Hank’s Adventures with Unleashed Unlimited (Part 1)

Hank is a lab puppy that is going to be staying with us while we teach him some obedience and manners.  Hank just started his training with us yesterday, take a look at some of the things he is learning.

Check back soon for more of Hank’s adventures in dog training with Unleashed Unlimited.

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Lots O’ Luck Dublin Dog Collars

Here is a short video highlighting some of the St. Patrick’s Day inspired Dublin Dog Collars.

For a link to all of the on sale Dublin Dog Collars, please click here.

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Hiking with the Dogs

This morning we went on our monthly hike at Walnut Creek here in Austin.  As a dog trainer I get a lot of satisfaction in my job, and today was no exception.  It is great to see these dogs running, swimming, getting muddy, and tired out – you know, things that dogs should be doing!  Click here for a full photo recap of the trail class.

All of this was possible because our clients had total control over their dogs, resulting in more fun and freedom.  If you are not having as much fun with your dogs as we are, contact an Austin Dog Trainer and START HAVING FUN WITH YOUR DOG!

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Great Gift Idea for Dog Lovers

**UPDATE!!  This sale is over, but check here for more Sales on Dublin Dog Collars**

That’s right, our selection of Dublin Dog Collars and Leashes are back on sale; just in time for the holidays!  These collars make a great gift any time of the year, but they are even more perfect for all of the dog lovers on your list.

As you all know, Dublin Dog Collars are created from a special blend of polymers that won’t absorb moisture, retain dirt, or harbor bacteria found in your favorite play areas. So no more collars that smell like an old sponge, just rinse under warm water, and you’re ready for the next adventure.

These dog collars will not fade and do not stink, ensuring that they will look brand new for years to come. You wanted a collar as unique as your dog, now you got it. We should all be so Lucky!!!!

Check out our online store for all of the styles and sizes, as well as other great gift ideas for dog lovers.  You will be hard to find any site that offers these collars for this price!  In order to get the sale price, be sure to enter “dublinsale” in the promotions box during check out.  All Dublin Dog items are delivered via UPS and the 20% off sale runs until March 31, 2009!

West Paw Dog Beds Are 15% OFF!

We offer a variety of bed styles and sizes from extra small for the toy breeds to extra large for the truly big dogs. These beds allow you to pick the perfect bed to match their best friends’ sleeping habits, no matter if they sleep curled up or like to stretch out – all dogs, little or big, will sleep in comfort.

Also on sale are the West Paw Dog Mats. They are a high quality mat that can be used just about anywhere such as; in front of the fireplace, inside a kennel, in your car, on the front porch, or just on the go – West Paw Design’s dog mats truly are the finest, highest quality mat that gracefully combines comfort and utility to create a perfect fit for any home décor. And with one piece easy machine washing and drying, your mat can always look clean!

To view all of the great dog beds and mats, please visit our online store.  The sale runs until March 31st 2009.

Also, the 20% Off Sale on Dublin Dog Collars ends December 31st! Act now to make sure you don’t miss out on these great collars!

Choosing The Right Toy For Your Dog

There is nothing better that buying a new toy for your furry friend and if you choose the right one, it can make for hours of fun and excitement!  There are so many to choose from you may ask yourself, “How will I know my dog will like it?”  Paying attention to what your dog likes in a toy will tell you everything you need to know. His or her decision may be based on several things that are all relative to one or more of the five senses and are often interchangeable such as:

Touch: This involves the texture of the toy. Some dogs are crazy over a soft tug toy, a bone for chewing, hard rubber bones, furry toys or a softer pliable ball. If your dog loves stealing your socks or clothing this may be an indication that your dog may like a softer texture! Many toys also have a rough texture for chewing meant to aid in keeping teeth clean.

Sound: This is where the squeaky toys and toys that make noise come in and they come in a variety of options. If your dog loves squeaky toys, ask yourself what else he likes as they are usually in “something” such as a ball, plush toy, some types of interactive toys or soft latex type toys.

