If you’ve ever wondered how to use mealtime as training time for dogs, you’re not alone. As a Veterinary Technician specializing in nutrition, I’ve worked with countless pet parents trying to make the most out of those precious few minutes during breakfast or dinner. What many people don’t realize is that mealtime isn’t just about…
Ever found yourself tiptoeing around the house so your pup doesn’t follow you into every single room? Yeah, me too. As a Veterinary Technician and Nutrition Specialist, I’ve had plenty of pet parents ask me how to teach your dog to stay in one room without feeling like a bad pet parent. The good news?…
Let’s face it—dogs are curious, especially when there’s food involved. One of the most common questions I get as a Canine-Assisted Therapy Trainer is how to train a dog to ignore guests eating food. And honestly, I totally get it. There’s nothing more awkward than having your pup hovering at your guests’ feet, drooling over…
If you’ve ever tried to walk a dog who treats every fallen snack, leaf, or stray wrapper like a gourmet buffet, you know exactly how frustrating—and even dangerous—it can be. As a Canine-Assisted Therapy Trainer, one of the top questions I get from dog parents is: how to train a dog to ignore dropped items….
If you’ve ever walked into your laundry room only to find socks scattered like confetti and underwear paraded around like trophies, you’re definitely not alone. As someone who’s worked for years as a Canine-Assisted Therapy Trainer, I’ve had more than my share of “sock bandit” stories from clients—and honestly, a few from my own home….
If you’ve ever shouted “No!” across the yard while your dog barrels after your kids like they’re part of a track meet, you’re not alone. Learning how to train a dog to avoid chasing kids is one of the most common concerns I hear as a Canine-Assisted Therapy Trainer. It’s frustrating, sometimes a bit scary,…
When it comes to teaching your furry friend new tricks or manners, one of the most effective and kind ways to do it is through positive reinforcement. If you’ve ever wondered how to use positive reinforcement to train your dog, you’re in the right place. Over the years, working as a Veterinary Technician with a…
If you’ve ever tried to wrangle a wiggly dog into a harness, you know it’s not always a walk in the park. One of the most common questions I get as a Canine-Assisted Therapy Trainer is how to train a dog to wear a harness calmly. Whether you’re gearing up for a stress-free walk or…
When people ask me how to train a dog to follow house rules, I always smile—because that’s one of my favorite parts of canine-assisted therapy work. Helping dogs understand boundaries in a loving, consistent way isn’t just about a peaceful home, it’s also about deepening your bond. I’ve had my fair share of muddy paw…