Dog Talk Resources
Map/Directions
We are located in the Northern Columbus Ohio area (off Sawmill Rd). Exit 270 at Sawmill Rd and head North. Pass the Newmarket Mall (on right) and turn right at the first light (Billingsley Rd). Please park on the side or behind the building and enter the right side door (Dog Talk sign on the door). Come down the stairs and down the hallway, Dog Talk is on the left. The adjacent parking lot to the west may be used for overflow parking. Map and directions.
Registration Forms
All forms are provided in Adobe PDF (a free download).
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I have to use food?
Like us, dogs need motivation to work and to learn. Research shows that the optimal way to motivate your dog in the learning phase is with a high value food treat. Later, when your dog knows the exercises, we’ll ask him to “work for a living”: ask for “sit” and then open the door so she can go out, etc.
Won’t my dog get fat?
Food rewards should be cut into very small pieces so that you can click and treat frequently without getting Fido full. Your dog has over 20 million scent receptors (compared to our 4 million!) so treats can be tiny as long as they smell good and motivate your dog.
Will I always have to have a clicker?
The clicker is a teaching tool. People love how readily dogs learn new behaviors when they use the clicker as reward marker. Once your dog has learned a behavior and is reliable, you can begin to use other things as a reward: petting, tossing a ball, a car ride, etc.
What if I have to miss a class?
Our basic training manual contains a homework section for each week of class. Exercises are described in detail so you can practice at home and come to your next class prepared.
Puppy Headstart Class is done as a five week rotational class. You start any week and continue for five weeks. This class affords one grace miss that will not count against your five weeks.
What do I do when my dog misbehaves?
In general, the more you work to build behaviors you want, the less time you will need to spend dealing with behaviors you don’t want. To deal with unwanted behaviors, ask your dog for an incompatible alternate behavior, such as a “down” instead of running out the door. Be sure to heavily reward your dog’s successes and the behaviors you like will increase and become habit.
Supplies and Toys
In our quest to provide you with everything you need to build better behavior, Dog Talk carries a variety of training tools at competitive prices.
- Gentle Leader - Buckle style
- Training leashes - 6 feet long in colors to match Gentle Leader
- Top Notch and Easy Fit harnesses - from Premier
- 10’ 20’ 30’and 50’ Training leads - used as house lines, for safe outdoor recall practice, or to allow your dog the ability to run in unenclosed areas
- Treat pouch - a small, washable treat pouch which can attach to belt or pocket for easy access and hands-free training
- The I-click- from Karen Pryor, a more versatile clicker with softer sound and wrist coil.
An important part of building good behavior is providing plenty of mental stimulation. We have found the following puzzle or “sustained release” feeding toys to be among the best.
- Buster Cubes – The most challenging of the food puzzles for mentally active dogs.
- Peek-A-Treat-Food-Cube – Your dog's whole meal will fit in one of these.
- Tug –A –Jug feeder – A jug with a rope. Bullet proof for dogs who are tough on toys.
- Kongs – In a variety of sizes and strengths. Most popular for stuffing! Smear inside with peanut butter or stuff with canned dog food and freeze.
- Twist and Treat – A versatile, washable food or treat dispensing toy which can also hold soft treats such as peanut butter or cream cheese.
- KibbleNibble – Un-screwable easy to use pussle toy with rubber bumpers for hard surface floors.
Recommended Reading
- Way to Go by Patricia McConnell: A highly recommended, brief but complete guide to housetraining any dog.
- Clicking with your Dog by Peggy Tillman: An illustrated guide to basic clicker training.
- Culture Clash by Jean Donaldson: A new eye-opening view on the human-canine relationship.
- I’ll Be Home Soon by Patricia McConnell: Helps owners understand separation anxiety and how to handle it.
- Puppy Start Right: Foundation Training for the Companion Dog by Kenneth & Debbie Martin – http://www.veterinarybehavior.com/education.html
Links
www.animalbehaviorassociates.com A very informative website from Dr. Suzanne Hetts with help for all types of behavior issues and questions.
www.springerusa.com The Springer Bicycle attachment is a great way to provide aerobic exercise for your dog.
www.premier.com Suppliers of the Gentle Leader and other interactive toys.