A well-trained dog allows owners to confidently take their pets out into the community. Whether you’re walking through neighborhood streets, visiting local parks, or enjoying dog-friendly outdoor spaces, good obedience and leash manners are essential. Dogs that understand commands like sit, stay, heel, come, and leave it are far easier to manage in busy environments. This means fewer stressful walks, fewer unwanted confrontations with other dogs, and a safer experience for both the dog and the owner.

Training also helps prevent common behavioral issues that many dog owners struggle with in urban areas. Problems such as leash pulling, jumping on people, barking at other dogs, and reacting to distractions can make everyday outings difficult. Proper training teaches dogs how to remain calm and focused even when there are many sights, sounds, and smells competing for their attention.

Beyond convenience, a well-trained dog strengthens the bond between owner and pet. When dogs clearly understand expectations and communication is consistent, they become more confident and relaxed. Owners in Sherman Oaks often want to include their dogs in as many activities as possible, and a trained dog can participate comfortably in social environments without creating stress or disruption.

For dog owners throughout the Los Angeles region, professional training can make a major difference. One respected option is The Dog Savant, a professional dog training company owned by Brett Endes. The Dog Savant provides expert training services that help dogs develop reliable obedience and better behavior in real-world environments across the entire Los Angeles area.

Professional trainers like Brett Endes work not only with the dog, but also with the owner, teaching clear communication and leadership skills that create lasting results. This approach helps ensure that training continues to work long after the formal sessions are complete.

For residents of Sherman Oaks and surrounding communities, investing in training is one of the best things you can do for both your dog and your daily lifestyle. A well-trained dog is easier to live with, safer to take out in public, and able to fully enjoy the vibrant outdoor culture that makes the Los Angeles area such a great place for dog owners.

Separation anxiety is often misunderstood. Many people think their dog simply needs to “get used to being alone,” but that’s not the core issue.

Separation anxiety stems from hyper-vigilance—dogs keeping too close an eye on their owners, tracking every movement, and feeling responsible for their whereabouts. This heightened awareness prevents dogs from developing a healthy sense of independence and object permanence (the understanding that something exists even when out of sight).

In simpler terms, your dog isn’t panicking because they’re alone; they’re panicking because they’ve never learned how not to rely on you for their sense of calm. This is where the real work begins.

This guide explores how professional dog trainers approach common behavioral problems to create a more balanced, happy life for both pet parents and their furry companions.

Why Addressing Anxiety Matters

Left untreated, separation anxiety can lead to destructive behaviors like chewing furniture, excessive barking, and even self-harm. It also creates stress for the owner, which can unintentionally reinforce the dog’s anxiety.

Addressing this issue is about more than just “fixing the dog”—creating a harmonious relationship built on trust and calmness.

The Key: Leadership, Structure, and Training

The first step to helping your dog overcome separation anxiety is to teach them how to make calm choices and separate emotionally, even when you’re present.

1. Leadership Matters

Dogs thrive when they have a strong leader who sets clear expectations. This doesn’t mean being harsh or domineering; it’s about providing calm, confident guidance.

Think of it like teaching mindfulness to a person with anxiety. A dog who learns to follow your lead will start to trust their ability to handle situations independently.

2. The Power of Place Training

Place training is one of the most effective tools for separation anxiety. By teaching your dog to stay on a specific mat or bed, they learn to relax and stay put regardless of what’s happening around them.

• Start with short durations and gradually build up to longer periods.
• This teaches your dog patience and self-regulation.

3. Control Movement

A dog who has a full run of the house often feels the need to check in on you constantly. Initially, crates or baby gates should be used to limit their space.

• Crating, when done correctly, isn’t cruel—it’s comforting.
• Dogs are den animals by nature, and a well-introduced crate can become their sanctuary.

4. Structured Departures and Returns

Avoid the dramatic goodbyes and excited reunions that can exacerbate anxiety.

• Keep departures and arrivals low-key to show your dog that these transitions are no big deal.

Consistency Is Everything

Training isn’t a one-and-done process. Just like humans don’t become mindful overnight, dogs need regular practice to reshape their habits and emotional responses.

This requires consistent effort on your part, but the results are well worth it.

Avoiding Common Pitfalls

Over-reliance on Positive Reinforcement

One mistake I see frequently is over-reliance on positive reinforcement without clear boundaries.

• While rewards are essential, they should be paired with structure and leadership to give your dog a well-rounded understanding of what’s expected.

Misunderstanding Stress

Another common pitfall is misunderstanding the role of stress.

• Growth happens outside comfort zones.
• While we never want to overwhelm a dog, mild, controlled stress during training is what builds resilience.

Dogs learn to handle the small challenges we present in a structured way so they can tackle bigger challenges on their own.

Final Thoughts

Helping a dog with separation anxiety is a journey, but it can transform your relationship with your pet. By teaching your dog to be calm and independent, you’re giving them the tools to handle the world confidently—even when you’re not around.

If your dog struggles with separation anxiety and you’re unsure where to begin, I’m here to help. As a balanced dog trainer, I integrate proven techniques with a deep understanding of canine behavior to address the root of the issue, not just the symptoms.

Let’s work together to help your dog—and you—find peace.

If you ask many dog owners how they can socialize their dogs, you might get a response that involves raised eyebrows and a puzzled look. The definition of the word “socialization” is: “the process of learning to behave in a way that is acceptable to society.”

