Four Dog Training Myths Debunked: What You Need to Know

At Dog Gone Amazing, we’re known for helping owners transform their furry companions into the most well-behaved pups on the block with our dog training methods. But what if we told you that it’s not just the dogs who need the training?

Yes, you read that right.

While we are experts in training dogs, we understand that the key to success lies in teaching both ends of the leash. There are many misconceptions when it comes to how to train your dog. From which tools to use to the tone of voice to all the different techniques you now see on TikTok, there is an overwhelming amount of information out there. But you need answers, and you need them fast. So, in this blog, we are telling you the facts and debunking the most common dog training myths.

Myth 1: Prong Collar – A Cruel Tool?

Have you heard the rumor that prong collars are cruel and inhumane? Let’s set the record straight. When used correctly, prong collards can be valuable tools for training your dog. Prong collars can be a safer option as they distribute weight and pressure evenly around the neck to minimize strain on the neck. The discomfort felt when a dog pulls with a prong collar helps them self-correct behavior.

Proper fit is crucial for training effectiveness and safety. If a dog is not responding to the collar, adjustments may be needed to the fit. We know prong collars can be intimidating, but DGA is always there to guide and assist.

Myth 2: Stim and E-Collars – Shocking or Beneficial?

Despite all the controversy surrounding stim and e-collars, these two collars are safe and beneficial to the dog training process. To clear the air first, stim and e-collars do NOT shock dogs. Since we cannot speak canine, these tools are used to simply communicate with your pup. It’s important to note that the sensations a dog feels from these collars are anything but harmful or painful. The collars use gentle vibrations or mild feelings to capture your dog’s attention and facilitate effective training. Think of it like a gentle tap on the shoulder to redirect their focus or reinforce a command.

Using stim and e-collars as communication tools are some of the best dog training methods. Although it is entirely safe, we recommend seeking guidance from the pros who can teach you how to properly introduce and use these collars in your training routine.

If you’re still unsure about e-collars, read our Top 5 E-Collar Myths here.

Myth 3: One Dog Training Method Fits All – Works Best or Limiting?

Many believe that owners should stick to just one dog training method. The truth is our four-legged pals are unique. By embracing a range of training methods, you’ll get to explore how your dog learns best. Here are a few best dog training methods that we recommend:

1. Positive Reinforcement: Using rewards, such as treats, praise, and play, to reinforce desired behaviors.
2. Clicker Training: Using a clicker as a marker. This allows for precise communication with dogs, reinforcing desired behaviors with positive rewards and facilitating clear understanding.
3. Balanced Dog Training: Combines positive reinforcement and correction techniques to modify dog behavior effectively. The method uses rewards for good behavior and correction for undesirable behavior to create a balanced approach to training.
   This method worked great for Penny, one of our DGA dog clients!
4. Stim and E-Collar Training: Now that we’ve debunked the myths above, we include these collars in our recommended list as effective training methods for your dog.
5. Correction-based Training: Provide clear feedback when your dog engages in unwanted behaviors. It’s like a friendly nudge that helps them understand the boundaries and learn which actions are undesirable.
6. Dog Gone Amazing Training: We couldn’t resist slipping it in. While we believe our tips will lead you to success, if you’re looking for additional help to speed up the training process and boost your confidence, we highly recommend taking advantage of our professional training programs and services.

Myth 4: Dog Training is Only for Problematic Dogs

Another common misconception is that dog training is only necessary for dogs with behavioral issues. However, training is beneficial for all dogs, regardless of their behavior. Training provides mental stimulation, improves communication, strengthens the bond between you and your furry friend, and helps prevent potential behavior problems from developing.

Training benefits all ages, whether you have a puppy or an adult dog. Also, don’t be afraid of investing in dog training. You will be so proud to see their progress and behavioral transformation along the way.

To get a glimpse of the success stories from our training programs, visit our Instagram, where we love to feature our proud pup graduates!

At Dog Gone Amazing, we believe training isn’t just for the dogs; it’s for the humans too! If you’re ready to learn more about dog training and our methods, visit our website or contact us today.

How Dog Training Can Help You Prepare for Six Common Life Events.

The benefits of dog training can make a world of difference when facing the twists and turns in life. Big life events can be exciting but can also come with their fair share of challenges. So, when it comes to your dog’s behavior, it doesn’t have to be another source of stress during these moments.

