Group Class Schedule – Spring 2012

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Highland Canine Training, LLC will be holding group classes in Lake Wylie, SC and Indian Trail, NC. For more information or to sign up for a class please contact Alison Pennington at 704.770.8205 or apennington@highlandcanine.com.

*Once you have completed one round of any of my classes offered you are welcome to come back and take that class again for brush up training in the future.  No Charge.

Good Samaritan Church, 5220 Crowders Cove Lane, Lake Wylie, SC:

Dog Tricks Class – $129 (We will also include some beginner’s agility!)

Class begins Wednesday, May 2nd at 6pm.  There will be 6 classes.

This class is perfect for owners that want to teach their dogs tricks. This class teaches tricks such as, roll-over, spin, shake, pick up items, jumps, hoop, etc. This course is great for challenging dogs mentally as well as physically. This course is a great addition to our basic obedience, advanced obedience, agility or even therapy dog classes. There are no prerequisites for this class.

Basic Obedience – $129

Class begins Thursday, May 31st at 6pm.  There will be 6 classes.

This class teaches dogs and owners on-leash skills such as sit, down, stay, come, heel and place. This class is also designed to help owners deal with problems such as pulling on the leash, jumping on people, etc. This course is also a great forum for socializing your dog with new people and dogs.

Therapy Dog Class – $149

Class begins Thursday, May 31st at 7pm.  There will be 7 classes.

Therapy Dog Class teaches dogs and owners the fundamentals of therapy dog work. Dogs and owners wishing to attend this class must have previously completed a basic obedience class or an equivalent. This course teaches the skills and environmental training that is required for therapy dogs. This course is great if you are looking into doing therapy work in schools, nursing homes and hospitals. Many of our previous graduates are already involved in these types of exciting and fulfilling programs.

Mercy Animal Hospital, 1110 Technology Dr, Suite B, Indian Trail, NC:

Therapy Dog Class – $149

Class begins Wednesday, May 16th at 1pm.  There will be 7 classes.

Therapy Dog Class teaches dogs and owners the fundamentals of therapy dog work. Dogs and owners wishing to attend this class must have previously completed a basic obedience class or an equivalent. This course teaches the skills and environmental training that is required for therapy dogs. This course is great if you are looking into doing therapy work in schools, nursing homes and hospitals. Many of our previous graduates are already involved in these types of exciting and fulfilling programs.

Basic Obedience – $129

Class begins Wednesday, May 16th at 2pm.  There will be 6 classes.

This class teaches dogs and owners on-leash skills such as sit, down, stay, come, heel and place. This class is also designed to help owners deal with problems such as pulling on the leash, jumping on people, etc. This course is also a great forum for socializing your dog with new people and dogs.

For more information about our training programs contact Alison Pennington at 704-770-8205 or apennington@highlandcanine.com.  Visit our website at www.dogtrainingcharlottenc.com or www.therapydogclub.com.

March 2012 Group Classes

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March 2012 Group Class Schedule:

All classes will be held at the Good Samaritan Church, 5220 Crowders Cove Lane, Lake Wylie, SC 29710.

For more information or to sign up for a class please contact Alison Pennington at 704-770-8205 or apennington@highlandcanine.com.

Therapy Dog Class – *Special $149 (was $199)

Class begins Saturday, March 3rd at 10am.  We will meet once a week for 7 weeks.

Therapy Dog Class teaches dogs and owners the fundamentals of therapy dog work. Dogs and owners wishing to attend this class must have previously completed a basic obedience class or an equivalent. This course teaches the skills and environmental training that is required for therapy dogs. This course is great if you are looking into doing therapy work in schools, nursing homes and hospitals.

(Information about our Therapy Dog Club – www.therapydogclub.com)

AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Class – $129

Class begins Saturday, March 3rd at 11:30am.  There will be 7 classes.

The AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Program is an incentive program for loving dog owners who have taken the time to take their puppies through a basic training class. This class is an excellent way to start your puppy off on the right foot. The focus of the class is socialization, training the basic commands, proper play and exercise and owner responsibility. Each student will receive a S.T.A.R. Puppy handbook and be eligible to receive a S.T.A.R. Puppy certificate, medal and other valuable offers upon the completion of class.

Canine Good Citizen Class – $129

Class begins Wednesday, March 14th at 6pm.  There will be 6 classes.

