Training your dog is of utmost importance if you want a problem-free home as well as a joyful and well-behaved pet. At Aly’s Puppy Bootcamp, our custom training plans are designed for your pet by their needs and tempers. We are happy to help in any way, and can create appropriate training for whatever is needed! Let’s go into detail about dog training based on a happy and obedient lifestyle.

The Importance of Dog Training

Teaching your dog commands is not the only aspect of training. Training is the root of good behavior and the relationship between you and your pet. One of the keys to successful training is behavior shaping, which is also referred to as ecological psychology, which prevents dogs from developing harmful behaviors, as well as enforcing appropriate ones. The importance of training becomes clearer when you note the positive impacts it has, not only on your pet but on you as well. Behavioral issues, safety, and the quality of life of the dog and its owner will be negatively affected if they are not well trained. Therefore, a well-trained pet will have a happy life with their owner.

Getting Started with Basic Commands

The first step in training your dog to behave starts with teaching basic commands. These commands are necessary not only for communication but also for obedience and discipline.

Sit: Teaching your dog to sit is usually one of the first commands a pet owner will teach their dog. This skill is not only cute but also a great way to get your dog’s attention and calm them down. Additionally, it’s an excellent way to keep your dog from jumping on people or running out the door. To teach this command, introduce body pressure: Body pressure refers to using physical presence or slight pressure to guide your dog into the desired position. When your dog is familiar with the “sit” command, stand in front of them with your body facing theirs. Once your dog finally sits down, release pressure and reward with treats or verbal praise. This helps your dog understand that sitting in response to body pressure is the desired behavior. Now it’s time to practice and reinforce!

Stay: The “stay” command is used to keep your dog in one place, and it comes in handy when you want to take their leash on or off or when you need them to stay put for any reason. By teaching your dog to stay on PLACE until invited off, it can significantly improve your relationship and overall behavior. In our library vault, found in Aly’s Insider Club, you can find the comprehensive ALL ABOUT PLACE training video to guide you. Once your dog grasps the concept of staying on PLACE, it will transform both your lives and help them navigate various situations calmly and responsibly. Moreover, utilizing PLACE can effectively address nuisance behaviors such as reactivity at the front door, jumping on guests, chasing cars, reacting to animals, and rushing out of doors. It promotes a safe, sane, and civilized approach to handling these situations.

The objective is for your dog to remain on “Place” until given permission to leave. This means that if he/she gets off without being invited, you must immediately put them back on. Whenever possible, try to guide back onto “Place” using only your legs, without using your hands. To achieve this, I recommend using as few words as possible while the puppy is on “Place.” This helps both the dog and humans to communicate and be aware of the situation.

If you notice your dog about to step off “Place,” take a deep breath and move closer while making a warning sound. If they stay on “Place” and look at you, relax and take a small step back. Gradually, they will become more comfortable, continue taking small steps back. Remember to keep breathing throughout the process.

Over time, you can gradually increase the distance, duration, and distractions while your dog remains on “Place.” Introduce stimuli that may trigger your dog, such as doorbells, open doors, or toys.

The way you end the “Place” command is as important as the calmness you have achieved during the exercise. Once the situation is calm, quiet, and relaxed, that’s when you invite to come to you. Approach quietly, take his leash, and gently ask to come to you while maintaining the same calm state of mind. Experiment with different body language cues that are inviting to your dog. You might try squatting down and opening your arms, snapping your fingers and smiling, or tapping your leg with an encouraging tone when calling their name. By avoiding verbal commands, you can improve your body language, touch, tone, and timing. Eventually, you will discover what works best to get your dog to come to you without using words, except for some encouraging phrases like “Good Boy” or “YES” when he’s heading in the right direction. Once they arrive, give calm praise and pet. If necessary, gently guide your dog to you using the leash for additional guidance. Always conclude with calm praise and petting when he/she reaches you. Ultimately, not coming when invited should not be an option for your dog.

Come: The “come” command is essential in keeping your dog safe in situations where they could be harmed or lost. This command is especially useful when you’re out in public with your dog or when they’re off-leash in an open area. To teach this command, put your dog on a long leash and give the command “come” while walking backward. Reward your dog with treats and verbal praise once they come to you. Repeat this process until your dog can come on command without the leash.

 

Potty Training Boot Camp for Puppies

Potty training is one of the most important aspects of dog training. At Aly’s Puppy Bootcamp, we offer a specialized potty training boot camp for puppies to help them learn good habits from the start.

Key Elements of Potty Training

Routine Establishment: Puppies thrive on routine. Take your puppy outside frequently, especially after meals, naps, and playtime.

Crate Training: A crate can be an effective tool for potty training. Dogs naturally avoid soiling their sleeping area, so a crate helps teach bladder control.

Celebrating Success: Gently and quietly reward your puppy with treats and praise immediately after they potty outside. Treats and praise encourage them to repeat the behavior. Just make sure to give praise only after they go. Being too involved during the process can easily distract them.

Supervision: Keep a close eye on your puppy to prevent accidents. If you catch them in the act indoors, interrupt with a firm “No” and take them outside.

 

Testimonials from Satisfied Clients

Our clients’ success stories are tangible proof that our training programs are very effective. Below you can read the testimonials from some of the clients:

“We would recommend your business to everyone – Dear Aly, As Mia lays here next to me on the couch I will tell you how extremely happy we are with our little girl. I don’t want to jinks it, but so far, she does not chew, dig, or bark.” – Aleks P

“Aly Rodges is truly the “Dog Whisper! Our eight-week goldendoodle puppy, Brady, went to the acre to spend a few weeks of “Boot Camp” with Aly. Aly has a gift; a special and wonderful way with dogs that has greatly benefited Brady and our family. Every day of Boot Camp, we received daily foundation knowledge, full of advice, recommendations and wisdom.” – Kim B

“We are so grateful for Aly’s work with our pup Bailey! Our pup Bailey’s Her behavior has improved so much since we first brought her to Aly’s Puppy Bootcamp. The best thing is that she isn’t running out the front door anymore! She will sit and wait until she is released. We can’t thank Aly enough for spending the time training us humans, too.” – Sheila G

Enroll Today for a happy dog that makes calm choices.