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Walk Your Dog Month

    Home Training Walk Your Dog Month
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    Walk Your Dog Month

    By Vikki Bourgeois | Training | Comments are Closed | 14 January, 2020 | 0

    In addition to January being National Train Your Dog Month, it is also Walk Your Dog Month! We have some tips to help make walks with your canine companion more enjoyable. 

     

    One of the best ways to enjoy walks with your dog is to have them trained to walk properly on a  leash. Loose leash walking is a skill that takes patience, consistency, and only 10 minutes of training a day to accomplish!  Having the proper tools and training plan are instrumental in helping you succeed with your dogs leash walking goals. 

     

    One question we are frequently asked by clients is what type of equipment should we use when walking our dog? We recommend using a nylon or leather 4 – 6ft leash, front clip harness, flat buckle or martingale collar. It is important to make sure your harness and collar are well fitting before going on a walk. We also recommend using a treat bag that buckles around or clips onto your waist. Don’t forget to bring poop bags on your walk!

     

    When working with your dog on loose leash walking, we recommend starting to practice in a  low distraction environment, such as the backyard or a long hallway in your house. The goal of walking politely on a leash is to have a “j” shape with slack in the leash and your dog on your side even with your hip. To achieve this skill, we recommend practicing in short, frequent sessions. Choose the side that you want your dog to walk on and reward them with high value treats every 1-3 steps for walking by your side. It is best to deliver your reward even with your hip or knee, depending on the height of your dog’s head. Your dog will learn that it pays to stay by your side.  Once your dog can walk politely by your side inside your house or backyard, slowly increase the level of distractions. We recommend practicing having your dog walk up and down the driveway by your side before going for a longer walk. Once they achieve that goal, slowly add in distance to your walks. Be sure to also allow dog to sniff after walking by your side for a few feet, sniffing can be a great reward and also provides mental enrichment. 

     

    Another question we are frequently asked is how often should I walk my dog? Ideally, in a perfect world we recommend daily walks. However, we understand life or the weather sometimes gets the best of us.  If you are not used to walking your dog daily, the best way to start the habit is by having a realistic goal for walking. We often recommend that clients begin with walking their dog at least 3 days a week for 10 -15 minutes a day. Slowly over time gradually increase the distance and amount of waks you take. 

     

    We know that with a little patience and dedication you are sure to achieve your loose leash walking goals with your dog. Walking your dog will provide a great outlet for physical exercise and mental stimulation. Don’t forget, daily walks are also beneficial for us as pet owners! Adding in walks will not only improve your dog’s life, but yours as well. Now get on those walking shoes and get to practicing! 

    Dog Training, Dogs, Leash Training, Pets

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    Ellie, the 5 month old Bichon puppy, is currently Ellie, the 5 month old Bichon puppy, is currently enrolled in private training lessons with Vikki. She's in training to work on her manners and obedience cues. She's doing fantastic performing her obedience skills and learning how to relax quietly in her crate. She's a sweet girl who loves to work for treats and play fetch! Great job, Ellie! #sithappens #lafayettedogtrainer #trainingwithresults #privatelessons #puppytraining #socialization #obedience #pottytraining #manners #puppiesofinstagram #lafayettela #puppylove #puppies #bichonfrisé #bichonpuppylove❤️
    Enroll here: https://lafayettedogtrainer.com/onlin Enroll here:
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Are you looking to have fun and bond with your dog? Our Intro to Agility class is a great way to have fun with your pet! This class is for dogs and puppies age 6 months and older. This is a 4 week course. This class will introduce your dog to agility obstacles such as – the A-frame, weaves, tunnel, jumps, dog walk and more! The cost is $175/dog.

✅ Classes meet on the same day and time each week. Classes take place at our training center located at 131 James Comeaux Rd, Lafayette, La 70508.
✅ Proof of current vaccinations given by a veterinarian, a negative fecal, and flea prevention are needed to attend class. Puppies need 2 rounds of vaccines given by a veterinarian.
✅ All classes are taught with positive reinforcement based methods, we do not use any choke, prong, or shock collars.
    Enroll here: https://lafayettedogtrainer.com/onlin Enroll here:
https://lafayettedogtrainer.com/online-class-registration/ 

This is a 4 week course for puppies ages 10 weeks to 5 months of age. Class meets the same day and time each week for 4 weeks. This course covers house-training, socialization, handling for veterinary exams, problem solving for common behaviors problems such as common problem puppy behaviors such as jumping, barking, mouthing, chewing, and digging. Your puppy will learn eye contact, sit, down, come, stay, leave it, loose leash walking, and go to bed.
The cost is $175.

✅ Classes meet on the same day and time each week. Classes take place at our training center located at 131 James Comeaux Rd, Lafayette, La 70508.
✅ Proof of current vaccinations given by a veterinarian, a negative fecal, and flea prevention are needed to attend class. Puppies need 2 rounds of vaccines given by a veterinarian.
✅ All classes are taught with positive reinforcement based methods, we do not use any choke, prong, or shock collars.
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Are you looking for a fun new activity to do with your dog? This 1 hour workshop is for you! We will work on paw targeting, wobble pads, cavalettis, and other fun exercises! This intense one hour workshop will cover body awareness exercises and muscle toning. K9 Conditioning is a great way to better the bond with your dog while exercising their mind and body. The cost is $45/dog.
✅ Classes meet on the same day and time each week. Classes take place at our training center located at 131 James Comeaux Rd, Lafayette, La 70508.
✅ Proof of current vaccinations given by a veterinarian, a negative fecal, and flea prevention are needed to attend class. Puppies need 2 rounds of vaccines given by a veterinarian.
✅ All classes are taught with positive reinforcement based methods, we do not use any choke, prong, or shock collars.
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    • Services
      • Online Training
      • Group Classes
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      • Board & Train
    • Service Area
      • Lafayette
    • Enrollment Form
      • Client Policies
    • Meet the Trainer
    • Contact
    • 337-541-0244
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