"Giving family dogs a good start."

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I really need to obedience train my dog?
YES! You, your friends, family, and neighbors will all be happier. Your dog will be happier too because it has a job. Obedience training is how you teach your dog the rules of your house and what behavior is expected of him or her. Obedience training is also fun and bonding for the dog because you are spending time with it and being its leader. Remember, dogs are pack animals, they think like dogs not like humans.

Can my dog be perimeter trained?
After a strong foundation in obedience, perimeter training (where the dog stays in a certain area) can work for many dogs. However, some breeds are less inclined to stay near home. Those dogs might never be reliably perimeter trained. The best answer is often a good fence.

What about invisible fences?
Invisible fences are acceptable for some dogs. It is critical to understand that the fence will keep most (but not all) dogs in. However, an invisible fence will not keep other dogs out of your yard. Your dog could be attacked by a loose pack of dogs in its own yard and have nowhere to run to for safety.

Additionally, there are some dogs that do not respond well to the shock on the collar. It just makes them angry and they charge over the buried line. Some dogs will endure a quick pain for the pleasure of freedom and squirrel chasing. There are* also cases where the shock collar was set at too high level and left painful burn marks on the dog. I use invisible fences in special circumstances, for instance, when a dog is small enough to get through the existing fence a homeowner’s association permits an owner to put on their property.

Is it safe to take my dog to a dog park?
Going to the park with your dog can be great, however, keep in mind the park’s rules about pets. If animals are all leashed, you can have a wonderful time. However, you might not want to take your dog to a park where animals are allowed (or known) to run loose. When other animals are allowed to run loose, you are forced to rely on the competence of training that total strangers may or may not have with their dog. All too often you hear stories of aggressive, unleashed animals, in the park. You might have to control your dog and protect yourself with no help from the other animal’s owner.