COME. SIT. STAY. Does Your Dog Listen?

Some of us give up on our dogs when they develop or continue a bad habit... This outcome can be a better one if we provide our pups the proper training. 

Morris Animal Inn's Trainer Nancy works with 3-month-old Newfoundland Little Four.

With today's busy schedules, sometimes we need a little help to get the training started or to keep our dog on the right track. When we choose to be a dog owner, we owe it to our lovable furry family members be well behaved and have great manners. 

It's National Train Your Dog Month, so start the New Year off right  with a Canine Training Camp.

For more information on our dog training at Morris Animal Inn click here or give us a call at 973-539-0377. 

Is Your Dog Guilty?

You come home from a nice evening out on the town and it hits you as you enter the house. The unmistakable odor of your dog’s elimination drifts into your nasal passages as you turn on the light. There it is, on the expensive living room floor. As your dog races in excitedly to greet you, your angry voice meets their sensitive ears and they slink back to where they came from. With the tail between the legs, eyes droopy and forlorn, they play the perfect part of the guilty party. Certain your dog’s behavior is an expression of guilt, you think good, they know that eliminating in the house is wrong. However, the canine world is much simpler than that and a dog's brain does not work the way our mind works.

Catch Them in the Act
We can learn many things from our dogs but perhaps the most zen-like of their qualities is the fact that they are experts at living in the present moment. In fact, they know no other way of living. So when you come home to a torn up shoe and scold your pet, it will be to no avail. Your dog will simply think that whatever he or she was doing when you came home was wrong. Your dog cannot correlate the torn up shoe from hours ago with your reprimands, even if you wave the shoe in front of his or her face. Only if you catch your dog in the act of the particular crime can you correct them. 

“The Look”
Where does that guilty look come from? When you scream or yell at your dog it scares them. That guilty look is your pup’s response to your behavior and can be credited to stress signals and appeasement behavior. When you stiffen your body stance, wave a reprimanding finger in their face and address them in an angry, stern tone, your dog reacts to your body language and knows they are in trouble but do not understand why. To neutralize your perceived "aggressive" behavior, your dog may exhibit signs of submission. This can include their tail between the legs, squinted or downcast eyes, rolling over, a thumping tail, or even showing teeth. For a perfect example of how a dog reacts to a scolding owner, watch the infamous video of Denver the Guilty Dog.

When you return home to those inevitable messes and chewed up signs that come with the territory of being a dog owner, take a deep breath and suppress your anger. Do not attempt to discipline your pooch unless you catch them in the act. Otherwise, you are simply wasting your breath and causing your dog undue stress.  

Back to School: Training Tips that will help you and your pup get an A+

It’s that time of year again – smiles and waves as we drop our little ones off at the bus stop, and tearful goodbyes as we send our teenagers off to college. Amidst all the excitement and chaos of a brand new school year, don’t forget that your furry little one has some learning to do as well! After all the backpacks and binders, dorm rooms and textbooks, take some time to focus on obedience training with your dog. Here are a few fun and helpful tips to get you and your four legged student a perfect score!


Positive reinforcement
Just like kids in school, dogs should be rewarded when they do a good job. In elementary school it may be a gold star for the right answer or a smiley face sticker on a quiz well done. For our scruffy scholars, food is the best way to reinforce positive behavior when training. Does your dog have a favorite treat? Does he wag his tail at the sight of a jar of peanut butter? Does he slobber at the sound of bacon cooking? Make sure you have a stash of the most scrumptious food you can find, so your pup has something to look forward to when he does his best work. When he sits as soon as he hears the command...A yummy sausage link! When he comes when called...A chewy piece of cheese! The more your dog receives a positive reward, the better he will perform. 

