Welcoming a new puppy into your home is a joyous experience, but it comes with the responsibility of ensuring they grow into well-behaved and confident companions. That’s where Kinder Pup 1 comes in! This class is tailored to meet the unique needs of puppies and their families, laying the foundation for a lifetime of positive…
Are you a proud new puppy parent? Congratulations! Bringing a puppy home is one of the most rewarding experiences, but let’s be honest—it’s not all wagging tails and cuddles. Puppies bring immense joy, but they also require effort, patience, and know-how to grow into well-mannered, happy dogs. That’s why I’m hosting a FREE webinar to…
Today, as I waited at home for a delivery, I found myself navigating a common challenge: managing my dogs’ excitement while ensuring a calm environment. Before the delivery arrived, both Rio and Deuce were crated in my office, as per our usual routine. When the knock on the door came, Rio immediately began barking, likely…
The holiday season is a fantastic time to recharge. Beyond catching up on sleep and connecting with friends, I like to maintain a sense of routine for my dogs. While we might explore a new spot or enjoy some extra downtime together, this Thanksgiving weekend, I’m focusing on something a little different: leveling up my…
After a productive sheepherding session with Deuce, we returned home, and I got back to work in my office. Before long, I heard an unusual bark from him. Assuming he might be with John, whose office is on the opposite side of the house, I called out to check. John said Deuce wasn’t with him,…
We all know Halloween holds a special place in the hearts of many children and adults alike. The allure of mystery, a little sugar indulgence, and crisp evening walks to haunted houses make it an event worth celebrating. But have you ever wondered how our furry friends feel about Halloween? Dogs may not understand Halloween…
Have you ever noticed a dog with raised hackles, the hair along its spine standing on end? This phenomenon, known as piloerection, is a natural response that often gets misunderstood. Many assume it’s a sign of aggression, but in reality, piloerection is a sign of arousal, a reaction driven by the dog’s nervous system that…
Understanding “why” questions may seem essential to managing our dog’s behavior, and while they sometimes help, they’re often a subtle way of wishing our dog would simply stop an undesirable action. We might believe that by uncovering the “why,” our dog will change. However, in animal behavior and training, “why” questions aren’t as beneficial as…
Caring for an emotional dog—one that is constantly stressed, fearful, anxious, or aggressive—is a profoundly complex and often overwhelming experience. Many pet parents find themselves facing these challenges alone, unsure of how to help their beloved companion. In my 18 years as a professional dog trainer, I’ve seen firsthand the emotional toll this takes on…
In previous posts, I’ve discussed why the dominance model—the belief that dogs are pack animals in need of a “pack leader”—is not only flawed but also harmful to our canine companions. Today, I want to focus on an important aspect of dog behavior: the daily negotiations between them. Firstly, let me clarify that social dominance…