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Dog Training in Austin, Texas

Six of the most common training mistakes that dog owners make are:

1) Training for an extended period of time. Remember, your dog does not have the same attention span that a human does, so make sure to keep your training sessions brief! You will accomplish more with a short, focused training session than a long session that drags out beyond your dog’s patience limit.

2) Sending your dog mixed signals when training. Make sure not to confuse your dog and be consistent with your signals. For example, do not use positive and negative reinforcement at the same time…your dog will not know how to respond. It is recommended that trainers use positive reinforcement to achieve the best results, and you should consider sticking to that method to have a happier, healthier, more obedient pup!

3) If you doing “click” training, make sure not to overuse the clicker. Use it only when making a point and grabbing your dog’s attention during training. Over-clicking will cause your dog to be confused about the instruction he or she is trying to absorb.

4) Overuse of commands. Much like over-clicking, constant and unreinforced repeating of the same command over and over will instead teach your dog that he or she does not need to obey the command if they don’t do it the first time. You should always aim to use your commands one time, and expect that your dog will obey it.

5) Training in only one location. If you train your dog in the same location without practicing in various other locations, you may find that the dog is only obedient in that same setting. In order to properly train your dog, you need to take that training regimen on the road!

6) Failing to practice. With dogs, practice really does make perfect! You cannot expect your dog to learn and retain the lessons without reinforcing it with plenty of practice. Make sure to stay consistent, be positive, and reinforce their good behaviors!

At Walk ATX, we understand that your busy schedule sometimes makes it hard for you to complete the training regimen your dog needs. We have the experience, knowledge, and advanced techniques that can help your pup learn how to be a happy citizen! Contact us at 512-655-9557 to discuss how we can help you and your furry friend!

shutterstock_363216950Regular exercise is known to improve the health and overall happiness of dogs. It is also capable of improving behavior, for a multitude of reasons. If your dog has behavior issues, then making sure your dog gets regular, long walks could be a way to effectively address this problem.

Here are a few reasons why walks are linked to better behaving pets:

Release of excess energy – The saying “a tired dog is a good dog” holds a lot of truth. A long walk allows dogs to get rid of their extra energy, making it more likely for them to rest when they are at home. Behavioral issues related to overly active breeds or chewing often subside when dogs are tired.

Improving health – Much like humans, dogs can be cranky when they are not feeling their best. Dog walking can build a stronger core in your pet, preventing common health issues like arthritis. A dog that feels well is more likely to behave well.

Socialization – Dog walking allows for a controlled setting in which your pet is introduced to new settings, smells, sounds, people, and animals. Well-socialized animals typically lack aggressive behavior, as they are not overwhelmed and frightened by external stimuli.

Mental stimulation – Your dog may become bored without mental stimulation, which can result in destructive behavior. Going on walks and presenting new situations and environments to your pup can help keep them entertained and mentally engaged.

Leash training – Using a leash is a great way to teach a pet some basic behavioral skills. Teaching your dog to become comfortable with a leash is a great first step in working with an unruly pet.

Contact an Experienced Austin Dog Walker

Regularly walking your pet is key to their health, happiness, and behavior. Finding the time to routinely walk your dog can be difficult, but Walk! ATX is here to help. From long walks to training, our Austin dog walkers can help improve your pet’s behavior keeping both them, and you, happy. To schedule an appointment, call (512) 655-9557 today.

shutterstock_66585331Teaching your dog a few simple commands is a great way to spend time with them. It also teaches obedience, and can be used to stop them from engaging in any dangerous or disobedient actions. The following four commands are fairly easy for any dog to learn, and can make communication easier between you and your pet.

1) Sit – Teaching your dog to sit is fairly simple, so its a great command to start with. Whenever your dog is rambunctious, telling him or her to sit can help calm them down.

  • Show your dog a treat at eye-level, then move the treat up towards the ceiling. When your pet watches the treat raise up, their bottom will naturally go down to a sitting position. After your pup sits, say “sit” and give him or her the treat.

