At the Chicago Canine Academy, we know that idle paws can lead to troublemaking at home. If your dog is unoccupied for a length of time, they may seek out ways to entertain themselves that cause problems for their humans. Time spent in an obedience school for dogs in Chicago can help them develop better behaviors, but this won’t prevent boredom itself. Today we’ll talk about some of the ways you can keep your dog busy indoors.

Toys

Some dogs just go absolutely bonkers for new toys. A fresh dog toy can generate new inspiration to play and be a lot of fun for your pet. But, you don’t always have to buy new toys for your pet: the crafty ones among us may enjoy making a new dog toy, and if you have several toys already you can try washing and rotating them for a brand-new-toy feel.

Games

Just like humans, dogs are easily entertained by playing games. Sure, you could just give your dog a treat, but hiding the treats and having your dog look for and find them will provide more entertainment. You can hide them around the house, or hide one treat under one of three cups for a fun memory game. Classic games like hide and seek, tug of war, and fetch can help you and your dog play together—and get tuckered out together!

New Tricks

Practicing a new skill can be very stimulating for your pet, and the one-on-one time necessary offers an added emotional benefit. To get even more value from the process of training, you might want to try teaching them something that’s useful. You could try teaching them to turn lights on and off, to fetch their leash, or even to put away their own toys!

Our Obedience School for Dogs in Chicago

If your dog is persistently making messes or otherwise misbehaving at home or with others, it’s important to correct that behavior as soon as possible. Contact us today for information on our obedience training services.

The friendship between a person and their dog is a special bond that transcends species and language. Many dog owners are convinced they know exactly what their pet is thinking—and in many cases, they’re probably right! However, there are some signs that even long-time pet owners may get confused. Today, we’ll be looking at some commonly misinterpreted body language signals that your dog may be giving you.

Tail Wagging

Most of the time, you’d be right to say your dog is just happy to see you when he wags his tail! However, sometimes tail wagging can mean a more negative kind of arousal. Your dog may wag his tail out of frustration, or even as a warning sign to other dogs. Some research suggests that tails wagging more to the left indicates a negative feeling, with greater wagging on the right reserved for positive feelings.

Growling

A growling dog can certainly be an appropriate cause for concern. If you’re with an unfamiliar dog, keep a safe distance if it begins to growl. A familiar and friendly dog who is otherwise demonstrating playful cues may just be there to have a good time. It’s important to also consider the position of the dog’s ears and tail and be ready to switch to a more relaxed activity if things are getting too rowdy.

Yawning

As with humans, yawning can be a sign of sleepiness for dogs. But your dog may also yawn out of stress or confusion. Yawning may help them calm themself in moments of tension or uncertainty. In fact, in the same way that yawns are “contagious” amongst humans, dogs can also catch your yawn! In stressful situations, it may even help to yawn at your dog so that he will yawn back and possibly feel more at ease.

The professional trainers at Chicago Canine Academy are well-attuned to complex and unique ways dogs express themselves. If you’re looking for dog daycare in Chicago, we offer a fun and productive environment that’s perfect for your pet! Contact us today to learn more.

When it comes to dogs, many people think they have the training process under control. It’s not until there is a frustrating example of disobedience that dog parents begin to wonder whether or not they should invest in dog training in Chicago. While many basics can be taught successfully by dog parents, it’s crucial that you get the help that you need before your dog’s behavior begins to spiral out of control.

Excessive Biting

When your dog is a puppy, it’s only natural for them to bite as they begin to lose their puppy teeth and start to get their adult teeth. The teething process can be painful for them and it is their natural instinct to bite down on something. However, if your dog isn’t a puppy and is biting other animals, family members or friends, you’ll want to invest in our dog training in Chicago. Your dog shouldn’t be causing harm to other animals or people, and this is a classic sign that more intense training is necessary.

Separation Anxiety

This is a common problem in dogs who are too dependent on being around their humans for comfort. In the early stages of having your dog, make sure you practice leaving them alone for increasingly long periods of time. This will help them learn that you will always come back for them and that they don’t need to panic if you leave. Helpful tips include playing music for them or even going into another room and shutting the door to see if they are calm. Consistent training and practice can help both you and your dog become used to being apart.

Escape Artists

Is your dog somehow escaping their crate or other areas of confinement? This could potentially put them in danger if they are desperate to get out. Plus, if you are confining them, this means they aren’t ready to have free reign of the house.

If your traditional training approach isn’t successful, contact our team at Chicago Canine Academy today. We are happy to help you and your dog work through troubling issues to get your dog on the right track!

Now that September is officially here, many kids are heading back to school to take on the new year. While this is a shift in your child’s schedule, it’s also important to note that this is a shift in your pet’s schedule as well. Your dog is likely used to your family being home most of the time, so the transition into the start of a new school year can be tough on dogs as well.

Exercise Is Key

Many people drop their dogs off at dog daycare in Chicago because they want to ensure their four-legged friend is getting the exercise that they need. The school year brings a ton of chaos with everyone’s different schedules, so it’s important to still consider how much exercise your dog needs. At Chicago Canine Academy, we encourage you to pass on the responsibility of exercising your dog onto us!

Your Energy Will Radiate

If you feel anxious or stressed, this will likely rub off on your dog as well. If you get worked up every time you say goodbye to your dog, your pet may feel anxious in return. If separation anxiety is problematic for your dog, more professional training could be beneficial. Our team at Chicago Canine Academy can help with this as well.

Stimulate Their Brain

One way to tire your pet out, even if all you have is 10 minutes, is by exercising their brain. Psychological stimulation is just as exhausting, if not, more exhausting than physical exercise. Teach your dog a new trick or test their patience by making them wait for their treat before giving it to them.

Are you interested in our dog daycare in Chicago? Contact us today to get started!

If you are going on a trip and leaving your pup behind for the first time, you may be wondering if you should invest in dog daycare in Chicago or hire a local pet sitter. While there are advantages to both options, dog daycare is best for specialized attention. Use this guide from Chicago Canine Academy to learn more about why this is the right choice. 

Socialization & Companionship 

Dog daycare in Chicago is a great opportunity for your pet to learn socialization skills from other dogs. If your dog is the only pet in your family, these socialization skills will serve you well in the long run. In addition, your dog will benefit from healthy companionship from other dogs and our staff. This is great for dogs that suffer from separation anxiety when you leave. 

Full-Time Attention 

You will rest easier knowing that your dog will receive constant monitoring, instead of having a pet sitter drop by a few times a week. Dog daycare in Chicago is especially great for younger puppies that need specialized attention and various potty breaks. 

Professional Care

Our staff is highly experienced in caring for all types of dogs, while some pet sitters may not be as experienced. We will ensure your dog receives the proper food and water, exercise and rest time. Our professional can manage specialized attention to dogs that need a little extra help and are trained in handling puppy conflict. 

Are you taking a trip soon? To book your dog daycare in Chicago, IL, contact Chicago Canine Academy today!