                                                               Repetition 

How many times have you told your child, after they struggle with an assignment or can’t seem to figure out a difficult math problem, “Practice makes perfect"? In order to succeed, we have to give our full attention and greatest efforts, no matter how many times it takes to get it right. The more we practice, the better we get. Well, the same applies to obedience training with your dog! The more you practice a command with them, the more familiar those words will become to your dog. Try spending 5-10 minutes at a time focusing on one command. If you tell your dog “down”, and he doesn’t respond the first time, TRY TRY TRY AGAIN. Don’t give up. He may not get it at first, but after a few repetitions your dog should be able to respond correctly to the command. Much like children would spend time practicing their multiplication tables, repetition helps our dogs learn and remember what we teach them.

 

                                                                      Recess

Do your best to make learning fun for your dog. In a school setting, recess is used to break up the monotony of the day. Recess allows kids to get some fresh air and play some of their favorite games. Apply the same concept to training with your dog. Take a break and spend some time outside, allowing your pup to release some energy. Play fetch with his favorite toy or go for a quick walk. This gives both you and your dog a chance to let loose and have some fun. Utilizing recess will break up your dog’s learning time and ensure that obedience training is something your dog enjoys and actually looks forward to!

 Attendance is Mandatory

In order to make obedience training a successful endeavor, both you and your dog must want to be there. Your dog has a natural desire to please you. If you are excited to teach your dog, he will be happy to learn. So make sure to consistently train your dog, and enjoy it! Don’t just work inside your home. Be sure to change the environment every once in a while, so things don’t get boring. Have class in the park one day! Most importantly, this should be a bonding experience for you and your dog, so the more time you are able to spend training, the more you are able to spend with your loved one.

Bring your canine collegiate to Morris Animal Inn! We offer dog training programs designed to teach and reinforce basic obedience, and we provide detailed instructions for reinforcement at home. For more information click here.

Check out our Mini Canine Training Camps 

starting in September!

11 Ways to Participate in Responsible Pet Owners Month

February is National Responsible Pet Owners Month. Including a dog or cat in your family can be incredibly rewarding, but "parenting" a happy, healthy pet is also a large commitment! What does it mean to be a responsible pet owner? Here are 11 things to consider:

1. Training. Last month was National Train Your Dog Month, and we can’t stress enough the importance of training your dog! With simple manners training, you can help reduce behavior problems, and strengthen the bond between you and your pup!
2. Nutrition. Feed your pet a well-balanced and nutritious diet. There are many quality dog and cat food choices on the market today. With a little research you can find a lot of information on food, and the food that would be best for your pet. If you are unsure, don’t hesitate to ask your veterinarian. Great nutrition sets the foundation for a long, happy and healthy life for your pet! 
3. Clean Up After Your Pet. Whenever you take your dog for an outing, make sure you bring some bags to pick up after your dog. This helps prevent the spread of diseases, and assures a clean environment for everyone to enjoy. Do the same for your cat. Be sure to clean their litter box often so they have clean space to do their business! 
4. Grooming. Groom your pet as often as required for their specific breed. Keep your pet's coat clean with regular trimming (if needed), brushing and baths. Keep your dog or cat’s nails at a comfortable length
5. Hygiene. Beyond grooming, good pet hygiene calls for clean ears and teeth free from plaque and tartar. February is also National Pet Dental Month. One of the most common problems veterinarians see in pets is dental disease, and, unfortunately, these issues can get serious if untreated.
6. Exercise. Give your pet plenty of exercise.  Proper exercise cannot only keep your pet healthy, but also help many behavior problems that are caused by pent up energy.
7. Update Identifications. Current ID tags on your dog or cat’s collar can help ensure that they get home safe and sound if they should wander out of your sight. If your pet isn't microchipped, consider it! If your pet is ever lost, a quick scan will provide rescuers with important phone numbers and addresses to help them reunite you with your pet.
8. Go to the Vet. It is important to schedule an annual veterinary checkup to stay informed about your pet's health. 
9. Travel Safely. You wouldn't ride without using a seat belt and neither should your pet! From crates, to harnesses, to safety nets, there are many options on the market to keep your pet safe in the car. 
10. Pet Proof Your Home. Dogs and cats are curious by nature, so there’s always the possibility that they’ll get into something they shouldn't! Because of this, it’s important to avoid bringing potentially hazardous products into your home. Being educated about the dangers of certain houseplants and choosing more “bio-friendly” products are usually a good place to start.
11. Teach Children to Respect Animals. Teach by example! Children learn by the lead of others, so show them that you care about animals. Always supervise young children around dogs and cats. Teach children the proper way to approach and greet a dog or cat and to always ask the owner before approaching a strange dog.

