Fading The Lure: How to Fade The Food Lure

Hey there, fellow Portland Area Dog Lovers! Do you feel like your dog training is in a bit of a rut, like your dog is not really doing the things you taught without a treat?

Not to worry; we’ve got something cool to share with you – a nifty way to move past the lure and solidify that verbal cue.

So, we all know luring is pretty awesome, right? (For more on luring, click here) It's like the magic wand for teaching everything from SIT and DOWN to the fancy tricks like SPIN and ROLL-OVER. But, here's the thing – as cool as luring is, it's not a one-size-fits-all solution. You can't count on it to fix behavioral issues like reactivity or separation anxiety.

Now, picture this: Dog owners and some dog trainers alike, falling into the luring trap, treats always in hand, and the struggle to move beyond it. That's where fading the lure comes in – You want them responding to your words, not just chasing after a treat.

Sure, some folks might suggest hand signals to bridge the gap, but trust me, it's not all it’s cracked up to be. Dogs might get just as hooked on hand signals as they do on treats, and if your pup isn't looking at you, those signals are useless.

So that’s why we opted to lean into leash pressure – the unsung hero in dog training. It's like the middle ground between luring and verbal cues, guiding your dog without the distraction of treats and keeping them fully focused.

Now, let's talk about a game-changer – Jean Donaldson's "Push Drop Stick." Break your training into bite-sized chunks, and if your dog nails it, move on; if not, take a step back. It's like a dance of progress and patience.

Combine leash pressure with this method, and boom – a foolproof framework for training dogs. Not the only way to fade a lure, but it's a darn effective one.

Break it down into six stages:

1. Lure your dog for the desired behavior – easy peasy. If it looks good, move on.

2. Add a bit of Leash Pressure to the Lure – like a little nudge. If they're rocking it, push to the next stage.

3. Throw in the verbal cue with the lure and leash pressure – add some words to the mix. If it clicks, push forward.

4. Check if your dog gets it with just Leash Pressure – simplicity at its best. If yes, move on; if not, go back to lure and leash pressure.

Now, the magic moments:

1. Verbal Cue plus Leash Pressure – a bit of both. Gradually ease off the leash pressure.

2. Verbal Cue alone – jackpot!

And there you have it – a laid-back guide to fading the lure.

If you want more details, check out in this video. Practice makes progress, Happy Training!

Transform Your Dog's Training with the Power of Luring: A Guide to Happy and Effective Learning

Maybe your dog isn’t doing what you want, because you are fundamentally boring them.  If you’d like that to change, then it’s time to shake things up and try luring!

Below is a list of ways luring can make training your dog more fun.

1. Luring is kinda like a secret language between you and your dog. You can use treats or toys to “lure” or guide them into doing exactly what you want. It's like a game of "follow the leader.”

2. You want to teach your dog a new trick? Luring can definitely help. Using a lure, you can guide your dog through each step of a new behavior. It’s an easy way to keep them focused and involved.

3. Best of all, luring is super fun for both you and your dog. They get to play and learn new things, and you get to feel like you are making the progress you want. It's a win-win situation.

So go ahead, check out the video below, and give luring a try. Your dog will thank you for it.

Dog training is often simple in theory, but not always easy in practice. Finding the right professional dog trainer can take some time and effort, but the end results can be rewarding to both you and your dog. If you live in or around the Portland area, we’d love to help you here at Blackwood Canine.

We offer board-and-train programs, private in-home lessons, behavior modification and advanced re-conditioning programs. We’d love the opportunity to work with you and your dog. If you’re looking for someone to help you make training more enjoyable for both you and your dog, subscribe to our YouTube channel for free tips. If you are in Portland Oregon or the surrounding areas, click the link below to schedule an evaluation.

How to Find the Right Portland Dog Trainer

Is your tail-wagger in need of training? In Portland and the surrounding northwestern Oregon area, there are quite a few professional dog trainers. And with so many options, figuring out which one to hire can be a definite challenge.

Whatever skills and behaviors you’d like your fur baby to learn, they’re going to need a good teacher to accomplish those goals. The right Portland dog trainer will not only set your pooch up for success – they’ll also make sure that the training experience fun for everyone involved.

So, how do you find the right person for the job? As you conduct the search, here are the factors to consider.

Training Qualifications

If you’re like many Portland pet parents, you may not realize that anyone can claim to be a professional dog trainer – even those with no education or experience in training dogs. The industry is unregulated, and that means it’s up to you to determine if someone is up to the task.

Many dog trainers, including the team here at Blackwood Canine, have sought out certifications, apprenticeships and continuing education. Look for a professional with credentials like these, as it demonstrates their commitment to the craft of dog training.

Training Philosophy

Taking a balanced approach when teaching new skills and correcting behaviors, using both positive reinforcement and clear communication, is considered humane – and it’s highly effective. Professional dog trainers who employ techniques based on this methodology are able to get results.

Find a Portland dog trainer with understands this, and your four-legged friend will be in good hands. They’ll learn what they need to learn to become a happy, well-adjusted and well-behaved family companion, which is the ultimate goal in dog training.

Training Services

Are you thinking of enrolling your tail-wagger in a dog board-and-train program? Would group classes or one-on-one training sessions at your Portland home would be a better option? Is your pooch ready for specialty training, such as for competition, agility or therapy work?

Not all dog trainers in the region provide the same services, so you’ll need to check the specific programs and solutions each one offers. And, since every dog is unique, you should seek out a professional who tailors their training, as that’s the key to success.

Finding a Professional Dog Trainer in the Portland Area

Now that you know what to look for in a dog trainer, how do you go about finding the right professional to hire? Searching online is one option, but asking your veterinarian for a recommendation may be a more sensible plan. The breeder, shelter or rescue where you found your canine companion might also be able to provide a referral.

However you get names of local dog trainers, reading reviews is a must -- the experiences of other pet parents can be quite enlightening. And, don’t be afraid to ask a trainer if you can speak with former clients, as a reputable professional should be more than willing to comply with that request.

Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Portland Dog Trainer

If you’ve done all the research and you’re having trouble reaching a decision as to which professional dog trainer to hire, getting additional information from each of the candidates you’re considering should help lead you to the right choice. To that end, we suggest that you ask these questions:

• What is your typical response when a dog acts appropriately?

• How do you react when presented with improper behavior?

• Do you have experience in handling problematic training situations?

• Have you trained dogs of different ages, breeds and dispositions?

• What types of tools and equipment do you use during training?

• Do you teach pet parents how to achieve results on their own?

You might also need to inquire about the costs for their services. Some professional dog trainers clearly list prices on their websites – at Blackwood Canine, for example, we prefer to make that information freely available. Not all of our fellow trainers agree with that decision, so if you don’t see prices listed, you’ll have to ask.

In addition, if you’re searching for a professional to train an aggressive, fearful or anxious dog -- or if you’re looking for any sort of specialized training -- be sure to ask about their expertise in that domain. Those are more challenging tasks to accomplish, and you’ll want to know that the trainer you choose has what it takes to meet your needs.

Tracking down the right professional dog trainer may take some time and effort, but the endeavor will be worthwhile. And if you live in or around Portland, Oregon, your search can begin and end with Blackwood Canine.

We offer dog board-and-train programs, private in-home lessons, behavior modification training and advanced re-conditioning programs. Our team also teaches dogs the necessary skills for therapy work, agility events, obedience trials, sports competitions and dog shows. We have the right qualifications, and we’ve been the go-to choice for dog training services in the northwestern Oregon area for over a decade.

We’d love the opportunity to work with you and your fur baby – if you’re looking for a professional Portland dog trainer, contact Blackwood Canine today.

The Ins & Outs of Dog Obedience School

Wondering if dog obedience school is the right choice for you and your pooch?

Dog training can be difficult, and many Portland pet parents lack the time to work with their furry friends every day. Obedience school offers a solution – and experienced professional dog trainers know how to help canines become well-behaved family companions.

Whether you have a young pup who needs to learn the basics or an older tail-wagger with bad habits, a Portland dog obedience school could be of great help. The following info should help you decide if enrolling your fur baby makes sense.

What Dogs Learn at Obedience School

No two dog obedience schools are exactly the same, but most share a similar goal – to help canines develop the skills and behaviors needed for a strong and healthy pet-owner relationship.

Obedience programs can effectively address a range of issues, and some professional dog trainers in the Portland area offer personalized training plans to better meet the needs of pet parents. But as a general rule, canines have the opportunity to work on fundamentals like:

• Basic commands, including sit, stay and down

• Crate training, potty training and housebreaking

• Going for walks without tugging on the leash

• Greeting people politely instead of jumping up

• Impulse control, good manners and other life skills

Proper socialization is also important for canines, and obedience training schools typically offer experiences in different settings and supervised interactions between dogs. By socializing your pooch appropriately, professional trainers can help them become a confident and happy family pet.

When to Send a Dog to Obedience School

Canine behavior experts say that the best students are puppies between 8 and 12 weeks in age. When dogs are that young, any bad habits they may have picked up aren’t unshakeable.

However, older doggos can certainly benefit from obedience training school. What’s more, with their better understanding of human language and longer attention spans, adult canines are usually no more of a challenge to train than young pups. With patience, persistence and consistency, professional dog trainers can get the job done.

All things considered, the age of your fur baby isn’t a factor when it comes to enrolling in obedience school. What really matters is where you take your tail-wagger for dog training.

