Canine Education Classes

Canine Education is a necessary and beneficial tool that ensures dog owners with a long, happy, and trusting pet-parent relationship throughout the life of their pet.  

Training methods vary among trainers in frequency and types of reinforcement.  At Doggie’s Day Out, our training program is a 6 week long intensive behavior management class that provides owners with a deeper understanding of how the canine brain works and what makes them tick.  In order to effectively train a dog, you must first understand the breed. 

Different breeds react to situations in various ways, so it is entirely necessary to first understand the breed of your dog before attempting to train them.  We use positive reinforcement strategies to curb negative behavior on top of treat based commands to teach your dog to respond to both verbal and silent commands.

Positive reinforcement is used by numerous trainers worldwide.  It is known to show the most positive behavior changes in dogs than any other training strategy. 

When a dog is acting out in a negative manner and the owner addresses it with a negative reinforcement strategy (example:  yelling at the dog when the dog is barking incessantly) the dog’s reaction and response time is lengthened due to the negative feeling the dog gets when the owner reacts in this way.

From the example above, when a dog is barking repetitively in order to gain attention or to simply say “hello” to the neighbors, the best way to approach this issue is by using the “hush” command. 
As soon as the dog takes a breath or a break from barking, immediately reward him. 

You are then rewarding him for the positive behavior you have requested and are not punishing him for the negative, barking behavior.

If you yell at the dog for barking, the way he sees it…is that YOU are barking at HIM so why should he have to stop?

Most of the positive behavior supports that curb negative behavior, reflects how the canine THINKS.

Dogs react to situations in ways that directly reflect their natural breed behavior. 
Another good example of positive reinforcement is used in loose leash walking.

If a dog is constantly pulling on their lead during a walk, the owners initial reaction is to pull back on the lead when the dog pulls…but the dog sees this the same way as the barking issue. 

If you are pulling on HIM, then why should HE not pull on you?  Positive reinforcement is also used to omit issues such as chewing, jumping, nipping, and more.

Along with the positive behavior strategies used in Doggie’s Day Out training class, treat based commands are also taught to the dog and the owner.  Using both verbal and nonverbal commands with your dog on a regular basis will increase the trust bond between you and your dog. 
In order for your dog to behave in an acceptable manor at all times, he must trust that how he acts is pleasing you. 

Take the “sit” command for example…if you frequently command your dog to sit multiple times throughout the day and reward him every time, he then knows that sitting pleases you. 

The more you show him that his GOOD behavior pleases you, the more he will behave (dogs automatically function in order to please their owner, but for this to happen often, takes training).

The more commands that your dog learns and performs, while also receiving a reward each time (rewards don’t always have to be treats!), the more he will understand your expectations for his behavior.
 
The 6 week training course you and your dog will partake in at Doggie’s Day Out, will not only build and strengthen the bond between you and your pet, but will also socialize your dog with people, dogs, and unfamiliar experiences. 

Positive Reinforcement, treat-based commands, and socialization are the three steps to a well-trained dog. 

Practicing these three steps throughout a 6 week course will teach your dog how to behave in an acceptable manor in any situation.


Pet Grooming in Murfreesboro from Doggies Day Out Bring your pet to play for the day or to stay while you are on vacation. All boarded dogs are automatically enrolled in dog daycare during their stay with staff on-site at all times. We treat your dog like family in a home-style cage free environment.

424 Medical Center Pkwy Murfreesboro, TN 37129 (615) 624-6140 http://www.doggiesdayout.net

Yard Sale at Doggie's Day Out Saturday Feb 5, 2011

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  Yard Sale at Doggie's Day Out Saturday Feb 5 from 9-4. Proceeds to benefit Sally, a stray mini Schnauzer who came to Doggie's Day Out for refuge just before Thanksgiving. Sally is an older dog and has some dental issues that need addressed prior to finding her a new home. You can help Sally by donating items for the sale and/or coming by to shop next Saturday.

