Bringing home a new puppy is exciting, and it’s natural to want to give them lots of freedom right away. However, puppies don’t yet understand house rules, and too much freedom too soon can actually create confusion, stress, and long-term behavior problems. Structure early on helps your puppy feel safe, learn faster, and grow into a calm, confident adult dog. Puppies Don’t Know the Rules Yet Your puppy isn’t being “bad” when they make mistakes—they simply don’t know what’s ex

Hours:  30–38 per week Location:   1833 Plantside Drive Start Date:   January 5, 2026 Do you have a passion for dogs, animal behavior, and creating meaningful experiences that enrich their daily lives? We’re looking for a compassionate, creative, and reliable  Canine Enrichment Coordinator  to join our team! About the Role The Canine Enrichment Coordinator is responsible for designing, implementing, and overseeing enrichment activities that support dogs’ physical, mental, and

Most people think of mealtime as a quick, routine event — scoop the kibble, fill the bowl, and walk away. But what if I told you that one of the most powerful training and relationship tools you have is sitting right there in your hand? Hand-feeding your dog, even for just one meal a day, offers incredible benefits for training, bonding, confidence, and behavior. It’s one of the simplest yet most effective habits any dog owner can adopt. Let’s break down why this practice is

As trainers, we love seeing people excited about bringing a new dog into their lives. That first walk, those big eyes, and the dream of a loyal companion — it’s a powerful and emotional decision. But too often, the reality of dog ownership doesn’t match the picture people have in mind. Behind every well-behaved, balanced dog you see out in the world is an owner who invested time, structure, and consistency. Owning a dog is incredibly rewarding — but it’s also a long-term comm

One of the most overlooked parts of raising a well-rounded dog isn’t sit, stay, or recall — it’s handling . From brushing and nail trims to ear checks and vet exams, your dog’s ability to calmly tolerate touch plays a huge role in their comfort, health, and grooming experience. Yet, many owners wait until their puppy “needs” a trim or bath before introducing these sensations — and by then, the puppy may already be fearful or resistant. As a professional trainer, I can’t empha

As trainers, we often meet well-meaning puppy owners who have unintentionally created chaos at home by giving their new dog too much freedom too soon . It’s an easy mistake — after all, it feels natural to let that adorable puppy explore and “settle in.” But here’s the truth: structure isn’t restrictive — it’s foundational. Puppies don’t learn good habits through freedom; they learn through guidance, consistency, and clear expectations. If you want to raise a confident, reli

I hear it all the time—and I get it! When people find out I work with dogs, the questions come flying in. Most of them sound a little something like this: 🐾 “My dog keeps going to the bathroom in the house…” 🐾 “He barks at every dog we see on walks.” 🐾 “She pulls like a maniac on the leash!” 🐾 “He jumps all over everyone who walks in.” These are some of the most common struggles dog owners face—and guess what? You’re not alone , and these issues are fixable with the rig

True balance in your relationship with your dog begins with mutual trust and a meaningful connection Bringing a new puppy home is one of life’s greatest joys—and biggest responsibilities. Amid the adorable chaos of sharp teeth, clumsy paws, and late-night potty trips, there’s a lot to teach a young pup about life in your world. If you're committed to raising a well-behaved, emotionally balanced dog, three things are essential: crate training, managing freedom, and building ob

Some of you may remember Dennis and his faithful Vizsla, Rocky — or “Rockstar,” as I liked to call him — from our Clever Canine events. I...

I’m frequently asked what people should look for when choosing a puppy. It’s an important question—because not every breeder has the...

I’ve often heard it said that training is 10% the trainer and 90% the family—and wow, is that true. Real change doesn’t happen in a...

We’ve had lots of questions lately about what Canine Enrichment School is all about—and if you’re curious, you’re not alone!   Think of...

Following through after professional dog training is one of the most important things you can do to help your dog succeed. Training isn’t...

Dog daycares are like chaotic playgrounds—too many dogs, too little structure, and not enough mental engagement. Not to mention, they...

A. A Rowdy Day at a Dog Park or Daycare No structure – Just a bunch of dogs thrown together with minimal guidance Overstimulation –...

Between the rollercoaster weather and the chaos of busted March Madness brackets, it was quite the weekend. But the real highlight?...

Is your dog stuck in the same old routine? Bored, restless, or full of energy with nowhere to put it? Chewing up the furniture? Barking...