What to Buy Before You Bring Home Your Dog
You are about to bring a new dog into your home. Maybe your puppy is almost old enough to leave the breeder or your adoption application for the perfect rescue dog has been approved. Before you go pick up your dog, you want to make sure you have the right equipment on hand. This will help your dog get comfortable being part of your family more quickly and reduce your stress in the first few days.
How to Safely Hike with Your Dog
Your dog can enjoy a hike in the great outdoors as much as you. It gives them a chance to exercise and experience new smells they don’t have on their daily walks. By observing a few simple steps, you can be sure that you, your dog, and the environment stay safe while hiking.
What Does My Dog Dream About?
Have you watched your sleeping puppy’s legs start to twitch during a nap and wondered if he was chasing a squirrel in his dreams? There is a good chance that your dog is dreaming about running after something - a squirrel, a ball, his tail - in the same way he did earlier that day. Recent science has determined that dogs dream just like people do, and even allows us to guess what our pets are dreaming about.
Yelling at Dogs: What We Know and How We Train
Dogs are wonderful. But they can be frustrating. You might walk into the kitchen and see your dog has gotten into the garbage, or you notice that your dog has peed on your carpet, and your first instinct may be to yell at your dog. After all, yelling is a natural human response to frustration.
But while you may feel better after you yell, it's not what's best for your dog. In fact, sometimes it can make it harder for you to address your dogs' issues in the future.
Can You Teach An Old Dog New Tricks?
Dog Training for Shelter Dogs
Purebred puppies are wonderful companions, especially when purchased from a reputable breeder and not a pet store. But these days, with so many dogs living without a home, you may instead want to consider shelter dogs. Many dogs are found or given up for adoption, hoping to find a great home.
One of the reasons that people are scared away from these amazing pets is because many times these shelter dogs have behavioral issues. Though there are many people that give dogs up for adoption as a result of hardship or financial challenges, others do so because they simply were not ready to care for a dog, or they didn't treat the dog well. But the good news is that shelter dogs are easily trained - often as easily and sometimes even more so, than puppies from breeders.
Does Sending a Dog Away for Training Work?
The connection between a dog and their owner is considered an important part of any dog training. Dogs learn best when it's from someone in their "pack" - when it's the person that will give them commands and training, and the one that they also have affection towards.
Chicago Dog Trainer has a "doggy bootcamp" - a place you can send a dog away for training and boarding. You drop your dog off with us, we train it, and then at the end of the 1, 2, or 3 week program you pick your dog up ready to go. So how can a dog training program work if it's coming from someone else, and not your dog?
French Bulldog Dog Training in Chicago, IL
Every pet has its own personality and character. French Bulldogs are one of the most popular breeds here in Chicago because their personalities tend to be on the calmer side, with less aggression and fewer emotional issues.
But dogs are still dogs. They sometimes need to adjust to the household and learn the behaviors that match the expectations of your family. If you're looking for a dog trainer for a French Bulldog in the Greater Chicago area, consider contacting Marc Goldberg and his partner Patrick Farrell at 224-407-2131.
German Shepherd Dog Training in Chicago, IL
German Shepherds are one of the most intelligent large dog breeds available in Illinois. These pets are active, protective, and have so much personality. It's clear why they are such a popular choice in dog breeds for households throughout the Chicago metro area.
But they're also animals, and it's that same high energy personality that can make them difficult for some pet owner. And once your pet has learned some unwanted behaviors, it may be tough for the average German Shephard family to know how to respond.
Give Your Dog the Gift of Dog Training for the Holidays
We are in the heart of the holiday season. You've probably bought some gifts for your friends, family - maybe even a coworker or two. But have you thought about what to get your pet?
Treats and toys are always fun. But the gift of dog training may be something that lasts you and your dog a lifetime.
Best Place to Send Dogs Away for Training in Illinois
Your dog is one of the most important members of your family. But dogs are still dogs. As much as we may welcome them like family, they still have dog needs, dog behaviors, and a different way of thinking and acting that doesn't match what the family may need.
But dogs are also amazing learners. It's just a matter of teaching your dog how to behave correctly. The good news is that essentially all dogs can learn to be well behaved animals. The bad news is that dog training isn't always easy. It requires time, commitment, the right temperament, and an understanding that dog owners may not be able to train them overnight. While some welcome that challenge, it's never easy - not even for those that have all the time in the world. Luckily, there are places you can send dogs away for training in Illinois, so those that need help in Chicago and the surrounding areas can get the help they need.
Look Into Your Dog's Eyes
It's not uncommon to feel that you're living a busy life. Sometimes, it's hard to find time to spend with your dog. But as dog trainers, we have to strongly recommend some quality time with your pet. It's important for your training, and for the bond you share with your dog.
It's also important for you.
Dog Training: An Addition, Not a Substitution, for Time With Your Dog
Dog training teaches your dog healthy behaviors and strengthens the bond between you and your pet. It is a great way to make sure your dog is well behaved inside of the household, capable of great walks, and understands how to maintain composure around people and pets. Dogs also feel much closer to their owners when they have these great interactions.
But sometimes we find that owners use training as their ONLY time to create a bond with their dog, and that’s a mistake. Dog training may be useful for developing a bond, but it is not a substitute for other activities, including:
- Affection
- Walks
- Time Spent Socializing
Dog training is designed to augment, not replace, any of the typical experiences that you share with your pet. Those that prioritize it will find that the strength of the connection between them and their dog makes them feel like a true family.
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