So, doesn’t socialization even apply to dogs? I guess you don’t want your dog to attack other dogs in public, so that makes sense. And you don’t want your dog to bite the hand that feeds it, which is you.

Am I Even Ready For Dog Training With My Canine?

You may think about other challenges with dog training lessons that you may not be ready for. How do I find the right trainer for my dog?

Is private training the best option, or could group classes be better? Do I just want my dog to learn the basics, or do I want it to acquire advanced skills? And will I even know it if my dog develops a behavior that isn’t healthy?

If training is the answer, how and when should you socialize your dog? And is it something that is a one-time thing that shapes them into a pet that behaves in a way that is acceptable to society?

Taking Charge Of How Your Dog Develops

Social skills for humans and dogs are very different. Don’t dogs just adapt and develop their own coping and behavioral skills and learn to sit or lie down on their own?

The short answer is no.

If you want your canine pet to live a healthier and happier life, it should be a priority to take an active role in developing its social skills from the first day you own it.

A Well-rounded Pet That Will Stick Around

Perhaps you don’t have time to develop your dog’s social skills, or maybe you just don’t want to put in the effort.

Whatever the situation may be, there is a path to have a more well-rounded dog and to have plenty of time for your own life – by hiring a dog trainer.

Professional dog trainers help dogs to be more well-rounded around you and other people if they must spend time at home while you are at work, and around other dogs when in social settings.

When Should Your Dog Begin Socialization Training?

There is an old adage that says: “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks.” While it is more challenging to work to train dogs in socialization techniques who are older, it can be done. It just takes longer to do so than with a puppy.

Dog trainers

can improve your dog’s social skills, but it helps improve the success of the endeavor if the training starts early. Dog trainers recommend that you start the training when puppies are around one month old.

It’s easier to prevent bad habits in a dog than it is to break them. Working with a dog-training business early can prevent problem behaviors. Your trainer will offer advice and even a package that will work best for your dog.

Once a trainer learns what your definition of a socialized dog is, the education can begin!

Socialization Is A Partnership Between Dog Owners And Trainers

You’ve found a dog trainer that you like and you’re ready to turn your puppy over for socialization training. There is just one thing, though.

You don’t turn your puppy over for dog training.

You develop an ongoing partnership for your training with one goal: A course for helping your puppy become a happy, healthy dog that will feel comfortable at home and wherever you may take it. Look at it like this teaching partnership will be an education for you and your dog.

Communication Is The Key

While your dog trainer will create a personalized socialization plan for you and your pet, it will be a team effort. Once your trainer is confident that your dog is on the right track to being socialized, it will be time for you to take the lead with your training.

As you and your dog trainer work with your pet, communication is important. Since your dog will be spending more time at home with you, pay attention to how your dog reacts to dog training exercises.

Something that may seem normal to you might be a sign of concern to dog trainers. Take notes that you can review with your trainer to ensure that training is progressing as planned.

Going Slow Is The Way To Socialization

Older dogs who have experienced neglect or abuse often struggle with becoming socialized with other humans and dogs. However, it is just as important to socialize younger canines slowly.

Trainers plan socialization programs based on slowly building trust and confidence. This helps to reduce fear and anxiety in reactive dogs, which increases the success of socialization.

When owners reinforce the learning steps and operant conditioning is implemented by trainers when pets are at home, it increases the chances of having a calm, socialized pet for a lifetime.

A Controlled Environment Helps Socialize Dogs

It’s a brand new world for puppies. The transition from a world of darkness to…everything…lights, sounds, people and other dogs.

Life for an adult dog that hasn’t been socialized can also be full of new experiences. Humans often have a fear of the unknown, and the same can be said for dogs.

That is another reason a certified dog trainer can have more success with socializing a dog over trying to do it alone. Trainers have controlled environments that allow dogs to be socialized in a way that helps them overcome a fear of the unknown.

And if a certain aspect of a dog’s training causes negative responses, a dog trainer can eliminate or alter the exercise or equipment. When you control where and how a dog is trained, it increases the probability of a more well-rounded dog.

Trainers Know How To Create Neutral Environments

Controlled environments are important when training dogs to have a socially balanced life. But what about neutral environments? What are they and how do they impact a dog’s social training?

A controlled environment is a setting where trainers limit the sights, sounds, and stimuli that a dog will encounter. That environment will change as a dog advances in its social training.

A neutral environment is one where there are no positive or negative characteristics or features. Walking your dog alone is an example of this. Another is a quiet day or evening at home with your dog.

Owners often take their pets to dog parks for some outdoor exercise. This might not be the best environment for younger and older dogs because they are forced into an active environment with dogs of all breeds and sizes.

Neutral environments provide a chance to socialize with other dogs and people on their own terms.

How Long Does It Take To Socialize My Dog?

Your $64,000 question may be: “How long will it take to socialize my dog?”

You might have more luck asking if we are ever going to achieve world peace on our planet or whether meteorologists will truly ever be able to predict the weather 100% of the time.

Every breed is different, as well as every dog within a particular breed. There is no one-size-fits-all type of socialization training program. And a socialization program can often change as a trainer learns about a dog’s issues.

