Ever wondered how to train a dog to respond to a clicker? You’re definitely not alone. When I first started working as a Canine-Assisted Therapy Trainer, I had this scrappy little rescue pup named Milo who had zero interest in treats, toys, or listening to anything I said. What finally got through to him? You…
If you’re wondering how to train a dog to remain calm while being hugged, you’re definitely not alone. As someone who’s worked for years as a Canine-Assisted Therapy Trainer, I’ve seen plenty of dogs—big and small—get visibly uncomfortable when embraced. Hugging is a very human way to show affection, but it doesn’t always translate the…
If you’ve ever found yourself wondering how to train a dog to wait at the door, you’re definitely not alone. It’s one of those foundational skills that can make life with your furry friend safer and way more manageable. From my years as a Canine-Assisted Therapy Trainer, I’ve seen firsthand how teaching this simple but…
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…
If you’ve ever lived in a home with more than one dog, you know that barking can sometimes feel like a never-ending soundtrack. But figuring out how to prevent barking in multi-dog homes isn’t just about shushing them or hoping they’ll quiet down on their own. From my years as a Veterinary Technician specializing in…
If you’ve ever spent time with dogs—whether your own furry friend or those at a clinic—you might have noticed how their behavior can shift suddenly. Sometimes, your happy-go-lucky pooch might become restless, bark excessively, or seem downright overwhelmed. Knowing how to tell if your dog is overstimulated is crucial, especially because it’s not always obvious…
Ever had your dog tinkle a little when meeting someone new or during a vet visit? You’re not alone. One of the most common questions I get as a Canine-Assisted Therapy Trainer is: how to train a dog to not pee when nervous. Nervous peeing—also called submissive urination—can be frustrating, but it’s a lot more…
If you’ve ever tried to keep your curious pup on one side of a baby gate only to watch them leap over it like an Olympic athlete or bulldoze through like a furry linebacker, you’re not alone. I’ve been there—muddy paw prints on both sides of the gate, a confused dog tilting their head as…
Let’s be real—one of the biggest challenges pet parents face during mealtime is figuring out how to prevent a dog from begging at the table. I’ve worked with dozens of families in my years as a Veterinary Technician and Nutrition Specialist, and this issue is way more common than most people admit. You’re not alone…