Bringing a new dog into your home—whether it’s a bouncy pup or a rescued older dog—can feel like introducing a tornado into your living room. I’ve been there countless times as a Canine-Assisted Therapy Trainer. Clients often ask, “How to train a dog to respect new home rules without feeling like a drill sergeant?” Here’s…
Let’s be real—if you’ve ever tried to groom your dog and ended up with more fur on your clothes than in the brush, you’re not alone. As a Veterinary Technician/Nurse who specializes in nutrition, I’ve had plenty of hands-on experience with squirmy pups and skeptical seniors who eye grooming tools like they’re torture devices. So…
If you’ve ever come home to a puddle on the floor or watched your furry buddy lose control when someone rings the doorbell, you know the frustration of a dog that pees when excited. How to train a dog to stop peeing when excited is a question I get asked a lot in my work…
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….
Let’s be real—teaching a pup patience isn’t always a walk in the park. One of the most common (and honestly, cutest) issues I get asked about as a Canine-Assisted Therapy Trainer is how to train a dog to wait for food politely. If you’ve ever had your dog do a full Olympic sprint to the…
Ever wished your dog could tag along to more of your social plans without turning the whole thing into a stressful mess? I get it. As a Veterinary Technician specializing in nutrition, I’ve had countless chats with pet parents who feel guilty leaving their pups behind or overwhelmed when outings don’t go smoothly. That’s exactly…
If you’ve ever tried to brush your dog’s teeth and ended up with a mouthful of fur, a toothbrush in the water bowl, and a very offended pup giving you side-eye—hey, same here. Teaching your dog to enjoy brushing sessions can feel like convincing a toddler to love broccoli. But with the right approach (and…
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…
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,…