Are you considering puppy training?

The newest addition to your family does not come with an instruction manual. Puppies fill your home with happiness, joy and love. They also add chew marks to shoes and furniture, muddy paw prints to the rug and surprise puddles. With puppies, you must take the good with the bad. Luckily, puppy training ensures those bad behaviors are curbed before they become permanent habits. A first-time dog owner may have a lot of questions about puppy training. You might believe that dog training is only for family protection dogs. You may think training is something that you must wait to do until your dog is older. You could even believe dog training is only meant for a certain type of dog and owner. The truth is, all companion dogs need training of some kind. Not all dogs need intense, police K-9 training. They do need to learn basic commands. In addition, owners need to learn how to work with their dogs. Truly, dog training is for both puppy and owner.

What are the Different Types of Training?


The very first thing you should learn is that there are multiple types of training sessions. Puppy training is a specialized training class that focuses solely on young dogs. Puppy classes may be in group settings, but they are more successful when a trainer works with you and your dog on a one-on-one basis. This allows the trainer to get to know you, your lifestyle and your dog’s personality. You will be taught how to give your dog basic commands. You will also learn the type of play your puppy needs. In-lodge training, sometimes known as daycare training, is another option for puppies. In-lodge training is perfect for the busy pet owner. You leave your dog at the daycare facility where he or she is taught basic commands. You are then taught the follow-up that is needed at home in order to keep the training in place. There are multiple training classes for older dogs. Home protection canines are taught to safeguard the home and family. Older dogs with obedience problems may take an obedience and control or a behavioral problem solving course. Some dogs who have already had training may need a refresher. These classes and others are available for dogs of most ages.

What Happens During Dog Training?


Your puppy training class is a short, once-weekly class of about 45 minutes to one hour. Your dog is assessed, and then a professional trainer determines the best techniques for teaching behavior. The trainer will work with both you and your dog. You will learn commands, when to give rewards and what kind of rewards work best. Depending on your puppy’s response, you may only need one class. The length of the class often depends on how receptive your dog is to training and how much time you devote to training at home.

How Much At-Home Follow-Up is Needed?


Nearly every interaction you have with your puppy is a training opportunity. From the earliest stages, your puppy learns how behavior and outcomes are related. You will learn basic commands from your training session. You will also learn how to correct behavior in a way that is positive and lasting. Man K-9 is a puppy and dog training facility in the San Diego area. Training Director Manuel Villanueva is an award-winning dog trainer with more than three decades of experience. He has worked with dogs of all breeds and backgrounds, including police dogs. Contact Man K-9 at (760) 468-8830 to learn more.

You love your best friend. Your dog provides constant companionship, unwavering love and a daily dose of happiness. However, you may have found behavior problems beginning to creep up. Is your dog simply going through a phase or is it time to return to training? Ask yourself the following questions to help you make a plan of action.

Am I Being Consistent?


Dogs need consistency, especially when they are young. Do you find yourself variously saying “sit,” “sit down,” “sit still” or some other variation? Rewards must be consistent as well. Is your dog expecting a treat, a pat on the head or words of approval? If he or she doesn’t get the expected reward, the resulting behavior may be unexpected as well. Before returning to training, return to a consistent routine.

How Long Have These Behavior Problems Been a Problem?


If the answer is “not very long,” you probably have time to correct the problems on your own. If you realize you have been allowing poor behavior to occur or even worsen over a longer period of time, you probably need a dog training refresh.

Are You in a New Environment?


Just like people, dogs can become anxious when faced with new surroundings. If you have recently moved, changed working hours or if you’re frequenting new parks, your dog might react with poor behavior. Start by returning to basic commands in your new location. Remain consistent with commands and rewards. If that doesn’t solve the problem, a return to training could be a good choice.

Has Your Playtime Become Mundane?


On the opposite end of the spectrum, dogs can get bored with monotony. If you are spending less time with your dog, the changes in behavior may simply be a cry for attention. Play with your pal more and provide ample room for exercise. You may even consider a doggie daycare if your schedule has changed so that you simply don’t have as much time to play with your pet. When you decide to return to training, you will find that your dog can quickly pick up on previously learned commands. Dog refresh courses serve as a good reminder to both you and your pet. They often are short classes with big rewards. Man K-9 is a top dog training facility in the San Diego area. Along with family dog training, we offer police K-9 training, training for family protection dogs, and can even match you to home protection canines. Our training director, Manuel Villanueva, has more than 30 years of experience as a family dog trainer, police dog trainer and more. Call us today at (760) 468-8830 to schedule a refresher class for your best friend.

Could your dog be a therapy dog?

