If you’ve ever found yourself wondering how to train a dog to stop barking at statues, you’re definitely not alone. As a Canine-Assisted Therapy Trainer, I’ve worked with all kinds of dogs reacting to unusual triggers — and statues are surprisingly common! Dogs can get confused or anxious when they see these inanimate figures, barking…
When I first started training therapy dogs, I never thought I’d be teaching them to stay cool around kites. But here we are! If you’ve ever taken your pup to a beach or park and watched them freak out over a colorful kite soaring above—you’re not alone. Learning how to train a dog to stay…
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…
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…
Let’s be honest—teaching your dog to be okay with you wiping their face isn’t exactly the same as teaching them to sit or fetch. It’s a whole different ball game, especially when you’ve got a squirmy pup or one of those stoic, leave-me-alone types. As a Canine-Assisted Therapy Trainer, I’ve had my fair share of…
As a Canine-Assisted Therapy Trainer, I’ve seen first-hand how dogs can experience a wide variety of fears and anxieties. One of the most common stressors for dogs—especially around certain holidays or outdoor events—is the sound of fireworks. The loud noises, bright lights, and unpredictable bursts of sound can trigger fear responses in dogs, which is…
If you’ve ever wrestled with a muddy dog at your front door, you already know why how to train a dog to accept having their paws wiped is a total game-changer. As a Canine-Assisted Therapy Trainer, I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard clients sigh and say, “Tarra, I just can’t get him…
If you’re a dog owner, you know that vacuum cleaners can often be a source of anxiety for your furry friend. Whether your dog barks uncontrollably, hides under furniture, or seems genuinely scared of the sound and movement, it can make cleaning time stressful for both you and your dog. But the good news is…
One of the questions I get asked a lot as a Canine-Assisted Therapy Trainer is how to train a dog to react calmly to loud sounds. It’s a big deal, especially if you’ve ever seen your pup bolt under the couch at the first clap of thunder or freak out during fireworks season. Trust me,…