Dog Training Facility

We are happy to announce that we now have a training facility in Gastonia, NC. Our group classes will be held at this location as well as private lessons, day training and opportunities to rent out the facility for organized play groups, etc. (We will still offer in home lessons as well). We installed […]

Resource Guarding In Dogs

Does your dog growl at you when you approach him while he is eating or chewing a bone? Does he show his teeth when you try to move him off the couch? If you answered yes, your dog may be resource guarding. Below you will find information and exercises to both prevent resource guarding […]

Does Your Dog Have Separation Anxiety?

A dog with separation anxiety will show distress and behavior problems when left alone. The most common behaviors include:

Digging and scratching at doors or windows
Destructive chewing
Howling, barking and whining
Urination and defecation

How do you know if your dog has separation anxiety? If most or all of these statements are true, your dog may have separation […]

So, You Want A German Shepherd?

So, You Want A German Shepherd?

German Shepherds are a wonderful breed. They are smart, great athletes and loyal companions. They make a great pet for an owner and families who are aware of their needs and strengths. However, for those who may not be as familiar with the breed they can be too smart […]

Pet First Aid And Disaster Preparedness

When the unexpected happens and your four-legged friend finds himself on the injured list, knowing what to do can help him hurry up and heal so that you can heel!

Define “Normal”

When dealing with injuries and potential illness, you won’t know what’s abnormal if you don’t know what’s normal for your dog to begin with. […]

Train Your Dog

As a professional trainer I am reminded every day of how important it is for people to start training their dog the day they bring the dog home. If we don’t train our dogs they do not know right from wrong, and often hear the word “no” over and over again but are never […]

Stopping Your Dog From Counter Surfing

Counter surfing can be an annoying and frustrating habit for your dog to develop. It can also be dangerous for your dog if they get into something that can be poisonous, or knock a sharp or hot object off of your counter or stove. However, we have to keep in mind that dogs are […]

Why Do Dog Trainers Use Treats?

Training pet dog behavior is for two general purposes—“do” and “don’t”: First is training basic manners, or “do”—to perform desired behaviors on cue such as “sit,” “down,” “come,” “stay,” and walk politely on leash. The other purpose of pet dog training is “don’t do”—don’t jump, pull on leash, run away, take candy from the […]

How To Control Your Dog’s Barking

Barking is a natural instinct for dogs. There are times we want them to bark (warding off intruders) and other times we would like them to stop (when the same neighbor is outside that they see every day!). Below is a list of training techniques that can help you stop your dog from barking. […]

Training The “Watch Me” Command

The “watch me” command is a basic command that can be used to get your dog’s attention in different situations. I often use the “watch me” command for dogs that bark, lunge and become overly excited on the leash when they see other dogs. If your dog is looking at you, they are not […]