April 25, 2023
Table of Contents What Is a Therapy Dog? The Difference Between Service Dogs, Emotional Support Dogs and Therapy Dogs Do Therapy Dogs Have the Legal Right to Enter Certain Locations? So, Where Can You Take a Therapy Dog? Should You Train Your Dog to Be a Therapy Dog? Types of Dog Body Language Profiles […]
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Many misconceptions exist about what therapy dogs do and where they can go. If you have a therapy dog or you’d like to train your dog as a therapy dog, you need to know where you’re allowed to be. There are specific laws that govern the circumstances under which dogs are allowed.
There are also significant differences between therapy dogs, service dogs and emotional support animals. Each category of assistance animal is allowed to do different things. Knowing the facts about therapy dogs and their limitations is the first step to training a successful therapy dog yourself.
Therapy dogs, also known as comfort dogs, support people’s mental health by providing emotional support and comfort. They are trained to be calm, sweet and reassuring for people facing health or emotional difficulties. Therapy dogs and their owners work as a team to improve people’s lives, whether visiting an older adult in an assisted living facility or comforting a child in foster care.
Therapy dogs must display certain characteristics in tense or anxious situations. A successful therapy dog is:
Therapy dogs, emotional support dogs and service dogs perform different functions. While a therapy dog provides support and comfort to different people or a group of people, service animals perform specific tasks for their owners. They receive additional training aimed at helping their owners manage disabilities. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) allows service dogs to accompany their owners in public places.
Service animals must be dogs, whereas a therapy animal can be any animal calm and gentle enough to provide reassurance. An example of a service dog could be a dog who guides a blind owner or helps a person with a physical disability complete daily tasks. They stay with a specific person and have special privileges in public places.
Emotional support dogs are similar to service dogs in that they help specific people. They provide emotional support to their owners, who may have a mental or emotional condition, such as anxiety or depression. While they are not trained to complete specific tasks, they are still considered essential to their owners’ well-being. They may be allowed in housing that doesn’t typically allow dogs.
The quick answer is no. Therapy dogs are not classified the same way as service animals, and their access to specific locations is more limited. While a therapy dog can work anywhere, the venue must invite them to the premises. Therapy dogs work closely with their owner and handler and come as a team.
Therapy dogs are not protected under federal law, so they don’t have the same access to public places as service dogs. However, they serve a vital purpose — their calm temperaments and willingness to work with various people make them invaluable in many situations. Some familiar places you might find therapy dogs include the following:
Therapy dogs have the same legal rights as regular pets. As the owner of a therapy dog, you must ask permission before taking your dog somewhere new.
If you want to take your therapy dog to various locations and lend a helping hand, all you need is an invitation. You may find that individual service providers allow you to take your therapy dog places where a regular pet would not be welcome, but it depends on the circumstances.
There is no legally protected status for therapy dogs, but you may find they’re allowed in some of the following spaces:
Many laws concerning pet ownership and access vary from one state to another. While most regulations don’t cover therapy dogs, their obedient temperaments and excellent manners make them welcome in more places than you might imagine. Always double-check with a venue before bringing your therapy dog along. You might be pleasantly surprised at the reception.
If your dog has a suitable temperament to be a good therapy dog, training him is an excellent option. Dogs with calm and pleasant temperaments enjoy meeting new people, and taking them to different environments is mentally stimulating.
Often, a canine good citizen (CGC) test is a prerequisite of therapy organizations, so it’s an excellent place to start. It covers all the basics required for a therapy dog, including the following:
Once your dog has completed their CGC test, you may be ready to take the next step and become a therapy dog team.
If you think your dog has all the makings of an excellent therapy dog, training them will be incredibly rewarding. Off Leash Canine Training Maryland can help you turn your dog into a phenomenal therapy dog. We offer a canine good citizen preparation course and a therapy dog course assessed by our in-house Therapy Pets Unlimited evaluators. After our eight private lessons, we can evaluate you and your dog as a team for certification.
Our compassionate and knowledgeable trainers are here to help you one-on-one and can provide extra individual attention to help you achieve your goals, no matter your dog’s age, breed or size. Contact us to sign up for our therapy dog training course!
