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10/29/2023

Halloween Dog Training Tips

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Halloween is tomorrow!!! This presents a unique opportunity for training exercises that can further enhance the bond between you and your dog. The hustle and bustle of the season, while potentially overwhelming, can be a training gold mine if approached correctly!

If you're walking your dog during trick-or-treat

1. Stay Calm and Confident: Your energy translates directly to your dog. Maintaining a calm demeanor will help your dog stay relaxed amidst the myriad of costumes and excited children.

2. Maintain Distance: If you notice your dog is becoming anxious or overly excited, it's okay to take a step back and increase the distance between you and the trick-or-treaters. This will give your dog a moment to adjust. They have no idea what an inflatable Sumo Wrestler is. Give them the space they need to adjust to their surroundings.

3. Use Distractions: Carry treats, and high value ones at that! When a potential distraction approaches, like a particularly loud or animated group of kids, use these to redirect and maintain your dog’s attention.

If you're staying home with your dog:

1. Utilize the 'Place' Command: Direct your dog to a specific spot, like their bed, every time the doorbell rings. This reinforces the idea that they have a safe, designated space amidst the action. Pay them, even if they alert bark at the doorbell, if they hold the command. You should be more concerned about the holding place, versus the noise.

2. Employ the 'Stay' and 'Down' Commands: When there’s increased activity at your door, it's a great time to practice these commands. Remember to reward them for staying calm and following commands amidst distractions. You can move them throughout the house/porch to practice in different positions.

3. Leash Indoors: Even inside the home, keeping your dog on a leash can help you maintain control, especially when there's a sudden influx of visitors or noise.

4. Training Opportunities: The frequent doorbell rings and visitors can be used as repetitive training moments. For every ring or knock, have your dog execute a command.

If your dog isn’t ready:

1. Designate a Safe Space: If you feel the festivities might be too much for your dog, or you have a dog that is territorial or aggressive at the front door, consider setting up a comfortable, quiet space away from the main action. Basements or a distant room with their favorite toys, a comfortable bed or crate, and some calming music can be ideal. Exercise and Feed your dog before the chaos, and don’t be afraid to give them their favorite chew bone or Kong.

2. Check-In Regularly: If you've put your dog in a separate space, remember to periodically check on them to ensure they're okay and to provide direction as needed.

We encourage you to view Halloween not as a challenge, but as an opportunity. With the right approach, it can be a productive training experience that leaves both you and your dog more connected and confident. Stay safe and have a spook-tacular Halloween!

Trick or Treat,

Vinnie Somma
Say It Once Dog Training
412-981-2207

Need Additional Help? We offer virtual training, and in home training in Pittsburgh, Nashville, Cincinnati, and Washington D.C.

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4/25/2023

Rethinking Dog Parks: Exploring the Drawbacks & Alternatives for Socializing Your Dog

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Dog parks have become increasingly popular for dog owners that live in cities and suburbs because they provide designated spaces for dogs to play and socialize off-leash in a fenced in area. While these parks can be an enjoyable way for dogs to burn off energy and interact with other canines, they are not without serious drawbacks. In this blog post, we will discuss the potential issues with dog parks and explore alternative ways to socialize and exercise your dog.

Why Dog Parks May Not Be the Best Choice

Unpredictable behavior: One of the primary concerns with dog parks is the unpredictable behavior of other dogs. Not all dog owners are responsible or knowledgeable about proper dog socialization and etiquette, which can lead to aggressive or inappropriate interactions between dogs.
Health risks: Dog parks can also pose health risks, as they can be breeding grounds for parasites and diseases, such as fleas, ticks, and canine parvovirus. If not all dogs visiting the park are up-to-date on their vaccinations and parasite preventatives, the risk of disease transmission increases.
Overstimulation: Dog parks can be overwhelming for some dogs, particularly those who are shy, anxious, or reactive. The chaotic environment, combined with a large number of unfamiliar dogs, can lead to stress, fear, and potentially aggressive behavior.
Inadequate supervision: Many dog owners become distracted or disengaged while at the dog park, leaving their dogs unsupervised. This lack of supervision can result in dogs engaging in unsafe or inappropriate behaviors without intervention.
Reinforcement of unwanted behaviors: Unstructured playtime at dog parks can sometimes reinforce unwanted behaviors, such as jumping, barking, or resource guarding. These behaviors can become more challenging to manage in other settings if they are consistently reinforced at the dog park.
Although your dog is in a fenced in area, and it seems as though you have sense of control over them because they cannot get away from you, taking dogs to the dog park that you do not have verbal control over will only give you less control in the future. It’s common to watch owners try to trick their dog when leaving the dog park, or chase them around the fence to catch them.
It takes one traumatic event for your dog to develop a serious behavioral issue. When taking your dog to the dog park, you are trusting other dog owners to bring in a behaviorally sound dog into the park. I’m not sure about you, but I do not want to trust my dogs welfare to other people I do not know.

