How to Train a Dog That’s Not Food Motivated

How to Train a Dog That’s Not Food Motivated

by | Feb 5, 2024

How to Train a Dog That’s Not Food Motivated

Training a dog that is picky about food can be a bit challenging. All dogs are motivated by food at some level since they need it to live but some dogs may not accept food reliably as training rewards. However, there are alternative methods and techniques you can use to train your dog without using treats as the primary motivator.

Take Jewel the Husky, she was here for board & train and one of her struggles was focusing enough to take treats in new environments. Watch how we use alternative methods to keep her engaged with training when even chicken and
cheese treats weren’t always enough!

@goldstarpuppyacademy

Jewel is here for board & train and one of her struggles is focusing enough to take treats in new environments! Watch how we use alternative methods to keep her engaged with training when high value treats aren’t always enough. #puppytraining #dogtraining #puppytrainingtips #dogtrainingtips #huskypuppy #huskylife #husky #verobeach #treasurecoast #fyp #foryou

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How to Train a Dog With No Food Drive

In Jewel’s case, she enjoys exploring her environment far more than receiving treats or praise. We have to find out what she responds to most. You’ll see in the video that when she responds to her recall cue “touch”, as a reward she was allowed to go for a quick zoom to the grass for a good sniff. When we want her back in the training space, we make it equally as fun by using the same quick movement. When asked for “touch” again, Jewel responds nicely so we reward with a tossed treat so she can chase it. She finds this much more engaging and fun. Using a combination of movement, treats and sniffing was the key to training success.

Alternative Dog Training Methods

Some other great dog training methods to consider are:Some other great dog training rewards to consider are:

Use Toys as Rewards

Some dogs are more motivated by play than food. Find a toy that your dog loves, and use it as a reward during training sessions. Just make sure your dog knows how to drop it on cue!

Environmental Rewards

Allow your dog access to things they enjoy as a reward. For example, a short playtime in the yard or access to a favorite mailbox to sniff can serve as motivation.

Interactive Playtime

Leverage your dog’s natural instincts. For example, if your dog enjoys fetching, use a short game of fetch as a reward.

Verbal Praise and Affection

Many dogs respond well to verbal praise and physical affection. Use a cheerful and encouraging tone when praising your dog for good behavior. Just remember this may not be as valuable of a reward in high distraction or challenging
settings.

Remember to Keep Training Sessions Short and Fun

eep training sessions short and enjoyable to prevent boredom. This will help maintain your dog’s interest and engagement.

Be Patient and Consistent:

Consistency is key in dog training. Be patient and consistent in your approach, and your dog will start to understand what is expected and give you more of what you want.

Alternative Dog Training Methods to Using Treats

How to Train a Dog That’s Not Food Motivated

If you’re not sure how to identify which training method could work for your pup, we can help. We train humans as well as puppies. Our Treasure Coast Puppy Trainers can help you feel more confident in training your dog using a variety of methods. For a free consultation, simply book here.

Teaching Your Dog To Greet Guests Politely

Teaching Your Dog To Greet Guests Politely

by | Jan 2, 2024

Teaching Your Dog To Greet Guests Politely

Does your dog jump on guests the second they walk through your front door? Watch how we handle this with Teddy! When guests come over we make sure to have him on a leash and have tasty treats to reward him for paying attention to his handler.

Steps to Teach Your Dog To Greet Guests Politely

As you can see from the video, we repeat a series of steps to keep Teddy calm and focused rather than lunging at guests and getting over-excited. Here’s how to

Teach Your Dog To Greet Guests Politely

Step 1 – Keep him on a leash. This allows you to control his movement and stop the lunging in the first instance.

Step 2 – Approach the door calmly and slowly so you don’t ramp his excitement or anxiety up.

Step 3 – Once the door is open, step back. Once he’s back where you want him, reward him with his favorite treat.

Step 4 – Have your guest hold out their palm ready for him to sniff.

Step 5 – if he’s calm and focused on you, take him to greet the guest for a very short time. Bring him back again and give him another treat.

