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Expert Tips to Socialize Aggressive Dogs

Expert Tips to Socialize Aggressive Dogs

If you have an aggressive dog, it can be difficult to know how to socialize them properly and safely. A certified dog trainer in Vancouver may help your dog develop into a sociable canine without risking their safety or yours. 

Choose the Right Trainer

Make sure your dog is being trained by a professional who understands that an aggressive dog requires expert behaviour training. A certified dog trainer in Vancouver may help teach you how to communicate with your pet in a way that will reduce its aggressive tendencies. Before choosing a trainer, ask for recommendations from friends and family and/or search ‘aggressive dog behaviour training near me’ to schedule face-to-face meetings with the trainers before hiring them.

Positive Reinforcement

One of the most effective training techniques for aggressive dogs is positive reinforcement. It provides an optimistic approach to training aggressive dogs and creates a positive and healthy relationship between the dog and the owner.

Play and Praise – No Rewards or Treats

Research has shown that using rewards and treats can cause a dog to become dependent on them.  We praise dogs without treats after they have followed through with the obedience. The aim is for the dog to utilize its brain and work on following through on a task.  It’s important that training is fun, but don’t forget your dog needs praise too! If he performs an action well, just tell him how smart he is and show him how proud you are.

The Bottom Line

Do you have an aggressive dog? Looking for the best dog training in Vancouver to help modify the behaviour issues in your dog? Get professional dog training assistance now! A dog trainer may help introduce your canine to other dogs in a safe environment. This type of socialization may help your pet learn how to interact with others in a more positive way.

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Why won’t my dog come back when called?

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Why won’t my dog come back when called?

A typical question we get asked is: “Why is it that when I try to call Homer, he only comes back to me when he feels like it?”

The scenario could be at a dog park where Homer, distracted with other dogs, is being called repetitively by his owner: “HOMER come here, I said, HOMER, HOMER will you come here right now!” Eventually, the owner ends up chasing or playing a form of tag with Homer.

The recall command can be a tough command to learn. To get a reliable off leash direct recall, takes time and it would be easier to start with basic dog training which is on a six-foot leash. Also, having a Professional Dog Trainer guiding you with the recall command would simplify the routine.

An example of helping your dog to come to you is to motivate the dog by tapping your legs. Once the dog comes to you, even though it might be an automatic reaction, never scold him. By doing this, he’ll think twice before coming back to you the next time. Instead, always give the dog lots of praise when he comes back to you. Also, always make sure to keep the dog and yourself safe by having good control over the leash.

Providing a positive and motivational reinforcement approach to a daily training obedience routine will help modify this behavior problem.

Professional Dog Trainer

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We serve in Vancouver, Burnaby, New Westminster, Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Richmond, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, Surrey, and Delta.

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Some Common Puppy Behaviour Problems

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Some Common Puppy Behaviour Problems


The arrival of a new puppy into your home can be an exciting time, but it can also bring its share of challenges as well. It’s important to correct behaviour issues in puppies quickly, as they will get worse if left unchecked. Here we’ve discussed the most common puppy behaviour issues listed by the leading dog behaviourist in Vancouver.

Chewing

It’s a well-known fact that puppies like to explore and chew on many inappropriate items.  Chew toys should be given to puppies as a substitute.  Also, puppies should always be supervised when they are given toys to play and/or chew. Be aware of your puppy’s surroundings and make sure that it is a safe area to prevent chewing on hazardous items. It’s a good idea to choose puppy training in Burnaby so that you can learn strategies for preventing destructive chewing.

Separation Anxiety

If your puppy howls and/or barks when you leave him alone, it could be because he’s experiencing separation anxiety. A dog behaviourist may help you work through these behavioural issues. Consistent daily training along with handy tips may help with building confidence and modifying the behaviour.

Jumping on People

It’s easy to get annoyed when your puppy jumps up on you with muddy paws. This may be a sign of seeking attention or a challenging gesture. This behaviour may be also due to the dog needing a job or work to do.   Putting the dog on a daily consistent training routine will not only give the dog work to do but also build on a better relationship.

Pulling on a Leash

Puppies are instinctively drawn toward new things and excited by them. If your puppy tends to pull on its leash, select the best puppy training in Burnaby to help your puppy modify this behaviour.