Alternative Ways to Socialize and Exercise Your Dog

Playdates: Arrange playdates with dogs that you know are well-socialized and compatible with your dog. This controlled environment allows you to closely monitor the interactions and ensure that play remains safe and appropriate.
Training classes: Enroll your dog in Say It Once Dog Training in Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, and Nashville. These classes provide opportunities for controlled socialization and mental stimulation while also strengthening the bond between you and your dog.
Structured group walks: Participate in group walks or hiking events with other dog owners. This allows your dog to interact with other dogs in a more controlled and less chaotic environment than a dog park.
Leash walks and exploration: Take your dog on regular leash walks and explore new environments, such as nature trails or pet-friendly public spaces. This not only provides physical exercise but also offers mental stimulation through exposure to new sights, smells, and sounds.
If you are a Say It Once Dog Training client, join our Community Facebook page and meet up with other local families that have gone through the same life changing dog training program that you have!

While dog parks can offer a convenient space for off-leash play and socialization, they are not without their potential drawbacks. By considering the risks and exploring alternative ways to socialize and exercise your dog, you can ensure that your furry friend has a safe, enjoyable, and well-rounded social experience. Remember that every dog is unique, and it's crucial to find the activities and environments that best suit your dog's individual needs and temperament.

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10/28/2022

Seminar Series

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Hey guys, Vinnie with Say It Once Dog Training here! I am pumped that you are going to be apart of this amazing event. With that being said, I want to lay out some ground rules to keep everyone and every dog safe, as well as set you both up for success to learn as much as possible for the days ahead.

Don’t pet dogs that are not yours. You’ve watched enough of my content, don’t make me yell at you please ;)

If you have a working dog spot, make sure your dog has a tight fitting collar on, no harnesses, and a short 4-6 foot leash. No Flexi leads, or anything with bungee.

If you are bringing a dog have their vaccination records with you, some facilities require it for your dogs to enter. (Group class dogs do not have to bring this, only dogs entering the facilities)

BRING A CHAIR! This is extremely important. Please do not forget

Bring a notepad, or your phone to take notes. I will be going over a boatload of information, and you are going to want to take as many notes as possible.

Do not feed your dogs their breakfast, bring it with you for the day, as well as a higher value treats for the seminar.

No Dogs should meet during this event, their will be enough space for everyone

You will want to have your dog crate trained, and bring a crate with you for dogs in working spots.

If your dog is a bite risk, please bring and have muzzle already on before entering the building.

Most importantly, don’t be nervous. If you have a challenging dog, join the club. That’s why you are coming. I hope the day isn’t filled with 10 easy dogs, I want to work, I want to challenge, and show you how I handle these dogs.

Lastly, don’t make it a secret that you are coming. Please share this with friends and family so that we can get as many people on the Properly Trained Human’s train as possible. Thank you, and I will see you soon!

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9/30/2022

Vet Visit Dog Training?

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How does your dog do going to the Veterinarian Hospital? Unfortunately most dogs view going to the vet as a stressful experience, and it makes it difficult for them, dog owners, and the staff at the hospital. In some severe cases it makes it almost impossible for veterinary staff to give the dog the thorough proper checkup they need because of the dog’s behavior. Did you know you can help your dog have a better vet visit? Let’s start by focusing on these changes.

