If you’ve ever opened your car door and your dog bolts out like it’s a race, you’re not alone. I’ve worked with dozens of dogs in my role as a Canine-Assisted Therapy Trainer, and one of the first safety behaviors I teach is how to train a dog to wait before exiting the car. It’s…
Bringing a new dog into your home—or helping your current one adjust to unfamiliar environments—can be one of the most rewarding (and sometimes challenging) parts of being a pet parent. One of the questions I often hear from clients in my role as a veterinary nurse specializing in nutrition is, “How do I help my…
So, picture this—you’re relaxing at home, finally sipping your coffee, and then knock knock… instantly, your dog’s inner security guard flips on like a switch. Barking. Lunging. Total chaos. Sound familiar? You’re not alone. One of the most common issues I deal with as a Canine-Assisted Therapy Trainer is teaching owners how to train a…
If you’ve ever wondered how to train a dog to respond to a hand signal, you’re in the right place. I’ve spent years in the world of canine-assisted therapy, and let me tell you—there’s nothing quite like watching a dog respond to a silent cue with confidence and joy. Teaching dogs to understand hand signals…
If you’ve ever stepped outside and found your yard looking more like a lunar landscape, you’re not alone. One of the most common frustrations I hear from dog parents (and have dealt with personally as a Canine-Assisted Therapy Trainer) is figuring out how to train a dog to stop obsessively digging. Whether it’s the garden…
If you’re frustrated by your dog constantly yanking you around on a retractable leash, you’re not alone. As someone who’s worked hands-on as a Canine-Assisted Therapy Trainer, I’ve seen this issue pop up more times than I can count. Figuring out how to train a dog to avoid pulling on retractable leashes is something I’ve…
Let’s be real — vet visits aren’t exactly a walk in the park for most dogs. If you’re wondering how to train a dog to calmly accept vet examinations, you’re definitely not alone. As someone who’s spent years in the field as a Canine-Assisted Therapy Trainer, I’ve seen every type of pup behavior at the…
If you’ve ever tried taking your dog along for a hotel stay, then you probably know the chaotic excitement that can hit the moment you open that hotel room door. New smells, unfamiliar sounds, strange furniture—it’s a sensory overload for our pups. As someone who’s worked hands-on as a Canine-Assisted Therapy Trainer for years, I’ve…
Ever found yourself halfway through a peaceful walk with your pup, only to realize your arm’s halfway out of its socket? Yep, I’ve been there more times than I care to admit. As someone who works as a Canine-Assisted Therapy Trainer, teaching patience during long walks is one of those make-or-break skills for both the…