Step 6 – Repeat the greet, retreat and reward a few times, building up the time he’s near the guest.

Step 7 – Drop the leash. However, toss a treat near the guest’s feet for him to go find. This way the treat is more interesting than the guest at this point.

Step 8 – Your guest should be able to comfortably walk into your home. Give one final treat as a reward for allowing the guest in calmly.

5 Common Dog Training Mistakes, Puppy Training Sebastian, Puppy Trainer Vero Beach, Dog Training Florida, Teaching Your Dog To Greet Guests Politely

Puppy Training Vero Beach, Treasure Coast, Florida

If you’d like to learn more about our programs and see if we’re the right fit for your pup, give us a call or contact us online to book a FREE phone consultation with our puppy trainers. We’d love to chat with you!

Trimming Your Dogs Nails Step by Step

Trimming Your Dogs Nails Step by Step

by | Nov 10, 2023

Does your dog run a mile every time you even touch his feet? We know it’s important for dog’s nails to be trimmed regularly to prevent problems but what do you do if you can’t even get near their foot? We take you step by step from the very beginning to stress free pup-icures.

Dog Training Treasure Coast, Florida

Our Treasure Coast dog training includes all aspects of cooperative care. Whether we’re working with you to get your dog used to nail trims or being groomed, we can equip them and you with the necessary tools to make trips to the groomer or vet a stress-free experience. Get in touch with us today for a free puppy training consultation. 

How to Trim a Dog’s Nails if they Don’t Like it.

Step one Start by presenting the nail clippers and pairing them with food to create a positive association.

Step two Once comfortable with that, we begin touching the clippers to the paw without clipping and rewarding

Step Three After lots of practice, move on to clipping 1 nail, then retreat and reward.

Step Four Carry on this process until you’ve completed all of the claws.

See our video below showing this how this process works

@goldstarpuppyacademy

Set your pup up for success by teaching them to be comfortable when handled! It’s a super crucial skill that ensures your puppy is safe and relaxed for vet visits and care at home. #puppytraining #puppytrainingtips #dogtraining #dogtrainingtips #cooperativecare #cooperativecaretraining #vetvisit #doggrooming #verobeach #treasurecoast #fyp

♬ Spring – Aesthetic Sounds

Tips For Trimming Dogs Nails

Take things slowly. Never rush the process, make sure you set out to trim the nails when you have lots of time to spare.

Don’t become frustrated if the dog isn’t quick to react how you’d like. He’ll pick up on your frustration and is likely to feel even more anxious.

Remember, even one nail is a victory. You can always repeat the process tomorrow and eventually, all of the nails will be trimmed.

Why Is it Important to Trim Your Dog’s Nails?

Trimming a dog’s nails is important for several reasons:

Comfort and Health: Long nails can be uncomfortable for a dog, causing them pain and affecting their ability to walk properly. If nails become too long, they can even curl into the dog’s paw pads, leading to infection or other health issues.

Prevention of Injuries: Overgrown nails can contribute to accidents and injuries. Dogs with long nails may be more prone to slipping on smooth surfaces, and their nails can get caught in carpets or other surfaces, potentially leading to injuries.

Maintaining Mobility: Proper nail length is crucial for a dog’s ability to walk and run comfortably. If nails are too long, it can alter the dog’s gait and cause joint problems over time.

Preventing Splitting and Cracking: Long nails are more likely to split or crack, which can be painful for the dog. This can also lead to bleeding and infections if not addressed promptly.

Behavioral Issues: Dogs with overgrown nails may experience discomfort, leading to behavioral problems such as irritability or aggression. Regular nail trimming can contribute to a more comfortable and well-behaved pet.

Avoidance of Damage to Home and Furniture: Long nails can scratch floors, furniture, and even people. Regular trimming helps prevent damage to your home and belongings.

Preventing Ingrown Nails: If a dog’s nails are allowed to grow too long, there is an increased risk of them curling into the paw pad, causing pain and potential infection.

