by Canine College | Jul 29, 2020 | View All
No matter what age your dog is, training classes can be highly beneficial to teach him basic commands, new skills, and perhaps socialization. There are two different types of training classes for dogs –private dog training classes and group dog training classes. Which training class do you think is best for your dog, the group training class, or the private classes? While both training classes have their benefits, it’s important to compare their features to find out which training is right for your dog. Group Training The group dog training classes, as it sounds, involves training dogs in a group with several other dogs. It offers the following benefits: Strong Dynamism – Dogs in group training classes exhibit a strong dynamism that is exhilarating to watch. The variety of dogs makes it an exciting time for the dog personally. It offers dogs the benefit of benefiting from each other strengths. There’s healthy competition, enthusiasm, and encouragement flowing from the presence of their peers. Dogs are able to learn socialization skills and interaction with other dogs Dogs get graduation and a platform to show off their newly learned skills in the presence of their cheering peers. It’s extra competitive and brings the best out of dogs as they go through crucial phases of the training, such as obedience, agility, and tricks. Private Training Private dog training classes involve training a dog one-on-one with a professional trainer, and no other dogs present. It has the following benefits: Dogs benefit from individual attention and can learn at their own pace. Welcoming environment – Dogs are familiar with their home spaces, feel more... read more
by Canine College | Jun 24, 2020 | View All
While the summer season is a time when you are likely planning fun activities and outings for yourself and your family, there are some fun things you can try with your pup as well. This article will give you some ideas to try to see what your dog loves. Pool (or Ocean) time Many dogs love to swim – especially when it is hot. If your dog hasn’t done much swimming, introduce the concept slowly. You might even consider getting a life jacket for your dog to help them get more comfortable with swimming in the water. Beach Day If your dog loves to swim already, or just enjoys visiting new places, consider taking hm or her to the beach. Before you visit, make sure your beach allows dogs to visit. You’ll also want to make sure your pup is potty-trained because using the beach is frowned upon. Dine Outside Always feed your dog in the kitchen? Consider taking your dog outdoors. It is a nice, relaxing treat when you grill out and enjoy your food outdoors – let your dog have a similar experience. If your dog regularly eats outside anyway, or you’re looking for another idea, consider a picnic. It can be a fun activity for the whole family. Lastly, consider finding restaurants in your area that allow dogs on the patio. This can be a fun experience for your pup – and some of these restaurants even have a special dog menu. Hit the Movies Consider taking your pooch to a drive-in this summer. Your dog will love sitting back and getting pats while you watch... read more
by Canine College | May 19, 2020 | Training Tips, Uncategorized, View All
Many people have chosen to adopt a puppy or dog during this quarantine, as there were many dogs in need of shelter. Additionally, there’s probably been a lot of added benefits of his companionship for you during this time! The puppy snuggles and emotional boost that a furry friend can give may be just what you needed during this time of isolation. Getting a new puppy is such an exciting time; however, it’s a lot of work. Between the 2am bathroom trips, training him to learn important commands, and making sure he’s getting enough exercise, sleep, and food, it can be a lot. Add in the extra stressors and challenges of the global pandemic, and it makes raising a new puppy during quarantine difficult. Important parts of raising your puppy, such as socialization with other dogs and humans, taking part in group training classes, and veterinarian visits to stay on track with vaccinations, are all significantly tougher during this time with the regulations that are put in place. So, how can you raise a puppy during this time, while preparing him for “normal” life after quarantine? We have some tips! Staying on Schedule for Vaccinations Many veterinarians are altering their protocols to comply with safety regulations, but it’s crucial that you’re still making it a priority to get your dog in for regular visits to stay on track with vaccinations. Missing vaccinations can make him more prone to diseases such as rabies, parvovirus, and beyond. Many vets are offering curbside drop-offs for appointments, to limit the contact between humans. Work with your dog’s vet to find accommodations that work... read more
by Canine College | Apr 17, 2020 | Training Tips, View All
