
Doggy Blog
5 Dog Behaviour Issues that Need Immediate Attention

5 Dog Behaviour Issues That Need Immediate Attention
Does your dog growl often? Does he/she jump on your guests? These behavioural problems should be addressed as soon as possible or else they may develop into more serious issues. Enroll your dog in private dog training in Vancouver to help modify the problem. Here we’ve listed the top five behavioural issues in dogs that should be addressed quickly.
Dog Aggression
Does your dog bark and/or growl at people who visit your home? This could be due to a traumatic event that’s happened in the dog’s history or a breed related nature. Search ‘aggression dog prevention training near me’ on Google to find a local dog behaviourist who could help you modify this problem.
Separation Anxiety
Separation anxiety may occur when your dog gets stressed when they are left alone. Continuous howling, barking, chewing, and drooling are the common symptoms of separation anxiety.
Excessive Chewing
Boredom and separation anxiety can cause excessive chewing in your dogs and pups. Providing your dog with a daily training routine could help modify these behaviours. Talk to your dog behaviourist to gets some tips on ‘how to get puppy to stop biting.’
Jumping on Visitors
Jumping on your visitors can be a problem especially for elders and kids, as they can be knocked down and seriously injured. Private dog training in Vancouver helps modify this issue and understand appropriate greetings with friends and family,
Do you notice any signs of behavioural issues in your dog or pup? Contact your dog behaviourist to get help in fixing these issues quickly and have a healthier & happier dog.
We serve in Vancouver, Burnaby, New Westminster, Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Richmond, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, Surrey, and Delta.
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Is Virtual Dog Training Right for Your Dog?

Is Virtual Dog Training Right for Your Dog?
The rise of virtual dog or puppy training in Vancouver is one of the positive things that came from the COVID pandemic. This allows dog trainers to help people from all over the world. What was once an in-person service has gone virtual now, and it’s here to stay. So, if you are having a puppy and couldn’t choose between traditional or online virtual dog training, don’t fret. Here we’ve listed a few benefits of attending virtual puppy training in Vancouver.
Benefits of Puppy training in Vancouver
- If you are planning to move and you are in the middle of a dog training session, you can continue the training through virtual lessons. Dog behaviourist in Vancouver can help set your dog for success if you don’t want to miss continued training with your dog or puppy.
- Dogs or puppies that are unable to attend in person classes due to anxiety can take part in virtual classes.
- Virtual online classes are less distracting and are suitable for pets that get distracted easily by new people or other dogs.
- Virtual dog training allows you to train your dog and puppy while following stay-at-home rule.
- The same expertise and guidance are provided as in-person sessions.
- It allows you to train your dog in the comfort of your own home at a convenient schedule. In small communities or remote areas, there may not be access to a professional dog trainer. It is now possible via virtual online.
- You can get immediate feedback from the dog behaviourist and receive valuable advice on improving your dog’s behaviour.
- Virtual dog training lessons are self-paced, and all family members can participate in the session.
Are you searching for ‘aggression prevention dog training near me?’ We specialize in dog and puppy training programs that provide a positive and motivational approach utilizing a “play and praise” reward system. Our virtual dog training sessions are exclusively designed for your puppy to help modify any behaviour issues. Find out more at https://a-zcanine.ca.
Moreover, we employ effective communication tools to explain key concepts quickly and easily. So, what are you waiting for? Call us now at 604 341 6509 to book your virtual dog training sessions today!
We serve in Vancouver, Burnaby, New Westminster, Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Richmond, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, Surrey, and Delta.
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Expert Tips to Set Up Your Home for a New Puppy

