body language with a family style structure, you start to communicate with your dog in a fashion that he understands. That’s part of the art of dog training.

 

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

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

 

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San Antonio Puppy Training Lesson- Puppy Proofing Your Home

San Antonio Puppy Training Lesson – Puppy Proofing Your Home

san antonio puppy trainingBefore a new puppy ever crosses the threshold of your home, you want to make certain your home and yard are "puppy proof". In every area that’s accessible to a puppy, get near the ground and take a look around. Put things that are unsafe or off-limits out of reach, and check for objects that may be invitingly chewable. The following are specific factors to consider whenever you "puppy proof" your home.

Check some of the tips we’ve listed below in our San Antonio puppy training lesson

 

 

 

Around The House

An important first step from our San Antonio Puppy Training Lesson…
Put away floor plants, decorations, shoes, and clothing – Keep loose articles up off the floor. You may think it’s cute to watch your new puppy chewing on an old shoe, however it won’t be funny when he/she grabs a new one. He doesn’t understand the difference, so don’t establish undesirable habits.

Secure tablecloths, runners, or other hanging material – A quick pull on one of these may bring everything from the table down on your puppy. Tape, tack them down or remove them altogether.

Remove objects on your coffee tables, end tables, and low furniture – Puppies can and will put their paws on things until they’re properly trained. Make sure there’s nothing dangerous that they can knock over.

Put away anything breakable, especially if it’s at tail level –
Tails wag resulting in expensive things getting broken. Make sure that Ming vase is way up high or you may find it in pieces.

Secure cupboards and secure hazardous materials – This includes stowing cleaning products, medications, paint products, and whatever could be poisonous to your puppy.

Secure phone wires and electric cords – You can wrap them in plastic sheathing or pvc tubing.

Have children store toys with their parts or accessories – If the item is smaller than your puppy, it ought to be removed. Keeping your new puppy safe is a great incentive for kids to clean up after themselves.

Protect anything made of wood including table and chair legs – A puppy knows instinctively that wood is good for chewing. Use thick plastic sheeting or pvc tubing to hide chair and table legs.

Check every nook and cranny for dangerous items – For example under and behind furniture and tables or any other dark place a puppy would love to go.

 

In The Yard

More  important rules to follow from our San Antonio Puppy Training Lesson...

Clean up the yard – Store garden hoses, tools, and plastic toys. Try to find anything your puppy can fall into or put in his mouth and secure it somewhere safe.

Block access to the pool as well as other hazardous areas
– Fence off any area you don’t want your puppy to be in and make certain he/she can’t squeeze through the grating. Even dog breds that are known to be good swimmers can drown in a pool if they don’t know where the steps are to get out.

Put away chemicals and potential poisons – For example lawn fertilizers, insecticides, and paint products.

Check fencing for escape routes – Make sure there’s nowhere for your puppy to crawl under. Pay attention to gaps around gates and fence sections and make certain your puppy can’t get his/her head stuck in them.

Making the effort to "puppy proof" your home and yard is the simplest way to create a safe, friendly environment for the newest member of your pack.

 

If you want to learn more about our San Antonio Puppy Training, 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 .

 

 

San Antonio Puppy Training at it’s best

 

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Early Training Benefits Puppies Says Dog Trainer In San Antonio

Puppies are in good hands with dog trainer In San Antonio

As a Dog Trainer in San Antonio, I want to talk to you about early training today. Training starts the day you bring that new pup home. It used to be that we all thought that dog training couldn’t start until the age of 6 months. As a dog trainer in San Antonio for nearly 10 years, I start training my client’s pets at 8 weeks. Training your puppy early is the best gift you can give to your dog and to your family. It is much easier to prevent problems from happening and to teach proper behaviors than to correct bad and deep-rooted habits, which might need extensive behavioral modification along with training. Additionally, correcting bad habits and behaviors after they are established can be much more expensive than working with a professional trainer early on. Fulfill your puppy’s curiosity and help your puppy to develop its full potential. There are some basic rules to consider when you are thinking about training your puppy. Take some time to really consider what your options are going to be and what you can do to encourage your puppy to please you. Always remember that a puppy has a lot to deal with when he first comes to your home, so be understanding.

 

Time well spent with top dog trainer in San Antonio

dog trainer in san antonioI’d like to introduce you to Beau & Belle. They are 3 ½ month old Great Dane puppies. Their owner expressed to me that she felt they were smarter than her previous Great Danes. This is possible, but I think their perceived intelligence is due to early training. Dogs at this age are a learning sponge – that’s why I do a 2 week Board and Train with these puppies.

