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.

Thanksgiving Recipes for your dog!

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.

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....