How to Find the Right Dog Obedience School

Do a quick online search, and you’ll see that there are quite a few dog obedience training schools in and near Portland, Oregon. Having plenty of options is nice, but more choices also means that choosing the right school is more difficult.

The location closest to home seems sensible – and it could be the best dog obedience school in the region. The opposite could also be true, though, and since the dog training industry is unregulated, you’ll need to do some research on your own to find the right facility for your furry friend.

To start, ask friends, family members and co-workers if they know of a good local obedience training program. Your veterinarian or groomer might also be able to supply you with the names of Portland dog training schools. Look up each of the recommendations you’re given, making a point to find answers to the following questions:

• How – and how long ago -- did the professional dog trainers acquire their skills?

• Does the program rely on positive reinforcement and reward-based techniques?

• Is the obedience school up to standard in terms of safety, security and comfort?

• Do the trainers have experience with dogs of all breeds, ages and dispositions?

• When school ends, do pet parents get guidance on getting results at home?

Much of the information you need might be available on the websites for the dog obedience schools, but reading reviews can provide you with further insight. You can also call a facility or make arrangements for an in-person visit – doing either can be helpful, as you’ll come away knowing if you and the professional trainers are on the same wavelength.

Is Your Dog Ready for Obedience School?

Obedience training can be beneficial for just about every dog in Portland. Some learn faster than others, and some have more challenges to overcome, but as long as you choose the right dog obedience school – one staffed with a team of skilled and dedicated professional trainers – your fur baby can get on the right track.

At Blackwood Canine, we have extensive experience working with doggos of all ages, and we welcome all breeds and temperaments. Your pooch will love our state-of-the-art training facility in Scappoose, as the design was planned for canine safety, comfort and enjoyment. Our friendly and knowledgeable professional dog trainers can help your four-legged friend learn how to be a trusted companion, and we’ll make sure you know how to reinforce their new skills at home.

If you live in Portland, elsewhere in Multnomah County or in the surrounding northwest Oregon region, Blackwood Canine is here to assist with all of your dog training needs. For more information on our professional dog trainers or our dog obedience school, contact us today.

Is Private Dog Training Worth the Investment?

If you need help with your furry friend, private dog training lessons with a seasoned canine expert in Portland, Oregon, could be an excellent option. However, the cost of working one-on-one with a professional dog trainer may give you pause to wonder if private lessons are worth the investment.

For most Portland pet parents, the answer is yes -- and when you consider the many benefits for both you and your pooch, you’ll likely agree. Here are the main advantages of arranging for private dog training.

Targeted Training

When it comes to training, every dog has different needs. And, every pet owner has unique goals. Private lessons can effectively address both, as the professional dog trainer will be completely focused on your four-legged friend.

Group classes cover common commands and behavior issues, but that type of foundational training may not be applicable to your situation. Private dog training lessons are customized, and you can expect the trainer to cover the specific skills and behaviors you need your pooch to learn.

Limited Distractions

Any teacher would tell you that the disruptive behavior of one student can affect how well another learns. This is true in the world of dog training, too – and in a group setting, another dog could keep your furry friend from concentrating.

With private dog training lessons, distractions can be minimized, making it easier for your tail-wagger to absorb new information and master new skills. Plus, when the time is right, the professional trainer can introduce distractions to help your dog get accustomed to real-life situations.

Personalized Pace

Good teachers want all of their students to learn the skills they need, so they tend to move at a pace that suits the slowest learners. Professional dog trainers are no different, and that’s how lessons go with group classes.

That might be fine if your tail-wagger happens to be the slowest in the group – if not, they won’t learn as much as you might hope. With private dog training, this won’t be an issue. The lessons will proceed at a pace that suits your pooch, giving them a better chance of understanding and mastering the material being covered.

Flexible Schedule

With group classes, you’ll have to plan for dog training on a set schedule. You may be able to choose from a few days and times, but the reality is, the classes might not be all that convenient – and attending could prove impossible.

Private dog training lessons can usually be scheduled for days and times that are mutually agreeable. Once you let the professional dog trainer know about your availability, the two of you will decide when to meet. Portland pet parents frequently opt for weekly training, but you can make whatever arrangements work for you.

Training Guidance

If you enroll your furry friend in group dog training classes, don’t expect to get much attention from the professional trainer in charge. They’ll be working with the entire group, and they won’t be able to provide much individual assistance.

Go with private lessons, and the trainer will be completely focused on you and your dog. As such, the amount of time needed for them to learn new skills and behaviors is minimized. The personalized guidance produces optimal results – and since you’ll be working with the dog trainer, too, you’ll be able to get those same results yourself.

When Do Professional Trainers Recommend Private Lessons?

One-on-one dog training can benefit just about any canine, and for busy Portland pet parents – and those who are frustrated with their own training efforts – private lessons make a great deal of sense.

In addition, group classes simply don’t suit some canines. If your four-legged friend is shy or anxious, a group setting may be too overwhelming. And for dogs with behavioral issues like separation anxiety or aggression, classes may not effective or appropriate. Before recommending an approach, however, a professional dog trainer will need to get to know your pooch and your training goals.

Where Do Private Dog Training Lessons Take Place?

Now that we’ve pointed out the many benefits of arranging for private lessons, you may be interested in this type of dog training – if, that is, the location is convenient. And we can confidently say that you will find the location to be acceptable.

How can we be so sure? Well, when you arrange for private dog training, you can choose to have the lessons at your Portland home. And if for some reason you’d rather not have the professional dog trainer come out to your property, you can find a location that works for you both. In any case, you won’t be inconvenienced.

Given all of the advantages that come with private lessons, you can see why they’re worth the money. Whatever your needs and goals, the experienced team at Blackwood Canine is ready to help – and we’d love to put your pooch on the path to becoming a happy, well-behaved family companion. For more information on our private dog training services for pet parents in Portland, Oregon, or to schedule an evaluation with one of our professional dog trainers, contact us today.

When Is Dog Boot Camp a Good Idea for Portland Pet Parents?

Dog boot camp likely wasn’t even a thought when you first got your furry friend. But now, you’ve realized that your pooch is far from the most obedient or well-behaved in Portland – and you don’t have all that much time for dog training.

So, is a dog boot camp the right solution?

Quite possibly, yes. And at the very least, a boot camp or dog board-and-train program is worthy of consideration. To start, take a look at the following.

When Professional Help Makes Sense

Many Portland pet parents are reluctant to send their dogs off for training, and that’s completely understandable. Board-and-train programs typically last for somewhere between four and ten weeks, which is a long time to be separated. But, if your answer to any of these questions is yes, enrolling your tail-wagger in dog boot camp might be a good idea:

• Do you lack the time to work with your dog on a consistent basis?

• Are your efforts at dog training resulting in nothing but frustration?

• Is your furry friend’s behavior getting completely out of control?

• Do you avoid inviting people over because of your dog?

• Does your pooch have a problem with anxiety, insecurity or aggression?

• Have training issues caused you to think about re-homing your dog?

Boot camps are designed to help pet parents who are going through tough times with their dogs. Reputable board-and-train programs run by experienced professional trainers – like those here at Blackwood Canine – provide results. And once the program ends, you’ll have the support you need to reinforce your tail-wagger’s new skills at home.

What a Dog Can Learn at Boot Camp

Portland board-and-train programs aren’t one-size-fits-all – dog boot camps are customized, and professional trainers focus on the skills and behavior goals set by pet parents. If you’re having trouble with any of the following, sending your pooch off for training can be a smart way to get results:

• Housebreaking

• Leash training

• Crate training

• Basic commands

• In-home manners

• Socialization

In addition, dog boot camp can be an effective means of eliminating bad habits. If your furry friend has acquired any of these problematic behaviors, enrolling them in a Portland board-and-train program might be the best plan:

• Jumping on people

• Perpetual barking

• Nipping and biting

• Running out the door

• Chewing on everything

• Constant begging

• Snatching food

• Resource guarding

• Digging in the yard

• Chasing cars or kids

Boot camps for dogs with fear issues, separation anxiety, aggression and other behavioral challenges are also available in the Portland area. Pet parents can also find advanced board-and-train programs where a pooch can learn:

• Off-leash walking

• Non-verbal commands

• Performance sports skills

• Agility trial techniques

• Skills for obedience trials

• Routines for dog shows

One other point – if you’re going out of town, a Portland dog boot camp program can be an excellent alternative to a boarding facility. The difference in cost is likely less than you think, and instead of simply spending the time you’re away in a kennel, your pooch can have fun and learn valuable new skills.

Is Boot Camp the Right Choice for Your Dog?

As long as you take care to find a reputable dog boot camp -- one with experienced professional trainers who rely on reward-based methods and clear, consistent communication to shape canine behavior – enrolling your furry friend could help them become a well-adjusted and obedient family companion.

However, board-and-train programs aren’t a good fit for every dog. If your tail-wagger gets stressed out by any change in routine or environment, they may have difficulty learning at dog boot camp. And for extremely shy, fearful and aggressive dogs, professional trainers may recommend a different approach.

At Blackwood Canine, we offer a number of dog training programs to meet the needs of Portland pet parents – and our team has extensive experience working with canines of all ages, breeds and dispositions. After learning about your tail-wagger and your training goals, we can point you toward the best training solution. The services our professional dog trainers offer include:

• Puppy jump-start program

• In-home private lessons

• In-facility private lessons

• Board-and-train programs

• Behavior modification training

• Advanced re-conditioning

While every professional trainer in and around Portland claims to be an expert, the Blackwood Canine team has the education and experience to get results. Our dog trainers have completed apprenticeships and achieved certifications, and our entire team is committed to furthering our knowledge through continuing education. We have more than 10 years of experience, and we’re proud to be the preferred choice of local veterinarians, rescues, shelters and breeders.