Puppy Behaviour Vancouver

Looking for the best puppy training in Vancouver BC? Get in touch with A-Z Canine Training now for a training session so that your new four-legged friend may become an obedient member of your family.

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What Should You Do When Mouthing Behaviour Continues in Adult Dogs?

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What Should You Do When Mouthing Behaviour Continues in Adult Dogs?

Puppy biting is common. Most of the time, it’s considered to be a part of your puppy’s development. By getting your pup enrolled in puppy training by a dog behaviourist in Vancouver, you may control the puppy biting. But, what should you do when the biting continues into your dog’s adolescence? No one loves to have an adult dog with mouthing behaviour. Excessive biting in adult dogs is an indicator of future aggression and must be addressed quickly to prevent it from becoming a big issue.

Basic Requirements aren’t Met

If your dog’s actual physical and mental stimulations aren’t satisfied, it causes mouthing behaviour in your dog. If your dog does not have a job or work to do, it will become bored which may lead to biting. Seek assistance on how you can help your dog by providing him or her a consistent daily training routine. Considering dog training in Burnaby is an ideal choice to ensure that your dog’s needs are met.

Use Positive Reinforcement

A dog’s bite can be a serious behaviour problem. Yelling and being aggressive to your dog to correct him or her will not make it better as it will make the dog’s confidence level decrease. There may also be the tendency for the dog to react and make the situation even more serious.  So, use a positive reinforcement approach to slowly eliminate the biting behaviour. Get your dog into dog training in Burnaby to correct their behaviour.

Wrapping Up

Does your dog exhibit mouthing behaviour? Address it quickly before it becomes a serious issue. Get in touch with a dog behaviourist to help modify the problem. Visit a-zcanine.ca/ to know more about dog boards and train in Vancouver.

Private dog training in Vancouver

We serve in Vancouver, Burnaby, New Westminster, Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Richmond, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, Surrey, and Delta.

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How can I stop my dog from counter surfing?

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How can I stop my dog from counter-surfing?

One of many dog behavioural problems encountered is counter surfing.  A typical scenario is we have John and Sara intently watching a TV movie. Their dog, Rover, slowly gets up and heads for the kitchen. As the movie ends, Sara notices Rover on his bedding repeatedly licking his lips and a trail of crumbs and blue goop come from the kitchen. Sara leaps up and heads for the kitchen and notices the table a disaster zone of blueberries and crust pieces coming from what was a beautifully baked pie.

One suggestion is to make sure the counters/tables are cleared of items that the dog could get into. Also, as a safety net, one would put temporary barriers (doors, folding gates, etc.) to prevent the dog from entering those areas it’s not permitted to be in. For example, if the dog is in the living room with you, then he/she should be contained in the room with you so that you can fully monitor him/her. After all, there’s always a chance that one might forget to clear items on that table and/or counter.

However, this is only part of the solution to counter-surfing. One must also add a positive and motivational daily dog obedience training routine to help modify this behaviour problem.

Private dog training in Vancouver

We serve in Vancouver, Burnaby, New Westminster, Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Richmond, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, Surrey, and Delta.

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Can Online Virtual Dog Training Help Your Dog?

Virtual Dog Training

When people think of aggression prevention dog training, they picture taking their dog to a training center. But, today, with a greater number of businesses and services going online, it’s inevitable for the dog training and behaviour industry to quickly become one among them. Virtual aggression prevention dog training is considered to be as effective as in-person training. It provides the same guidance and instruction that are helpful in rebuilding your relationship with your dog and providing quick results at home.  The dog training lessons are self-paced and all the instruction is given while in the comfort of your home.

What Can You Expect from Virtual Dog Training?

Virtual dog training sessions are often provided through live video chat platforms, such as Zoom, Skype, and more. All you need to get started with the class is a laptop or a smartphone with a web camera. After joining the class, the dog behaviourist will teach you specific techniques and skills that develop a strong bond between you and your dog based on trust and positive interactions. They will guide you through a variety of exercises, give you feedback, and provide specialized coaching on common behaviour issues.

How to Get Ready for a Virtual Dog Training?

If your dog is used to taking lessons at a dog training center, taking virtual dog training classes is totally a new and different experience for your dog. So, here we’ve compiled a few tips to get prepared for virtual dog training sessions.