Pet Grooming in Murfreesboro from Doggies Day Out Bring your pet to play for the day or to stay while you are on vacation. All boarded dogs are automatically enrolled in dog daycare during their stay with staff on-site at all times. We treat your dog like family in a home-style cage free environment.
 

424 Medical Center Pkwy Murfreesboro, TN 37129 (615) 624-6140 http://www.doggiesdayout.net

7 Must Read Books For Dog Lovers (from Oprah.com)

This article from Oprah.com caught my eye and I thought it interesting enough to share with our readers:

A breast cancer diagnosis convinces Manhattanite Janet Elder to finally let her son, Michael, get a puppy. She hopes the adorable red-haired toy poodle will give him something happy to focus on during her treatment. But Huck changed more than just one boy's life—he made Elder think differently about the people around her. Leaving Huck with her sister in suburban New Jersey, Elder and family head to Florida for vacation. When the nine-pound puppy runs away, they rush back to search for him—and find countless strangers who volunteer to help. There isn't much suspense about the outcome—but who cares? This dog book actually makes you feel better about people. — Karen Holt

Huck: The Remarkable True Story of How One Lost Puppy Taught a Family--and a Whole Town--About Hope and Happy Endings by Janet Elder



An enjoyable read
As soon as I read the description of this book, I knew I had to order it. I am a bona fide dog lover and have loved other books about dogs, like Marley and Me. This is one of those books that you hate to end. It makes you laugh and it tugs at your heart all at the same time.

I also love the way that Janet and her husband never gave up looking for Huck, even...

Read the full review on Amazon.com ›

Pet Grooming in Murfreesboro from Doggies Day Out
Bring your pet to play for the day or to stay while you are on vacation. All boarded dogs are automatically enrolled in dog daycare during their stay with staff on-site at all times. We treat your dog like family in a home-style cage free environment.

424 Medical Center Pkwy
Murfreesboro, TN 37129
(615) 624-6140
http://www.doggiesdayout.net

Dog Grooming Tips For Murfreesboro Tennessee

 Another is a series of Dog Grooming Tips brought to you by Doggies Day Out in Murfreesboro

You will need plenty of patience to groom and style your dog if you plan to do it on a regular basis, especially if it does not like this type of treatment. You will need to learn a few tips, ideas, and professional hints on grooming your pet if you ever want your pet to have show quality care by you.

Many people overlook the importance of grooming their dog to their overall health and well-being. Grooming is an essential part of caring for your dog, and should be done on a regular basis for the best results. Some of the benefits your pet will reap are increased skin oils resulting in a beautiful, healthy coat, a decrease in skin problems, less shedding around the house and car, and a more obedient pet, just to name a few.

You will need plenty of patience to groom and style your dog if you plan to do it on a regular basis, especially if it does not like this type of treatment. You will need to learn a few tips, ideas, and professional hints on grooming your pet if you ever want your pet to have show quality care by you. A knowledgeable professional pet groomer will be able to give you advice on not just how to groom your dog, but on how to care for your dog as well. You will be pleased to find out that qualified, experienced pet groomers offer seminars for advice and trimming demonstrations for your dog.

It is a good idea to start using environmentally safe and animal friendly (non-toxic) substitutes when grooming your dog. You must groom your dog's whole body including the legs, tail, and underbody if you want to do it right. You must groom certain dogs from the skin outward to truly be effective in taking care of their coat of hair and keeping it healthy. Comb through the unseen healthy hair and remove the shedding hair; this is what most groomers do first before cutting your pet's coat. You must groom some animals all at once, while some other animals have so much hair that it is easier to do a little at a time each day.

You know your dog is well-mannered when it will sit still and allow you or a professional to perform regular grooming and maintenance without any fuss. The more often you groom your dog, the better he will be at receiving your attentions and responding to your commands. This will also strengthen the bond between you.

Last but not least, you might want to rethink your choice to get a dog if you are not ready to handle all the responsibility of grooming and feeding one. If you don't have the time or the desire to do it yourself, than its time to call the professionals. Yours dog will love you for it, and you'll feel great about it too.

