If you’ve ever wondered how to train a dog to respond without treats, you’re definitely not alone. As someone who’s worked closely with therapy dogs for years, I can tell you that relying solely on treats isn’t always the best or most sustainable approach. Sure, treats can be a great motivator in the beginning, but…
If you’ve ever tried brushing your dog and ended up with a hairy mess, a squirmy pup, and a lot of frustration, you’re definitely not alone. One of the most common questions I get asked as a Canine-Assisted Therapy Trainer is how to train a dog to enjoy routine brushing. It’s a fair question—and the…
Renovations can be an exciting time for homeowners, but for our furry friends, the constant noise, unfamiliar people, and chaotic environment often mean stress and anxiety. If you’ve ever wondered how to train a dog to relax during home renovations, you’re not alone. As a Canine-Assisted Therapy Trainer, I’ve seen firsthand how overwhelming these periods…
If you’re living with rheumatoid arthritis and iron deficiency, you’re not alone—far from it, actually. I’ve met many clients in my years as a Canine-Assisted Therapy Trainer who’ve shared stories of chronic fatigue, joint pain, and those frustrating days when getting out of bed feels like a mountain climb. It’s a double whammy: the inflammation…
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 wondered how to train a dog to tolerate being picked up, you’re definitely not alone. As someone who’s spent years working hands-on as a Canine-Assisted Therapy Trainer, I can tell you it’s a skill that requires patience, trust, and a whole lot of gentle guidance. Not every dog is naturally comfortable being…
If you’ve ever opened your car door and your dog bolts out like it’s a race, you’re not alone. I’ve worked with dozens of dogs in my role as a Canine-Assisted Therapy Trainer, and one of the first safety behaviors I teach is how to train a dog to wait before exiting the car. It’s…
Let’s be real — how to train a dog to accept eye cleaning isn’t the sexiest topic, but if you’ve ever tried to wipe goop out of your dog’s eye only to have them squirm like a fish on a line, you know how important it is. As a Canine-Assisted Therapy Trainer, I’ve worked with…
Let’s be real—teaching a dog to stay focused in a calm living room is one thing. But figuring out how to train a dog to ignore distractions at the park? That’s a whole different level of challenge. If you’ve ever found yourself at the park, leash in hand, while your dog turns into a furry…