April 25, 2023
Table of Contents What Is a Dog Board and Train Program? What Can Extended Stay Training Programs Do for Your Dog? Advantages of Dog Board and Train Services Disadvantages of Dog Board and Train Services Tips for Finding a Quality Training Program Work With Off Leash K9 Training Maryland for Train and Board Training Programs […]
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If you’re looking for ways to successfully teach your dog commands and desired behaviors, a board and train program might interest you. Below, learn about these programs and whether one might be the right fit for you and your four-legged friend.
A board and train program is an intensive dog training solution, beneficial for dog owners with busy schedules or those looking to address specific behavioral issues.
Your dog will live with a qualified trainer during this training, participating in daily training exercises and enrichment activities. When not learning new skills, your pup will live in the trainer’s home or in a kennel socializing with other dogs, depending on the trainer you work with.
Overnight training programs can offer various services depending on the trainer and your dog’s age, needs and prior training experience. At the most basic level, these training programs can teach your dog standard commands, including “sit,” “down,” “stay,” “heel” and “come.” Trainers can also address issues like jumping, leash pulling, stealing food off the counter and more. Others may work with your dogs to teach them fun tricks.
Enrolling your dog could also be a valuable attempt to correct more serious behavioral issues like aggression or anxiety. If you want to address these kinds of problems, it’s crucial to find a trainer with an extensive track record and proper qualifications to properly and safely work with your dog.
Here are a few key benefits of these services to consider:
For some dogs, board and train services may not be the best fit. Board and train programs are far from a one-size-fits-all solution and won’t deliver results overnight. They’re an excellent resource to instill or remove desired behaviors, yet you’ll likely have to continue reinforcing what they learned after they complete the program.
Some other reasons overnight training programs might not be a good fit for you or your best friend include:
Finding the right extended stay overnight training program for your dog is crucial to ensure they stay safe as they’re trained. If you’re searching for a program, consider the following tips:
If you think a train and board program is the solution you’re looking for, Off Leash K9 Training is ready to help. We offer various training programs to give your dog the manners and tools to behave properly at home and beyond. Our trainers have years of experience, giving us the knowledge and skills to safely and successfully train your dog.
You can contact us to learn more about our programs or fill out a registration form to sign up today!
March 9, 2023
Table of Contents What to Expect When You Bring Your Baby Home How to Introduce Your Dog to Your New Baby Tips and Tricks for a Smooth Introduction Set Your Dog up for Success With Obedience Courses From Off Leash K9 Training The arrival of a new baby is exciting and nerve-wracking, especially if […]
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The arrival of a new baby is exciting and nerve-wracking, especially if you have dogs. Having a dog in the family has many benefits, but worrying about how they will respond to a new baby is an added stress you don’t need when welcoming your bundle of joy.
The good news is that there is a way to introduce your dog to your baby the right way. A smooth introduction takes a little preparation and a lot of patience, but knowing what to expect goes a long way toward ensuring positive dog behavior with the new baby.
Dogs love routine and feeling comfortable in their home. Bringing a new baby into the mix can upset their routine and expose them to sounds and smells they’re unfamiliar with.
Your dog needs time to adjust to these changes. In many ways, their temperament will determine how they handle them. Your dog may be stressed by a new baby if they are already anxious. If they have a relaxed nature, a baby may not phase them.
Regardless of your dog’s temperament, you’ll have a better idea of what to expect if you take the time to prepare them, which is where training comes in. Any training you do with your dog before the baby benefits you all. For example, you may want to train your dog not to jump on the new furniture so that they do not accidentally harm your sleeping or resting baby. Your training should focus on the skills and commands your dog needs to understand when interacting with the baby. If you can master these, you’ll have more control over their first interaction.
No definitive research suggests dogs know what a human baby is. They have a rudimentary grasp of communicating with people and understanding their body language, so they’ll notice you care about the baby and are treating them gently. They can tell the difference between fully grown humans and small children, as they often display more protective behavior toward babies and toddlers.
Thinking ahead will make introductions easier for you, your dog and your baby. Learn how to prepare your dog for a baby with the following steps:
The most significant adjustment for your dog is the change in routine. Acclimating your dog to these changes as early as possible will help eliminate stress and ensure they don’t associate the changes with the baby. Consider playing your dog recordings of baby noises and allow them to smell all the new baby supplies as you bring them home.