The AKC CGC Program is designed to reward dogs who have good manners at home and in the community. This is a great class for owners and dogs who have taken basic obedience classes and would like to continue training or for those interested in pursuing Therapy Dog work.  All dogs who pass the 10-step CGC test may receive a certificate from the American Kennel Club.

(CGC Test Items – www.akc.org/events/cgc/training_testing.cfm)

*Once you have completed one round of any of my classes offered you are welcome to come back and take that class again for brush up training in the future.  No Charge.*

For more information about our training programs, please visit our website at www.dogtrainingcharlottenc.com.

Challenges and Rewards of Working with Fearful Dogs

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Fearful dog blog image
Rocket working through fear issues.

I have personal and professional experience in working with fearful dogs. My wife and I have adopted 2 fearful dogs and find working with them both heartwarming and rewarding. It can also be very difficult and frustrating which is why many fearful dogs may never find forever homes or have behavior problems in their existing homes. Living and working through fear issues requires dedication and patience but is well worth the payoff off seeing profound change in the quality of life for the dog as well as gaining a loyal and loving companion. The information below details how fearful behavior may have started, how it manifests itself in the dog’s behavior and how you and your dog trainer can help.

Why and How Does this happen?

Fear in dogs can be caused by a number of things or events. The most common is the lack of socialization. Failing to get dogs around a variety of different environments, people, sounds and animals during the first 12 weeks of life can make all the difference. Dogs that have been physically abused will be frightened of things associated with the abuse. Fear can manifest itself in many different ways including aggression, barking, snapping and lunging. These are all signs that the dog thinks he/she has no other option than to lash out. On the other side of the coin, you may also notice very submissive behaviors such as cringing, whining, urinating, defecating or crying. Body language should be watched closely for indications of fear issues. Examples of such indicators include lowered head, tucked tail, ears laid back, trembling, and pacing.

If fearful responses suddenly appear without precedent or obvious reason, a medical condition could be to blame. Consult a veterinarian to rule out any possible medical issue that may need addressing.

How to Help?

Fearful dogs are not easy to deal with and cannot be “fixed” overnight. Patience from the owners is paramount if the behavior and issues will be resolved and the dog properly taken care of. Progress is slow and not easily noticed, but little by little will be made. Becoming stressed or frustrated will only lead to setbacks so make sure that owners and trainers only work with the dog when they are calm and once starting, stay calm and relaxed. The most important thing is to make progress and bring about a positive change in the dogs life and behavior.

A strong bond must be established between the owner and the dog before trying to train a fearful dog. When training does begin, it will be necessary to determine the fear thresholds and train just shy of them. Thresholds are points at which the dogs fear is triggered. For example, your dog may have a human distance threshold of 10 feet (meaning that if a person is a certain distance from the dog, they display little to no fear).  However, if the human comes just 1 foot closer, the fear sets in and the fearful behavior is displayed.  The threshold in this case is 9 feet from humans. Some of the best fear training methods include: reward and distract, and positive reinforcement. Proper behavior (without fear) must always be rewarded. Feeding a dog in a place they perceive as “scary” will help associate good things with this environment. Giving special treats will also have good connotations with a guest. Avoid rewarding or comforting a dog that is displaying fear as it will reinforce the fearful behavior.

 Your chosen treatment type will depend on your dogs fear issues. As stated earlier, rehabilitating a fearful dog is a slow process that takes patience and diligence.

In summary, remember how important early socialization is for a dog. Avoiding the fearful behavior is always better than trying to make the slow recovery back from a dog with existing fear issues. Fear can manifest itself in different types of behaviors, submission and/or aggression. Treatment should be specialized for the type of fear your dog exhibits. The owner should first build a strong bond before beginning training with the dog. And finally, the owner and/or trainer must always remain calm and relaxed while training or risk setbacks with the dogs’ progress.

If you would like to discuss training or how we can assist you in working with a fearful dogs or any behavioral issue, please call (704) 430-4983 or email: kwalters@highlandcanine.com. You can also visit our website at http://www.dogtrainingcharlottenc.com.

Aggression at the Front Door

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I recently had a client in Rock Hill, SC who called about a dilemma with her Bichon Frise. She stated that the dog was great around the house, did well at doggie daycare and walked wonderfully on leash in the neighborhood. The trouble would start when company arrived at the front door and continued when they entered the house. She explained that whenever someone knocked or rang the doorbell the dog would tear at the door and attempt to attack them, acting in a very aggressive manner. Once the person came in, the dog would bark non-stop for hours, or until they left, whichever came first. He had also lunged and nipped at the pant leg of a couple guests. My client was extremely concerned that her dog would bite someone, and with a baby on the way many visitors coming to the house was inevitable.

