Author Archives: astoffel

Training for life. Our training lasts for your dog’s life entire life, and we’re here to help anytime you have questions. We also offer ongoing free training opportunities with other program graduates to make sure that you have the tools you need to succeed for life. We also focus on lifestyle training. “Training for life” means that we create the program and develop the training to meet your unique lifestyle. Whether you like hiking, coffeeContinue reading “Training for Life”

We must stop comparing ourselves to others and start celebrating our own successes. Be proud of who you are, what you have accomplished, and where you are going.

I truly believe that if love was all that was needed to help solve dogs’ behavioral problems, I would be out of a job. Unfortunately, dogs from very loving and generous homes are coming to us with all sorts of behavior problems. Love can only go so far in providing stability and a sense of safety in a home, and unfortunately that line is not far from the front door. True trust and respect inContinue reading “More Than Love”

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!