adolescent dogs

Your dog “knows” what you’re asking. So why won’t they do it?

There is a certain kind of frustration that happens when your dog looks right at you, hears what you asked, and does something else. And you know: they're not confused and they're not afraid. It just feels like they understand the request and have decided to

What is a dog behavior consultant? How the role differs from dog training

Many dog professionals reach a point where basic training questions start to turn into bigger behavior questions. A dog can sit, stay, and walk nicely in class, but at home, they panic when guests arrive. A client says their dog is “stubborn,” but the pattern looks more like fear, stress,

adolescent dogs Featured

Why does grooming become a struggle for so many dogs?

Quick answer: Grooming often becomes stressful because dogs are asked to tolerate brushing, nail trims, ear cleaning, or handling before they understand what is happening. Cooperative care teaches dogs to participate through clear start signals, respected stop signals, short practice sessions, and high-value rewards. The goal is trust, not force.

courses

For dog trainers who know the basics but want better plans, better follow-through, and better results

Dog Training 201 is for dog trainers who know the basics but want better plans, better follow-through, and better client results. ➡️The Spring 2026 cohort is currently in progress and registration is closed. The course is expected to be offered again in Fall 2026, though dates have not been announced

training

Pack walks: Helpful socialization tool or disaster in the making?

Dog lovers are debating whether pack walks (group walks led by a trainer or handler with multiple dogs) are genuinely useful for socialization or just visually impressive. Scroll through social media and you’ll see beautifully behaved groups of happy dogs with their handlers, out on an adventure. It looks

Being the Trainer Featured

When training isn’t enough: The skill gap most dog professionals eventually face

Updated May 2026 If your usual training plans stop working, the issue may not be your skill as a trainer. Some cases require behavior consulting skills: identifying the function of behavior, evaluating risk, understanding context, and building a systematic plan instead of relying on training tactics alone. This article explains

Members only

professional trainers

Dealing with difficult clients as a dog trainer: Tips for staying professional and setting boundaries

Let's take a few minutes today to chat about an issue almost every dog trainer faces at some point: Dealing with clients who aren't willing to take the steps you've recommended. What happens when the person paying you for your advice just won'

My puppy keeps peeing indoors: What to do

It’s happened again. You took your puppy out to potty, and instead of peeing, she got the zoomies, nipping at your pants and acting like she didn’t have a care in the world. After deciding she probably didn’t have to go, you headed back inside. Then bam—

The one thing many trainers overlook when working with reactive dogs

What's the one thing trainers tend to overlook when working with reactive dogs and their people? 👉 Instilling relaxation early in the behavior modification plan! Many trainers focus on managing reactivity by addressing triggers head-on—but without teaching relaxation, your plans might be missing a vital foundation. Relaxation isn’

reactive dogs

Mastering reactivity: Strategies to help you confidently tackle challenging cases

Learn how to confidently handle reactive dogs with proven techniques and tools. Perfect for trainers ready to tackle challenging cases head-on!

Gentle puppy ear cleaning: A comprehensive guide for beginners

Start your puppy’s grooming journey with confidence! This easy, step-by-step guide shows you how to make ear cleaning a positive experience using gentle, reward-based steps. By building trust and comfort with every touch, you’ll set your puppy up for a lifetime of stress-free grooming.

Walking circles in your yard? How to avoid common potty training pitfalls

It's a chilly morning, you've thrown a coat over your PJs, and you’re pacing around the yard, coaxing your puppy to do their business. You try every trick in the book—making silly noises, walking laps, or repeating “Go potty!” in an increasingly chipper tone.

puppies

My puppy is biting too hard - What should I do?

Puppy biting can be uncomfortable, frustrating, and even injurious if not managed early. Here’s a short guide to understanding why puppies bite, what’s normal, and how to guide your puppy toward gentler play.

reactive dogs

Understanding the challenges of reactive dogs: Stress signals and environmental management

Dealing with a reactive dog can feel overwhelming. Reactivity in dogs, often misunderstood, refers to an exaggerated response to certain things—be it other dogs, people, or unfamiliar environments.

behavior Featured

Taming the beast: How to start desensitizing your dog to the vacuum

Discover effective steps to desensitize your dog to the vacuum cleaner with our easy-to-follow guide. Start turning your pet’s panic into calm!

Members only

reactive dogs

Functional communication on walks: A game-changer for reactive dogs

Transform your walks in the park with our guide to Functional Communication Training for reactive dogs. Discover techniques to manage lunging and barking, and turn stressful outings into enjoyable experiences.

puppies Featured

How to calm a puppy that gets too excited around other dogs

Discover effective strategies to calm your puppy when it gets too excited around other dogs. Learn socialization tips, reward techniques, and more to help manage your puppy's energy.

puppies

Puppy training: Mastering the fold-back down

Master teaching your puppy the fold-back down with our easy step-by-step guide for puppy owners and trainers.

behavior

Overcoming dog-dog reactivity: The LIMA way (Plus, an ethics update)

Read the story of Vanessa and her rescue pup, Lily, and how they overcame Lily's reactivity with the help of a LIMA-based training plan.

advanced training

Understanding canine reactivity + reactive dogs course open! 🚀

Explore the causes behind canine reactivity, including dog-to-dog and dog-to-human interactions, and learn how to identify and manage these triggers for a happier, more relaxed pet.

Members only

Become a confident in-home dog trainer: Free guide on how I conduct in-home training sessions

Unleash your potential as a professional dog trainer with our guide, "Secrets to Successful In-Home Training Sessions." Master the art of first impressions, streamline your sessions, and boost your confidence. Your journey to becoming the sought-after trainer starts here.

dog training Featured

Keep an eye on emotions to ease your dog's learning curve

Dog trainers can incorporate breaks and use a dog's body language to read emotions and improve communication and training effectiveness.

behavior

Keeping your home-alone dog entertained

Create a stimulating environment for your dog when they're home alone. Read on for creative DIY puzzles, smart toy suggestions, and the importance of interaction with dog walkers or pet sitters.

Why dog training clients don’t follow through (and what to do about it)

Updated April 2026 Are you a professional dog trainer looking for ways to better communicate with your clients? Are you familiar with the communication challenges that arise when training clients’ dogs? If so, then this article can help you hone your communication skills and ensure successful client-trainer relationships. You'

Members only

advanced training

The tail-wagging toolkit: Essential reads for every dog trainer

We've painstakingly curated an essential list of dog training and behavior resources. Books, videos, articles – you name it. From understanding dog aggression and managing separation anxiety to mastering the techniques of positive reinforcement, this list encompasses it all!