Being cooped up inside our houses every day may not be ideal, but while it has become our reality at the moment, we might as well make the most of it! After all, there may be someone who’s excited about all this extra time you’re spending at home… Your dog! While you have plenty of extra time, this is a great opportunity to bond with your dog. Spend some quality time together that you may not otherwise get to during your typical busy schedule. Here are some fun ideas to start bonding with your dog during quarantine! Play Games & Exercise Chances are, you could both use a little more exercise during this time! If the parks in your community are closed, he may not be running around as much as he used to, but you can still take him on plenty of long walks where it is safe to do so. You can also play games in your yard or home such as hide and seek. Try setting up a makeshift obstacle course some mental and physical exercise! Homemade Dog Toys This one will keep you both entertained for a bit! Instead of ordering new toys off Amazon, which may have a delay in shipping, why not try your hand at making some homemade toys with all supplies that you’ll have already in your house! Using just old t-shirts, tennis balls, and scissors, you can make some fun new toys for free. After all, why spend money on toys that he’ll just rip apart in the matter or minutes. Cook for Him It’s no secret that dogs love... read more
by Canine College | Apr 10, 2020 | View All
As we have been closely monitoring the situation regarding COVID-19 and following the guidelines provided by the CDC, we fully understand the severity of this pandemic. Canine College is committed to the health and safety of our community; Protecting our staff, clients, and dogs during this time is our top priority. We continue to remain open for low-contact services including daycare and training sessions, while following the guidelines of social distancing. We are doing everything necessary to ensure our environment remains clean and as safe as possible during this crucial time. Keep reading to learn more about the services we’re able to provide at this time. Private Dog Training: Private training sessions are an effective way to teach your dog basic commands, correct behaviors, and beyond. Canine College continues to offer private dog training lessons during this time, as keeping up with your dog or new puppies training is essential for his learning. Reach out to us to discuss a personalized plan for your dog. Puppy Playdates: Is your dog getting restless in the house? We’ll take him out for a playdate with a few other dogs! We’ll pick him up and drop him off, so you won’t even have to leave the house. Getting proper exercise is crucial for your dog at this time. We guarantee an hour of outdoor playtime to get him moving! Group Classes: We plan to reopen group training sessions in May, using our large outdoor space to allow for proper social distancing. While we have to put group sessions on hold, we are offering hands-free alternatives to get started on your dogs’ training.... read more
by Canine College | Apr 6, 2020 | View All
Canine College gets beautiful puppies all the time and wants to help them find a lovely, caring, and good home! We currently have german shepard puppies that need a home! For more information on these pups call Bruce Billings at Canine College at 781-767-3908 Canine College is a Boston based, family owned & established Dog Training, Boarding, Day Care and Grooming facility. We are located on 50 acres of fields & forests. Canine College was founded in 1970 in Holbrook Massachusetts on an old farmstead as a sporting dog and obedience kennel. We have grown over the years and have added a full line of services to accommodate all breeds of dogs. Search for: Recent Posts Are Group Dog Training Classes Right for my Dog? 8 Fun Activities to do With Your Dog This Summer Raising & Training a New Puppy During Quarantine Fun Ways to Bond With Your Dog During Quarantine A Notice About COVID-19 From Canine College: We’re Open! Categories Health Care Proper Diet Training Tips Uncategorized View... read more
by Canine College | Mar 30, 2020 | Training Tips, View All
A confident dog is one that will be able to encounter other dogs and humans without barking too much or engaging in fights—which means that it’s a good idea to invest in your dog’s confidence! Let’s discuss good habits to form to help increase the confidence of your dog or puppy. Start Early The adage ‘you can’t teach an old dog new tricks’ might not be true, but it’s certainly easier the earlier you begin to adapt your puppy to the facts of life. While being gentle and cognizant of your puppy’s abilities, start taking them on walks and going out to do new things to broaden his horizons and teach him about the world! Take Them to Puppy Classes Going to puppy classes to instill a little bit of order in his life will do wonders for your puppy. Dogs need some form of command and obedience in their life—it literally helps their brains sort through their experiences more evenly, and helps them be less stressed. Again, starting early will help—and a group class setting will socialize them, which will also give them more confidence. Mindfully Go to Dog Parks as They’re Ready Dog parks can be overstimulating. However, they can also teach your dog valuable lessons about his size, his place in the pack, and simply how to have fun (instead of being aggressive) with other dogs. However, if your dog shows signs of stress or fear, don’t hesitate to ramp up to this activity instead of springing it on your dog. Understand That It Might Not Go as Planned As you’re trying to instill confidence, work... read more
