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.

What Is Dog Reactivity?

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.

What Is Dog Aggression?

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:

• Muzzle punching or punching someone with their nose
• Snarling
• Snapping
• A bite that damages the skin
• A bite that causes a bruise
• A bite that causes puncture wounds
• Repeated bites

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.

Behaviors That Look Like Aggression

Listed below are some of the dog behaviors commonly mistaken for aggression:

• Mouthing or nipping puppies: When puppies play with their owners or other dogs, they might nip harder than they should. This behavior doesn’t stem from aggression but rather a puppy that is over-stimulated and needs a break.
• Rough play: Dog play is mock fighting and a form of normal canine interaction. Dogs learn this behavior from a young age and may become loud or appear aggressive while playing. As long as both dogs respect each other’s body language, the behavior is not aggressive and is an excellent activity for socialization and exercise.
• Physical discomfort: A dog who suddenly starts growling or snapping might actually be sick or in pain. As stated above, a vet should rule out any sudden, unexpected aggressive behavior to determine a medical cause.

Behaviors That Sometimes Lead to Aggression

Dog owners should be aware that dogs who display reactive, fearful or guarding behaviors can quickly become aggressive:

• Reactivity: Reactivity can stem from genetics, lack of socialization, a frightening experience or insufficient training. Reactive dogs usually have specific triggers, such as children, fast-moving objects or vehicles. They may suddenly feel trapped by their leash and attempt to escape. If a reactive dog approaches you, give them space rather than approaching or greeting them.
• Fight or flight: Fear is the most common reason for aggressive dog behavior. In situations where dogs cannot flee from the thing scaring them, they may fight to protect themselves. Watch for body language that might indicate fear, such as shaking, pacing, whining, barking or cowering.
• Resource guarding: Dogs usually protect things they deem most worthy, such as toys, food, sleeping areas and even people. This is an evolutionary instinct, as their ancestors were forced to protect their resources to survive in the wild. Teaching dogs behaviors like “leave it” or “off” can help put an end to this behavior. Aggressive dog behavior training by professionals can also help your dog learn these commands to keep you in control of a situation before it turns hostile.
• Leash reactivity: Leash-reactive dogs grow, bark or lunge toward things that make them anxious or fearful. These triggers can be specific, such as children, men, women or male or female dogs. Dogs that display these behaviors are trying to prevent a fight by putting distance between themselves and the threat or by scaring it away.

Sign Up for Aggressive Dog Behavior Training

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.

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.

What’s the Difference Between Service, Therapy and Emotional Support Dogs?

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 Dog

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:

• Calming someone during a panic attack
• Reminding someone to take their medication
• Pulling a wheelchair
• Alerting someone who is deaf
• Guiding someone who is blind
• Alerting others and protecting someone during a seizure

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.

Emotional Support Dog

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 Dog

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.

What Rights Do Service Dog Owners Have?

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:

1. What task has the dog been trained to perform?
2. Is the dog a service dog needed due to a disability?

Service dog owners do not have to disclose their disability or their dog’s documentation — these questions are protected under the ADA.

What Do Emotional Support Animals Do?

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.

Is an ESA the Same as a Service Animal?

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 Dog Roles

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.

Can You Bring a Therapy Dog Anywhere?

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.

How to Get Your Dog Certified as a Therapy Dog

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.

Get Certified Therapy Dog Training With Off Leash K9 Training Maryland

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!

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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.

Behaviors to Look for in Leash-Reactive Dogs

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:

• Lunging: When on a walk, you may notice your dog lunges toward other animals, objects along the path or people passing by. Whether this behavior results from aggression or excitement, it can make each walk challenging to complete.
• Freezing: Some dogs feel overstimulated by a leash and completely freeze. They sit or stand still until you remove the leash from their collar. This behavior can result from fear if they are not used to the material.
• Playing or biting: When on a leash, some dogs begin to bite the leash playfully because they think the rope is a toy. They may not recognize that the leash is for walking, so you must establish the difference between play time and going on a walk to reduce leash reactivity — even if the playing looks pretty funny.
• Running and pulling: Dogs can begin to run uncontrolled when they feel overwhelmed. With their speed and strength, taking off can be a challenge for owners who have to chase after them.

