The Right Way to Use Treats

Avoid common mistakes using treats in dog training

As a reward-based training advocates, we see remarkable transformations in canine behavior by tapping into each dog’s top motivator(s). We find it is much easier to determine what is expected of your dog in troublesome situations and train an acceptable behavior than to punish a naughty act. It makes perfect sense, good is behavior is rewarded, it happens more …Read More

The Couch Debate

JaxandLouie

I often see sheepish looks and lowered eyes when I ask the question “is your dog allowed on the couch?” I would like to set the record straight that allowing shared couch time for most dogs does not mean your dog will assume ruler of your home.  However, if your dog has ever growled or tensed as you …Read More

Creating Boundaries

Roxy Roth

It’s happened to all of us: we meet a new friend and we like them so much we tell them to call us anytime.  When they do, we get flustered because we’re busy and have other things going on in our life. I see this all the time, people getting annoyed at one another for doing exactly …Read More

How to Motivate Your Dog

Megan2

Some dogs happily accept every toy their human brings home and will eat any treat with wild abandon; other dogs need a little more prodding to determine what makes them happy.  Watch your dog’s face when trying to decide if what you are offering is really a reward to your dog. If you see your …Read More

Teaching “Drop”

Teaching Drop

Having a new puppy or dog in the home is the quickest way to teach humans to be very tidy. If your dog rummages through garbage/laundry or spends their days counter surfing, “leave it” and “drop” are two very important cues to teach them. Both must be practiced with real-life items or the moment they …Read More

Chew Toys

chewtoy

Prevent ankle nipping and kitchen table destruction by giving your dog appropriate toys to chew. Every dog is different, but Kongs filled with dog food and topped with cheese or peanut butter are often favorites. Kongs are among the few toys you can safely leave alone with your dog. Until you know your dog better, …Read More

Gentle Leader Training

Gentle Leader

The head halter is a great training tool. It is very helpful in redirecting attention and preventing pulling. It’s usefulness does require proper fitting, appropriate use and a training period so your dog learns to love putting his Gentle Leader on before he walks around the neighborhood. Here are some ways to train your dog …Read More

House Breaking

House Breaking

The key to start a good potty training program is consistency and prevention.  Some dogs take more time to catch on where is the appropriate place to than others but putting your dog or potty on a set schedule that you adhere to will pay off and make the process much faster. Yes, it is …Read More

Jumping

jumping

Attitude Adjustment What does  dog want when he jumps up? Attention.  If you and all your guests can be consistent with giving attention only when he’s not jumping, he will stop jumping in a matter of days. Reward only greetings that you want repeated. When he jumps on you, stand tall and turn your back. …Read More