Puppy Training In Washington, DC

Oct 19, 2022 | Ruff Tips

Washington, D.C., is a great city to own a puppy. There are plenty of places to take your dog for a walk and dog parks that allow dogs off-leash. However, as with any major city, there are also plenty of distractions and potential dangers for puppies. That’s why it’s important to start training your puppy early on with basic commands like sit, stay, come, and down.

If, for some reason, you can’t commit to training your puppy yourself, you can hire dog training services like ours to help your puppy learn good behavior. In this article, we will discuss our services and explain why dog training is essential for puppies in Washington, D.C.



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Puppy Training In Washington, DC (Ruff House)

Ruff House Dog Training is a veteran-owned and operated firm devoted to solving the problems you have with your dog. We want you to be able to live happily with your dog without being mortified by its behavior. And we have a very good track record that not only will we get through to your dog–we’ll show you how too.

Services We Offer

A dog on a leash in a forest

90-Minute Miracle

Introducing your dog to new people can be challenging. They may bark or jump, and you might have to put them away when friends come over. If you’ve recently adopted a rescue dog, they may even intimidate your other family pets.

In worst-case scenarios, bites might occur – which unfortunately could result in a trip to the hospital for yourself or your pet. These things happen to almost everyone, so don’t be ashamed.

Ruff House Dog Training specializes in helping aggressive dogs. Our experts will come out to you and aid you in understanding effective communication and teach you some tools and techniques to help improve your dog’s behavior. You, your guests, and your family pet will feel more comfortable knowing that you have control.

6-Week Obedience Training Program

Start your dog off on the right paw with our 6 Week Obedience Training Program. This is a great way to get your dog used to basic commands such as sit, stay, come, down, and heel.

We will also work on problem behaviors such as jumping, chewing, digging, barking, and more. After just six weeks, you and your dog will be best friends for life.

Custom Training Programs

What if you’re not interested in group manners classes, or you just want some more one-on-one time with a trainer? No problem!

We offer custom/private training programs that are designed specifically for you and your dog’s needs. Just let us know what you’re looking to work on, and we’ll put together a program that will have you and your pup feeling great in no time.

Benefits Of Dog Training Programs

Here are some great reasons why you should train your pup:

A woman training her dog

1. Reduce Behavioral Problems

A lot of people wait to train their dogs until there is already a problem, but you need to remember that a dog’s well-being extends beyond physical health. Dogs’ behavior affects the quality of life for everyone in the family, so it’s important to start training them early on.

Anytime an animal exhibits problematic behavior, it’s only natural for the owner to want to fix it. However, these behaviors usually develop because they’ve been unintentionally reinforced at some point.

For example, a dog owner may not understand why their fully-grown pup is jumpy when they come home. What they don’t realize is that when the dog was younger and much more adorable, positive reinforcement- such as love and attention- most likely (without them even realizing) occurred whenever the puppy displayed this behavior.

Dogs, like all animals, crave attention and routine. By seeking help from dog trainers, you can provide your furry friend with the structure they need to feel comfortable and safe.

2. Builds A Stronger Relationship With Your Dog

The stronger the bond is between you and your dog, the more likely it is that your dog will obey commands and behave properly. Training programs are a great way to develop this relationship as it allows for quality time between you and your pup – without distractions such as toys, food, or other animals.

Basic obedience training requires patience, consistency, and lots of love. It’s important to remember that dogs are not born knowing how we expect them to behave. They need to be taught, and it’s our job as their owners to do so in a kind and gentle way.

3. Prevents Future Accidents

Dogs are curious creatures, and sometimes that curiosity can get them into trouble. If you’ve ever come home to find your dog has shredded the couch cushions or gotten into the trash, then you know what we’re talking about.

It’s important to understand that dogs often display destructive behavior when they’re bored, anxious, or stressed. This is why providing them with an outlet such as obedience training is so important.

Not only will it give them something to focus on, but it will also tire them out both mentally and physically. A tired dog is a good dog, and a good dog is less likely to have accidents in the house.

