Helping Hounds Training Solutions

So you have a new puppy, or a newly adopted dog--How exciting!

Of course we want them to explore their new home, and get comfortable. Sometimes their cute antics are just too adorable to resist! We let them cuddle with us for a movie on Saturday night (if they're relaxed enough) and let them roam and sniff to their heart's content on the walks--because after all, that's what a walk is for, right?

Well, hold on--

We take into consideration that there are different "camps" of dogs. Not in terms of breeds, but in terms of personalities. Some dogs you absolutely can spoil all day every day, and the dog will grow to be a sweet, affectionate cuddly companion without any troubles or problems. A lot of these dogs don't need the help of a trainer because they're just natrually, inherently good.

Then you have the other dogs--the vast majority. These dogs are the opportunists. The dogs who if you give an inch, they'll take a couple miles. Sometimes they just behave impulsively and mindlessly, and other times, they think they pay the household bills. And for a few--they think they reserve the right to claim you and or correct you if you're out of line. These are the dogs that trainers see day in and day out to address and modify their behavior.

It's very rare that a trainer will be hired to train a dog that's mild-mannered, naturally sweet and chill. But how do we know that's the dog we'll end up with?? Well, we don't. We won't know the personality style of the dog we have until they mature (or until they've been with their new family for about 3 months). This is why it's better if we run a tight ship in the beginning first, and allow them the privileges and freedoms as the relationship grows.

What does it mean to "run a tight ship"? Simple rules and boundaries--even if you might not like it. Privileges like being allowed on the furniture, or rushing through the door for a walk, or even being let into your space whenever they want can absolutely send the wrong message to the wrong personality of dog.

Although it can be hard or even unusual to implement, when you bring a new dog home--whether it's a puppy or recently adopted--try making sure you enforce certain rules, and have them come into your space by invitation. It's absolutely okay to have expectations for their behavior, and then loosen up as they prove themselves in your home.

Do you need help with setting your new puppy or dog up for success? Let us know! Leave a comment or send us a message and let us help you!

Oh, puppies. They are just so irresistibly cute!

Picture this: You're sitting on the floor, and your adorable little puppy runs up to you and plows into your lap, and just as you embrace the puppy and prevent yourself from falling backwards from the adorable impact, you're filled with pure joy and happiness. Your laughter leads the puppy to get a little more excited, and he so cutely gives a little gnaw on your chin or hands. It doesn't hurt at all, and he's just so cute, so we continue to play.
Then you stand up to go tend to dinner in the oven, and the puppy follows you like a magnet. Because they're so floppy and cute when they're following, we bend right over to give another little pet.

That whole ordeal probably sounds familiar to some, or at least innocent enough to others, right?

Okay, now picture that same exact scenario and what it could mean coming from an adult dog:

You're sitting on the floor trying to play a game with your child, and your 60 pound dog runs up and pummels you. You try to not fall backwards, and instead of laughing, you're saying "hey! stop!", and then the dog goes to be inappropriately mouthy with you. You finally stand up to go tend to dinner, and the dog just keeps entrenching your space. On top of that, you're also worried that the dog will intrude the space of your other guests. Not so cute or fun this time.

This is one of the many examples of how we can start our puppies off on the right path from the get-go. Instead of allowing the (adorable) puppy to rush up and plop in our lap, encourage calm approaches, or have them wait for the invitation. Encourage separation from time to time, whether it's through baby gates, a crate, or a blocked off area---instead of allowing them to always follow you (which then usually results in attention).

Trying to address these issues when the dog is a teenager or full-blown adult is so much harder because, to the dog, it was essentially "okay" to do up until a certain point--then it all of a sudden wasn't okay.

The cuteness factor absolutely doesn't help--and it tends to be the hardest part of the process...because let's face it--it's pretty hard to ignore or discourage attention-seeking behavior from an adorable puppy....but what you encourage and allow with your young puppy can (and usually will) result in a bigger problem down the line...accompanied with OTHER problems linked to that!

Do you have a puppy that you want to get started off on the right track? Let us help! Send us a message, leave a comment, or email us at: [email protected]

📣Attention NEW dog owners!📣

Whether you adopted a dog recently (from us or elsewhere) or brought home a new puppy--this is for you!

Our New Dog Now What Seminar is an informative, 2-hour seminar geared towards setting you and your new companion up for as much success as possible. This seminar has been said to be:
🐾"Something every dog owner should attend"
🐾"Extremely helpful and insightful"
🐾"Very useful for my new puppy"
.and the list goes on from previous attendees!

Come and learn:
💡Problem Prevention Strategies
⚽What helpful and effective products to buy, including food!
🦮Helpful training techniques
🐶A section just for puppies!
And so much more!

⛔This seminar is for people only--the dogs have to sit this one out

🗓️DATE: Tuesday October 1st (And the first Tuesday of each month)
⏰TIME: 2:00 pm
📍LOCATION: Helping Hounds Dog Rescue
💸PRICE: $50/Family
🔗SIGN UP: https://helpinghoundsdogrescuetraining.as.me/schedule/52bc1fb8/?appointmentTypeIds[]=54626864https://helpinghoundsdogrescuetraining.as.me/schedule/52bc1fb8/?appointmentTypeIds[]=54626864

We've had some graduates this week, and not to mention one of our Novice class participants, Bruce, went on to get the highest level of his Therapy Dog Certification! Great job everyone!

Our next Novice class starts October 8th! Sign up today! https://helpinghoundsdogrescuetraining.as.me/schedule/52bc1fb8/?appointmentTypeIds[]=39993171

🐾

One of the things a young puppy should learn is Impulse Control

In this case, impulse control with the ability to settle when not being able to do what they want.

Puppies shouldn't always have "something to do", nor should they be mentally stimulated every waking moment of the day. They need to learn to relax, too.

This can apply to situations like:
-waiting in the vet's office to be seen
-standing waiting to cross the street
-standing and chit-chatting with the neighbors
..and more!

Let your puppy learn to relax their brain just as much as you get them to use their brain!

Not sure? Ask us how! Shoot us an email:
[email protected]