Blogs

Your Dog Is a Reflection of the Environment You Create

Your Dog Is a Reflection of the Environment You Create

In recent times, there’s been a noticeable trend that has caught the attention of many: an increase in anxious, reactive, and emotionally unstable dogs. This…

Ritualized Aggression VS. Selective Breeding: Why Some Dogs “Warn” and Others Don’t

Ritualized Aggression VS. Selective Breeding: Why Some Dogs “Warn” and Others Don’t

Aggression in dogs isn’t a singular trait it’s a collection of behaviors shaped by genetics, environment, and learning history. One of the most misunderstood pieces…

Fearful Dogs and Where to Start to Help Them

Fearful Dogs and Where to Start to Help Them

Helping fearful dogs re-engage with the world is a journey that begins with understanding rather than obedience. Often misunderstood, these dogs are perceived as stubborn…

Why Sleep is Crucial for Your Dog’s Behavior

Why Sleep is Crucial for Your Dog’s Behavior

In working with clients who have high-energy or anxious dogs, a common observation is that these dogs rarely settle down during the day, always eager…

Motivation: The Key to Teaching Wild Child Dogs New Behaviors

Motivation: The Key to Teaching Wild Child Dogs New Behaviors

At Wild Child Dog Training, we understand that motivation is the driving force behind learning. Every dog, whether a cuddly Maltese or an energetic Border…

Holiday Safety Tips for Your Furry Friends

Holiday Safety Tips for Your Furry Friends

As the festive season approaches, it’s time to prepare not just your home, but also your dog for the holiday hustle and bustle. Here’s how…

Why You Shouldn’t Get a Dog Just for Your Dog

Why You Shouldn’t Get a Dog Just for Your Dog

I recently chatted with a family member who had just welcomed their first dog and was already contemplating getting a second one “so the dog…

Ethical Breeders vs. Backyard Breeders and Pet Stores: The Importance of Your Puppy’s Origin

Ethical Breeders vs. Backyard Breeders and Pet Stores: The Importance of Your Puppy’s Origin

One of the first questions I pose to clients is about the source of their puppy and its age at adoption. These factors significantly influence…

Small Dog Training…yes, they need training too.

Small Dog Training…yes, they need training too.

Small dogs are undeniably adorable, but it’s important to remember that they have the same learning needs as their larger counterparts. At Wild Child Dog…

Why You Shouldn’t Delay Training Your Dog’s Behavior

Why You Shouldn’t Delay Training Your Dog’s Behavior

A common sentiment among dog owners is, “I thought my dog would grow out of it.” It’s easy to see why. Puppies are often playful,…

Understanding Dog Behavior: Recognizing Warning Signs

Understanding Dog Behavior: Recognizing Warning Signs

One of the most frequent comments I encounter after a dog bites or snaps is, “It came out of nowhere!” or “He didn’t show any…

Play vs. Walk With Your Dog: If You Only Have Time for One, Which Should You Do?

Play vs. Walk With Your Dog: If You Only Have Time for One, Which Should You Do?

I often get asked: “If I only have time to either play with my dog or take them for a walk, which one should I…

Play Hard, Rest Well: How Quality Play and Rest Shape Your Dog’s Nervous System, Attitude, and Behavior

Play Hard, Rest Well: How Quality Play and Rest Shape Your Dog’s Nervous System, Attitude, and Behavior

Dogs thrive on a balance of stimulating play and restorative rest. When both are provided thoughtfully, you’ll see improvements in their nervous-system regulation, emotional state,…

When Things Go Wrong in Public — What I Learned Taking Wild to Swanfest

When Things Go Wrong in Public — What I Learned Taking Wild to Swanfest

Last Sunday I made a mistake — a small one that turned into a valuable lesson. I took Wild, my youngest wolfdog, to Swansboro to…

4th of July…a gentle reminder

4th of July…a gentle reminder

The excitement of fireworks lighting up the night sky on the 4th of July brings joy to many, but for dogs, it can be a…

Play…even around distractions

Play…even around distractions

A dog’s wagging tail and excited bark can turn any ordinary day into an adventure. Playing with a dog is not just about fun; it…

Finding Calm in the Chaos: The Art of Training Dogs for Real-Life Environments

Finding Calm in the Chaos: The Art of Training Dogs for Real-Life Environments

Imagine a serene park on a sunny day, a gentle breeze rustling the leaves, and a dog named Max lounging peacefully at your feet. You’ve…

Training your puppy sooner rather than later…

Training your puppy sooner rather than later…

A puppy can bring immense joy and laughter to a household, but early guidance is essential in cultivating a well-behaved companion for life. It’s crucial…

Breaking the Cycle: How Changing Your Behavior Can Transform Your Dog’s Behavior.

