I’m cute and you can’t make me. Introducing new rules to your dog can be a challenging task. Dogs, like humans, are creatures of habit and may resist change because they are used to their current routine. It's important for dog owners to understand that their dogs have their own personalities and may be more stubborn or independent, making it harder for them to adapt to new rules. If you are challenging their self-appointed role as leader of the pack or they have simply been spoiled rotten, it’s going to be a test and battle of the wills. To help your dog accept new rules, it's essential to b ..read more

To be honest with you, I dod NOT thing dog parks can be a great way for dogs to socialize and get some exercise But I know many people need an outlet for their dog. Therefore, it’s important to keep safety in mind. Here are 10 Suggestions from a Dog Trainer to stay safe and have fun at the dog park: Supervise. Keep an eye on your dog at all times and be ready to intervene & leave if they start to show aggressive or anxious behavior while engaging with other dogs. Know how to read dog body language and how to control a group. You must be able to manage YOUR dog. That includes verbal cont ..read more

Reasons Your Dog May Not Enjoy The Dog Park I get it. Many of you need a place for your dog to run and play if you don’t have a fenced in yard. But there may be better options. The Dog Park isn’t right for every day. Disease Risk: Dog parks can be a breeding ground for diseases such as parvovirus, distemper, and kennel cough. Yes, you know I am a firm believer in keeping our dog’s healthy naturally, but you just have no way of knowing if the dog’s coming into the park have any contagious diseases. Lack of Supervision: Many dog parks lack proper supervision, which can lead to dogs getting ..read more

There are a number of health benefits of weight training for dogs, including improved joint health, increased lifespan, and improved behavior. Weight training for dogs has become increasingly popular in recent years as more and more owners are looking for ways to keep their dogs healthy and active, and to address or prevent behavioral issues. We believe in training for state of mind & tapping into the instincts of the breed. For a dog who needs a job, who is athletic without enough physical activity, or dogs who simply need to be fulfilled in new ways — weight training can be excellent. Th ..read more

Your healthy, adult dog needs to exercise at least 3-4 times per week to the point of the tongue hanging out and panting heavily. They thrive on tapping into their natural athletic abilities and learning new things. They thrive on engaged time with you, and just being joyful. You'd be surprised at how many dogs I see that don't know how to do dog things -- and people who don't fully understand their dog's mental and physical needs. Get Into The Core and Soul of Who your dog is and fulfill those needs. You'll improve his health, state of mind, your relationship -- and your training results. You ..read more

I leave clients with assigned homework every week. For example a down-stay in random spots inside the house and down-stays outside too. The goal is not about a "trick" of down position for a treat. It's not about down and popping back up in 2 seconds. It's about down for a period of time, anywhere I put the dog. Up to 30 minutes. Just because it's 2:19 in the afternoon. It's not about the position or the location-- it's about the state of mind, and expectations to do what I "need" them to do when I need it, the first time I ask -- even at home. Lay down and chill ... until .. and no matter wh ..read more

Do you work for free? Do you do anything really for free? Even in volunteering you are receiving something of value for your heart and state of mind -- yes?? Pay the dang dawg! Stop being stingy with Praise and Play. People are super quick to say "no", to get frustrated & impatient with the dog when he doesn't do something or when it's hard or the dog is not doing something they know how to do. Some of you even have a hard time just remembering to mark a skill "good" when they do it right. When you're teaching something new and the dog "gets it" -- I want to see cheerleaders and pom pom ..read more

Upgrade Your Relationship With Your Dog More often than you might realize, I see people whose relationship with their dog is missing something essential. Yes of course. They feed the dog. Cuddle the dog. Maybe even sleep with the dog. Walk the dog, while on their phone. Sit at the dog park and read a book while the dog plays. We are missing engagement. True enriching engagement. Game Play. Motivation. Energy. Joy. Endorphins. Pleasure. Fun. We are missing being valuable to the dog beyond the resources that sustain life. Play With Your Dog! When I try to get people to "play with their dog ..read more

It’s a common question, especially around the holidays and summer vacations…. How Can I Get My Dog To Get Along with Visiting Family Dogs. My Answer is — You don’t need to. For a short visit, there is no need for them to meet and greet or try to become friends. Take a crate, keep them separated and take each out for off-leash fenced-in time alone. You can take them on a pack walk together with separate handlers and leashes :-) Dogs do not generally do well with new visitors in their homes or entering the home of an established pack. Even at my house, we make very slow introductions when frien ..read more

Board and Train. When I started dog training years ago -- Board and Train seemed to be the be all end all. Trainers can charge you a lot more money for board and train -- like a lot more. Did I say a lot more? I get it has value to many who claim to not have time, want it done fast, or even those who have dogs with troublesome behavioral issues that really need to rehabbed first. But there are a couple of issues with that Who trains you-- and how much training do you get, for how long into the future. Your dog with Separation Anxiety is almost guaranteed to regress into old ways when you send ..read more