Dog Training Is A Marathon, Not A Sprint

It is the goal of dog training to get to the point where owners can take over working with their dogs alone. When socialization training becomes ingrained in a dog, then owners can continue following the program at home.

That doesn’t mean that a dog owner will never have contact with their dog trainer. If new behaviors or problem behaviors arise that change a dog’s daily routine (like a move to a new home, a baby or new pet arriving, or a new job), more work with a dog trainer may be necessary.

When you choose a professional to help with dog training lessons and training techniques, you enter into a partnership. As you depend on them to use their professional private training to create the socialization program, they will also count on you to continue your training at home with positive reinforcement, no matter how many dogs you may have.

If your new puppy has behavior problems, separation anxiety, aggression, counter surfing, or a problem with barking, the techniques you get from private dog training lessons will help your dog learn good behavior and good manners with a personalized approach to get the training results you need. These kinds of sessions will address your dog’s unique personality and problem behaviors to create a strong bond with you, so you can feel confident taking your pup anywhere. It will make socialization with other dogs and people much easier and you’ll know how to effectively communicate with your pet to get the behavior you want from them.

What is Private Dog Training?

Private dog training methods include in-home dog training from expert dog trainers who use positive reinforcement and advanced skills with a training plan that focuses on behavior modification and teaches essential skills to reach your training goals. Puppy training includes potty training, basic manners, and behavioral issues with hour-long sessions that teach puppies through one-on-one training with private sessions that provide the focus your pet needs. Private training sessions are the best way to go about puppy training and it will vary based on the results you want to see and the individual attention your pup needs for the best behavior modification they can get.

Private lessons will address any dog problem you have, from excessive barking to aggression and you won’t have to worry about other dogs getting in the way of the attention your puppy needs to learn their best behavior practices while the trainer uses proven techniques in their sessions. The training takes place at home, so there are no distractions to get in the way of the lessons, and your puppy will get the most out of them every time. It’s the best way to get the fastest results and the personalized approach will modify your dog’s behavior in fewer sessions than it would take with public classes filled with other people and dogs.

Benefits of Private Training

There are many benefits to private dog training, whether you have a puppy or an older dog with behavioral issues that you want to be addressed in your home as opposed to a public space with lots of other pets in the same program. Your trainer will have a treat pouch that’s just for your dog and that will keep his or her attention where it’s supposed to be, while they practice their lessons in the comfort of their own home. It also makes it possible to focus on problem behaviors that your pet has and not someone else’s dog in the class.

When your pup gets to enjoy a private training class, they’ll get plenty of positive reinforcement to focus on basic manners and basic obedience, as well as leash training that will make your walks much more enjoyable than they are right now. It will also cut down on your dog’s instinct for barking when they’re surrounded by other animals in a space they’re not used to or comfortable in. Best of all, you won’t have to worry about aggression from other animals when the entire program takes place in your home and you’ll know there are no other dogs lacking vaccination records necessary to keep your puppy safe.

Finding a Private Dog Trainer

Professional dog trainers are online and ready to give you private lessons in your home for behavior modification and basic manners you need to get the results from the dog training you want for a puppy you love being around all the time. There’s a program in your area and you don’t have to go out of your way to find it while you deal with excessive barking and other behavior problems that only obedience training can fix. Private training teaches dogs and puppies better than public sessions and there are just a few things to look for in new dog training programs.

Make sure your trainers offer different levels of training programs for your pets so you never have to worry about getting to a level of behavior modification that you can’t exceed in your training sessions. They should offer basic obedience training as well as advanced dog training and leash lessons for your dog. They should have plenty of trainers ready to show up at your door and get right to work as they teach your puppy how to control their aggression and excessive barking, right in your home.

Dog Training Methods

The most effective form of training to teach your dog good behavior is with positive reinforcement and your in-home trainer will use it to address everything from aggressions to other behavioral issues, as well as socialization with other people in your house and around your puppy. Dog training sessions that focus on aggression should never include negative reinforcement and you shouldn’t see it come from your trainers. When negative methods are used to address aggression, the result only reinforces the animal’s instincts and that leads to more behavioral problems than before.

Private dog training and one-on-one training sessions give the trainers the ability to focus on one dog at a time and use a treat pouch to reward them for the positive behavior that the program emphasizes. This is a proven training method that can be extended to other areas of your pet’s behavior from leash pulling to excessive barking and individual attention is the best way to get it. the sooner you take advantage of a private training program, the sooner you’ll see the results you want from your dog.

Training Programs

There’s a training program for every need and you don’t have to feel like your dog has to go without the help they need with obedience training and leash training, no matter how you want to attend them or where you want them to take place. Group classes are available from private dog training providers for extra socialization for all dogs that attend the class with each other. You can also get help from a professional dog trainer over the phone or through a Zoom program that takes away the need for an in-home training plan.

Private dog training covers everything from essential skills to leash etiquette for a behavior program that teaches your dog all the skills they need to be the perfect companion and you can only get that with the individual attention offered by private training. There’s a program for any goal you have and any dog problem can be addressed by professional dog trainers who use positive reinforcement in all their obedience training. Whether you want in-home dog training or group classes, there’s always a way to train dogs in your area.

Why Choose Private Training?

