When a dog growls, snaps, or shows aggression, it’s often labeled as a training problem or a behavior issue. But behavior does not happen in isolation. A dog’s physical health plays a critical role in how they feel, cope, and respond to the world around them. In many cases, aggression is not a personality trait; it’s a symptom. Dogs experiencing discomfort, pain, or chronic illness may use aggression as a way to cope when their tolerance is reduced and their stress levels are

In dog training, labels can be tempting. It’s easy to hear statements like  “That’s just how that breed is”  or  “You can’t trust dogs of that breed.”  These assumptions are often made quickly, without evidence, and can be inaccurate.  At our core, we believe this:  dogs are individuals , not stereotypes. Just as it would be unfair and harmful to judge people based on appearance or background, it is equally misguided to judge dogs based solely on breed, mix, or a label. Breed

Do you love playing with your dog? Watching their eyes light up as you reach for a ball or a rope toy is one of the joys of sharing life with a canine companion. Play strengthens your bond, but it can also be a powerful way to train your dog. By combining dog training with play, you can teach and reinforce behaviors while your dog is already engaged and motivated.  Use Play as a Reward in Dog Training When dogs want to play, they’re highly motivated. They want you to throw th

You’ve probably heard it before:  “But he knows how to sit!” And maybe he does, sometimes. At home. With treats. When the stars align. That’s not fluency. That’s familiarity. In dog training,  fluency  is what turns a behavior from something your dog  can  do into something they  reliably  do, even when life gets distracting. What Is Fluency, Really? Fluency means a behavior is: Fast:  Your dog responds promptly Accurate:  The behavior looks the way it should Reliable:  It ha

This morning, when I woke up, my little dog, Chobani, climbed onto the bed, stood proudly on my chest, and gave my nose a big lick. I joked to myself that this must mean he’s claiming “Alpha” status for the day. And later, on our walk, when I tried to step in front of him, he stopped in his tracks, only to start walking again once I was behind him. It was as if he were saying, “Excuse me, I’m Alpha today. I get to lead.” Sounds a little ridiculous, right? That’s because… it i

Finding the perfect gift for a dog lover doesn’t have to feel overwhelming—whether you’re shopping for the holidays, a birthday, or a “just because” surprise. Dog people tend to appreciate gifts that are thoughtful, practical, and, of course, dog-themed! Below is a list of the best gifts for dog lovers, ranging from sentimental keepsakes to fun toys and even life-changing experiences. 🐾 Personalized & Sentimental Gifts Dog lovers cherish anything that celebrates the bond wit

Training your dog can be one of the most rewarding parts of your relationship, but it doesn’t always unfold as simply as we hope. Even with the best intentions, it’s easy to fall into habits that unintentionally slow progress or confuse your pup. Here are four common training pitfalls and how you can steer clear of them to set your dog up for success. 1. Repeating a Cue Doesn’t Equal Understanding If you find yourself saying “sit… sit… SIT!” before your dog responds, you’re n

Our canine companions are part of the family, and, of course, we want them with us during festive times. The holidays can bring us lots of cheer, but they can also bring stress and anxiety, for both humans and dogs. Often, our routines change. We might be traveling (with or without them), hosting gatherings, or having more friends, dogs, and family around than usual. This extra activity and disruption can leave both humans and canines feeling a bit out of sorts. So, what can

Dear Human, It’s me—your dog! I’ve been meaning to have a little chat about our walks. Don’t get me wrong—I love them. The smells! The squirrels! The breeze in my fur! But sometimes, I think we could both enjoy them more if we worked on our leash manners together.   Here’s what I’ve noticed: when I pull, you pull back. Then I pull harder. Before we know it, we’re playing a very confusing game of tug-of-war that neither of us asked for. I’m not trying to drag you; I’m just exc

When people think of a  dog training expert , they often picture someone with an endless library of cues, techniques, and clever training hacks. And yes, expertise certainly includes knowing  what  to teach and  how  to teach it. But the truth is:  being an expert also means knowing which mistakes to avoid—long before they derail progress. In fact, the best trainers aren’t defined just by what they  do …They’re defined by what they  don’t  do. Here are some of the most seriou

We bring dogs into our lives expecting joy, companionship, laughter, walks in the sunshine, and the comfort of unconditional love. But when a beloved dog struggles with behavioral or medical concerns, the experience can shift in ways few people anticipate. Beneath the daily care routines and training plans, there’s often an undercurrent of emotional exhaustion, guilt, and even grief. The Weight of Worry Living with a dog who is anxious, reactive, or chronically ill means livi

When you bring your dog to an initial assessment and subsequent sessions, it may look like we’re just observing or chatting—but there’s a...

When you have a question, you probably open your phone or laptop and type it into Google. With just a few clicks, you can find answers,...

We all talk to our dogs. A lot. Whether it’s a casual “good morning,” a heartfelt “I love you,” or a frustrated “why did you do that?”,...

Resilience is the capacity to withstand or to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness. As canine behavior consultants who specialize...

Whether you’ve just brought home a wiggly new puppy or you’re navigating the challenges of a reactive rescue, one thing is certain:...

Whether you're hitting the open road for a weekend getaway or flying across the country for a longer adventure, bringing your canine...

While you’re lighting up the skies with celebration, your dog might be preparing for what they’re convinced is the literal apocalypse. ...

Chobani is now 13 years young. We have had to make some adjustments with our boy. As our dogs grow older, their needs change. While it...

When it comes to dog training,  less is often more . We touched on this in our post a few years ago, Slow and Steady . Many pet parents...