The Fur and Feather Blog

ONLINE Understanding Your Reactive Dog Workshop, August 2023

July 26, 2023 No Comments
The most common problem we address through private training is dogs who have become “reactive” – usually to other dogs, but sometimes towards people as well.
 
A reactive dog is one who kind of “loses it” when he sees the thing that triggers him. He might start whining or barking, lunging towards the other dog, growling, or otherwise having a fit! This is stressful for EVERYONE involved!
 
This behavior typically cannot be addressed in a class setting, and we know not everyone is able to invest in private training. So we put together the Understanding Reactive Dogs Workshop so we can help you understand this problem behavior and teach you how best to prevent or address it.
 
Topics covered in this workshop include:
  • Why dogs become reactive.
  • How to talk about it with other people. (We know; it’s embarrassing!)
  • How to judge what your dog can and cannot handle.
  • What to do when she is barking and lunging.
  • How to tell a reaction is coming before your dog explodes.
  • What to do when off-leash dogs run up to you.
  • Stress-free ways to exercise your dog’s body and mind.

Although it may FEEL like you’re the only one with a dog this crazy, you are definitely not. It is SO common, and we dog trainers have well-practiced and effective techniques for addressing it. We want to help you and your dog get relief from the stress of reactivity!

When: Tuesday August 15, 2023 from 6:00pm – 8:00pm

Where: ONLINE!
This workshop will be held online via Zoom. You will be sent a link once you register. Join us from the comfort of your couch!

Tuition: $75

Please EMAIL US if you have any questions or would like to get signed up!

Walking Politely On Leash is Harder Than You Think

July 26, 2023 No Comments

Walking calmly and politely on leash (aka: NOT pulling) is one of the most common skills pet parents want their dogs to learn. Unfortunately, it can also be one of the most difficult, especially for an exuberant young dog. This ISN’T because your dog is trying to defy or disrespect you, and it isn’t because he is stubborn… it’s simply because walking at a human’s pace on a loose leash is very, very hard!

Here are just some of the reasons polite leash walking is particularly challenging:

  1. You’re working against your dog’s instincts and default behaviors. Imagine how absurd the human concept of a leashed walk must seem to your dog. She is fascinated by scents you can’t perceive, naturally travels at a faster speed than you, and this walk is often the most exciting part of her day. While it makes perfect sense to YOU to walk at a steady pace down the sidewalk, it makes NONE to her. None! Please be prepared to patiently TEACH her what you expect.
  2. Pulling is REWARDING. Remember, dogs don’t think about what is right or wrong, but rather what works or doesn’t work. The truth is, pulling on leash works for dogs A LOT. If they… pull towards an enticing scent and get to smell it… pull towards another dog or human and get to greet them… pull in the direction of the dog park and get to go there… ALL of these things are strong rewards for pulling!
  3. Humans are inconsistent. It takes consistency and repetition to teach your dog that your idea of appropriate walking behavior works better than his default tendencies! If you are tired or in a hurry one day and rush through your walk, allowing your dog to pull you along, you ARE undermining your training. If training reliable loose-leash walking is your goal, you will need to commit to it!

We don’t share all this to discourage you, but to help you have compassion for your dog’s point of view. Don’t be frustrated by her pulling or darting back and forth on leash; she has good reason to behave exactly this way.

Don’t be frustrated at yourself either! There is a lot that is counterintuitive about dog training, and loose leash walking in particular.

And if you’re ready for more relaxing leash walks, let us show you how to get there in our three-week Walkabout Class!

Control Yourself! A Workshop for Impulsive Pooches

July 4, 2023 No Comments

Is your dog’s enthusiasm for life a bit – er – much sometimes? If your pooch’s leaping around on leash, jumping up, grabbing things, and door dashing have become more of an embarrassment than comedic relief, this fun one-hour workshop is for you!

*Please note that this workshop is not appropriate for dogs who growl, bark and/or lunge at dogs or people out of fear, frustration, or aggression. We’d be happy to help you with this issue in private training! Rather, this workshop is for dogs full of cheerful overexuberance.

Guided by one of our expert, certified trainers, you’ll learn various training techniques that will help your spirited friend learn to control himself, even when there are distractions, and especially when there’s something he wants, so that he can be a welcomed participant in all areas of your life.

“Teddy and I really enjoyed the Control Yourself workshop and the instructor Monica! Teddy has a good sense of what is expected of him once he calms down, and you taught ME how to help him find that sweet spot.  I like that he waits by my side.  Thank you!”

       – excited dog mom, Nancy, and her 9-month-old Goldendoodle, Teddy

When: Saturday July 6 at 2:00pm

Where: 9475 Double R Blvd., Ste 12, Reno, Nevada 89521 (The Fur and Feather Works training center.)

Prerequisites: Puppy Kindergarten, Basic Manners, or equivalent level of training. If you aren’t sure, just ask!

Tuition: $45

Click here to register, or Contact Us with questions!

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