Private training allows you to get the one-on-one attention your dog needs to learn the manners they need and address problem behaviors that are unique to your animal and you won’t have to worry about other dogs getting in the way while you practice with your furry family member. It’s also the best way to deal with leash training goals when your dog isn’t distracted by other K-9s when you don’t have to worry about aggression or distractions. You’ll get better training results and the techniques will be catered to your best friend, and no one else.

It will allow your dog to get the individualized attention it takes for the best results and it can all happen in the comfort of your own home, as opposed to an open field or facility that makes it tough for your dog to practice with your trainer. It will also make it possible to create a strong bond throughout the obedience training and there will always be a treat pouch meant for your pooch alone. There’s always a program in your area and you get to choose where you want your classes to take place.

What to Expect from Private Training

While individual attention is the biggest benefit of private dog training lessons, you can also expect to help your dog learn faster than public classes and reach your training goals in a much faster period, whether you’re training a new puppy or an older dog. Whether you’re looking for obedience training or to work on your dog’s leash etiquette, you can find a private program to give you all the tools you need for the results you expect. Dogs need everything from potty training to basic manners and a private dog trainer is the best way to get it through private sessions.

You can also expect to end your training with a harmonious relationship with your dog that you can’t get in any other way, no matter how much time you spend working on aggression and other problems without the help of professional dog trainers. They’ll work on barking, leash pulling, and any other behavior issues you’re seeing from your dog. Training is just like any other skill and you’ll always get the best results when you work with a professional, rather than going at it alone.

Common Behavioral Issues

Common behavioral issues can be addressed by your trainer to make sure you’re getting the most out of your sessions and your dog’s unique personality will be used to find the best training results from the private program you choose to take advantage of with your puppy. That gives you a personalized approach to treating separation anxiety, barking, leash pulling, and aggression with a program that utilizes proven techniques for real behavior modification. You’ll get the training results you need to teach your dog how to behave at home and in public so you never have to worry about or guess what your best friend will do when you go outside or spend time alone.

That will leave you with a puppy who knows how to behave around other dogs, as well as other people and that will leave you with a dog you enjoy being around, no matter where you are or what’s going on in the space you’re occupying with them. No matter which problems you want to address, there are proven training methods to help you and teach your dog how to behave. Dog owners can start benefitting from proven training right now and it’s something you don’t want to put off any longer than you have to!

Fortunately, when they’re a puppy in their formative years, you can promote lifelong good behavior and curb undesirable traits so you two — and the rest of the items in your home — have a happy life together.

Ultimately, you’ll want to teach your pet some basic cues and establish a solid foundation early on. Luckily, you can begin teaching good manners and all the basics in training sessions as soon as you bring your pup home, usually at eight weeks old.

Why Train at All

Well, first and foremost, puppy training when your pooch is young reduces stress for you and them. They’ll understand the behaviors to exhibit and know the ones to avoid. You’ll prevent accidents inside the home and keep your furniture intact. You can also prevent an incident with your pet being more ‘jumpy’ than it should be toward the company. 

Though it’s a dog’s instinct to bark, especially when they want to alert you of a potential danger, you can teach them the appropriate times to voice their opinion. This is especially the case since they may bark when they want your attention, which may be more prevalent when they’re not mentally or physically engaged. Through training, your puppy can learn when an appropriate time is to bark, so as not to disrupt your household or bother your neighbors.

Puppy training when your doggo is young will make it easier for them to handle as they grow. And if you plan on taking your pet places, whether to parks, on car rides, trips, etc., you’ll find your pet will be more manageable with the proper training. Furthermore, they’ll exhibit positive behaviors and be well socialized so bringing them places is joyous for you, them, and anyone else around, including other canines.

Why Train When They’re Young

For one, the puppy years are fun to watch, as your little ball of fur tackles new tasks and learns new things. However, they’re full of energy, possibly teething (depending on their age), potty training, and learning through play. Sometimes, this spells out disaster for your home, and if they’re a barker, it may mean quite a bit of noise and chaos. 

You obviously want to adjust problematic behaviors early accordingly to keep items in your home safe, prevent your rambunctious little guy or girl from jumping on everyone, and ensure the nuisance noises remain at a minimum. You’re also helping them exhibit desirable behaviors for the rest of their lives, which helps to make your bond with them strong. 

Besides intervening early for the sake of you and them, mentally, there’s a reason to train young. Your pup’s brain is wired to absorb a wealth of knowledge at this stage. At this point in their lives, their brains can form new connections quickly and rapidly, making it a prime time to teach them good behaviors and tricks.

Though genetics plays a role, certain aspects of their personality and temperament develop when they’re young. As a result, getting them socialized, used to being alone, and emotionally resilient overall best happens when they’re in the first year of life.

Some Training Tips

With so many things on your checklist to teach your pet, you may not know where to begin. These are some tips to help you get started:

Potty Training 

Pet urine soaks into hardwood, and the smell is difficult to get rid of in carpeting, so it’s important to start potty training ASAP, right after you bring your little barking bundle of joy home. Take them outside or to the potty pad, ideally every three hours. Schedule potty breaks after they eat meals or drink a great deal, once they wake up, and right before bed.

After every time they make potty on the pad or outside, reward them with one of the following:

• A small low-calorie treat, like store-bought treats, baby carrots, homemade peanut butter bites, or low-fat and low-sodium cheese (in moderation) 
• Pets and praise
• Playtime

Understand the signs your pet has to go to the bathroom to help them prevent accidents, such as:

• Sniffing the floor, looking for a place to go
• Pacing
• Walking in circles to find a spot

These are times to interrupt and take them outside or to the pad.

