Why can’t my dog be fully trained in 1 week? I actually get this question a lot so I decided to try to break it down for people who don't realize just how comprehensive a true behavior modification program is. My programs vary from 2 to 7 weeks, depending on the dog and their own specific needs. This is not a complete list as some dogs can achieve things at different speeds depending on multiple factors. Most people that seek me out for a board n train are struggling with beh

Building the STAY in obedience So, you’ve taught your dog to sit and down, and now want to complete the training process to help them build more self-control and help you gain more leadership. Once your dog fully understands the position you want them to go into, you can then continue to add DURATION to their position. (remember they are still on leash always while teaching and proofing skills!) This means in the same way that you PAID your dog for sitting, you’re going to

Leash pressure in dog training is a way of using communication and guidance. The basic idea is that the dog learns what a particular sensation means and how to respond to it. Dogs should learn that they have the ability to turn pressure on and off from a leash based on their own behavior and choices. In order to achieve “off leash” behavior and obedience, your dog needs to learn “on leash” behavior and obedience first. The leash is your way to hold your dog accountable to yo

Sit and Down by itself is not obedience! So many times I hear people say, my dog has obedience, they can sit and lay down on command! And then I say okay great, how long can your dog hold a command for? Most people before they start training with me will say “only a few seconds”, or “they will sit or lay down until they see something tempting or see people then get up.” Then when I ask them what their release word for the command is they give me a blank stare. ;-) Most peop

You've probably seen advertisements at most training facilities, "Beginner Obedience 101" and you've probably signed up thinking, this is what my dog needs. And as someone who has taught group classes and private lessons for Beginner through Advanced Obedience for 14 years, it does have some value when it comes to your dog's overall education. But in my years of experience teaching, obedience alone is rarely what the owner and dog actually need. They learn some commands in cl

One of the most common questions we get asked is how to get your dog to listen when you tell them to come. Recall is the ability to see...

How Dog’s Learn: Dog’s respond to feedback from their humans much like a toddler does. They can tell when you are happy and when you are...