Crate training provides your dog with their own space — off-limits to children — where they can go if they feel scared or uncertain. Training your dog to go to their crate will be especially vital as your baby grows and starts walking.
Throughout the preparation phase, ensure you address the following:
Have someone take your dog for a long walk before you bring your baby home. The introduction will go smoother if they are calm. When you get home, let your partner hold the baby while you enter the house and greet your dog. They will be happy to see you, so let them greet you properly — and expend some excess energy.
Once all the greetings are out of the way, have someone leash your dog and be ready with treats. Bring your baby into the house calmly — if you’re nervous, your dog will pick up on it. Greet your dog in a cheerful tone. Ensure your helper provides plenty of treats and praise when they stay calm.
Always reward your dog for calm behavior. If they are anxious or fearful, harsh corrections will compound those emotions. Be ready with treats and rewards whenever your dog is calm around the baby.
It’s up to you whether you introduce your dog and baby immediately. Remember, stay calm and positive throughout the experience and follow these simple steps:
It all sounds straightforward, and it should be if you’ve done your homework. If you’re still nervous about the introduction, keep the following tips in mind:
At Off Leash Canine Training Maryland, we believe in strengthening the bond between you and your dog through obedience training. We offer individual and group obedience training classes based on mutual understanding and building your dog’s confidence.
Whether introducing a new baby or wanting a happier, more obedient dog, our compassionate and knowledgeable trainers can help you. Please feel free to reach out to us today to learn more about letting the bond with your dog be off-leash!
March 7, 2023
Humans have long relied on dogs to work in the fields or protect their homes. As time has passed, we have also learned more about their exceptional qualities in comforting and loving us, which make them perfect for other roles, such as being therapy dogs. What does a therapy dog do, and how can your […]
Humans have long relied on dogs to work in the fields or protect their homes. As time has passed, we have also learned more about their exceptional qualities in comforting and loving us, which make them perfect for other roles, such as being therapy dogs.
What does a therapy dog do, and how can your pup become one? Let’s dive in!
When you’re feeling down or you’ve had a bad day at work, what’s the first thing you turn to for reassurance? Your little pup! They improve your mood and motivate you to push through on days you don’t feel like it. That’s precisely what therapy dogs do — they provide comfort and much-needed attention to strangers in challenging situations.
Owners volunteer their certified therapy dogs at hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, group homes, nursing homes and schools. Residents, patients and students hug, pet and play with these dogs, benefitting from their relaxing and reassuring presence. However, unlike service dogs, therapy dogs are not protected by the Americans with Disabilities Act, meaning they can only enter public places with their owners if they are granted permission.
Dogs are sensitive and attentive creatures that provide unconditional love. Therapy dogs can offer psychological and physiological benefits to anyone, although they are most often utilized by those suffering from mental health challenges, psychiatric disorders or traumatic accidents. A dog’s companionship can:
To become a therapy dog, your four-legged friend must be an adult, pass the AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) test and obtain certification from a therapy-specific program. The CGC test teaches dogs basic obedience skills such as sitting and staying on cue, allowing handling from strangers and walking on a leash. This test is often a prerequisite for therapy programs, which prepares your dog to work in various therapy settings.
Dogs of all ages, sizes and breeds can become assistance dogs in therapeutic settings. Having a pleasant personality is essential to their success in providing emotional support. Ideally, they should be calm, confident, friendly, affectionate, disciplined and adaptable. If your dog has these qualities and loves to meet new people, volunteering might be the perfect job for them.
Our skilled and certified trainers at Off Leash K9 Training Maryland are here to help if you’re interested in train and evaluate for certification your dog as a therapy volunteer. We offer private, personalized therapy dog training sessions seven days a week, so you can prepare your dog while checking everything off your packed to-do list.
Want to learn more about our Therapy Dog Development Course? Call 443-743-3221 or contact us online!
January 17, 2023
Table of Contents Setting Your Reactive Dog Up for Success Creating and Sticking to a Schedule Desensitizing a Reactive Dog Reactivity Training Tips Register for the Off Leash K9 Training Reactive Dog Course A reactive dog means they find stimuli in their immediate environment challenging to handle, which causes them to overreact. Reactive dogs […]
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A reactive dog means they find stimuli in their immediate environment challenging to handle, which causes them to overreact. Reactive dogs are not necessarily aggressive, although they do an excellent job of looking like it. Overreactions to stimuli include barking, growling, lunging and posturing.