Once they get accustomed to the routine, you may notice other signs, including:

• Barking or whimpering
• Standing near the door
• Restlessness/anxiety

Try to have a feeding schedule when potty training, so they regulate their digestive tract, and you can establish a bathroom schedule easier. Avoid overnight accidents when they’re potty training by picking up their water dish about two hours before bed.

Moreover, never punish your pup for accidents because this can worsen the problem. Instead, reward the good to help them learn.

Crate Training

If you plan on crate training Fido as part of your puppy training, purchase a crate large enough for them to stand up, turn around, and lie in comfortably. Ensure the crate is a comfortable, non-boring place for them to remain by placing a bed or blanket down first and adding some toys.

When you first start crate training, let your pooch explore it at their leisure. Leave it open or remove the crate door. Let them enter and exit, sniff around, and possibly even lay on the comfy bed. Never rush the process, or they could associate negative feelings with it.

If they’re uninterested in the crate, lure them in with puppy treats. But, never close the door instantly. Instead, give them time.

Once your pup is in the crate and has had time to acclimate, give your pooch some positive reinforcement. After you let them out of the crate when they’re using it regularly, go for a walk with them so they have an opportunity to stretch and take a potty break, and they have something to look forward to after they get out of the crate.

Calming Barking

Some breeds are known for being more talkative than others. However, you don’t have to invest in earplugs to enjoy some peace because you have a barker on your hands. Instead, ignore any barking that’s solely for attention. Once they stop barking for a few seconds, give them pets to reinforce the good behavior. 

Moreover, it helps to train them to bark first, so they recognize what one is. Afterward, you can teach them “No bark.” Then, after they understand this, you can use that command to stop unwanted barking.

Also, keep your pooch occupied throughout the day, which will reduce barking episodes. They have your attention and won’t pay mind to stimuli around or outside that could trigger a barking spell.

Teaching Them Impulse Control

Teaching them no is the first step to your puppy learning impulse control. You’ll find no doesn’t mean no to them at first. You can teach this through positive reinforcement, though.

First, hold out your hand in front of them with a treat in it, and then tell them no whenever they try to get the snack. You’ll want to continue keeping them away from the treat at first. Practice this exercise a few times per training session until they’re no longer so overly excited.

As your puppy learns to resist, reward them with the treat. You’ll want to gradually increase to longer periods between displaying the treat and giving it to them.

Teaching Them Social Skills

If you plan to take your pet for walks around the neighborhood, the park, or anywhere they may encounter other dogs, early socialization is a necessity. However many weeks old they are now is the right age to start having them make new friends.

At these play sessions, you’ll want to train your new puppy to be around other pooches safely. Start with a pup you know who socializes well and is already well-adjusted.

Have the playdate in an open room or outdoor space. Preferably, you don’t want to plan the visit in your pup’s own home or the other dog’s house, so there are no territory issues between the puppies.

Because your pup will be at a disadvantage in a new environment, you’ll want to wait until they’ve been in public spaces already, so you don’t overwhelm them. Moreover, schedule any socialization after nap times so your pup is well rested.

Be certain the other dog you’re having your pet meet is fully vaccinated, and your pet has all their shots for their age. If you don’t know of any dogs that meet this criterion, opt for puppy group classes that require all pups to have their immunizations before participating.

Keep your pup on a leash during any meet and greets. Introduce the pets slowly and give them time to sniff and get to know one another. If the interaction gets aggressive, use the leash to pull your pup back from the situation. Each pet needs its own chew toys or other playthings to keep its mind occupied if the meeting derails. They can then work on parallel play.

These are the basics of puppy training, but you may find other areas you may want to focus on, such as having a complete daily schedule. In addition to any of the basic manners and commands you teach, you may want to opt for private lessons if you’re not having much success with positive reinforcement training and general obedience training.

Frequently Asked Questions About Puppy Training

We heard your questions about puppy training and would like to provide some insight.

What is the first thing you should train your puppy?

While there are various basic commands you should teach as well as getting them on a potty training schedule, start small. Teach your puppy to love their new home and that it’s a safe space for them.

Socialization may be one of the firsts. Specifically, if you have other dogs, you’ll want to introduce them to your new puppy, one at a time, after a few days to a week of your new addition moving in. Another first of training you may want to concentrate on is their separation anxiety, if they have any, so they’re not stressed whenever you leave the house.

What is a good age to start training a puppy?

Regarding puppy training, the general rule is it’s never too early to start. Therefore, as soon as you bring them home, begin dog training.

What are the 5 commands for puppy training?

You may have a lengthy list of what you want to teach your new pet, but the main ones to focus on include:

• No
• Their name (come when they’re called)
• Sit
• Stay
• Bark/no bark

What is a good schedule for a 12-week-old puppy?

Generally, you want to take your new pup out for potty training every three hours. Feed them twice daily, once in the morning and once at night. Aim for the same times each day to benefit your pup’s potty schedule.

Furthermore, keep your puppy engaged throughout the day to help them sleep at night. A young dog will have trouble sleeping in distracting environments, so create a calm environment at night for them before bedtime, allowing them to learn nighttime is for sleep.

