Total Dog! is your source for Phoenix Dog Training. In addition to offering dog training in Phoenix, Total Dog! also has dog trainers in Scottsdale, Glendale, Peoria, Paradise Valley, and Chandler Arizona.

Dog Training is an important thing that every owner should look into.  Total dog training offers obedience training in phoenix, and in our area, it is especially important to have an obedient, well trained dog.  Phoenix dog training is important, because with all the activity going on, many people tend to neglect their dogs, and fixing this could easily be a huge benefit to the both of you.

Everywhere in Phoenix Arizona, there are dogs.  Almost every house has a dog or two, and having such nice weather as we do, we tend to bring them around with us a lot.  Obedience training is not for dog shows.  Obedience training is a way to get your dog to respond to your orders with a clear comprehension of what you mean.  A relationship evolves throughout dog training, as seen here with little  Oliver.  Dogs love to be trained, and as an easy way to improve the communication between you and mans best friend, why not try it out?  In Phoenix having a trained dog is especially important. We have bustling busy streets, and close neighbors, so you don’t want your dog barking every time someone drives a car by your house, or god forbid they dash out into the middle of a street!

Here in Arizona, we have an amazing plethora of dog parks, hiking trails, dog friendly restaurants, and other places where having a trustworthy and obedient dog is important.  Teaching your dog simple things such as stop, stay, sit, quiet, and other many basic commands will show them how to behave in any situation, whether it involves dog socialization, or just teaching them not to sleep on your bed, Phoenix dog training at Total dog is a good way to go.  Not only will dog training keep your dog obedient, but even just teaching them the basics could save them from many dangerous situations in the future.

Dog muzzle training is not only for preventing aggression issues, but can also be seen as a precautionary measure for accidents. Being able to put the muzzle on your dog can be frightening for your pet, so we find it important that you teach your dog to wear one before you may end up in a situation where it is necessary. If your dog ever gets in an accident, it may be necessary to muzzle your dog in order to help them faster, so these tips could easily save you and your dog from a lot of trouble.

Treats and Attention
One of the easiest ways to teach a dog something new, is by rewarding them with treats, so when you buy a muzzle, this may come in handy. When you introduce your dog to anything new, you want to familiarize them with the object in order to make them comfortable using it. When you first get the muzzle, try putting a treat in the bottom of the muzzle, and see if they will stick their nose in it. When they retrieve the treat, praise them with all of the loving friendly affection you have to offer, and try doing this a few more times. Do this for a few days, and teach them that while wearing the ‘special muzzle’ that they get extra attention. Dogs love to be loved, so when you give them the extra attention while they are wearing the muzzle, they begin to associate not only treats, but also attention with the muzzle. Afterwords, pick up the muzzle and put it somewhere they can’t reach, pay less attention to them while they aren’t wearing the muzzle for a few minutes, and try doing this process once a day, or every other day.

The Final Step
After repeatedly putting treats in the muzzle for a few days and praising them, it is time to move on. When they get comfortable doing this, put an extra-chewy treat in the bottom of the muzzle. This will cause them to leave their nose in for a slightly longer time. while they have their nose in the muzzle basket, clip the strap behind their head. It is okay if they are a little scared at first, so when they pick up their head, give them treat after treat after treat! when you take off the muzzle, ignore them again. Do this for two or three days, and when they get the hang of the process, try it once or twice every other week (unless a muzzle is a daily necessity, in which case you’re free to go for it!)

If you have any questions please contact our Phoenix dog training center.

Total Dog! presents the Valley’s newest and most innovative pet care provider, Out Fur A Walk (OFAW). More than just a dog walking and pet care service, OFAW was created by professional dog trainers, that supervise and train each team member to not only provide quality interaction with your furry friend, but in a way that reinforces the behaviors that you desire. For the same cost, and many times less than standard pet care services, each walk and the time spent with your pet is constructive toward your goals in having a balanced, well adapted pet that is an ambassador to the potential that a fulfilled dog can be.

Check out OFAW’s new website coming soon to www.OutFurAWalk.com, where services, prices, video and fun stuff will be posted!

OFAW is bonded and insured, and is a member of Pet Sitters International. Each team member is certified in pet first aid.

Contact us today at (480)369-0539 to set up your personal Meet and Greet!