The reason why your dog is reactive could be due to several factors, including genetics, socialization and triggering episodes in their early development. Handling reactive behavior can be challenging, especially while your dog is on its leash. Overstimulation also affects a dog’s quality of life. Responding to reactivity with calm behavior is the first step to calming your reactive dog.
A reactive dog responds to triggers in their environment. For whatever reason, they see these triggers as a threat. Calming your reactive dog requires training, desensitization, a good understanding of their body language and clear boundaries. Before you start training, set your dog up for success using the following tips and tricks:
Routine means security. It may not be something you’ve considered before, but dogs thrive on routine. When you think about it, it makes sense — a schedule makes the world more predictable and less frightening. Sticking to a routine schedule is key to helping a reactive dog.
Our canine friends are already more aware of our routines than we realize. An anxious dog might be happier with a straightforward and constructive schedule. Start your routine at home where your dog is comfortable, and try to do the same things at the same time every day.
Once you’ve solidified your home routine, you can start adding to it by going for walks and car trips. Remember, these outings must be part of your schedule so your dog knows when to expect them.
Desensitizing your dog involves pairing a trigger with something positive. Start small and from a safe distance before gradually incorporating the trigger into your dog’s immediate environment. Make a list of your dog’s triggers, from the most acute downward. When these triggers appear, be ready with a high-value treat. If your dog doesn’t take the food, they are over the threshold and needs to be further away from the trigger. Consider the following stages of reactivity. You can think of them in terms of color — the red zone, orange zone, yellow zone and green zone:
When desensitizing your dog, watch their behavior closely. If they move into more reactive zones, increase the distance between them and the trigger until they are comfortable. Reward your dog when they focus on you and follow your commands.
Training your dog requires a combination of desensitization and management. Management means taking control of your dog’s environment and making it as trigger-free as possible. Ideally, training will result in a dog that can self-soothe and handle external situations without too much human interference. Consider the following tips to make your training more successful:
With Off Leash K9 Training Maryland, you can have a well-behaved dog that’s good at solving problems. If you’re struggling with a reactive dog anywhere in Maryland, we provide an individualized approach to training to work on triggers one step at a time. Our knowledgeable and compassionate trainers will assess your dog’s personality and training needs to provide personalized instruction for each unique pet, regardless of age or breed. To speak with one of our experienced trainers, call us at 443-743-3221.
No unwanted behavior is too much of a challenge for us. Please get in touch with us today, and let us help you learn how to train your reactive dog!
January 5, 2023
If you’re planning a fun vacation away from town, you might be thinking about boarding your furry loved one while you’re away. While this option lets you relax knowing your pet is in caring hands, your dog’s anxiety might give you second thoughts. Your dog’s separation anxiety can make you feel like you have to […]
If you’re planning a fun vacation away from town, you might be thinking about boarding your furry loved one while you’re away. While this option lets you relax knowing your pet is in caring hands, your dog’s anxiety might give you second thoughts. Your dog’s separation anxiety can make you feel like you have to limit your traveling opportunities — but don’t cancel your vacation just yet.
With the proper boarding professionals by your side, you can take memorable trips while your furry friend receives training to combat their anxiety. Take a look at how our boarding and training facility can help train dogs with separation anxiety.
Sometimes, owners can feel just as anxious as their dogs when going away for the first time. We totally get it! That’s why we designed our Board and Train Program to make boarding your dog as comfortable as possible for you and your furry friend.
Our two overnight programs offer opportunities for your dog to learn basic commands and manners while socializing with other pets. These positive interactions can help distract your pet from being separated from you.
Our Board and Train Programs include:
While separation anxiety training can be a big help, you want your dog to be as comfortable as possible. Here are a few other ways you can ease your pet’s anxieties when it’s time to board them.
Familiarity and a little piece of home can make a huge difference for your dog when they stay at a boarding facility, especially for the first time. Make the transition from home to boarding easier with your furry friend’s favorite toy.
A squeaky toy, stuffed animal or another small reminder of their playtime with you can offer a lot of reassurance for a dog’s anxiety. When preparing your dog for an extended stay at a boarding facility, this small factor can give them something to snuggle up with as they sleep on the exciting memories of the day.
