How to teach your dog to change positions
You’re essentially teaching clean position changes—down → sit (“up” command) and sit → stand—without your dog creeping forward or using sloppy movement. The key is clarity, precise timing, and not rushing it. Down → Sit Step-by-step: Important details: Add the cue: Once they’re doing it reliably, say “up” right before you lure. Yes, the command […]
Controlling puppies’ excited greetings with visitors
When puppies lose their minds over visitors, it’s not disobedience—it’s excitement + lack of impulse control. The fix is teaching them what to do instead and setting up the situation so they can succeed. Here’s a clear, effective system you can start using right away: 1. Pick a “default behavior” (this is key) You need […]
The Value of High Value Treats for Training
Why High-Value Treats Matter in Dog Training (and Bacon Biscuits Don’t Cut It) One of the most common mistakes I see dog owners make in training is relying on low-value treats and expecting high-level behavior in return. Those crunchy, shelf-stable “bacon recipe” treats?Your dog knows they’re not bacon.And more importantly… they don’t matter enough. Training […]
Teaching your dog to stay in place
Teaching “Place” is one of the best commands you can give a dog because it builds impulse control, calmness, and boundaries. “Place” means: go to your bed/mat and stay there until released. Here’s a simple, trainer-style way to teach it: What you need Step 1: Teach “Place” = go to the spot ✅ Goal: dog […]
Teaching the command “Leave It” (Acquisition Phase)
The learning phase of Leave It should be 100% positive. We call this a vocabulary builder—we’re teaching your dog what the command means in a clear, low-pressure way. Equipment Needed Goal Your dog learns that your hand is off-limits, and the reward only comes when they disengage. Step-by-Step: Leave It with Your Hand Important:Do not […]
How to Start an Eco-Friendly Pet Care Business in Simple Steps
Dog owners in Delray Beach who dream of becoming local pet care business owners often feel pulled between two priorities: helping dogs behave better at home and keeping daily care from adding to the environmental impact of pet products. It can be frustrating to see waste pile up while trying to build trust with clients […]
How to Teach a Rock-Solid Stay (Even With Distance, Durationand Distractions)
As a professional dog trainer, I can tell you this:“Stay” isn’t really about staying still — it’s about self-control. Most dogs don’t break a stay because they’re disobedient. They break it because the training was rushed, unclear, or layered incorrectly. When taught properly, any dog can learn to hold a stay for long durations, from a […]
How to Stop Counter Surfing: A Trainer’s Guide That Actually Works
As a professional dog trainer, I can tell you this with confidence: counter surfing is nota “bad dog” problem—it’s a training and management problem. Dogs do whatworks. If jumping on the counter has ever paid off with food, attention, or evenexcitement, your dog will keep doing it. The good news? Counter surfing is one of […]
My dog hates the water, how do I bathe her?
If your dog hates water, the goal is low stress + gradual trust, not “getting it over with.” Here’s a proven, calm way to bathe a water-averse dog without turning it into a wrestling match. 🧠 First: Change the Setup (Most Important) Before you even add water: 👉 A lick mat stuck to the wall […]
My 8 month old puppy was a little apprehensive of guests coming in the home but now is overtly barking and growling at them until they sit down. Also, on walks, he will bark at certain people and dogs if too close.
This is very common at ~8 months, and what you’re describing is classic adolescent fear-based reactivity combined with territorial uncertainty. The good news: this is very fixable right now if you handle it correctly. I’ll break this into what’s happening, then exact steps for the house and exact steps for walks. What’s going on (important […]