Training a dog to stay calm during moments of excitement can sometimes feel like trying to tame a whirlwind — trust me, I’ve been there. As a Canine-Assisted Therapy Trainer, I’ve worked with all sorts of dogs, from bouncy puppies to overly enthusiastic adults, and calming their energy isn’t just about teaching them commands; it’s…
Training a dog to recognize a stop command might sound simple, but trust me, there’s more to it than just saying “stop.” From my years as a Canine-Assisted Therapy Trainer, I’ve learned that teaching this command isn’t just about obedience — it’s about clear communication, trust, and timing. When your dog truly understands what “stop”…
If you’re wondering how to train a dog to wait during food prep, you’re not alone—and trust me, I’ve been there more times than I can count. As a Canine-Assisted Therapy Trainer, teaching patience is one of the most useful and surprisingly overlooked behaviors. Most of us don’t think twice about our dog hovering nearby…
If you’ve ever been out walking your dog and noticed them going absolutely crazy whenever someone nearby pulls out food, you’re not alone. It’s a common challenge—and one that can be tricky to handle if you don’t have a clear plan. From my years as a Canine-Assisted Therapy Trainer, I’ve seen firsthand how dogs get…
Training a dog to wait at street corners is one of those essential skills every dog owner should prioritize. From my years working as a Canine-Assisted Therapy Trainer, I’ve seen firsthand how this simple behavior can save lives and make daily walks much safer and more enjoyable. Teaching your dog to pause, observe, and hold…
Ever had your dog bolt for the door like it’s the 100-meter dash every time it opens? Yeah, me too—until I learned how to train a dog to remain calm when doors open. As a Canine-Assisted Therapy Trainer, this was one of the first behaviors I had to tackle, not just for safety, but also…
If you’ve ever experienced that heart-stopping moment when your dog bolts out the front door, you know just how scary—and frustrating—it can be. As a Veterinary Technician with a special focus on nutrition, I’ve seen how important it is to keep our furry friends safe, and training them not to dash out unexpectedly is a…
Let’s face it—dogs are curious, especially when there’s food involved. One of the most common questions I get as a Canine-Assisted Therapy Trainer is how to train a dog to ignore guests eating food. And honestly, I totally get it. There’s nothing more awkward than having your pup hovering at your guests’ feet, drooling over…
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….