These events can be overwhelming, from moving to a new home to welcoming a new family member to traveling with your pup. Having a well-trained dog that can adapt to different situations and environments will reduce stress while making these moments more enjoyable for you and your furry friend.

This is why it is never too late to invest in dog training and prepare for anything that may come your way. Here is how dog training can be beneficial when faced with our list of six everyday life events.

 

1. Moving to a New Home: Home Sweet Home, Stress-Free

Moving to a new home or environment can cause a whirlwind of emotions. It can be a chaotic and exhausting time for both humans and dogs with changes in your routine, environment, and exposure to new sights and sounds. Dog training before a new move helps your pet feel more secure, confident, and comfortable in the new environment, which can reduce anxiety, fear, and undesirable behaviors that may arise during the moving process. We recommend crate training, basic obedience commands, and desensitization. That way, your pup will be ready for the big day and settle into its new sweet home.

 

2. Welcoming a New Baby: Preparing for a Pawesome Arrival

Introducing a new baby into a household with a dog requires careful preparation and training. Dogs need to learn appropriate behaviors around babies, such as not jumping or nipping and must be comfortable with the baby’s presence. Gradually exposing a dog to baby-related sounds and smells while rewarding calm and relaxed behaviors can help them associate positive experiences with the baby’s arrival. With time, patience, and proper training, you can be confident that your pup will be the best fur sibling for your new addition to the family.

 

3. Traveling with Your Dog: Adventure Buddies on the Go

Whether a road trip or a vacation, traveling with your dog can be an exciting adventure. But it also requires proper training to ensure a safe, stress-free, and enjoyable trip for you and your pup. Training your dog to be comfortable in a crate or carrier, to obey commands in unfamiliar environments, and to have good leash manners can make traveling together a breeze.

You might still be wondering if dog training is that effective when it comes to being on the go with your four-legged friend. If so, you can look at one of Dog Gone Amazing’s success stories from one of our very own clients. Kristi and Penny’s journey is a prime example of how proper training can lead to a well-behaved and joyful dog during trips, making your life much easier!

 

4. Introducing a New Pet: BFFs in the Making

We understand the excitement of adding another dog or a new pet to your home. After all, who wouldn’t want their dog to have a bestie and keep them company when you’re not around? However, if your pup hasn’t received proper socialization training, it could leave their first interaction and ongoing relationship with other animals up in the air and at risk. That’s why our facility offers services with socialization training to help your pup feel comfortable around fellow canines and ensure you feel confident adding new members to the fur fam.

 

5. Managing a Busy Schedule: Multitasking Made Easy

Life can get busy, and sometimes juggling work, family, and other commitments can leave you with limited time for your dog. This can cause unwanted behaviors, such as separation anxiety. It’s a complex yet common problem among owners that can cause substantial distress and frustration. But no need to fear. It is possible to create a positive association with being away from your pup by following simple training practices. If you’re looking for more information on how to deal with dog separation anxiety and how Dog Gone Amazing can help, check out our 10 Helpful Tips here.

6. Handling Visitors

If you enjoy hosting friends and family for holidays and gatherings, having a well-behaved dog can make these occasions less stressful and allow you to focus on being present during these events. Dogs can often become overly excited or anxious when visitors arrive, leading to undesirable behaviors such as jumping on guests, nonstop barking, or other bad manners. Proper dog training can ensure your pup learns good habits and behaviors when guests are present, making your hosting experience more enjoyable for everyone!

Dog training can benefit you and your furry companion, especially during significant life events. By investing in training, you can prepare your pet for any challenges that may come your way and develop a stronger bond with them in the process. So, whether you’re facing one of these six everyday life events or any other changes, remember that dog training can help make life easier and stress-free.

Click here to learn more about Dog Gone Amazing’s training services and packages.

 

Three Tips to Make the Most Out of Summer With Your Pup With a Bonus Dog Activities List!

The weather is warm, the sun is shining, and you and your furry friend are probably itching to get outside to enjoy some dog activities this summer. But, as much as you want to hit the trails and head to the beach, you can’t help but worry if your dog is ready for all the summer activities you have planned.

Perhaps they haven’t been out much due to the drastic winter snowfall, or maybe they are timid when it comes to trying new things. Whatever the case may be, we are sharing some helpful tips and training advice to prepare your pup for an enjoyable summer filled with exciting dog activities that you can do together.