I met with the owner and her dog to evaluate the situation. Even before I entered the house the dog was barking furiously and charging at the door. It was obvious that the dog was very uncomfortable with this situation. I soon learned that this behavior had been going on for some time and seemed to be getting even worse.

So, I was faced with the task of disentangling this unusual behavior and discovering its source. We started obedience training with the dog and began to work on his unacceptable behavior. His previous obedience training had only covered the initial phase of training, the teaching phase. This caused his obedience to be rather inconsistent when calm and non-existent, to say the least, when he was on a tirade. We also began preparing the pooch for a new baby in the house (more on that in my next blog article).

The owners of this problem pooch lived in a beautiful home with a two car garage. They almost always entered the home from the door located in the garage. This left the front door available for visitors. Therefore, the dog became used to the fact that his owners always came in the garage door and “strangers” always entered the front door. So I had the owners begin using the front door as their new means of entering the house……what a surprise for our temperamental pooch! We also incorporated methods of making the dog understand that people using the front door were just as friendly as his owners. In no time, he went from barking and tearing at the door to sitting quietly waiting for visitors to pet him.

Now, our owner is able to answer her door without the concern that her dog may bite someone. The difference in this Bichon is remarkable and was accomplished in only six weeks. Now the family is ready for their new addition and a lot of visitors at the front door!

If you would like to discuss training or how we can assist you in eliminating behavioral problems please call 704.770.8205 or email apennington@highlandcanine.com. You can also visit our website at www.dogtrainingcharlottenc.com.

Fall Group Class Schedule – Lake Wylie

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Highland Canine Training, LLC will be holding another round of group classes in Lake Wylie, SC starting Saturday, October 29th. Classes will meet once a week for 6 weeks with the exception of the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy class, which will meet for 7 weeks. For more information about these classes please contact Alison Pennington at 704-770-8205 or apennington@highlandcanine.com.

Location: Good Samaritan Church, 5220 Crowders Cove Lane, Lake Wylie, SC 29710

Group Class Schedule:

AKC S.T.A.R Puppy
The focus of this class is socialization, basic obedience, proper play and owner responsibility. Each student will receive a S.T.A.R. Puppy handbook and will be eligible to receive a S.T.A.R. Puppy certificate, medal and other valuable offers upon completion of this class. This class lasts 7 weeks.

When: October 29, 2011 10:00-11:00
Where: Lake Wylie, SC
Cost: $129.00

Advanced Obedience
This class teaches dogs and owners off-leash methods of teaching such commands as sit, down, stay, come, heel and place. This class is designed for dogs that have already completed our basic training class or an equivalent. This course is also a great way to continue socializing your dog with new people and dogs.

When: October 29, 2011 11:15-12:15
Where: Lake Wylie, SC
Cost: $129.00

Therapy Dog Class
This class teaches dogs and their owners the skills required to become a Therapy Dog Team. Dogs and owners must have completed a Basic Obedience Class or an equivalent. This is an excellent class for teams interested in working in schools, hospitals, nursing homes or other environments needing dogs for therapy work.

When: October 29, 2011 12:30 – 1:30
Where: Lake Wylie, SC
Cost: $199.00

For more information about our training programs, please visit our website at www.dogtrainingcharlottenc.com.

Are they Playing? Or Fighting?

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I have met so many owners who are shocked and afraid when their dogs make noises and make movements they don’t understand. I have seen them yank their dogs away from other dogs in horror hoping to end an ensuing fight and I have witnessed owners that don’t recognize aggression and let their dogs practically maul another dog while promising his or her dog is just playing. The big question is “Is this play or are they fighting?”

A lot of times dog play mimicks dog fighting, but on a more controlled, lighter level. When dogs play they often make growling noises and sometimes they can get pretty loud. We as humans need to understand these sounds and movements and we need to know when play is healthy and when play can turn into aggressive behavior that may lead to a fight.

Here a few pointers that may help you the next time you allow your dog(s) out to play with family dogs or with dogs they have just met.

When dogs play they should be able to interrupt play for brief periods. During these brief periods the dogs may drink water, sniff the ground, find interest in something else present. These interruptions are ways in which the dogs lower the arousal levels when play is getting too rough.

