As we head into the week before Thanksgiving—a time when many of us are juggling travel plans, grocery lists, and a surprising number of pie debates—I’m reminded daily of how much joy (and chaos) comes from sharing life with more than one dog. One of the greatest gifts of living with multiple pups is witnessing…
I’m at my client’s house on a crisp, pre-Thanksgiving afternoon—the kind of day when the air smells like cinnamon, fireplace smoke, and a hint of impending holiday chaos. As we chat, her small mixed-breed pup is happily gnawing away on a dog-safe deer antler like it’s the world’s smallest turkey leg. “Fantastic!” I tell her….
Hello friends! Thanksgiving is just around the corner — turkey, relatives, and the occasional chaos — and while we humans are busy prepping the table, it’s equally important to prep our dogs. Why pre‑holiday preparation matters Holidays are exciting, but they’re also unpredictable for dogs. New smells, guests, noises, and table temptations can be stressful….
Hello friends — Almudena here, coming to you from the high desert of New Mexico, where the leaves have turned gold and the chill of Thanksgiving is in the air. At C.H.A.C.O., we’re gearing up for our favorite season of gratitude, turkey smells drifting, family voices rising, and of course — our four‑legged companions at the…
When it comes to dog training, we often talk about two approaches: adding and subtracting. By “adding,” I mean presenting a reinforcer as a consequence of a behavior. By “subtracting,” I mean removing something the dog wants in response to a behavior. Both have their place, but today, I want to focus on the power…
Every dog is unique, but one thing all dogs have in common is the need for guidance, structure, and clear communication. Basic obedience isn’t just about teaching your dog to sit or stay — it’s about building a strong foundation for a lifelong relationship based on trust, respect, and understanding. 1. Safety FirstBasic obedience can…
Halloween is full of excitement, but while the night is fun for humans, it can be overwhelming for our four-legged friends. From sudden noises to unexpected visitors, dogs can experience a lot of stress during this holiday. But with a few thoughtful strategies, you can help your pup stay calm, safe, and happy. 1. Keep…
We all know how most kids feel about Halloween — and let’s be honest, many adults get just as excited. The mystery, the costumes, the sugar rush, the chill in the air… it’s a recipe for fun (and maybe a few goosebumps). But what about our dogs? Do they care for Halloween? Probably not for…
I often say that some dogs aren’t gaining weight because they’re lazy couch potatoes — they’re gaining weight because they’re very well trained. Yes, you read that right! Many dogs are simply getting too many treats during training sessions — and often high-calorie ones on top of their daily meals. A few extra pounds might…
I’m reading a new client’s intake questionnaire when my internal alarm goes off. Intake forms are often windows into a person’s life with their dog — what’s working, what’s not, and what kind of relationship they dream of having. This one, though, stood out. The client wrote that having an obedient dog was their top…