Training with Toys.

Veterinarians, trainers, behaviorists, and a long list of others in the canine world, all have one thing in common. They’re all working to strengthen the relationship -“The Bond”- people have with their dogs. To create a healthy and happy bond with your dog “Prevention” is a key word. In truth, a long term solution to unwanted behaviors is to manage or change what motivates your dog to do them. More often than not, dog owners are reactive to unwanted behavioral problems instead of being proactive, in stopping or reducing bad behavior before it starts.

It is essential that dogs have exercise, socialization, and obedience training, as a foundation to prevent bad behavior. More and more canine professionals are developing these essentials through the use of toys. A simple toy can be the training tool of choice for addressing numerous canine behavior problems. These include separation anxiety, loneliness and boredom, destructive chewing, resistance to create training, problem barking and digging.

We’ll address some basic questions:

What is a safe toy for your dog?

How do you introduce toys to your puppy or adult dog?

Do your clients know their dogs chewing temperament?

Can you teach dogs how to chew?

What is the truth on tugging, good or bad?

Can excitement over toys turn to aggression?

Should you use toy or food for obedience training?

This talk will hopefully open your eyes to the numerous benefits of these wonderful bahavioral tools for dogs, “Toy’s”.

Mark Hines is internationally recognized as the Kong Company’s behavior and training specialist. Mark grew up in a rural setting near Golden, Colorado. Being raised with dogs, cats, horses, and surrounded by the great outdoors, his love of animals began at an early age. Mark’s career experiences include working as a veterinary technician, breeder/importer, and Schutzhund trainer/decoy. In his role with the Kong Company over the past 8 years, Mark works with veterinarians, behaviorists, breeders, shelters, and a wide variety of trainers. Mark also provides training and consultation for law enforcement and military K-9 units.