Servicing Portsmouth, Middletown, Newport, Jamestown, Tiverton, Little Compton, Bristol, in Rhode Island

Dogs THRIVE on a trusting relationship with the owner(s) built over time through structure. This is done through engagement, training, exercise and becoming the leader for your dog. With a BALANCED APPROACH, dogs learn to respect you as the leader, via clear, concise communication(what you want them to do for example: (sit, come, etc), repetition, exercise, and establishing boundaries (what is acceptable behavior and what is not).

I always incorporate Positive Training(treats, toys, praise) in my dog training. However, some dogs require more than treats to correct behavioral problems. A correction could be as simple as a tug on a leash or saying the word “No”. By incorporating “Structure”, through training to the lives of dogs, they become happy, engaged, well-behaved, and are a true joy to be part of your family. Invest in the future of your dog, because you will have them on average nine to fifteen years. Not all dogs are the same, some are easily trained while others take more time. So whether it is 3 sessions or 15, life is better with a trained dog!

Ursus, my BIG buddy! We have a relationship built on trust, leadership, and mutual respect. I learned so much from Ursus as a trainer. Akita’s can be very difficult to train. Patience, Structure and, Firm but fair handling are keys. I have trained Ursus on and on since he was 4 months. He is 1.5 years old in this picture. I walk and sit Ursus frequently. I adore this dog!

Bixby learning to walk on leash without being distracted.

Teaching leash walking with Dash, Catahoula Leopard Dog

Gave an impromptu lesson to the owner of this Bully XL who I saw walking in the Neighborhood. I wanted to meet this breed. He was very well-behaved. I was the first person to walk him beside the owner.

Worked with owners setting boundaries on their dog with new baby on the way! Owner MUST protect the babies space.

Ursus learning how to play Grab/Drop/Tug on command.

Practicing recall with Ursus on our 2-mile walk.

Scout and Emma(right) both German Short Hair Pointers. Emma, my dog, has her GPS tracking collar on.

Getting Emma ready to go. High endurance dogs need an outlet, running, biking, longline walking are all great options once trained.

Toast, gorgeous German Shepard that just needed some refinement in recall, leash walking and management strategies around other dogs. I enjoyed seeing him work.

Otis and Brickley! Whew, super energy, super prey drive. Teaching them how to walk on leash, longline and being calmer. These two are tanks!! Love their energy, just need to focus it.

Ursus(2 years old) pausing for photo in morning sun as we take our walk. He and I enjoy our walks. He is good for 1.5 to 2.5 miles depending on temperature. I toggle between Heel(by my side) and Go(loose leash/longline). This is called a structure walk.

Puppy Training with Luca including crate training, luring, engagement, and not barking for attention.

Questions? Email Wesley at Info@NextStepDogTraining.com

401.864.8196