For dogs with behavioral problems like separation anxiety, aggression, biting, and even house-training issues, you need to get to the root of the issue, and to do that, you need to understand how a dog sees the world. Since your dog doesn’t have the capacity to see the world from your perspective, it’s up to you to close the gap. In this episode, Brett discuses the importance of seeing your dog as a dog and tells you how to use that new perspective to help you resolve your dog’s issues.

Listen to Episode 96 of The Dog Savant Podcast here, or find it on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anywhere else you find your podcasts!

If you are in the greater Los Angeles or San Fernando Valley area contact us, we can help!

The Environment

Puppies are naturally curious. This affords them the ability to learn about their surroundings and socialize. However, this innocent curiosity can quickly lead to trouble if the environment is not structured and “puppy proofed”. By restricting a young dogs ability to roam about and slowly give them increasingly more freedom as they mature, you will be preventing /minimizing the chances of your dog being harmed or destroying your belongings and learning bad habits such as chewing, hyperactivity, and potty training issues. Some ways I recommend my clients “restrict” their puppy’s home environment is to have them on a leash or in a playpen initially when coexisting in the various spaces you share within the home environment. When your puppy is alone, a crate is the safest place for them when you cannot supervise their activity.  It is also critical in teaching your dog potty training skills as I will explain next.

Potty Training

Teaching your dog to go to the bathroom outside is a pretty straightforward process. Yet, so many dog owners get it wrong because of the products (and bizarre philosophies) that try to bargain with nature in attempts at accommodating the conveniences of human wants while going against a dog’s natural instincts to keep their living environment clean.  In Los Angeles many people live in apartments and want the convenience of not having to go for walks every time their dog has to go to the bathroom even though it ends up being exponentially more work in the long term.  With that said, do not use pee pads, litter boxes, or grass patches in your home unless there is a medical need your dog has that requires you to do so. It will only cause problems in the long run! Reason being is that it teaches a dog to go to the bathroom at will versus learning how to go on command and hold it for increasingly longer time periods as their age and overall housebreaking abilities increase. By tapping into a dog’s instincts by use of a crate or small space they will keep clean and learn how to “hold it” and “go” when it is the proper time to remain comfortable until the next scheduled bathroom visit that you dictate based on their age and abilities. I have additional articles and videos on this subject in my Los Angeles dog trainer blog for a more in depth explanation of how to potty train your puppy.

Nipping Vs. Teething

As with many dog behaviors, one of the most misinterpreted is the reasoning by which a puppy chooses to mouth or bite. In most cases it gets minimized and written of as “teething” or “play” since it does not intend to break skin and we see them do it to each other in play amongst themselves. However, if examined from a dogs perspective you will see it has great meaning and should be addressed as soon as your puppy begins to display this behavior. What puppy biting towards you, your clothing, or the leash means (different than chewing furniture!) is your dog is trying to modulate their sensory system and resistance to the physical control that is going to have to be a part of their lives (leash walking, handling, holding, etc.). Although they can figure it out when engaging each other, as a human, it cannot be seen as tolerable since it can cause harm and send your dog the wrong message in terms of your leadership awareness and that putting their mouth on a humans’s skin is acceptable. By teaching your puppy how to relax by other means versus allowing or punishing the behavior when they become too stimulated, you are addressing the root cause of why puppies bite and redirecting the sensory overload to a calmer place via focus-based training and redirection. You may visit my article here that gives a complete overview on puppy teething, mouthing, and biting plus how to deal with it.

Socialization

From the moment your puppy is born they are making associations with their external world. Because of this, you want to have them associate that people, other animals, and varying environments are an everyday part of life by exposing them to everything as much as possible while they are young.  You also want these associations to be reasonably calm and objective so they do not develop a habit of becoming over-stimulated or reactive in new social situations and are more inclined to listen when distracted by external stimuli in the future when you want them to listen to you and not react.

Playtime, Toys, Bones, Etc.

There are many products marketed to new puppy owners. Here in the Hollywood and Los Angeles area there is no shortage of goods and services available for dogs. You can easily spend a small fortune on your pet if you succumb to your indulgences. The fact of the matter is most of this is for us and is not really what dogs want if they could go shopping (or hunting ) on their own. With that said, a simple bone to chew (raw and safe), a ball to chase, and challenging puzzle or stuffed kong type chew toy is all a dog really needs. Be careful with stuffed, roped, rawhide, or easily destroyed chew toys since many puppies have been known to ingest them and this is not safe. It is great to play with your dog. But it is best to engage in more constructive play such as fetch, find it, or some type of training like agility if your dog gets too stimulated / mouthy from one on one roughhousing type play. This makes you more of a “coach” than a “playmate” which a dog who has biting potential when playing requires from us.

Basic Commands

You want to begin imprinting the basic commands you would like your puppy to perform as an adult dog as early as possible. Of course getting a 100′ off-lead recall may not come right away. But if you begin to consistently teach your young dog the foundation of what is in store for the future they begin to make the correct associations from the very start. Start practicing and developing the basic dog training commands (Sit, Down, Come, Let’s Go, etc.) everyday in a wide range of environments and situations to help your puppy reach their best training potential.

Have Fun!