Breaking the Cycle: How Changing Your Behavior Can Transform Your Dog’s Behavior.

Sometimes, I wonder why we think that repeating the same behavior will change another species’ actions. Our dogs rely on us to choose and guide…

Finding Peace Amidst the Chaos: Reflections on Dogs and Human Emotions

Finding Peace Amidst the Chaos: Reflections on Dogs and Human Emotions

While everyone’s busy bickering online, I’m here soaking up some love from my dog, who couldn’t care less about the latest fetch debates or whatever…

Off leash Dogs and How to Handle Them…

Off leash Dogs and How to Handle Them…

I always joke about how the island always produces business with the number of loose dogs that charge at leashed dogs. Can we say hello…

Why Board and Train

Why Board and Train

The Benefits of Board and Train Programs for Your Dog I recently stumbled upon a local suggestion that advised against board and train programs for…

The Power of Choice..why your dog’s struggles even after training

The Power of Choice..why your dog’s struggles even after training

Let the phrase “the dog makes a mistake” come out of my mouth at least a half a dozen times during a lesson with a…

Understanding Fulfillment in Dog Training: Beyond Just Puzzles

Understanding Fulfillment in Dog Training: Beyond Just Puzzles

As an active participant in a local Facebook group focused on dog ownership and training, I frequently respond to various questions that come up. Recently,…

Decoding Dog Language: A Guide for Dog Owners

Decoding Dog Language: A Guide for Dog Owners

As dog owners, we often prioritize commands and obedience training, but understanding how our canine companions communicate is just as vital. Dogs have unique ways…

Affection doesn’t ruin your dog’s training

Affection doesn’t ruin your dog’s training

Dogs are much more than mere pets; they are beloved companions that bring joy and affection into countless homes. Yet, a common misconception persists that…

Fearful Dog Training

Fearful Dog Training

When training a fearful dog that oshows fear aggression or reactivity, we often want to control the dog as a means to help guide them…

The Profound Emotional Connection Between Humans and Dogs

The Profound Emotional Connection Between Humans and Dogs

The relationship between humans and their canine companions is deep and intricate. It involves a complex blend of emotions that significantly affects our dogs’ behavior,…

Aggressive Dogs

Aggressive Dogs

Aggressive dogs seem to be a hot topic lately. For example, a dog that has previously shown aggression in a shelter environment was adopted out…

How to greet a dog

How to greet a dog

It’s a common misconception when greeting a dog that we should stick our hand out for them to smell. In all honesty, I prefer your…

Local Resources to Help Those in Need

Local Resources to Help Those in Need

Recently, I conducted a survey within a local pet community to identify the primary challenges contributing to the high rates of dog surrenders and rehoming…

We are the problem…

We are the problem…

We, as humans, are sometimes the reason why our dog struggles. We get so caught up in our emotions and what others think of us…

Storm Prep

Storm Prep

Have you considered how to keep your beloved pet safe in the face of a severe storm? It’s vital to prepare your pet for such…

Stop Digging

Stop Digging

Dealing with a dog’s digging habits can be a common challenge for pet owners, but it doesn’t have to be an insurmountable one. Many dogs…

Bringing a New Dog Home

Bringing a New Dog Home

I need to share this important information with you all… When you bring a new dog into your home and grant them unrestricted access to…

Classical Conditioning or Operant Conditioning…

Classical Conditioning or Operant Conditioning…

We are often asked if we utilize positive reinforcement techniques, and the answer is emphatically yes. However, we delve much deeper than just one quadrant…

