If you have taken a WOOFS! class you have probably heard us request that you bring high value food rewards to class. So what’s with the obsession with food, you might ask? To begin with, we are positive reinforcement trainers. This means that we use rewards (technically reinforcers) to teach dogs to respond to the… Read more »
Why teach tricks?
Teaching tricks is great for dogs. It provides them with both mental and physical stimulation and helps create a stronger working relationship between the dog and the handler. To start: want better basic obedience skills? Teach some tricks. The more things you teach your dog, the better he gets at learning. The more often you… Read more »
Earn Stunt Dog Titles from Do More With Your Dog!
Do you like to teaching your dog some tricks? Want ideas for what to do next? Starting in March 2018, you and your dog can earn Stunt Dog titles! What is the Stunt Dog title program? Stunt Dog is a new titling program brought to us by Do More With Your Dog. Titles are awarded… Read more »
Fenzi TEAM Titles for Advanced Obedience Training
Ready for advanced obedience training and want ideas for what to do next? Let’s look at one option: Fenzi TEAM Titles (http://fenziteamtitles.com). TEAM stands for Training Excellence Assessment Modules, and is made up of 6 levels of video “tests” for foundation through advanced obedience training skills. Levels 1 – 3 are Sport Foundation, and build… Read more »
Suzanne Heenan certified by CCPDT
We are pleased to announce that WOOFS! trainer Suzanne Heenan has been awarded CPDT-KA certification through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers. CPDT-KA stands for Certified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge Assessed. Applicants must complete 300 hours of client training before trainers are eligible for an extensive semi-annual test. Certificants must demonstrate ongoing education and… Read more »
Fetch my slippers, not eat them!
“Now what do you have”!?! Despite the fact that we puppy proofed the house, this comment kept coming out of our mouths. The puppy had yet another item of contraband. A shoe, a sock, a bag of chips. The items just kept coming. It was time to play “Whatcha Got”? Young puppies explore the world… Read more »
Choosing a great dog walker
You’re a busy professional. You’re juggling more balls than you care to count. Getting a little help can make a big difference, and these days many dog owners turn to dog walkers to take that daily task off their plates. But in light of a recent tragedy involving the death of six dogs left in… Read more »
Ballston daycare closing June 30th
This was a tough decision to make. For 15 years WOOFS! has been offering daycare at our Ballston location. There is where WOOFS! started. It was here, in 2002 that I was able to follow my dreams and jump from science to a career in dog training. Since then I have learned a lot. I… Read more »
Race to Your Space!
Does your puppy go to his crate at nap time? When visitors arrive? When you need to leave for work, or when it’s time for bed? The crate provides a safe, quiet space for your puppy. But does he run into the crate with wild abandon, at your request? If he doesn’t, why not? Here’s… Read more »
Trainer Spotlight: Erica Pytlovany
Get the scoop on our positive reinforcement trainers at WOOFS! This month, meet Erica Pytlovany, a senior trainer and behavior consultant who has been WOOFing for 10 years! 1. Did you have a background in working with dogs (or other animals) prior to working at WOOFS? I started working with horses and riding when I… Read more »
Trainer Spotlight: Marti Friedman
Get the scoop on our positive reinforcement trainers at WOOFS! This month, meet Marti Friedman, an apprentice trainer at WOOFS! since May 2016. Marti recently graduated with distinction and was named a Certified Training Partner by the Karen Pryor Academy for Animal Training and Behavior. 1. Did you have a background in working with dogs… Read more »
Marti, Cynthia & Melissa named Karen Pryor Certified Training Partners
WOOFS! would like to congratulate three team members who have graduated with distinction and been named Certified Training Partners by the Karen Pryor Academy for Animal Training and Behavior: Apprentice Trainer Marti Friedman, General Manager Cynthia Robertson, and Agility Trainer Melissa Bishop. Karen Pryor Academy for Animal Training and Behavior is an innovative institution committed… Read more »