At Blackwood Canine, we have what it takes to train your dog, and they’ll be in good hands with our friendly team of professional trainers. For an in-person evaluation at your Portland home or at our state-of-the-art dog training facility in nearby Scappoose – or for more details on our dog boot camp programs, contact us today.

What Dog Trainers Say NOT to Do When Training a New Puppy

When it comes to puppy training, pet parents generally have the best intentions. But according to experienced Portland dog trainers, many people make mistakes that derail their efforts to teach basic obedience.

Puppy training can be rather challenging, and while you can easily find information on what to do when working with a new pup, dog trainers say that knowing what not to do is just as important. For an easier time helping your furry friend become an obedient and well-adjusted pet, heed the words of advice below.

Don’t Hold Off on Puppy Training

Bringing a new pup into the family is exciting, and it’s easy to get caught up in the fun of having a furry friend around. Many Portland pet parents put off training until later on, and that’s a mistake – dog trainers say that the earlier you train a puppy, the more quickly they tend to learn new skills and behaviors.

Don’t Take an Erratic Approach 

Just like kids who are taking piano lessons or learning to speak a second language, regular practice is essential for a puppy who needs to learn how to behave. Portland dog trainers report that pet parents who train inconsistently, working with a new pup one day, but not the next, get results that are far from optimal.

Don’t Overuse Command Words

While command words like sit, stay, come and down are important for a new pup to learn, professional dog trainers warn that repeating them too many times in a row can create a problem. Sometimes, the repetition can lead to a puppy only responding when a command is given over and over again.

Don’t Create Command Confusion

Saying one thing and doing another is never a good idea. But pet parents take this strategy quite often, using the “come” command and then, instead of offering the expected reward, doing something the puppy dislikes, such as clipping their nails. After this, the pup is typically either confused or unwilling to respond.

Don’t Misuse the Dog Crate

A crate is supposed to be a safe and comforting place for a puppy, a spot where they can relax at night and when their pet parents leave the house. Dog trainers advise against putting a pooch in a crate as a punishment or for no reason at all, as doing so can lead to issues with anxiety or anger.

Don’t Give Too Many Treats

Using food helps build engagement with a dog, ensuring that they’re actively participating in training, but providing a pooch with an abundance of treats puts them at risk for packing on the pounds. Food rewards should be offered at a regularly scheduled mealtime, and dog trainers state that extra nibbles should be limited.

Don’t Show Negative Emotions

Experienced Portland dog trainers know how frustrated pet parents feel when their new pup doesn’t seem to be catching on to the concepts being taught. Showing irritation or anger is inadvisable, as giving way to these emotions can hinder the training process and may even lead to aggressive behavior.

Don’t Train in Just One Place

When starting off with puppy training, staying within the home and working in a distraction-free area is best. However, dog trainers make it clear that pet parents need to gradually broaden their pup’s horizons and train elsewhere, too, as our furry friends should learn how to behave in busier environments.

Don’t Scold After the Fact

Potty training is difficult, but dog trainers say that reprimanding is only appropriate when a pup is caught in the act of eliminating in the wrong spot. Scolding later, upon seeing a mess on the floor, can make a puppy think that waste being present makes people angry, which can make them become secretive about pottying.

Don’t Be Unpredictable

Portland dog trainers realize that a routine helps create confidence in a puppy. It’s essential to establish a reliable schedule for feeding, eliminating, walking, playing and training. When pet parents don’t develop a routine early on – or when they let the routine slide – it often leads to accidents and behavioral mishaps.

Don’t Hype the Happenings

Anyone who stages a dramatic scene or acts emotional whenever they leave the house or get back home isn’t doing their pup any favors. Exaggerated greetings and departures often make a dog become agitated every time the door is used, and the practice can encourage a habit of barking later in life.

Don’t Give Up on Puppy Training

Training strategies that work with one dog may not work with another. Sometimes, pet parents need to try a few different methods before landing on one that allows their pup to succeed. Taking a one-size-fits-all approach leads to disappointing results, but in that event, calling a dog trainer is better than throwing in the towel.

Do you need help with puppy training? If you live in Portland or the nearby northwest Oregon area, turn to the professional team at Blackwood Canine. Our highly skilled dog trainers have been working with pups and adult pooches for more than a decade, and we know how to effectively train dogs of all breeds and dispositions.

For details on the puppy training programs we offer at Blackwood Canine, or to schedule a consultation with one of the best Portland dog trainers, contact our office today.

Curious About Clicker Training? Dog Trainers Explain the Basics

Many professional dog trainers in the Portland, Oregon, area and elsewhere in the country are partial to clicker training. The technique, which relies on positive reinforcement, is safe, humane and effective – plus, training with a clicker is fun for everyone involved.

Can you get results with clicker training? Dog trainers say that it’s not for everyone, but giving the technique a try is worth the time and effort. Read on to learn the basics of using a clicker to train a dog.

What is Clicker Training?

First of all, for those who are unfamiliar, a clicker is a small handheld device that makes a distinct “click” sound when pressed. The tool isn’t magical, but dog trainers know that it can be quite helpful in dog training.

Clicker training is also referred to as mark and reward training, as that’s what the process involves – the clicker is used to mark the exact moment a dog does what is asked, and the sound is immediately followed by a reward. The technique is based on the science of how canines learn, and according to dog trainers, using a clicker correctly can have a significant effect on behavior.  

Why Does Clicker Training Work?

Dogs tend to repeat behaviors that are rewarded, and that’s a part of clicker training. However, as experienced professional dog trainers, we know that the real reason the technique works is because the click tells a dog exactly what they did correctly. There’s no confusion about why the reward is being offered.

But, you’re likely wondering why the clicker is necessary – couldn’t you just use words to let your furry friend know when they perform a desirable behavior?

Yes, but professional dog trainers state that using a clicker is often better. People talk all of the time, and to our tail-waggers, much of what we say is meaningless. The click sound is unique, used only in training situations, and dogs quickly come to associate the noise with a reward. This connection helps them learn new behaviors more quickly, and focusing on positive reinforcement makes training sessions fun.

How to Clicker Train Your Dog

Clicker training isn’t all that difficult – you simply need good timing. Here’s the approach professional dog trainers use to shape canine behavior:

Loading the Clicker

In order for a clicker to be an effective training tool, you’ll first need to teach your dog what the click means – this is what professional dog trainers call “loading the clicker,” and here’s how to get the job done:

• Plan to work with your pooch at mealtime.

• Choose a quiet, distraction-free area for your training session.

• Have a sizeable stash of tasty bite-sized food treats in easy reach.

• Press the clicker, wait a heartbeat, then give your dog a treat.

• Once they’re done chewing, click again and offer another treat.

• Repeat the process 10 to 15 times in a row for a few days.

Once your dog starts to associate the click with the treat, you’ll be ready to put the clicker into practice.

Using the Clicker

Before you begin the training session, you need to decide what you’d like your dog to learn. Let’s use the command “go to bed” as an example – here are the steps professional dog trainers say to take:

• Start by clicking and rewarding your furry friend each time they look over at their bed – even if the glance is brief.

• After realizing that the bed is the key to getting a tasty bite, your dog may take a step towards it. When that happens, click and give a treat.

• Click and offer rewards every time they make progress toward the final goal, like sniffing the bed, putting a paw on it, standing on it and so on.

As you move along and offer treats for continued progress, you’ll want to stop clicking and rewarding your dog for what they did previously – in other words, don’t click and give a treat for just sniffing the bed if your pooch is already comfortable stepping on it. And, after they master a new behavior, dog trainers say that you can phase out the clicker and the rewards.

Tips for Success With Clicker Training

For clicker training to be effective, you need to have good timing – the click has to happen at the exact moment your dog does what you want. Professional dog trainers say that practicing your timing before you work on training is a good idea. Here are a few ways to practice:

• Bounce a tennis ball and click each time it hits the ground.

• Put on a TV show and click whenever a certain word is said.

• Recruit a friend and click when they perform a particular action.

It should go without saying, but practicing should be done without your tail-wagger present. But while practice helps make perfect, dog trainers also suggest following these tips:

• Keep clicker training sessions short, about 10 to 15 minutes.

• Give a reward with every click – even if you accidently press the clicker.

• Be patient, and if your pooch isn’t responding well, try again later.

• End every session on a positive note, with treats and loads of praise.

As we mentioned above, clicker training isn’t right for everyone. Some dogs need a different approach – and if you’re having a hard time teaching your pooch, the professional team at Blackwood Canine is here to help. Our professional dog trainers have been working with Portland pet parents for over a decade, and we train tail-waggers of all ages, breeds and temperaments.

For more information on clicker training, or to schedule a consultation with a friendly and knowledgeable dog trainer serving the Portland, Oregon, area, contact Blackwood Canine today.

Dog Training Strategies – Building Engagement with Food

Frustrated with your efforts at dog training? No doubt other Portland pet parents can relate to how you’re feeling. Even professional dog trainers would agree that trying to teach any pooch is bound to being about moments of exasperation.

When things aren’t going well, calling it quits can be the best decision. However, you need a strategy for your next dog training session. According to professional trainers, it’s much easier to get a dog to do what you want than it is to get them to stop a certain behavior. With that in mind, using food to build engagement with your furry friend can be a good solution to your training woes.

