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.

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...

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....

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...

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...

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.

When training our dog, we often overlook what our dog finds valuable. We assume the treats that the pet store attendant suggested are the best thing since slice bread. Only to find out when we go home and offer one to our pup, they turn their nose and walk away. Or maybe you’ve trained at home for x,y,and z behaviors with said treat and decided you wanted to move your training to the local park. Much to your dismay your dog has lost interest in this reward and would rather explore what’s behind the bush.