by Canine College | Mar 25, 2020 | Training Tips, View All
Having a dog is both a privilege and a responsibility. While it’s easy to get wrapped up in the puppy dog eyes and kisses, as a pet owner, it’s your job to make sure you do the right things to ensure the health of your furry friend! However, it can be difficult to know exactly what to do to ensure that you are able to enjoy the benefits of being the owner to a happy and healthy pup. That said, it all starts with you! Here’s what you need to know about the top 5 habits of an effective dog owner. 1. Train Proactively When you’re trying to introduce your dog to new, desirable habits such as staying quiet until you wake up and going to the bathroom in the correct place, it’s important to show your dog what you want them to do as well as react strongly to poor behavior. For example, when you’re coming in from a walk, waiting outside until your dog goes to the bathroom instead of going straight inside will help your dog form a natural, dependable rhythm. 2. Keep the End Goal in Mind If you want your dog to stop barking whenever the mailman goes by, remember that they’re just reacting to an environmental stimulus and—unless you give them another option—that’s what they’re built to do! Instead, think along the lines of, “I want them to play or sit quietly when the mailman is here”—and train towards that, instead of simply reacting negatively when they bark. 3. Prioritize Perspective If your dog has some less than desirable behaviors but is still... read more
by Canine College | Feb 29, 2020 | Training Tips, View All
Like babies, puppies use their mouth to chew anything and everything that crosses path with them. In fact, to puppies, the entire world is a chew toy. If these puppies only chew their toys, then we wouldn’t be having any problem with them. They go on to chew your shoes, furniture, and anything they can get their mouth on. Aside from destroying things in your home, your puppy can also chew things that can harm it or lead to its death. To train your puppy to stop chewing requires time and consistent effort. Before we delve into training your puppy to prevent chewing, lets us consider why puppies chew in the first place. Why Puppies Chew Chewing is a typical behavioral trait for puppies and dogs in general. There are multiple reasons why puppies chew, and they include relieving anxiety, strengthening their jaw, getting rid of boredom, etc. As social animals, dogs need stimulation for the good of their mental health. When you fail to exercise your puppy enough or provide it with the required one-on-one time, your puppy can divert its attention to chewing inappropriate things. Tips On How To Train Your Puppy To Not Chew Create Puppy-Barriers in Your Home It would help if you did not allow your puppy to have full run access in your home unless it is thoroughly trained. Decide on the areas that your puppy will be allowed to play and then puppy-proof your home. You will have to pick and remove those materials that might appeal to your puppy to chew. Make Toys Available for Your Puppy Puppies chew to ease... read more
by Canine College | Feb 26, 2020 | Training Tips, View All
With the ever-demanding workplace and more hours at work, we are spending less time with our dogs. Although some dogs might decide to sleep and await your arrival, some need something extra. Doggy Daycare is a place to provide the extra spark for your dog while you are off to work. It doesn’t matter how often you drop your dog at such daycare. What matters most is whether your dog will thrive in such an environment. Before you decide to send your dog off to a Doggy Daycare, know how your dog responds to such an environment. Without any doubt, dog daycare necessary for your dog for many reasons which include but not limited to: For Your Dog to Learn Socialization Skills The fact that dogs are social animals means that it will be counterproductive always to lock them in the house while you are off to work. Your dog needs to b around other dogs to learn how to act properly and play very well with others. Good and Proper Exercise for Your dog As you must have noticed, your dog is always happy and full of energy whenever it welcomes you from your work. The dog is in the mood to play while you are thinking of taking your shower and jumping into the bed. Knowing the benefits inherent in properly exercising your dog, you can see why dog daycare is necessary. Not Having to Worry About Bathroom Breaks Bathroom breaks are one less thing to worry about your dog if you have it enrolled in a dog daycare. While your dog has been home all day,... read more