While it’s important to trim a dog’s nails, it’s equally important to do so correctly to avoid cutting into the quick (the sensitive, blood-rich part of the nail). Some dogs may be resistant to nail trimming, so it’s essential to introduce them to the process gradually and use positive reinforcement to make it a positive experience. If you’re unsure about how to trim your dog’s nails or if your dog has particularly challenging nails, consider seeking advice from a veterinarian or a professional groomer.

Dog Training Treasure Coast

If you’re unsure about trimming your dog’s nails, we can help. We train humans as well as puppies. Our Treasure Coast Puppy Trainers can help you to feel more confident in training your dog to have grooming tasks completed and your dog to feel more comfortable while his essential maintenance is carried out. For a free consultation, simply book here.

Teach Your Dog to Use a Ramp. Step by Step Guide Including Video

Teach Your Dog to Use a Ramp. Step by Step Guide Including Video

by | Oct 9, 2023

Teach Your Dog to Use a Ramp

Learning to use a dog ramp can be an essential skill for many dogs. If your puppy or older dog struggles to get into the car or onto the couch for example, a ramp is a super useful tool to help them reach greater heights. 

However, not all dogs take to using a ramp immediately, some need a little coaching to learn how to use a ramp and gain their confidence. In the video below, Otis is the perfect student as he learns how to confidently use the dog ramp during our training session in Sebastian. By teaching him to use the ramp, we can also be sure that he won’t receive an injury associated with jumping. Plus now his Mom won’t have to lift him into the car! He’s heavy!

The Step-by-Step Guide to Training Your Dog to Use a Dog Ramp

Step 1 – Get the dog used to walking along the ramp. 

Position the ramp on a steady, flat surface in a space where the dog is already feeling confident and use a treat in your hand to guide him across the ramp. Once he makes it from one end to the other, reward him with a treat and praise. Repeat this several times, until they’re confidently and willingly walking the length of the ramp.

If your pup is hesitant, place a line of treats on the ramp and encourage him to get the treats. You may also reward him for putting just one paw on at first, then build up from there. 

Step 2 – Raise the Bar 

Now that your dog is feeling confident using the ramp flat, we can go ahead and raise it, but only by a couple of inches at first. Use a large thick book or a folded towel to lift one end of the ramp. Repeat the walking the length and reward with your dog’s favorite treat and some great words of praise. 

Step 3 – Keep it Up

Once your dog has the hang of the ramp being raised a couple of inches, continue to raise one end, a little at a time and have your pup walk over it. You may have to get creative with what you use to raise it. Each time he conquers a new level, praise and raise. Always make sure the ramp feels sturdy before you lure your dog onto it.

Step 4 – Getting Ready to Go

Now it’s time to raise the ramp so it’s similar in height to the goal height (like the back of the car). Putting one end of the ramp on the couch can mimic the height of most car floors and is a good intermediate step. Practice indoors using your controlled environment so you can make sure your dog is absolutely confident and happy to use the ramp. Skipping this step could result in your dog panicking outdoors and potentially hurting themselves as they try to escape the situation.

Keep your hand on your dog’s harness while they go up and down the ramp once the ramp is raised. This prevents them from suddenly leaping off.  

Step 5 – Let’s go! 

Now you can move outside and practice getting into the car. You’re going to want to practice here too rather than their first try resulting in a car ride which they may find exciting or terrifying. You want your dog to first feel like he’s just repeating the great training from indoors without distractions. 

Once you’ve completed all of the steps, you can try the ramp wherever you need it, knowing that your dog will feel happy and be safe. 

Teach Your Dog to Use a Ramp Treasure Coast Dog Trainer guides you through step by step

What are the Benefits of Using a Dog Ramp? 

There are many benefits to teaching your dog to use a dog ramp, even if they don’t need one right now.  This kind of exercise helps build your dog’s confidence and body awareness. It also presents a physical challenge so it can aid in strengthening and fitness. Plus, if they know how to master a ramp early, they’ll be able to confidently use it should the need arise, like if they ever had an injury or routine surgery and couldn’t jump while they healed. 