Expert Tips to Set Up Your Home for a New Puppy
Are you planning to bring a new puppy to your home? It’s an exciting and joyful moment! Your puppy needs a lot of attention, care, love, and puppy training in Vancouver as they transition into their new home. There are a few preparations to be made before bringing your puppy home, and the first step is to set up your home for the puppy. Here we’ve listed a few tips from the leading aggression prevention dog trainer to get your home ready for the new puppy.
Like small kids, puppies investigate everything they come across and learn through mouthing things and smells. So, it’s crucial to puppy-proof your home to protect it from any potential hazards.
- Keep electrical wires out of reach of pups to minimize the risk of electrocution.
- Remove long-hanging objects like curtains and tablecloths as they tempt your puppy to pull and chew them.
- Remove the house plants in the part of the home where your puppy will have access to them as these plants can be poisonous to your pup.
- Do not leave shoes or other objects on the floor as puppies tend to chew these items.
- Get an appropriately sized crate for your pup for its comfort and safety. A crate can also be used for housetraining purposes.
- Putting your puppy on early puppy training in Vancouver helps you create a well-behaved dog.
Getting a puppy is a time to celebrate! Setting up your home is a great way to build a strong and loving bond with your puppy. Do you want to enroll in puppy training or get a puppy to stop biting? We can help you! Contact us for more information.
We specialize in dog behavioral problems and offer private dog training in Vancouver that is flexible in time and tailored to the convenience of the client’s schedule of availability.
We serve in Vancouver, Burnaby, New Westminster, Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Richmond, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, Surrey, and Delta.
Moreover, we employ effective communication tools to explain key concepts quickly and easily. So, what are you waiting for? Call us now at 604 341 6509 to book your virtual dog training sessions today!
We serve in Vancouver, Burnaby, New Westminster, Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Richmond, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, Surrey, and Delta.
Our Training Philosophy & Services
How to Calm Aggressive Dogs?

How to Calm Aggressive Dogs?
Did you know dog aggression can permanently affect the relationship between a dog and its owner? Many dog owners consider aggressive dogs to be dangerous and avoid taking them outside, fearing they can become a potential threat to the public and other dogs. Private dog training in Vancouver is essential to prevent dogs from exhibiting aggressive behaviours. Here we’ve listed a few tips to help with aggressive dogs.
Analyze Your Dog’s Behaviour
As clearly stated on the motto of the crest of the International College of Canine Behavioral Science “ALL BEHAVIOUR HAS MEANING”. So, analyze the behaviour of your dog and try to understand the reasons or situations that trigger him to show aggressive behaviour. Also, you must provide not only a time for play but it is also very essential to have him/her on a training schedule.
Develop Socialization Skills
According to the professionals who offer a to z dog training, puppies who aren’t socialized enough become defensive or fearful of new dogs or people. Take him to obedience training who practice safe controlled socialization such as walks in the neighbourhood. Enroll him in dog boarding in Vancouver BC to address socialization issues and encourage him to maintain a good relationship with other dogs and people. When trained under the guidance of a professional trainer, you can help prevent your dog becoming aggressive.
Practice Positive Reinforcement
Do not use physical punishment on your dog whenever he/she shows aggressive behaviour. This will only worsen the situation and behaviour. Positive reinforcement and motivational training with the guidance from a dog aggression prevention trainer will help towards avoiding such unwanted behaviours. Choose private dog training in Vancouver to recognize aggressive behaviour and in your dog. It also helps you learn some useful tips to properly train your dog and help them feel more secure.
Is Your Dog Uncomfortable with Strangers? Here Is What You Should Know