Although the purpose of this article is to be a straightforward approach to raising a puppy. (dog trainers tend to be this way) it is still important to have fun! Take lots of pictures / videos and indulge in the enjoyment of what makes a puppy so wonderful! Just be aware of the times that thinking like a dog and reacting as such may be more beneficial in teaching your dog the right habits you are trying to instill for a lifetime versus giving in to our human emotions.

Nobody wants their fun leisurely walk with their loving pet to turn into an all out tug-of-war battle,  your will want to rush ahead and go wherever he wants.  If you are quite happy to rush from tree to post whilst your dog smells which of his friends has been there before him,  don’t bother reading on.  If however you wish to take control of walkies and enjoy a pleasant walk with your canine family member here are 5 simple tips on how to stop leash pulling from your dog.

If you are in the greater Los Angeles or San Fernando Valley area contact us, we can help!

1. Preparation is Key:

If you want to stop leash pulling, don’t just put on the leash and go…Take 10-15 minutes (or more) of “lead time” to warm your dog up by walking them around the house with their leash / collar so they are more focused on their job versus being anxious about the walk once you actually are at the door after this warm up period is done. It is also helpful to have your dog wear their leash at random times other than pre-walk so they can reduce the strong associations they may be having with it always being a pre-cursor to walks.

2. Structure your Walks

Teaching your dog to obey a strong Heel or Let’s Go type of walking command will reduce the over-projection and anxiety associated with leash pulling in dogs. By having your dog commit to one clearly defined space next to you, it gives your dog a job to do and promotes focus in your direction instead of constantly thinking ahead! Plus, walking this way simulates how dogs (and many other animal species) align with a pack, herd, pod, etc. instead of the independent, over anticipation that leads to a dog thinking many steps ahead of where you and their bodies actually are. Which creates the cause for distractions and reactions on walks.

3. Structure your Dog’s Home Environments

As a professional dog trainer in Los Angeles most of my clients’s dogs do not just suffer from leash pulling as an isolated problem. Because I have been in the homes of literally thousands of dog owners with problem pooches I have had the opportunity to observe how most dogs who have unwanted behaviors like pulling on their leash are also highly anxious and hypersensitive in their indoor home lives as well. Examples of this are “tracking” their owners movements too closely / impulsively (following you everywhere nonstop), getting easily stimulated, or being pushy by having to “ask” for resources such as food, potty time, and attention. By giving dogs of this nature more structure and training at home when they may be too reactive to what is going on around them it communicate that we are able to keep track of them and give them things to do while we conduct our own human business in their presence. By implementing your dog training when you are actually living and not as a scheduled thing, you also help teach your pup how to listen to you while life is happening when you may really need it!

4. Socialization

Many dogs have difficulty walking because they are not socialized enough and become too stimulated and over reactive to things they are not familiar with. By getting your dog out in the world to experience as many people, dogs, and different environments as possible with a calm, association to listening versus reacting, they will learn how to be more neutral to what you may encounter on your walks.

5. Check Your Equipment

Unfortunately, some dog training equipment can be counterproductive to teaching your dog to stop leash pulling. Traditional harnesses or even a dog collar that is worn too low on a dog’s neck can trigger a pulling (opposition) reflex which creates the sensation for a dog to want to pull against this pressure and energy being dispersed too low and broadly across their bodies. This is how sled dogs operate! Some dog training equipment such as no-pull harnesses and gentle lead / head halti devices work a little better at preventing leash pulling physically, but does not address the over-projection of a dog’s thinking as the cause of why they have pulling problems. It’s in essence putting a band aid over the problem (most overly-positive dog training tends to do this) and a dog never learns how to organically walk as their natural instincts dictate. All dogs have this ability!

Instead, a collar worn snug behind a dogs ears (similar to how show dogs are walked and the dog whisperers collar) provides the right type of pressure to help draw focus inward and reorganize their sensory system to prevent them from over projecting. It is basically like teaching your dog how to meditate instead of them visualizing themselves halfway around the neighborhood before the walk even begins! Remember, we are not trying to choke or correct our dogs (primary reason dog owners / trainers avoid using a “training” collar in the first place) our goal is to project our energy or chi by sending light pressure in the pockets behind their ears as another dogs would do with their mouths to keep their structure while flowing together as a pack. You can even see dogs do this in play as they attempt to herd each other to establish angles and direction.

By learning how to connect with your dog naturally as a lifestyle and in your training you will begin to see results and learn how to stop leash pulling from day one…

Brett Endes, The Dog Savant is a professional dog trainer and author based in L.A. with over 20 years experience specializing in problem behavior and puppy development counseling. The Dog Savant hosts a weekly podcast and is currently developing a web-based show to promote his message of canine behavior awareness. Brett takes a unique approach to dog behavior like no other trainer. His methods are based on psychology and principals of meditation along with a dog’s natural way of communication. Brett has been affectionately called, “The man with a dog’s brain”. He is available for private consulting of individual clients and speaking engagements in the greater Los Angeles / San Fernando Valley area and worldwide. To learn more about Brett or for contact info please visit his website: dogtrainingLA.com or email: dogtrainingla@gmail.com

Being a Los Angeles dog trainer for over 20 years I have learned one constant…I am not training dogs whatsoever.  My job description is to actually teach and educate dog owners how to tap into something that is already there.  By learning how to become a more conscious dog owner, you too can learn how to connect with your dog in the most meaningful way possible that promotes a calm, well behaved and happy pet!

