When I first started as a Canine-Assisted Therapy Trainer, one of the first behaviors I taught every dog—before fancy tricks or task work—was how to be gentle when taking treats. It might sound simple, but if you’ve ever had your fingers mistaken for a snack by an overexcited pup, you know how crucial it is…
Training your dog to calmly load into a car is a valuable skill for both you and your furry companion. Whether you’re going for a quick trip to the vet, a fun day at the park, or a long road trip, a dog that can confidently and calmly enter a vehicle makes the experience smoother…
If you’ve ever tried to teach your dog not to yank you down the street on walks, or begged them not to jump on guests like an overexcited kangaroo, you’re not alone—I’ve been there too. As an internal medicine physician who spends most of her days helping patients manage high blood pressure, I’ve learned firsthand…
If you’ve ever found yourself gripping your leash like it’s a lifeline the moment your dog spots a squirrel, you’re not alone. I’ve been there — standing in the middle of a park with my arm halfway out of its socket while my Labrador, Brisket, launched into a barking frenzy over a twitchy-tailed squirrel. That…
Bringing home a new puppy is exciting, but if you’ve already got an older dog in the house, things can get… interesting. As someone who’s worked as a Veterinary Assistant with a special focus on nutrition, I’ve had a front-row seat to the drama, the jealousy, the accidental territory wars—and yep, even some serious sulking….
If you’ve ever found yourself yelling “No!” for the hundredth time as your dog zooms around the house with your favorite shoe, you’re not alone. I’ve been there, too—trying to manage hypertension all day and coming home to a dog that thinks couch cushions are chew toys. As a physician, I’ve learned a lot about…
If you’ve ever wondered how to train a dog to tolerate going to the groomer, trust me—you’re not alone. As someone who’s spent years in the canine-assisted therapy world, I’ve worked with dogs who wouldn’t flinch at sirens or strangers but would absolutely panic at the sight of a grooming table. It’s wild how something…
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…
Training a dog to recognize a release command is a vital step in creating a well-mannered and responsive companion. As a Canine-Assisted Therapy Trainer, I’ve seen firsthand how an effective release command can help dogs manage their behavior, stay calm, and know when it’s time to stop a specific action. Whether you’re training a therapy…