Harness Puppy Energy and Avoid New Puppy Burnout! Like the sun and the wind, puppy energy is fully renewable. It comes in fits and spurts. Without a good plan for how to handle it, things can get uncomfortable, fast. Playing tug is a wonderful way to use this energy. Read on to learn why you... View Article The post Why You Should Time Your Tug Games! appeared first on Ultimate Puppy ..read more

Q) What are the best puppy training treats? A) Whatever your pup loves! Use this guide to help you discover the best puppy training treats for your pup. Plus a few other puppy musings. Think Squishy, Tiny, and Stinky Squishy, so you‘re able to tear the treats into itty bitty pieces. Half the size of... View Article The post What Are The Best Puppy Training Treats? appeared first on Ultimate Puppy ..read more

To preface this post… These tips are not meant to replace quality time spent with your puppy. Nothing beats that! Also, Ultimate Puppy has no affiliation with the toy brands that are recommended here. It’s not always a problem that needs solving I coach people with puppies. Puppies bite. This is not a behavior that needs to be fixed. This is a normal part of puppy development that will dissipate over time. There are other behaviors that are intrinsically puppy that will simply cease to be as your dog matures. Let’s look at some challenging puppy behaviors where you might simply say ‘Hey! th ..read more

“Why will my dog go in the pool at doggie camp, but won’t when we’re at home?” Unravel the mystery of your dog’s behavior. Is there something going on with your dog that has you baffled? Think of it as an opportunity to be a doggie detective. Rather than a problem to solve it’s a mystery to unravel. Our friend Michelle, shared her experience and feelings of confusion regarding her dog’s enthusiasm about going into a kiddie pool and splashing about when at doggie camp but not at home. To help her put on her detective hat we asked her to think about 3 things that are different at camp compar ..read more

Connection and choice, or control – what does this mean for you and your dog? When we let go of the idea of control and our goals become centered around the concept of building trust and connection we experience an enhanced relationship with our dog. Let go of old notions of control, compliance, and outdated methods of training. It’s liberating for you and your dog! Read on to learn a few simple tips to start your puppy-raising journey off with a big helping of love and understanding. Who doesn’t want more of that? Connection What does connection look like and how can you strengthen it? You ..read more

Why use a puppy planner? You just brought your new buddy home. You know it’s going to get hectic. What’s the one thing you are dreaming of, hoping for? Most of us want a well-adapted dog who is friendly with family and neighbours, that understands his daily routine and is fun to be around both in the house and the park. Our NEW Puppy Planner helps you accomplish this in 5 easy steps. The planner provides an easy to follow approach to the things that you need to be working on with your new friend. The day-by-day format, let’s you journal about what’s working for you and let’s us provide daily ..read more

A long line is a wonderful piece of equipment. Whenever you are in an environment where you feel comfortable and safe to use one, these lines will give you the freedom to have fun and train. They can also help stop pulling on the leash. When a pup has more room to move there is less of a chance of pulling. Get a biothane line and learn how to use it. It is an essential piece of equipment to have in your puppy-raising toolbox. I recommend investing in a couple of different lengths, 10 or 12 feet as well as a 20 or 30 footer. Watch a short tutorial on long lines on our Ultimate Puppy YouTube ..read more

Meet My Puppy My make-believe puppy Petronilla has shared a bio. What is the point of this fanciful canine caper? A look at life from your pup’s view. When Petronilla writes about herself she doesn’t list going for leisurely walks on a busy sidewalk as her favorite way to spend an afternoon. She might also not be that into snuggling. If she were to write a resume she would not list sit, down, and stay as qualifications. Her puppy skills include superpower sniffing abilities, champion chewer and, sharp teeth. Past experience, um, not much, I’m only 10 weeks old.  Petronilla’s Particu ..read more

From humble beginnings to a multi-billion dollar industry, dog toys have come a long way. Funny though, I know many dogs who prefer a broken-down soccer ball found at the park or a plastic bottle to the latest and greatest dog toy.  That said, I am a self-proclaimed dog toy fan. During this pandemic, I have missed a handful of things and one of them is perusing the aisles of my favorite pet supply stores. I enjoy chatting with the great folks who run them and checking out what is new and exciting in doggie land.  When raising a puppy there are some dog toys you may find very useful ..read more

Disturbing Trends Dog bites are on the rise. More folks getting puppies, more kids home with puppies. And, a big misunderstanding about what the early days of raising a puppy need to include. Simon Usborne’s recent article in The Guardian, Dog-Bite Britain: the problem with the pandemic puppy explosion explores potential causes for the uptick in children getting bitten. In Psychology Today Dr. Hal Herzog’s article, Do School Closures Cause a Surge in Dog Bites in Children, shares some recent stats on the topic. Shaken not Stirred Puppies are predators. Kids move around like prey. Kids have hi ..read more