Why I Stopped Using the “Alpha Roll” (And What Actually Works Better)
Why I Stopped Using the “Alpha Roll” (And What Actually Works Better) Hi there, Remember those dramatic scenes from Cesar Millan’s show? A dog acts up, gets flipped onto its back, and magically submits to human authority? I used to be a true believer. When I got my first puppy, I faithfully practiced the alpha […]
Will My Puppy EVER Calm Down? (Hint: Don’t Wait Years to Find Out)
Will My Puppy EVER Calm Down? (Hint: Don’t Wait Years to Find Out) The Empty Promises We Tell Exhausted Puppy Parents “She’ll calm down after she turns one.” “Just wait until he’s two, that’s when they mature.” “Once she’s spayed, she’ll settle right down.” Sound familiar? As a dog trainer with over a decade of […]
How to Pick a Daycare Your Dog Will Actually Love
How to Pick a Daycare Your Dog Will Actually Love Choosing a boarding or daycare facility can be stressful – you want somewhere that’ll take care of your pup like you would. After 18 years in the dog world, I can tell you exactly what to look for (and what should send you running). The […]
Should You Train Your New Dog Right Away?
Should You Train Your New Dog Right Away? You asked a really important question that many new dog parents wonder about: “Should I start training right away or wait until my dog settles in?” The short answer: Start some basic training right away, but keep it gentle and positive. Here’s why this approach works best: […]
Dog Parks: Fight Club for Dogs
Dog Parks: Fight Club for Dogs If you’ve ever taken your pup to a dog park, you know the drill: wide-open spaces, wagging tails, and what seems like endless fun. But honestly, dog parks can sometimes feel more like a chaotic brawl than a peaceful playdate. As someone who’s been there (and learned the hard […]
The Conversation About Your Dog That Will Change Everything
The Conversation About Your Dog That Will Change Everything A dog trainer’s honest take on why your training efforts might not be working I recently hung out with some close friends who were dealing with a scary situation – their dog had started snapping at their kids’ friends during playdates. The frustration in their voice […]
Does Your Dog Need Professional Training? Here’s What You Should Know
Does Your Dog Need Professional Training? Here’s What You Should Know Most dog owners have questions and concerns before investing in professional training. After conducting hundreds of free training evaluations, I’ve noticed certain questions come up consistently. Let me address these common concerns to help you decide if professional training is right for your dog. […]
Transforming Foster Dogs’ Lives One Training Session at a Time
Transforming Foster Dogs’ Lives One Training Session at a Time In our years of working with foster dogs, we’ve discovered something surprising: many foster families believe we’re simply providing daycare services for their foster pups. Today, I want to pull back the curtain and share what really happens when a foster dog spends time with […]
Why We Don’t Use Clickers in Our Dog Training Approach
Why We Don’t Use Clickers in Our Dog Training Approach. Many dog owners assume clickers are essential for proper dog training. They’re everywhere in dog training videos, online tutorials, and local training classes. It’s easy to believe that without this small plastic tool, you’re somehow doing training wrong. But after working with thousands of dogs […]
Why I Leave Training Tools On Dogs 24/7
Why I Leave Training Tools On Dogs 24/7 (And Why The Best Results Come From Clients Who Do The Same) I’m about to share one of the most controversial pieces of advice I give to my serious clients: For a few crucial weeks during training, the training tools should stay ON your dog almost all […]