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…
The phone rings. I pick it up out of habit and am met with a rush — one of those high-speed, rehearsed sales voices that barrel through every polite interruption. I tell the caller, as calmly as I can, that I’m not interested and ask not to be called again. The voice doesn’t slow. It…
It surprises me — and saddens me — that the belief we can “reinforce fear” in our pets is still so widespread. Let me be clear: fear is an emotion. It is involuntary. Just as you cannot talk yourself out of suddenly feeling afraid, you cannot console your dog into becoming more fearful. Comforting them…
If you’ve been looking for a convenient and effective way to train your dog, our upcoming Basic Obedience Live Zoom Course is the perfect fit. Designed for busy pet parents, this 5-week program lets you and your dog build essential skills without leaving the comfort of home. Why Choose Online Training? Training in your own…
This morning I’m juggling Frisbees and the last bit of my motivation to get the dogs moving. Deuce and Rio are buzzing with excitement—or so I think. I lob the first Frisbee for Deuce, and he just stares at me, like, “Really? What do you want me to do with this?” Yesterday he was a…
Breakfast at my house is never just breakfast, it is a full production. This morning Deuce and Rio had their meals in their bowls as usual. Deuce finished first and wandered into the kitchen while Rio raced over to his dish with high hopes that he had left behind a treasure. He had not. After…
If you’ve ever been growled at by your dog, you know it’s a feeling somewhere between confusion, guilt, and “Did I just offend a small, four-legged tyrant?” Recently, I had the chance to work with a couple whose Basset Hound had decided to make growling a regular part of his vocabulary. What started as a…
As September rolls in, CHACO Dog Training is excited to bring two unique opportunities for you and your pup to connect, move, and grow together. Whether you’re looking to get active, strengthen obedience, or try something totally new—this September is packed with tail-wagging adventures! Event 1: Fit Pups Hybrid Walks Fridays, September 5, 12 &…
If you’ve ever spent time with a litter of puppies, you’ve probably noticed how much they love to play — and that play almost always involves teeth. Tiny, needle-sharp puppy teeth. And while this is natural, it’s also one of the most important behaviors you’ll need to shape in your pup’s early months: bite inhibition….
If you dream of staying vibrant, energetic, and young for years to come, I have a little secret to share: surround yourself with a playful dog. From my own experience, one of the greatest gifts my dogs bring to my life—and to my own sense of movement and joy—is their boundless spontaneity. Dogs have this…