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ARF Dog Training Policies
Attendance The first class of Basic Manners, Small Dog Manners, Puppy Manners, Canine Good Citizen Prep, and Wallflowers series is an orientation without dogs. The orientation is an important class filled with all the information you will need succeed in …
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What is the Canine Good Citizen™ Test?
The Ten Items on the Test Here is a preview of the ten items the CGC Test includes. Handlers are welcome to use praise and encouragement and may also pet their dog between exercises. However, food, treats, and toys are …
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Destructive Behavior in Dogs
Preventing and Eliminating Destructive Behaviors It is normal for dogs to explore the world with their mouths. However, dogs may not choose the safest or most appropriate chewing items as they get used to their space. Until your dog has …
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Managing Mouthy Dogs
Reasons a Dog May Put Their Mouth on You There are many reasons a dog may put their mouth on you, and your dog may end up doing so for not one but many reasons: Mouthiness Management Two key tools …
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Dog-to-Dog Introductions
Be Calm When introducing two dogs to each other it is very important to be as calm as possible. Any anxiety or apprehension we have at the time will travel right down the leash to the dog. Dogs are experts …
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Housetraining
Housetraining is all about teaching your dog the right place to eliminate and rewarding them for doing so. Sounds so simple, right? Well this process takes time and repetition. Even if a dog has a history of housetraining in their …
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What to Know About Muzzles
Why Muzzles are Important Muzzles may not be the most appealing piece of dog gear to own, but it may be one of our most essential pieces of equipment when properly used. The popular view of dogs in muzzles is …
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Introducing a New Cat to a Resident Dog
When bringing a new cat into a home with an existing dog, taking a few precautionary measures and a bit of preparation can mean the difference between a future of peaceful inter-species cohabitation and years of strife. Plopping the two …
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Food and Resource Guarding (From People)
Food or resource guarding is when a dog displays behavior meant to keep someone from taking away something very important to them. This is perfectly normal and natural behavior for a dog — like digging or barking.
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Living and Learning with a Fearful Dog
Living with a fearful dog can be an entirely new experience for even long term dog owners. There are many degrees of fearful dogs and your dog may slide up and down the spectrum depending upon their skills and the …
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Crate Training for Foster Families
Make the crate a fun and happy place to be. Allow your foster to be able to access the crate whenever they want by keeping the crate in the space where your foster will be spending a lot of time. …
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Separation Anxiety and How to Prevent It
Keep departures and arrivals low-key. During the 10-15 minutes before you leave the house, strive for a calm, neutral atmosphere. Avoid grand gestures of hugging, kissing, or petting with your dog. If your dog has previously shown any signs of …