What is Engagement in Dog Training?

For canines, engagement is best described as the process of becoming involved or actively participating in dog training.

To get results when training your tail-wagger, you need to make sure they’re engaged. This isn’t something you can force – your dog must choose to pay attention and, hopefully, seek out opportunities to engage with you as often as possible.

Building engagement is crucial to success with dog training, as all of the distracting sounds, sights and smells can easily lead a pooch astray. Experienced professional trainers say that using food is one of the best ways to build engagement, and with an engaged dog, training is more manageable.

How Do You Build Engagement With Your Dog?

When it comes to getting your dog to be engaged and actively participating in training, two factors are of fundamental importance.

First of all, you need a proven motivator, something that your furry friend considers to be a reward. Offering affection and playing with toys can work, but professional trainers recommend using food. You can offer a nibble over and over again during each training session, yet still manage the amount they consume – and giving food rewards often produces more consistent results than relying on praise and playtime.

The second factor to building engagement is to convince your dog that they are in charge of getting you to produce rewards. In other words, your furry friend needs to understand that their actions are directly connected to your actions. Fortunately, doing so is nowhere near as difficult as it may seem.

How Do You Use Food to Get Your Dog Engaged?

Every dog eats, so you can certainly use food as a motivator for your pooch. But for this strategy to be effective, you’ll want to plan your dog training sessions for the times when your tail-wagger is ready to eat. If they aren’t hungry, you likely won’t get the results you’re after.

As for exactly how you go about using food to build engagement with your dog, these are the basic steps to take:

• Begin your dog training session at a regularly schedule mealtime

• Start walking or moving around a little to get your furry friend’s attention

• Once you make eye contact or hear frustration barking, offer a food reward

The last step is significant, as barking or looking into your eyes shows that your dog is fully engaged – and you don’t want to offer the food until you get that confirmation. Professional dog trainers also suggest offering a verbal cue (like “Yes!” or “Good!”) at the same time as the nibbles to help keep your pet motivated.

How much food should you offer each time you get your dog engaged? That’s completely up to you. Depending upon the nature of your dog training session, a single bite, a small handful of food or an entire bowl may be appropriate.

What If Your Dog Doesn’t Want to Engage With You?

Making sure that your dog training sessions are fun goes a long way, but at some point, your pooch will likely stop paying attention. You can’t beg them to focus, so what are you supposed to do?

If your tail-wagger isn’t interested, put the food away and plan to work on dog training another time. As you do, keep the following in mind:

• You shouldn’t feel guilty because you’re ending mealtime. If your furry friend is hungry, they’ll eat – and if you have offered ample opportunities for them to earn their food, you have to assume that they don’t want any at the moment.

• When your dog doesn’t finish a meal, offering more between-meal snacks or increasing the size of the next meal isn’t recommended. Provide the same amount of food as you normally would when it’s time for your pooch to eat.

• Remember that your beloved pet doesn’t have endless amounts of energy. If you go on a long walk or let them run around with their canine friends, getting results during a dog training session the same day may prove to be a challenge.

You’ll know that you have real engagement with your dog when they’re actively trying to get you to produce the desired reward. Food often works to build engagement, but if you’re one of the many Portland pet parents who needs a little help with dog training, you can always reach out to the professional team at Blackwood Canine. For more info, contact us today!

5 Questions to Ask an Experienced Trainer Before Getting a Dog

If you’re thinking about getting a dog, contacting a dog trainer in Portland now might seem like putting the cart before the horse. Why would it make sense to talk to a professional trainer when you don’t even have a pet yet?

Actually, that’s the point. The decision on which dog to adopt isn’t one to be taken lightly. According to the America Veterinary Medical Association, unfulfilled expectations are one of the primary reasons people give up on pets – and a professional dog trainer in Portland can help ensure that the pooch you take home is a perfect fit for your family.

Consulting with a seasoned canine expert might just be the most important step you can take before adopting a furry friend. Below, you’ll find a checklist of questions to ask when you speak with a Portland dog trainer.

No. 1: Is Now a Good Time to Add a Dog to My Family?

You and your family may be eager to adopt a dog now, but timing is a matter that merits careful thought.

Before you bring a pooch into your Portland home, ask a professional dog trainer what to expect. Knowing how much of a difference having a four-legged friend will make in your life can help you figure out if you should go ahead and get a dog now or if waiting a little while makes more sense.

No. 2: Should We Adopt a Puppy or a Full-Grown Dog?

Your first inclination might be to adopt a puppy, but getting an adolescent or adult may be worthy of consideration.

Puppies are a great fit for some families, but little tail-waggers can be unpredictable – plus, taking care of a puppy can require a great deal of time and work. An adolescent or adult dog likely won’t need as much attention or exercise, but then again, a more mature pooch might have bad habits or be too stubborn to train.

Whatever the age of the pooch you adopt, you can count on some challenges as they adjust to their new environment. An experienced Portland dog trainer can explain what to consider and help you come to a decision on whether a puppy or a full-grown dog is a better fit for your family.

No. 3: Which Dog Breeds Best Suit Our Family’s Lifestyle?

While the manner in which a pooch is raised and trained has a major impact on their temperament, genes play a large role in shaping canine personality.

Different breeds are known for different traits – a Pekingese or English Bulldog isn’t going to be the best hiking companion, for example, and a Labrador retriever or Border collie isn’t likely to be a couch potato. An accomplished professional dog trainer in Portland will have ample experience working with terriers, hounds, sporting dogs and all other types of canines, giving them the ability to point you toward breeds that fit your family’s lifestyle.

What about mixed-breed puppies and dogs? While some canine enthusiasts prefer purebreds for their predictable qualities, others believe that mixed breeds make for better pets. The debate may never end, and both sides have compelling arguments. If you’re interested in adopting a mixed breed, we suggest asking a Portland dog trainer to evaluate their temperament. But in our opinion, with a committed owner, any pooch can become a well-behaved and much-loved family companion.

No. 4: What Do We Need to Do Before Bringing a Dog Home?

You’d be wise to get everything ready before getting a dog, as you’ll want your furry friend to have what they need to get off to a great start.

Talking to a Portland dog trainer is to your advantage. A trusted local canine expert can tell you about all of the must-have supplies and provide you with suggestions on specific products to suit your needs. You won’t waste money on the wrong food or a crate that won’t work for your furry friend – you’ll have the correct gear on hand when you bring your tail-wagger home.

An experienced dog trainer can also help you make sure that your house is safe, pointing out common pet hazards that you may not have considered. And if you haven’t already selected a local veterinarian, you can ask a professional dog trainer for a recommendation.

No. 5: What Do We Need to Know About Dog Training?

Your family will no doubt be excited when you bring a dog home, but try to curb the enthusiasm and project a demeanor of calm leadership.

Dogs thrive with a consistent routine. A professional dog trainer can help you create a daily schedule that includes meals, walks, playtime, training sessions and time for rest and relaxation. Stick to the routine, and your new pooch will have an easier time making the transition into your Portland home.

Having a clear set of household rules – and making sure that everyone in the family follows them – is also important. Dogs don’t understand the concept of “sometimes,” and any inconsistencies in how the rules are enforced is sure to result in confusion. As you might imagine, that can lead to issues with dog training.

Socialization, impulse control and bite inhibition are things you’ll need to work on during the first few weeks at home with your new pooch. A professional Portland dog trainer can offer advice on how to use positive reinforcement and a reward-based dog training approach handle these crucial matters. And, if you’re having trouble getting your new furry family member to learn, you can always arrange for in-home private lessons with a professional dog trainer or enroll your pooch in a board-and-train dog boot camp program.

Talk to an Experienced Professional Dog Trainer in Portland Today

Do you live in the northwest Oregon area? Are you planning on getting a dog soon? The professional team at Blackwood Canine is here to meet the needs of Portland pet parents, and we’d love to help you find the right furry friend to add to your family.

For more information on our services, or to schedule a consultation with a friendly, knowledgeable and highly skilled Portland dog trainer, contact Blackwood Canine today.

Does Your Pup Eat Too Fast? Puppy Training Methods for Speed Eaters

The second you set down the bowl, your pup devours all the food. You’ve got a speed eater – and while gobbling up meals in the blink of an eye isn’t always a concern, puppy training might be necessary. 

Eating too quickly can result in a host of issues, from gagging and vomiting to bloat, a serious and potentially deadly condition. The Portland puppy training professionals at Blackwood Canine can help prevent these health problems and keep your furry friend happy at mealtime. Here, we share puppy training techniques that can work to help speed eaters slow down.

Why Do Dogs Gulp Down Their Food?

Some dogs take time to carefully chew and enjoy each morsel, while others make short work of meals, inhaling the food so quickly that it makes you wonder if they even chewed a single bite. Why is this?

Eating too quickly usually has nothing to do with how much a dog likes their food. If your pup is a speed eater, one of the following is likely the reason:

• They had to compete for food with their litter mates

• They instinctually feel as if they have to eat fast

• They wolf down food to keep your other pets from taking it all

• They aren’t getting the proper nutrition, so they feel extra hungry

An underlying health condition, such as diabetes or Cushing’s syndrome, could also be affecting your dog’s metabolism and making them ravenous. A parasite or worms could also be to blame. If the reason your pup devours their meals isn’t clear, you may want to consult with a local veterinarian.

In any case, you’ll want to address the speed eating as soon as possible to keep the issue from causing health problems. To do so, Portland puppy training professionals suggest trying these techniques.