2) Stay – After your dog has the sit command down, try teaching them to stay.

  • Tell your dog to sit, but don’t give him or her the treat. Say “stay” and take a few steps back. If your dog stays, give him or her a treat. As your dog learns, add more distance before giving a treat.

3) Come – The come command is valuable, especially when your dog is unleashed.

  • Leash your dog and lightly pull her to you after saying come, and give her a treat after she walks towards you. After mastering the trick with the leash, practice without it.

4) Down – This is a trickier command to teach, but is great if your dog tends to jump up when excited.

  • Allow your dog to smell a treat in your hand, and then lower your hand towards the floor. After following your hand to the ground, pat on the ground until he lays down. Do not push him down, but if he does lay down, say “down” and offer him the treat.

Working on these commands just a few times each day will usually allow your pet to catch on. If your dog is especially stubborn, or you just can’t find the time to incorporate training into your daily routine, you may need help from a professional. Call Walk! ATX to set up a walk or training session for your furry friend by calling (512) 655-9557 today.

TwinFallsWith the incredible amounts of rain that Austin has received over the past few months, water levels are up in creeks, lakes, and swimming holes throughout the city. Not only is this good news for all of the people who live in Central Texas, but it’s also good news for dogs and dog owners who like to enjoy a nice swim.

Especially with summer’s scorching temperatures right around the corner, here are a few great spots to explore with your pup.

Twin Falls and Sculpture Falls

Austin’s Greenbelt is full of great scenic places to hike with your four-legged friend, and water is close by at nearly every trail turn. However, Twin Falls and Sculpture Falls are two incredibly popular locations for people and their dogs to congregate. With water levels as full and fast as they are right now, be sure to keep a close eye on your dog if you decide to let him or her off-leash, as the water can be quite quick near the falls themselves.

Bull Creek

As its name suggests, Bull Creek’s hiking trails follow a cute, flowing creek with alternating depths of water for dogs that like to swim and those that just prefer to wade or splash around. While most of the official park is located on the eastern side of Loop 360, trails do continue west of 360 for a more isolated and quiet hiking and swimming experience.

Turkey Creek

Located just before the entrance to the Emma Long Recreational Area, Turkey Creek is a 2.5 mile hiking loop that offers hikers and their dogs a great workout and numerous clear, cool swimming holes. On the lower level of the hike, visitors are sure to appreciate the dense tree cover that provides cooling shade even on the hottest summer days. And when water levels are high as they are now, there is plenty of water in the creek to fill several large swimming holes located along the trails.

At Walk! ATX, we love getting out in Austin and letting your pups explore some of the best places to keep cool during Texas’ hot, summer months. To learn more about scheduling a hike for your pup in one of Austin’s great outdoor parks or trails, contact us today by calling (512) 655-9557.

shutterstock_96199058If your dog has packed on a few pounds over the past few months, or has been carrying around some extra weight for a while, you may want to consider a 2016 weight loss resolution for your four-legged friend! While some people consider pudgy puppies to be adorable, the truth of the matter is that obesity is just as much of a danger to dogs as it is to humans.

Obesity is actually a very real problem among dogs; according to a recent survey of veterinarians, these professionals believed that 97% of obese canines got that way as a result of the care they received from their owners. Whether this is in the form of over-feeding, giving too many treats, or not providing enough exercise, the fact remains – many dog owners can do more to help their dogs lead a healthier lifestyle.

Problems Caused by Canine Obesity

Being overweight can lead to numerous adverse health effects in dogs, including, but not limited to:

  • Breathing Problems
  • Arthritis / Joint Problems
  • Liver Disease
  • Heart Disease
  • Diabetes

Just like in humans, obesity can cause both short- and long-term consequences in pets. Fortunately, there are many things that you as a dog owner can do to help improve your pet’s quality of life and help see that he or she is healthy.

