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 to make a decision. However, by following these steps, you can choose a dog trainer who will meet both your needs and your dog's needs.

Introducing dogs to each other can be an exciting but crucial step in creating a harmonious and well-balanced pack dynamic. Whether you're bringing a new furry friend home or introducing dogs in a social setting, following a few essential steps can help set the stage for a positive and successful introduction. Here's a guide to introducing dogs together:

A quick guideline to help puppy owners

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 open it to screaming if you don’t allow them to get out with you.

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 dog was approached on a walk by an off leash dog or I was out with my dog and this couple let their dog run right up to mine...

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 of their lessons, we were working on recalls and towards the middle of the lesson, the client turned to me and asked me what’s the point?

I was a little taken back by this question.

Like there’s a million reasons why we should teach a recall, but I felt the question was more geared towards lines of why do I have to do this training. Like I should have a magic wand that will solve all canine related problems with no effort from them....

When working with bad behaviors there are a couple things I take into account before focusing on a specific problem...

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, and their soft and fuzzy.

So how can you not constantly talk to them?

But then the biggest complaint I receive is that my dog ignores me or doesn’t listen to me.

Then it’s followed by a story on how their dog goes deaf when faced with a bird, squirrel, another human etc.

This is common and there’s a couple reasons why your dog has learned to tune you out....

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 to be quiet.

While you feel you’re meeting the needs of that said dog, it seems that you have made little progress on wearing your dog out.

Matter of fact it seems as if they are getting more strung out the more you follow the routine. Bouncing off furniture, the walls, barking non-stop, etc...

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 to be successful in the zoo world that it trickled over to our household pets.

So without further ado, for those long workdays here is a list of different enrichment ideas for your pup....

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 did just that.

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 my care who have been on Prozac, Trazadone, or any other anti-anxiety medication for years...

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 dog. It depends on the behaviors you’re hoping to lessen. It depends on your dog’s genetics. It depends if he’s a breeding stud or not. Etc.

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 sit, lie down, or even come when called.

Depending on my mood, I might ask the owner to show me their dog's skills. This is something I also experience when learning from other trainers.

Typically, the owner will call their dog and give a command, but most of the time, the dog just looks at them. The owner might repeat the command, using hand signals or pretending to hold a treat to coax the dog into position....

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 in Walmart, making a bee-line towards the items I need and walk pass not one, not two, but three end caps stocked with pee pads.

And I’m thinking the US consumer market can’t be serious.

I mean I get that it’s puppy season, but in this day and age you have to know by now that pee pads are a horrible idea and DO NOT housebreak your puppy.

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 or the constant chewing or the over grooming of their private areas can be the stemming from emotional distress.

But before you hit panic mode, you need to get your dog cleared medically before dissecting where this constant itching is coming from....

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 article I’ll call it everything but that. I mean for a gross subject, we gotta have a little fun.

There are several reasons why your dog may dine on something their butt provided....

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 some helpful tips for helping your furry friend get passed these issues.

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 our home to keep our new found friend safe. No different than a toddler, puppies are curious animals and can often find themselves in trouble if our house is not properly prepped. While I don’t condone leaving any baby unattended for even the shortest amount of time (go team crate training!). I know life sometimes has it’s own plan and leaving for even just a second is unavoidable.

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 without these basic items for your furry friend a fun trip can turn quickly into stress.