First and foremost, Say It Once Dog Training offers classes at certain veterinary hospitals throughout Pittsburgh! Be sure to tag your vet, vet techs and see if we can run classes at your veterinary hospital to make dog’s more comfortable going to hospital!

Watch your dogs arousal levels. Arousal , or excitement” is not good at the vet’s office and often turns into nervousness really quick. Your goal is to keep a calm, happy dog!
Walk your dog before you go! Get them in the training zone, as well as to keep them calmer for the visit.
If you have a dog that has a bite history, you should be the one putting the muzzle on, not the veterinarian! Also, if the only time you put the muzzle on is for the vet, your dog will eventually put 2 and 2 together and associate muzzle equals bad. This cannot happen! You need to muzzle train frequently, and all dogs would benefit from being able to have a muzzle put on without stress.
Don’t put them in the car only for the vet. The car shouldn’t come in a negative association or anywhere you go will be stressful for your dog. Same as muzzle, it should equal vet, it should equal a calm place to chill out inside of. More car training in your driveway!
Get to the vet early. When you arrive, open up your car door and let your dog chill out without being able to exit the car for a few minutes. Release your dog from the car and train for 2 minutes. Go through a pattern of behaviors that your dog knows. Heel walk, sit, down, treat etc. Get your dog an early win so they are seeking food. (If your vet has a big grassy area, release your dog from heel and let them investigate the grassy area.
When you go into the vet’s office, stay cool calm and collected, and walk your dog up to the scale that every vet office has in the building. Make sure people don’t go crazy and shower your dog with affection. Remember, we are trying to keep our dog calm and happy, not excited and freaked out. Put them in a sit, and tell them to “place” onto the scale. Reward the dog and repeat.
Walk over to the waiting station, and put your dog into a down. (You need to be practicing the behaviors at your house, with the leash on. Replicate by walking your dog from place, to the hardwood floor or tile floor of your kitchen and put your dog into a down on the hard floor.)
Advocate for your dog’s space!!! Do not let any other dog’s intrude into your personal space, and be sure to put your dog in a position they aren’t getting bombarded by people coming in.
When they bring you back into the room, I personally train. I place my dog on the bench in the office, reward, back onto the scale in the room, reward, and then back into a down. You don’t want to keep them so busy that you are adding more stress than necessary, but I want them to get rewarded enough that they are eager to continue. Don’t use a boring reward here, use the big boy if needed.
Now the exam begins. This also serves as another reminder to follow @sayitoncerescueleague and to ask/tag your vet below to host Say It Once classes at their office!
Have you ever thought about giving your dog fake exams at your house? Put your dog on the leash, walk them into your laundry room, and calmly give them a exam and massage. Check your dog’s ears while massaging their head, lift up your dog’s legs, put your finger in their butt (joking, just making sure you are still reading) inspect their teeth and nails!

Personally, I would take multiple trips to the vet’s office without actually getting an exam. I would ask my vet if it’s okay to come weigh my dog on a non busy hour, practice place on the scale, and downs in the waiting room!

Love your Vet? I’d like to hear any recommendations below ⬇️

Thank you!

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9/19/2022

Why I Hate Hand Signals

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Do you want to know why I hate hand signals?

There is a few reasons why I hate using hand signals in dog training, and I’m going to go over the biggest two. I always get push back from owners on, but my dog listens really well to the hand signal. I know they do! I know they learn faster through using hand signals (also understand them when teaching all behaviors we lure with our hand, and develop a hand signal with every command. However, I do immediately get away from using the hand signal when I feel like the dog has an understanding of the word. Let’s go over why.

