If you’ve ever found yourself nervously gripping your dog’s leash as a squirrel darts by or another dog walks past, you’re not alone. I’ve been there—more times than I can count. As a Canine-Assisted Therapy Trainer, one of the most common questions I get from clients is: how to train a dog to stay calm…
As a Canine-Assisted Therapy Trainer with years of experience, I’ve had the opportunity to work with a variety of dogs and their unique challenges. One of the most common issues I encounter in my training sessions is how to train a dog to calmly pass by skateboarders. It might seem like a small challenge, but…
If you’re wondering how to train a dog to sit when greeting new people, you’re not alone. It’s easily one of the most common challenges I’ve seen working as a Canine-Assisted Therapy Trainer. Dogs are social creatures — they get excited, they jump, they bark — and while that enthusiasm can be adorable, it’s not…
If you’re like me—someone who’s walked a hundred different dogs with a hundred different personalities—then you’ve probably asked yourself, “What are the best ways to teach a dog not to pull on the leash?” It’s one of the most common struggles pet parents face, and I totally get it. Whether you’re walking a bouncing Labrador…
Training your dog to be comfortable with various collars and harnesses is one of those things that sounds simple—until you’re actually in the middle of it, sitting on the floor with a wiggly pup who seems to think their new harness is a chew toy or some form of canine punishment. If you’re wondering how…
If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably had at least one chaotic trip to the vet that left you sweaty, embarrassed, and wondering if your dog secretly gets a thrill out of public drama. I’ve been there — juggling a leash, a clipboard, and a 60-pound Labrador who thought we were at a dog park…
Let’s be real—if you’ve ever tried taking a nervous pup to the vet, you know it’s not always a walk in the park. In fact, as someone who’s been in the exam room trenches for years as a Veterinary Technician and Nurse specializing in nutrition, I’ve seen firsthand how intense those visits can be. I’ve…
Let’s be real—grooming day doesn’t always feel like a spa day for our dogs. If you’ve ever wrestled with a wet, squirming pup in your bathroom or watched your client’s dog panic at the sight of a nail clipper, you’re not alone. I’ve been there too. As someone who’s worked hands-on as a Canine-Assisted Therapy…
Ever wondered how to train a dog to understand multiple languages? You’re not alone. As a Canine-Assisted Therapy Trainer, I’ve met more than a few bilingual or even trilingual households with one very good dog trying to make sense of it all. Whether it’s “sit,” “sientate,” or “assis,” our pups are more adaptable than we…