Dogs are incredibly observant — they may even notice that you’re preparing for a fun trip out of town. When you start packing and finalizing your plans, this time is perfect for getting your dog used to the idea of being away from you.
There are a few ways you can help your dog get comfortable being at a distance from you. A few simple steps you can take can include:
The only time you don’t want to slowly ease your dog into things is when it’s time to drop them off. When the time comes to say “goodbye” to your fluffy loved one, try not to make the departure too long. Prolonging your separation from them can make it more challenging for you and your dog to truly go your two different ways. Instead, give them one last snuggle and their favorite toy and look forward to seeing them again soon.
A quick trip to the vet’s office can make your travel plans easier for you and your pet. When easing them into being apart doesn’t seem to do the trick, anxiety medication can benefit your dog’s attitude and actions when they realize you’ve left.
If you think this route can help, try to make an appointment ahead of time, so there’s plenty of time to ease your furry friend into the medication. Allowing them to get used to the medication can help make them feel ready to be apart from you while you travel. You might even want to visit if you notice any of these common symptoms of your dog’s separation anxiety:
These signs can be subtle, but the sooner you notice them, the better for you and your dog. Vets typically recommend antidepressants or Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) to calm their nerves and reduce these common symptoms.
For a boarding facility that puts your fluffy companion’s needs first, Off Leash K9 Training has your back! Our team of professional trainers takes extra steps when training anxious dogs to ensure they’re comfortable and receive the proper sessions to socialize positively with people and other furry friends.
When you book a session in our boarding and training facility in Maryland, we can walk you through a detailed plan that fits your needs and your dog’s. We are happy to work with dogs of any breed, size and age!
Contact Off Leash K9 Training professionals to discuss training package options that’ll work best for you.
October 10, 2022
Table of Contents What Is Dog Reactivity? What Is Dog Aggression? Behaviors That Look Like Aggression Behaviors That Sometimes Lead to Aggression Sign Up for Aggressive Dog Behavior Training Aggression is one of the most common reasons dog owners seek professional help. It’s also very common to confuse an aggressive dog with one that […]
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Aggression is one of the most common reasons dog owners seek professional help. It’s also very common to confuse an aggressive dog with one that is reactive. Learning the difference can help you appropriately deal with the issue at hand.
Aggressive dogs may be guarding territory, resources or another family member. They might also be frightened, frustrated, in pain or have a prey drive. In any of these situations, a dog can transition quickly from reactive to aggressive.
Learn more about the behaviors that can trigger aggression in your dog to help you prevent it.
A reactive dog is one that is overactive or in a heightened state of arousal to stimuli. They may be in this state due to panic, irritation or a lack of socialization.
A dog constantly jumping, barking or pulling on the leash can stem from a lack of training. They may want to meet another dog but aren’t sure how to express themself correctly. They could also fear a human or another dog and want to frighten them off. For instance, a bad experience with a human could cause a dog to jump or pull and try to bite. For this reason, it’s essential to assess your dog’s intention.
If you have an otherwise happy dog who does well with other animals and shows a desire to go after another dog, they’re likely just overstimulated and excited. Puppies often fall under this category, which is why teaching them how to be patient is essential.
If you’ve never trained your dog or it’s your first time walking them on a leash, they’re likely just showing leash reactivity behavior. Professionals will work with your dog if it displays these behaviors. This way, they can learn to behave positively toward a leash so you can go on enjoyable walks with your furry companion.
Dog aggression is dangerous, hostile and destructive behavior toward a human or another animal. It’s commonly mistaken for reactivity and can be tricky to identify if the dog has not yet escalated.
In many cases, a dog displaying behaviors like snarling, lifting their lip or stiffening the body is communicating fear or anxiety. If pushed, they may bite, which is when you know a reactive dog has transitioned into aggressive.
Typical dog aggressive behavior includes:
There’s typically some fear involved in aggressive dogs. If they lift their lip, growl, snap or lean forward to bark or back up as they bark, they are putting space between themselves and what they fear. When the person or animal backs up, it reinforces the dog’s behavior, as they believe when they act this way, the source of their fear will go away.
That’s not to say you should ignore your four-legged friend when they growl or snarls their teeth. It’s essential to note these signals, as they are a dog’s way of letting you know they feel anxious or afraid. If you think your companion could be displaying reactive or fear-based aggressive behaviors, it’s helpful to find a positive reinforcement trainer who can teach strategies to keep your dog comfortable in triggering situations.
