3 Signs You Might Need Private, In-Home Dog Training

A furry, four-footed friend is a friend for life—loyal, huggable, and full of love. Nevertheless, sometimes a new, fluffy addition to your family can struggle to adjust. It’s only natural, but that doesn’t mean you have to simply tolerate aggressive, difficult, or dangerous behavior from your pet.

If your dog exhibits one or more of the following three signs, you might need private, in-home dog training. At Russell’s K9 Academy, LLC, I strive to provide these services throughout Daytona Beach and the surrounding Florida area.

Sign 1: Your dog has general behavior problems.

Most dogs will have behavior problems at some point as puppies, but if these kinds of problems persist into doggy adulthood, your dog might benefit from private training. Common behavior problems in dogs include:

• Excessive Barking: Dogs use barking to communicate, but if your pet feels the need to “communicate” with every passing car, visit from the mailman, or change in wind direction, it can become frustrating quickly.
• Chasing Cars: The street is the worst place for your dog to be, but chasing cars is a tempting pastime for your pooch.
• Nipping at Hands: While not necessarily aggressive, even playfully nipping at hands is bad behavior for a dog.
• Chewing on the Leash: Leashes are for wearing, not chewing!
• Stealing Food: You can’t really blame Fido for wanting some of your dinner, but you can certainly hold him accountable for licking it right off your plate when you look away.
• Excessive Digging or Licking: If your backyard is full of holes, or your furniture is coated in saliva, your dog might have an excessive digging or licking problem.
• Jumping on People: There’s nothing better than a puppy who’s excited to see you, but a full-grown dog throwing themselves at people can be unsafe.

Sign 2: Your dog struggles with perimeters and boundaries.

For instance, this includes not running out the front door when you open it. It also means not happily leaping on to whoever enters the open door. Boundaries also means your dog not bolting into the street when off-leash, understanding if certain rooms in your house are off-limits, and not wreaking havoc when left unattended in your house.

If your dog has difficulties with these or similar behavioral problems, in-home training is likely the solution. As a third-generation dog trainer and behaviorist, I’m an expert at communicating with your pet in a way they understand, instilling positive behaviors with positive reinforcement.

Sign 3: Your dog has survived a traumatic experience.

If you know or suspect that your dog was abused, neglected, or used for high-pressure jobs with the police or military, K9 training in your own home is an excellent way to address resulting behavioral issues while portraying care and compassion for your pet.

Dogs who have survived trauma are likely to exhibit specific behaviors. Aggression can stem from a desire to be dominant or a need to be possessive of objects or people. Specific, persistent phobias may stem from a prior unpleasant experience. Dogs who were mistreated, or who experienced high-stress police work or warfare, may also develop anxiety, obsessions, fixations, or hyperactivity. They may also have low self-esteem and seem reluctant to accept the love you’re so eager to offer.

With private, in-home dog training, you can help your dog overcome their past and walk into a bright, hopeful future as a member of your family.

Contact Russell’s K9 Academy today to schedule at-home training for your furry friend.