Training Tips

People ask me all the time about my career as a dog trainer; “You are so lucky that you get to play with puppies all day!” “You get to be outside and around animals? How amazing!” “You must meet so many adorable dogs!” Yes, I am lucky, VERY lucky. Being outside in the...

Learning how to walk properly on leash will not only help to teach your dog good manners but it will save you from a sore back and arms! Equipment-Before you get started, you want to make sure that your have the right equipment. Any dog that weighs less than 30 pounds...

Moving to a new place can be nerve-racking for your pooch because he is suddenly in a different environment with new smells, sounds, and people. However, a few simple tricks will help him settle into his new home quickly! Moving Day-The day the moving truck come is...

It is extremely important to teach your puppy that you can handle and restrain him. This will not only prevent problem behaviors, like not allowing you to clip their nails, but it also teaches your puppy to trust you. All responsible family members should practice...

Dog parks can be a great way to socialize and exercise your dog but they can also be extremely dangerous since dog fights are common. To help minimize your risk and increase the enjoyment of the neighborhood dog park, follow the steps below. Most importantly, make...

Summer vacation is here and now, many airlines will allow you to take your small pup with you on the plane. To make sure this trip is successful for everyone, follow these tips: Check Ahead- Each airline has different requirements for pet travel from what sort of...

The first and most important thing you should teach your new pup is where he should go when he has to potty. Remember that, even if a pup is housebroken, it doesn’t mean he knows where to go at your house or how to get his potty routine in line with your schedule. To...

For many dog lovers, it may be hard to face the fact that each year more than 4.5 million people in the U.S. are bitten by dogs. Although a dog may be man’s best friend, every animal is capable of biting when feeling threatened or provoked. Canines are everywhere in...

I just adopted my new beagle, Beau. I want to crate train him. Is that the right thing to do? How do I do it? Many people object to using crates because they think it is unfair to their dog. However dogs, by nature, LOVE small spaces that they can call their own....

Your dog needs to get ready for his trip just like the family does. Updated ID- Check your pets ID tags and Microchip information to ensure they are updated with a current cell phone number. Also, add a second tag that has the address and phone number of where you...

Im so sorry for your loss but I am glad you are encouraging your Aunt to get a furry companion. Dogs provide many benefits for their 2 legged owners. Among these benefits are: Happy Body--Numerous studies by the CDC and National Institute of Health have shown that pet...

Dogs jump to get attention and most of the time it works great!. It’s hard to ignore a dog when he is knocking you over! However, we can teach him more appropriate ways to get attention with a few simple tricks. Make sure everyone ignores the dog when they first get...

As metropolitan dwellers, we know that the usage of elevators is non negotiable. Here are a few ways you can ensure the safety of your pet and the comfort of those around you when embarking on one of the many vertical voyages in your day. When waiting for the elevator...

Dogs in San Diego are as spoiled by the goods weather as we are so when it rains getting them to go potty outside can be a battle that may end up with them peeing inside the house. Here are 5 tips to make those rainy days not so stressful and wet for you, your pup,...

First impressions can be lasting so getting you and your neighbor’s dog off on the right paw is critical. To help this happen: Make sure that both dogs have plenty of exercise before they meet. This will make sure that they have burned off all excess energy. Put both...

A lot of people get service dogs and therapy dogs confused. Service dogs are individually trained to do work for or perform specific tasks for people with disabilities as defined by the American Disabilities Act. Service dogs have full public access and are allowed on...

It's a big, loud, exciting world out there for puppies. So it's never too early to start working with your puppy so he grows up well adjusted, good natured, and gracious in social situations. Here are six basics for socializing your puppy... 30 experiences in 30 days....

Heading off to the beach, lake or lounging poolside are great ways to beat the heat and enjoy quality time with your dog. But each year approximately 40,000 pets die in drowning accidents.  Anything that can harm you at the beach can also harm your dog. High...

Doggy day care can provide a great outlet for a pup’s excess energy as well as give her the opportunity with other like minded canines. To help your pup succeed follows these tips: Play It Cool- It will be thrilling to see your pup at the end of the day but remember...

Dogs communicate constantly with us and each other but most of the times we miss what they are saying. Below are examples of behavior a dog shows when they are uncomfortable. None of these signals happen in a vacuum so you must look at the rest of the dog (body...

“Come” is the hardest command to teach a dog and the easiest to ruin. So PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRATICE! Before you start training, ask yourself, if you told your dog to Come, how often would he respond the FIRST time? If his success rate is less than 65% then change the...

Meeting other dogs on leash is a common occurrence when out on a walk with your pup. By following the tips below you can ensure that every dog interaction is a good one! Manners Matter- Before you let your dog approach any other dog on leash ask the owner if their dog...

Having a smart dog has endless benefits. He keeps you entertained with his endless creative tactics. He amazes you with the things he does. However, if he has to be home alone for hours while you work, that intelligence can quickly lead to boredom which can cause...

Halloween is our favorite time of year but we want to make sure our dog likes it too. Any tips? Halloween is just around the corner and although all of the ghosts and goblins can be fun for kids and adults alike, Fido may have a different perspective! Below are 5 tips...