  • Decide a place wherein you are planning to take the class and get your dog used to it by hosting playtime sessions there. You can make the space more enjoyable by bringing in his favourite toys and more.
  • During the lecture, have your dog(s) resting comfortably in an area nearby until the start of hands-on training.
  • Set up a room or location where there’s minimal distraction.  It will make it easier to focus and understand the training being introduced.
  • Provide a stable location for your camera (tripod, stand, etc.) and set up a correct height for the trainer to watch you train your dog.
  • Keep everything ready, such as training mats, toys, leash, and more, on the day of the class.

After the end of each virtual aggression prevention dog training session, share your experience with the dog behaviourist.
Visit a-zcanine.ca to know more about dog boarding and training in Vancouver.

We serve in Vancouver, Burnaby, New Westminster, Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Richmond, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, Surrey, and Delta.

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3 Reasons Why Puppy Training Shouldn’t be Ignored

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Why Puppy Training Shouldn’t be Ignored

Puppy training can seem like an inconvenience when you’re just in the market for a cute new pet. But the time you invest in puppy training now will be well worth it later, as you get to enjoy years of companionship with your furry friend. Here are three reasons why you should opt for private dog training in Vancouver soon:

Build Communication and Trust:

By training your dog from an early age, you’re teaching it how to respond when asked to do something and understand a basic set of commands. This builds trust with both your pet and yourself. With the help of dog training in Vancouver, pets may be more reliable companions who know how to behave around guests or in public spaces like parks.

Minimises Your Dog’s Separation Anxiety:

Separation anxiety is one of many symptoms that your dog could develop, which is why it’s important to train your pet from a young age.  With early dog training in Burnaby, you can teach your dog to remain alone safely while you’re away.  This means separation anxiety and other problems may be avoided with pet training by an expert, which in turn may make your life easier!

Keeps Your Pet Safe:

Training your puppy at a young age solves unwanted behaviour such as nipping, jumping, bolting out the door, and others. It also trains them to be responsive to your cues in different environments, walking on a loose leash, and more. Teaching your puppy basic commands helps give them guidance and also keeps them out of trouble around cars, children, and dangerous situations. In other words, it helps you and your dog to be safe.

Private dog training in Vancouver is very important to help your puppy become healthy and happy in your home environment.  Talk to a professional dog trainer for more information.

We serve in Vancouver, Burnaby, New Westminster, Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Richmond, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, Surrey, and Delta.

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Possessive Dog Aggression: How to Deal with It

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Possessive Dog Aggression: How to Deal with It

Responsible dog ownership means teaching your dog how to get along with other people and animals. If you want to prevent possessive dog aggression, it’s important to understand what causes it, so you can focus on the right things in training. Aggression prevention dog training teaches your dog appropriate responses to his environment in order to help his aggressive behaviour toward anything or anyone around him. Dog behaviour and training in Burnaby focuses on common problems like possessive dog aggression, including what factors may contribute to it and how you may modify the aggressive behavior.

What is Possessive Dog Aggression?

Possessive aggression in dog is when your dog guards over things that they consider precious. The best way to understand possessive aggression is to identify where it’s coming from. Some of the common causes of possessive aggression may be:

  • The natural response of dogs to protect their food and resources
  • Learned behaviour
  • Past trauma
  • Limited access to food, toys, and other resources which triggers them to protect it at all costs
  • It may be dependant on the dog’s environmental influences

How to Deal with Dog Possessive Aggression?

If your dog shows signs of possessive aggression such as growling, snapping, or biting, it’s crucial to get assistance from a professional dog trainer as soon as possible. Here are a few tips that can be helpful in modifying possessive aggression in dogs.

  • Have your dog eat in a comfortable and secure area where he is not being bothered. Do not challenge your dog when he is possessive over his favorite item.
  • Getting advice to train him to “leave it” or “drop it” is the item that they are possessive about. However, these tips alone may not work if the dog does not understand what’s acceptable or unacceptable behaviour. Therefore, it’s essential to have your dog enrolled in a training program.
  • Don’t threaten your dog by yelling at him to leave the item. Consult your dog behaviourist for guidance and assistance.

Dog Trainer Vancouver

Contact us and enroll your dog in our dog training in Vancouver to know more about possessive aggression in dogs.

