Dog Behavior Issues and Training in Cecil County, MD
Most people dream of taking their four-legged companion with them everywhere, but dogs of all ages can have behavioral problems that make it hard to immerse yourself in life’s next journey.
Excellent dog training gives your pet the opportunity to go on vacations and get the most out of life. Sit Means Sit Dog Training in Elkton, Maryland, specializes in dog behavior issues and will work with your puppy or adult dog for noticeable results. Our dog behavioral trainers have experience working with a wide range of problems to better control your pet.
Aggression
When a dog acts out in the presence of other animals, children or strangers, the situation can be less than ideal. Paying attention to your dog’s body language in new environments can help you identify what may be stressful for your dog.
Aggression in dogs looks different from pet to pet, but growling, showing teeth, a stiff body position, constant barking and lunging forward are common signs your dog is uncomfortable. Managing these behaviors is proactive for preventing injuries and keeping dogs from getting into a dispute.
Training Methods for Aggression
It is important to avoid punishing your dog for aggressive behavior. Instead, a dog behavioral trainer will analyze your dog’s mannerisms and investigate the problem. It’s possible your dog behaves this way due to a lack of socialization or simple command training.
Depending on the circumstance, we may suggest having our experts ease your four-legged friend into group-focused training exercises. Exposure to people and other dogs in a controlled setting may give your dog the confidence they need to calm down in social situations.
Additionally, teaching your dog basic commands, including sit, look at me and heel, helps bring your pet’s attention to you and not to distractions.
High Distraction
The world is an exciting place for dogs, especially when you take them on walks or spend time outside. It is incredibly valuable to capture your pet’s attention in changing environments. Keeping your dog focused can stop them from entering dangerous situations on- and off-leash.
Encouraging your dog to check in with you is easier with the correct tools and approach.
Training Methods for High Distraction
When you choose Sit Means Sit for dog behavior training in Elkton, our trainers boost your dog’s attentiveness using treats and rewards. We find your dog’s most apparent motivations, which could be getting a favorite toy, playing with other dogs or receiving attention.
Rewarding your dog for achievements like coming when called and making eye contact goes a long way. Leave it to our dog behavior training experts in Maryland to lay the foundation for improving your pet’s attention span. We show your dog that good outcomes come as a result of listening to commands the first time.
Reactivity
Pet parents often confuse reactivity with aggression. However, reactivity describes any behavior your dog exhibits in response to stimuli — good or bad. This reaction could be anything from your dog submitting to another dog to pulling toward an object or barking at a vehicle that drives by.
A reactive dog may be excited, frightened or frustrated.
Training Methods for Dog Reactivity
The first step in mitigating reactivity is to determine what causes your dog’s unwanted responses. Common triggers include other dogs walking, wildlife, loud noises or strangers coming toward them. Your dog may have had a poor experience with certain stimuli in the past or is uncertain about something close to them.
Our certified behavior trainers will evaluate your pet and see what we can do to desensitize or counter-condition them to better manage reactivity.
Learn More About Our Reactive Dog Training
Fear and Anxiety
Feelings of fear and anxiety change how your dog behaves when you are with them and when you leave the house. Whether you are dealing with your pet whining, destroying your personal belongings or barking excessively, careful training can put you and your dog at ease.
Working through fear and anxiety involves building up trust with your four-legged friend and creating an environment that helps your dog relax.
Training Methods for Fear and Anxiety
Depend on Sit Means Sit training to help your dog cope. Physical exercise and mentally stimulating activities are outstanding ways to help dogs through routine changes. Our dog behavior training services near Elkton are perfect for giving your pet time to exert energy and focus on lessons that take their mind off their stress while you are away.
Whether you have a puppy that is shy around new people or an adult dog with separation anxiety, we have the day training, private lessons and group classes to make a desirable impact.
Get in Touch With Us for Dog Behavior Training Services
At Sit Means Sit, we offer puppy and dog obedience training with custom programs according to your furry friend’s personality and behaviors.
Give your dog multiple lessons throughout the day — our trainers give you updates and convey training skills to you at the end of each session. Complete a contact form to schedule a free evaluation with us today!