Many pet owners worry that setting limits might harm their dog’s spirit or damage the bond they share. The truth is quite the opposite. Learn the most loving and effective ways to build trust, safety, and clear communication.

Lately, how we feed our dogs has become a fast-moving and controversial issue. But to understand where we are going, we have to look at where we started. A Relationship Built on Scraps Thousands of years ago, the ancestors of modern dogs were likely old, sick, or injured wolves. These early canines survived by scavenging from human refuse or eating leftovers from abandoned campsites. Over time, they moved closer to human settlements, drawn by the promise of food. Humans began

Many new dog owners focus entirely on how to drain  their puppy's energy. We think that if we don't keep them constantly moving, playing, and socializing, we aren't doing our jobs. But in the rush to keep them busy, we often forget the most important skill a dog can learn: how to settle. When we allow puppies to greet every person, jump on every stranger, and pull toward every distraction, we are accidentally training them to be hyper-aroused. Later, we wonder why our adult d

Building a strong bond with your dog is one of the most rewarding experiences a pet owner can have. And while it might seem daunting, setting a few simple, achievable training goals can make a huge difference in your relationship. Forget complex tricks for now – these five easy goals focus on communication, trust, and everyday harmony. Let's dive in! 1. The "Look at Me" Command This might sound basic, but teaching your dog to make eye contact on command is a game-changer. It'

Many dog owners ask themselves, "Did I make my dog aggressive?" when a once-calm puppy starts growling over a bone. The short answer? In many cases, yes—though it is usually done completely by accident. While every dog has a different personality, certain "tests" we put them through can inadvertently trigger resource guarding, especially in pushy or dominant-leaning dogs. The "Take-Away" Trap  I hear this from clients all the time: "He never used to be aggressive around f

One of the most common questions we hear is: “Is my dog aggressive?”

When I look back about 48 years ago, I remember the absolute chaos of having a dog who was completely out of control. He pulled incessantly on the leash , ignored my calls, destroyed anything that would fit in his mouth, and was very aggressive towards both people and other dogs. I felt completely lost. My turning point came when I went to a trainer in Maine. They taught me how to truly understand my dog and communicate with him in a way he could grasp. After that initial tra