Why your dog’s nutrition is so important…

Why your dog’s nutrition is so important…

I find many folks are amazed during their evaluation with us that I start with the basics such as food, exercise, and daily life schedule…

Teaching your dog to come when called

Teaching your dog to come when called

The initial step in teaching your dog to come when called is to ensure they recognize their name. It’s crucial for your dog to understand…

Nipping and how to stop it…

Nipping and how to stop it…

Understanding Nipping in Dogs and How to Stop ItExploring the reasons behind why dogs nip is crucial for effectively addressing this behavior. Nipping is a…

Why dog sports matter…

Why dog sports matter…

Why Dog Sports Matter and Their Importance to Different BreedsDog sports play a crucial role in the physical and mental well-being of our canine companions.…

Reactive Dogs

Reactive Dogs

Understanding Reactivity in Dogs Reactivity in dogs refers to an exaggerated response to certain stimuli, often displayed as barking, lunging, or pulling on the leash.…

Understanding Dog Aggression and How to Address It

Understanding Dog Aggression and How to Address It

Dog aggression is a complex issue that can arise due to various factors. It is essential for dog owners to recognize the signs of aggression…

Stress and dogs

Stress and dogs

Stress is a part of our everyday life and causes physiological and psychological responses within the body. Humans receive guidance on how to control stress…

Dog Friendly Thanksgiving Recipes

Dog Friendly Thanksgiving Recipes

Thanksgiving is a time for gathering with loved ones and enjoying delicious food. And it’s important not to forget about our furry friends during this…

The Importance of Proper Nutrition for Our  Dog

The Importance of Proper Nutrition for Our Dog

As responsible pet owners, we often prioritize the overall well-being of our beloved furry friends. Alongside exercise and veterinary care, providing our dogs with proper…

How to Choose the Right Dog Trainer for You

How to Choose the Right Dog Trainer for You

When it comes to training your beloved four-legged friend, finding the right dog trainer is crucial. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming…

How to introduce dogs together…

How to introduce dogs together…

Tis the season for bringing in a new furry bundle of joy in your home. Everyone seems to be in love with the new family…

Puppy Rules

Puppy Rules

I’m going through some old files and cleaning out my computer when I came across some goodies that I thought I should share. Based off…

Car Etiquette

Car Etiquette

I’ve been driving around with a couple car divas the last couple weeks. From wanting to bolt out the car door as soon as you…

My Dog is Friendly

My Dog is Friendly

My dog is friendly…Famous last words when a dog goes up to your dog. I see it and hear about it all the time. My…

What’s the Point in Training Your Dog

What’s the Point in Training Your Dog

I had a client sign up for a board and train for their dog. No major behavior problems, just typical house manners stuff. At one…

Bad Behaviors

Bad Behaviors

When working with bad behaviors there are a couple things I take into account before focusing on a specific problem. We must see the whole…

Stop Talking so Much

Stop Talking so Much

Shhhh! You talk too much. I know a lot of use our dogs as a cheap therapist. I mean they listen, they can’t run away,…

When to train and when to rest

When to train and when to rest

Dog ownership is sometimes like walking a tight-line. We allow our dogs to run around the house, the yard, and crate them when it’s time…

Enrichment Ideas For Dogs

Enrichment Ideas For Dogs

Not too long animal caretakers started looking for ways to alleviate stress and boredom for the wild animals left in their care. Many ideas proved…

The Start of Bad Behaviors

The Start of Bad Behaviors

Spoiled Brat Where (most) behavior problems start… You’ve heard it a million times…get the dog that’s right for you and your lifestyle. Well say you…

To Medicate Your Dog

To Medicate Your Dog

Seems like we live in a day age where every problem can be solved with a pill. Too many times I have pups coming into…

Should you Neuter or Spay

Should you Neuter or Spay

Neutering. Does it solve behaviors or does it not? And the answer is always the same, it depends. It depends on the age of your…

How to teach your dog to listen to your commands

How to teach your dog to listen to your commands

It’s quite common for us to receive pups that already have some training before they come to us. Owners often boast that their dog can…

Pee Pads…Bad Idea

Pee Pads…Bad Idea

So I dread going to Wal-Mart, something about being in a store that has 5billion people doesn’t appeal to me (shocker, I know). Anywho, I’m…

Excessive Licking and Chewing

Excessive Licking and Chewing

Licking, scratching to the point of self-mutilation in dogs is more common than you think. Often the hotspot that you find your dog excessively licking…

My Dog Eats Poop!

