Working Toward Off-Leash Freedom Being able to trust your dog off-leash is a major milestone. When your dog reliably comes when called, no matter the distraction, it’s a powerful sign of the trust, bond, and leadership you’ve built together. My dog, Mr. Moon, comes every time I call—because he trusts me. Start with a Long…

The Holy Grail of Puppy Training Early socialization is essential for your puppy’s emotional development. Just as important is getting your puppy used to being handled. Gently massage their ears, mouth, gums, and feet. This builds comfort and trust, making future vet visits, grooming, and nail trimming much easier. Establishing Leadership Your puppy should see…

The Crate: A Safe and Helpful Tool Dogs are naturally “den animals.” In the wild, a den is their safe space—a place to rest and feel secure. A crate can serve the same purpose in your home. When introduced properly, your dog will see the crate not as a cage, but as a cozy, personal…

Separation Anxiety Everyone needs a little time alone now and then—unless of course you are a dog who suffers from separation anxiety. Dogs with separation anxiety exhibit behavior problems when they’re left alone. Typically, they’ll have a dramatic anxiety response within a short time (20–45 minutes) after their owners leave them. The most common of…

Retractable Leashes To retract or not to retract…that is the question! One of my greatest pet peeves in the industry is the evil “retractable leash.” Even before I became a professional trainer, as a jogger, this retractable apparatus was the bane of my existence; the constant entanglement of my feet in the cords of dogs…

Over-Bonding in Dogs Over-bonding is common in households with littermates or multiple dogs. Since dogs are naturally pack animals, they can easily form their own little “mini-pack” if not properly guided. When this happens, they may begin to rely on each other for direction instead of looking to you as their leader. If you’re not…

Establishing Leadership If your dog isn’t listening, ignoring commands, or showing signs of dominance, they may be trying to take the alpha role in your home. A well-balanced relationship with your dog is not about negotiation—it’s about clear boundaries and consistent structure. By following the tips below, you’ll help your dog understand that you are…

Housebreaking Housebreaking takes patience, consistency, and a routine. The key is to follow a strict schedule for at least 30 days so your puppy learns to associate going potty with being outside. As they get the hang of it, you can slowly give them more freedom and see how they do. Stay Calm and Consistent…

Dog cat introductions Dog and cat introductions can be tricky especially if you are introducing a dog into a home where the cats have never been exposed to another dog.  Here are some tips to make the transition smoother. For the first introduction, have the dog on leash in case he becomes out of control…

Understanding Dog Aggression While a dog’s bark may seem scarier than its bite, aggressive behavior should never be ignored. Common signs of aggression include growling, baring teeth, snarling, snapping, or biting. But aggression isn’t just about biting—it includes any behavior meant to intimidate or harm a person or another animal. Dogs use these actions as…