Smell: Some toys have scent added to them such as peppermint which also helps to freshen breath or by adding a favorite treat to a toy that has a “spot” gets the nose working and invokes interest.

Sight: Fast moving objects and toys that have movement come into play here as well as toys that have an odd shape that bounce a bit haphazardly and Frisbees.  These are for the dogs that enjoy the chase and retrieve (provided they were taught to retrieve).

Taste: These toys usually involve food of some type and come in a variety of options, there are some interactive toys that utilize food and bones or toys that can be stuffed with their favorite treats. These types of toys are also good for the “problem solving” aspect that are associated with interactive toys.

Many individual toys fall into two or more of these categories depending on the toy so when shopping for toys and knowing what interests your dog will make it easier for you to choose the right toy. You can also use your imagination with the existing toys you have around the house that they are not interested in by adding something to that your dog does like to the equation.

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Teaching Your Dog Not to Jump

Does your dog jump on your guest every time they enter your house?  Teaching your dog not to jump on people is a training goal for most dog owners and can sometimes be a bit frustrating, but it is easy to prevent.  Here are some tips that may help you:

• Teach your dog a reliable sit/stay with distraction present
• Recognize that the sound of the doorbell or turning the knob may be a trigger for your dog
• Start cuing your dog to sit before he gets to the door so he has processing time
• Set your dog up for success in a situation you are prepared to handle and follow through
• Take every opportunity to practice with your family as they come home from work or school
• Use a leash to prevent jumping before it happens so your dog does not get the chance to practice the behavior

Teaching your dog not to jump on people is an exercise that takes repetition and follow through.  It is helpful if your guests are cooperative and refrain from greeting your dog until he is in a sitting position. Life happens, people come to the door so embrace these things as an opportunity to train your dog, life is full of them!!

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How Much Does Dog Training Cost?

One of the first questions people ask when seeking a dog trainer is, “How much does it cost?” Cost is important when purchasing anything and is a fair question, however it does not give you any valuable information as to what you are purchasing, and it should not be your deciding factor. There are other important factors that should be involved in the decision process, these are some examples:

• Does the dog training program meet YOUR NEEDS and goals you have in mind for you and your dog?
• Will the training classes be held at times and locations that you can actually attend?
• Are they able to show you their dog work so you can see for yourself the achievable results?
• What training tools are implemented and how?
• Do they offer private lesson or group lessons?
• What is the trainer to student ratio?
• Do they have proven and reliable results?
• How many lessons are included in their training packages and what do you need to do to advance your dog further?
• What is the curriculum that they teach, and how does it compare to other training programs?
• Are you able to witness one of their classes in session?
• Is the trainer willing to meet with you, in person, to discuss your issues and goals?  Do they charge a fee for that appointment?

Gathering as much information as possible is extremely important; as you gather more information you are able to make an educated decision as to what you are actually purchasing.  It is only then that you are able to see value in what you are purchasing, that is what justifies the price.

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Hiking With Your Dog at Walnut Creek

We frequently take a break from our normal training classes take our clients and their dogs trail class at Walnut Creek Park. Many have clients have been before as we do this once a month; but we also had a few new students.  One to mention is an 8 month old Akita named Kevo who did not achieve off-leash status until last class.  He had a grand old time and experienced getting into the water for the first time; it was hot, he was thankful.

It is a joy for me to watch all of the dogs pack up and move forward, it does wonders for socialization.  They were all mindful of their owners and frequently checking in, and everyone practiced their recalls and distance sitting. The trails are tight and full of bike riders; everyone was mindful as to control their dogs to make way for the incoming traffic (one of the rules of our trail class).  I think they were a bit surprised as to how well trained all of the dogs were and how they were able to sit them at a distance in spite of everything.   It makes it more enjoyable for everyone and we all had a blast!

If you would like to enjoy hiking with your dog in all of the wonderful trails and parks in Austin, give us a call and we can begin to show you how Unleashed Unlimited can train your dog to behave off-leash.

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