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Why Group Dog Training Classes are Worth It

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Cost of Group Dog Training Classes: Worth the Tiny Investment

Group Dog Training Classes
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I’m often asked if the cost of group dog training classes is really worth it. As a dog trainer, and pet owner, it’s worth every penny and actually a tiny investment that provides a huge impact. Allow me to explain a bit further.

What are Group Dog Training Classes?

Group dog training classes are structured for pet owners and their dogs. They’re usually held once a week on a specific day and designated time. Most group classes range between 6-8 weeks; however, many group classes are now 4 weeks with a condensed curriculum. Personally, I teach 4-week classes because most pet owners have a difficult time committing to 6-8 week courses. Keep in mind that just because a group class is shorter, it doesn’t mean you’ll learn less. It’s actually the opposite. Since it’s condensed, you can expect more homework.

Cost of Group Dog Training Classes

With that said, group dog training classes can range between $85-$200, depending on how many weeks are included. Generally, 4-week classes are less expensive because they’re shorter while longer group classes can cost more. Additionally, special focus classes may cost a bit more due to an increased dog trainer skill level, different location or limit on participants.

Now, let’s do a bit of math. If a 4-week class costs $85, that’s $21 per class. That’s pretty cheap considering pet owners and their dogs learn 3-4 new polite behaviors per class. Also, if your dog chews the sofa or a pair of your shoes, it will likely cost way more than $85 to replace or repair it. For 6-8 week classes that cost more, each class averages around  $25 per session.

What You and Your Dog Will Learn

For the popular Adult Manners group classes (for dogs 6 months and older), expect to learn at least 10-12 new polite behaviors, such as sit, down, walking on a loose leash, stay, heel, sit-stay, down-stay, touch, leave it and come when called. Also, pet owners learn how to manage digging, chewing, barking and jumping up behavior plus answers to any questions they’ll likely have at home.

Puppy and Adult Manners group classes provide many distractions (i.e. other dogs, people, sounds, smells and movement) with a skilled dog trainer to navigate you both successfully, which is worth every penny. Remember, dog trainers are teaching pet owners how to teach their dogs polite behaviors, so they’re able to continue progress at home. Additionally, many skills take several weeks to perfect, so pet owners will have plenty of time to practice with the guidance of the dog trainer.

When pet owners claim their dogs already know how to sit, down and walk on a loose leash, can their dogs do all of that around distractions? That’s a huge benefit of signing up for group dog training classes.

Where to Find Group Dog Training Classes

Now you understand the importance of group dog training classes. Find a professional dog trainer in your area by using these resources and websites. Tell your dog trainer I sent you!

Stop Sharing Outdated Posts About Rescue and Foster Dogs

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Social Media Etiquette: Sharing is Caring Only If It’s Updated

Social Media Etiquette
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We are flooded with pitiful images of dogs needing to be rescued on social media every day, which can quickly become depressing. With that said, social media has certainly brought awareness to dog rescue and helped many abandoned dogs find their forever homes, but there is a secret social media etiquette on sharing these posts. Check out these social media tips that will make it much easier to narrow down dogs in need while minimizing posts.

Verify a Post is Current Before Sharing

As we’re scrolling through our social media feed, most of us are overcome with sadness when stumbling across a picture of a defenseless dog staring back at us. Immediately, our fingers migrate to the share button, but don’t share yet!

Always verify a post first. Outdated dog rescue and foster dog posts are shared way too often. As an example, at least half of the posts on my social media page are outdated. Before forwarding the post, click on the picture and scan the feedback. Make sure the dog is still available for adoption and the post is current. Too many posts are recycled over and over again for years due to a horrific photo.

Maybe it’s a pet peeve of mine, but sharing outdated posts clogs ups social media feeds and desensitizes people to the faces of dogs truly in need. When someone continuously sees the same tragic photo pop up over a period of time, she eventually learns to ignore it. Then, only the most horrific photos are given attention.

Make sure a post is current and the dog is still up for adoption before sharing with your friends and family.

Add Context Before Sharing

Most people notice the photo, but most will ignore it if details are not readily provided. When sharing posts, add the dog’s location (especially state) and why he or she needs help. Also, note the post is up-to-date and ask others to pass it along.

Please Forward It

So many people choose not to forward posts of dogs in need, which is completely baffling! As an example, my social media page is filled with dog-loving people, yet 1 out of 10 people will share a post of a dog currently in need. This blows my mind!

Please take two seconds of your time to verify a post is updated, add a bit of text and share (even if the dog’s not in your state). You never know who will see it. Every time a rescue dog is shared or tweeted, you’re giving that dog a voice.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Proper Pet Store Etiquette for Dogs

My Dog Steals Food From Children

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How to Keep Your Dog From Stealing Food

Dog Steals Food
Tuned_In/iStock

Dogs are so smart. They can quickly figure out that children are little dispensers of yummy food, so they stick around. Younger children, especially toddlers, drop food often because they’re learning to use their little fingers; and the family dog is right there to pick up any dropped Cheerios or splatters of baby food. The more a dog practices this behavior, the stronger it becomes until a dog steals food from your child’s fingers.