Establishing a Safe Space for Your Dog

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.

Implement Positive Reinforcement

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.

When Should You Give Treats During Training

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:

• They behave positively toward the leash: You can start beginner training at home by placing the leash in front of them on the floor or in the palm of your hand. Encourage your dog to sit calmly with the leash in their presence without running off or biting the material. Repeat the introduction process until they show no reaction to the leash. Give your dog a treat whenever they do not behave negatively toward it.
• They do not react to clipping the leash to them: After your dog becomes more comfortable around the leash, you can try to clip the leash onto their collar or harness to see their reaction. The weight of the leash might confuse them at first. Remember to establish a calming presence and take as much time as necessary to make your dog feel relaxed. Similar to the first step, you can reward your dog with a treat each time they show little to no reaction to this difference.
• They walk calmly with the leash: Beginner training at home is also beneficial for starting to walk your dog with a leash in a familiar environment. You can practice walking them in your backyard or a room large enough to walk laps around. After they let you clip the leash on their collar or harness, hold the leash firmly beside you so they walk next to you. You can reward them with a treat if they can take calm steps with the leash on.
• They can maintain a steady speed: As you begin walking, take slow steps first to avoid scaring your dog or encouraging them to run off. You can encourage your dog to walk at their own pace as long as they remain calm and are aware of distractions around them. React calmly to external factors to promote a relaxing tone with your dog during the walk. If they can pass any distractions without reacting to them negatively, reward them with a well-deserved treat.

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.

Call in the Professionals in Elkridge, MD

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.

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!

Prepare Before Bringing Your 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.

Have Designated Sleep Spaces for Both Dogs

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.

Buy the Proper Supplies

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:

• An adjustable collar or harness
• Food and water bowls
• A bed or crate
• Puppy food
• A tag with their name and your home address
• Treats to reinforce good behavior

Let the Dogs Meet on Neutral Ground

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.

Interpreting Body Language

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:

• Tail movement: If you notice your dogs wagging their tails, this is a sign that they are excited by each other’s presence. They are comfortable and open to the other pet being around them. If their tails are between their legs, they are demonstrating fear. You can take more time walking them around the enclosed area until they are more relaxed around each other.
• Bowing: When dogs place their front paws stretched in front of them with their hind legs straight to lift their backside into the air, they’re feeling playful. This sign means they are ready to interact with the other dog and want to play.
• Rolling over: This move can have two different interpretations. Your dog may roll over while wagging their tail. If you notice this body language, they are telling the other dog that they are not a threat by showing their underbelly — which is a vulnerable position for dogs. If you notice that they roll over with their tail tucked between their legs, they are cowering in fear. Separate the dogs in this case and let them walk around the enclosed area again before reintroducing them.

Keep Food and Toys out of the Way

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.

Enroll Your Puppy in Training Near You

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!

There’s no denying it — your new puppy is the cutest thing on earth, maybe even the universe. And while you can’t help but melt each time you look into those puppy eyes, you’ll have to learn to discipline your puppy. Learn the basics of positive reinforcement to improve those naughty puppy behaviors like a pro.

The Right Way to Discipline Your Puppy

If your puppy’s behavior makes you feel like you’re going barking mad, you’re not the only one! Thankfully, you can discipline your puppy the right way to prevent many bad behaviors by using these dog discipline methods.

1. Be Consistent With Training

If you work with your puppy about not jumping on strangers on Monday but decide to let it slide the rest of the week, your dog will become confused. Being consistent with training will reinforce positive behaviors while limiting negative actions.

2. Only Address Issues as They Happen

The best way to discipline a dog is to only address issues if you catch your puppy in the act. Your dog will not understand why you feel upset if you reprimand them after the event.

3. Be Firm, Not Aggressive

A firm “no” shows your puppy that their behavior is unacceptable, but yelling or showing physical aggression may scare your dog. If they view you as a threat, your dog may be more likely to act out.

4. Reward Good Behavior

Positive reinforcement, like giving your dog a treat when they behave, is vital to help your dog understand the difference between acceptable and bad behavior.