When considering a dog trainer in San Antonio make sure that early training consists of potty training, socialization, basic commands, with lots of playing and positive interaction. Some of the things we teach are:

  • Attention exercise
  • Sit Down
  • Stay
  • Leash Walking
  • Go To Spot
  • Wait At Doors

 

Remember, manage your puppy’s behavior; prevent him/her from doing undesirable things. Remember to reward behaviors that you like. If you have a puppy, call me at 830-981-5003. I’d love to help you fully enjoy this special time, so don’t wish it away. It is a fun time filled with memories that will last for the life of your dog. As a dog trainer in San Antonio I can help you fulfill that special relationship you have with your puppy from the beginning.

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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.

 

 Your Dog Trainer in San Antonio professional

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San Antonio Dog Training – Dog Potty Training Tips

Being a certified dog trainer since 2001, Marlene Ring understands that San Antonio dog training must be well rounded with proven techniques that work.  Pawsitive Solutions Dog & Puppy Training, LLC has one of the most reputable board and train programs in the Boerne hill country and San Antonio area.

Marlene knows that dog potty training is an important issue for most dog & puppy owners.   Most of Marlene’s clients would like their dogs to potty outside rather than on a potty pad.  Did you know that potty training a small dog verses a larger dog can and should be handled differently in some circumstances?  Did you know the age of the dog actually has very little influence in the way the dog is potty trained?

One of Marlene’s dog potty training tips for the small dog is the use of a playpen, like the one in this video.

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Marlene says "I put the dog in the playpen and tell them to go potty."  Then she usually walks away or even goes inside the house where she can still see them out of the window. "I wait for the dog to go potty and if that happens I rush out and praise the dog.  Then I remove the dog from the playpen and walk around, play, or interact with the dog."

NOTE: It is very important that going potty doesn’t mean you have to go back inside the house.

She follows this procedure many times a day until the dog gets the hang of it.  It is a strong recommendation that the dog be confined in the crate when not under direct supervision.

Marlene emphasizes that "we never punish the dog for going potty in the house.  It is up to the owner to get the dog outside when needed."

If you are having potty issues with your small dog of any age, please give Marlene a call at 830.981.5003

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.

 

 Your San Antonio dog training professional,

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San Antonio Dog Training ~ How To Establish “Rules” For Your Dog

Today I’m going to discuss "RULES".

Since I have been performing San Antonio dog training for 12 years I know that dogs thrive in a structured environment.  They want to know  what is expected of them… they want to know the rules.  It doesn’t matter what rules you have, just that you have some.  I tell my clients if you don’t have a set of rules, then just make some up.

Sit down with the entire family and make a complete set of rules.  Consistency is the key to success, so make sure that everyone is on board with the "RULES". 

830.981.5003

Last year I had several clients say that their dog was better behaved after their vacation when the dog stayed with me.  At first I thought it was because the dog had a lot of exercise and enjoyed being with friends.  When I thought about it more, I realized the change was probably due to him being in an environment where there is structure and rules.

At my house, while undergoing San Antonio dog training, we have lots of fun…but we also have RULES.  We sit to get out of the crate, we sit for the door to open, we wait at the gate to go out, we can’t play in the flowers, we sit to be fed… we take turns, and there is "no nuisance" barking.

 

Here are my San Antonio dog training pointers on "RULES":

1.  Where should my dog sleep?  Many clients ask me if they can sleep with their dog as I do with mine.  Your dog may sleep in a crate, in a dog bed, or with your son.  It really doesn’t matter.  With my personal pet, Sizzle, I have her sleep in the crate about 20% of the time which helps mix up her pattern a bit.

2.  What level of play is acceptable in the house?  You set the standard.  Play beyond that is called "outside play".  Put the dog outside when he is running wildly and knocking things off the coffee table.  They will understand after a while.

3.  Dogs on the furniture. Either way it’s o.k.  Or maybe you allow your pet on the older sofa, but not those new recliner chairs.  If the dog gets on an inappropriate piece of furniture… say "OFF" and remove him.  He will understand soon enough.

4.  Where will your dog be when you are eating meals?  How about making a "spot" for him somewhere that is a designated place in the kitchen?  That way he isn’t hanging out under the table at everyone’s feet.

Some other "Rules" would be:

Where will the dog eat?
Where will he potty?
What rooms will he be allowed in?
How much time will he be outside?

Please comment on anything I have suggested and feel free to give me call to discuss "Rules" for your pet.  Maybe a couple of weeks with me could do the trick, ~  830.981.5003.

 

In the meantime grab my FREE “Well Behaved Dog Training Tips” report by entering in your contact information in the form to the right and I will send you this valuable tool with NO questions asked.

 

 Your San Antonio dog training professional,

 


Marlene Ring
830.981.5003

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Positive Puppy Training with Pawsitive Solutions Is Unique

Positive puppy training can add the most value to your’s and pet’s relationship.