Use a Slow-Feeder Dog Bowl

Purchasing a special feeder could be an effective solution. Slow-feed bowls feature a raised ring in the center, which your pup will have to work around to get to their food. The gap isn’t very large, so they’ll be forced to eat at a slower pace.

Try Hand-Feeding Your Puppy

Why not turn puppy training sessions into mealtimes? Use your dog’s regular food as a reward when working on skills, offering a bit at a time. The hand-feeding approach makes meals safer, and offering food rewards can help you achieve results.

Offer Smaller, More Frequent Meals

Another puppy training tip for a speed eater is to break down their meals into a few parts. Offer a small portion at first, and follow up with more a little bit later. Your pooch will learn that more food is coming soon, which can help them stop eating too fast.

Fill Interactive Toys with Food

You can find puzzle games and toys that double as slow-feeders. Puppy training professions recommend putting your pup’s meals in a fun, interactive toy – they’ll be entertained and they’ll be eating their food much more slowly.

Put Meals on a Snuffle Feeding Mat

Snuffle mats are designed to encourage natural forging skills in dogs, with dozens of fabric strips that hide food. Your puppy will have to use their nose to find each bite, which ensures that they can’t wolf it all down too quickly.

Get Expert Help with Puppy Training

If you’ve tried all the strategies listed above and your puppy is still swallowing their food in a flash, working with a professional dog trainer may be your best bet. But be sure to look for someone who has experience dealing with this particular behavioral issue.

Blackwood Canine is Here to Help

Do you live in Portland or the nearby northwestern Oregon area? The puppy training professionals at Blackwood Canine can help your speed eater slow down.

We’re passionate about puppy training, and we’ve been working with pet parents for more than a decade. Our professional dog trainers have experience with all breeds of puppies and dogs, and we know how to help canines that are aggressive, fearful or have severe anxiety.

At Blackwood Canine, we use evidence-based puppy training techniques, and we also take great care to make learning fun. By employing a balanced approach, with clear communication and positive reinforcement, our professional dog trainers achieve results. We offer several puppy training solutions, including:

• Puppy Jump Start – a 3-week training program for pups as young as 8 weeks

• In-Home Training – one-on-one lessons with a professional trainer at your home

• In-Facility Training – private sessions at our dog training facility in Scappoose

We also offer a number of dog boot programs -- including a 4- to 6-week immersion program, a 6- to 8-week behavior modification program and an 8- to 10-week advanced re-conditioning program – all of which include follow-up private dog training lessons to help Portland area pet parents achieve results at home. Contact us for a professional evaluation, and we’ll point you toward the right puppy training solution for your little fur baby.

Blackwood Canine is here to provide the help you need to make your pup a slower eater. For more information on our dog training services, or to speak with one of our Portland puppy training professionals, contact our Oregon office today.

5 Good Reasons to Consider a Portland Dog Board-and-Train Program

Is enrolling your furry friend in a dog board-and-train program a smart decision? For many Portland pet parents, the answer is yes.

Also known as dog boot camp or immersion training, dog board-and-train services can provide immense value in in regards to changing and shaping canine behavior. After spending a few weeks in the care of professional dog trainers, your fur baby can come home with the knowledge and skills they need to be a happy, well-adjusted member of the family.

Below, you’ll find five good reasons why you may want to send your dog to boot camp along with advice on how to make sure the Portland dog board-and-train program you choose is right for you and your pooch.

No. 1: You Want a Well-Trained Dog

While at dog boot camp, your tail-wagger will work with the professional trainer several times a day. These programs are typically customized, and training will geared toward meeting your particular needs. From basic commands, manners and general obedience to potty training, leash walking and more, your pooch can learn a great deal. And with the right Portland dog board-and-train program, you’ll know how to put their new skills into practice at home.

No 2: Your Pooch Has Bad Habits

Chewing on the couch cushions, begging at the table, jumping up on people, grabbing food from the counter, barking at the slightest sound – bad canine habits like these can be difficult for Portland pet parents to break. Experienced professional dog trainers have tricks and techniques that can work to address destructive and annoying habits. When your fur baby comes home from boot camp, the bad habits they previously had will no longer be a problem.

No 3: Your Dog Has Behavior Issues

If your furry friend is anxious or insecure, a dog board-and-train program can help build their confidence. Boot camp can also be a good option for an aggressive dog or a pooch with phobias like a fear of strangers or fear of thunder. Seasoned professional dog trainers understand how to get to the root of the problem and how to curb unwanted behaviors – and after completing immersion training, your tail-wagger will be a well-behaved family companion.

No 4: You Have a Busy Schedule

Are you always on the go? If you don’t have much free time, a dog board-and-train program can be the ideal solution. Simply drop your pooch off at the training facility and let them learn from professional dog trainers for four to ten weeks. When boot camp ends, your fur baby will be transformed into a well-behaved family pet. They’ll be much happier because they won’t be getting into trouble all the time – and you’ll love living with a pooch that is no longer a source of frustration.

No 5: You’d Like Advanced Dog Training

Any canine can become a certified therapy dog with the right training, and a boot camp program can be the best way to teach your furry friend the required skills. The same is true for other types of specialty training, as an immersive approach works to help dogs lean the key skills needed for performance sports, agility competitions, obedience trials, dog shows and more. If you’re interested in any sort of advanced training, you’ll want to consider a Portland board-and-train program.

What to Look for in a Portland Dog Board-and-Train Program

If you decide to go with a boot camp program, you won’t be there when the professional dog trainers are working with your pooch. You have to trust them to treat your fur baby well – and that means you need to do your due diligence and look for a reputable training facility. To evaluate the suitability of a Portland dog board-and-train program, look for the following:

• Expertise – Some professional trainers learn their skills through apprenticeships and years of experience. Others seek out certifications and continuing education. Both routes are acceptable; the point is to make sure the dog board-and-train facility you choose has trainers who are qualified to help your furry friend.

• Approach – The methods used at a training facility can make a major difference in the results. To find a Portland dog boot camp where your tail-wagger can achieve your goals, look for professional dog trainers who use a balanced approach, one based on positive reinforcement and clear communication.

• Environment – You’ll want your beloved pooch to be comfortable and safe while they’re getting trained. To that end, make arrangements to check out the dog board-and-train facility. As you take a tour, inspect the sleeping and training areas to ensure they’re up to standard on sanitation, security and comfort.

Don’t be afraid to ask for references from former clients – and follow up by contacting those clients to get their opinion on the dog board-and-train program. Talk to a few people, and you’ll have a much better idea of whether you can trust the professional dog trainers.

Also, be wary of any dog training facility that offers guaranteed results. When dealing with canines, there’s no way to guarantee good behavior – training isn’t like programming a robot. Experienced professional trainers can teach dogs to readily behave and comply with commands, but no one can ethically say that their training programs get results all of the time.

If you’re interested in immersion training and you live in Portland or the surrounding northwest Oregon area, reach out to Blackwood Canine. Our professional trainers have been working with dogs for over a decade, and we know how to train puppies and adult tail-waggers of all breeds and temperaments.

To learn about our training methods and our dog board-and-programs for Portland pet parents, contact Blackwood Canine online or give our office a call today.

Dog Obedience: Teaching Your Dog Not to Jump Up on People

Dog obedience training is an important part of pet ownership, and one lesson your pet needs to learn is how to greet people properly. That means NOT jumping up on people, as you don’t want anyone to get scratched, bruised, or knocked down. And beyond the potential hazards, getting pummeled by an overly excited pooch can be frightening, particularly for people who aren’t all that comfortable around dogs.

If your dog jumps up on everyone who walks in your home, you’ll want to find a way to keep that from happening. Below, the dog obedience training experts at Blackwood Canine offer advice on how to teach your pooch to greet people politely.

Be Ready for Dog Obedience Training

First off, you need to take control of the environment. Every time your dog succeeds in jumping up to greet you or anyone else, the behavior becomes more of a habit. So, the key is to stop your pet from wanting to jump up.

How do you do that? Decide what you want your pooch to do instead – such as sitting or standing with all four paws on the ground – and have treats on hand to provide a reward for proper behavior. To make sure that you can always grab a few treats before you go inside to greet your dog, you may want to keep a supply in your car, place a treat jar on your porch and stash some in the garage.

Once you have tasty rewards at the ready, use dog gates to block off the front door or any other entryway to your Portland home where jumping happens. This will stop your pooch from pouncing on you when you come in and set the stage for success with dog obedience training.

How to Stop Your Dog from Jumping Up

Teaching your dog to greet people without jumping up takes patience and persistence. According to dog obedience training experts, it’s a good idea to start working on the behavior problem when your tail-wagger is calm – not when they’re geared to pounce. When the time is right, here’s what you can do.

Withhold Your Attention

The first step to stopping your dog from jumping up on people involves taking away something they want – your attention. To do this, turn your back as soon as they leap and don’t make a sound. If your pooch circles around and jumps again, turn to face the other way. Repeat this action until they calm down, then offer a greeting.

Reward Good Behavior

As you move the gate and greet your pet, toss a few treats on the floor nearby. Don’t hold out the treats in your hand, as that can backfire and lead your dog to jumping up for more. Offer praise if they remain seated or keep all four paws on the floor, but keep it low-key – too much attention and praise may spark another round of jumping.

