Shifting Focus In Dog Training

Refocusing how we look at dog training.

Let’s refocus how we look at dog training. Instead of seeing dog training (parrot training, and training any animal) as how we GET our pet TO DO something…. Let’s practice seeing training as a way of BUILDING communication,collaboration, trust and enjoyment WITH our pet. When we do that… Our pet will be INSPIRED to WANT […]

While He May Look Fine, This Is A Fearful Dog With Anxiety

There are many who, if they passed us on that day, would have thought, because this dog did not bark or lunge at the person or car he saw at a distance…that he was FINE. He may have looked like he was enjoying being on leash in the community. What do you think? Actually, while […]

Is Your Dog FINE?

Is your dog fine? When clients tell me their dog was FINE at the groomer, FINE at the vet, FINE when accompanying them to a busy park, FINE when children are running and screaming…my question to them is, “What does FINE look like in that context?”

Is your dog fine? When clients tell me their dog was FINE at the groomer, FINE at the vet, FINE when accompanying them to a busy park, FINE when children are running and screaming…my question to them is, “What does FINE look like in that context?”

So, You Want To Stop Your Dog’s Bad Behavior…

Ugh, you are on a very important Zoom call and your dog will not stop barking at your feet! Or your doorbell rings and your dog begins barking, twirling and jumping on you as you go to open the door. You are frustrated. You want to stop your dog’s bad behavior. This is a reminder […]

Teaching Your Dog Good Manners In The Kitchen

When you are cooking in your kitchen, what does your dog typically do? What would you like for your dog to do? Mikhayla Hughes-Shaw with WCPO’s Cincy Lifestyle program filmed this dog training tip with me last year where I talk about teaching your dog good manners in the kitchen.

Why Should You Use A Marker In Dog Training?

When I am training a dog (or other animal), you hear me use words like GOOD! and YES! a lot. You also often see me pull out a clicker. There is a lot more to me using those sounds than my simply expressing my excitement. They are training tools, called markers, that help my student learn what I am teaching. Why should you use a marker in dog training and pet training? Let's explore that in this blog post.

When I am training a dog (or other animal), you hear me use words like GOOD! and YES! a lot. You also often see me pull out a clicker. There is a lot more to me using those sounds than my simply expressing my excitement. They are training tools, called markers, that help my student […]

Teaching Your Dog To Settle Is A Valuable Lesson

Teaching your dog to settle is a valuable lesson. Learn how in this dog training blog post.

When you and others think about dog training, typically what comes to mind is teaching your teaching your dog to sit, lay down, come when called, stay in position, walk on a loose leash and other active behaviors. Yet teaching your dog to settle is a valuable lesson.

Preparing For A New Puppy

how to prepare for a new puppy

Are you bringing home a puppy? Preparing for a new puppy before its arrival can go a long way toward helping you with puppy training success. While every puppy and every home is unique, I’m sharing some general tips for getting you started on the right path. At the bottom of this post, you’ll see […]

Gift Ideas For Kids Who Love Dogs

gift ideas for kids who love dogs

In search of gift ideas for kids who love dogs? Here are a few suggestions…whether your child is interested in learning about dog training or baking dog treats. Have other ideas for me to include? Please send me a message!

A Family Paws Interview: Why I Became A Dog Trainer

Furthering my passion for helping to strengthen the relationship between families and their dog, a few years ago, I pursued and graduated from a 13-week program to become a licensed Family Paws parent educator. A new baby, toddler or young child can be stressful for the family dog. Family Paws helps parents of infants and […]