You can get more pet grooming tips by visiting my site at http://www.pet-grooming-boarding.info
About the Author:

George Mello I'm a dad of a pet loving family. Our favorites are dogs and horses, and I have shown both over the years. Now I just enjoy being around them and sharing information about them with others. http://www.pet-grooming-boarding.info http://www.horse-lover-gift-ideas-central.com

Pet Grooming in Murfreesboro from Doggies Day Out
Bring your pet to play for the day or to stay while you are on vacation. All boarded dogs are automatically enrolled in dog daycare during their stay with staff on-site at all times. We treat your dog like family in a home-style cage free environment.


424 Medical Center Pkwy
Murfreesboro, TN 37129
(615) 624-6140
http://www.doggiesdayout.net

Yes, Cats Adore Pet Grooming!

Pet grooming is something that at vast number of pet owners feel is not all that worthwhile. However, if you have a longhaired cat, doing it for them would be like you spending a day at a Health Spa. So, it is worthwhile for cats, especially long-haired cats who love to have their skin massaged underneath all that fur so think about pampering them occasionally.

In some ways as you sit there with your cat on your lap and you stroke it you are providing them with a mild form of pet grooming and there is nothing like hearing a contented cat purring away. Cats are always grooming themselves but there is one spot on them they cannot reach and that is right on the neck, so any pampering and help you can give them on that spot is very much appreciated. If you have more than one cat at home, even if they do not get on with one another 100% of the time, you will on occasions see them grooming one another especially at that particular spot.

A tip for when you do groom a longhaired cat is to use Talcum powder as that helps to stop their long fur being matted. Cats can be very finicky creatures and they have their likes and dislikes especially when it comes to pet grooming so as you introduce your cat to it watch what they like and dislike. Some cats prefer to have their face massaged and others like to feel your fingertips run down the length of their spine but whatever your cat's fancy or choice is there is nothing like being able to do the grooming of your pet in your own time and at your own pace.

There are a whole gaggle of Pet Grooming services on the Internet and it is always advisable to do some research concerning this. Often you will find that word of mouth is a good way to go, as some services will travel to your home to groom your cat. This is especially good if your cat is an Indoor cat because if the groomer can build a good rapport with your cat and vice versa then your cat will get to know when and what to expect when you call on that service. Books on Pet Grooming are also available and well worth looking into as they should help you to make a decisive choice but remember one thing: these books are written by an individual so you would still be best in widening your perspective on the topic.

A groomed cat makes for a happy cat and if you try and put yourself in their 'shoes' so to speak would it not be something you would like to have done to you - albeit a day of pampering at a local spa or whatever. So choose wisely because your cat is another member of the family and for that reason, make sure that it is well taken care of no matter what route you go.

Author Jennifer Akre is an owner of a wide variety of online specialty shops including that offer both items and information on pets. Whether it is dog supplies for your family companion, or even cat furniture for your cat, there are many tips you can use to help you make your home a better place for your pet. Click today and indulge your pet's senses. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jennifer_Akre

Pet Grooming in Murfreesboro from Doggies Day Out
Bring your pet to play for the day or to stay while you are on vacation. All boarded dogs are automatically enrolled in dog daycare during their stay with staff on-site at all times. We treat your dog like family in a home-style cage free environment.
424 Medical Center Pkwy
Murfreesboro, TN 37129
(615) 624-6140
http://www.doggiesdayout.net

The Importance of Proper Pet Grooming

There are many reasons that you should be sure to get regular and comprehensive pet grooming. First of all, believe it or not, the way your dog is groomed can affect how they feel about themselves. If your dog has matted hair and overlong nails, it can make your dog feel more tired and less likely to play like they normally would. Having long hair that falls in their face makes it harder for your dog to see and can make it more irritable.

