Our Blog
I don’t need to fix the dog
I title this photo “Dog on Stairs” - a trainer captures a moment of decision.
A common experience as a trainer is being asked to “fix” behaviors that are problematic for the owners but are not actually unreasonable from a dog’s perspective. The behaviors are not always the same, but sometimes the solution is.
7+ Training Tips for Loose Leash Walking
7+ Training tips for loose leash walking. Using positive reinforcement training techniques, you can improve your dog’s skills on leash.
Rainy Day Indoor Games
Sometimes the weather may not cooperate with the need to get your dog out for some exercise. Whether it's a dreary rainy day or frigid temperatures that aren't safe for outside play, these indoor activities are sure to keep your pup exercised and entertained!
Agility Basics: 6 skills to get you started.
Agility is an exciting dog sport that challenges a dog’s athletic ability while promoting teamwork between dog and handler. It is a great way to build confidence in dogs and owners also often notice an improvement in basic obedience skills. Start your agility training right at home. Teach your dog these agility foundation skills, no special equipment required!
Hiking With Dogs: Nova’s Gear Guide
Our recommendations for gearing up when hiking with a canine companion. Be prepared for your next big adventure with these essentials suggestions.
Loose leash walking: Stop struggling, start engaging.
What we want from our dog is awareness, interest and attention. The leash is the physical manifestation of our connection to each other, but the real connection is invisible. So how do you get those things from your dog?
Boredom Busters: Snuffle Games
Snuffle games are a great enrichment activity which encourage your dog’s natural instincts for foraging. Providing dogs with games that tap into their brain’s desire to seek and search is also a great use of their powerful sense of smell.
How we said goodbye to nail trimming nightmares!
If you are an owner that dreads having to get out the clippers or schedule the vet appointment, trust me when I say, I understand where you are coming from. Whether you choose to try an alternate route like I have or you prefer to stick with the tried and true, the most important thing is to work on building a positive association with the tool and the process!
Just Say No To Food Bowls
One of the most under-utilized opportunities for training and enrichment is your dog's meal time. Instead of placing a bowl full of food in front of your dog that they did not have to work for at all, think about that food as potential tasty rewards.
4 Tips for Trick Training
Whether you have already completed a tricks class, are learning on your own at home or would like to get started trick training, these helpful tips will make your training sessions more successful.
Enrichment 101
Enrichment improves and enhances your dog's mental state using a range of activities designed to challenge and exercise their brains. These activities encourage your dog to problem solve, learn new skills and become more confident.
Favorite 5 Beginner Tricks
Trick training is a fun way to spend time with your dog while providing them with an enrichment activity that challenges their brain and yours! With so many tricks to choose from it can be difficult to decide what to do first so I picked my top 5 favorite beginner tricks to help you get started.