Practice Greeting Others

When your pooch is ready, ask a friend or neighbor to stop by for a dog obedience training session. Make sure your tail-wagger is next to you when they enter the room, and if they stay in place instead of jumping up, your helper can greet them and offer a reward. If your dog jumps, your helper should turn and walk away.

As you continue to practice, your dog should get better at greeting people – but obedience training is no easy task. Being consistent with your efforts is crucial, and if even one member of your family allows the jumping to continue, you may have trouble curbing the problem. To avoid issues with obedience training, make sure everyone is on the same page before you begin.

How Blackwood Canine Can Help

If you’re dealing with a dog who has a bad habit of jumping up on people, you don’t have to go it alone. Dog obedience training is far easier with professional help, and you can always call on the expert team at Blackwood Canine.

Every dog is unique, and there’s no one-size-fits-all solution to canine behavior problems. The obedience training approach outlined above may not be quite right for you and your pooch – and our professional dog trainers can find a way to teach your pup how to politely greet people.

Blackwood Canine offers a range of dog obedience training options for Portland pet parents. Our puppy jump-start program helps instill proper behavior at the start, and adult dogs can benefit from our private obedience training lessons, held in-home or at our state-of-the-art training facility in Scappoose. And for dogs in need of extra time and attention, we offer board-and-train boot camp programs.

Correcting canine behavior is our specialty, and we use positive reinforcement and rewards-based methods to help dogs of all ages, breeds and temperaments learn how to behave. If you’re struggling to train your pet not to jump up on people when they enter your Portland home, our experienced professional dog trainers can get them on the right track. For details on our dog obedience training programs, or to schedule a consultation with Blackwood Canine, give us a call or fill out our online contact form today.

Dog Training Methods: Positive Reinforcement vs. Dominance Training

Wondering how dog training works?

Most professional dog trainers in Portland and elsewhere in the country have shifted to positive reinforcement and reward-based techniques. However, some take the alpha-dog approach, using training methods to establish dominance and attain the status of pack leader.

As a pet parent, you’ll have to decide which dog training method is best for your furry friend. Here, the Blackwood Canine team shares the information you need to make the right choice. 

How Dogs Learn

Canine behaviorists have studied the science of how dogs learn, and the answer lies in two processes – classical conditioning and operant conditioning.

Classical conditioning involves learning by association, and this form of dog training happens involuntarily. Over time, our four-legged friends learn to react in a specific manner when presented with a signal or stimulus. So, for example, when your pooch gets excited when you pick up their leash or starts barking when they hear the doorbell, those are behaviors they learned through classical conditioning.

Operant conditioning is a bit more complicated, as it requires control of the learning environment. The process revolves around the use of rewards and punishments to help dogs understand that actions have consequences. Simply put, operant conditioning works by either adding or taking away something a dog sees as pleasant, such as a treat or a toy, or by adding or taking away an aversive stimulus, like pressure from a choke chain.

All professional trainers use operant conditioning techniques, but positive reinforcement dog training and dominance training rely on different approaches.

How Positive Reinforcement Training Works

Many dog trainers in Portland focus on the use of positive reinforcement. When a pooch acts in the desired manner – sitting when asked, for example – the trainer offers a reward, typically praise or a tasty treat.

Positive reinforcement is an effective form of operant conditioning, and the dog training method is recommended by canine experts. However, as the approach ignores unwanted behaviors, it’s generally agreed that positive reinforcement should be used in conjunction with negative punishment.

Though it may sound otherwise, negative punishment doesn’t involve reprimands or violent actions. Instead, dog trainers take away something desirable – which our four-legged friends see as being both a negative and a punishment. Examples include turning around when a pooch jumps up and walking away from a nipping puppy. Dogs want attention, and taking it away discourages unwanted behaviors.

The Alpha-Dog or Dominance Training Approach

Dominance dog training was the norm several decades ago, and the concept is largely based on perceptions of pack behavior in wolves. Trainers who use this approach aim to make sure dogs understand that a human is the “alpha” or pack leader.

With dominance training, the focus is on positive punishment – and here, the term “positive” indicates that something is being added, not that the punishment is favorable. In fact, the opposite is true. The operant conditioning method involves introducing an undesirable element when a dog misbehaves. That may be a swat on the rump, a shock from an electronic collar, or placing the pooch in a submissive position, to name a few examples.

The use of dominance training has fallen out of favor, as positive punishment can instill fear, anxiety, aggression, and mistrust in a dog. Training in this manner can also damage the bond between a pooch and their pet parent. For these reasons, many canine experts consider the method to be antiquated. 

Choosing the Right Professional Dog Trainer

Positive reinforcement and reward-based dog training techniques are based on the science of learning, and canine experts advise pet parents to seek out a professional trainer who uses these methods.

However, the dog training industry is unregulated – anyone can set up a business and charge for their services. With that in mind, you’d be wise not to simply choose the closest training school. Do a little research, and you’ll be able to find the right fit for you and your furry friend.

What should you look for in a professional dog trainer? We recommend that you consider the following:

• Training credentials – Whether it’s an apprenticeship and years of experience or an academic route, find out how a trainer learned their skills.

• Training philosophy – Make sure you’re comfortable with the approach a trainer uses in teaching new skills and correcting behaviors.

• Training services – You may prefer private dog training or a board-and-train boot camp program, and not all trainers offer the same services.

• Trainer personality – Your dog trainer will be teaching both you and your pooch, and you need to feel comfortable as their student.

If you’re looking for professional dog training in Portland, you could ask your veterinarian, a family member or a trusted neighbor for a recommendation. Or, you could turn to the Blackwood Canine team.

We’ve been helping pet parents in and around Portland, Oregon, for more than ten years, and we work with canines of all ages, breeds and dispositions. Our dedicated dog trainers use positive reinforcement and reward-based training methods to shape behavior, and we’re ready to meet your needs.

We also have made available some of our favorite dog training tools and accessories, including leather leashes, dog training collars and training accessories.

For more information on our services and why we’re the preferred choice for dog training in Portland, contact Blackwood Canine today.

Bringing Home a Puppy? Training Tips for New Portland Pet Parents

You’re planning to bring a new puppy into your Portland home, and you’re hoping to get a jump on puppy training. To set yourself up for success, you’ll need to be prepared -- but being new to pet parenthood, you’re not quite sure what to do.

As luck would have it, you came to the right place. At Blackwood Canine, our puppy training experts believe it’s only natural for new pet parents to need a little guidance, and we’re happy to help make sure that you and your little tail-wagger are on the path to a bright future together. Below, you’ll find our best tips on how to plan for the day your young pup comes home along with advice that can help make puppy training easier.

Make Sure Your Home is Ready

Before your new furry friend first sets paw in your Portland home, you’ll need to make a few preparations. You can expect your young pup to get into everything – even things they shouldn’t – and for their protection, puppy-proofing is essential.

To get your home ready, our puppy training experts recommend choosing an area where your new dog can’t get into any mischief. Use dog gates to block off the space, and be sure to remove any potential safety hazards. The easiest way to accomplish this is to down on the floor at your pup’s eye level and look around. If you see anything that could be a danger, such as an exposed electrical cord or toxic plant, move it out of reach. Do the same for anything else you don’t want your tail-wagger to chew on.

Get the Essential Supplies

After you puppy-proof your Portland home, your next step is to pick up the necessary gear to keep your furry friend healthy, happy, and comfortable. The puppy training experts at Blackwood Canine suggest purchasing the following:

• Dog crate – Housebreaking isn’t easy, but crate training can help your young pup learn the rules. A crate can also help them feel comfortable in your home, setting the stage for success with puppy training.

• Dog bed – Speaking of comfort, your little tail-wagger deserves to have a cozy place to take a snooze. To that end, shop around for a plush dog bed that can easily fit inside the crate.

• Dog food – You’ll need food and water bowls, of course, as well as food specifically formulated for young dogs. If you’re not sure which type of food is best, ask a puppy training expert.

• Walking gear – When you’re ready to take your furry friend on a walk, you’ll need the right supplies. A dog collar and training leash are must-haves, and you might want to pick up some poop bags and a poop bag holder.

• Training gear – Rewards help dogs learn, so pick up some treats designed for puppy training and a pouch to keep them in. You may want a clicker, too, as a click followed by a tasty treat is a good way to teach your young pup new skills.

Provide Plenty of Exercise

When you welcome your new puppy into your Portland home, you’ll want to instill good habits and help them learn how to behave early on. Keeping their developmental needs in mind is important, and puppies need plenty of regular exercise to grow into strong and healthy adult dogs. Therefore, our puppy training experts tell new pet parents to provide lots of opportunities for movement and play.

Taking walks is a good idea, and your furry friend is sure to enjoy exploring the neighborhood. Remember, though, that they may not have all that much stamina, so start with short walks and ease into longer treks. As for playtime, try tug-of-war with a rope toy, a game of fetch, or letting your puppy splash around in a kiddie pool.

Work on Socializing Your Pup

According to our puppy training experts, socialization – or the process of introducing new experiences and situations in a safe, positive manner -- is one of the most critical steps in a young dog’s development. By properly socializing your young pup, you stand a good chance of avoiding behavior problems and puppy training issues as they grow older.

To safely socialize your young pup, try these ideas:

• Expose them to grass, concrete, gravel, and a variety of other surfaces

• Play recordings of loud sounds, like fireworks, sirens, and thunder

• Introduce new situations, like bouncing a balloon around or blowing bubbles

• Visiting a lake or river and letting your pup observe and explore the area

• Setting up a puppy play date with a friend who has a well-behaved dog

Be Patient and Positive

When you get a puppy, it may take some time for them to adjust to their new surroundings. Some puppies need just a few days or weeks to settle in and get comfortable, but for others, the adjustment takes longer – and knowing this, you can understand the importance of patience when it comes to puppy training.

