If you feel like your dog is running the house, they probably are. And here is the thing: that is not their fault. Dogs crave clear expectations, fair rules, and calm leadership. Without it, they are left guessing. Guessing usually means chaos for both of you. Structure is not mean or harsh. It is actually one of the kindest things you can give your dog. A structured dog knows what is allowed and what is not, when it is time to rest and when it is time to play, and who is cal

When clients come to us to troubleshoot their training challenges, one of the first questions we ask them is "Do you use a crate or kennel?". If they say no, then the first recommendation we make is for the owner to crate train their dog. Why is it so important to crate train your dog? Crating your dog serves several essential purposes:   Mindset:  A crate helps your dog regulate their energy and will help develop a positive mindset. It also offers a secure space where your d

We want you to have the skills and knowledge needed for a life full of adventures with your dog. A common misconception is that once your dog has mastered a skill, the training is complete. This is false. Training is a lifestyle. Skills require ongoing practice to be maintained. Just as humans can lose skills if they are not practiced regularly, so can dogs. This does not mean you need to train around the clock, but it does involve integrating small, consistent changes into y

The "place" command is one of two commands we consider the holy grail of dog training. Why? Because when taught well and enforced consistently, this single command can help eliminate a long list of unwanted behaviors. Dogs who know “place” can stop being disruptive when guests come over, barking at the delivery driver through the window, running around the house when everyone else is trying to relax, begging at the dinner table, or crowding you in the kitchen while you cook.

When it comes to dog training, one of the biggest mistakes we see owners make is moving too fast. You teach your dog to “sit” in the living room a few times, and suddenly you expect them to do it in the front yard, at the park, or when the neighbor’s dog walks by. When they don’t listen, it feels like they’re being stubborn or defiant. But here’s the truth: most of the time, it’s not stubbornness. It’s confusion. A dog’s ability to understand and perform a command depends ent

If you’ve been in the dog world for longer than five minutes, you’ve probably seen the debates: e-collar vs harness, treats vs corrections, “purely positive” vs “balanced.” It’s noisy. It’s confusing. And honestly, it can make you feel like the villain just for wanting a calm, trustworthy dog. Let’s cut through the noise and set the record straight. What Balanced Training Actually Means Balanced training is exactly what it sounds like: balance. It means we teach our dogs what

If you’ve been Googling how to help your reactive dog, you’ve probably heard the same advice over and over: “Just use positive...

Mentally stimulating activities are crucial for your dog's overall wellbeing, offering essential mental exercise that can enhance their...

Reddit Reflections is a series where we dive into advice from Reddit’s dog training discussions and provide honest feedback about it....

When clients come to us to troubleshoot their training challenges, one of the first questions we ask them is "Do you use a crate or...

Adopting a rescue dog is so rewarding, but it can come with its challenges. As you welcome your new dog into your home, it is important...

When selecting a dog trainer, it’s crucial to ask the right questions to ensure they are a good fit for you and your dog.