How To Train A Dog

  Choosing a dog-training school can be almost as big a decision as choosing a school for your child. Each one has its own vibe and style, and it’s important to make sure that the school and instructor you choose work for you and your dog. Here are some things to consider. Who’s Teaching the Classes? Someone with great dog-training skills — an effective trainer — motivates dogs to want to learn! Good trainers understand that all dogs are individuals, so they have multiple ways to teach commands. As you’re observing a class, notice if the instructor spends equal time with each dog, uses different techniques for dogs who aren’t quite “getting it,” and has an upbeat demeanor even in the face of a training challenge. An instructor who mostly focuses on the quick learners in the group might not possess the skills to assist dogs who are struggling. … and great people skills. The trainer you choose will (hopefully) become a big part of your life—someone you’ll turn to for help in many dif...

  The K9s on the Front Lines non-profit has helped train and place more than 150 service dogs with veterans since 2016 PORTLAND, Maine — It was a special day in Portland as veterans and their service animals graduated from training. The ceremony was part of K9s on the Front Line, which pairs veterans with rescues and trains the dogs to become service animals.  "Working with the dogs that come from the shelters is really rewarding and you know, that kind of falsifies the old narrative that you can't teach an old dog new tricks," said vice president and co-founder of K9s on the Front Line Linda Murray. "The dogs and the veterans bring the best in out in each other and it's just about living." On Sunday afternoon, more than a dozen gathered at the Portland VFW for the graduation celebration. Sarafina and Lizzie were the two now service animals receiving a bone instead of a diploma.  Both Sarafina and Lizzie were rescued and paired with Maine veterans. The vets ...

  Dog parks seem like the perfect place to take your pup so he can run around and play with other dogs. But they can also be a little intimidating — especially if you’ve never brought your dog to the dog park before — because you might not be sure how your dog will react to all the other people, pups and smells around him. Are dog parks even safe for your dog? Or are they actually a bad idea? Why are dog parks good for dogs? Dog parks can be a safe place for your pup to run around leash-free to get in some good play time. “For people who don't have lots of enclosed outdoor space of their own, the dog park can provide an opportunity for your dog to get off-leash exercise and social interaction with other dogs,” Kurland told The Dodo. If your pup is a social butterfly, bringing him to the dog park could be a great way to give him some much-needed socializing. “Some dogs love the dog park because they love interacting with other dogs,” Kurland said. “Although, some dogs actually love ...