If your dog lashes out by chasing someone or even jumping and attempting to bite, this isn’t normal behavior. In this case, the dog’s owners should contact a trainer to help them work on aggression. Through aggressive dog behavior training, professionals can provide tips for navigating triggers and preventing a hostile situation.
Listed below are some of the dog behaviors commonly mistaken for aggression:
Dog owners should be aware that dogs who display reactive, fearful or guarding behaviors can quickly become aggressive:
Whether you have an aggressive or reactive dog, the professional dog trainers at Off Leash K9 Training can help you train your dog and put you back in control. Our aggressive dog behavior training package teaches obedience and manners while helping your dog build confidence and trust every step of the way. We offer private one-on-one training, so your dog will get the individual attention they need. Aggressive behavior will reduce after eight private lessons as your dog learns commands and get used to other canine friends.
Learn more about our dog aggression training package, or contact us today with any questions.
October 10, 2022
Table of Contents What’s the Difference Between Service, Therapy and Emotional Support Dogs? What Rights Do Service Dog Owners Have? What Do Emotional Support Animals Do? Therapy Dog Roles How to Get Your Dog Certified as a Therapy Dog Get Certified Therapy Dog Training With Off Leash K9 Training Maryland Dogs are caring, loyal […]
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Dogs are caring, loyal companions. They bring us joy and help protect us when we feel stressed or unsafe. Service, therapy and emotional support companion dogs offer unique support for people with additional needs. This can include people with disabilities, people prescribed animal support and people residing in hospitals or nursing homes. Let’s compare therapy vs. emotional support vs. service dogs and how they each offer a service for individuals who require extra care and attention.
While all dogs can bring comfort to us when we need it, some dogs receive specific training to provide services for people who might need extra assistance. Service, therapy and emotional support animals (ESAs) all have different roles to play — while they’re all dogs that help us in some way, these roles have different limitations and functions.
Service dogs are protected and regulated under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Not just any dog can become a service dog — service dogs are defined as dogs who are trained to perform tasks or do work for people with disabilities. These animals are not pets but working dogs. Their job is to provide a specific function for someone who requires extra assistance.
Some tasks service dogs are trained to perform include:
These are not the only tasks service animals are trained to carry out — to be considered a service animals, dogs need individual training in a task directly related to someone’s disability.
Mental health professionals prescribe emotional support dogs for their patients. These dogs are typically prescribed to patients with diagnosed emotional or psychological disorders, including panic attacks, anxiety disorder and major depression. Emotional support animals provide comfort and security for their owners, supporting them when needed.
Therapy dogs aren’t trained to work for and live with a specific handler. Instead, they go with their handler — usually their owner — and visit facilities like schools, mental health facilities, hospitals, nursing homes and hospices. In these settings, the therapy animal’s purpose is to provide affection and comfort for residents. Unlike service dogs and emotional support dogs, therapy dogs are not used to support one person — they comfort many people as they go about their visits.
Since they go from place to place and visit lots of new people, therapy dogs are specifically trained to handle this work — therapy dogs should understand essential commands and listen well. They need gentle temperaments and must remain calm when interacting with unfamiliar places, sounds and people.
Since service dogs are protected under the ADA, service dog owners must receive reasonable accommodation for themselves and their dogs. Service dogs are permitted to go anywhere the public when accompanying a person with a disability. Even in spaces that normally don’t allow animals for health reasons, like restaurants, service dogs are permitted to accompany their person inside. While service dog owners can take their animals into public spaces, the dogs must remain under their handlers’ control at all times.
Additionally, service dog owners can only be asked two questions regarding their dogs:
Service dog owners do not have to disclose their disability or their dog’s documentation — these questions are protected under the ADA.
ESAs provide essential care and support services, easing loneliness, anxiety, depression and some phobias for their owners. They must be prescribed by a mental health professional who has evaluated their patient and determined that their life would benefit from an ESA.
Emotional support dogs are not service dogs. They don’t have the same protections under the ADA, and they’re not trained to perform a specific task for a person with disabilities. This is the main reason service dogs are not the same as emotional support dogs. This doesn’t make them any less essential to their owners, and they still provide critical care and support daily.
