Whichever approach you choose follow: remember that the end goal is having a dog who can live comfortably, safely, predictably, and kindly in our human world. To have a canine companion who can coexist and learn to live with the humans and animals, large vehicles, things that are dangerous to eat or approach, screaming kids, speeding bicycles, strangers, vacuum cleaners, dogs on walks, cats in driveways, squirrels in trees, and moments when you have to leave them home alone. Have fun. Teach cute tricks. Set boundaries. Love spending time with your dog. Focus on things that move your dog's b ..read more

Do you remember learning a new skill when you were in school? Was it a foreign language or maybe complex math or science? For those of us who didn't keep practicing those skills, if you were to be asked to have a conversation in another language or sovle a Calculus II equation... it shouldn't be a surprise that we struggle to do that! Just because we took the courses once doesn't mean we will retain the knowledge forever! The same goes for your dogs! Their training is NOT over after coming home from a board and train, or you finish the last session of your private lessons. Your "training" is ..read more

We want to help everyone achieve their training and behavior goals with their dogs - but even with all the work in the world, breed traits and genetics play a significant role in a dog's behavior as solid training. You can't train genetics out of a dog, but you can learn how to fulfill their breed(s) needs and have a better understanding of WHY your dog has certain tendencies that relate to their breed traits. Breed is never an excuse for bad behavior! Learning about the breed(s) of your dog can help you in your training journey and understand how to set your dog and family up for success ..read more

If you're going to let your dog off leash, make sure of a couple things: ✅ It's an appropriate place to do so ✅ You have control of your dogs Seems like an easy enough list, right? But what if... ? someone on a bicycle goes by? ? someone walks their dog by? ? a bird or other form of wildlife appears close by? ⚽️ someone is playing with a soccer ball or throwing a baseball? ?‍♀️ someone on a jog or walk crosses your path? ? a family with a baby stroller is coming your way? ? a car is driving by near you? Do you still have control of you dog? Be ..read more

Just a friendly reminder to continue using your dog's crate every day, and to make sure you actually leave the house without them sometimes - even if you work or school from home! There have been many families who have had someone home non-stop since the holidays or even before that (thanks to the pandemic )... meaning many of our dogs and puppies have never truly been alone for quite a while! I hope that you've had your dog practicing some downtime in the crate during the day, so as not to lose their previous kennel up routine! Remember, our dogs used to spend a lot of the day in a quiet hous ..read more

Bonded relationships between dogs is special, and with littermates or puppies who are close in age growing up together, we often see that closeness! It's important to keep in mind that these guys need individual time, too! Families often make the mistake of allowing the puppies to share the same crate, food bowls, and dog beds - allowing constant sharing of each other's space and being together ALL of the time. The downside to the inseparable and bonded relationship between littermates, is that they can easily grow to be very dependent on each other, instead of building strong individual ..read more

So many families and dogs struggle with the effects of separation anxiety, and the symptoms that come along with it. Many unwanted and dangerous behaviors that accompany separation anxiety are chewing up furniture, blinds, door frames, carpet, and crown molding. Often dogs are soiling in the house or their crate, and are often barking, crying, drooling, howling, and pacing frantically once left alone. Some dogs even bend the bars on a crate, break their teeth, or even escape their kennel. So, what can we do to contain our dog it keep them and our home safe from injury or destruction? Addressin ..read more

One of the biggest things we see in the dog behavior profession is a struggle for people to move past a dog's history. Often times, the story behind a dog becomes a huge part of how a dog is treated in the present. The truth is, your dog needs you to move on from their past so they can, too! It's human nature to have a huge heart for animals, and particularly for those that have experienced a rough situation in their life. For those families who open their home to a rescue dog - as an adopter or foster home - helping those in need is their priority, and it's an amazing thing to do. I want to ..read more

In the wrong hands, a dog who is strong willed, with a powerful personality and driven tempermant OR a dog who is insecure, anxious, and lacking confidence.... ...can be DANGEROUS. And it's not from owners "raising them wrong" by being mean or harsh. It's actually by these dogs living with owners who don't share believable boundaries, set clear guidelines, and issue fair and consistent consequences. It's often by being loved too much, and told what to do too little. It's by not fulfilling the dog's need for direction, guidance, rules, boundaries, limitations, consistency, exercise, and dis ..read more