Private Dog Training in Vancouver
Does your dog growl at strangers? Does it grumble when your neighbour approaches to talk to your dog or when your friend gets up from the dining table? Growling is an expression of dogs that they are uncomfortable with something in their environment. While it may be alarming, most of the time, it’s a good thing. A growl from your dog is an attempt to avoid potentially dangerous aggressive behaviour.
Some dog owners punish their dogs when they growl. But remember, punishing your dog makes it uncomfortable and models aggressive behaviour. Getting private dog training in Vancouver helps your dog feel safe in front of strangers and prevents them from unusual barking, biting, or growling.
Reasons Why Your Dog Growls at a Stranger
- Lack of socialization
- A bad experience
- Canine genetics
- Resource guarding
- Pain or illness and more.
The following activities may trigger your dog to growl at strangers.
- Getting too close to the dog
- Making physical contact with your dog
- Staring at your dog
- Changing positions suddenly, such as standing up from a chair
- Yelling at your dog
- Getting too close to the properties of your dog
How to Make Your Dog Feel Safe
As mentioned earlier, enrolling in private dog training in Vancouver helps your dog feel safe and get the puppy to stop biting. Take them for a walk, helping them navigate the human world and feel safer. Consult your aggression prevention dog trainer to get some advice on preventing your dog from barking or growling at strangers. They offer multiple dog training sessions to help solve your pet’s behavioural problems and obedience issues. They also provide aggression prevention training that modifies your dog’s aggressive behaviour and eliminates aggression in your home, to other people, or to other dogs. Our training is equivalent to the good citizen criteria required by kennel clubs all over the world.
Moreover, we employ effective communication tools to explain key concepts quickly and easily. So, what are you waiting for? Call us now at 604 341 6509 to book your virtual dog training sessions today!
We serve in Vancouver, Burnaby, New Westminster, Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Richmond, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, Surrey, and Delta.
Our Training Philosophy & Services
How to Teach Your Dog to Stop Being Aggressive?

Aggressive Dog Training
You have a serious behaviour problem on your hands if your dog regularly growls, snaps, or bites. One of the top reasons why people take their dogs to a behaviourist is aggression. Aggressive behaviour can be any behaviour that is connected with an attack or impending attack. It includes becoming still and rigid, growling, snarling, baring teeth, lunging, and nipping or biting. Choosing aggression prevention dog training in Burnaby helps your dog to eliminate aggressive behaviour.
Signs that Your Dog May Become Aggressive
Some of the signs that show that your dog may become aggressive are,
- Growling and snapping
- A rigid body and quickly wagging tail
- Lip licking or yawning
- Averting gaze
- Raised fur
- Cowering, with tail anywhere from tail tucking to the upright position
Tips to Stop Aggression in Your Dogs
When your dog becomes aggressive and shows signs of aggression, it’s important to note the situations in which your dog becomes aggressive. It helps you identify the underlying cause of aggression and manage it through private dog training in Vancouver.
Book an Appointment with a Dog Behaviourist
Aggression is a serious problem, and you shouldn’t attempt to fix it on your own. He will help you figure out the reason for the aggressive behaviour in your dog and create a customized plan for dog training in Burnaby to help manage it. He employs the best approach to manage your dog’s aggression and use positive reinforcement to teach your dog new behaviour.
Don’t Punish Your Dog
Punishing your dog for its aggressive behaviour must be avoided because it usually worsens the problem. For example, if you respond to a growling dog by being aggressive it may feel the need to defend itself and react with a bite. Do you have a dog that exhibits aggressive behaviour? Scheduling an appointment with your dog behaviourist for dog training and dog boarding in Vancouver BC may help!
Moreover, we employ effective communication tools to explain key concepts quickly and easily. So, what are you waiting for? Call us now at 604 341 6509 to book your virtual dog training sessions today!
At A-Z Canine Training, we help you understand the causes of your dog’s behaviour problems. The home environment and your own emotional reactions such as shouting and punishment simply accelerates the dog’s anxiety and therefore blunts the learning curve. We’ll guide you step by step throughout the process to help you solve the behavioural or obedience issues in your dog or pup.
We serve in Vancouver, Burnaby, New Westminster, Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Richmond, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, Surrey, and Delta.
Our Training Philosophy & Services
Why does my dog dig?

