Questions and Answers

Here are some common questions that are asked concerning some popular issues related to dog training!

There are two main types of training:

1. Obedience Training - This is where the dog is given a command and the dog responds. sit, stay, down, come, stand, etc.

2. Behavior Modification - This training is for problem areas. jumping, digging, chewing, biting, etc.

Dogs need both forms of training. You can teach a dog response commands and to do them with perfection, but that does not help much if your dog knocks down your guests as they walk through the front door, or continuously barks at everything that moves. You want your dog to be well-rounded in both training areas, and at ease in their environment.

Academy of Canines offers both in our Members Section!

Q: Can an older dog still be house trained?
A: Yes. When training an older dog you must start by properly cleaning any spots inside your home where he/she may have already soiled. Next you…Read

Q: Can a dog be corrected from barking?
A: Did you know that the main reason a dog barks consistently is due to it being bored or lonely? Start by talking to your neighbors to find out how…Read

Q: One of the most asked questions we come across is… Can my older dog still be trained?
A: In most cases YES! Just because a dog is older does not mean he can’t still be trained. Dogs develop their personalities as puppies and that is the best time for training, however with an older dog you can still teach new commands…Read

Q: Can my dog be trained to stop chewing shoes? And other behavior issues?
A: Absolutely! It is possible to correct most unwanted behaviors your dog may have such as chewing, digging, jumping, even chasing the cat! Let’s take a bad habit and turn it into a positive behavior. To do this we want to start…Read

Q: Can a dog with separation anxiety be helped?
A: Yes, there are many different options for correcting this behavior. You have to start by making sure it is true separation anxiety. Separation anxiety occurs when you leave your dog alone, it does not matter if it is 5 minutes or 5 hours, your dog gets stressed when you are not there. He may pace, chew things up, whine, bark, scratches doors or windows, even chew the wall…Read

Q: I work all day. Are there alternative ways for my dog to get exercise while I’m gone?
A: One of the most important things for any dog is exercise! When in a situation where you work a lot and your dog can not receive sufficient exercise while with you, there are other options available other than just leaving your dog in the yard. Some of these options include…Read

Q: We are having a new baby, do we need to find our adult dog a new home?
A: This is one of the most misunderstood cases we come across! NO… you do not have to get rid of your dog because of a new child. Let’s look over and start now on getting your dog use to a new baby being around. We want to…Read

Q: I want my dog trained, how long will that take?
A: That will depend on you! If you are consistent with working your dog you can train the basic commands and correct many behavior issues within one month. It normally only takes about 15-20 minutes per day of training. Most dogs can learn a task in one week. AGAIN, it all depends on YOU!
Older dogs may take a little longer. Then if you would like to, you can move on to advanced training and the fun tricks!

Q: Have you as a trainer worked with aggressive dogs or breeds?
A: Absolutely! I have worked with many aggressive dogs. Most aggressive dogs are that way because a human made them that way. A lot are due to lack of structure or training, these on a high percentage can be corrected. The only times that aggression may not be able to be modified is due to genetics or health issues (such as cancer in the brain). I have had great success in rehabilitating aggressive dogs.

Q: Does my aggressive dog need to be euthanized?
A: Do not make that call yet… you would not want to give up on a dog that may just have a behavior issue that can be corrected! Not all dogs with aggressive issues need to be destroyed. You want to start by figuring out why your dog is behaving in that manner. Has it been abused in the past, is
the pack structure not in order, is there a medical problem, let’s find the reason for the behavior and work on correcting it!...Read

Q: Do dogs prefer to be outside?
A: NO! Dogs like to be where you are. Remember they are pack animals. A lot of people use the "he wants to be outside" excuse, when in reality "the people" are who want the dog outside. Why would you want him outside? I bet if he were trained you would find that you love having him inside with
you. So now we need to focus on making that happen, we want to start by…Read

Q: When I’m at work should my dog be outside or inside?
A: Great question! Most dogs are better inside. Remember, this is their "safety space" or Den area. When you leave a dog outside you can cause behavior issues to start such as barking, digging, even them protecting their area to the point of driving your neighbors crazy. If you are gone extended hours the best solution would be allowing your dog access to both inside and a restricted amount of area outside…Read

Q: How do I take control back of my house and my dog?
A: NOT by yelling, screaming, hitting, or even crating! Let's teach you to be in charge without turning your dog into a fear biter because he has to protect himself from you. Let’s take a look at what is causing the problem in your…Read

Q: My dog acts like a human, do dogs think like we do? Are they consciously spiteful, feel guilt, and other human traits?
A: This is a huge debate! The answer as of now is NO. Dogs respond to our body language and actions. It could be as simple as squinting our eyes slightly, they read it! If a dog does something, somewhere there is an underlying reason, most lead to "I'm bored and haven't had enough exercise"…Read

Q: Why do most laws state I must contain or keep a dog on my property or on a leash?
A: For the safety of your dog and others, even people that live in the country should not let their dogs roam. Dogs will defend what they think is their territory which can lead to dog fights, killing livestock, battling wild animals which may carry diseases, they could get hit by a car, even get shot!

These are a few of the most commonly asked questions. To learn more about these as well as questions and answers to other people’s questions to training and everyday behavior issues please join us in the Member Section.