Not having proper pet grooming can also lead to certain health issues. For example, a dog that is not groomed properly is more susceptible to fleas. Fleas can bread in matted, greasy hair and are harder to remove and notice. Matted, greasy fur can also lead to dry, itchy skin which can be a definite irritant to your dog. The drier and itchier their fur is, the more they will scratch at their skin which only serves to make the problem worse as the dog can have cuts from this incessant scratching that can lead to infection. It's can be a vicious cycle that is easily avoided by proper taking care of your pet.

Of course the most obvious reason for regular pet grooming is simply that your dog will look and smell better. No one likes the smell of a wet, dirty dog. This scent can get into the fabric of your furniture and make your entire house smell less that wonderful. Your dog will also look much better after being groomed. With a short, well kept hair cut and beautiful clean ears, your dog will really be the joy of your home instead of making it smell terrible.

Another aspect of pet grooming besides having the fur combed and cut is trimmed and well maintained nails. This is extremely important for your dog, especially if they are mostly indoor dogs. Their nails keep growing and without being cut properly they can grow back into the pads of your dog's foot and be extremely painful. Dogs with overgrown nails are less likely to play and get their appropriate exercise as well. Some pet grooming salons will even paint your dog's nails to make them super cute and the envy of your dog owning neighbors.

Having regular pet grooming can also increase the blood flow in your dog's skin. Much like a massage on a human, having your dog bathed and brushed will get their skin's blood flowing which will lead to better skin health and an increased amount of energy in your dog. Your dog will truly feel better and get more exercise, which in turn will lead to better health for your dog.

Whether your choose to go with a professional dog groomer or perform pet grooming on your own, be sure that you have it done regularly. Some dogs might object to the process initially but once they get used to it and you establish a pattern they will look forward to it.

Author Jennifer Akre is an owner of a wide variety of online specialty shops including that offer both items and information on pets. Whether it is dog supplies for your family companion, or even cat supplies for your cat, there are many tips you can use to help you make your home a better place for your pet. Click today and indulge your pet's senses.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jennifer_Akre

Pet Grooming in Murfreesboro from Doggies Day Out
Bring your pet to play for the day or to stay while you are on vacation. All boarded dogs are automatically enrolled in dog daycare during their stay with staff on-site at all times. We treat your dog like family in a home-style cage free environment.
424 Medical Center Pkwy
Murfreesboro, TN 37129
(615) 624-6140
http://www.doggiesdayout.net

Our Write Up in the Murfreesboro Post

A dog paradise is coming to Medical Center Parkway.

Doggie’s Day Out will offer cageless daycare, boarding, fun spa, grooming, training and a bakery. The facility located at 424 Medical Center Parkway is expected to open in early July.

Call owner Denise O’Connell at 948-2436 or visit www.doggiesdayout.net for registration information.

O’Connell said the facility is designed to be more upscale and to look more like a home than a kennel.

“What makes us different from the services that are offered in Murfreesboro right now is that we are a cageless doggie daycare,” O’Connell said.

Dogs are supervised but are allowed to play indoors and out during the day. There is a lounge area with a sofa and television for smaller or more sedentary dogs and a large playroom and agility equipment for active dogs.

Training also will be available.

Boarded dogs aren’t left alone at Doggie’s Day Out either. The facility is staffed overnight to take care and keep an eye on the dogs.

Doggie’s Day Out will be available for parties where dogs are going to be invited, O’Connell said. There will even be a bakery where special dog treats will be made.

O’Connell decided to open Doggie’s Day Out after growing tired of her job in corporate health care.

“I think this is just the next phase of my life,” she said, adding that she wants to spend it playing, laughing and having fun.

Pet Grooming in Murfreesboro from Doggies Day Out
Bring your pet to play for the day or to stay while you are on vacation. All boarded dogs are automatically enrolled in dog daycare during their stay with staff on-site at all times. We treat your dog like family in a home-style cage free environment.

424 Medical Center Pkwy
Murfreesboro, TN 37129
(615) 624-6140
http://www.doggiesdayout.net