If you're planning a vacation with your dog, my biggest piece of advice is to think about the trip from your dog's point of view. Make every part of the experience enjoyable for them, from the drive to where you stay and what you [...]
If your dog won't go near the water, the solution isn't encouragement, bribery, or carrying them into the lake. It's helping your dog fall in love with the water one step at a time.The key is to build confidence before you ever ask your dog [...]
No one wants to see their dog frightened. Yet every year, countless dogs spend fireworks displays trembling, hiding, panting, or desperately trying to escape. With many parts of the world celebrating this time of year, from Canada Day on July 1st to Independence Day [...]
If you're dog sitting for a friend or family member, the biggest thing I want you to think about is safety. Of all the dog sitting tips I could share, this is probably the most important. Think about physical safety, of course, but psychological [...]
If your puppy pees when excited, it's usually a normal emotional response, not a training problem. Puppies can urinate when they're overwhelmed by excitement, uncertainty, greeting new people, or receiving a lot of attention. They aren't choosing to do it, and in many cases [...]
Dog behavior problems are not dogs trying to “be bad.” Barking, leash pulling, chewing on things, reactivity, inability to settle, and many other unwanted behaviors are often communication that a dog’s emotional, physical, social, mental, or daily thrive needs are not fully being met. [...]
The best way to socialize a puppy is to help them feel safe, confident, and responsive around the world without teaching them that every person, dog, sound, or movement requires interaction. Puppy socialization is not a “free for all”. It is intentional exposure, positive [...]
If you are working toward dog training without physical corrections or intimidation, there will be moments where your dog does something you did not expect. Maybe your dog has their paws on the counter. Maybe they are chasing something outside. Maybe they are so [...]
When it comes to dog names, most people think it’s a fun, creative decision, and it is. But it’s also one of the first training choices you’ll ever make. Like every choice in dog training, it can either build clarity and confidence or [...]
If your dog struggles with confidence in dog agility, shuts down in new environments, or seems overwhelmed by everything around them, the solution isn't more repetition or pressure, it’s a different approach. The dogs who succeed in dog agility are not the ones pushed [...]
If I asked you what your dog’s exercise routine looks like, what would you say? Most people tell me, “We go for walks every day,” or “We throw a ball on weekends.” And honestly, that’s great. Truly. It is a wonderful place to start. But [...]
If you’re anything like me, you probably have a growing collection of dog toys. But how do you choose the right toys for dogs? It comes down to being intentional about what you buy and why you are using it. The right dog toys [...]