Dogs that know how to play well don’t invade the others physical space. They seem to share the space and treat each other as equals. We have all seen the German Shepherd or the Pitbull playing with the Yorkie or the Chihuahua and thought how cool it is that the larger dogs know how to be gentle with his smaller companion. This is good play behavior. Often times the larger dog will lay down, making himself smaller and getting down to the smaller dog’s level. The large dog (who earlier may have been wrestling with another large dog roughly) will move slower around the small dog and if he mouths the smaller dog he will do it very gently. The ability of dogs to modify their behavior in this way is a very healthy form of play.

Dogs learn from each other. They copy behavior. In play one dog may offer a play bow and the other dog will do the same. They also like to reverse roles during play. One is the chaser and the other is the one being chased. At any given moment this will change. The chaser becomes the one being chased.

Even the best play period can turn into play sessions that need our attention.

When you observe your dog or dogs playing with your dog getting very excited and the play becomes increasingly more intense you should interrupt the play.

Make sure you pay attention to the hackles on your dog and on the other dogs. If the hackles are raised in a thin line between the shoulder blades or if they are on his rump this is an indication of a rising level of arousal or stress and you should interrupt the play. This is a perfect time for a time out.

Is your dog or another dog snarling or exposing his teeth? If so that too is an indicator of a level of arousal or stress that can lead to problem play if left uninterupted.

Hip slams or slamming into the other dog with his or her chest is rude behavior as well as rolling another dog. These actions invade a dogs personal space and should be watched and corrected by either interrupting the play or stopping the play altogether.

Play should definately be terminated when owners or handlers see their dog or any other dog go after another dog’s throat or neck and/or if they notice a dog biting and shaking the other dog. Full mouth biting is definately a sign of rough play. Dogs that play and don’t take a break should be separated and forced to chill out for a while. Continuous, uninterrupted play (either by the dogs themselves or by humans) can lead to risky behavior later.

Let you dog play and have fun. Just make sure play is supervised and intervene when necessary.

If you have questions about dog behavior feel free to contact Linda Taylor 704-500-6810 or ltaylor@highlandcanine.com.

Upcoming Events – Spring & Summer 2011

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There are many upcoming pet related events in the Charlotte and surrounding areas this spring and summer. Be sure to check out some of these great events, many of them allow you to bring your 4-legged best friend! These are great opportunities to socialize your dog. Highland Canine Training will be participating in the following events. Be sure to stop by our booth to say hello!!

Bark in the Ballpark
Sunday, May 1st – 1:30pm
Knights Stadium – Fort Mill, SC
Bring your canine friend with you to the ball game on Sunday, May 1st. Come early to join a pre-game pooch parade at 1:45pm and a costume contest during the game with dog-centric prizes awarded to the winners. First Pitch is at 2:15pm. A doggie vender showcase will be setup for viewing on the concourse during the game. Pet adoptions will be available. Portions of the ticket purchases will go to benefit the Humane Society of York County. You may also bring a donation (dog supplies, dog food, or cash) to donate to the York County Humane Society. For tickets call (704) 357-8071 or purchase & print online at www.charlotteknights.com.

Pet Palooza
Saturday, May 14, 2011 (rain date is Saturday, June 4th).
8:00 a.m. – 1 p.m. (Vendor Booths open 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.)
Independence Park (300 Hawthorne Lane, Charlotte, NC 28204)
Pet Palooza is currently the Humane Society of Charlotte’s largest annual fundraiser which is a fundraising walk, Kennelly 5k and pet festival. Join over 2,000 event participants who walk or run with teams of family, friends and co-workers in this special celebration of our four-legged friends. Enjoy a vendor fair, musical entertainment, refreshments, a fido fashion show and fun for the entire family.

Charlotte Pet Expo
Saturday, May 21, 2011
10AM to 6PM
The Park Expo Center
This event is free! Bring Your Pet! (on a fixed lead with proof of vaccinations, please)
There will be fabulous prize giveaways and fun for both the two-Legged AND four-Legged.
Adopt! Dozens of Rescue Groups and a Mega-Adoption Event
Discounted Vaccinations, Microchipping and Heartworm & Flea Preventatives, Free Nail Trims, Agility Demonstrations, Live Entertainment, Obedience Demonstrations, Author Readings/Book Signings , The Latest & Greatest Pet Products.

