Blog — Category_Training

Carrie Pallardy Source   Why stop at the basics? Training your dog doesn’t have to end after you have mastered commands like sit, stay, and come. You and your dog can continue to work together to learn new commends to show off at the dog park or when guests come over.   Teaching your dog tricks can continue to strengthen the bond the two of you share. Plus, trick training provides your dog both mental and physical stimulation. What are some of the canine tricks you can teach your dog to perform?   Shake Hands   Source   If you...

Carrie Pallardy Source   Whether you are bringing home a puppy or an adult dog, proper socialization is an essential part of your training process. You want to set your dog up for success when you explore the world together. How do you properly socialize your pup?   What Is Socialization? Introducing your dog to other dogs is a big part of socialization, but complete socialization extends beyond. Socialization is the process of helping your dog navigate his or her environment safely and confidently. That means helping your dog learn how to interact with other dogs, other animals, people and...

Carrie Pallardy Source   Does your dog come when you call? Reliable recall is an essential part of training your pet. You want to know your dog will come when you call at home, but this command is especially important for off-leash runs and play outside where safety becomes an issue. You do not want your dog to ignore your calls by a busy road or near an aggressive animal. How do you get started on recall training?   It’s All About the Name   First things first: your dog needs to know her name. If she doesn’t respond to...

How to Introduce Your Dog To Your New Baby   Congratulations on the new baby! Parenting is a hard, yet a rewarding experience, and no better way of sharing this wonderful experience than with your dog. Before letting man’s best friend near your newborn, there are a few safety precautions you need to understand about dog and baby first encounters. According to the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, the CDC in Atlanta, Georgia, has reported that there are about 800,000 dog bites a year that need medical attention with about 334,000 cases a year that are severe enough for hospital treatment....

Stormy Day Dog Training Games Chicago certainly isn’t the only city to experience erratic weather patterns as winter releases its grip. All across the country, unexpected storms and downpours can abruptly strand your favorite pup indoors. If you live in the Windy City, canine boredom is easily remedied with a fun visit from our Sparky Steps team. But on the days you’re actually home with your pooch, don’t forget that you can also use inclement weather to your advantage. There are several easy reward-based dog training games that improve canine conduct, while strengthening your pet-human bond. Remember, a “reward” can...