Why does my dog dig?
When I was a kid, we had a mixed poodle dog. We were taking care of it for my mom’s friend. This dog, Brandy, had a white curly coat. The first day we had him was not a great day. It was rainy outside and whenever we let him out, he would come back dark and covered with mud. My mom would wash him and dry him several times that day as Brandy’s repetitive adventure of digging and burrowing in the mud was fun for him.
A typical question asked is why do dogs dig?
It could be genetic such as with the Terrier group. These dogs were brought up to dig holes in search of burrowing rodents. With other dogs, digging is fun. It’s a way to burn off energy and to keep themselves busy. Digging could also be due to a dog having anxiety or stressed when left alone for long periods. Then there are the escape artists, dogs that manage to dig big enough holes under a fence to get out.
Digging is a difficult behavioural problem to fix. It is definitely not an overnight fix. Some of the solutions to prevent a dog from digging is to keep the dog away from the area and not to leave the him or her unsupervised. One should never scold a dog while and/or after it has dug since this will induce fear and lower its confidence.
Catching the dog in the act and following through immediately with an obedience routine is a good way to help correct the dog in this behaviour. Also, by continuing with a daily positive and motivational dog obedience training routine, it will help keep the dog busy and build on his or her confidence.
Moreover, we employ effective communication tools to explain key concepts quickly and easily. So, what are you waiting for? Call us now at 604 341 6509 to book your virtual dog training sessions today!
Private dog training in Vancouver
Tony Giotto, Master Dog Trainer and Behaviourist has worked with many dogs since 2001. He studied with and worked for Master Trainer S. Prewitt of the Prewitt Canine Training Academy at the International College of Canine Behavioural Science.
Call us now at (604) 341-6509 for more information!
We serve in Vancouver, Burnaby, New Westminster, Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Richmond, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, Surrey, and Delta.
Our Training Philosophy & Services
Begging at the table

Dog and Puppy Behavior Training
Imagine this, you’re going to a dinner party. As you approach closer to your destination, you can smell that aroma of a scrumptious dinner. That aroma invites you in as it would for a dog while you’re opening the oven door to a roast Turkey.
You can imagine that with a dog’s nose known to be more sensitive than a human’s, it’s going to want a piece of that Turkey. Once a piece of food accidentally falls on the floor and the dog lunges for it, this action can become repetitive if the behavior is not corrected.
The meal is finally on the table. Your dog follows you as you sit down and he/she waits for you to give food from the table. If lucky, a piece of food does fall on the floor for him or her to pounce on. Once you have started giving food from the table, the dog will most likely remain there until your meal is finished. This can lead to the dog repeating the same behavior.
It’s amazing to see how dogs act by begging at the table for some food scraps. There could be whining, shaking, growling, howling, tugging and nudging your leg for attention. If those don’t work, then the next step would be for the dog to try to jump on your lap or even on the table. A dog jumping onto a table may lead to another unwanted behavior such as counter surfing. In other words, if a dog can manage to find a way onto a chair, it can get onto a table to get to the food on the table.
Another reason why you shouldn’t give food from the table is to prevent your dog from getting sick eating unhealthy food (i.e. spicy). You may be able to monitor what you give your dog at the table, but there’s always the chance of something dropping on the floor or a guest feeling sorry and giving in.
There are different ways to correct the begging behavior. When at the dinner table, refrain altogether from giving food to your dog from the table. Having an area gated or your dog in a crate can be a good preventative measure.
Once again, it’s important to note that once the dog has started to beg at the table and is rewarded with food, he or she will likely be there every time you sit down for a meal.
Dog and Puppy Behavior Training in Vancouver
Utilizing a daily consistent positive and motivational training routine can help modify this behaviour.
Moreover, we employ effective communication tools to explain key concepts quickly and easily. So, what are you waiting for? Call us now at 604 341 6509 to book your virtual dog training sessions today!
Tony Giotto, Master Dog Trainer and Behaviourist has worked with many dogs since 2001. He studied with and worked for Master Trainer S. Prewitt of the Prewitt Canine Training Academy at the International College of Canine Behavioural Science.
Call us now at (604) 341-6509 for more information!
We serve in Vancouver, Burnaby, New Westminster, Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Richmond, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, Surrey, and Delta.
Our Training Philosophy & Services
Are you giving/receiving a dog for Christmas?
Are you giving/receiving a dog for Christmas?
It can be an exciting and exhilarating time to receive a puppy or dog during Christmas. Although it can be a great experience to own a dog as a companion, it also comes with responsibilities and necessities to form a long-lasting bond.
The following is a general spectrum of requirements of owning a dog and enjoying its companionship.
First off, deciding on the sex, size, and the breed of the dog can be a little adventurous and interesting. Some typical questions such as how much does it shed, how big does it get, and how hard is it to maintain are generally asked among others.
Dog or Puppy Training
One of the most important factors in giving or receiving a dog is indeed making time to spend with him or her. Also, one has to be sure it fits his or her lifestyle. Also, being patient during the adjustment period of a puppy or dog arriving into a new environment is vital.
Such things as making sure that the home and/or property is safe and secure for the puppy/dog is important as well. For example, providing a crate and/or fenced property would not only make it safer but also easier to watch over the dog/puppy. Also, especially during Christmas, one must make sure that there are no goodies such as chocolate (very toxic to a dog) that can be easily accessible.
For identification purposes, a dog can carry a city and name tag in case it does get lost. Microchipping is also used as a form of identification when a lost dog is found.
Another important responsibility in owning a dog is to have it groomed on regular basis as well as having it checked by your local veterinary. Also, making sure that a well-balanced meal is given to the dog each time it’s being fed. A good source of dry kibble with a bit of rice (starting slow with a small ratio) and vegetable juice (no garlic or onion) drizzled on top of the meal could be very appetizing for a dog. Only COOKED MEAT, and no RAW MEAT, can also be used in the diet within moderation.
The importance of neutering and spaying a dog is also common when it is of an appropriate age to do so.
Dog obedience training is also very important in that it helps build a growing bond between the owner and the dog. Having one’s dog obedience trained has many benefits. For one, it builds a strong bond between the dog and owner. Dog training not only increases the confidence and sets the boundaries of the dog, but it also gives it a job to do. In other words, a dog that does nothing and sits there equals to boredom which leads to barking, chewing, jumping, digging, and may I say more?
There are many dog trainers that use different methods.
The methods we use are proven to work only if one is consistent and patient with the dog obedience training. We don’t use treats and neither do we use any form of aggression. We use a “play and praise” method . In other words, we use lots of motivation and positive reinforcement to help guide the dog as it learns and builds its confidence.
We wish you and yours a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.
We serve in Vancouver, Burnaby, New Westminster, Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Richmond, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, Surrey, and Delta.
Our Training Philosophy & Services
Why does my dog bark?

