How Your Emotions Affect Your Dog
If you’ve ever attended one of our dog training sessions, then you’re likely aware that dog training isn’t really about your dog. It’s about you. It’s about teaching you how to talk to your dog, what to expect from your dog, how to make sure your dog is getting what they need, how to “punish,” how to “reward,” and so much more.
Dogs Are Curious – Make Sure Your Property is Pest Free
Here at Chicago Dog Trainer, we know how much you love your dog for being a dog. An acquaintance of mine often talks about how, after his dog passed, he started to notice that he would be sad when there were crumbs on the floor because he actually missed when his dog would eat the food that dropped off the table.
It’s the little things that our dogs do – our dogs just BEING dogs – that we love them for. But it’s also these things that can get them into trouble.
Why Is It Healthy for Dogs to Know Their Place in the Family?
Sometimes, we love our dogs a little “too” much. Sometimes we don’t want to “command” our dog. We want to pamper them. We want to let them have fun. We want to praise their silly behaviors and give them as many treats as we can for being so cute and loveable.
But one thing we have to remember about this instinct is that our dogs are not human beings. They do not understand the world the way we do, and their idea of what is normal and – perhaps most importantly – safe is not how we see it.
That is why it is important to re-frame how you view speaking to your dog, training your dog, and what to understand about dog behavior.
How to Train a Dog Out of Human Phobia
Most pet owners have met someone that is afraid of dogs. This known as “Cynophobia,” which translates to “phobia of dogs.” Those with cynophobia experience severe emotional distress and anxiety not only when they come into contact with dogs, but when they think about coming into contact with dogs. Phobias can be so severe that the individual requires therapy to address it.
Humans, however, are not the only animals that can develop a phobia. Dogs can too, developing phobias of humans due to their experiences as puppies or a lack of socialization. This is especially common they were mistreated or experienced any pain at the hands of a human during their developing years – something that may have happened if you adopt a rescue dog.
As a dog trainer in Chicago – and someone that also works remotely with dog owners all over the United States – I can tell you that working with dogs that have been mistreated is difficult but rewarding. It takes time and ongoing training, but it can be one of the most fulfilling experiences you have as an owner.
How to Make Your Home a “Dog Home”
Once we’ve bought a home we love, we typically take the time to “make it ours” through renovations. We redo the kitchen to make it functional for our needs. We redo the paint to ensure that we love the indoor color. We invest in our property so that we can turn the house into a home for us to live for months and years to come.
If you’re a “dog person,” then you may also want to consider upgrades that are helpful for owning a dog. The best home renovations are the ones that fit your entire family’s needs, and your dog – as part of your family – may find that some renovations are better than others for addressing your pet’s happiness, and yours.
Emergency Dog Training with Marc Goldberg
There are situations in which you need dog training fast – situations where you need to make sure that you’re addressing your dog’s aggression, stress, or in-home behaviors quickly. Maybe it’s because you have an event coming up. Maybe you’re going to have guests over soon. Maybe you need to drop your dog off at someone else’s house.
Whatever the reason may be, it helps to have someone you can turn to quickly to give you the support you need at a convenient time for you.
Marc Goldberg of Chicago Dog Trainer is a published author and a trainer of dog trainers. Although based in Chicago, Marc now seems many of his clients through Zoom or other video services, allowing people from outside of Chicago to also get help right away. Marc’s schedule does fill up quickly, but when available, Marc is more than happy to schedule you in for an emergency dog training session and provide you with the help that you need.
If you feel like you could benefit from dog training help right away, call or text 224-407-2131 and we will try to put you on the schedule as soon as we’re able.
Why is it So Important to Have a Trained Dog in Chicago of All Places?
It doesn’t matter where you live. Everyone needs a trained dog. When a dog is trained, they become a more productive member of the family. Not only does this make the family happier, but it also makes the dog happier, as dogs want to be accepted members of the pack, and they want to feel like you love and appreciate them with positive attention.
Teaching Your Dog Not to Get Into the Garbage
Dogs love food and they love smells. Nowhere are there more interesting smells – and food – than the garbage. So, it should come as little surprise that some dogs like to get into the garbage.
Our approach to dog training is one that understands that you need to let your dog be a dog. That means training it knowing that this may occur, and using various kind training techniques to help your dog learn not to get into the garbage.
Why You Should Never Angrily Yell at Your Dog to “Come”
Dogs are brilliant. But they are also not human. They do not learn the same way that humans do. So, when we train them and are trying to teach them things, we have to keep in mind that what we think they’re learning may not be what they’re actually learning.
One example of this is with the “Come” command. How we teach them that command and how we use it can dramatically affect how effective it is. A big mistake that many dog owners make is that they angrily shout the command when their dog is in trouble or doing something they do not like.
This is not an ideal way to train the dog and, in some cases, can even be dangerous.
Can Two Dogs Ever Just Not Get Along?
Introducing a new dog to a home that already has a dog can be a bit of an adventure. It is always recommended that this process be completed slowly and carefully, as dogs can be a bit territorial and aggressive with strange dogs – even the breeds not known for aggression. There is an entire process that dog owners need to go through in order to safely introduce two dogs together.
But, you may find that the process seems like it’s taking longer than normal. You may find that the dogs do not seem to be getting along, even when you do everything right. Is it possible that two dogs might never get along? Can two dogs just decide that they’re not going to be friends?
What Should You Do if You Accidentally Burn Your Dog's Paws?
Your dog’s paws can feel rough to the touch, maybe even strong. But they’re skin like any other part of the body, and skin can be sensitive. They’re also placed in direct contract with the ground, and we sometimes forget just how hot the ground can get. Asphalt, for example, is capable of reaching as hot as 120 degrees on a *75* degree day, 140 on an 85 degree day, and even hotter if the temperature hits 90+.
That is extremely hot for their sensitive paws, and dogs don’t always do a good job of telling you that their paws are hurting. You may see them bounce their paws around a little bit, or try to find shade, but not all dogs are going to tell you that they’re hurting.
Can Two Dogs Train Together?
Dog training plays an important role in making sure that dogs grow up to be well behaved and socialized. Every dog owner needs to take the time to train their pet, ideally extensively, in order to make sure that the dog adapts to a human environment, learns to listen, behaves well, and is less stressed.
But training dogs takes time, and some people have two dogs to train. If you have two dogs, can you train them simultaneously?
Our Philosophy & Goals
Our philosophy is simple. Improve the life of both dog and family. All too often, unruly dogs do not fully enjoy life because their families constantly become upset and frustrated with them. This is difficult for both family and dog.
Our mission is simple. Make both dog and family happy.
What does is take to make your dog happy? He will thrive when you give him leadership and attention.
Making the family happy is a bit more complex.
Families typically want their dog to:
- Come when called, every time, on or off leash
- Walk nicely on a loose leash without pulling
- Sit until released
- Down until released
Families also want their dogs:
- Not to jump on people
- Not to charge through doors
- Not to dig in the garden
- Not to bark and chew inappropriately
- Not to climb on furniture you prefer they avoid
- Not to sniff and eat off the table and counters.
- Not to be wild and uncontrollable
- Not to ignore you when you want their attention