Learn About Pet Care, Volunteerism, Grooming, Pet Behavior & Training, Traveling with your Pet, How YOU Can Make a Difference, Different Types of Pets/Breeds, Veterinarian FAQ, Fun Activities for You & Your Pet, And MUCH MORE!

Greater Hickory Pet Expo
Saturday, June 4, 2011 from 9am to 5pm and Sunday, June 5, 2011 from 11am to 5pm
Hickory Metro Convention Center
Join us for the second annual Greater Hickory Pet Expo June 4 & 5, 2011. Shop for your pets to find the products and services that are available to provide the utmost care for them. They will have even more entertainment, education, demonstrations and hands on activities than last year! There will be groomers, veterinarians, rescue organizations, trainers, boarding/day care facilities, cages, bedding, aquariums, bakeries and so much more. Be sure to check out Highland Canine’s agility demonstration by our very own Linda Taylor!

For more information about Highland Canine Training, visit our website at www.dogtrainingcharlottenc.com.

Spring Heath Hazards for Dogs

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We all look forward to spring. Spring means warmer weather, green grass, pretty flowers and outdoor activities. However, spring also means allergies, more bugs and other health risks for us humans – and our dogs are not immune. It’s important to keep your dogs safe during this time of year and as we get closer to summer. Here are some common health hazards you should be aware of to protect your four legged best friend.

Fleas, tick and other parasites
Although fleas and ticks can be present year round, they tend to show up more often in the spring-time. Be sure to continue giving your dog their heartworm and flea preventative to protect them from fleas and other parasites. Fleas can transmit diseases such as tapeworms if ingested by your dog. Check your dog for ticks regularly especially after time spent outdoors, in the woods or in tall grass. Lyme disease is just one disease that can be caused by ticks.

Allergies
Just like us humans, dogs can get allergies in the spring-time. Dog allergies can come from plants, pollen and fleas among other things. Most often your dog will develop skin problems and be very itchy. As a result of all that itching some cases may result in loss of fur and inflamed skin. A less common result of allergies in dogs is respiratory problems or runny eyes. If allergies seem to really be bothering your dog ask your vet for ways to make your dog more comfortable during the allergy season.

Chemicals
Often times we use chemicals such as fertilizer and insecticides on our lawns and gardens. These chemicals can be toxic if ingested by a dog. If you’re using chemicals that may be harmful to your dog be sure to keep them away from those chemicals, not only on your lawn or garden but wherever you store them.

Plants
Many plants that look beautiful in our yard or garden can also be toxic to our dogs. Some examples of those plants are lilies, rhododendrons, azaleas, Japanese ewe, foxglove, tulips, oleanders, castor beans and chrysanthemums. Keep an eye on your dog to be sure he does not ingest any of these plants either outside or inside in a bouquet.

Call your veterinarian if you suspect your dog is not acting like himself due to spring time allergies or has eaten something that may be toxic to him. Always bring your dog to your vet for their yearly check up, vaccinations, etc. Stay healthy and enjoy the warmer weather with your dog!

Important contact information to have handy:
1. Your primary veterinarian
2. One or more nearby 24-hour veterinary emergency clinics
3. ASPCA Poison Control: (888) 426-4435 ($50 fee)
4. Animal Poison Hotline: 888-232-8870 ($35 fee)
5. Pet Poison Hotline: 800-213-6680 ($35 fee)

For more information about Highland Canine Training visit our website at www.dogtrainingcharlottenc.com. Group classes are a great way to get out and be active with your dog in the spring or any time of year. Contact your local Highland Canine trainer for more information and a schedule of group classes in your area.

Benefits of Training in Your Home

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Highland Canine Training offers both Private Lessons and In Home dog training for the convenience of keeping your dog at home. Clients that sign up for private lessons meet with our trainers once a week for about an hour. During this hour we put together a game plan for developing more structure in your house and each week our dog trainers teach you a new command and work on certain behaviors that may be disrupting your household. You as a client will be responsible for homework between your lessons!

Our in-home dog training programs allow our busy clients the satisfaction of knowing their dog is learning in the comfort of their own home. Even if the dogs owner’s are at work or on vacation! This program works much like a pet-sitter, we schedule times and days to come by and work with your dog one on one. These training sessions will involve focused training exercises, walks in the neighborhood and socialization exercises when necessary. You have the flexibility to observe/participate at each lesson or meet once a week with the trainer to see our results and learn how to maintain your dogs training. Our dog trainers make sure that you have all of the tools and knowledge you need to maintain the training of your dog. As with all of our dog training programs we offer free follow up training for the life of the dog, and we give advice by phone or email anytime!

