Winter has definitely arrived!   But all the frigid and icy conditions have made it hard to enjoy. I am grateful to have our little training studio to share. It's not just about the physical exercise - though that is huge - it's the mental enrichment that makes a big difference. When dogs use their brains to learn a new trick or navigate a course, they often end up more tired and satisfied than they would after a long, freezing walk. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~   Below is

When you first begin to teach a new behavior to your dog, be sure to start your work in a quiet place where your dog will find it easy to concentrate on you. This is usually a room in your house away from distractions, such as other pets or family members running...

While using verbal praise, toys, and life rewards can be effective training tools, most dogs learn quickest using food rewards. Find a few treats that your dog REALLY loves. Soft treats are usually best as they can be broken down into many small treats that can be...

Use a clicker, or a word (such as “Yes”) to mark the exact moment your dog gives you the correct response. Begin by pairing the marker (“YES”) with the food reward. Just say, “Yes” and give the dog a treat. Once your dog understands that “YES” means he is getting a...