Thoughts of a Professional Dog Trainer

Dog crate training tip - set up a long term confinement area

Jeff Millman — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 13:37:00 GMT

It is important to set up provisions for a long-term confinement area even if you don’t think you are going to use it every day. There will be times (and there should be – dinner and a movie with your loved ones!) that you will need to leave...(read more)

Wintertime dog training tips

Jeff Millman — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 09:13:00 GMT

Dogs and snow don't always mix. The salt can hurt their paws and cause them to limp. There are a few ways that you can help your pooch have a more comfortable snowy walk. Did you know that if you take fresh snow and rub it directly on your dog's...(read more)

Winter dog training activity - proof behaviors

Jeff Millman — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 02:51:00 GMT

Looking for an indoor activity to work on with your dog when the weather prohibits extended training and exercise? Try proofing behaviors that you have taught your dog. Proofing behaviors is a fun activity that you can do inside with your dog and work...(read more)

Do dogs show resentment over different treatment?

Jeff Millman — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 01:47:00 GMT

There was an interesting study at the University of Vienna, Austria's Clever Dog Lab that determined that dog's react negatively when they view other dogs getting better treatment. They asked dogs that sat side by side to "give paw"...(read more)

Feeling frustrated with your dog? Give him more time and exercise.

Jeff Millman — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 02:07:00 GMT

I just returned from a trip out of town to visit my wife's family for Thanksgiving. Fortunately our friends and family that we stay with allow us to bring our dogs with us when we spend the night. We also spent the last night in a hotel that allows...(read more)

Your dog refuses to walk? Try this.

Jeff Millman — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 12:54:00 GMT

It is not uncommon for dogs to refuse to walk sometimes when they are outside. They might just "put the brakes on", or they might sit or lie down. If your dog is a really young puppy, you might want to just take a break and let them take the...(read more)

Dog training tip - what does your dog's name mean to him?

Jeff Millman — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 03:37:00 GMT

"Jake!, Jake!, Jake!" I was in the park with my client and we were working on off leash control strategies with his rambunctious one-year-old Border Collie mix. Jake was not too interested in anything at the moment besides the squirrel jumping...(read more)

How to interview a dog walker

Jeff Millman — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 17:55:00 GMT

I am constantly amazed at how many new dog walking services pop up all over Chicago. I would imagine this is consistent with other big cities. With downsizing and people's desires to run their own business, dog walking is often a natural fit for the...(read more)

Overwhelmed by one puppy? How would you like sixteen puppies?

Jeff Millman — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 01:48:00 GMT

Retro the Golden Retriever in Rowley, MA recently had a litter of 16 puppies. Dogs usually are full term at 9 weeks, but Retro had a c-section at 7 weeks due to the size of the litter. Indya, Sheehan, Retro's owner, talks about the 24-hour task of...(read more)

Easy way to train your dog to drop things

Jeff Millman — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 15:44:00 GMT

This is a quick and easy training exercise for dogs of all ages. 7-week-old puppies can learn this as easily as older dogs. This is also one of the most important behaviors your dog can learn. Why is this so important? For one, it can potentially save...(read more)

Halloween dog training tips

Jeff Millman — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 16:09:00 GMT

Halloween is a great opportunity for dog training. The uniqueness of the holiday provides some dog training experiences that you can take advantage of to help your dog get to the next level in his socialization and guest manners skills. Socialize Your...(read more)

Dogs of war have new hospital

Jeff Millman — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 12:55:00 GMT

A new $15 million hospital opened in San Antonio, Texas to care for dogs wounded in combat. "We act as the Walter Reed of the veterinary world," said Army Col. Bob Vogelsang, hospital director, referring to the Washington military medical center...(read more)

Should you choose private or group dog training?

Jeff Millman — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 02:37:00 GMT

I taught hundreds of dog training classes for two years before switching to all private sessions five years ago. I enjoyed teaching classes but enjoy the flexibility and autonomy of private sessions more. But, I still see value in group classes and often...(read more)

Looking for a dog trainer? Do your homework.

Jeff Millman — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 13:52:00 GMT

Everyone is a critic. If you have a job specialty I am sure that you look at others performing your job with a critical eye. Maybe they are less efficient, charge too much or have a questionable work ethic. I am the same way. I am always critical of other...(read more)

Improve your dog training skills - have someone watch you train

Jeff Millman — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 14:29:00 GMT

Want to take your dog training skills to the next level? Enlist the help of someone to watch you train and give you constructive help based on the following criteria: Consistency Make sure you are clear and consistent with your verbal cues or hand signals...(read more)