Hand signals are only reliable when your dog is looking at you. Do you I think I’m going to have a hard time getting my dog to listen if I have their 100 percent attention? No. Your verbal cue needs to be strong because you are going to rely on this in almost all scenarios, whether your dog is looking at you or not, whether your hands are full or not, or whether you are looking at your dog or not. Hand signals can only be done in one of those scenarios. That’s not good enough.
Humans lack the ability to separate word from hand sign. Your word should always come first. Always. When teaching your dog sit, down anything, before you offer a hand signal, you must say the word for your dog to understand. Think of this. If I where to punch you in the face and say purple at the same time, and repeat this process three times, the fourth time that I say purple without punching you in the face you're gonna have no idea what's going to happen next because you never had time to process the purple man punch in the face. You were too worried about the physical feeling of punch in the face instead of listening to the word purple. However if I said purple, delayed a half a second and punched you, repeated a second time, on the third attempt that I say purple you would be ducking out of the way like you're in the movie the matrix. This is also how do you have to train your dog. You need to incorporate the verbal cue before there is any movement from your body.

If you don't believe me, I want you to try training your dog on all of their commands this week without moving your body at all. Film yourself, and watch. See if your dog can listen to only with your verbal cue, and see if they listen quickly. If they're not, we need to go back to the basics. I want you to tag yourself while training your dog with the #Sayitoncehandsfree Tag me in it, and let’s see how you train without your hand signals!

P.S. I teach all of my dogs and my clients dogs on hand signals, the dog understands and very quickly, but I get away from them immediately because I want to focus more on my verbal cue. That doesn't mean I will never use a hand signal, it just means that I need to put more emphasis type my words need power.

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9/11/2022

Dogs, NFL, and Guests!

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Dogs and NFL Sundays!
If you like to have people over for Sunday Football, or guests in general, you are going to want to read the three main points of this quick blog. Having a game-plan (pun intended) is the easiest way to enjoy your guests while having a well behaved dog.

Work your dog before the guests come over. This one almost seems like a no brainer, but let me add to it. A dog that has had a walk and a few training sessions is much easier to control than a dog that has been caged up all day. Have a good play session in the morning, still practicing your sit, down, stay obedience training during the session. Run them hard and test their impulse control harder. Afterwards, take your dog for a 30 heel session an hour or two before your guests come over, practicing chaining directions and having your dog focus on you. The goal is not to run and get your dog wound up, but instead, calm and in control. Immediately after your walk, place your dog on their dog bed for a cold down period.

The leash is your biggest help, and never forget it! Leave your leash on after your walk, and use it wisely while your guests are coming over. How do we use it? To direct our dog to where they should be (whether you want them on place or by your side), to correct our dog for jumping on guests, or bring our dog with us when we need control. The leash is a communication and control tool. Use it to tell your dog what you want them to be doing, not just what they shouldn’t be doing!

NFL parties, guests coming over, and holidays means lots of alcohol and lots of food. Unfortunately we can’t train all of our guest not to drop chicken wings on the ground, to lock the garbage can, or not to leave food items on the coffee table. However, we should set up our dog up with scenarios this morning, and the next few weeks, to make sure our dog understands “Leave it” command. You should be challenging your dog, with the leash on, while dropping food items on the ground, putting plates on the edge of the table, all while you still can keep an eye on your dog. With enough good repetitions, you won’t have to keep your eye on them forever!

Bonus: Take your dog to a group class to really tire them out before your guests come over. Your dog needs to have a good time on the weekends too. Try to have your guests not acknowledge your dog for the first 5 minutes while they come in. Walking in and parading all over your dog is only going to overexcite them. An excited dog, is a jumping and barking dog.

When you bring your guests over, it's always best to either be holding the leash, or have your dog in stay on their place/crate. Once the guests arrives you want them to immediately to head to the kitchen table or counter, and not to the couch. The couch is too inviting, and your dog will have an easier time calming down if the guests are sitting higher up without the ability of your dog to crowd their space.

If you have any questions, or would like to sign up for a training session or follow up session, reach out to me personally and I will get it taken care of. Thank you!

Vinnie
[email protected]

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7/30/2022

Nervous, Insecure, and Anxious Dogs Are On the Rise.

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Nervous, insecure, and anxious dogs are on the rise? What gives?

Since the lockdowns of the pandemic, our way of living with our dogs has changed so much so quickly, and with a change of lifestyle comes a huge change in behavior.

