Any time you interact with your dog is a training opportunity. How you choose to use your time is reflected back in your dog’s behavior. Understanding everyday dog training opportunities is key to having the best dog in the neighborhood. Our articles are continually updated and added to, with new dog training information and tips to help you achieve your goals.
Most people focus on what happens during dog training sessions. The lessons. The commands. The techniques. That’s understandable. Training is the visible part of the process. But after more than a decade working with families and their dogs, we’ve learned that what happens after the trainer leaves often matters just as much. Eventually, every training…
Many dog owners feel like they are constantly trying to tire their dog out. Long walks. Games of fetch. Trips to the park. Lick mats. Toys. More play. More activity. But sometimes, that’s not actually the right question. What started as a 30-minute walk becomes an hour. Then two. And your dog still seems restless….
Conflict with your dog often starts with expectations. When we talk about expectations, we mean behaviors you believe your dog should reliably perform in a specific situation. Not a hope. Not a wish. A skill you believe your dog already knows and can do consistently. If that belief does not match reality, frustration follows. Too…
Picture this: your doorbell rings, you say to your dog, “Place.” The command stops her in her tracks, and she trots over to a small rug, her place. You open the door, accept the pizza delivery, and she remains on her place. You close the door and head to the dinner table to enjoy your…
Planning for challenging, unsafe, or uncomfortable situations can help you better navigate life with your dog. Just like fire drills help us prepare for emergencies, understanding unsafe or stressful incidents with your dog is also helpful. You’ve thought through how to respond in advance of any stressful dog-related situation, so it takes the work (cognitive…
Dog training can feel frustrating when progress is slow, but sometimes small things get in the way without us realizing it. A well-behaved dog starts with a calm state of mind. If your dog is too excited, nervous, or stuck in a “fight or flight” mode, they’re paying attention to everything except you. That makes…
What does your dog choose to do when you’re not giving a specific command? Bark at the window? Follow everyone around the house? Stay over-excited all day? Does he ignore you when you need him to pay attention? So what’s missing? When your dog respects your leadership, he learns to make good choices. That’s fundamental…
Your dog doesn’t have to love the vet, but she does need to be on good behavior. Vets work long hours to care for our beloved canines; we can help make their job a bit easier by training our dogs for the vet. Getting your dog ready for the vet also means training her to…
Every dog will need grooming regardless of the breed and training is important to making that possible. Your goal is to start small, getting your puppy used to the motions and sensations of brushing, nail clipping, and even bathing. Through regular handling, slow desensitizing, and consistent effort, your dog will have an enjoyable grooming experience….
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