The use of positive reinforcement and reward-based puppy training can also help your furry friend become accustomed to you and your home. Offer praise and treats when they respond correctly to a command or act in the desired manner. And when they do something you don’t like, such as jumping up on your legs or nipping at your toes, turn the other way or take away something that your tail-wagger finds desirable. With this puppy training approach, your new dog will have an easier time learning how to behave.

Talk to a Puppy Trainer

 If you want your young pup to grow up to become a happy, well-behaved, and well-adjusted adult dog, you may need to find a qualified local puppy trainer. Scheduling private training sessions or enrolling in a puppy jump-start program can ensure that your new furry friend learns the basics, and the fun experience can also help foster a lifelong love of learning. For top-notch puppy training in Portland or elsewhere in northwestern Oregon, pet parents trust Blackwood Canine.

We’ve been training puppies and adult dogs for more than ten years, and our professional team knows how to achieve results. For more information on our services and our approach to puppy training, or to speak with a Portland puppy trainer, contact Blackwood Canine today.

3 Things You Can Do To Have A Well Mannered Puppy

Here’s 3 things you can do to get your puppy jump started on the right foot. This will help with proper socializing, Housebreaking, and overall puppy training.

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Top 6 Benefits of Private Dog Training Lessons

When it comes to teaching your four-legged friend, private dog training lessons aren’t your only option. Some people in the Portland area attempt to train their own pets, and others enroll their dogs in group classes or a board-and-train boot camp program. There’s no wrong choice – it really comes down to what works for you and your family.

That being said, private dog training lessons, led by an experienced professional trainer, can be the best way to get the results you want. Below, the Blackwood Canine team explains the many reasons to consider private lessons for your beloved pooch.

No. 1: Custom Training Plan

Every dog has unique training needs, and as a pet owner, you may have goals for your furry friend. A professional trainer can effectively address both through private lessons, developing a personalized training plan to cover the particular skills and behaviors your tail-wagger needs to learn.

No. 2: No Predefined Pace

Just like people, some dogs are fast learners and some need a little more time to master new skills. Private training lessons can proceed at your pooch’s pace, with the professional dog trainer making sure that they get the hang of one skill before moving on to teach another.

No. 3: Individualized Attention

Choose private dog training, and your pet will have the full attention of a professional trainer. They’ll be completely focused on your four-legged friend and their specific areas of need – and that means private lessons are one of the most time-efficient and effective dog training methods.  

No. 4: Minimal Distractions

Our furry friends can be easily distracted, and when other dogs and people are around, your pooch may have difficulty concentrating on training. Private lessons involve only the distractions intentionally introduced by the professional dog trainer, which facilitates comprehension of the skills being taught.

No. 5: Flexible Scheduling

Go with private dog training, and you won’t have to worry about rearranging your schedule. Simply tell your professional dog trainer what days and times work for you, and the two of you can come up with a timetable for training. Many Portland pet owners prefer weekly lessons, but the decision is yours.

No. 6: Choice of Location

Private training lessons can take place at your Portland home, the main place where your tail-wagger will be putting their new skills into practice. Or, if you prefer, you can ask the professional trainer to hold lessons elsewhere, such as the neighborhood dog park. In any case, you’ll be in control of the environment.

Alternatives to Private Dog Training

Now that you understand the many benefits of private dog training, you might like to take a brief look at your other options.

Tackling the dog training on your own is one approach, and you can’t beat the cost. But you’ll need to learn how – and getting results may not be all that easy. Moreover, if you go this route, be prepared to invest a great deal of time.

Group classes at a local pet store are another option, but your pooch won’t get customized dog training or one-on-one time with the professional trainer. And, the available class times may not match up with your schedule.

You could also choose a Portland board-and-train dog boot camp program. Having your furry friend stay with a professional dog trainer for several weeks may be ideal if you’re too busy for private training lessons.

Should You Arrange for Private Dog Training?

Private lessons can be an incredibly effective and efficient approach to teaching your dog new skills and helping them overcome bad habits. When you consider all of the benefits, it’s easy to see why many Portland pet owners take this approach. You may want to do the same, especially if any of the following are true:

• Your dog is extremely anxious or shy, making it difficult for them to learn new skills in a group setting

• Your furry friend has mastered the basics and you’d like to move forward with advanced dog training

• You need a professional trainer to help resolve behavioral challenges, such as aggression or separation anxiety

However, as with most things in life, private dog training lessons have both pros and cons. The cost is one potential drawback, as it tends to be higher than that for group classes. Another downside may be the lack of interaction with other dogs – but as we mentioned, lessons can be held at a local park or at a dog training facility, so your tail-wagger can get opportunities to socialize.

Taking everything into account, private training lessons may be the best solution. But before making that decision, we suggest scheduling an evaluation with an experienced professional trainer – like the team at Blackwood Canine.

Our professional dog trainers want to get to know you and your pet, and before recommending a training approach, we need to understand your training goals and needs. Plus, you likely have questions, and during our consultation, you’ll get answers, along with expert advice tailored to your specific situation. To learn more about what Blackwood Canine has to offer Portland pet parents, or to discuss the benefits of our private dog training lessons, contact us online or give our office a call today. 

Dog Trainer Advice on Dealing with Car Anxiety

Driving around Portland, you’ve no doubt noticed many dogs are happy to take car rides – but your tail-wagger is always reluctant to hit the road. Overcoming car anxiety is essential, and the professional dog trainers at Blackwood Canine can help.

You may want your beloved canine companion along when you’re running errands or traveling, but that’s not an option if they whine, shake, whimper or refuse to get in the car. And while anxious dogs can often be left at home, there are certain places – such as the veterinarian’s office, the groomer’s or a Portland dog training facility – that require a road trip.

Fortunately, you can make riding in the car less stressful for your pooch. And, you may even be able to help your furry friend come to enjoy going for a drive. Here, our experienced dog trainers offer advice on how to address car anxiety.

Is Motion Sickness the Problem?

 Just like people, dogs can suffer from motion sickness when they ride in a car – and if your pooch gets nauseous during road trips, their reluctance to travel is completely understandable.

Not every dog vomits when they get car sick, so you’ll need to watch for other signs that your tail-wagger is feeling nauseated. Any of the following reactions may indicate motion sickness is an issue:

·       Excessive drooling

·       Lip smacking

·       Heavy panting

·       Repeated yawning

·       Restless pacing

·       Shaking and shivering

If you suspect that your fur baby is getting car sick, there are a few strategies you can try to quell nausea. Experienced dog trainers suggest:

• Limiting food and water intake before taking your pooch on a trip

• Using a doggie seatbelt to keep them facing toward the front of the car

• Lowering the windows a few inches to allow fresh air to circulate

• Asking your veterinarian to recommend an anti-nausea medication

Motion sickness is incredibly unpleasant, so it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to make your pooch comfortable with car rides until you find a way to keep nausea at bay. Once you do, you can begin taking steps to resolve your dog’s anxiety.

Help Your Dog Feel Safe in the Car

For your fur baby to enjoy taking a ride around Portland, they’ll need to feel safe in the car.

Professional dog trainers recommend creating a cozy nesting area, using a doggie car seat or crate with a cushioned liner to keep your pooch comfortable and ensure that they feel secure. If you opt for a crate, you may need to place rolled towels underneath to make the surface level. And if your dog has a favorite comfort item, like a stuffed toy or blanket, bringing it on car rides may help.

Create a Positive Association with the Car

Does your tail-wagger get anxious when you simply pick up your car keys? They may find the vehicle to be a scary place, and you’ll need to turn that around.

To help your dog overcome this fear, experienced dog trainers say to begin by offering a small, high-value treat for approaching the car. Then, place your pooch inside and encourage them to roam around. Give another reward, and once they appear to be more comfortable, start the car and offer a treat. If they’re able to stay calm, turn off the engine, secure your fur baby in their special spot, and dish out another treat. When you think your dog is relaxed, try taking a drive around the block.

Make Car Rides End at a Fun Destination

For many dogs, car anxiety is the result of a previous negative experience – and if that’s the case for your fur baby, you’ll need to erase their fear of the destination.

Only riding in the car when it’s time for a vet visit or a trip to the groomer’s could make your pooch understandably wary of taking a drive. To alleviate their anxiety, professional dog trainers suggest taking short car rides to fun places. If the majority of your road trips end at a local park, Portland hiking trail or somewhere else your tail-wagger wants to be, their car anxiety should soon become a thing of the past.

Get Help From an Experienced Dog Trainer

Teaching your furry friend to tolerate or, preferably, to enjoy car rides can be challenging. When not addressed early on, canine car anxiety can escalate – and you may need the help of an experienced dog trainer to overcome the problem.

At Blackwood Canine, our puppy jump start program, private dog training lessons, and board-and-train programs are designed to address a range of behavioral issues. Our professional dog trainers have the skill, knowledge, and expertise to identify the root cause of canine car anxiety and teach your pooch to be more comfortable on road trips.

The dedicated dog trainers at Blackwood Canine have been helping pet parents for over a decade, and we’re proud that our positive, reward-based approach has led local veterinarians, rescues, shelters, and breeders to recommend our dog training services. We work with tail-waggers of all ages, breeds, and temperaments – and our highly experienced dog trainers know how to achieve positive outcomes when dealing with behavioral issues.