Why does my dog bark?
There are many reasons that a dog may bark. Some of the main causes of barking could be out of fear, boredom, separation anxiety, attention seeking, and feeling unwell or having health problems.
Also, since dogs have very sensitive ears and noses, they could react to distant noises or smells by barking as a way of alerting. Footstep sounds approaching from outside a house or a knock at the door could also make a dog bark. Sudden sounds such as loud backfire from a car or fireworks could also be startling to a dog which would lead it to bark.
Some dogs may bark or growl due to fear or fear/aggression. It can be considered a guarding technique by a dog that is insecure or not confident when approached by a person and/or dog.
Boredom also plays a factor when it comes to needless barking. A dog needs a job to do. For example, a Border Collie is genetically bred to herd sheep. If someone does not have sheep or a job for the Border Collie, then it will try to find something to do such as herd people, children and/or dogs while using its form of communication, barking.
Separation anxiety is also a contributing factor to when a dog could be barking. When a dog is left alone from the family pack, it will bark to get some attention. On the other hand, a dog could react by barking when it sees its owner after a period of time apart.
Different remedies could help modify unwanted barking behaviour and one of them is to obedience train the dog daily. In involving one’s dog with consistent positive and motivational obedience training, you are in essence giving it work to do. By doing this, you are not only decreasing its boredom and unwanted barking behaviour, but you could also be building its confidence to a higher level.
We serve in Vancouver, Burnaby, New Westminster, Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Richmond, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, Surrey, and Delta.
Our Training Philosophy & Services