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Understanding Dog Body Language: A Key to Successful Training

The title “man’s best friend” bestowed upon dogs is well-deserved, thanks to their unwavering loyalty, deep affection, and their eagerness to bring joy to their owners. Yet, for successful training of your beloved furry companion, effective communication plays a pivotal role.

Understanding your dog’s body language is an essential skill that can make the training process not only more efficient but also more enjoyable for both you and your canine friend. 

Dog Training Marlton NJ

The Importance of Dog Body Language

Tail Wagging:

A wagging tail is a common sign of a happy and excited dog. However, the speed and direction of the wag can convey different emotions. A fast, high wag often indicates excitement, while a slow, low wag may suggest insecurity or submission.

Ears:

Ears positioned forward convey a sense of alertness and curiosity, while ears pressed flat against the head may signify apprehension or potential aggression. Pay attention to your dog’s ear position to gauge their emotional state.

Eye Contact:

Direct eye contact can be a sign of confidence or even challenge in dogs, while averted eyes may convey submission or discomfort. Positive training often involves using soft, friendly eye contact to build trust.

Understanding Stress Signals

It’s important to recognize signs of stress in your dog, as this can indicate when training sessions need to be adjusted to reduce anxiety and fear:

Yawning:

Frequent yawning, especially when it’s not related to tiredness, can be a sign of stress.

Lip Licking:

In situations of anxiety or discomfort, dogs frequently engage in lip licking. It’s essential to be vigilant for any heightened lip-licking behavior during training.

Whining or Panting:

These vocalizations can be a way for your dog to communicate discomfort or anxiety.

Applying Body Language Knowledge to Training

Now that you understand the basics of dog body language, let’s explore how you can use this knowledge to enhance your training efforts:

Positive Reinforcement:

Apply positive reinforcement methods, like using treats, words of praise, or toys, to acknowledge and reward your dog for displaying the behaviors you desire. Pair this with appropriate body language, like friendly eye contact and a relaxed posture.

Consistency:

Dogs flourish when they have a structured routine. Uphold a consistent training schedule and employ unvarying cues and body language to effectively convey your expectations.

Patience:

Remember that training takes time, and every dog is unique. Stay patient and adapt your training methods based on your dog’s responses and body language.

Looking for top-notch Dog Training in Marlton, NJ? Your search ends here! At Happy Tails of South Jersey, LLC, we specialize in transforming your furry friend into a well-behaved companion. Our experienced trainers are dedicated to bringing out the best in your dog. Contact today to begin your furry friend’s journey to obedience and happiness.

Is Your Dog Barking? Change Your Perception Of Them!

At Happy Tails, we specialize in private dog training in Marlton, NJ, and our expert trainers can help address your dog’s barking behavior. We understand that barking can be frustrating, but it’s important to remember that there is a reason behind every behavior.

Barking is a natural form of communication for dogs, and they may bark for various reasons. It’s crucial not to misinterpret their barking as aggression or annoyance. Understanding their unique behaviors is vital for their well-being and happiness.

When facing a barking issue, the first step is to understand why your dog is barking. Dogs use barking to express their emotions, such as happiness, excitement, fear, or fatigue. By understanding their emotional state, you can address their needs more effectively.

It’s essential not to scold your dog for barking, as it can make them feel nervous or confused. Instead, spend quality time with your dog, keeping them physically and mentally engaged. If your dog is barking out of fear, try to avoid the triggering stimuli or provide comfort and support to help them overcome their fear.

Redirecting your dog’s attention and rewarding positive behaviors can be effective in preventing excessive barking. By associating their triggers with fun games and encouragement, you can shift their focus away from barking. Avoiding situations that may increase barking, such as keeping them away from the yard when passersby are present, can also help.

At Happy Tails, we work diligently to build trust in reactive dogs. Through our training programs, we help dogs change their perceptions and emotional states towards uncertainties. This allows them to react more calmly and with confidence. With patience and persistence, dogs can learn new, fun skills and embrace positive experiences.

Remember, barking is a normal behavior, but addressing it early can prevent excessive barking. If you need assistance in training your dog and changing their perception of certain triggers, contact Happy Tails for private dog training in Marlton, NJ. Together, we can create a happier and more harmonious relationship between you and your furry friend.

Dog Training in Winter – A Few Tips from Our Expert Dog Trainers

Winters are mostly assumed as a period of hibernation, but that is not a good option especially for people like us, Happy Tails who wish to make the most of the season. However, training a young dog can be a real challenge. But even though it is a tough call, your dog still needs to stay active and fit physically as well as mentally. Our professional dog trainers in Marltonat Happy Tails know how to train a dog even in the coldest weather.

Following are some of the top tips by our expert dog trainers in Marlton for training dogs in even the chilliest winter. Have a look –

  • If snow and ice outside is worrying you, then you can opt for warm indoor places that are great for your dog to practice the skills and obedience in a new location. You can find a number of pet stores that offer such spaces. You can also opt for your local dog training institutes who can offer your dog the required indoor training with utmost professionalism.
  • Keep teasing their brain with trick games such as hiding toys or treats and let your dog find it. You can also practice stays as these are an essential part of obedience trainings. Stays will teach your dog to have better emotional control which will help you with distractions in any situation. Stays require a little space for practice hence is a great training to carry out in winters.
  • Another efficient training that needs little space is building value for the positions where you want your dog to repeat. Control position is a great skill to practice for dogs, as it will make your dog to be at your side when you need them to be. Similarly, a sit in front is a valuable skill that you can train your dog within a small premise. Train your dog to stop and sit on cue which also does not require a huge space.
  • Trick your dog as much as possible. Tricks help in building confidence, strengthening communication and tiring a dog quickly. On even the colder days you can take out your dog for a short trick session to keep their learning habit intact.
  • Lastly, we would love to suggest you to make your dog join our class. At Happy Tails our dog trainers in Marlton offer a variety of trainings, classes and fun games that helps in keeping your dog active and lets them learn with fun.