After reading our three main tips, you can feel confident that your companion will be as cool as a cucumber this year. 

Preparing Your Dog for Summer Fun

Before em-barking on any summer adventures, it’s important to prepare for the activities ahead. This includes ensuring your floof is up to date on vaccinations, brushed up on their skills and training, and ready for the summer heat. Here are some tips to help you prepare for a fun-filled season:

Schedule A Veterinary Checkup

Before the dog activities begin, schedule a checkup with your vet to make sure your pup is in good health and up to date with their vaccinations. This is especially important if you plan on taking your dog to a dog park or other public areas where they may meet other dogs.

Additionally, warmer weather means more annoying pests. Fleas and ticks thrive during this time. They can cause havoc and even some diseases for unvaccinated pets. To protect your pup, check that they have the Borrelia Burgdorferi (canine Lyme disease) vaccine with your veterinarian. If you have any more questions about vaccines and which ones your dog needs to stay healthy, we have a complete Dog Vaccine Guide on what you need to know.  

 

Polishing Your Dog’s Skills

You might be scrolling through social media and seeing dogs with their owners on hikes, paddle boards, boats, and having fun in the sun, which makes you think: My dog could never. Well, we are here to tell you that they CAN.

Spend some time practicing basic commands like sit, stay, come, and leash training. If you’re planning on hitting up a crowded public place like a festival or a dog park, don’t worry. With a little socialization and desensitization training, your dog will handle all the noises and distractions like a pro! Gradually exposing your dog to different environments and situations can help them feel more comfortable and confident in these settings.

Still nervous? Don’t be afraid to enroll your dog in training classes, especially if they need extra help with socializing in different environments, with other dogs, as well as with people. It can be a fun and rewarding experience that can build a stronger bond between you two.

 

Keep You & Your Dog Cool This Summer

Summer should be a fun and safe time for both you and your dog. Keep in mind that heat and humidity can really affect dogs. It’s crucial to be aware of the signs of overheating and heat exhaustion which can include excessive panting, drooling, lethargy, and vomiting.

To help your dog beat the heat, bring plenty of water to drink and take frequent breaks in shaded areas. You can even consider grabbing a cooling vest and dog booties for hot pavement from the nearest Petco or online store. And just like you, your dog can also get sunburned. While fur provides some protection from the sun, applying a pet sunblock every three hours on the belly and other less furry areas helps prevent damage.

Finally, PLEASE always remember to never leave your dog alone in a parked car, even for just a few minutes. If you want to check out some more summer safety dog tips for Reno/Tahoe, check out Adventure Seekers Q&A.

Dog-Friendly Summer Activities

Now that your dog has prepped for summer, we can explore dog-friendly activities you can enjoy together. Here are some ideas for the Reno/Tahoe:

• Hiking: Take Fido on a hiking adventure! Choose a dog-friendly trail and bring lots of water, food, and poop bags. Some of our favorites are the Tahoe Rim Trail, Van Sickle Bi-State Park, or Monkey Rock Hike for gorgeous panoramic views.
• Go to the Beach: A beach day is perfect for water-loving dogs and is well worth the sandy bath afterward. Be sure to do your research before taking your pup to the lake in Tahoe. There are dog-friendly beaches such as Kiva Beach and North Zephyr Cove Beach. However, locations like Kings Beach do not allow dogs on the sand or water. You can do some digging on the Tahoe Beaches website for more dog-friendly places.
• Have a Staycation: If you’re looking for a more relaxed and pampered experience, consider booking a staycation at the Renaissance Reno Downtown Hotel & Spa. This luxurious hotel welcomes dogs with open paws and offers a variety of dog-friendly amenities like pet bowls, doggie treats, and a chewy welcome gift. You can also create a personal engraved dog tag for your pooch to wear home or add it to their creative dog tag wall.
• Attend a Dog-Friendly Event: Keep an eye out for dog-friendly events like outdoor concerts or Food Truck Fridays! It’s a great opportunity to get your dog out and about, but just make sure they stick to dog food.

With these tips, you and your dog are sure to have a summer full of fun and adventure. By preparing for dog activities, polishing their skills, and keeping them cool, you’ll be able to enjoy all the exciting opportunities that Reno-Tahoe has to offer.

