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...

The time has come! Muttropolis is under attack, and we need your dog's help. The villainous Dr. Slobberchops is plotting to cover the...

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Not all dog daycares are created equal! If your pup has ever come home overly exhausted, stressed, or picked up bad habits from...

Scent work, also known as nose work or scent detection training, involves teaching dogs to use their keen sense of smell to locate...