Tips for Helping Your Pup Shed Some Pounds

By changing just a few aspects of your dog’s lifestyle, you can help make vast improvements in his or her life and overall health. A few easy tips you can incorporate into your routine include:

  • Healthy Snacks – While the beef treats and bully sticks you normally gave your pet might have been their favorite, these treats can also be extremely unhealthy. So if you still want to give your pup a few bites in between meals, or if you’re working on training and need a reward, opt for something healthy! Many human vegetables, like steamed green beans or cooked pumpkin, can make a great snack and you’ll still feel like you’re giving your dog something special. Make sure to check any human foods to ensure they are safe for dog consumption before you start feeding your pup off the table or out of the pantry.
  • Follow the Guidelines on their Food – All bags of dog food will have a recommended feeding guide based on a dog’s size, and the amount of food you feed your pet will vary greatly from food to food. Make sure to always check these instructions when you switch foods or brands, and don’t just assume that you should keep feeding your dog the same amount that you used to.
  • Stay Strong – If your pup is used to getting treats in between meals or scraps from the table, he or she will likely continue begging for something special, even though you are trying hard to help him or her lose weight. Stay strong, resist those sad puppy eyes, and know that you’re making decisions based on your dog’s greater needs, rather than an in-the-moment feeling.
  • Increase Exercise – Even if you just add a quick turn around the block once a day, increasing your dog’s exercise regimen by even a little can have tremendous benefits for your dog’s health, and yours too! Even if you feel like you have no free time, start small, and you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to fit 15 minutes of walking every day into your schedule. From there, you can increase your walks to longer adventures if you want or need to.

Get Help from the Team at Walk! ATX

If you are pressed for time and are worried that your dog is not getting the exercise he or she needs, our experienced team of dog walkers here at Walk! ATX is here to help! We can make sure your dog gets a great workout in a time-frame that fits your busy schedule, so call us today at (512) 655-9557 and learn more.

shutterstock_294695720Going to the vet can be an incredibly scary experience for any pet, especially if it’s their first time. The sounds and overwhelming number of smells that your dog is likely to encounter in a vet’s office can easily frighten even the most confident pup. Fortunately, there are some things that you can do to help make your dog’s trip to the veterinarian’s office as easy on him/her, and on you, as possible.

Expose Your Pet to the Building

If you know the office that your pet will be visiting for his/her veterinary appointments, a great idea is to help acclimate your pet to this environment by doing a few test visits before your pup even sees a doctor. For example, you might drive by the vet’s office, walk into the waiting room, give your pup some treats, and then leave a minute later. This will help your pet begin to associate the office and all of its smells with a purely positive experience. If your pet is social with people, you may want to ask any vet techs or veterinary assistants who aren’t busy with other clients if they wouldn’t mind giving your dog a treat and a quick pet to help reinforce the positive experience.

Handle Your Dog as Much as Possible at Home

Even if you regularly pet and snuggle your pup, the fact is that your dog will be handled in ways that are very uncommon during their vet appointment. As such, you may want to slowly and gently get your pet used to such handling while he or she is in the comfort and security of their own home. To start, join your pet on the floor or another location where they feel comfortable and slowly, gently start to handle their paws. You can just pick their paws up off of the ground, feel their pads, and touch their nails. Immediately treat your pet if they react positively. If your pet seems at all uncomfortable, give him or her some space and do not proceed. You can then move on to lift your pets ears and lips as if you were performing an exam. If your pet is still comfortable, you can press on their belly and continue to treat for good behavior.

Remember: A Tired Dog is a Happy Dog

The day of your pet’s appointment, you should make sure to thoroughly exercise your pet before heading to the vet’s office. The more tired your dog is, the more likely it is that he or she will be relaxed while at the vet’s office.