In-kennel dog training is great, but sometimes we just don’t see the behaviors and behavior problems that you may see at home. Private Lessons or In Home training offers you and your family a custom training program to work on these behavioral issues. Examples of problem behaviors include: barking and/or lunging at visitors at the door, nipping at children when they run around the house, fence fighting with the neighbor’s dogs, chewing up furniture/windows, aggression between multiple pets, leash aggression when walking in public or around your neighborhood, potty training/marking issues, moderate to severe shyness with visitors, digging or destroying the yard. These are just a few of the dog problems we see and work with to help you get your household back on track!

Our professional dog trainer’s at Highland Canine Training have had extensive training and experience in the areas of problem solving and are prepared to handle any breed. We feel that the majority of problems that arise from dogs in their home environment come from an error or lack of communication from the pet owners. It is our job to assist you and get you and your family in the habit of learning to speak dog!

Another benefit of private lessons is that we are actually teaching you how to train your own dog. Our trainers will teach you how to successfully take your dog through all three phases of training your dog to ensure that you have a reliable, well-rounded dog. These dog training techniques can be applied to your next dog or pet, so the investment can last a lifetime! Call us today to set up your free evaluation! For more information visit our website – www.dogtrainingcharlottenc.com.

Does Your Dog Get Enough Exercise?

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When my own dogs don’t get enough exercise they let me know! Ivan will follow me around the house like a shadow, Merry will find any toy she can rip to shreds (and do just that) and Lola will bounce around the house like a ping pong ball trying to get anyone willing to play with her. This will all happen mid afternoon on any day they have not gotten a minimum of a 45 minute walk. When this happens I know I have not done my job as an owner by giving them the physical and mental stimulation they need on a daily basis.

As a trainer, I see a lot of behavior issues that stem from lack of both physical and mental exercise. Insufficient exercise can lead to boredom and behavior issues. Examples of behavior issues include chewing, digging, jumping, separation anxiety, excessive barking and other forms of attention getting behaviors. Lack of exercise can also lead to obesity and other health issues in dogs.

The amount of exercise needed for each individual dog differs but one thing is certain, all dogs need some type of exercise every day to be happy, well behaved dogs. The best exercise for dogs is an activity that makes them work both mentally and physically. Many people believe that their backyard provides enough exercise and entertainment for their dog. The truth is that most dogs do not exercise when they are outside by themselves. They spend most of their time laying around waiting for their owners to play with them.

Here are some examples of ways to get your dog some exercise:

Walks – A good old walk is a great way to get your dog some exercise. Having your dog heel while walking is even better. When a dog is heeling he is getting both physical and mental exercise while having to focus on you.

Hiking – Hiking is like going on an even more exciting walk for your dog. He gets to see and smell new things while spending time in nature with his favorite person. Putting a backpack on your dog while hiking gives him a job while getting his exercise.

Fetch – Fetch is a great game to play with your dog if he has the drive. You can teach your dog to drop it, sit or down before you throw the ball and wait until you give the okay for him to go get it. Throwing the ball somewhere where the dog can’t see where it lands is a great way to meet their hunting drive.

Group Classes – Group classes are a great way to teach your dog new things as well as socialize him with other people and dogs. Examples of group classes are obedience, agility, rally-obedience and therapy dog class.

Food Puzzles/Kongs – There are many different types of food puzzles and Kongs available. These toys are a good way to give your dog a treat and keep them busy at the same time. The dog has to use their mind to figure out how to get the food out of the toy.

Play with other dogs – Playing with other dogs teaches them how to socialize properly and allows them to get physical exercise.

Tricks/Obedience – Teaching your dog tricks and obedience will tire them out both physically and mentally, and result in a better behaved dog. Dogs love learning new things especially if you make it a fun game for them. Keep training short and fun, and your dog will be happy to work for you.

Swimming – Swimming is just as good for dogs as it is for people, provided that your dog likes the water. Swimming is easy on their joints and can tire the dog out quickly.

Doggie daycare/dog walker – If you are unable to provide your dog with the proper amount of exercise he needs, doggie daycare or a dog walker may be necessary. Do your research and find someone you trust with your dog and he is sure to have a good time.

For more information visit our website at www.dogtrainingcharlottenc.com