When a puppy comes into your life you are given not only a lifelong comfort, but also a lifelong responsibility. Dogs are pack animals descended from wolves and like wolves they need to have a definite pack hierarchy so that they can feel safe and secure in their role in society. This means that they want desperately to be trained in how to behave: manners are very important to a dog.  Positive puppy training is a unique style of training that is rewards based, not disciplined based(negative).

Pawsitive Solutions offers San Antonio puppy training that will give your newest family member the confidence he or she needs to be a happy and well adjusted dog. Marlene Ring, a certified professional pet dog trainer, teaches San Antonio dog obedience classes that are unique in their approach. Ms. Ring fully understands the special personality of your puppy and works with the animals entrusted to her care individually for specific skills as well as working toward socialization skills in groups of dogs.

 

 

A dog needs to be mannerly not only when he is alone with his family but also when he is in the presence of other dogs. He needs to know what he may and may not do. Dogs want to please their human family, but they are not born knowing what to do. Obedience is important, but equally important is socialization with other dogs or animals. In a service called board and train, Ms. Ring takes your animal into her home for a period of time and teaches it to be a “good dog” around people as well as around other dogs. It is like a camp experience for dogs.

In her San Antonio dog training classes, Marlene Ring also works with the people in a dog’s life so that the dog understands who is the “leader of the pack” and who is in charge at home. A trained dog is a dog who knows where he stands and what to do: a happy dog. Using a technique of positive reinforcement the classes teach both the human and the canine how to respond to situations that life throws at them and what to expect from each other day to day. The partnership of animal and person is forged in understanding and love.

San Antonio dog training should not be hit or miss, it needs to be targeted at your dog’s specific personality and need. Positive puppy training from Pawsitive Solutions can give your friend the confidence and self assurance she craves to have a wonderful life experience with you.

So please give Marlene a call so she can talk about making your lifelong partnership enrich your life as her pets enriched hers.   830.981.5003.

In the meantime grab my FREE “Well Behaved Dog Training Tips” report by entering in your contact information in the form to the right and I will send you this valuable tool with NO questions asked.

 

 Your local dog training professional,

 


Marlene Ring
830.981.5003

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San Antonio Dog Obedience Classes Announce Toy Of The Month – The Power of KONG

Many of you have heard us (dog trainers) go on and on about the importance of toys in your dog’s life. Usually we want our pets to have many different types of toys, interactive toys, chew toys, squeaky toys, etc. Experienced in San Antonio dog obedience classes, the original Kong is one of my favorites because it is 3 toys in one.

  1. The perfect random bouncy rubber toy for playing fetch.
  2. A durable chew toy.
  3. The ultimate treat dispenser.

You might have seen it before, it is a strong rubber toy in the shape of a cone. It is important to get one that is appropriate to your dog. It should be no smaller than the length of your dog’s snout and for those flat faced buddies like bulldogs or pugs, it should be larger than the width of his mouth. The Kong should be large enough so they don’t think they can swallow the whole thing. They also come in different strengths, for most dogs the red ones are fine, but if you have a very strong chewer you want the big black one and if your dog is just a puppy you can get the softer ones that are pastel colored.   For many dogs it ends up being like a pacifier. Stuff it with any of our yummy recipes to entertain your pup for a while, or stick it in the freezer to make it last longer. And once they have emptied it out, they are left with a toy to romp around with.  

Favorite "Kong" recipes I suggest in my San Antonio dog obedience classes

Veggie: Chopped carrots, squash and frozen peas. Then seal the top with some cream cheese.

Meaty delight: Cooked ground beef, pork or turkey, cheese cubes and wet dog food to seal the top.

Crunchy fruit: apple chunks (no seeds!), fresh blueberries and crunchy peanut butter to top off.  

Or make up your own recipes keeping in mind your dog’s particular feeding needs. In my dog obedience classes I can tell you without a doubt, that an entertained dog is always better behaved than a bored one, so next time you leave your home make sure you leave your pup with a Kong.  

If you are not having your life enriched by a great relationship with your pet, I can help.Give me a quick ring at 830.981.5003 and let’s chat about your specific situation with your beloved family member.Don’t forget that a good relationship with your pet is a priceless investment.

In the meantime grab my FREE “Well Behaved Dog Training Tips” report by entering in your contact information in the form to the right and I will send you this valuable tool with NO questions asked.

 

 your local dog training professional

 

Marlene Ring
830.981.5003

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10 Tips To Get Your Pet Moving ~ San Antonio Dog Training

As a San Antonio dog training authority, I know most of our dogs don’t get the exercise they need. They usually sleep all day while we’re at work and once we get home they get a short walk and maybe a little bit of playtime. This might be enough for some dogs, but what about the rest? Well these are the ones who start getting into trouble because they are lacking entertainment, the ones who are a bit over their ideal weight, or the “wild” dogs.