Not only was their a change in lifestyle, but let’s face it, life really sucked for a brief period of time for most of us with a ridiculous amount of stress and pressure, whether it be from our change in life, or just the all around suckiness of the situation. With that being said, it is very common for humans to use their dog’s for an emotional crutch, but most pets aren’t able to cope with all of our stress, on top of all of their stress too.

What changed, and what needs to change in order to get out of this mess?

First off understand you own a dog, and they aren’t made of glass. They are capable of so much more than we give them credit for, and we hold our dog’s back from reaching their true potential. Instead of telling your dog it’s okay, show your dog what they are capable of. Often times insecurity is a result of the brain telling the body that they can’t achieve a certain goal, and if you lead your dog through these insecure moments you will open a whole new set of courage for your dog. However, if we coddle and remove our dogs from all stressful events, how will that ever give them the opportunity to grow.

From going to work 48 hours a week, to staying at home almost the entire day, we immediately changed the dynamic of human/dog ownership. Here is the thing, as much as we like spending this extra time with your dog, you become a resource that your dog becomes addicted too. Addiction can mean one of two things, separation anxiety or resource guarding (making your dog mor protective of you). Good news, it gave us a lot of practice perfecting our training routine for these issues, but bad news for the average dog owner. We need to create healthy distance and boundaries with our dogs, no matter their age!

Lastly, we need to focus on jobs. Most dogs that come to a training program are some sort of working breed, but they are all UNEMPLOYED working dogs haha. They don’t have a job, and aren’t fulfilled mentally or physically. Because of this, more problematic behaviors arise. This is something that we put a huge focus on at Say It Once Dog Training.

Audit your own behaviors in the house, and take very close look at your dog’s behaviors as well. Whether you’ve never had us for a session, or you used us in the past, sign up today if you feel like you need help! There is no shame in hiring professional help, there is only better behaved dogs because we are not here to judge you, we are here to help you.

For our amazing following over the world, if you need help, sign up for a virtual lesson today!

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7/10/2022

The Dog Derby

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What is the Dog Derby you ask? Let me Tell you!

The Dog Derby is an all day family-friendly event like no other in Pittsburgh! The Dog Derby itself is a 5k that you can walk or run with your best friends (the dogs) and your family! There will be exciting obstacles along the way for you to complete with your dog, and provide a fun challenge for your four legged best friend! We've all seen the tough mudder, this is the canine version of that! (But not as strenuous or stressful, and a heck of a lot more fun, we can call it the Pup Mudder!) Down below we have a video describing the event, as well as a FAQ Sheet to answer any and all Questions that you may have!

Is the Derby just an amazing 5k event, or is there more?

Great Question, and there is so much more! We have awesome pittsburgh vendors at the Dog Derby for you to enjoy. Food Trucks, Beer Trucks, Ice Cream, Donuts, as well as pittsburgh businesses offering up great deals under their pop up tents. It's the atmosphere you want to be in if you are a dog owner, dog lover, or fun seeker!

Q: Do I have to run at the Dog Derby?
A: Absolutely not! For the brave souls that would like to run with their dog throughout the obstacles, more power to you. However, I will be briskly walking my pack and I’ll have just as much fun as the runners!

Q: Will there be dogs off-leash at this event?
A: No. All dogs must be on leash.

Q: How many people can come if we buy a one dog ticket?
A: As many people can join in on the fun as you’d like with 1 ticket. We are selling tickets per dog, not per human, so we hope to see your whole family there!

Q: Can I bring my dog, or my family without participating in the event?
A: Of course, we would love you to come. The Derby itself is going to be one of the coolest things you’ll ever do with your dog, but if you’re not ready for it, you will still have a great time with your dog checking out local vendors, watching dogs and people complete, and enjoying the atmosphere!

Q: Do I have to be a client of Say It Once Dog Training to come to this event?
A: Nope, we are open for everyone. Every single dog owner can come to this event, as long as they come on leash of course!

Q: Am I going to be extremely close to other dogs throughout the whole event?
A: This is a great concern for many owners of mildly reactive dogs, nervous dogs, and for those who aren’t comfortable in close spaces with many dogs. That is the beauty of this location, there is so much space that you and your dog can take all the time in the world, and space that you need in order to complete the Derby and still feel comfortable and in control.

