Category Archives: Uncategorized

We hope you’ll never need this, but it’s always better to be prepared. Do you have plans in place for your pet in case you become ill? Check out this article from DCHS for what you’ll need (and what we as boarders need) to keep your dog safe, healthy, and happy. “The most important thing you can do today is come up with two potential pet plans and talk directly with those people so they’reContinue reading “Planning for your pet during COVID”

Do you have a dog-shaped shadow? You know, a dog that follows you all over the house, into the bathroom, so close that you trip over him when you turn around? Some people think it’s cute. I hope that I can change their minds. Sometimes your dog follows you because you’re being silly and he wants to play. Sometimes he follows you because you have his favorite toy or snack. Sometimes he follows you becauseContinue reading “Do you have a dog-shaped shadow?”

“I’m not opposed to using training tools. I just never felt confident enough to try them on my own.” We love when our clients see the value in training tools, even if they don’t know how to use them yet. Tools are a great way to communicate with your dog, to guide your dog, to create a bond and trust that will eventually lead to off-leash freedom. But you do need to spend the timeContinue reading “Training tools”

Copper turns 7(ish) today! He came into our lives five years ago today, and little did I know how unprepared I was to help him. He had separation anxiety, couldn’t walk on a leash, didn’t know how to socialize with other dogs, hated cats, couldn’t be left alone, wasn’t house trained… Our first year together was very difficult as I realized that loving a dog wasn’t enough to give him the life that he deserved.Continue reading “Happy birthday, Copper!”

Treadmill training. Why do we do it? How do we do it? What are the benefits? Take a look at Ginger’s experience with the treadmill and how it’s helping in her training. I didn’t even mention that it’s great for building confidence! Ginger now LOVES the treadmill and asks to go on it regularly.

Sometimes training is active and fun and messy and meant to challenge both you and your dog. Sometimes I’m going to ask you to move differently, try new things, learn new skills, get a little uncomfortable.And then other times, I’m going to ask you to sit quietly and wait. Wait for that magical transformation when your dog chooses to relax into the moment. That moment when she accepts your guidance and you can watch theContinue reading “Worth the Wait”

I’m going to give you all a little tough love here: strangers don’t need to say hi to your dog. In fact, I don’t want strangers to say hi to my dog or any dog I’m working with. It teaches the dog to look to other people for love and affection and takes the focus away from me. This is especially true when we’re talking about fearful dogs. We need to create space and advocateContinue reading “Your dog, your rules”

Training doesn’t need to be overly complicated. It should fit into your daily routine. A few months ago, I had bought a new crate for the car. Rather than let the dogs run around like hooligans, I used this time to practice their self-control. They don’t need to be part of everything I’m doing, but they also don’t need to be stuck inside all day. Teach your dogs to be patient when you need it.Continue reading “Training for everyday life”