Alternatively, if YOU ever have an injury that prevents you from lifting your dog, you’ll be so happy they know how to use a ramp!

When to Use a Dog Ramp

A dog ramp is a super useful tool to have as a dog owner, even if you think you may not need it right away. Some uses for a dog ramp are: 

As a puppy. Puppies can’t usually jump very high and at a young age, you don’t want them to be jumping too much anyway. Their bodies aren’t yet built to spring super high and land on the ground. 

Small Dogs. There’s little chance a small dog would be able to leap into the trunk of a car so a dog ramp can help them get into the car safely and without being lifted. They may not be heavy but if there’s a time when you can’t bend to pick them up, you’re going to want them to know how to use a ramp. 

After injury or surgery. After an injury or surgery, no matter how small, it’s usually recommended that your dog doesn’t jump up or down but that doesn’t mean you’re not going to want to take them out or need to get them to appointments. If they already know how to use a ramp, they’ll find it much easier, especially at an already anxious time for them. 

Older Dogs. Just like humans, mobility becomes harder for dogs as they grow older. They may not be able to jump as high anymore and ideally, you don’t want them jumping down and creating more wear and tear on their joints. By teaching them to use a ramp, they can still go and enjoy car rides or the comfort of the couch. 

Dog Trainer to Train My Dog To Use a Ramp 

If you want your dog to be able to use a ramp but don’t feel that you can train them to do it yourself or don’t have the time, we offer training for using a dog ramp. We will use the steps above to gain their confidence and teach them to use the ramp in any situation. 

We’ll also involve you as the owner, either during the training or in a rundown afterwards so that you can carry on using the methods they’ve learned during training so that they can use the ramp to live life to the max. 

If this is something you’d be interested in, give me a call or book a free dog training consult now. We offer puppy and dog training in Sebastian, Vero Beach, Vero Beach and all around the Treasure Coast. 

Choosing a Reputable Dog Breeder: A Comprehensive Guide

Choosing a Reputable Dog Breeder: A Comprehensive Guide

by | Aug 23, 2023

Choosing a Reputable Dog Breeder: A Comprehensive Guide

Welcoming a new furry friend into your family is an exciting and rewarding experience, but it comes with important decisions, like where to get your new dog! Most people will acquire their new pet from a breeder or through a rescue organization. Although we support and encourage adopting from ethical rescue organizations, for the purpose of this article, we’re going to focus on what to look for in a good breeder. 

As you can imagine, not all breeders are created equal. In fact, there are some truly terrible ones out there! On the other hand, there are some exceptional breeders that invest great care, time and money into producing quality pups with great temperaments and good health. 

In this guide, we will explore the essential factors to consider when choosing a dog breeder so you’ll have the best shot at finding your ideal four-legged companion.

  1. Research, Research, Research

Before diving into the process of selecting a dog breeder, take the time to research and educate yourself about different breeds, their environmental needs, potential health issues and common behavioral challenges. Oftentimes the run-of-the-mill breed descriptions found on the AKC website can lack depth and don’t give the full picture. Instead, we highly recommend Kim Brophey’s book called Meet Your Dog as an excellent guide to true breed origins. The book goes into detail about why some dog breeds behave the way they do and what to be aware of if you choose to have a certain breed. You can learn more here: https://www.meetyourdogbook.com/ 

This knowledge about your breed of choice will empower you to make informed decisions and ask the right questions when interacting with breeders. 

  1. Application Process and Puppy Picks

Reputable breeders care about where their puppies end up. You should expect that the breeder will have an application process of some kind that involves interviewing YOU almost as much as you are interviewing them! Do not be offended by this, it’s actually a good sign that the breeder wants to make sure you will be a great dog parent. Good breeders will also learn about your lifestyle, family and dog goals and use that information to match you to a specific puppy based on personality rather than just allowing you to choose by color alone. 

