Practice Everywhere!

What's the most commonly ignored but incredibly important part of training your dog? Taking the show on the road! If you only practice inside a class room, your home or in your neighbourhood then your dog isn't learning to listen around enough distractions. It's as simple as that. 

Practicing in new environments is something people who compete in dog sports are well aware of but often the average pet owner just doesn't think about. Whether you have a new puppy or an older dog it's important to proof new skills everywhere. 

Here's a list of some of my favourite places to practice:

> The house (all NEW skills start here)

> My neighbourhood

> My 5 parks close to the house

> Nose Hill off leash area

> Southland off leash area

> Edworthy off leash area

> The pathway system (anywhere)

> Pet stores across the city

> Horse arenas

> Friends & Clients homes

> Other dog classes that I sign up for! 

> Camping 

> Other towns like Canmore & Bragg Creek

> The train station

> Stores that allow dogs inside (I use to use movie stores a lot but I've had to get more creative... banks are usually good)

Be creative and get out there! Where's Your Sit offers classes all over the city including dog parks, indoors at a community hall, dog parks and the c train station. If you want to join our group and get out to practice then give me a shout! Feel free to share your practice ideas in the comments section.

Good Behaviour for Dog Owners at Off Leash Parks

Alright everyone I had a pretty unpleasant experience at the off leash park yesterday and as a result I thought I would do a post on what dog owners should know about these parks; sometimes what I consider common sense doesn't seem to be so common. 

#1 Don't take your dog off leash if you can't control him/her (a good recall is imperative)

#2 Don't take your dog off leash if he/she has a history of aggression with dogs or people 

            >> try using empty fenced ball parks for runs or go to a large, empty area such as Nose Hill on a weekday to give your dog a good run.

#3 Watch your dog and the other dogs around your dog, if the play is looking a little "iffy" then recall your dog

#4 Dogs in season should NEVER go to the off leash park. It's highly dangerous so take your pretty lady for a good, on leash walk in a designated on leash area. If you are not familiar with proper responisble care of an intact dog please spay/neuter.

#5 Pick up after your dog so that everyone can enjoy the park

#6 Don't let your dog chase kids, bicycles or joggers. We need to share off leash zones safely. 

#7 Don't bring dog toys if your dog doesn't share; go somewhere else to play ball if this is the case. Definitely don't bring dog toys with food in them!

#8 Teach your dog how to greet people by sitting so he/she doesn't jump up on other park users.

#9 Remember that not all dogs get along and that's alright. Make sure your large dog isn't jumping all over a timid small one or your young dog might be harassing an older dog. Simply recall your dog and walk the other way. 

#10 Don't take your dog off leash in on leash areas. Just because your dog is friendly doesn't mean everyone else's is. There's nothing more frigtening for an owner of a dog who is aggressive to see an off leash dog running towards them (and calling out that your dog is friendly doesn't help!).

All breeds, ages and genders of dogs should be able to use off leash areas if they are social with dogs and people. Not all dogs are. Please make sure your dog will be safe in that type of environment.