If you are in the greater Los Angeles or San Fernando Valley area contact us, we can help!

1) Is your Dog Happy?:

Sometimes we get so busy we forget to take the time to step back and observe our dogs (and ourselves) in terms of the level of inner peace they are demonstrating An overstimulated, hyperactive dog is not a happy dog. Dogs feel best when their energy is properly directed towards appropriate outlets such as structured exercise and focus-based training. Other than those times, a happy dog should be pretty much relaxed in our presence on their downtime without a whole lot to be concerned about.

2) Socialize your Dog to Everything!:

Dogs are migrating and social pack animals. They thrive on being around other people and going to new places / experiences. The more you take them to the dog park, beach, walks, etc. the more they get their requirements for socialization met to help them feel secure and content as a whole.

3) Whole Foods for Dogs:

Feed your dog a healthy diet. When I first started as professional dog trainer it was difficult to recommend healthy foods because most pet shops and supermarkets still carried your standard poor quality commercial kibble. Now the choices are endless to the point that they even have a chain of home cooked dog food shops here in Los Angeles! From dry to raw diets, it is quite easy and affordable to feed your dog a balanced diet.

4) Pick up Your Dog’s Poop!:

Pick up your dog’s poop!
5) Give your Dog the Right type of Love and Affection: 

Dogs thrive on receiving love and attention.  However, there are times when a dog cannot handle getting lavished with affection / treats/ attention if it creates the cause for overstimulation or prohibits them from listening when it is unsafe.  It is our job as their human pack leaders  to be disciplined enough to not always indulge in our emotions and distribute love and praise when it is most appropriate so it is received by our dogs at face value and not as something else we do not intend.   As I tell my dog training clients in Los Angeles, the more you are willing to do this consistently when your dog is a puppy or new rescue pet, the less you have to be concerned about it down the road.

Brett Endes, The Dog Savant is a professional dog trainer and author based in L.A. with over 20 years experience specializing in problem behavior and puppy development counseling. The Dog Savant hosts a weekly podcast and is currently developing a web-based show to promote his message of canine behavior awareness. Brett takes a unique approach to dog behavior like no other trainer. His methods are based on psychology and principals of meditation along with a dog’s natural way of communication. Brett has been affectionately called, “The man with a dog’s brain”. He is available for private consulting of individual clients and speaking engagements in the greater Los Angeles / San Fernando Valley area and worldwide. To learn more about Brett or for contact info please visit his website: dogtrainingLA.com or email: dogtrainingla@gmail.com

The following are a few helpful tips I share with my Los Angeles dog training clients to help you resolve your excessive dog barking problems too.

1) Dogs Should take a “Wait and See” Approach to Life

I find a large percentage of problem barking is directed at humans in attempts to “seek” something they need from their two legged counterparts. Although many people find this cute or think it is good that “they are telling me what they need…” This is not a good thing at all and a major cause of anxiety and excessive dog barking in the cases I see. As I tell all of my clients, you are good at taking care of your dog and providing what they need in the appropriate time frame necessary. Whether is be food, attention, or to be let out, unless there is a medical emergency, a dog should NEVER feel responsible for dictating the next event or action that occurs between them and humans. It empowers them to be responsible for a situation that is beyond overwhelming for them to handle. Our world is far too complicated for them to feel responsible for even the most basic of transactions. Yet, will find great contentment in patiently waiting for all their needs to be accommodated in our time frame as we dictate.

2) Give Your Dog a Job

Many dogs who are our pets were genetically made to work and are highly driven. On their own, they can easily become bored or simply not know what to do when our fast paced lives are going on around them. By created structured tasks vis basic commands while you are doing your chores, family gatherings, and other transitional times, it simulates the essence of what dogs first did alongside early man. To take direction from humans as we take care of our human business.

3) Physical Exercise

Exercise helps release physical energy, gives a dog the chance to feel free, and releases endorphins into their systems to help them feel more balanced overall reducing their need for excessive dog barking. Every healthy dog should have a regular exercise regiment in place. Even out of shape or senior dogs can benefit from daily walks and the occasion run. I offer k9 personal training sessions even for my clients in Los Angeles and Hollywood.

4) Mental Exercise

Like physical energy, mental energy needs and outlet too. By providing a daily training regiment that challenges a dog’s mind and develops single pointed focus as described in #2, releases a great deal of thinking energy that drives the overthinking which leads to problem behaviors.

5) Socialization

Some dogs get frustrated from not being around their own kind. Although they do not need to live at the dog park, it gives them a sense of purpose and validation to see that they are not the only ones i the world who walk on all fours and pee outside.

Brett Endes, The Dog Savant is a professional dog trainer and author based in L.A. with over 20 years experience specializing in problem behavior and puppy development counseling. The Dog Savant hosts a weekly podcast and is currently developing a web-based show to promote his message of canine behavior awareness. Brett takes a unique approach to dog behavior like no other trainer. His methods are based on psychology and principals of meditation along with a dog’s natural way of communication. Brett has been affectionately called, “The man with a dog’s brain”. He is available for private consulting of individual clients and speaking engagements in the greater Los Angeles / San Fernando Valley area and worldwide. To learn more about Brett or for contact info please visit his website: dogtrainingLA.com  email: dogtrainingla@gmail.com and check out his Yelp Dog Training Reviews.