4. Teaches Your Dog Manners

A dog running across a field with a ball in its mouth

For dog walkers, there’s nothing more frustrating than taking a well-behaved dog out for walks in a dog park only to have them bark at every person or animal they see. This is not only embarrassing but can also lead to dangerous situations.

Obedience training will teach your dog how to properly greet people and other animals and behave in various situations, such as when there’s food around or when someone comes to the door.

A dog who knows manners is a pleasure to be around, and you’ll be able to take them with you wherever you go without having to worry about its behavior.

5. Socialization

One of the most important things you can do for your dog is to socialize them. This means exposing them to different people, places, and animals so that they learn how to behave appropriately in various situations.

Unfortunately, many dog owners wait until their pup is already an adult before they start socializing them. This can lead to problems such as fearfulness or aggression around other people and animals. It can also lead to separation anxiety.

Enrolling your dog in a training program is a great way to socialize them as they will be exposed to different environments and other dogs on a regular basis. This will help them to become well-rounded and confident adults.

6. Provides Mental Stimulation

Just like humans, dogs need mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. If they’re left alone for long periods of time with nothing to do, they can become bored, anxious, or even depressed.

Obedience training provides mental stimulation for dogs as they have to focus on the commands being given to them. This not only keeps their minds active but also tires them out mentally, which can be just as important as physical exercise.

A tired dog is a good dog, so enrolling your pup in a training program is a great way to keep them happy and healthy.

7. It’s Fun!

Last but not least, obedience training is simply fun! It’s a great way to spend quality time with your dog while also teaching them important life skills.

Not to mention, the feeling of accomplishment you’ll get when you see your pup finally mastering a new command is priceless. There’s no better way to bond with your furry friend than by enrolling in a dog training program together.

Reviews

Keith Scott Shares

Great session and made a huge difference. Our older dog was not adapting well to our rambunctious pup. The pup pulled constantly on a leash and was full of energy. We consider ourselves good at training our dogs, but we knew we needed help.

The 90-minute miracle was well worth it, and we have a happy home once again. Huge improvements immediately, and continuing to see progress based on reinforcement of what we learned and practiced in our session.

Becky Degenhardt Shares

Ryan was exceptional with our dog during our 90-minute Miracle Session. Within minutes, he had her controlled and subservient to him. He explained things to us with analogies that were easy for us to understand. He gave us all the tools we needed to continue training, and they worked!

We are now able to enjoy walks with our dog, something we could never do before, and have a dog who is able to withstand people coming to the door. Ryan followed up with us several days later to see how things were going. I would definitely recommend him to anyone having difficulties with their dog. He truly is a miracle worker!

Alex Murphy Shares

“We recently had our last session as part of a six-week obedience class with Ryan, and I cannot be happier with the outcome. We have a very nervous yet stubborn dog, and we were at our wit’s end. Ryan gave us wonderful tips and methods to work with our dog, and the improvement is amazing. He still needs work, but I am so pleased with how far he has come. Ryan was also wonderful in helping my husband, and I learn the proper way to work with our dog. Money well spent.”

Conclusion

A dog holding a ball in its mouth

Puppies are like blank slates – they learn and grow quickly, and they’re eager to please. That’s why dog training is so essential for puppies. Not only will it help them to be well-behaved dogs, but it will also help you to build a strong bond with your pup.

If you’re looking for professional dog trainers in the DMV area, look no further than Ruff House Dog Training. Do note that we don’t offer dog walking or dog grooming services. However, we offer a variety of training classes and services that are sure to fit your needs. Contact us today to get started!

 

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90 Minute Miracle

Has your dog made your guests uncomfortable? Have they been barked at and jumped on when they came in the door?

We Can Help!

6 Week Obedience Training

So you’ve finally got your pup and are in love with him! One thing you didn’t plan on, is the dog using the bathroom in the house, chewing shoes, nipping with those sharp puppy teeth, and barking. Now what? 

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