This is a relatively common issue for dogs just coming out of rescue. How you address the issue in the first 8 weeks the dog is with you will determine if the nipping becomes a lifelong issue or just a passing fad. Know what your dog is saying- if your dog is yawning,...

Your new family member will bring you laughter and love but how you introduce your dog to your house and your life will make a huge difference between success and STRESS! Go Slow-You know your dog has found his forever home but he has no idea who you are or how long...

Even though July 4th is a fun day for us humans, it is a scary holiday for most pups. To help keep your dog safe and happy, follow these 5 tips. Up to Date: July 4th is the biggest day of the year where dogs run away because they are spooked by the fireworks.  In...

Separation Anxiety can be very frustrating for new owners of rescue dogs since a dog with SA will often whine, dig, bark, excessively salivate, cause destruction (like scratching at doors, chewing through crates), and/ or  pee and poop in the house when the owner...

I know you want to show your new pup a good time but remember that he is just getting to know you so taking him to a dog park or any other active public area isn’t a good idea since, if he gets scared or nervous, he won’t know that he should trust or listen to your...

There are many different things to consider when picking a collar. But remember, that no matter which you chose, there is no “quick fix” in training and that your dog will also need lots of treats, praise, and guidance to become the good dog you are looking for. Flat...

Treats are a great motivator for your pup and should be used throughout training! A high quality, tasty treat works best. You want a treat that your dog absolutely loves since that will give him the motivation to learn new commands. Soft treats work best since they...

There are many things you can do to make sure Fido has a festive and happy holiday season. A potato chip here, some mashed potatoes there, and just one more spoonful of stuffing because it’s a holiday and Fido likes it so much! All of these table snacks may seem...

So many people don’t even think about having an emergency evacuation plan for their pup until it’s too late. Below are things you can do NOW so you are ready when (not if) the next emergency situation happens. Have a crate with an extra leash, collar, bowls, toys,...

Active dogs are happy dogs but it’s our job to make sure our four legged exercise companions stay healthy and injury free as they start to get in shape. First, make sure your dog is old enough to start an exercise program that includes jogging or intense...

Congrats on your new pup! Below are the top 3 tips to make your training more effective since HOW you train is more important than how long you spend training. Praise the victories The most important step in training a well behaved dog is to praise the small...

It is normal for dogs to be scared of new things but how you deal with the fear will make the difference between a well adjusted dog and a dog who is scared of his own shadow. Follow these 5 tips to help your dog bravely face the big world outside the front door. When...

It’s great to be able to take Fido to the local dog friendly restaurant or store. But to make sure the public and staff at these establishments love and enjoy your dog as much as you do, just follow a few simple rules. Before you go - Before you try to take your dog...

Becoming fluent in “dog talk” is the most important thing you can do for your pup because it will prevent a life time full of misunderstandings. Often times, your pup is trying to tell you that he is STRESSED OUT! Because most owners don’t understand what he is...

Resource guarding is a serious behavior where a dog will growl or bite to protect something they see as valuable. Most pups aren’t born with Resource Guarding but over time they learn that if they have something they want to keep (like their favorite bone or your...

I get this question a lot from my clients. Coming across a loose dog you can be a nerve racking experience. If you do find yourself in this scary situation: Have Faith. Most loose dogs are only curious and will not attack. STAY CALM!! If you get nervous, your dog will...

Most important!! Make sure your dog likes the dog park! Some dogs, like some people, would prefer to relax in their neighborhood instead of going to a crowded restaurant (or in your pup’s situation, a dog park) with a bunch of strangers! Make sure your dog is under...

Some dogs are nervous or frightened in new situations-some people are too! But how you handle this fear can make the difference between a well adjusted dog and a dog that is afraid of her own shadow. To help your dog with her fears do the following: Always be calm! Do...

Bringing home the new family member is an exciting day. By following a few simple guidelines you can makes sure your new pup’s first days in your house are happy and stress free. Mind your Manners. If there is another dog in the house, start to practice his obedience...

Preventing your dog from lifting his leg and peeing in the wrong spot can be especially difficult when you live in an apartment or condo. But there are several things you can do to make sure you and your pup adjust to urban living with minimal stress and accidents. Be...

Play is an important part of the puppy's life. Not only does it give him an outlet for his puppy energy but it is increases your bond with him and since you are the one creating the proper games and setting the rules. Remember a tired puppy is a GOOD puppy. There...

Keeping your dog in shape is just as important to his health as keeping fit is important to yours! Overweight dogs are prone to health problems, joint deterioration, and shortened life span. To help prevent Fido from a growing waist line keep a few things in mind....

Bringing home a new baby will turn life upside down for everyone, including your pup. Its best to start preparing your dog early for what life is going to be like with the new family addition. Make physical changes to the house as early as possible. Set up the crib,...

My family and I are thinking about adopting a dog, but we don’t even know how to get started. What things should we consider as we look for our new family member? Are you ready? Most people are so excited to get a dog that they never stop to think about the true...