A dog that has a diverse exercise regimen will lead a healthier life and will also be a better companion. Exercise is known to increase endorphins (the happy hormones) in both dogs and humans so moving with your dog might improve your health and mood as well as your dog’s.  In my San Antonio dog boarding classes I have seen these improvements over and over.

 There are many different things that you can do with your dog to help them get a little more exercise.

 1. Walking is a great start and if you can maybe turn it into a run, even better.

 2. Having your dog run around with other dogs is great exercise too. Day care 2 to 3 times per week, San Antonio dog boarding or having a sleep over with other dogs will keep your dog socialized and tired.

 3. Another great option is finally visiting that dog park near you. The dogs run free in a secure area and because it’s new and has some other dogs they usually don’t stop running around until they are back in the car.

 4. You can play the recall game or hide and seek both indoors and out. Not only does it get your pooch moving, it will also polish his response for coming when called. Your dog will speed from one location to the next and have an awesome time.

 5. If you have a dog that retrieves you might also enjoy having them retrieve objects. Start with a ball or one of his favorite toys. Then have him retrieve other stuff for you like keys or your shoes, this will make the game a little harder for the dog and because we are making him think, he’ll tire out even faster.

 6. Tie a bungee toy to a strong tree in your yard and have your dog jump in the air and tug on that toy. This is a fun one even when you are not around, your pooch can entertain himself.

 7. Take your dog to one of the lakes or ponds in the area and let your dog go for a refreshing swim. You can encourage him by tossing a tennis ball in the shallow edges and slowly throw it in the deeper areas.

 8. Visit http://www.texashiking.com for great walking trails that you can take your dog on. Maybe turn it into a camping weekend.

 9. For those dogs who tend to run a lot faster than their humans, take them on a bicycle ride. Gently introduce your dog to a bike and work on him walking and then jogging next to you. It is important that the dog realizes that you are out for a run and not a sniff so you are both safe.  These are the same tactics I use as

 10. Enroll your dog in a dog sport class there is a very wide variety out there these days. It can be anything from an obstacle course like in agility, herding livestock or big balls like in treiball, chasing a ball over a set of jumps like in flyball, frizbee catching, swimming, diving and even sledding which can be done without snow too! Most of these will require basic and intermediate training beforehand but those classes are also a bunch of fun.

 

Make sure you give your pooch time to cool down after any new form of exercise. All these suggestions are meant to be fun so if your dog doesn’t enjoy one then try some of the others.

If you just can’t find sufficient time to do some of these things for your dog or puppy then give me call so we can discuss a dog boarding or puppy training class that will help you become more connected with your pet.

In the meantime grab a copy of my FREE report on my “Well Behaved Dog Training Tips”.  I will email it to you immediately at no obligation.

Your local dog training professional,

Marlene Ring
830.981.5003

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Advantages Of San Antonio Puppy Training Are Huge!

San Antonio puppy training is one of the best gifts you can give your new dog.  Teaching them obedience and how to behave are essential for a good relationship between pet and human.  Many people love their dogs, but do not know exactly how to train them to be the best they can be.

 

Most people think of obedience as one dimensional and you simply say a command and your dog obeys it.  There is much more to San Antonio dog training classes than simply speaking commands to your dog.  You need to understand your dog and the way they think. This can help you to be a better pet owner and you will be more in touch with your dogs needs.

Manners in a canine are very important and this is one area where many people do not pay enough attention.  If someone enters your home and your pet literally knocks them down upon entering, this is considered bad manners. Your pet may not leave someone alone when they are done petting them and this is another case of bad manners that can be corrected. 

San Antonio dog obedience classes should also focus on manners so your dog knows what behavior is expected when in the company of other dogs and humans. Positive rewards are the best form of training.  A gentle and firm approach with your dog will get you much better results than anger and spanking.  This is often the way that many of our parents disciplined their dog and this is learned behavior and violence with a dog will only build fear against you and this is not what you want in your house pet. Your puppy should be around other dogs from the very beginning of life. 

There are many more places that you can bring your dog compared to years ago and this allows dogs to interact with one another. A dog that has never been around other dogs can be unpredictable and if your puppy is trained to be around other dogs, it can lead to great interactions into adulthood.  There might be a dog park in your neighborhood where your dog can meet other dogs and this can be fun for the both of you.

San Antonio puppy training will give your dog a foundation that they will build upon long into adulthood.  Puppies are the perfect age to begin training and there are many techniques that you can learn that are gentle and effective.

Don’t forget to grab my FREE "Dog Training Tips" Report by entering in your contact information in the form next to the this update==================>

Your local dog training professional,

Marlene Ring

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