RESOURCES & LINKS   >   TRAINING

Here are trainers recommended by Animal Rescue Foundation of SE PA:

Barkbusters
Steve & Robin Sultzer
Bark Busters on the Main Line
610-955-2860 - Steve
215-630-1045 - Robin
mainline@barkbusters.com
www.barkbusters.com

Wendy Young
Progressive Dog Training
www.prodogtrain.com
(610)565-2559

Debbie DeSantis
Going To The Dogs Obedience Training
www.goingtothedogsobediencetraining.com
(610) 344-7799

Read more articles on training techniques from dog training expert, Debbie DeSantis, CPDT

• Welcoming a New Pet Into Your Home
• How to Housebreak a Dog
• The "Come" Command
• The "Give" Command
• Teach Your Dog Not to Jump

Additional Info about Housebreaking:
First, buy a large crate (even for a small dog).  The crate should be large enough for a dog bed, water bowl and space for training pads (available at pet supply stores).  Your dog should be able to establish the crate space as his or her "den."  When you are housetraining a dog, whether it's a puppy or an older dog that is new to your home, the dog should be in the crate when it is not supervised by you (especially at night).  Don't give your dog "free reign" of the house immediately.  Every time you take the dog out of the crate, you should immediately go outside.  When the dog goes to the bathroom outside, you (and the family) should jump up and down, holler hooray, give treats and lots of pats on the head.  Basically, act like you have just seen your dog do the greatest thing a dog could ever do - the sillier the better!  Really get that tail wagging!  Eventually, your dog will be able to spend less and less time in the crate as he/she gets used to your home and as their bladder adjusts.  What to do when there's an accident?  Just clean it up and move on.  Use enzyme cleaners like Nature's Miracle or Simple Solution to evaporate the smell.  Dogs (and cats) use their noses to tell them where the bathroom is, so enzyme cleaners are good tool - you can even shampoo your carpets or wash bedding/clothes in them.  The worst thing you can do is to hit your dog when there's an accident, or to take your dog and "put his nose in it."  This action will signal to the dog that the act of going to the bathroom is bad, and they will only go somewhere else and hide it from you the next time they have an accident.  You need to reinforce the positive behavior, not the negative one.  Eventually, with hard work and consistent rewards on your part, your dog will have housetraining mastered and everyone will be happy.

We are constantly updating our Training page to address questions and comments from the public.  Do you need training help or do you have a question?  Please send an e-mail to info@arfsepa.com with your question.  We'll consult our trainer, Wendy Young of Progressive Dog Training as well as the many resources we have at our disposal.  We look forward to your questions and we'll post the answers on this page.  Thanks!

Are you looking for a trainer for your dog?  ARF recommends one-on-one training in your home.  It's more expensive than the classroom setting, however one-on-one training focuses on the specific needs of your dog.  Also, training takes place in your home, which is where your dog will be spending the majority of its time.  You can plan on spending about $100 for a one hour session in your home.  The money is usually well worth it because you get a much more focused and effective session.