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Dog Training Nanaimo
Specializing in behaviour modification, aggression rehabilitation, and obedience. 

Lead Right Dog Training

Our Philosophy

Leadership, Patience, Hard Work

Here at Lead Right we believe ALL dogs are capable of being wonderful pack members. We strive to create encouraging learning in a safe, fun, and interactive environment for your beloved family member to excel in. Whether the issue is behavioural, aggression, hyperactivity or "selective listening" we can help. Its never too late. Contact us today.

*Check out our training page to see how we can help you today!

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If you are asking any of the following questions then you have come to the right place and we can help!

 

 *Is my dog aggressive or fearful, what do I do?

 *How do I get my dog to stop pulling on the leash?

 *How do I get my dogs to be friends with other dogs?

 *How do I get my dog to come when I call, 100% of the time?

 *How to get my dog to stop counter surfing?

 *How to get my dog to like meeting new people?

Check out our training page and see how we can help you today.

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Common Owners Q&A's

Lazy Brown Dog

Should I let my dog sleep in the bed?

This is a question we get ALOT and the answer isn't exactly straight forward. If we had to choose an answer, that worked for everybody it would be: No. 
This relates to the owners who struggle with a dog with a dominant dog. If your dog does not respect you as a leader, allowing them to sleep where you do isn't conveying the appropriate message. Until your relationship roles are clear and there are specific boundaries for them to follow, we suggest they do not sleep with you. If you're not sure if your dog is exhibiting dominant behaviour feel free to contact us for a free over-the-phone consultation.

Dog Close Up

Does a wagging tail mean a happy dog?

Most likely your dog wags his tail when you come home, if you say the "W" word and at dinner time, this must mean he is happy whenever he wags his tail right?! Surprisingly that's not always the case. A dog wags their tail when they are "excited" not just "happy". The importance of understanding the difference between happy and excited is that often dogs are "excited" to do things that we may not appreciate. It's not uncommon for dogs to be excited to chase after a rabbit, or to approach another dog to establish dominance (which can often lead to a fight!). There are many other signs to look for and we are happy to teach you how to recognize these during training!

Dog Running in Water

How much exercise does my dog need?

This all depends on age, breed, size, and overall health. Your dog should spend between 30 minutes and two hours on an activity every day. Breeds in the hunting, working, or herding groups, or dogs bred with high prey drive (e.g., Lab, retrievers, hounds, collies, shepherds, pitbulls, and terriers etc.) will need the most exercise. If your dog is in one of these groups and is in good health, he/she should be getting at least 30 minutes of rigorous exercise along with her 1-2 hours of daily activity (this includes mental stimulation as well). 

Most other breeds will be catagorized by the breeds they descend from. Often the short nosed breeds (Pugs, bulldogs etc.) will be happy with a leisurely walk around the neighbourhood. 

Puppies under 9-12 months should not be doing vigorous exercise because their body still developing. Also senior or over weight dogs will need to have a regiment that is suitable for their physical abilities. 

Sweet Dog

Will correcting my dog damage our relationship?

We often get this question more due to the "positive reinforcement only" trend that seems to be on the rise. The simple answer is No. Disciplining your dog (in a humane manner) effectively curbs negative behaviour and actually strengthens your bond. The more boundaries your dog has, the more he looks up to you. This is how leadership actually works in their species. Cesar Millan (the renowned "Dog Whisperer") states: "Dogs need exercise, discipline, and affection - in that order."

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Are some dog breeds more aggressive?

Contrary to popular belief, no breed is more "aggressive" than another. Aggression is not a personality trait but rather a byproduct of dominance (and sometimes fear). All breeds are capable of developing aggressive behaviours and  we often encourage it unknowingly. Dogs that most commonly bite humans are small dogs which often get away with it, because we're actually allowing them to think they are the pack leaders. For example, having them sit on our laps puts them in a dominant position. 
There are other contributing factors. Certain breeds have a higher "prey drive" than others (German Shepards, Terrier Jack Russels, Pit Bull Terriers, Cairn, Greyhound, Ridgeback, etc.)
which gives them a heightened desire to chase fast moving objects. This could be other small animals, young children or other small dogs which can be seen as aggression. It also means they were bred to catch prey which makes them physically more "agile and quick" for the job. 
At the end of the day, if your dog sees you as a strong leader and you make it clear what behaviour is wanted and acceptable, the breed itself wont matter.

"All dogs are worthy of a second chance"

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