If you find a website that allows you to view individual puppies and “add to cart”, BEWARE! Most great breeders have wait lists for puppies and may not have puppies readily available at all times because they carefully choose their pairings and dedicate a lot of time and effort to developing each litter.  If a breeder has several puppies from multiple litters available any time, this is a bad sign. 

Choosing the Perfect Dog Breeder

Choosing a puppy breeder. Dog Trainer Treasure Coast, Florida. Puppy Training Vero Beach

  1. Visit the Breeder’s Facility and Meet the Parents

Physically visiting the breeder’s facility is a crucial step in assessing their professionalism and the living conditions of the dogs. A responsible breeder will allow and encourage visits, as they take pride in their breeding practices. Pay attention to cleanliness, space, socialization and the overall well-being of the dogs on the premises. Put on your detective hat here. Does it look like the puppies actually live here or could this be a staging area where the puppies are brought for sales but they are actually housed off site? It may be surprising but we’ve seen lots of situations where the breeder will meet the buyer at one location but actually keeps their dogs in terrible conditions on a farm or property elsewhere. 

Also, where are mom and dad? How about the rest of the litter? You should be able to meet your puppy’s siblings and mother at a minimum. When meeting the mother, take note of her personality. Is she outgoing and friendly or timid and reserved? Does she seem high-strung and hyper or relaxed and calm? If the breeder says something like “the mother is really protective of her pups we keep her separated”, this is a red flag! Keep in mind that genetics set the stage for your puppy’s behavior so if mom is fearful, anxious or aggressive, it’s pretty likely that at least some of the puppies will share those traits. 

This firsthand experience will give you valuable insights into the environment in which the puppies are raised and help you gauge the breeder’s level of care. 

  1. Ask Questions

Prepare a comprehensive list of questions to ask the breeder during your visit or communication. Inquire about the breed’s history, health testing, socialization efforts, and the breeder’s philosophy. A knowledgeable breeder will be open and transparent about their breeding practices, genetic testing, and the steps they take to raise healthy and well-adjusted puppies. If they seem annoyed by your questions or deflect the answers, this is a red flag.  Be sure to ask if the breeder is doing anything to help prepare the puppies for life in their new homes. Skills like crate training, house training, car rides and comfort being alone can all start before the pups leave the breeder. 

Puppy Training Vero Beach, Treasure Coast, Florida. Dog Trainer. Dog Training

  1. Health Testing and Genetic Screening

Ethical breeders prioritize the health and well-being of their dogs by conducting thorough health testing and genetic screening. Ask the breeder about the specific health tests performed on the parent dogs to ensure they are free from hereditary diseases and conditions commonly associated with the breed. You can find a list of the recommended health tests for each breed on the AKC website here: https://www.akc.org/breeder-programs/breed-health-testing-requirements/

Request to see copies of health clearances and test results to verify their claims. You may also verify their claim by searching for the name of the parent dog or kennel in the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals database here: https://ofa.org/ 

Make sure you actually check because I have seen many breeders claim that they health test the parents but when you search the database, the claim proves false! 

  1. Puppy Socialization

A responsible breeder will expose puppies to various stimuli and socialization experiences during their critical early weeks. Socialization helps puppies develop confidence, adaptability, and appropriate behavior. Inquire about the breeder’s socialization practices and how they expose the puppies to different environments, people, and other animals. A well-socialized puppy is more likely to grow into a well-adjusted adult dog. Bonus points if your breeder follows Puppy Culture or Avidog early socialization protocols! 

Be aware that the breeder may say that they don’t take the puppies anywhere due to disease risk. However, there are many ways to safely expose puppies to new sights and sounds without even putting them on the ground in a new place. They just have to put in the effort! Even a car ride or a stroller walk is an easy way to get the puppies out there! 

  1. Breeder’s Goals

A dedicated breeder is genuinely passionate about the breed and may have goals guiding their breeding practices. Typically breeders will prioritize either health, conformation, aesthetics (like color), temperament or working ability. It’s important to know what your breeder values most out of these goals. Generally, we recommend looking for a breeder who puts temperament and health as top priority, especially when looking for a companion pet.