If your dog steals food from your child, check out these tips to prevent (which is always best) and eliminate this dog behavior. If your dog hovers or stares at your child’s food, it’s time to change this behavior now.

Teach Your Child Not to Feed the Dog

When small children offer food to a dog, we all think it’s absolutely adorable until the dog learns to hover around them while they’re eating. While it’s cute now, this dog behavior will most certainly teach your dog to beg for food whenever your child eats. Remember, giving a dog human food does not teach a dog to beg; it’s offering food from a plate that creates begging behavior.

When your child starts offering your dog her food, it’s time to give your dog something else to do instead of accepting food gifts until your child is old enough to understand she shouldn’t share her meals with the dog yet.

For children over 4 years old, ask them not to give or share any food with their dog. Also, if your dog is in the kitchen, keep an eye on him. Better yet, give your dog something else to do instead of hovering around your child while she eats.

Give Your Dog Something Else to Do During Meal Times

During meal times, offer your dog a food stuffed toy to enjoy inside his crate. This keeps your dog happily busy while everyone enjoys her dinner. Plus, it keeps your dog from hovering around your child while she eats. Remember, it takes just one time for your dog to learn that children drop food on the ground, so your dog will come running the moment he hears the clatter of the high chair.

Now, I understand young children snack often, so fill your dog’s food stuffed toys with portions of his daily ration of dog food. If your dog eats one cup per day, divide this into four food stuffed toys by sprinkling ¼ of it with a bit of canned food or peanut butter and freeze overnight. When your child is sitting down for a snack, toss your dog a food stuffed toy to enjoy instead of waiting around for dropped food. Soon, the sound of an opening freezer door will cause your dog to run into the kitchen.

Punishment Doesn’t Work

You’re probably tired of hearing me say this, but it’s so true. Punishment doesn’t work. Yelling or punishing your dog with leash tugs or time outs will only make the food stealing behavior worse. Basically, punishment teaches your dog not to steal food when you’re around. Plus, punishment will tear you and your dog’s relationship apart; it’s not worth it. Punishment is a slippery slope and often the first thing pet owners employ, but it has major fallouts.

Instead of punishing the dog behavior, prevent it from happening by keeping your dog occupied while your toddler eats meals and snacks. Secondly, teach your child not to share meals with your dog. Lastly, if your dog has already learned to hover around your child during meals, give him something else to do instead. Soon, your dog would rather lick a food stuffed toy than hang out under your child’s high chair. This is the best way to change dog behavior permanently.

Finding a Good Dog Groomer in 4 Steps

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How to Find a Wonderful Dog Groomer

Dog Groomer
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Choosing a dog groomer with gentle hands who can trim an amazing doggy haircut is very difficult. Start your search before your dog needs to be groomed, as it can easily take a couple of weeks of research plus an additional couple of weeks for an available appointment. There’s a reason wonderful dog groomers are booked. They are worth the wait!

1. Ask Pet Owners

Luckily, pet owners are thrilled to share their favorite groomer’s information. They’ll also give you an ear full of dog groomers to stay away from. Start a list of leads, and then give them a quick search online. You’ll be shocked to find some groomers with pages of customer complaints or, even worse, an arrest record for animal abuse. This is the time to narrow down your search and expand your driving radius. A good groomer is worth the drive.

2. Stop In and Watch

Once you have a short list of professional dog groomers, it’s time to pop in and watch them work with dogs on the grooming table. So many people say the right words, but their hands tell the entire story. Pop in and ask questions. Tell them you’re looking for a new groomer for your dog. As you tell them about your dog’s coat texture, length, and size, watch how groomers handle each dog on their grooming table.

A groomer’s hands should be gentle and patient; they should not be pushing or pulling a dog’s body. If a dog gets a bit wiggly on the table, the groomer should stop grooming for a second or two and allow the dog to settle before beginning to groom again. Older dogs should be able to sit or lie down, as it’s exhausting for them to stand for an hour. Puppies should be encouraged with treats, lots of patience and short breaks. No dogs should be screaming while being groomed, kenneled or bathed nor have their head strung up on short grooming leads.

Some groomers may disagree with me, and that’s fine, but I want a groomer who makes grooming a fun and positive experience by bathing and grooming anxious dogs quickly and not leaving them kenneled all day to stress out. Now, pet owners with easily stressed dogs, you should not expect your dog to be at the groomer’s all day while you work. Drop him off and plan to pick him up within an hour, and don’t be late.