At , we know that preparing your pet for unfamiliar experiences can be a stressful experience, and we are here to help you and your pet prepare for all of life’s adventures. If you would like to learn more about the services and training that we offer, contact our Austin dog walkers and trainers today by calling (512) 655-9557.

shutterstock_263750540This week, the city of Austin will be holding its annual New Year’s Eve celebration, complete with an impressive fireworks display. Unfortunately, fireworks can be a huge source of anxiety for many dogs. Pet owners who don’t live near the official festivities should still take note of the dangers posed by fireworks, as many individuals are likely to set off fireworks in residential areas around the city, despite an official ban.

The stress that results from fireworks can be enough to make otherwise well-behaved dogs act out in anxiety; in some cases, dogs may attempt to escape yards that are normally secure in an effort to run away from the loud noises. Here are a few tips you can put to good use to make sure that you do everything you can to keep your pet healthy, safe, and secure this New Year’s Eve.

Keep Your Pups Inside 

Even if your pet is normally an “outside dog,” New Year’s Eve is a great night to break routine. The loud and startling sounds of fireworks frequently cause dogs to look for any escape route necessary, including digging under seemingly secure fencing; therefore, inside is the safest place for your pup to be on this special night.

However, just because your dog is inside doesn’t mean that he or she won’t still be scared. As such, consider crating your dog if he or she is crate trained to help them feel more secure. Additionally, you might want to leave a television or radio on with the volume turned up to hopefully drown out the sounds of any fireworks going on outside.

Make Sure Your Dog is Tired 

Wearing out your dog is a great way to help him or her get through the stress that can accompany fireworks. The more energy your dog has stored up, the more energy they can put into feeling anxious. However, if you make sure your dog is well-exercised and tired, you can increase the likelihood of them sleeping through the commotion!

Make Sure Your Dog is Wearing a Collar and Microchipped 

In the unfortunate event that your pet does get out, you want to make it as easy as possible for them to get back to you, and nothing is more helpful in this regard than making sure your dog is wearing a collar with updated contact information.

Additionally, make sure your dog is microchipped and that their information is up to date. If your dog isn’t microchipped, you can get a free microchip and/or ID tag for your pup from the Austin Animal Center between 11 am and 7 pm!

Contact an Austin Dog Walker with Walk! ATX

If you are looking for someone to help wear your pup out as you usher in the New Year, contact the dog walkers and pet sitters at Walk! ATX. Our experienced team knows just what it takes to make sure your pet is happily tired, so give us a call today at (512) 655-9557 to set up an appointment.

shutterstock_224435698The holidays are an exciting time for all, your pets included! With the smell of pies in the air and the kids out of school to play with, your pup is sure to be full of the holiday spirit. As much fun as this time of year is for everyone, the holidays can also be a stressful time for you and your pup. Some dogs can feel overwhelmed when their owner celebrates the season with parties, out-of-town guests, or when they leave to visit family elsewhere.

Holiday Guests and Travel

One way to lessen the effects of numerous house guests on your dog, and to keep them happy and healthy during the holidays, is consistent exercising. This helps anxious dogs calm down and get out excess energy. Another tip is to make sure that they have a quiet, safe haven to retreat to in case they become overwhelmed by the amount of people and noise around. If you are traveling during the holidays, ensure that you have a proper caretaker for your animals so that they have a safe and cozy place to stay. Giving your pet a blanket or token that smells like home can comfort them if they are staying outside of your house.

Decorations and Food

While your family enjoys hot chocolate by the fireplace, these types of sweet treats and holiday foods are not the best for our four-legged companions. As much as we like to give our furry friends some scraps from the table during special events, this can cause discomfort, vomiting, and serious reactions in dogs and cats. Keeping special treats to goodies specifically meant for your pup is the safest way to include them in the festivities. Furthermore, decorations are enticing to dogs and cats due to their shiny and exciting appearance. This holiday season, ensure your animals cannot get a hold of decorations that they could consume or injure themselves with.

Give your pet a special gift this holiday season with behavior training and walks by Walk! ATX Our Austin dog walkers and trainers can make sure your pup is holiday-ready for your party guests, visiting family, and day-to-day celebrations. And if you are going out of town this season, let our sitters offer their services with overnight stays and daytime visits. Schedule our services today by calling (512) 655-9557 today!