For more information on Blackwood Canine and our dog training services for pet parents in Portland, Oregon – or to schedule an evaluation to discuss your fur baby’s car anxiety with our professional dog trainers – contact us today.

Is Your Pup a Nipper? Try These Puppy Trainer Tips to Stop Biting

Ask any puppy trainer in Portland, and they’ll tell you that biting is one of the top issues pet parents have with young pups. Our fur babies can do serious damage with their needle teeth – and for nippers, no one is off limits.

If you want to teach your new four-legged family member not to bite people, a professional puppy trainer can help you accomplish that goal. A number of techniques may be effective – but keep in mind, certain methods can rile up excitable puppies, making them nip even more.

Below, the Blackwood Canine team covers the different ways to stop biting. See which one works for your little nipper – and if you struggle to find a solution, you can always turn to a Portland puppy trainer.

Nipping is Normal for Puppies

First of all, we’d like to explain why younger puppies bite. As professional puppy trainers, we know it’s not a sign of aggression, which is a common worry among new pet parents. Nor does nipping indicate that a pup wants to hurt someone – it just ends up hurting, thanks to their razor sharp teeth.

If your pup is a nipper, the behavior may be happening for one of these reasons:

• Your fur baby is teething and feeling the pain

• Boredom is leading your pup to bite for attention

• Rough play or corrections have reinforced the behavior

In many cases, however, problem puppy biting is simply a misguided attempt at playing. Our young furry friends are used to mouthing and biting their fellow litter pups when they’re feeling playful, and the instinctive behavior doesn’t go away when they’re adopted.

As you can see, nipping is normal – but you’ll want to stop the behavior as soon as possible, long before your puppy grows to be a fully grown dog and becomes capable of inflicting serious harm. To do so, puppy trainers recommend trying the following techniques.

Redirect with a Chew Toy

Professional puppy trainers advise pet parents to have plenty of chew toys on hand when they bring a furry friend into their Portland home. If your pup starts to nip at your hands, feet or anywhere else they can reach, try to draw their attention to a chew toy. If they continue to come after you instead of the toy, give them a timeout in a crate or puppy pen. But do so in a calm manner, as the intent isn’t to punish your pet.

Use the “Ouch!” Method

Another method puppy trainers recommend pet parents try to stop a young pooch from biting is with a loud “ouch!” as soon as the behavior occurs. The sudden noise should tell your fur baby to cut it out, and if they do, offer praise and affection. Repeat these steps every time your pup bites, and motivation for positive attention may start to outweigh their instinct to keep on nipping.

Ignore the Nipping

For some younger puppies, the above technique actually encourages more nipping – which is exactly what you don’t want. If that seems to be an issue, puppy trainers say to try ignoring your little pooch when they bite. Move the body part they’re biting out of reach, of course, but don’t interact. By becoming as boring as you can be when your pup nips, you may be able to get the biting to stop.

Try the Treat Technique

Professional puppy trainers know that a direct approach can be effective in teaching some young fur babies not to bite. The treat tactic involves holding a small tasty bit of food in your fist, but not letting your pup have it if they start nipping or pawing at your hand. When they take their nose away, let them have the treat. This can help a young puppy learn that biting will never get a treat.

Give Your Pup a Break

Implementing the 3-strike rule in your Portland home may be a good way to stop problem puppy biting. The first time your furry friend nips at you is strike one, and that earns a firm “NO.” The next time, say nothing, but redirect their attention with a chew toy. If they aren’t interested and continue to bite, it’s time for them to go to their crate. Remain calm, however, as this is a timeout -- not a punishment.

Get Help from a Professional Puppy Trainer

This may seem like quite a lot of information to take in, and dealing with a puppy biting problem isn’t easy when you’re still getting the handle on being a pet parent. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or your efforts at teaching your beloved pooch are less than successful, it may make sense to enlist the help of a professional puppy trainer.

Private lessons with an experienced puppy trainer may be the right solution, as their guidance and demonstration of how to stop the biting could be enough to put you on the right track to better behavior. If you’re diligent in following their advice, your pup should come out of the nipping phase rather quickly.

If you’re looking for an experienced professional puppy trainer in Portland or elsewhere in northwestern Oregon, Blackwood Canine is here to meet your needs – and since we’ve been helping pet parents for more than 10 years, our team knows how to achieve results.

Our puppy trainers offer in-home private lessons for pet parents in the Portland area, or, if you prefer, you’re welcome to schedule private lessons at our state-of-the-art training facility in Scappoose. And you may want to consider our popular Puppy Jump-Start program, a three-month training course designed to help young pups develop basic life skills and a love of learning.

At Blackwood Canine, we work with dogs of all ages, breeds, and dispositions. In addition to our Puppy Jump Start program, our in-home private lessons, and our in-facility training, we offer several board-and-train programs – otherwise known as dog boot camps – to better accommodate Oregon pet parents.

For more information on how we train puppies – or to schedule an evaluation with the professional Portland puppy trainers at Blackwood Canine, contact us today.

The Basics on Dog Boot Camp Programs

If you want your four-legged friend to learn new skills, enrolling in a dog boot camp in Portland can be an effective approach.

Also called dog board-and-train programs or immersion training, boot camps are designed for pet owners who lack the time and patience for dog training. Some professional trainers – including the team at Blackwood Canine – also offer camp programs for dogs who need help resolving behavioral issues. 

How Dog Boot Camp Training Works

 With a board-and-train program, your dog will stay with professional trainers for a period of time – typically between four and ten weeks. Immersion training is highly customized, and after learning about your specific needs and goals, the trainers will create a plan to achieve results.

While at boot camp, your dog will take part in multiple training sessions throughout each day. There’s plenty of downtime, too, and your pooch will have opportunities to catch naps, go for walks and participate in supervised group play.

To ensure that the lessons learned during the boot camp program aren’t forgotten at home, many professional dog trainers in the Portland area include private follow-up lessons. Take advantage of these, and you’ll learn how to work with your dog to maintain and enhance their training.

What Dogs Learn at Boot Camp

As we mentioned, Portland dog board-and-train programs are customized, so the skills and behaviors the professional trainers work on will depend on your unique needs and overall goals. During immersion training, your dog may learn:

·       Basic commands, such as sit, stay, come and down

·       General in-home manners, including how to act when guests arrive

·       Crate training, potty training and housebreaking

·       Loose leash walking without pulling, even with distractions

·       Proper socialization and dog-to-dog interaction

Professional trainers can also focus on behavior modification to bring bad habits to an end. A board-and-train program can be effective in stopping your pooch from:

• Running out the door

• Jumping up on people

• Barking at every sound

• Grabbing food from the table

• Resource guarding

• Nipping and biting

Immersion training can help with other behavioral challenges as well, including fear issues, separation anxiety, and aggression. You can also find Portland board-and-train programs that offer specialty training for agility, competition, and therapy work.

What to Bring to Dog Boot Camp

When you enroll your pooch in boot camp, the professional trainers will let you know what to bring. Don’t expect a long list, however, as most board-and-train facilities have just about everything your dog will need during their time away from home.

You may be asked to send food for your furry family member, as a sudden change in diet can be stressful. You might also want to bring a favorite toy or, perhaps, a worn blanket or t-shirt to provide a familiar scent and help your dog feel at home.

Other than that, you’ll need to make sure that your dog is wearing a collar with an I.D. tag and, preferably, a microchip that holds your current contact information. The professional trainer will also want your veterinarian’s information. These are simply precautions, like those you would take if you were leaving your child with a babysitter.

What to Expect When Your Dog Comes Home

Many pet owners are worried about the transition between the board-and-train facility and home. When a dog returns from boot camp, they need to understand that their new skills must apply at home, too – and there’s a concern that this won’t happen.

Fortunately, professional dog trainers recognize this, and most will provide you with the advice and guidance you need to get your pooch to listen to your commands. Your trainer should also let you know how to motivate and reward your four-legged friend in different situations.

If the trainers you choose use positive reinforcement to promote proper behavior, your dog should be eager to respond to your commands at home. And if you experience any issues, your professional dog trainer can address them during your private follow-up lessons.

How to Choose the Right Dog Boot Camp Program

People often assume that anyone who runs a dog boot camp has met the industry requirements – but the problem is, the industry is completely unregulated. As a result, choosing the right board-and-train program can be a challenge.

To make the best decision for your beloved pet, look for a professional trainer who has made a point of seeking out certifications, apprenticeships and continuing education. These types of qualifications show dedication to the profession, an important trait in a dog trainer.

You’ll also want to consider the dog trainer’s approach, as professionals who employ a balanced approach – with positive reinforcement and clear communication – are more successful in changing behavior. Look for a boot camp where your dog can have fun while they learn, and you can achieve your training goals.

Looking for a Quality Dog Boot Camp in Portland?

Positive reinforcement and reward-based training techniques result in happy, well-behaved dogs – and if you choose our Portland dog boot camp, you can count on the professional trainers at Blackwood Canine to use these methods in teaching your pooch.

Along with immersion training, we offer a puppy jump-start program and private lessons – either at your home or our state-of-the-art facility in Scappoose. We work with tail-waggers of all breeds and ages, and we’re proud to be the preferred trainers of local veterinarians, shelters, breeders and rescues. For more information on the Blackwood Canine team, or to discuss the benefits of enrolling in our dog boot camp in Portland, Oregon, contact us online or give us a call today.