Why Rescue Dogs Need Rules, Not Just “Love”
When clients bring a new rescue dog home, rather than allowing their rescue dog decompression time, their instinct is to shower them with total freedom. They believe “freedom” makes up for this past. There are no rules. Couch privileges on day one. Endless free treats. Zero enforcement. As trainers, we see this all the time. […]
Your Client’s Dog is Choosing, just not them (yet)
Your Client’s Dog is choosing, just not them A dog owner hires you because their dog gets distracted when they spot a dog on a walk. Another struggles with the dog pulling on leash when a squirrel races past them. A third is frustrated because their dog is fantastic at home, yet blows off their […]
Before You Teach a Single Command, Understand This About the Leash
A new client walks into your space with a dog pulling in every direction. The dog’s tongue is out, their eyes wild. There is an ungodly sound coming from their throat. That sound is a mixture of excitement and the pressure of the collar against their own throat from pulling. You can forget about the […]
The Day Training “Stops working”
(And Why That Was Actually the Turning Point) Training “stops working” right after dog owners finally commit to training their dog. Clients stop giving table scraps to the dog. Stop reacting to jumping. Ignore the barking they’ve tried to “fix” for months. And for a brief, terrible moment, everything gets worse. In response: This is […]
How Subtle Habits Can Weaken Your Dog’s Response.
The Power of Marker Training Marker training is one of the clearest ways to communicate with a dog. The marker bridges the gap between the behavior and the reward. A well-timed marker tells the dog, “That’s the behavior I want.” The reward comes after. The marker lets you deliver the reward with precision. It creates […]
7 Human Behaviors That Confuse Dogs
Dogs are brilliant, loving creatures who want to please us, but they aren’t born understanding human language or social expectations. As dog trainers, we see this disconnect often: well-meaning owners unintentionally confuse their dogs with inconsistent commands, unclear expectations, or contradictory behavior. Recently, we asked a question to our community of dog trainers and students […]
9 Retirement Planning Strategies for Dog Training Business Owners (2025 Guide)
Saving for retirement while owning a dog training business involves a combination of sound financial planning, smart investment choices and long-term strategies. This ensures you have enough funds for retirement. Here are some key steps and considerations: 1. Create a Business Budget and Profit Plan Track Business Revenue and Expenses: Know your income and expenses […]
Building Connections in Dog Training: 10 Ways to Combat Professional Isolation
A career in dog training can feel lonely at times. While the work itself is rewarding, it often involves long hours, especially if you’re working solo or running your own business. Dog trainers spend a lot of time in one-on-one sessions or working independently on training strategies. Building connections in dog training will keep you […]
Marker Training: Crystal-Clear Line of Communication
Marker Training Marker training, rooted in behavioral science, revolutionizes the way we communicate with our client dogs (our own dogs too). This method utilizes the power of precise timing and clear signals to bridge the language gap between humans and dogs. By using a distinct marker—such as a clicker or a specific word—trainers can pinpoint […]
The Human Side of Dog Training
The human side of dog training is just as important as working with the dog. Teaching dog owners how to train their own dogs is crucial because it strengthens the bond between them. Owners with an active role in their own dog’s training, learn how to communicate effectively, which builds trust and respect. This connection […]