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One of the most important things you can do when bringing your new puppy into your home is socialization. This is the act of introducing your fur baby to the world in a way that will instill confidence and positive behaviors later on in life.

So many new puppy owners aren’t familiar with this valuable training practice, and the unfortunate result can be adult dogs who are constantly afraid and who act out of that fear with aggressive behaviors.

The prime socialization time for puppies falls between their birth and sixteen weeks of age, as this is the period of development during which puppies absorb a ton of information. Unfortunately, most puppies won’t get all of their shots until they turn 15 or 16 weeks old, so your mission is to figure out how to safely expose your pup to other people and animals without risking exposure to any type of dangerous or life-threatening virus.

So, how can you avoid this and ensure that your precious pup will grow up to become a dog who greets new experiences with abundant joy instead of shivering trepidation? Start by following these simple do’s and don’ts!

Do

Bring the party to your puppy! Invite friends over to play with your puppy in the comfort and safety of your own home. You can control this environment by asking guests to remove their shoes before coming inside, allowing you to keep any contagions as far away from your precious pup as possible. Remember that variety is important! Let your dog visit with people of every shape, color, and size so that he or she can learn that all types of people are friendly. You can also ask your friends who own friendly dogs to bring them to the party so that your pup can learn how to be a good playmate for other dogs.

Don’t

Let your puppy walk in public places before all of the requisite vaccinations are administered. Most puppy-borne illnesses are contracted via contact with viruses in fecal matter or other bodily fluids. This usually happens when a puppy steps in something and licks his or her paws later. While walking is a no-no for your pup, it’s completely safe for you to carry your fuzzbundle wherever you want!

At Walk! ATX, our dog people want to help you give your pet the attention and care he or she needs. To learn more about our walking, training, or sitting services, call us at (512) 655-9557 today!

shutterstock_220393642If you have ever raised a puppy or are currently in the process of doing so, you probably understand the trials and tribulations of puppy nipping. This mouthing is an essential part of development for your puppy, however that doesn’t mean you have to be your pup’s personal chew toy. In fact, there are several things you can do if your dog’s mouthing has become a problem!

Let your puppy know he is hurting you when he bites

This may sound silly, but actually yelping and speaking your puppy’s language to let him know that his biting hurts you will help him understand that biting a human is bad. Your new dog is used to playing with his littermates where biting is a common and encouraged part of the game. By imitating the sound of a hurt dog while simultaneously stopping playtime, your puppy can more clearly interpret what he did wrong.

Replace your hand or arm with a dog toy

This technique of replacing your body with a chew toy shows your dog what types of objects are appropriate to nibble on. You can slowly remove your arm or hand from your puppy’s jaws and replace it with her favorite dog toy. Another trick is having an assortment of puppy toys with different textures around. This will stop her from getting bored and moving on to chew on your favorite pair of shoes.

Use a bitter tasting spray

You can find different kinds of sprays at your local pet shop that are designed to deter dogs from chewing. Bitter apple sprays are a common, harmless spray that tastes gross to puppies. By spraying this on your hand and letting your furry friend nibble on you, he’ll quickly realize you are no longer a desirable chew toy. These sprays can also work on furniture and other items you want to keep safe from your mouthy pup.

Use your words

Some pet owners find that using a command works well to communicate to their puppies to stop chewing. “Leave it” is a common phrase that signals your dog to stop biting. By having a command at the ready, you can avoid the mistake of yelling at your puppy or using physical force.

Training a new puppy can be difficult when they enter into the mouthing stage. Fortunately, the dog walkers and trainers at Walk! ATX can help your new puppy with his or her manners, teaching new pet owners how to work with their furry companions. If you are interested in our dog walking, dog training, or pet sitting services, please call (512) 655-9557 today! Our pet-loving team would be happy to speak with you about your doggy needs.