We serve in Vancouver, Burnaby, New Westminster, Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Richmond, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, Surrey, and Delta.

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Top Reasons to Choose Virtual Training for your Puppy

Virtual Training for your Puppy in Burnaby

Top Reasons to Choose Virtual Training for Your Puppy

One option to have your puppy trained is hiring an in-person dog trainer.  However, there are actually plenty of great reasons why virtual dog training in Vancouver might be best for you and your puppy!

Reduce the Need for Scheduled Visits

One of the top reasons to choose virtual training is that you can remotely train your puppy from anywhere, at any time. So instead of scheduling an appointment with a dog behaviourist in Vancouver and having them come over regularly, you can simply participate by watching and following the training techniques via virtual online. This will reduce the need for scheduled in-home visits.

Fastest Way to Learn  

Once you’ve decided to use virtual training, you may be wondering how long it will take before you have a well-behaved puppy. It’s important to remember that it’s dependant on how much time and effort you’re willing to put in during each phase of training.  It’s important to be very diligent in training your dog daily.

Focus on Behavioural Issues

If you’re like many dog owners, you may find that it’s difficult to train a new puppy. Virtual online puppy training in Burnaby focuses on helping modify undesirable behaviours and may be highly effective in helping curb issues such as separation anxiety, excessive barking, jumping, lunging, chewing, and other problems.

Less Distraction and Convenient

Convenient and easy access to a training session by phone, tablet, or laptop.  As simple as giving guidance on the setup of the camera angle, virtual online may give valuable training information and assistance just as if the trainer was presently there with you.  Furthermore, it may make it easier for the dog trainer to present the information without being there in person as a distraction to your dog.

Get in touch with a professional dog trainer at A-Z Canine Training for virtual puppy training in Burnaby.

We serve in Vancouver, Burnaby, New Westminster, Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Richmond, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, Surrey, and Delta.

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How to Manage Your Aggressive Dog in Public?

How to Manage Your Aggressive Dog in Public?

How to Manage Your Aggressive Dog in Public?


It may be natural for a dog to bark as a warning sign for his owner when a stranger approaches. However, some dogs may continue barking and start attacking the stranger. Some municipalities have laws against having aggressive dogs, and if your dog is showing aggressive behaviour or attacking strangers, this will be a serious issue. So, it’s crucial to find an aggression prevention dog training to correct the aggressive behaviour issues.

Causes of Dog Aggression

When you enrol your dog or pup in a Burnaby dog training session, the trainer will first make an assessment and discuss your dog’s aggressive behaviour. In addition, a training plan and handy tips will be explained in the initial consultation. Here are a few reasons and triggers of dog aggression.

  • No socialization
  • A traumatic experience in the past
  • Introduced to a new environment
  • Meeting strangers
  • Interactions with particular people
  • Meeting other dogs
  • Perceive certain things as a threat to their resources and more.

Tips to Manage Your Aggressive Dog in Public

Owners of aggressive dogs have a serious responsibility to keep other people and animals safe from their dogs. In most situations, owners are less likely to take their aggressive dogs out, fearing that they can become a potential threat to other people, dogs, or animals. We have listed a few tips to manage an aggressive dog in public.  However, before going through the tips, it is very important to have your dog involved in a professional dog training program.  Also, it is vital to train your dog on a daily and consistent basis. 

  • When you notice your dog is aggressive, identify the triggers that make your dog exhibit unwanted behaviour.
  • Keep your dog away from the things and people that cause aggression.  Be prepared to have full control of your dog and have the knowledge on what to do if your dog becomes aggressive.
  • Figure out the space your dog requires to help build positive experiences with the triggers.
  • While training and/or taking your dog for walks, help them familiarize with the environment, and give them the time to adapt to the changes.  
  • Take them to a location where there’s no or minimum distraction for training and /or playing. Make sure that you not only prevent but also have control if they lash out suddenly before taking them out to the public.

Do you want help in managing your dog’s aggression? We’ve got you covered! Get enrolled in our aggression prevention dog training now. Get in touch with us now to know more about behaviour training, obedience training, and more.

We serve in Vancouver, Burnaby, New Westminster, Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Richmond, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, Surrey, and Delta.

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