As a dog trainer, my goal is to help dog owners build positive relationships with their dogs that increase both the quality of life for the dog as well as the owner. One key aspect of successful dog training is preventing problem behaviours from becoming ingrained habits. In this blog, we'll explore why dog trainers like me stress the importance of stopping dogs from rehearsing unwanted problem behaviours. What are some unwanted problem behaviours? Barking at windows, doors, and the fence line Resource Guarding food, furniture or people Digging Destructive chewing Playing the chase game when ..read more

Understanding the remarkable emotional intelligence of dogs. Dogs, often referred to as "man's best friend," have been our companions for thousands of years. While they may not communicate through words, anyone who has spent time with dogs knows that they possess a unique form of sentience – a profound emotional intelligence. In this blog, we will explore why and how dogs are sentient beings, shedding light on their remarkable capacity to understand and connect with humans. The Emotional Spectrum of Dogs: Dogs, like humans, experience a wide range of emotions. From joy and excitement to fear ..read more

Dogs are incredibly perceptive creatures, attuned to the smallest cues and signals from their human counterparts. This is why most trainers use hand signals when training cues. While dogs often bring joy and companionship into our lives, it's essential to be mindful of the signals we inadvertently send through our body language. Certain human body language can make dogs uncomfortable, leading to anxiety or even fear. In this blog, we will explore the key aspects of human body language that can make dogs uneasy and offer tips on how to improve your communication with your furry friends. Keep i ..read more

The golden rule for working with fearful dogs is to start by scattering the dog's food on the floor in your proximity until they are comfortable and work up to hand-feeding from each member of your household.   The big question is: Does the dog feel less fearful because they're eating from our hand? Or are they scared and have experienced food insecurity, but the only way to access food is to eat by hand? Is there an emotional conflict? And are they overcoming their fear?   We can try to answer these questions by looking at the dog's body language. Before you start working with your ..read more

Getting a dog license offers several benefits that are often overlooked. It is a simple process that will aid the health and safety of all the animals in your community. The more dogs that are licensed the more dog-friendly public spaces there will be!   Here are some benefits of licencing our dog:   Identification: A dog license typically includes your contact information. If your dog gets lost, the license tag can be a quick way for someone to identify your pet and contact you, increasing the chances of a safe return. Did you know that 97% of lost, licensed dogs are returned to th ..read more

Every day we are asked what treats do you use? My dog loves them. I have created a mostly Amazon List of tried, tested and dog-approved treats by the many dogs in #CareyTrainsMe care ..read more

Board and train programs have gained popularity as an effective way to train dogs. However, when it comes to dogs with separation anxiety, this approach may not be the most suitable solution. In this article, we will explore the reasons why board and train programs may not be the best fit for dogs struggling with separation anxiety. 1. Lack of Familiar Environment: One of the fundamental aspects of addressing separation anxiety in dogs is helping them feel comfortable in their own environment. Board and train programs typically involve sending your dog to a trainer's facility, which can be an ..read more

Stop over-exercising your dog to manage anxiety and behaviour! Exhausting a dog physically to manage their behaviour may seem like a tempting approach to address behavioural issues, but it can have negative consequences for the dog's physical and mental well-being. Let's explore why a tired dog is not a happy or healthy dog and the poor effects of solely relying on physical exhaustion as a behaviour management strategy: Physical Strain and Injury: Constant strenuous exercise can put excessive strain on a dog's muscles, joints, and bones. This can lead to injuries such as sprains, strains, or ..read more

Not sure what enrichment toys are great for your dog? https://youtu.be/ZbDbqsap6lA #CareyTrainsMe has a list of The Best Canine Enrichment Toys. Carozen Dog Puzzle Toy https://amzn.to/3uywidv Omega Treat Ball https://amzn.to/3T1Fj9e Trixie 32019 Mad Scientist Level 2 https://amzn.to/47OHfWA Nina Ottosson by Outward Hound Dog Tornado https://amzn.to/47wRM90 Frozen kongs, https://amzn.to/3sUC74A PawHut Wood Pet Seesaw Platform Dog Agility Training https://amzn.to/3sKERBx Wobble Kong https://amzn.to/46sRQ8J Trixie Dog Agility Hurdle Cone Set, Portable Canine Agility Training Set https://amzn.to/3 ..read more

Cortisol is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands in response to stress, and it plays a crucial role in a dog's overall health and well-being. Over-exercising your dog can create an endless cycle that is affecting your dog's health poorly and making their stress and anxiety behaviours worse. Dogs, often referred to as "man's best friend," share a multitude of emotions and physiological responses with humans. One such response is the production of cortisol, a hormone that plays a significant role in their lives. In this comprehensive 3000-word blog, we will explore the intricate web of cort ..read more