If you’re wondering how to train a dog to tolerate nose cleaning, you’re not alone. As a Canine-Assisted Therapy Trainer, I’ve seen my fair share of squirmy, sneezy pups who want nothing to do with their nose being touched—let alone cleaned. But here’s the thing: just like trimming nails or brushing teeth, keeping your dog’s…
When it comes to building a strong bond with your furry friend, one of the most important—and sometimes overlooked—aspects is teaching them to enjoy being touched. If you’ve ever had a dog flinch or pull away when you reach out, you know how challenging and frustrating it can be to create that sense of comfort…
Let’s talk about something a lot of pet parents silently struggle with—how to comfort a dog that’s scared of being brushed. I’ve seen this time and again in the clinic and during at-home visits. You’d be surprised how many sweet pups go into full panic mode the moment the brush comes out. I’ve worked with…
How to train a dog to behave during thunderstorms is a question I’ve heard from more pet parents than I can count. As someone who’s spent years in the world of canine-assisted therapy, I’ve had countless opportunities to help dogs of all ages and temperaments overcome their fear of storms. There’s something about thunder that…
Getting your dog comfortable with grooming can sometimes feel like trying to teach a cat to swim — tricky, frustrating, and a little nerve-wracking. But trust me, with the right approach, patience, and a bit of know-how, it doesn’t have to be a battle. Whether it’s nail trimming, brushing, or a full-on bath, knowing how…
If you’re wondering how to train a dog to stay calm while fireworks go off, you’re definitely not alone. Every year around the Fourth of July or New Year’s Eve, my phone lights up with messages from frantic dog parents, all asking for help. I’ve been in the canine-assisted therapy world long enough to know…
If you’re wondering how to train a dog to relax during flights, I’ve been in your shoes — and your dog’s paws, so to speak. As a Canine-Assisted Therapy Trainer, I’ve spent countless hours helping dogs (and their humans) navigate the stress of airports, the unfamiliar hum of jet engines, and the chaos that comes…
If you’ve ever had a dog glued to your leg, shaking like a leaf, or trying to wedge itself under the couch during a thunderstorm, you’re not alone. One of the most common concerns I hear from pet parents in my work as a Canine-Assisted Therapy Trainer is this: how to train a dog to…
If you’re wondering how to train a dog to tolerate being brushed, you’re not alone. It’s one of those things that sounds easy—until you try it with a dog who’s got opinions. Trust me, I’ve been there. As a Canine-Assisted Therapy Trainer, I’ve worked with dozens of pups who acted like a simple grooming session…