Dog Training: Does My Pup Need to Attend Dog Obedience School?
Time and time again I get asked the age-old question when it comes to getting a new puppy or trying to break naughty dog behavior habits… “Do I need to bring my dog to a dog obedience school?” And my answer is…Maybe! There are many different reasons why dog obedience school might be the best […]
How To Become a Dog Trainer: Finding Stability in a COVID-19 World
2020 was a rough year for just about everyone around the world due to the COVID-19 virus that spread like wildfire across the globe. While I don’t take lightly the hardships that many people have faced, I have taken time to reflect on the positives that such a pandemic has taught us. The two most […]
Jumping Dogs: How to Keep Your Pup from Jumping on House Guests
Your dog is calm and sleeps on the floor all day long. Then BAM! A guest walks through the door and your pup turns into the Tasmanian Devil. His excitement has him running and jumping on top of your house guests—an unpleasant experience for your company, especially for those friends and family members who aren’t […]
Dog Training Education Month: How to Settle a Dog Who’s Always Busy
I often hear people talk about how busy their dogs are. Many of the comments refer to pups who just can’t seem to settle down…whether they are on a walk, in the car, or simply at home. In honor of National Dog Training Education Month, I’m going to share some training tips on how you […]
Rescue Dog Series Part 5: Solving Inappropriate Elimination Issues
When you think about potty accidents in the house, you most likely picture a new puppy who is just learning where it’s appropriate to use the bathroom. But, what happens when you bring home a two-year-old dog…or a six-year-old or a ten-year-old that you find out still uses your carpet as a spot to relieve […]
The Missing Link: Why You’re Struggling to Train Your Pup and How a Comprehensive Dog Training Program Can Help
The second you bring a new dog into your home, your life changes forever. While most of the changes are positive, you might also find yourself wondering, “what did I get myself into?” Just like humans, dogs can come with a variety of behavioral challenges that occur in both puppyhood and adulthood. Challenges such as… […]
Fake Turf Vs. Real Grass: The Pros and Cons of Accessible Grass Potty Patches for Dogs
People all over the world own dogs. Some are posh apartment pets, while others spend their days running around on farms. The common denominator of all of these dogs?…They all have to use the bathroom! If you live in a nice suburban area with a fenced-in backyard or a rural piece of land where your […]
5 Safety Rules to Protect Your Pup This Holiday Season
A lot changes in your household during the holiday season… Visitors come and go New decor is placed around your home Different food dishes are often prepared …and while all these things might be normal to you, they can be really confusing (and stressful!) to your pup! As we are just days away from celebrating […]
How Much Do You Love Your Dog Checklist
5 Key Areas of Canine Care that Must Not Be Neglected I want to ask you a serious question… When was the last time you thought about how much you love your dog? I know that might sound like a weird question to ask as most of us truly believe we love our dogs. But, […]
Doggy Dan’s Ultimate Summer Holiday Safety Guide
By far one of the best things about summer is the parties! From 4th of July firework shows to backyard BBQ and pool parties, there is no shortage of opportunities to get together with friends and family and celebrate everything this season has to offer. For us humans, this time of year is a lot […]
3 Common Misconceptions About What Makes a Dog Aggressive
If you watch the news or read the paper, it’s likely that you’ve come across a story about someone getting attacked by a dog. And I bet you that 9 out of 10 times, the dog in the story is some sort of large male dog—perhaps a specific breed, like a Pitbull or German Shepherd. […]
The Pros and Cons of Puppy Training Classes
You’ve just brought home your adorable new puppy, and what happens?… He pees on your carpet… And starts chewing on your shoes. Time for puppy training classes? My answer is maybe— All dogs need some form of training in order to live happy, relaxed lives, but is Puppy School really the best answer? There are […]
Food Aggression: Why Some Dogs Feel the Need to Aggressively Protect Their Dinner
