Dog Training

Thanksgiving Is Going to the Dogs!

2012 winner, Wire Fox Terrier, “Sky”

Although the Macy’s parade and the ensuing football game shape Thanksgiving Day across the United States, for many dog lovers it’s The National Dog Show that takes center stage.  In its 80th year the Dog Show, which is broadcast right after the parade, features over 3,000 dogs in more than 150 different breeds and has become part of the Thanksgiving Day tradition for breeders and dog enthusiasts nationwide.
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Miley the lab puppy

Introducing Your Puppy to the Dog Park

As soon as your puppy has had all his/her vaccinations, you may want to consider checking out your local dog parks (assuming you are lucky enough to have one near-by.)  Under the right circumstances, a dog park can be a great way for your puppy to burn off some of that wonderful puppy energy.  It can also be one of the ways your pup learns to socialize with other dogs and other people.  But before you head for the park with your canine companion, it is important to check out the park and the park rules. It is also important to spend some time learning how to introduce your pup to the park before you jump into the fray.  A little bit of preparation will help both you and your pup get the most from your experience.
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Zoe the Labradoodle learning 'paw'

There Are Tricks to Teaching Tricks

We’ve all seen dogs on TV and YouTube who perform amazing and entertaining feats. They’re impressive and it looks like the dogs are having fun. Have you ever wished your pooch could learn to do some cool tricks?”  Well, teaching your four-legged friend a few simple stunts is not as hard as you might think, once you understand and make use of his or her natural tendencies.
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DogWatch Dealer Dave Wingfield and Cesar Millan

Cesar’s Way: "Dogs Must Have Boundaries"

Most dog owners (especially those with, shall we say, “difficult” dogs) know who Cesar Millan is. Called the Dog Whisper, the self-taught Millan is well-known for his success in training particularly aggressive dogs. His methodology? Helping dogs find “balance” by utilizing his understanding of “dog psychology,” combined with “calm-assertive energy” and his “fulfillment forumula”: exercise, then discipline, then finally affection.

DogWatch dealer Dave Wingfield of Hudson Valley Boundaries was recently able to attend one of Millan’s seminars on his “Trust Your Instincts” tour, and had the chance to have a meet & greet with Millan backstage. During their chat, Millan noticed Wingfield’s DogWatch shirt. When Wingfield asked if he approved, Millan said, “Of course. Dogs must have boundaries.” That statement in and of itself sums up Millan’s ethos as a trainer: in order for dogs to be truly happy and healthy, they must have boundaries. DogWatch Hidden Fences, Indoor Boundaries, and Remote Trainers are all useful and appropriate components in providing such boundaries.
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