How to Safely Socialize a Puppy Before Vaccinations

by Gerry-Anna | Mar 8, 2024

How to Safely Socialize a Puppy Before Vaccinations

We often get asked how to safely socialize a puppy before they are fully vaccinated.

It’s really important to get your puppy out experiencing new sights, smells and environments as soon as possible after they’ve settled in at home BEFORE they receive their last set of vaccinations. A puppy’s critical socialization window closes around 14-16 weeks of age. This is the time of your pup’s life when they are forming their opinions about the world and most open to new experiences. Puppies typically receive their final round of vaccines around 16 weeks of age.

This means that if you wait to take them anywhere until their vaccines are completed, you’re totally missing out on this huge window of opportunity with your puppy! The veterinarians at the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior say that the risk that your puppy contracts an infection is much less than the risk of negative behavioral fallout from keeping your puppy stuck at home for their first few months of life. You can read their full position statement here:

Now, this DOESN’T mean you should take your puppy to areas with a ton of unknown dogs like a dog park. That’s way too unsafe. But you can take your puppy to plenty of other places without having them interact with dogs (or even people) at all. If your puppy is timid, you want to be extra careful to make sure they aren’t overwhelmed on your socialization field trips.

How to Socialize a Timid Puppy

This 5 month old goldendoodle puppy, King, came to us for Sleepaway Camp. He didn’t have a lot of experiences outside of the home before. We could tell he was a little nervous in new situations and unsure about new people. We made a plan to start socializing him in a way that kept him feeling safe so he didn’t feel the need to bark.

We started by simply parking in a store parking lot and letting King observe the parking lot from the back of our vehicle. Whenever he’d stare at a person or other distraction, we’d say “yes” and give him a treat.

King observing people from van:

Then we tried having him chill out on a bench outside of a grocery store:

Then when he was feeling more comfortable, we took our practice on the move and walked down the sidewalk at a busy plaza and rewarded him for checking in with us and walking nicely.

King walking through the plaza:

How to Socialize a Puppy

Remember, socialization can be passive. Your puppy does NOT have to physically interact with any people or animals in order to benefit. Other safe ways to socialize your puppy before they’re vaccinated include:

-Park at a pet supply store and let your puppy watch people and dogs walk by in the parking lot.

-Stand outside a grocery store and let your puppy watch people walk by. Remember, if your puppy is nervous, do not allow people to pet them.

-Take your puppy on a quick cart ride through a pet friendly store.

*Pro tip: Put a mat or blanket in the bottom of the cart for comfort and make sure they don’t jump out!

-Go to a nature-rich area and walk your puppy. Check out our awesome list of the best places to walk your dog in Sebastian and Vero Beach:

-Take your puppy to the tennis courts and let them observe the action.

-Walk your puppy past a playground so they can hear and see kids. We recommend that you keep moving and keep the visit short to avoid kids running up to your puppy. Puppies nip and have sharp teeth so we don’t let them interact with unknown children. You can always let your puppy watch from the car if it seems too hard to avoid interaction.

-Take your puppy on a happy visit to the veterinarian just to get some treats and then leave.

For more information on how to properly socialize your puppy and avoid accidentally creating issues during the process, check out our other blog here: Problems with Puppy Socialization

Puppy Trainer Sebastian, Vero Beach

If you need help with Socializing your puppy or any other dog training, reach out and speak to us. We offer a free consult so that you can be sure you’re getting the right training for you and your dog! Contact us here or Book your free consult now.

How to Train a Dog That’s Not Food Motivated

by Gerry-Anna | 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

♬ Afrobeat – FASSounds

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.

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

by Gerry-Anna | 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.

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

by Gerry-Anna | 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

by Gerry-Anna | 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.

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