Food aggression is a dangerous behavioral issue that often results in accidental injuries to both humans and other household pets. The worst part… While this type of behavioral issue is often found in dogs who have been rescued from neglectful situations, the behavior also pops up frequently in dogs who don’t have a proper training […]
Should I Get Rid of My Dog? What to Do If Your Dog Bites
Dogs—while they are amazing, beautiful, wonderful creatures—are animals. And, anytime you’re spending time with an animal, there’s the potential for something to go wrong. Thankfully, over decades and decades of breeding and training, our pups have become so domesticated that they are mostly lovers, not fighters. However, there are many factors such as… Age Training […]
ScritchSpot: The Must-Have App Doggy Dan Recommends for All Dog Owners
If you enjoy technology, there’s a good chance you have a variety of apps on your computer, phone, or tablet. And, if you love dogs, it’s likely that a handful of those apps have to do with dog care. I myself even have a few dog-related apps I use from time to time that are […]
The Great Shave Debate: 5 Things to Consider Before You Shave Your Dog
For years, dogs owners, dog trainers, and even veterinarians have argued about whether it’s ok, or even beneficial, to shave your dog’s coat. So…to shave or not to shave…what is the right choice? As a dog owner myself, I know that the answer isn’t necessarily black or white. In fact, there are many factors (both […]
How to Determine If Your Dog’s Bad Behavior Is Caused by Boredom or Stress
As a dog trainer, I am often approached with questions about different dog behavioral problems. Some people believe the issues that arise due to boredom are caused by lack of exercise or a lack of attention given to a dog. And these things certainly can make the behavior worse. However, many of these behaviors are […]
10 Things Humans Do That Dogs Struggle to Understand
Do you ever wonder… Why your dog stares at you blankly while you play games on your phone? Why your pup feels the need to bark and growl at the vacuum cleaner? Why your pooch chooses to hang out in the other room while you’re watching a sporting event? Everyday rituals like playing on our […]
7 Life Lessons from My Beloved Dog Peanut
At the end of April 2018, my beloved dog Peanut passed away at the age of 13 and a half.I always believed that she came into this world to change lives and help us understand dogs and ourselves better.Now, looking back, I also realize she was one of the greatest life teachers I could have […]
Doggy Dan’s Guide to Safe Muzzle Use for Dogs
If you have an aggressive dog—or a dog who has the potential to be aggressive—you may have to consider using a muzzle. That being said, a lot of people don’t understand when it’s appropriate to use a muzzle or what type of muzzle is the safest choice for their dog. For that reason, I want […]
How to Introduce Your Dog to a New Baby (And a special FREE gift for you at the end)
If you’re reading this, it’s very possible that you… Just found out you’re pregnant. Just brought a new baby home from the hospital. Know a family member or friend that just had a baby. In any case, I want to say congratulations! I am so thrilled for you! As a father myself, I know how […]
5 Training Exercises to Prepare Your Dog for a New Baby (And a special FREE gift for you at the end)
Bringing a new baby home is an exciting, stressful, chaotic, and joyful time in a person’s life. It’s a big event that often requires new parents to make lifestyle changes in order to accommodate the needs of their new bundle of joy. That being said, people aren’t the only ones affected by this type of […]
Dog Ownership: 8 Things to Consider Before You Adopt a Dog
When you’re seriously considering adding a dog to your family… You might start wondering… What is the best kind of dog breed? Should I adopt from a shelter? How do I choose the perfect dog for myself or my family when there are so many different types of dogs out there? In my personal opinion, […]
Common German Shepherd Behavioral Problems and Personality Traits
Over the years working as a dog trainer, I’ve probably worked with as many German shepherd dogs as any other breed. Most often, they are an incredibly loyal breed, are devoted to their owners, and have really sweet and fun personalities. And so, to those of you who love the breed and wouldn’t consider anything […]
Recall Training: How to Get a Dog to Come When You Call
There’s nothing scarier than watching your dog run off across the beach, down the street, or through the woods while you helplessly call for him to come back to you without any luck. It only takes seconds, for a dog to vanish before your eyes—all because your dog is excited and decided to chase a […]