5. Give Timeouts

You may be asking yourself, “Does timeout work for dogs?” The answer is yes! Putting your puppy in timeout is an effective way to reduce aggressive behaviors. When you place your puppy in timeout, start with a verbal signal and lead them to an isolated area for a couple of minutes.

The Wrong Way to Discipline Your Puppy

While you may feel desperate to stop your dog from misbehaving, disciplining your dog the wrong way can encourage negative behaviors and extend the issue. There are several discipline methods you should avoid using on your dog:

• Don’t use physical punishment.
• Don’t stare down, hold down or drag your puppy.
• Don’t shout or scream.

Setting Realistic Discipline Expectations Based on Your Puppy’s Age

While you may want to start training your new puppy within a few hours of bringing them home, it’s essential to set realistic expectations for discipline based on your puppy’s age:

• 8 to 10 weeks: Giving plenty of praise and treats during this stage will teach your puppy to form positive associations with behaviors you want to encourage.
• 10 to 16 weeks: Start training with treats for simple commands and leash manners.
• 4 to six months: Your puppy can move onto more advanced commands at this stage, such as rolling over and high fives, while you continue to practice basic skills.
• 6 to 18 months: During this stage, you can start using a combination of command, correction and praise to encourage positive behaviors that will last throughout your puppy’s life.

Book a Training With Off Leash K9 Training Near Baltimore, MD

Help build a stronger relationship between you and your new puppy with dog training classes from Off Leash K9 Training. Our knowledgeable and compassionate dog trainers will give your puppy the personalized attention it needs to become the well-mannered dog of your dreams. Book a training today or call us at 443-743-3221 to learn more!

Any dog owner will tell you that some barking is normal and expected with a pet dog, as it’s one way your dog communicates with you and other animals. However, excessive barking is more than a distraction or nuisance — it could also signal a problem with your dog or their environment that you need to address.

Understand and Remove the Source

One thing you can do to stop your dog from barking is to identify the source and remove it, if possible. Each dog is different, and their background, genetics, upbringing and surroundings may affect them differently from one day to the next. What prompts barking in one dog may not bother another.

Start with these common barking causes:

• External noises: Your dog may bark at external sounds, like passing sirens, traffic, car alarms, other dogs barking and neighbors walking or talking nearby. Barking at external noises is especially common if your dog isn’t used to those sounds, like after moving to a new neighborhood. Combat noise-related reactions with white noise, like the television, music or a blowing fan. If your dog is crate trained, placing a blanket or crate cover over their cage may help create a more soundproof environment.
• Boredom: Some dogs will bark simply because they are bored and aren’t getting enough stimulation. This is especially true if your dog is used to eliciting a reaction from you when they make noise. Work out your dog’s energy with interactive toys, long walks and playtime at the park, or create a safe space for them to run, play and explore in your yard.
• Distress: In some cases, abnormal or excessive dog barking could indicate distress, like sickness, pain, fear or anxiety. If the barking is accompanied by any other worrisome symptoms, contact your vet and let them know what’s going on. If your pup seems in good health, they could be afraid or anxious to be alone when you or a family member leaves. Consider a local doggy day care facility or ask a trusted friend to stop by when you know you’ll be away for a while.

In some cases — like with a noisy roadway or a neighborhood dog — it’s impossible to remove the source of your dog’s barking. That’s why preventive and correctional behavior training with a professional is essential for a quiet home and obedient pup.

Use Distractions

Distractions are not a long-term solution to your dog’s barking problem, but you can use them to supplement your training regimen or quiet your dog quickly.

Most dogs will respond to one or more of the following distractions:

• Offer a treat: Distract your dog with their favorite treat, but be careful not to associate their unwanted barking with a reward. Instead, use the treat to train your puppy not to bark at external sounds and reward them when they pay attention to you and your commands to “quiet” or “settle.”
• Play with a toy: If your dog is barking, it’s the perfect time to implement some active play. Toss a ball or rope and reward them with verbal praise when they stop barking and instead focus on your game of catch or fetch.
• Give them a bone: Bones and other chews, like toys filled with peanut butter, keep dogs distracted for several minutes, as they offer an engaging way to work for a reward. Always monitor your dog when giving them a chew that could break into smaller pieces.

