Blog

We’ve all heard it: put your own oxygen mask on first, then help others. But this idea isn’t just for emergencies—it’s something we should be practicing every day. I’ve noticed that when I let myself get overwhelmed, stressed, and run down, I’m not the kind of caretaker I want to be for my animals. I feel drained, unfocused, and low on energy—and that means I’m not showing up fully for their needs. They don’t get the time, attention, and enrichment they deserve. So let’s change that. Self-care isn’t a luxury—it’s a responsibility. When you take care of yourself first, you...

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned in my dog training career is this: much of what actually works with dogs can feel counterintuitive at first.   Want your dog to stop barking? Teach him how to bark on cue. Want him to stop jumping on people? Give him appropriate opportunities to jump on you. Want a dog who is social rather than aggressive? Allow him to engage in appropriate, structured play—even letting him win in games like tug. Want a soft mouth? Teach him how to bite with intention. Want a powerful bite? Teach softness and control. Want a reliable...

When you clip the leash onto your dog, the two of you usually have very different goals in mind. You, being a simple human, might be looking forward to a peaceful walk—taking in the sights and sounds of a beautiful day. Or maybe you’re heading out for a jog, hoping to get your heart rate up and enjoy that runner’s high. Either way, your expectation is fairly straightforward: you and your dog will move together along a path, street, or sidewalk, in a relatively straight line, at a steady pace, politely ignoring distractions. Your dog, however, has a completely different...