Of course pet parenting continues beyond February, but this month is a great time to think about all the ways you can continue to enrich your pet's life!

Source: Fido Friendly & 2MillionDogs.Org

Who's Walking Who? Choosing the Right Harness or Head Collar

Summer is here and your pup is probably anxious to pull you out the front door to go for a walk. Even if you don’t have a dog that pulls, choosing the correct equipment can make an ordinary walk with your dog safer and more enjoyable.

Choosing to walk your dog with a harness or head collar can have great safety benefits for your dog. Pet stores have a variety of different items to choose from, which can seem overwhelming. Luckily, there are three that Morris Animal Inn considers the best no-pull devices on the market today, and all of them are available for purchase..

Freedom Harness: Made by Wiggles Wags and Whiskers, the Freedom Harness is specially designed to gently tighten around your dog’s chest to prevent them from pulling. The harness features clips in both the front and the back, and is designed for comfort featuring a velvet strap that goes under your dog’s chest to prevent chafing. The harness comes in a variety of different colors, so you can find the one that best suits your four-legged friend.

Gentle Leader: This product is made by Premier and is marketed as a head collar that stops pulling, lunging and other unwanted behaviors. The Gentle Leader goes around your dog’s mouth and the top of their head and prevents pulling by guiding your dog’s head down when they pull. The device allows for great control of your dog, and is highly recommended for anyone struggling with enforcing proper walking skills. Even though this product goes around the dog’s mouth, it is not a muzzle; the dog will still have free use of their mouth to sniff and eat.

Sensation Harness: Designed by Softtouch, this front connection harness is meant to prevent your dog from pulling.  They also make a swim friendly version for all those water loving dogs! Since the harness clips in the front, where the dog’s chest moves, their body will follow, eliminating pulling.

These items are made to prevent your dog from pulling and have safety benefits unlike other devices such as flat buckles, prong and choke collars, which can often cause physical damage to your pooch when not used properly or used for the wrong dog. A dog who repeatedly pulls on a regular collar risks conditions like a collapsed trachea with repeated wearing. 

These selections mentioned above should not cause damage, will help you while walking, and can greatly benefit both you and your dog. Stop by our lobby and have one of our experts fit your dog for any of them.

A no pull harness can quickly improve your dog’s walking skills, however, manners training will complement these no-pull harnesses and head collars nicely and do more to change the pulling behavior of your dog. 

If any of you have a dog that pulls or deal with them on a regular basis, sometimes it is as easy as getting them on something that immediately works.  The magic is in the product, not the way you use it!  We are catering the needs of each dog, as well as taking into consideration your requests, and what we think would work best for them in a real life situation.   

Why Do Dogs Beg? How to Train Your Mooching Pooch

As the saying goes: you want what you can’t have. Ever wonder if your dog feels that way about what’s on your dinner plate? Dogs are notorious for begging for human food, even dogs who have never tasted anything but kibble. Why?

According to a recent “Ask a Vet” post on 7x7SF, the answer can be summed up in a single word: optimism. Your furry friend is tempted by the delicious smells coming from your dining room table, whether they have tasted table scraps before or not. Think about it: if you had only eaten bran cereal all your life, and were suddenly shown a chicken sandwich, wouldn't you be intrigued? As innate scavengers, dogs can’t help tracking down human food and pleading for a taste.

Despite dog’s inbred need to mooch, begging is a fairly simple problem to correct. Veterinarian Dr. Jeannine Berger, who is quoted in the “Ask a Vet” post on 7x7.com, recommends using management techniques and training solutions to teach your dog not to beg.

