The bond we have with our dog is a special one, but not always easy to maintain. Oftentimes, owners will attempt to discipline their pets without follow through, or ultimately give in to negative reinforcement. This creates a cycle of frustration, and inconsistent behavioral fixes that are adverse to a healthy relationship that could be…
Jacob’s progress: Jacob Goes to Group Training Jacob is a 3-year-old German shepherd dog who began training for obedience and aggressive behavior in January 2018. Read on for his story and frequent updates, as reported by his owner, Terry. There are several links at the bottom that detail Jacob’s progress (and his owner’s). In this…
You and your dog are best friends. What goes into selecting a trainer for your best friend? Keep a few things in mind when selecting a trainer. Not all dog trainers are the same nor have the same approach. There are different kids of dog training (see my article Forms of Dog Training that discusses…
There are many things to consider when bringing a dog into your family. What kind of dog? What kind of food do I feed my new dog? What kind of collar? What kind of leash? How do I train my new dog? Do I use a crate? So many unanswered questions. As with any subject,…
Happy holidays from Focus Dog Training! Holidays can be a huge stress on dogs owners. All the company in and out of the house, the parties, the kids running around, strange noises–these are potential triggers that stress dogs and can wreck your holiday fun, if you’re dogs are nervy or untrained. Sometimes, the only option…
There are many options to consider when choosing a dog trainer. Proximity: finding a dog trainer that is close is good. Academic accomplishment: how important is it to find a dog trainer who has certifications? Type of encounter: should you use classes or a one-on-one approach? In my opinion, the most important characteristics of a…
Tips For Keeping Your Dog Cool According to holiday-weather.com, the hottest month in the Houston area is August. Anyone that lives here in Houston and the surrounding areas, also knows this to be true. The air conditioning bills are higher and more people going to the pool before school starts. Your pets need to stay…
Jacob’s Progress: Jacob executes commands now without training aids Jacob is a 3-year-old German shepherd dog who began training for obedience and aggressive behavior in January 2018. Read on for his story and frequent updates about training, as reported by his owner, Terry. In this video, Rick interviews Terry about what he saw when he came…
My view is that dog parks are not the best play option for the majority of dogs. Do you love taking your dog to the dog park? There are some off-leash dog parks where you can take your dog. Keep in mind that some dog parks are better than others, and some dogs do better…
Dog Training With Your Lifestyle I am frequently asked why I don’t operate my training business from a building. I’ve been doing this a lot of years, and I feel that there is a benefit with dog training with your lifestyle. Training buildings have their benefits: cool air conditioning in the hot summer, shelter if…