Q: How many dogs are going per each heat?
A: We will have small heats of only 20-29 dogs. This ensures that every dog will have enough space to safely complete this course.

Q: Where are all the proceeds from this event going?
A: Every single profit dollar will go to our new Say It Once Rescue League. The SIORL is a non profit that provides training to troubled and let down rescue dogs throughout the Pittsburgh Area, and beyond. Vinnie has also pledged to match up to $10,000 of all donations made prior to the Derby as well.

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7/10/2022

Motivation Monday Dog Tips

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You're training your dog, which means you're either trying to teach good habits, or unteach all the bad habits your dog has learned. When we get wrapped up into the daily lives with our dogs, it can be common to not acknowledge any achievements you have made for yourself and for your dog. The reason being is we set the goalpost at the hundred yard line and we started at the other end of the field on the goal line.

Dogs and humans alike love achieving tasks, and reaching goals. When you achieve a task, there is nothing better than checking that box off your list, or adding that new achievement to your repertoire. I want you to set a realistic one week goal for you and your dog, and write it down below. If you don’t write it, you won’t do it because there is no one to hold you accountable. In a week, let’s check back in with ourselves and see how we did.

My goal with my pack is a simple one, and will only take a few hours to complete. The problem that I have, like most, is making sure that I set the designated time aside to achieve my goals, and I will because I have you all to keep me accountable. My goal this week is to get my dog’s around my horses and work on three separate commands with them. First place, and have my dogs hold place while I mess around with the horses and goats. Second heel, and test my dogs ability to heel while I walk the horse, something we have never done before. Lastly, their free command while the horses are out. Remember, even though we put our dog’s in “free”, that doesn’t mean there aren’t any rules. I need to make sure my dogs maintain a calm state of mind around the horse, and be respectful of space.

Let’s hear yours below ⬇️

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4/26/2022

How Should I Feed My Dog?

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Feeding your dog should be more than just filling up their bowl in an identical fashion every day. Depending on what you’re training goals are, you can accomplish multiple goals in different fashions simply by adjusting the way you feed your dog. Let me explain to you what is possible by changing breakfast today.

Firstly, I am a huge advocate for scheduled meals versus free feeding. FF comes with a few big problems such as obesity, lacking motivation, and removes all ability for impulse control to be applied. There is also a health concern of bloat, we will talk about that later.

If you do a scheduled breakfast and dinner, don’t go through the motions and put food in their dish and walk away. You’re wasting a very important opportunity for them to learn. At a minimum, I want you to practice having your dog stay on their dog bed throughout the preparation and placing down of the food. When you pick up their food scooper, they get excited, and that excitement is something they do not know how to control, because we have never practiced it. Let’s try Option 1 first.

Put your dog on leash (so you have control) and put them on their dog bed. Whatever command you are using for stay (stay, wait, place etc) give it, and walk to go get their dog dish. Throughout the process of preparing and giving, if your dog breaks, stay calm and pick up their leash, and restart the process. While it may take 10 minutes on the first day, that’s okay! It gets quicker quickly. Release your dog verbally to eat.

Option 2. When you have a dog who loves eating their food and gets excited around meal time, this can turn into an amazing training session. Instead of putting your dog’s food in the dish, put it in your pocket and go outside for a quick training session. Remember, your dog is hungry, and they know it’s feeding time, you are guaranteed to have their attention. Go outside and practice anything you want, preferably some eye contact, leash walking and following, and some recall games! By putting their food in your pocket or fanny pack, you have taken the power away from the dish and giving it to yourself.

Option 3, Scatter game. This is one simple, and super rewarding. Take your dog’s dish full of food, and scatter the food in the grass in the front/backyard. If your yard is fenced in let them go, if not, use a long line and sit and hang out. Scavenging for food is more than just feeding them, it’s fulfilling a need to search and find food.

Your last option is to use a feeding toy. There is multiple options for the “right toy”, all you have to do is find something that your dog enjoys, and use this as a mixup every now and again. This also makes for a great babysitter if you need 10 minutes.

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