Author Archives: astoffel

Too often dogs are labelled “aggressive” when we are actually seeing signs of fear, stress, and insecurity. While training obedience is important, we must also put effort into understanding our dogs’ needs and body language to make sure that we are setting them up for success in every situation. Think your dog is showing signs of aggression? It’s entirely possible. But more often than not, we’re seeing dogs that don’t know how to cope withContinue reading “Fear vs. Aggression”

This is a really hard thing for some owners to accept, but it’s so important. We all want a social, easy-going dog that gets along with everyone. But unfortunately, not all dogs want to play with other dogs. If your dog is showing signs of discomfort (trying to get away, nipping, barking), you need to respect that and remove them from the situation. We can definitely train our dogs to co-exist around other dogs andContinue reading “Not All Dogs are Social… and That’s OK!”

Monday challenge: Can you get your dog to do all of its commands without saying a word? We as humans are so dependent on the English language that we overuse it to an absurd degree when talking to our dogs, who only understand the very few words that we have given meaning to: come, sit, down, yes, no, good, etc… Have you ever told your dog “Sit. Fluffy, you need to sit. Fluffy, I wantContinue reading “Monday Challenge: Talk Less”

This is a very typical first lesson in teaching a new dog the heel position. We start nice and slow, not worrying about the position so much as the dog’s attention on us. In this session, Babe is on a level 4-10 out of 100. That’s an incredibly low number: just high enough so that he feels it, but low enough that it isn’t causing him any anxiety or fear. Every time he gets aheadContinue reading “Beginning the Heel Command with E-Collar”

Our training programs work because they are individualized to meet your specific needs. We work closely with you to make sure that you are meeting your goals to have the best life possible with your dog. Schedule your free consultation to discuss how we can help you and your dog life a fulfilling life together!

Change takes time. It’s so easy to get frustrated when we’ve been eating right and exercising but we don’t see results on the scale. It’s uncomfortable to work hard on a relationship but still argue over trivial things. It’s hard to see great strides in our dogs’ training only to have them break command and cause chaos. Don’t lose hope; change takes time. We may not see immediate results, and we may see behaviors revertContinue reading “Change Takes Time”

Heel is my favorite skill to teach any dog/owner because it opens your life up to so many new possibilities. If we teach your dog to remain neutral and focused on you and your movements out in the real world around distractions, you can truly go anywhere and do anything together.

It is such a relief when you have a dog that understands boundaries and rules. In the past, Copper would have darted out of the yard to say hello to everyone he saw. With solid training and expectations, he can now sit outside freely with us and just enjoy the world around him. No commands needed because he clearly understands the rules and is happy to live within the boundaries he’s been given. We focusContinue reading “Training expectations”