For starters, never feed your dog scraps from the table. This will only reinforce the behavior that you are trying to stop. If you do feed your dog human food, be sure to only reward them with it when they are behaving properly. Presenting the food to them in their regular dog food dish can further distance the human food from your dinner table.

Restricting your dog’s access to the dining room while you eat is one way to stop begging for good. This prevention tactic can be applied by putting up a baby gate, tethering your dog to a nearby piece of furniture or putting them in a crate with a food stuffed toy to keep them occupied.

If you prefer to keep your dog close, remove some of the temptation by making sure they are not hungry during your dinner time. Make a habit out of feeding your pet before you eat dinner, or present them with a food puzzle toy during your meal. A full and otherwise occupied dog will be less inclined to beg for your food.

You can also teach your dog to go to a certain spot during dinner, and reward them with a treat for staying there. Whether it’s a mat, bed, or corner of the room, your dog will begin to associate the spot with a reward, and become motivated to stay.

Every dog owner will find different methods that work best for their pup. The key is to be persistent. Try one training method steadily for a few weeks. If you find it ineffective, try another, and stick to it. As another saying goes: practice makes perfect!

For extra practice, our manners daycare and lodging packages help reinforce behaviors that will make it much easier to stop your dog from begging. Our staff works diligently with dogs to help build sit, lie down, and stay skills that could mean the difference between a peaceful, patient pooch and a drooling, crying dinner-time dog. Call 973-539-0377 to book a manners session today!

Benefits of Training your Dog

Did you know that January is National Train Your Dog Month? Created in 2010 by the Association of Pet Dog Trainers, this month promotes dog owners' awareness of how important it is to socialize and train your pet. 

1. Professional Advice

When you seek a professional dog training service for your dog, the advice and recommendations that you receive should come from an individual who has learned and tested this information thoroughly and shares these techniques with you. Their genuine interest in your dog’s successful training inspires a certain amount of trust. It is also good to know that while your dog is undergoing this learning experience, they are in a supervised and safe situation and monitored by a trained professional.

 

2. Less Time Needed For Training

With today's busy lifestyles, some may not want to add dog training to their already large To Do List. Individuals who believe they can train their own dogs often must take classes and learn specific information about dog training before actual training can begin. This can be time consuming for the owner and detrimental to the dog, who is missing out on critical learning time.

Using the services of a professional dog trainer also decreases the amount of time devoted to training. After a short amount of time with the dog,a professional trainer can provide useful information that can be implemented almost immediately. According to Heather Inks, contributing writer of Benefits of Professional Dog Training - 10 Reasons Why Your Dog Needs It, a “dog owner who invests in professional dog training usually finds that their dog is trained in record speed and bad habits are broken quickly or better yet entirely averted”.

3. Being Proactive

With problems stemming from many different factors including a dog’s breed, history, personality or temperament, a dog trainer has the knowledge, either personally or through a network of other trainers, to make changes and stop bad behaviors quickly. Having experience working with many different dogs provides a professional dog trainer with the ability to curb problems with a training plan.

4. Greater Overall Satisfaction

A properly trained dog will result in a harmonious relationship with you and your dog.
Training your dog is the responsible choice which allows for your time spent with your furry friend to be filled with fun!

In certain cases, a lack of training can lead to more serious repercussions than just bad behavior. "Most dogs brought to shelters are surrendered because of the animal’s lack of training," states Fido Friendly Magazine. If problems aren't corrected, some owners may feel that surrendering the dog to a shelter or rescue is their only option. 

 For your training needs, Morris Animal Inn provides Manners Training to learn basics skills including Sit, Stay, Down and more. 

For more information about Manners Training, call 973-539-0377. 

