Crate training is an important part of any training curriculum, but it can be a daunting task for many. There are a lot of tips and protocols you can find, but one of the most important things to remember is to keep it FUN! These five steps will help make crate training a rewarding bonding experience for both you and your pup.

Using or not using a crate can often be an emotional decision for many pet owners. As humans, thinking of being in a small confined space can be nothing less than anxiety provoking, and that leads us to ponder if it is the right choice for our furry family member.

If you dread taking your dog to the vet, you are not alone. We understand-- it’s stressful enough worrying about your dog’s health status, but then you tack on that the whole ordeal stresses him out which in turn stresses you out! It doesn’t have to be that way.

Exercising your dog is an important part of your relationship with him. All dogs, young and old, benefit from exercise, not only physically but mentally as well. A dog that doesn’t get enough exercise will not only run the risk of developing health issues like obesity and arthritis, but may also develop some behavioral issues. Dogs who aren’t given something constructive to do with their time will make their own fun, which normally includes digging, chewing, and even pushier behaviors, like excessive play biting, jumping, and attention-seeking barking. If the aforementioned issues weren’t enough to get you and your pooch off the couch and out the door, exercise can also help shy and fearful dogs gain confidence.

Chihuahuas, Yorkies, Shih Tzus and Dachshunds are just a few breeds that Taurus Academy categorize as “littles”. They are small in size and mainly sit with us so we can adore them in all the glory of their immense cuteness. As adorable as they are, they are also notorious for being the most difficult breeds to potty train.

When it comes to training at Taurus Academy, our number one priority is improving your relationship with your canine companion. While teaching your pup basic obedience and command work is important, our biggest goal is to teach our clients how to provide strong and consistent leadership for their dog. Being a benevolent leader for your pooch will not only increase her confidence, but also lay the foundation for her to be a happier, less demanding and more energetically manageable pup!

Humans are social creatures. Even if you’re not a party animal, you probably want to go out into the world and bring your pup with you, especially if you’re visiting family. Participating in your social life can be very stimulating for our dogs. They meet new people, sometimes travel to new cities, and maybe even make some new furry friends along the way. Whether your dog is only spending a brief amount of time with a family member’s pet or is welcoming one into your home, it is important to make sure the initial introduction is done properly and goes off without a hitch.

Is there anything more wonderful that a well mannered pooch? How relaxing is it to go on a worry-free walk with Fido, or to go out to lunch with old friends and have Spot lay politely at your side? These are all things that we see all the time when trekking around downtown Austin, and they can sometimes seem unattainable for our more spunky canine companions. Don’t despair! Any pooch can hang in the city life with a little patience and training! And that’s where the canine good citizen test can come into play.

Trying to set time aside for training your dog is a common problem people have. Scheduling time to train is almost like scheduling time to work out or organize your sock drawer - it will happen, but probably not as soon or as frequently as you'd like it to. Training your dog is not just about sits, downs and heel and it does not exist only within the context of a training session. Many times, our pups are violating basic boundaries on a daily basis and because we are a different species we barely notice it happening. Each boundary violation is an awesome learning opportunity for your dog. With a simple shift in the way you view what your dog is telling you, you can create training opportunities on a daily basis!

Dogs, especially puppies, love exploring the world with their mouths. Given that we know that dogs are always going to put things in their mouth, it’s nice to also know that they can be taught to drop those things willingly and on command. Teaching your dog to ‘drop it’ is so important for any dog owner, especially those that have dogs that were bred to pick things up and carry them in their mouth (think retrievers). Learning “Drop it” can also help curb any resource guarding that your dog could potentially develop. If your dog is already guarding things (growling or snapping when you take a toy or get near their food), you may need to do some behavior modification before it is safe to play the ‘drop it’ game with them. Ask a professional for help with this if you don’t think it’s safe.