To find out more about our training sessions and trainers you can get in touch with us at (609) 636-6984 or email us at happytailsofsj@gmail.com

So let your dog enjoy winter training sessions with our professional and amicable dog trainers in Marlton.

A Few Significant Facts about Dog Walking

Dogs love walks! And their owners as well, unless it is pouring with rain! However, there is much more to a daily walking routine. Actually, dog walking is a complicated process that reveals a great deal regarding the relationship between humans and their furry best friends. 

Happy Tails of South Jersey believes that dog walks allow humans, as well as dogs, to negotiate their power that lies within their relationship in a most significant way. With years of experience, our dog walker in NJ concludes that daily dog walk involves complex cooperation at every stage. Let us find out a few things about dog walks that every dog walker and dog owner must be aware of!

  • Importance of dog walks

Many a time due to lack of time or knowledge most of the dog owners think that providing plenty of toys to their furry friend will keep them occupied so there is no need for a walk! Well, being in the industry for years now we at Happy Tails of South Jersey can tell you that dogs love to explore, hunt and discover new sights, smells and it is their nature! A pleasant long walk is the most fantastic way to keep your dog happy. 

Moreover, dog walking is also an essential form of exercise for both of you! It also allows you two to spend quality time together and enjoy each other’s company.

  • How Often You Should Take Your Dog on a Walk?

We would recommend you to take your dog on a walk at least twice a day for a period of 20-30 minutes to an hour or more each time. However, you must consider the breed of your dog, weather conditions, and health of your dog to adjust the time and distance that you walk. But the walk should not be less than 20 minutes! 

  • What are the Basic Dog Walking Supplies?
  • A safe and comfortable leash – Make sure the leash you choose is not too heavy, but it should be sturdy enough to allow you to control the movements of your dog with ease.
  • A poop bag – Make sure to carry a poop bag to clean up after your dog,
  • A water bottle – When you are on longer walks, especially during the warm days, make sure that you carry a water bottle along with some treats!
  • Dogs Have Highly Sensitive Nose 

If you find your dog excited for outdoors and is moving ahead of you on a walk, then understand that they are not trying to lead you; instead, they are anxious to explore the new fragrances. However, in some cases, the dogs lead the way due to the need for more exercise. Hence, dog walking should be done to help your furry friend burn that anxious energy to a great extent! Using treats and rewards during the walk helps your dog to learn patience and walk comfortably. 

  • Make the Dog Walking Routines Exciting

To cut the boredom and dull walking routines, take your dog on different routes or making a game out of their walking routine. Dogs establish a territory by sniffing around and marking the accustomed path. However, you do not have to give new experience to your pup every day! 

Saying all that, we also understand that devoting time to such a complicated process is not possible for most of you due to hectic schedules. That is why our dog walker in NJ can help your dog learn new things, be happy and healthy. 

So get in touch with us at (609) 636-6984 or email us at happytailsofsj@gmail.com 

Top 4 Dog Training Mistakes To Avoid

Are you training your dog in the right way? Though it may look unimportant, you may be surprised to know that certain dog training mistakes can slow down the progress of your furry friend. So, what are these mistakes you should steer clear of when training your dog? Let’s find out:

Dog Training Marlton NJ

Not giving immediate training:

Training must start the moment your pet comes home with you, no matter how old he is. It is not wise to wait until your pet gets older & develop bad habits. Dog training is quite different from behavioral management. While training a dog, your goal should be to shape his behavior and instruct him how to react to specific phrases.

Not training regularly:

Training isn’t something that can be accomplished in one or two sessions. Regular dog training is essential if you want the best outcomes.

Your pet is never truly finished training. Preferably, you’ll always be training your pet even as he ages. Continuous training will help you in keeping your dog’s skills sharp.

Impatience:

Dog training takes time as no two dogs are the same and each dog learns as a different speed. Don’t get stressed out when your pet is not catching on to something. This will make things worse as your dog may become frustrated or stressed out.

 

Always try to keep your dog training session short & end on a positive note.

Unsympathetic discipline:

Most dog trainers will agree with the fact that using harsh punishment in dog training is not the best way to go. Usually, dogs are more inclined to perform for a reward through positive training. Using mild aversives such as penny cans or spray bottles can be useful in some circumstances and don’t tend to pose harm. However, harsh disciplines such as hitting, yelling, string and leash jerking can have negative consequences.

Dog training is an art and it is something that most dog owners find hard to deal with. If you don’t have the time or skill to train your dog, you better left it to professional dog training service like Happy Tails of South Jersey. We are a bonded and insured service and will come to your home to offer you with the best dog training in Marlton, NJ.  Don’t stop the progress of your friend just because of improper training. Get in touch with us for the best possible help!