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Dog Training Blog

Short articles to help you understand your dog's needs

 Premier Dog Training Blog
Who We Are

I am Eric Devine, owner and trainer at Premier Pack Dog Training. I have been training dogs for over 20 years and use that experience and expertise in helping others enjoy their lives more fully with their dogs.

What I find to be the case very often is that people don't realize how great of a dog they have! Their dog's have not recieved the guidance and communication through training yet to achieve their potential. Dog owners are surprised at how much more they enjoy their dog after training. I bring out the Premier in your Pack!
Social Distancing For Dogs

We are all aware of our personal space more than ever. That space makes us more comfortable around strangers. So, we extend the courtesy of space to others and appreciate it when others respect it.

But, even in normal times, people will completely disregard a dog's need for that space. Now, we all know dogs that "just love everybody". But, remember please, that even if your dog loves everyone, that other dog or person may not be comfortable at all with your dog in their space. Or, just because you love dogs doesn't mean that dog you see loves people approaching it, nor does it give you the right to invade another dog's space.

As for you, the owner of a dog, I encourage you to advocate for your dog's personal space by stepping in to intercede a strange dog or person from encroaching on that space with out permission. Your dog will learn that you will take care of matters that make it uncomfortable and that not every dog or person is going to be a plaything or a threat.

So, while we are so aware of social distancing in these times, keep in mind that dogs need it too. 
-Eric Devine
734-707-7969
Tip for Reliability

Each time you give your dog a command and it doesn't do it, is making it more unreliable.

Some advice I have for puppy owners especially is to not even say a command if you are not in a position to reinforce it. This is because for a 'command' to have the proper meaning, it must have authority. The dog must comply. Each time your dog gets away with not listening that authority diminishes. You don't want your dog to think about whether or not they have to listen when you give a command. So, until your dog is very reliable, only give these commands if you are in a position, and willing to reinforce that command.

-Before you tell your dog to sit, are you willing to get up off the couch and work him through it if he decides not to sit?
-Before calling him to you, does he have a leash on that you can guide him to you if he decides he would rather keep playing?
-Before you tell your dog to go to its bed, are you willing to take him to his bed even if he lays down where he is?

This shows the dog that your commands must be complied with and the reliability of your dog will soar.
Don't Get Too Comfortable

I remember when I bought a motorcycle someone gave me some advice that stuck with me. He said, "When you get comfortable on that bike, get off it".

Something with as much potential for injury as a motorcycle needs to be respected and used with a sense of caution. When you get comfortable enough to disregard that potential is when accidents happen. Same goes for the use of power tools and ladders.

This can be applied to how we handle dogs. Trainers, groomers, and veterinary personnel all handle dogs they are not familiar enough with to disregard the potential of injury these dogs have. When they get comfortable, accidents happen.

Parents need to keep this in mind especially in regards to how their children interact with, not only strange dogs, but their own dog as well.

So, I pass this onto you, "When you get comfortable with strange dogs, it's time to take a step back."
Children and Dogs

Everyone has visions and intentions of their baby growing to be best buddies with their dog. That is a beautiful thing! However, the critical thing to remember is that, in the end, your dog is an animal capable of inflicting lasting harm to your fragile child.

Without proper supervision of your child's interaction with the dog, the child will often pull, poke, climb on, and pester the dog. Sometimes this will cause a reaction in the dog to make space from for themselves from the annoying child. This can cause both physical and emotional scarring for the child and euthanization for the dog.

First, teach your child to respect the dog, and your dog to give the child space. The love will come.
Social Distancing For Dogs

We are all aware of our personal space more than ever. That space makes us more comfortable around strangers. So, we extend the courtesy of space to others and appreciate it when others respect it.

But, even in normal times, people will completely disregard a dog's need for that space. Now, we all know dogs that "just love everybody". But, remember please, that even if your dog loves everyone, that other dog or person may not be comfortable at all with your dog in their space. Or, just because you love dogs doesn't mean that dog you see loves people approaching it, nor does it give you the right to invade another dog's space.

As for you, the owner of a dog, I encourage you to advocate for your dog's personal space by stepping in to intercede a strange dog or person from encroaching on that space with out permission. Your dog will learn that you will take care of matters that make it uncomfortable and that not every dog or person is going to be a plaything or a threat.

So, while we are so aware of social distancing in these times, keep in mind that dogs need it too. 
-Eric Devine
734-707-7969
The Problems With Pure
Positive Training

Common Sense and our own experience shows us that behaviors are shaped by consequences, good or bad. Happens all the time throughout our life. This, of course, does not exclude dogs.
So when you see pure positive/force free dog training advertised, saying they will train your dog by only rewarding good behavior and ignoring the bad, you know that doesn't make sense, but you're intrigued and may want to give it a shot because it sounds nice and comfortable. But, here's the thing.. Pure Positve and Force Free dog training is designed to sell sessions, not results.

Here's the problem. Those trainers that base their business on the agenda that you never have to punish a dog for bad behavior CAN'T advise you to punish your dog for bad behavior. No    matter    what.
So, then what? When results don't come that MUST mean that the dog is bad or it is your fault.
What option is left for "bad dogs" that have bad, or dangerous behavior that doesn't stop because it has never been punished? A life with no freedom at best, or no life at all. The programs I offer are designed for results and incorporate clear communication for wanted and unwanted behavior to produce a well-behaved dog.
How Do I Stop My Puppy
From Biting Me?!?!

How do I stop my puppy from biting?
Understand, please, that puppies use their mouth to play, explore, and communicate among their littermates and their mother uses her mouth with them. It will be a process for you to help them understand that they shouldn't use their mouths on people. Be patient, yet firm and consistent.
But no, your puppy under 3 months old is not aggressive, it is a baby playing the only way it knows how. Don't ignore the issue, but teach them, lead them, and show them a different way.
Why not call now for a FREE consultation 734-707-7969
Your Cute Little Dog
Needs Good Training

You should be aware; your cute little dog isn't so cute.
Little dogs tug at our heart strings. They are so cute and tiny. What harm can they do? So, with this attitude, owners of small dogs often overlook completely unacceptable behavior and these cute, little dogs are deprived of the training, rules, and boundaries they need because they are so cute.

Yet, you need to understand that it isn't cute to anyone else. It isn't cute to your guest that is being barked at and whose ankles are bitten. It isn't cute to the big dog that is minding it's own business when your dog acts aggressively toward it. It isn't cute to your neighbor hearing your dog bark at them every time they are in their own yard trying to have a peaceful afternoon.
However, your cute little dog can be loved by all with the training it deserves.
Call today for a FREE consultation 734-707-7969
You Can Take A Well-Behaved
Dog Anywhere!

Would you like to include your dog in more of your life and take your dog with you more often?
For a well-behaved dog that you can take anywhere, give us a call for a FREE consultation 734-707-7969
Threshold Dog Training
Really Works

Isn't Evie a sweet girl for sitting so politely waiting to be let in? Before training, she would just barge right through the doorway without any consideration or manners. Threshold Training teaches Dogs to look for permission from you and exercise self control. It is a small thing in itself, but it carries over into a dogs overall mindset to make a well behaved dog.
For your free consult, please call 734-707-7969
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