Obedience

Dog FOMO can show up in everyday situations, often leaving owners feeling frustrated and unsure how to help. Dog FOMO, or fear of missing out, happens when a dog struggles to cope with being left out of activities, attention, or interaction, especially when other...

FOMO (fear of missing out) and separation anxiety in dogs can look surprisingly similar at first, but they come from two very different emotional places—and knowing the difference matters if you want to actually help your dog improve. I hear it all the time: “My dog...

Why dogs disconnect from their handlers is one of the most common questions I hear from dog owners and sport teams. Disconnection can look like sniffing, wandering, staring into the distance, or suddenly “forgetting” behaviors. But dogs don’t disconnect out of...

Evaluating your dog’s understanding of behaviors is one of the most important—and most overlooked—parts of training. We often assume our dogs fully understand what we’re asking, but the gap between our expectations and their actual comprehension can be surprisingly...

Reinforcement cues for relaxed stays are powerful tools for building stillness, calmness, and clarity in your training. These cues not only tell your dog they’re correct but also explain how or where the reinforcement will appear. When used thoughtfully, reinforcement...

Teaching real-life stays to dogs is one of the most valuable skills you can give your canine companion. From waiting for food to staying calm at doors or in crates, these everyday exercises build safety, manners, and self-control. Why Teach Real Life Stays for Dogs?...

When most people think about rewards in dog training, they picture treats. While food is a fantastic reinforcer, it’s not the only option. Life rewards in dog training tap into your dog’s natural desires—like going outside, getting in the car, or playing with a...

If your dog loses focus after a treat, you’re not alone. Many handlers notice that right after rewarding their dog, the connection suddenly drops—your dog sniffs the ground, walks away, or seems momentarily checked out. It’s frustrating, especially when the training...

One of the most critical (and overlooked) pieces of heeling? The first step in heeling. That initial stride sets the tone for the entire pattern. If your dog lags, leaps, or loses focus as you step out, the issue likely starts at the very beginning.   I love...

Looking for ways to keep your training engaging? These fun heeling games for dogs are a great way to build energy, focus, and teamwork during your sessions. I use them often to increase enthusiasm, and dogs love them!   Many of these ideas build on earlier...

The 3 D’s of Dog Training—Distraction, Duration, and Distance—are essential components to consider when building reliable behaviors in your dog. One of the biggest mistakes handlers make is increasing difficulty too quickly. Understanding how to adjust these three...

Acclimating your dog to new environments is one of the most important steps in setting them up for success—whether you’re heading into a competition ring, a training class, or a busy public space. If your dog is overwhelmed, distracted, or unsure about their...

To help your dog overcome FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) behaviors, they must first learn how to relax in a crate or ex-pen without distraction from other activities. The foundation of this training is teaching your dog to remain calm without your presence, which is vital...

Overcoming FOMO in dogs is a common challenge, especially when they feel excluded from activities or left behind. This behavior can manifest as anxiety, frustration, or over-excitement. Thankfully, with the right training strategies, you can help your dog manage these...

Dog training: distracted or stressed? This is a question every dog owner should be able to answer. Training your dog is an essential part of building good manners, boosting their confidence, and fostering a strong bond. However, when your dog’s focus wanes, it can be...

When I start a training session, I want to gauge the dog’s connection before I get into training complicated behaviors.  If my dog is disconnected, maintaining their attention and teaching new behaviors will be much more challenging.   You don’t want to use...

Preparing your dog for a competition is a rewarding yet challenging endeavor. Whether you're aiming for a high score in obedience, agility, rally, or another dog sport, success requires careful planning and training. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you and your...

The sit game is one of my favorite exercises, particularly as a foundation for teaching stillness and stays. This simple yet effective game introduces the concept of staying in one position to your dog. Dogs tend to catch on quickly, and the game offers room for...

A hot topic in dog training, reinforcement cues fall into the camp of "train smarter, not harder."  Reinforcement cues are words or sounds that you use to tell your dog they are correct and give information about how/where the reinforcement will be delivered.  ...

A couple of weeks ago, I did a blog post on an introduction to the pocket hand for heeling.  This week, we're going to talk about how to use the pocket hand for pivot bowls and heeling forward.   When your dog is comfortable with pocket hand, it’s time to use...