Keep in mind that when dogs are bred for popular aesthetics like rare colors and coat types, the breeder may make concessions on the other important elements in order to get that special color. For example, if the rare fluffy Frenchie is dog aggressive and has a luxating patella, they may still breed it because it’s fluffy and the fluffy gene is rare so they have less breeding candidate options. 

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  1. Contract, Health Certificates and Guarantees

A reputable breeder provides a written contract that outlines the responsibilities of both parties, including health guarantees, return policies, and lifetime support for the dog. Review the contract carefully and ensure you understand all terms before committing. The contract should offer protection for both the buyer and the breeder and demonstrate the breeder’s commitment to the welfare of their puppies. The breeder should be willing to take the dog back at any time for any reason for the lifetime of the dog. And bonus if they offer a partial refund if the dog is returned within a certain time frame. If there is a major health problem that arises, the breeder should be supportive and offer some sort of compensation. 

In the state of Florida, it is illegal for a breeder to sell a puppy under 8 weeks of age. By law, the breeder must also provide you with a veterinarian signed health certificate. Here is a link to what it looks like: https://forms.freshfromflorida.com/09085.pdf If they are selling you a puppy that is younger than 8 weeks, they will not have a legitimate health certificate either.

  1. Red Flags to Watch Out For

Be wary of breeders who are unwilling to answer questions, provide health records, or allow visits to their facility. Avoid those who prioritize profit over the welfare of the dogs or seem evasive about health testing and the breed’s potential issues. Trust your instincts and avoid breeders who raise any doubts or concerns. You must be willing to WALK AWAY! If you buy the puppy anyway to “rescue” it out of the situation, you are fueling the whole cycle. Don’t be afraid to report the breeder to animal control if they are mistreating the animals in their care or trying to sell puppies that are under 8 weeks of age! There is no accountability for crummy breeders unless we start telling others about it. 

Choosing the Perfect Dog Breeder

Selecting a dog breeder is a significant decision that requires careful consideration and research. By following these comprehensive guidelines, you can ensure that you are choosing a responsible and ethical breeder who prioritizes the health, well-being, and proper socialization of their dogs. A reputable breeder will not only provide you with a healthy and well-adjusted puppy but will also offer ongoing support and guidance as you embark on this wonderful journey of canine companionship. Remember, investing time and effort into finding the right breeder will pay off for the lifetime of the dog. It is well worth your diligence! 

Meet Treasure Coast Puppy Trainer, Gerry-Anna

Hi!

I’m Gerry-Anna, the leading puppy trainer on the Treasure Coast, and I’d love to support you through your puppyhood journey and beyond!

If you want a dog that will be an absolute joy to share your life with, who’s a pleasure to be around, then it all starts with early puppy training.

As the saying goes, prevention is better than cure, and that is so true when it comes to raising a well-mannered dog who is a wonderful addition to your family. Fixing problems takes a lot more time, effort, and support. But if you learn how to prevent problem behaviors from developing and how to communicate with your puppy so they understand exactly what you want – you have an incredible foundation for the road ahead.

When To Start Puppy Training

In an ideal world, you will start your puppy training as soon as your puppy comes home. But it probably doesn’t look quite as you’d expect!

It’s much less about teaching cute behaviors like sit, down, and handshake…and more about helping your puppy develop confidence, manners, and resilience.

Included in all of my puppy training programs are my wellness essentials. These are the foundations that will underpin your puppy’s ability to understand boundaries, respond appropriately and grow into a content adult dog.

If you’ve not started training yet and wonder if it’s too late, please don’t panic or feel bad. Your dog can learn these foundations at any age. It may take a little longer to undo bad habits, but it’s entirely possible with the right support.

Puppy Training Vero Beach, Treasure Coast, Florida

If you’d like to learn more about our programs and see if we’re the right fit for your pup, give us a call or contact us online to book a FREE phone consultation with our puppy trainers. We’d love to chat with you!