How Holiday-Ready Is Your Dog? Take This Quick Quiz: Does your dog have a quiet, safe space to retreat to during festive gatherings? A ..read more

Dealing with separation anxiety in dogs can pose a real challenge for pet parents. Feelings of helplessness arise as you consider ways to ..read more

Training your dog is a journey filled with learning, growth, and occasional challenges. Learn some common mistakes and how to avoid them ..read more

Did you know that dog training is a lifelong journey? Training sessions are crucial for teaching your canine companion new skills and ..read more

Does the phrase "dog training" make you cringe? Are you frustrated? Have you tried everything when it comes to living with your pup? And ..read more

Dealing with a dog's separation anxiety can be tough. Your dog might bark too much, destroy your belongings, bolt out the door, or engage in other undesirable behaviors. While training is key, a dog's living environment also matters for its mental health.  When dogs have separation anxiety, they feel fear and panic when separated from their guardians. This fear can stem from a lack of confidence and security, so addressing the alone-time behavior and the dog's underlying emotional state is important. Spice Things Up! (Environmental Enrichment) Environmental enrichment refers to enhanc ..read more

Dog training means mutual understanding and respect between you and your dog. There are so many approaches to dog training that it can be overwhelming! But with a few tips, you can learn to be mindful using enjoyable dog training methods.  Let’s look at training methods, what each involves, and how to use them. Regardless of your methods, always work below your dog's threshold—introduce cues at a level that keeps them calm and comfortable to avoid stress or a fear response. Changing unwanted behaviors or teaching new behaviors takes time. Be patient and mindful when engaging with your ..read more

"A steady hand and a patient heart are the keys to calming the anxious bark." — Stephanie Barger, Canine Zen If you share your home with a nervous dog, you know how heart-wrenching it can feel to watch them struggle with fear or anxiety. But fear not—there are some behavior modification techniques to enhance your dog's quality of life (and yours, too!). Create a Consistent Routine Like us, dogs feel safer and more secure when they know what to expect. Establishing a fixed routine for meals, exercise, training, and downtime provides a predictable environment and says, "You're safe here." E ..read more

Mindfulness: Focusing on the present moment and accepting it without judgment. A “Tail” of Mindfulness and Healing Elaine was a first-time dog owner whose life changed when she adopted Max, a spirited but anxious golden retriever. Max's separation anxiety symptoms were evident from the start: destructive behavior and incessant whining when Elaine left the room. The turning point came when Elaine attended a local pet care workshop. The workshop discussed canine stress levels, social situations, comforting environments, and using mindfulness to connect with and calm pets. Elaine hesitated a ..read more

In dog training, consistency is like being the cool parent—the parent who “gets it” rather than the one who's always nagging.  So many of my clients hear "consistent" and THINK "constant." Let's be honest: Constant teaching/training with your dog isn't realistic or fun. So, how do you manage the time constraints of everyday life while teaching and maintaining your dog's training? Adding training to your daily routine creates a fun and consistent vibe for you and your pup—it sets the stage for success without stress. Here’s how: Understand the Difference: Consistency vs. Constant Trai ..read more