Mental stimulation goes much deeper than the frozen kong or dog puzzle….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, a recurring theme has surfaced: owners expressing frustration regarding their dogs' destructive behaviors. These aren't just any dog owners; they are committed individuals genuinely striving to provide the best for their furry friends. Yet, despite their dedication, they find themselves at a crossroads, questioning what may have gone wrong.

It’s amazing, with today’s internet, that I still hear from time to time about how if a dog is wagging its tail, then it’s happy and everything is good. Or that a bite came out of nowhere, or my dog is just playing as it’s hyper-focused on a small animal.

Now, whether this is due to our rose-colored glasses because we don’t want to see the dog for who they truly are, or because we seriously don’t know, is a question I find myself asking quite a bit. I think in the U.S. alone, over 60% of households own a dog. I would say over half of that probably owns more than one dog. But yet, a lot of owners have ZERO idea what their dog is telling them.

It’s a misconception that showing your dog love, affection, and letting them on the couch or feeding them from your plate ruins training…In this blog we take a dive into on why that is a false statement.

When training a fearful dog with aggression or reactivity, it’s crucial to avoid exerting control, as this can heighten the dog's stress and worsen their emotional state. Instead, I recommend providing a managed freedom that allows the dog to explore independently, fostering confidence and trust.

Have you ever wondered how your emotions shape the behavior and well-being of your beloved four-legged companion? From creating a nurturing environment to influencing their socialization and communication, the emotional connection between humans and dogs runs deep...

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 and actually mauled the owner to death. It’s a grim fate, and one we seem to hear more and more often than we did 20 years ago.

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 hand over your face, but it’s still a behavior that a dog can misconstrue as rude, especially if you enter their space and then shove your hand even further into their space, such as their head.

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 in the area. The results overwhelmingly pointed towards two significant factors affecting pet owners in the region. One is the affordability of essential care like preventatives, food, and spaying/neutering. The second factor was attributed to insufficient research on the breed, leading to mismatched pet-owner relationships. While I brain-storm some ideas on how to help the local dog population, I wanted to put something together that may be of help now...

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 that we forget about any consideration of the dog in front of us...

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 situations to safeguard their welfare. By taking proactive measures, you can guarantee your pet's safety and comfort during a storm....

Addressing a dog's digging behavior can be a common challenge for pet owners, with several creative and effective approaches available to tackle this issue....

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 your space, neighborhood, and more, challenges are likely to arise.

It is crucial to allow your dog some time to decompress and then introduce them to the house rules and boundaries from the start...

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 of learning, as true breakthroughs can occur both inside and outside the conventional framework. Let's begin with the fundamentals....

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 and not directly the problem at hand. While there is a whole thought process behind why I do this and why this way of thinking relates to long-term success after your dog’s training with us is done. But the entire process could be a book, so I’m going to break this down by each approach…. starting with your dog’s nutrition...

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 that when you call their name, they should cease what they're doing and look to you for the next instruction. Here's how to teach this behavior...

Exploring the reasons behind why dogs nip is crucial for effectively addressing this behavior. Nipping is a natural activity for puppies and can stem from teething, excitement, or exploration as they interact with their surroundings and littermates. In adult dogs, nipping can serve as a means of communication, playfulness, or even a response to fear or anxiety....

Dog sports play a crucial role in the physical and mental well-being of our canine companions. These activities provide an avenue for dogs to showcase their natural abilities, stimulate their minds, and strengthen the bond between dogs and their owners. Moreover, dog sports are not only beneficial for individual dogs but also hold significance for different breeds due to their diverse characteristics and instincts....

Reactivity in dogs refers to an exaggerated response to certain stimuli, often displayed as barking, lunging, or pulling on the leash. This behavior can stem from fear, frustration, or overexcitement, and it presents a challenge for both the dog and the owner...

Aggression from our canine friends can be scary for all involved. Pinpointing where the aggression is stemming from and knowing how to help your dog through those extreme emotions can make a world of difference for your family.

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 levels, such as through breathing exercises or physical activity. However, when it comes to our canine friends, we seem to fall short in sharing any type of stress management skills with them.