Therapy dogs provide comfort and affection while remaining calm in various spaces. They should receive special training to ensure they can stay obedient and relaxed at all times. Their roles are to bring enjoyment into the lives of everyone they visit as they move through various clinical facilities. Therapy dogs might sit with children as they work on math or reading or visit sick patients in a hospital. Their job is to bring joy to other people instead of performing a role for their owners like service dogs and ESAs.
Since therapy dogs aren’t exclusively working for people with disabilities, they aren’t protected under the ADA. Therapy dogs receive the same privileges as most pets — they’re permitted in public spaces and areas specifically designated for dogs. Additionally, dogs working as therapy animals will be allowed in various clinical facilities like hospitals with permission from the facility. Once established as therapy dogs at a facility, they can visit patients and residents as permitted.
To become a therapy dog, your pet needs therapy dog training from a certified evaluator. Completion of therapy training demonstrates that your dog understands and follows commands well. It will provide your pet with the training and techniques to ensure they remain calm and attentive in new and potentially stressful environments. Training helps your dog stay a happy and soothing presence as you take them through various clinical facilities to help residents.
Well-trained, certified therapy dogs can bring joy and comfort to people everywhere. Therapy dogs provide valuable support for residents and patients at clinical facilities. Getting your dog’s certification through a reputable, certified evaluator ensures your dog has the training and temperament for therapy work.
At Off Leash K9 Training Maryland, we’ll teach you and your dog the essential techniques and commands to ensure they are ready to handle the obedience requirements of being a therapy dog. We offer a therapy dog development program with eight private courses — four for basic commands and four specially tailored to your unique pet. After the course, we will evaluate your dog for certification. Enjoy many rewarding experiences with your therapy dog after receiving your certificate.
If you’re interested in certifying your pet as a therapy dog, sign up for our therapy dog training program today!
September 6, 2022
Leash aggression is a common behavior for dogs of all ages. Without the proper training, dogs can feel overwhelmed on walks where they face distractions from other animals, people or objects. Going on a relaxing walk with your fluffy companion can seem like a distant goal if they do not like their leash. Correcting this […]
Leash aggression is a common behavior for dogs of all ages. Without the proper training, dogs can feel overwhelmed on walks where they face distractions from other animals, people or objects. Going on a relaxing walk with your fluffy companion can seem like a distant goal if they do not like their leash.
Correcting this behavior can take time and patience, but you can achieve it! Take a look at the following tips to reinforce positive reactions toward leashes, distractions and walks.
Leash reactivity may occur when your dog feels agitated or overwhelmed while walking on a leash. A leash can feel restricting around their throats which can cause them to show aggression toward you or at the sight of other dogs. Reactive dogs do not respond well to external factors on walks, which can cause owners to stop taking them out for exercise.
If you want to keep your dog active with frequent walks, you can start to take note of their behavior on a leash now to make the training process more straightforward in the future.
Common leash reactivity behaviors include:
Dogs are incredibly intelligent animals. However, they may not understand why they have to go through training in the first place. They can observe your positive and negative reactions to certain behaviors, but they will not realize until training is over that they need to adapt to a leash.
To ensure a positive training experience, you can start correcting leash aggression inside your home. The environment where you live with your dog is, most likely, where they feel the most comfortable. Any open space in your home is perfect for beginner training one-on-one with your pet.
Patience, positivity and a calm attitude can make your pet feel stress-free during training. If they feel comfortable during training, they’ll be more able to relax in their favorite spot after a training session.
You can create a safe space in your home for your dog to unwind after training, allowing for a calming period of recuperation. Resting is essential to the training process so your fluffy friend can retain the new commands they learned in a comfortable setting. Establishing a designated space in your home for your dog’s relaxation also makes training inside the house more manageable.
Positive reinforcement is essential for training your leash-aggressive dog. This step allows you to reward them for any progress they make as they get used to being on a leash.
Dogs repeat behavior that they know you will reward them for completing. Their intelligence allows them to pick up on details quickly during training, so they know when to expect a treat and how to get one. Your job is to implement goodies effectively so they know when you will introduce them during the training process.
Consistency is vital when implementing treats into your positive reinforcement routine. Make sure to reward your furry friend only when they can make progress — even when it is tempting to reward them for being too cute.