My Dog Eats Poop!

Dogs eat about everything and sometimes this includes their very own turd nuggets. The scientific term for poop eaters is called, coprophagia, but for this…

Pee-worthy! Why some dogs struggle with housebreaking

Pee-worthy! Why some dogs struggle with housebreaking

There are several reasons why your dog may be struggling with housebreaking. The most common causes are submissive urination, excitement urination, and marking. Here are…

Preparing for a Puppy

Preparing for a Puppy

Brining a puppy home is an exciting time! I mean who doesn’t love snuggles and puppy breath? But like with any baby, we must prepare…

Dog Travel Tips

Dog Travel Tips

With this day and age, more and more folks are traveling with their dog. It is a fun experience for dog and human alike, but…

Feedback Needed! Sincerely, your dog

Feedback Needed! Sincerely, your dog

All trainers talk about effective communication and you can find many versions of such during your training. The most common one that opens a world…

Loose Leash Walking for Both Ends of the Leash

Loose Leash Walking for Both Ends of the Leash

Leash Walking for the Owner: I often find owners in a game of tug-a-war with their dog when it comes to walking them on the…

Will Work For Cookies

Will Work For Cookies

Will Work for Cookies Most folks know that you need some form of motivation to teach your dog new behaviors and most of the time…

Too Much Freedom Too Fast

Too Much Freedom Too Fast

Too much freedom too fast. I’m often faced with new doggy owners who are struggling with their pup inside the home, whether it’s housebreaking, destruction,…

Value Of Rewards

Value Of Rewards

Value of rewards. When training our dog, we often overlook what our dog finds valuable. We assume the treats that the pet store attendant suggested…

A Guidance Story

A Guidance Story

Yesterday a friend of mine came over to walk our dogs together on the land to help my puppy, Goon. See Goon struggles with meeting…

The Furniture Debate

The Furniture Debate

Allowing pets on the furniture There’s a point during a consultation with a client where they’ll sigh and reprimand themselves for allowing their dog on…

Crate Training

Crate Training

It must be puppy season or something, because the amount of destroyed crate pictures I’m scrolling through on my timeline is astounding. It’s so astounding…

Teaching Boundaries

Teaching Boundaries

Teaching boundaries. Teaching your dog to get out of the kitchen when asked or to respect a piece of furniture is a fairly easy task…

Housebreaking Tips and Tricks

Housebreaking Tips and Tricks

If they eat, take them out. If they wake up, take them out. If they just got done playing, take them out. So you bought…

Training Tools

Training Tools

Training tools, the taboo of dog training. If you’re at all involved in the dog community I’m sure you have read, seen, and/or heard folks…

The American Pet

The American Pet

“An Estimated 59% of Cats and 54% of Dogs in the United States are Overweight or Obese.” -The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention Pet obesity…

Engagement

Engagement

“My dog just won’t focus on me when we’re outside, it’s like I’m not even here.” You have probably heard this before from a friend…

Don’t Buy that Xmas Puppy

Don’t Buy that Xmas Puppy

Tis the season of family love and puppy kisses…kids and adults, alike, are looking to add a new fluffy member to their family. As my…

Beat the Heat

Beat the Heat

Summer is upon us and so are the posts about breaking your neighbor’s car window if Fido is in there. Now, don’t get me wrong…

Harmful Foods for Your Pet

Harmful Foods for Your Pet

The holiday spirit is upon us and with such joy we tend to want to share our bliss with our pets in the form of…

Clicker Training 101

Clicker Training 101

“I take particular pleasure in the people who have tried this kind of training with their dogs… Their first reaction, as the dog begins to…

First Aid Kit

First Aid Kit

With Hurricane Florence making her way up the coast, this is a good time to do a once over of your pet’s first aid kit.…

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