But anywho, for my folks with the leashed dogs—the ones who are trying to make their dog better—this blog is for you.

Having an off-leash dog run up to your dog is nerve-wracking, to say the least. We don’t know the dog, we don’t know its intentions, and worst of all, we put our dog in a weird position because they can’t run if they wanted to. So, what can you do when you’re in this situation?

“Don’t do board and trains” is what I read in the local suggestions. I resist the urge to ask why because it honestly makes ZERO sense to train a dog who struggles behaviorally at home. How do you expect someone who is coming to you for help due to their dog demonstrating x, y, or z to not only teach their dog new behaviors but also to make lifestyle changes? Like, tell me the secret because I’ve been trying to lose some weight while going to the gym and changing my diet. And let me tell you, doing both at the same time is HARD. But when I break it down to focus on one or the other to build a new habit, it is a bit easier. It’s just common sense that we often fail or are not long-term successful when we can’t focus and are trying to do too many things at once. Why would it be ANY different in learning a whole new communication and skill set when it comes to your dog? Make it make sense to me!

I hear it and see it all the time: my dog doesn’t seem to retain training, or they’re stubborn, or they’re just lost. It’s not that your dog doesn’t get it; it’s that you are babying them along the way. So why should they need to put in the work? Allowing your dog to make choices is the only true way to experience change that lasts and training that sticks.

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.

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....

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.

A proper diet for our dog not only helps them physically but can also impact them behaviorally. Check out if you’re meeting your dog’s nutritional needs.