It is not uncommon to see dogs accompanying people on trips anywhere the public is welcome. According to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), service dogs are trained to perform specific tasks for individuals with disabilities. The ADA outlines the only two questions that can be asked when determining whether a dog should be allowed in an establishment, each pertaining to the disability and work for which the dog is trained. The work performed by service dogs may be as simple as providing emotional support for someone with disabling emotional problems, or as complex as alerting his/her person of an impending seizure or dangerous drop in blood glucose level. Therapy dogs play an important role in the health and independence of many people these days. This accounts for the uptick in use and why we see them more often now than it was in the past. Although there are many services out there that offer trained dogs for individuals, there is always the possibility that a dog you already have in your home would be an excellent candidate. Sometimes, these animals have already picked up on the condition and are ready to be put into service. However, unless you know how to utilize their instincts appropriately, you may never benefit from them. Just like people, dogs have different traits that set them up for success in their chosen field. However, dogs typically don’t get the opportunity to choose for themselves what their lives will look like. Smart people choose wisely when considering the type of dog that best fits into their homes and daily lives. Nevertheless, there are other things to consider when expecting a dog to serve in a therapeutic capacity. While most dogs offer unconditional love to the family they claim as their own, some are not so sure when strangers come into the mix. Many are comfortable with older folks, but become nervous or irritable when little ones are around. Then there are others that are absolutely giddy around everyone and those that don’t seem to care for people or dogs. Knowing how to sort through the various characteristics of a dog goes a long way when sizing up your dog as potential therapy dog material. Honestly, you want a dog that is well behaved no matter whether it is a service animal or a family pet. It is also important, especially for service dogs, that they have a rock solid temperament that can be relied upon regardless of the circumstance. A dog that is easily distracted or seeks everyone’s attention may not be the perfect match for someone who requires their undivided attention. Man K-9 is a dog training business that is based in San Diego County, California. It offers Police K9 Training, Family Protection Dogs, Family Dog Training and Man-K9 University. Only the most advanced and proven techniques are used so that you can enjoy the peace of mind that your dogs will receive a firm foundation of training that will last. We can also help you decide if your dog is therapy dog material. Call us today at 760-468-8830 to find out more.

Why could you need a family protection dog?

Did you know that 65% of convicted criminals say that if there had been a large, intimidating dog on the premises when they committed the crime they would have been scared away? Most homeowners are not aware of the fact that coupling today’s top security gadgets with the protective nature of a guard dog can effectively deter burglars.

What Makes Dogs Great Guardians?

Dogs are innately intuitive about the hierarchy of the family to which they belong. The Assyrians, Babylonians and Greeks were the first to recognize that a dog’s devotion to its master could be used to their advantage for protection. Since that time, some breeds have earned a place in history for their special attributes for the job. As early as 1899, the German Shepherd became known as a much sought-after watch dog breed right here in the United States. Shortly after that, branches of the military and police departments of the early twentieth century started using them to serve the function of tracking; and they were good at the job with an olfactory system that is 10,000 more accurate than a human’s sense of smell. It is their keen sense of smell and hearing that makes dogs exceptionally suited at protection. Nevertheless, there are a few different areas of specialization that must be discussed when considering what you want from a protection dog.

• Watch Dogs do not actually attack intruders, but intimidate them and offer verbal warnings such as barking and snarling. This version of protection dogs is often considered appropriate when there are small children in the home.

• Guard Dogs, on the other hand, will charge threatening individuals and pin them down when commanded to do so. This is what makes them highly prized by military units and police departments. They can inflict considerable physical injury with just one bite and often render assailants unable to move or get away. Although they can be vicious when performing their protective duties, they generally turn into gentle beasts with the family they trust.

• Protection Dogs possess a combination of the traits exhibited by both guard dogs and watch dogs. They are independent and territorial which has a lot to do with the formidable presence for which they are typically known. Some of the most frequently used dog breeds for protective capabilities are the German Shepherd, Rottweiler, Doberman Pinscher, American Bulldog and Pit Bull.

There is a reason dogs are called “man’s best friend”, and that has to do with their loyalty and devotion to the members of their family. Most will do anything to ensure the safety of those they love. For more information about how Man K-9 can help you find the perfect protection dog for your family, contact via phone at 760-468-8830. Doesn’t your family deserve everything you can do to keep them safe?

The career of a dog trainer begins with special knowledge concerning animal behavior. When added to practical teaching skills, you have a winning combination. Not everyone is suited to becoming a professional dog trainer, but those who are can enjoy a long and productive life with the animals they love. Good communication skills are required for anyone wishing to become a professional dog trainer because they must be able to communicate effectively with owners taking classes with their dogs. They must teach them how to reinforce the training methods learned in class at home. Homework assignments must be clearly explained so that the dog and its owner can work on them at home, the park, or other locations. A professional dog trainer is someone who uses various techniques to help dogs make changes in their behavior. The techniques used include operant conditioning, desensitization, clicker training, verbal cues, hand signals, positive reinforcement and a system of rewards. These are all intended to change the way the dog thinks and let him or her know that certain behaviors are not allowed.

Education


Although there is no requirement that any formal training or licensing must be received before someone can become a professional dog trainer, it is beneficial to receive proper education and become certified. Training schools cover such intricacies of education as dog behavior and how they learn.

Coursework


Students can expect to spend time reading educational material, attend lectures and clinics for practical application of what they have learned. Also included for those wishing to learn how to become the best dog trainers they can after graduation is instruction on designing classes for their own clients.

Who Should Not Become A Dog Trainer?


Unless you truly love dogs, it might not be in your best interests or those of the dog owners or pets with whom you will be involved to pursue this as a career.

Salary


The Bureau of Labor Statistics 2011 indicates that the median rate of pay for animal trainers of all kinds was $12.78, but the top 10% earned as much as $53,580 annually. Of course, you can find a variety of salary quotes online.

Jobs


Although some dog trainers work under the supervision of a head trainer as part of animal shelters, boarding kennels, vet clinics, pet stores, or for other trainers, most are self-employed. Some choose to specialize in certain breeds, puppy training, show dog handling or other areas. If you do decide to become a professional dog trainer, you should know that you have selected a professional that is expected to continue to grow during the next decade. That spells job security, but more importantly, if you love spending time with dogs and helping others to enjoy the benefits of such relationships; you might just have found your true calling. Man K-9’s very own Manuel Villanueva has been in the dog training business for over 30 years. If you would like to learn more about dog training and how Manuel and his experienced trainers can help you and your four-legged friend, please contact Man K-9 in San Diego County by calling 760-468-8830.