Sources:
National Train Your Dog Month
Association of Pet Dog Trainers. "APDT Train Your Dog Month." Train Your Dog Month. Association of Pet Dog Trainers, 2010. Web. 04 Jan. 2013. <http://www.trainyourdogmonth.com/>.
Yahoo 
Inks, Heather. "Benefits of Professional Dog Training - 10 Reasons Why Your Dog Needs It."Yahoo.com. Yahoo! Contributor Network, 7 May 2009. Web. 04 Jan. 2013. <http://voices.yahoo.com/benefits-professional-dog-training-10-reasons-why-3234833.html>.
Fido Friendly Magazine
"What Families Need to Consider When Gifting Pets for the Holidays | FIDO Friendly."FIDO Friendly. FIDO Friendly Magazine, 22 Dec. 2011. Web. 09 Jan. 2013. <http://www.fidofriendly.com/blog/what-families-need-to-consider-when-gifting-pets-for-the-holidays>.

GOOD DOG!

Our Manners Training Program has really taken off and is getting fabulous feedback. If your still wondering what our Manners Training program can offer you, check out this video to see some of the skills your dog will master. Manners Training can be added as a package to your dog's overnight stay or as a daycare option. Good dog is only a stay away!

MEET OUR MANNERS PROGRAM LEADERS!

Lisa (left) and Michelle (right) with some of their canine students

We recently launched our new Manners Training program! This new activity package and daycare option offers a variation to your dog's stay, with group and individual manners sessions tied in with walks and play times. So your dog gets to play and learn! Combining mental and physical stimulation, your dog gets the best of both worlds!

Leading this exciting new program are long time Morris Animal Inn staffers, Lisa and Michelle.

Michelle VanWinkle, Program Leader

Q: What is your background working with dogs?
A:   In 2009, I graduated from the Tom Rose School for Professional Dog Trainers, a nationally recognized school, studying dog behavior and training for over a year. After earning my Associates, Professional, and Masters Dog Training Certification, and graduating first in the class, I owned and operated my own dog training business for four years. I have experience training different breeds, ages and temperaments in the avenues of general obedience; agility; competition and much more. I am an active competitor in many dog sports including AKC, PSA, French Ring, Shutzhund and IPO. I have been nationally recognized with my own dogs, Xander, a Belgian Malinois and Gracie, a Golden Retriever, for competition obedience and apprehension. I've worked with local shelter dogs teaching general obedience to improve their chances of finding a new home. I have been with Morris Animal Inn for five years in various positions including Activities staff, Group Play Evaluator, Lodging staff and am currently the Manners and Fitness Program Leader.

Q: Could you describe Morris Animal Inn's Manners Training program in your own words?
A: Our program teaches general obedience commands with real life distractions. Using the most up-to-date and humane training approach, the program allows for clear communication and creates a dog that loves to learn. Teaching your pet manners is crucial because it opens doors to a lasting bond between canine and owner.

Q: What do you believe is the most important skill to teach a dog?
A: The most important command for a dog to learn is to come. Every year, countless canines are lost because they never learned this basic command. For the safety of our pets, this is an important and necessary skill to teach.

Q: What is your main goal when training a dog?
A: My goal is to help enhance the healthy, happy relationship owners already have with their dog and to help make their dog a more enjoyable and respected member of the family.

Lisa Kaune, Program Leader

Q: What is your background working with dogs?
A: I've been an animal lover my whole life and professionally working with dogs for five years, first as a Lodging Team Leader at Morris Animal Inn and now as a Program Leader for the Manners and Fitness programs. After heavily researching dog behavior and psychology along with spending countless hours training my two dogs, Zeke, a black lab and Archu, a shepherd mix, I have successfully trained them both. Eventually, I would like to participate in the sport of Competitive Obedience. 

Q: What is the most important message to get across to those who are interested in this program?
A: Learning is a journey, not a destination. We will give the dog the foundation in manners but best results are achieved with consistent reinforcement at home. In doing this, the dog has a clear understanding of what is expected from him/her.

Q: What is your dog training philosophy?
A: My dog training philosophy is pretty simple - clear communication. Too often people assume that dogs just automatically understand what is expected from them. This is, of course, not the case. It must be taught and reinforced over and over again. The same commands must be used everytime and by every member in the household.

Reservations are now being accepted. Call us today!