No matter what distracts your pet, remember to keep it calm and gentle. Avoid punishing your dog for barking or raising your voice, which could worsen the problem.

Ask Your Vet About Anti-Stress Devices and Medication

Anti-stress methods are a great tool to supplement existing training or offer some additional support to extra vocal pups. If your dog has a medical condition or unstable background, these tips are helpful for keeping them feeling calm and safe:

• Weighted clothes: Invest in a comfortable weighted jacket, vest or shirt for your dog to wear during stressful situations. Weighted dog clothes work similarly to weighted blankets for humans, which are often used as a supplemental treatment for managing symptoms of anxiety and insomnia.
• Calming chews: Calming chews are available at pet stores and contain natural ingredients that aid in calming your dog and promote a more relaxed, sometimes tired state. They are available for multiple sizes and breeds and are generally safe — but always consult your vet before offering them to your pet.
• Diffusers and sprays: Pet stores also sell calming air diffusers or sprays infused with species-specific pheromone chemicals, which may help calm your barking dog. If your pet is new to the home, these sprays might help acclimate them to their new siblings and surroundings.
• Prescription medication: If your dog’s barking becomes excessive or is accompanied by other behavioral concerns, consider asking your vet about prescription medication. They can determine if your dog might be suffering from chronic anxiety or health issues and prescribe an appropriate medication based on your pet’s age, weight, breed and medical history.

Always monitor your dog when using an anti-stress device or medication for the first time, and consult your vet with any questions. Never double the dosages or use tools that do not fit your dog’s frame, as doing these things could cause harm and worsen your pet’s stress.

Consult With a Professional Trainer at Off Leash K9 Training

Although identifying and removing the source of your pet’s distress, distracting them with toys and treats and using supplemental anti-stress tools are effective, nothing replaces training your dog to stop barking. A professional dog trainer will get to know your dog, including their habits, fears and triggers, and help you take steps to correct excessive behavior.

The team at Off Leash K9 Training specializes in strengthening the bond between you and your dog while teaching you both the tools you need to live a happy, calm life together. This includes puppy-specific packages for new pets, obedience training packages for adult dogs and training tailored specifically to your concerns, like aggression, leash pulling and excessive barking.

Contact us today to learn how we can help transform your noisy home into a calm, enjoyable space for you and your furry friends.

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It can be hard to socialize dogs in a safe way especially when working with reactive dogs. Here at Off Leash K9 Training Maryland we are introducing Pack Walks to help dogs have more positive experiences when in company of dogs. Walking within a pack can give your dog opportunities to socialize without interacting face to face. Encountering these situations will help them begin to build confidence and trust. When walking in a pack they receive positive reinforcements from new smells, exercise and feedback from owner while forming positive relationships. When constant rewards are always available it is easier for dogs to learn.

Dogs learn from one another not just from us teaching them. Negative behaviors come from a lack of knowledge of what is acceptable and learn from the pack what are better ways that they can behave. When walking around other dogs who are modeling good behavior will help reinforce your expectations. Group settings teach self control, social intelligence and listening when distracted.

Enjoying walks together as a family will take your pups obedience, confidence and bond to a higher level. Learning timing and communication will not only be beneficial but allow you both to enjoy walks together again.

Check Out Our Most Up to Date Pricing

One of the great things about dogs is that they’re so smart. While it might not seem like your dog is a genius when they’re drooling or chasing their tail, dogs have an incredible ability to learn. These furry friends understand consequences and can respond to dozens of different verbal cues. All it takes is some patience and perseverance to gain your dog’s trust and obedience.

If you’ve never trained a dog before, you might not know where to start. The best way to teach your dog commands is to build off simple commands and stay consistent. Learn some basic dog training commands to start working with your dog today.

