Feeling nervous is uncomfortable. If we had to classify it, we would likely call it a negative emotion. For dog trainers, overcoming nervousness can be crucial as it

For some dogs, this world is a big, scary swamp of unknown dangers and unpredictable monsters around every corner. For others, it is a world of opportunity and

Boom! Summer brings longer days, garden-fresh produce, ice cream treats, vacations, and “staycations.” For the most part, it is a time of fun and relaxation. But summer also

Oh, my aching arm Get your dog to walk without pulling! But how? We are masters at allowing our dogs to drag us down the street. The most

What a difference a day makes You and your little four-legged bundle of joy arrive home. 24 hours later you begin to question your sanity, wondering what has

Luring is legal Let me start by saying that if you decide to use a food lure, you are NOT committing a “training felony,” and the “’lure police” will

Run toward the sun In busy families, the front door seems to be in perpetual motion, constantly revolving and providing myriad opportunities for escape. Friends and clients who

Free shape—or not? Free shaping is a type of animal training where you teach the behaviors in gradual steps using a marker, like a clicker, and rewards. Shaping can be a great

If a dog is taught through positive reinforcement to love the crate, the crate becomes his own private and safe place, much like a bedroom for a child. The crate

Bad behavior: the big picture Did a new dog join the family recently? Are you aiming to start with fine habits and manageable goals? Is this the time

Sibling rivalry Getting a new puppy is exciting—at least for the humans in the family. Sometimes, however, the dog of the house doesn’t think the pup is a

Really? That title is a typo, right? A professional dog trainer would never advocate against socialization, would she? Well, maybe! The problem isn’t with socialization itself, but with