 

Ever Wondered Which Dog Training Is the Best? Read How One Dog Owner Found Out

By Kristi Twyeffort

“Does dog training really work?” In 2017, after adopting my sweet terrier, Penny, I asked myself that same question. When you adopt a dog, you experience the joy of giving them a home but miss out on vital training during crucial growth periods. So, I took Penny to various trainers to work on some of her ruff habits and behavior, but nothing stuck—until I found Dog Gone Amazing.

How I Went From “Dog Training Is Stressing Me Out” to Traveling the U.S. With My Pup

In 2023, I promised myself I’d finally cross the “Great American Road Trip” off my bucket list. The plans were set, but I couldn’t imagine going on this long and thrilling trip without my best pal by my side. I realized Penny needed a bit more training to make the trip safe, stress-free, and fun for everyone. I started my search for the ideal training program to get my pup up to speed and ready for the journey ahead. In perfect timing, I came across Dog Gone Amazing’s programs, and I picked up the phone because I had to know more.

After speaking with Heather, DGA’s Assistant Manager, and discussing Penny’s training needs and goals, she recommended the 14-Day Advanced Board and Train package. She said it would help my pup learn in a focused environment with one-on-one attention to speed up results. But that also meant I would be away from her for two weeks.

“Think of it like a mini vacation for Penny,” Heather said. “You’ll also get to practice our training techniques with drop-in visits, and we will make sure to keep you updated on her progress during the 14 days.”

The customer experience I received from DGA was unparalleled. Not only did Heather reassure me about being away from Penny, but she also addressed my concerns about the training tools DGA uses. To get a little more technical, this is where balanced dog training versus positive reinforcement comes into play.

Balanced v. Positive Reinforcement: Which Dog Training Is Best?

My dog is stubborn and, quite frankly, too smart for her own good at times. Positive reinforcement is a training approach that rewards desirable behaviors with treats, toys, or praise. I experienced the limitations of positive reinforcement when I needed Penny to do what I wanted, but she would only obey if a treat was in sight. The rest of the time, she did what suited her fancy.

Come to find out, the solution to this behavior was balanced dog training. It combines both positive reinforcement and correction techniques to modify dog behavior effectively. The method uses rewards for good behavior and correction for undesirable behavior to create a balanced approach to training.

The common tools used in balanced dog training are e-collars and prong collars. I think I had the reaction that many owners first have when they hear the words “electric” or “prong” while training their dogs. But the DGA team was knowledgeable and explained that it’s not a punishment, nor does it hurt the dog. Since we don’t speak canine, these techniques are just a better way to communicate with your dog.

After easing my mind about these reservations, I booked Penny for the 14-Day Advanced Board and Train program. Once we arrived, I met one of the dog trainers, Mikaela, who gave us a tour of the facility. I was impressed. From the outdoor spaces where the dogs can roam to the spacious kennels, I knew Penny would be in good hands.

Dog Training—It’s for Humans Too!

Throughout the next several days, I received fun updates, including texts and pictures of all the progress Penny was making in such a short amount of time. I felt completely in the loop on Penny’s training journey, which had not been the case with other facilities. I could see that DGA wanted my dog to succeed just as much as I did. From coffee shops to plant nurseries, they practiced training with her in different and realistic environments. It looked like they were having such a good time. I even felt a little jealous!

Then, it was time for our first drop-in visit. I met up with both Penny and one of the trainers at a nearby park, where we practiced off-leash walking, recall, walking on a leash without a struggle, and more. The trainer showed me how they worked with her and the different training methods. I also learned a thing or two about the different tools and how to use them. Seeing the program’s impact on her in just the first week was incredible. Before I knew it, the 14-day program flew by, and it was time for Penny to come home.

From beginning to end, DGA made the process convenient and seamless. They dropped Penny off at my house and walked me through everything they had worked on again and how to continue her training at home and on the road. Her behavior noticeably improved, and she truly had a complete transformation. Another plus—I was also able to keep the training tools! I felt more confident than ever in Penny, and I knew our upcoming adventures across the states would be a blast.

Overall, my experience with DGA exceeded my expectations. It was clear the team genuinely cared for my pup, which left me feeling very grateful that I stumbled upon their website in the first place. I now understand how to communicate with Penny better and am happy to share that she is doing fantastic on our road trip! I would highly recommend any dog owner reach out to DGA to see which dog training is best for their pup.