You should give them a treat during training when:
These steps are only the beginning of a long training process to ensure a positive relationship between your dog and its leash. A little practice goes a long way, and staying consistent allows you to get back to enjoying relaxing walks with your companion.
Leash aggression training can take time to correct if you do it alone. Luckily, Off Leash K9 Training is here to help! Our dog trainers in Maryland specialize in establishing a calm environment for your fluffy friend to enjoy as they learn to walk on a leash comfortably. Aggressive behavior will minimize after our eight private lessons, where your dog will get used to commands and other canine friends.
Take a look at our dog aggression training package, or contact us today with any questions.
September 2, 2022
Gaining a new fluffy addition to your family is exciting for any household. Getting a new puppy used to your home can take some preparation and careful introductions to their new living space. This process can take a bit longer if you also have an older dog in your family. When the dog of the […]
Gaining a new fluffy addition to your family is exciting for any household. Getting a new puppy used to your home can take some preparation and careful introductions to their new living space. This process can take a bit longer if you also have an older dog in your family.
When the dog of the house does not expect a new family member, it may seem tricky to introduce them to each other and create a good relationship between the two. With the right preparation and gentle introduction, you can create a strong bond between your two furry friends that will last a lifetime. Consider the following tips before bringing your new puppy home!
Before you take your new puppy home for the first time, there are a few precautionary measures you can take. These preparations can create a smooth transition for your older dog, your new puppy and your home.
Help your pups start their friendship off on the right foot — or paw — by encouraging respect. Do this by keeping your older dog’s current sleeping setup and designating another sleeping space for your new puppy. Your older dog can observe where the puppy will be staying, while your puppy gets their own space where they can comfortably adjust to their new home.
Dogs can become possessive over their spaces, especially when a new furry friend enters the family. If you crate your dogs at night, place them across the room from each other. Your dogs can respect each other’s spaces while becoming accustomed to each other.
Going shopping before the new puppy officially becomes a family member creates a smooth transition for everyone in your home. Take inspiration from what your older dog currently uses regularly as you prepare for your new puppy, like toys and items for walking. Just make sure you find the right puppy food and keep this separate from your older dog’s food — they have different diets and needs, after all.
The essentials that you need to have before the puppy arrives include:
First impressions are important for everyone — even for dogs. Help your pets build a healthy relationship with each other by letting them meet in a comfortable environment from a safe distance.
Introduce your new puppy and older dog on neutral ground in an open but secure area. This space can be your fenced-in backyard or field. The enclosed space will help prevent one of them from running away.
Start by placing both dogs on a leash. Begin to walk around the fenced-in area with each dog about 10 feet away from the other. With this practice, they can begin to feel the presence of the other from a safe distance. After a few minutes, you can have both dogs face each other in the middle of the backyard or field so they don’t feel stuck in a corner.
While still on their leashes, allow the dogs to approach each other on their terms. You can observe their level of comfort through their tails more than any other body part.
As your dogs recognize each other’s presence, keep an eye out for their body language. Dogs are usually pretty easy to read. Watch for tell-tale movements and expressions from either furry friend, like:
Dogs are as protective of their food and favorite toys as they are of their sleeping areas. Without the proper training, dogs can become aggressive over their possessions. To avoid tension between the new puppy and your older dog as they become acquainted, take the food and toys to a separate area.
When you bring a new puppy home, establish where their food and toys will be. The space you designate for these essentials should be separate from your older dog’s feeding and play area for now. When you create a physical difference in location, the older dog won’t become more possessive or jealous of their things.
After your puppy and older dog have lived together for a few weeks or months, you can start to place their toys in the same area to encourage shared play. Just keep the food separated to avoid one dog overeating the other’s food, especially if they have different diets. But you can let them share a larger water bowl in one area of the house.
Puppy training can make the introduction process go smoothly for you, your new friend and your older dog. At Off Leash K9 Training Maryland, we help your playful companions become well-behaved and receptive to training commands. Puppies can be spontaneous and rowdy bundles of fur when you first take them home. Together, your family and new puppy can go through training for obedience, manners and social skills.
Your new companion can start puppy training when they turn 8 weeks old until they’re 5 months of age. After 5 months, our effective e-collar training promotes positive reinforcement as your pup continues learning good behavior in public and at home.
Contact us today to enroll your puppy in training in Maryland!