General Rules of Thumb

Be sure to understand a few rules of thumb before you get started. Here are some guiding principles to help you master common dog commands:

• Remember practice makes perfect: Set aside a few minutes two or three times per day to practice commands with your dog. Staying consistent will help your dog remember what they’ve learned over time.
• Stick with positive reinforcement: Dogs can get frustrating, especially when you find them chewing expensive furniture or relieving themselves on the carpet. Even still, steer clear of negative reinforcement, such as yelling or hitting. Your anger will only damage your relationship with your dog, making it harder for them to trust you. It can even lead to fear-based aggression. When bad behavior occurs, redirect. Reward positive behavior with treats and praise. 
• Reward the right behaviors: You’ll have to be quick with your rewards. If you take too long to offer praise, your dog won’t know what the praise is for. For example, if you tell your dog to sit but give them the treat when they stand back up, they won’t understand that sitting is what has earned them a reward. 
• Keep command phrases consistent: Your dog will get confused if you say “walk close” one day and “heel” the next. Always keep command phrases short, consistent and straightforward. Stick with the same dog training words each time. 

Remember these rules of thumb as you begin training your dog. They’ll help create long-lasting desired results while building a relationship of mutual trust. With these things in mind, try some of the following dog training commands to teach your dog.

1. Sit

“Sit” is one of the most popular puppy commands to start with because it’s easy to teach. You can use a technique called “luring” to encourage your dog to sit. All you have to do is hold a treat in front of your dog and then slowly move it back behind them. As they follow it, they’ll sit. Say “sit” and give your dog their treat! After a few tries, you can do the same hand motion without a treat in your fist. Eventually, you’ll be able to remove the gesture and give only the verbal command.

2. Stay

Once you and your dog have mastered “sit,” you can move onto “stay.” For this command, have your dog sit. Then, back away with one hand up, palm facing outwards. When your dog sits still, come back to them and give them the treat. Start easy, only backing away a tiny bit and having your dog hold the “stay” position for a moment. You can increase the duration and distance over time.

3. Drop It

The “drop it” command can come in handy when your dog starts chewing on your favorite pair of pants or your TV remote. It’s simple enough — you’ll need two desirable items, such as a toy and a treat. Then, you’ll follow these steps: 

1. Give your dog the toy while holding a treat in your hand. 
2. Say “drop it” and show them the treat. 
3. Give them the treat when they drop the toy. 

4. Down

Learning to lay down at your command can help your dog stay calm in real-life stressful situations, such as rides in the car or while at the vet. To teach the “down” command, hold a treat in front of your dog’s face. Then, bring it down to the floor. As soon as your dog’s belly hits the ground, say “down” and give them the treat. 

5. Come

“Come” is another essential dog command, as it could save your dog’s life in a dangerous situation. You’ll need to put your dog’s leash on and stand a few feet away. Then, tug gently on the leash and say, “come.” When your dog comes to you, give them a treat. After some practice, you’ll be able to prompt your dog to come without the leash.

6. Off

If your dog jumps on people or furniture, the “off” command will let you curb this behavior. When your dog has their paws on the couch or counter, hold a treat in your hand and say, “off.” Once their paws are on the floor, give them the treat. You might want to keep treats stashed in convenient places so you can grab one as soon as you see unwanted behavior.

7. Leave It

Dogs are curious — they often stick their noses in places they shouldn’t. When that happens, the “leave it” command is useful. To teach your dog:

1. Put one treat in each of your hands.
2. Show your dog one treat and hide the other behind your back. 
3. Keep the treat your dog knows about in a closed fist.
4. Say “leave it” until your dog loses interest and backs off.
5. Once they stop trying to get the treat they know about, give them the secret one!

8. Heel

“Heel” is an essential dog command for walks. A dog that pulls on a leash could put both you and them in danger. Focus on proper walking habits each time you go out. You’ll have to keep the leash short at first. Keep repeating the word “heel” throughout the walk and giving your dog small treats when they walk by your side. The key is to make walking by your side as rewarding as possible. From time to time, practice the “sit” command during your walk, as well.

Get the Best Training for Your Dog by Contacting Off Leash K9 Training

When it comes to dog training, starting with a few simple commands will be your best bet. Over time, your dog will be an expert at following directions. Starting with commands like “sit” and “stay” will help you build trust and understanding with your dog. Basic commands make everyday life easier so you can enjoy the time spent with your pup. Explore our dog obedience training packages today. To speak with one of our expert dog trainers, fill out our contact form or call us at 443-743-3221!