3. Stay for the Groom

Better yet, stay for your dog’s bath and groom. Some dog groomers don’t feel comfortable having you hover around while they’re grooming your dog, which is fine. It means they’re not the groomer for you. Many groomers say your dog will behave better when you’re not around, but I disagree. There’s nothing wrong with you waiting quietly in the waiting area or watching your dog’s groom from a window. Keep some distance, so your dog doesn’t whine excessively for you, but keep an eye on your dog the entire time.

4. Watch Your Dog’s Behavior Afterwards

This is a huge tell-tale on how your dog was handled during the grooming process. If your usually happy dog is scared, stressed or shy after grooming, then you shouldn’t go back to that dog groomer. If your dog has nicks, cuts, razor burns (red and inflamed skin from clipper blades that were too hot), brush burns (skin scrapes caused by brushing a dog too hard), I would advise you to never return to that groomer again. I would certainly give this groomer a call and tell him or her what happened, and you’re not very happy about it.

With That Said, Good Groomers Need Your Help

Trust me, I’m not bashing dog groomers; it’s a difficult and physically exhausting job. But as pet owners, a good groomer needs your help to keep grooming sessions positive. If your dog hates having his nails trimmed, then you should teach your dog that nail trims are rewarding at home. Brush your dog thoroughly every day. If your dog dislikes brushing or body handling, then start teaching him brushing is a good thing and body handling means lots of yummy treats.

Good luck, and don’t forget to sing the praises of an excellent dog groomer!

Help! My Family Member is Allergic to Dogs

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Dog Allergies: Relief for the Family Member Allergic to Dogs

Dog Allergies
Wavebreakmedia/Deposit Photos

Believe it or not, being allergic to dogs is a common reason dogs are dumped at animal shelters. Having allergies myself, I completely understand your commitment to your family member suffering from allergies. However, you made a commitment to your dog before you brought him inside your home. Fortunately, rehoming your dog isn’t the only option you have if someone in your family is allergic to dogs. Below, we discuss ways to keep your family member’s allergies at bay and your dog at home.

How to Keep Pet Allergens Under Control

Many years ago, doctors and immunologists recommended tossing a family dog outdoors or rehoming him, but that’s outdated advice now. Many immunologists have learned that pet allergies can easily be maintained while keeping an allergic family member symptom free.

Bathe Your Dog Frequently

Allergies are caused by pet dander. Your dog’s hair has nothing to do with it. Now, dander can get caught in your dog’s fur, but it’s shedding skin that causes allergic reactions in people.

With that said, bathe your dog weekly with a gentle moisturizing shampoo (here’s my favorite brand). Using a gentle shampoo will ensure your dog’s skin doesn’t dry out due to frequent baths, as most dogs are bathed monthly. When bathing, rinse and rinse your dog again. Shampoo will help lift pet dander off your dog’s skin and coat, but rinsing (and rinsing again) will remove dander out of your dog’s coat.

Keep Your Dog’s Coat Short

Not only is bathing a short-haired dog easier, but it’s also easier to rinse off dander caught on your dog’s fur. If your dog normally has longer hair, trim about an inch off or ask a dog groomer to trim it for you. This way, brushing your dog’s coat weekly is much more manageable. Shorter hair also minimizes the amount of molds and pollens brought inside by your dog.

Just a reminder: there’s no such thing as a hypoallergenic dog. It’s a myth. Check out the real deal here.

Clean Often

With any type of allergies, keeping a clean living space is always a given tip. If someone is allergic to dog dander, she is most likely allergic to mold, dust mites, pollen and so forth. Keep symptoms manageable by vacuuming daily and keeping surfaces free from allergens.

Personally, we removed all the carpet from our home and my allergies have never been better. With carpet, I had frequent asthma flare-ups, which were well controlled by medications. Once the carpet was removed, I weaned myself off several medications because I no longer needed them. And yes, I am allergic to dog dander. 🙂

Purchase a HEPA Filter

HEPA filters are worth every penny. I highly recommend investing in at least two units. Place one in the allergic person’s bedroom and the other in a frequented common room, such as a den or living room.

Filter size depends on square footage, so choose carefully. We purchased two Austin Air filters that work well. They keep dust particles to a minimum, which means less dusting on my part. Austin Air filters are supposed to be changed every three years, but we open the unit yearly and vacuum the front filter surface. Before freaking out at the cost of this filter, let’s do a bit of math first. It’ll cost $260 per year to keep allergens to a minimum in your home, which translates to $22 per month. It’s an investment in the beginning, but it works!

It is possible for your allergic family member to remain symptom-free around your dog. I do it every day. 🙂

Dog Training Nation is a dog training blog for pet owners and dog lovers. We cover a range of topics from puppy socialization tips to dog aggression to dog health. It is our hope you share our content to make the world a better place for dogs.

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