Training Tips
Training Tip: The Power of “Nothing”
We spend a lot of time teaching our dogs active behaviors like sit, come, and spin. But have you ever intentionally taught your dog how to do absolutely nothing? In a world full of exciting sights, sounds, and smells, relaxation doesn't always come naturally to our pups. Teaching a dog to settle, or "capturing calmness," is the practice of rewarding your dog for choosing to relax, turn off their engine, and settle into their environment.
The secret to teaching calmness is catching your dog in the act of being good. When your dog naturally decides to sigh, rest their chin on their paws, or lie down quietly while you cook dinner, quietly drop a high-value treat right between their paws. You don't need to say a word or make a big production out of it; the goal is simply to make the state of relaxation highly valuable. Over time, your dog learns that calm, quiet behavior pays off just as well as an active training session, helping them develop a reliable internal off-switch.
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How serious bee sting reaction is depends on where the sting occurred, whether there were multiple stings, and whether your dog has a sensitivity to bee venom.
Cooperative Care 101
The secret to cooperative care lies in giving your dog control through a "consent signal." This is a specific position your dog chooses to hold to tell you, "I'm ready, you can start now."
Pro-Tip: The “New Year” Reset
Many owners feel overwhelmed by the idea of "training sessions," picturing hour-long drills that feel like a chore.
Train Faster by Adding in a Reward Marker!
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Making Eye Contact with Your Dog
Establishing eye contact is a key skill. Teach your dog to make eye contact by giving rewards when they do it on their own, or by luring the behavior with a treat.
Decompression – Do Animals Need It?
The rule of 3 states to expect behavior changes (good or bad) after adopting an animal after 3 days, 3 weeks, and then 3 months while the animal gets used to their new home.