Its not always about dog obedience training, here is another example of having fun with your dog, which is limited only by your imagination, your training and the relationship that one can have with their dog!

Here, my dog Monk is playing in fountains at a local shopping center, trying to grab the water, and not knowing where it is coming from next!  He is a really fun dog!

Get out!  Have fun with your dog!

Woof!  Brice

Most people understand that providing quality training for their canine companion is an integral part of the overall balance in the dog’s life, and their relationship with their dog…but, where does one turn to find a quality dog training professional that not only meets their needs, but helps them to understand their role for the rest of their dog’s life?

Let’s dig in to this and make sense of all that should be considered! As always, if you have any questions, or want to add something that can enhance this article or site, please email me at brice@teamdog.com! Here are my considerations, in no particular order:

Do you get along with the trainer? Regardless of how skilled the trainer may be, their people skills can keep you from getting the most out of the lessons. Training should be fun on all levels, for all participants! If your trainer is unapproachable in any way, look elsewhere. There are many complex considerations in dog training and behavior modification, and if you can’t talk to the person in “the know”, then how are you going to learn it?

How does the trainer’s dog look? Is their dog obedient? There are many trainers that do not have a dog, which has always made me wonder, but I am sure that there are certain circumstances that would trump this. It is easier to see the relationship between the trainer and their dog, but it is not imperative. Sort of like the mechanic that has a car that always breaks down…I would not use them, even though there may be a good reason for it.

Avoid trainers caught up in “Only”. Those that limit themselves will always find an audience or following, but your dog needs neither of those. A person that “Only” teaches Clicker, “Only” teaches remote training collar, “Only” teaches with positive reinforcement, etc., usually do not fully understand how dogs learn. A balanced approach is necessary, as balance is seen throughout all of nature, from ecosystems to behavior. Quick fact: there is no such thing as positive reinforcement only, and the trainer that claims that is unaware of how Operant Conditioning works…there is an opposite for everything. When the treat is used to lure Fido is withheld because he jumps, this is actually Negative Punishment (taking the existing food away to decrease the likelihood of Fido jumping), though many trainers will never admit to using “Negative Punishment” due to the pictures that the term conjures up.

Are you having fun? Classes or individual lessons should be fun, overall. Sure, there are times of confusion for both you and your dog, but the trainer should be skilled in helping you to navigate your way through the confusion and on to the “good stuff”! There are always cases where we should be serious in life, but in general, we should be enjoying it…the same is true of your canine companion and their training.

Obedience vs. Behavior Modification. Why choose? They go hand in hand many times, BUT, obedience is not always the solution to modifying behavior. Just because a dog has a wonderful recall, sit, down, stay, etc. does not guarantee that your Prada boots won’t replace their Kong ball, or that Thanksgiving dinner is safe up on the counter while it cools. Training should involve not only an action, but a behavior. Behavior is more of a state of mind, rather than a specific action. Unfortunately, even within the science community, the word behavior is used interchangeably, causing confusion. As an example, “the dog offered a sitting behavior” tells me more that the dog sat, rather than why or what his state of mind was. Yes, he offered it, but was it offered out of guesswork, fear, conditioning, etc. I want a calm state of mind, one that is clear. A frantic dog is less likely to learn. A frantic dog is typically more reactive. A frantic dog needs behavior modification more than learning how to sit. A good trainer can incorporate both into their training, and they should!

Does your trainer impress upon you the responsibility that you now have? Dogs are always learning, so we need to be sure to consider our ongoing influence upon them. Are you prepared for that? I make sure that my clients are fully aware that this animal is not disposable, lives, breathes and can be one heckuva companion, providing that they take the time to shape the dog’s experiences and behaviors. They are not furry little children, however, like children, they are in need of direction on a continual basis.

Does your trainer belong to any associations, and if so, what does it mean? Staying current on dog training techniques, ideas issues, etc. is the sign of an open mind (usually) and a continuing effort to bring the best information and help to the table. Most of us talk about having as many “tools in our toolbox” as possible, as no two dogs are the same, and we need to have as many different ways to get from point A to point B as possible, as you never know when you will run across “That Dog”! A good trainer also needs to know how long to pursue a particular approach before changing gears and trying something else, as changing too soon can cause confusion, and never gives the dog a chance to figure out the desired result. Do they continue their education?

