What You Should Know Before Starting K9 Training in Florida

Working with a professional trainer is one of the best things you can do as a dog owner, whether you’ve had your pup for a few weeks or a few years. Dog training teaches you to communicate with your dog, set expectations for their behavior, and understand why they misbehave. At Russell’s K9 Academy, I’m a universal dog trainer familiar with many training philosophies, including classical and operant conditions, reward-based training, and verbal-marker communication. I work with my clients to build the behaviors they want in their best friend and help them eliminate unwanted behaviors like aggression, destructive habits, and barking.

To make the most out of your K9 training in Florida, here are a few of the things you should know before beginning training.

Make sure your dog is healthy and vaccinated.

Most dog trainers require proof of vaccinations before they work with a dog, in case of an accident, and keep both the dogs they work with and your dog safe. Every state and city has different vaccination requirements to keep dogs healthy; here are the most common vaccine requirements in Florida:

  • Rabies
  • Canine Distemper
  • Parvovirus
  • Canine Hepatitis
  • Parainfluenza
  • Leptospirosis
  • Bordetella
  • Roundworm and hookworm

A vet examination is also a good idea to ensure your dog doesn’t have any underlying painful health conditions that may affect training.

Get the right training equipment.

Before training, you may have picked out your dog’s leash and collar for aesthetics or affordability. K9 training in Florida will introduce you to the range of training equipment. A professional trainer will offer guidance on the right equipment for your dog and your training, including:

  • Flat, pinch, and e-collars
  • Flat, bungee, and hands-free dog leads

Your training equipment is one of the tools you have for communicating with your dog using pressure, leading, and guidance. Having the right tools is essential for getting the results you want from K9 training.

Make sure your dog is getting enough exercise.

There’s an adage, “A tired dog is a good idea.” Getting enough exercise for your pup can, in itself, eliminate some boredom-behaviors like obsessive barking, digging, and destruction. But letting your dog burn off some of their physical energy will enable them to focus on their mind on training and learning. Here are some ways to help your dog get enough exercise:

  • Visit to the local dog park
  • Jogging with a family member
  • Games like fetch and tug
  • Long walks in new environments

Before individual training sessions make sure your dog gets some exercise, but not so much that they’re too tired to engage with the professional K9 trainer.

Taking some fun pictures of my puppy when he was about 3 months old. I laid on the ground to capture a different angle with the fall leaves and the fence line in the background.

Establish and maintain a routine with your dog.

Dogs feel confident and secure when they know what’s going to happen. Establishing a routine with your dog helps them to feel part of the “pack” of your home. Do things at the same time every day, such as:

  • Feeding
  • Walks
  • Bedtime
  • Training

When your dog knows what to expect during each part of the day, they’ll build confidence in your home routine.

Russell’s K9 Academy works with dog owners with personalized K9 training in Florida.

We’re a family-owned and operated dog training company serving central Florida. As a third-generation dog training, I bring over four decades of expertise in animal behavior to every one of my clients. I get to know you and your dog’s personalities by customizing a training program that works for them. My services range from puppy training and doggie boot camp to dog aggression rehabilitation and behavior modification. Our mission is to help dogs become happy, confident family members for every one of our clients.

Contact us; whether you’re bringing home a new puppy, have a shelter dog that needs help to adjust, or a dog with behavior issues. We’ll provide expert help with professional K9 training in Florida.

A good dog showing what's possible with K9 training in florida.
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