What experience does your trainer have? While it is not necessary, if they have competed in any organized titling or competitions, you know that they are more likely to have a strong work/preparation ethic, know how to handle stress (things are different in training then when you have everything on the line!), and are usually pretty good at problem solving. The experienced trainer also understands the importance of mindset for the handler/trainer, which is definitely an important in all aspects of the dog world. What training certifications do they have. How did they learn about dog training? An apprenticeship is ideal, but there are some quality schools out there as well. Nothing takes the place of experience. Experience takes years to get, though years does not mean experience. A person could have been training for 20 years, but never stepped outside of their own little world to see what was out there!

Does your trainer encourage the whole family to be involved? They should…keep the training as close to the real world as possible. I have seen many dogs that were awesome in the show ring, but at home, they were incorrigible. Once again, training should be about a state of mind, not the mechanics of sit!

Is your trainer helping you to build a relationship based on trust? Fear based training is usually a short term fix, and has long term psychological effects on your dog, some of which may not rear their ugly head until years down the road. Trust – without it, you do not have a companion.

Does your trainer look to help you work through a problem…or are they quick to move on or separate you from the rest of the class? In my group classes, we fix things in front of everyone, as we can all learn from what we see! In one-on-one lessons, I do not leave until we have reached some sort of progress on an issue, and the client has a clear plan on what to work on until the next lesson, and they have my contact information in case they run in to a problem that cannot wait.

Does you trainer have respect for people, and for dogs? That tells you a lot. What does your gut tell you when you interact with your trainer, or when you watch your trainer interact with others? Most of the time, we should follow our gut. If you differ in opinion with a technique, do you feel comfortable asking the trainer?

This is the minimum for what I would expect a person to look for in selecting a trainer. While I do not prescribe to dogs being furry little children, they are parts of our families, and as such, need to be given every opportunity to be successful in their learning and living with us. Finding a trainer should be fun as well, not a chore…have fun…have fun!

So, when we have a balanced, clear relationship with our dogs, we can take them anywhere, and do almost anything with them!  I am going to make a whole separate category for fun that I have with my dog!

If you would like to learn how to build the relationship with your dog and explore the true potential of your bond, contact me and we’ll get you on the path to success!

In this video, my dog Monk is climbing a sign up and onto a 9′ block wall.  We are out on one of our walks, and when we see something like this that can challenge his mind, we jump right on it!

Here is a video clip from WGN News that touches on the approach that Brice Cavanaugh brings to dog training.  Brice’s methods are the foundation for both the Team Dog! and Total Dog! dog training providers.

More information can be obtained by calling the local Team Dog! or Total Dog! training director at (888)SIT-STAY.

Dog Training That Works!  Unlimited Lessons ~ Guaranteed Results!

Brice Cavanaugh
Total Dog! Phoenix
Dog Training in the Greater Phoenix Area!
(602)828-2515
brice@totaldog.com

Have you ever watched a dog obedience training class and wondered how some dogs “got it”, while others did not?  Did you chalk it up to some dogs learning faster than others, or being smarter than others?  Have you seen dogs that have gone through a Boot Camp style training program, again, looking like a million bucks, while others look like they never received any training?  How is this?

Well, the answer is usually pretty simple!  Many dog training programs do not address the individual needs and learning style of your dog!  Your dog is different!  Each one is.  So, why expect different dogs with different learning styles, to come out of a one dimensional training process and have the same results?

What we do differently at Total Dog! is not only identify each dog’s individual personality, but, using Brice Cavanaugh’s unique approach to training, we customize a dog training program that maximizes efficiency, clarity to both dog and owner, and is in accordance with nature and the balance that is found within nature!  Sometimes a Group Class is the best answer, other times One on One Training in your home, and sometimes a Boot Camp is the best option!  We offer a free demonstration and evaluation so that we can help you figure out your dog, discover what time you can realistically dedicate to training, and how we can best help you get the most out of your furry friend!

Whether your dog is aggressive, submissive, not housebroken, disobedient or just needs to learn the ways of our world, Total Dog! can help!  Learn more about our approach on our About Us page, and see how we can help you unleash your Total Dog!