Most new owners spend the first two weeks teaching sit. Sit is close to the bottom of the list. What the window actually closes on, according to Ian Dunbar, Michael Ellis and Turid Rugaas.

Once the leash is tight you have already lost, and that is a physics problem rather than a training one. What Dunbar, Ellis and Rugaas each say about loose-lead walking, including where they flatly disagree.

Most dogs that stay calm at fireworks were trained to be, not born that way. Here's exactly how I did it with Lupin, backed by the research, plus the one mistake to avoid.

Your dog is perfect in the kitchen and falls apart at the park. The solution: proofing. Here's what it actually is and how to build real reliability.

Reliable recall isn't about a smarter cue. It's about rep volume, consistency, and treats already in your pocket. The four-stage protocol that built Lupin's bombproof recall.

So your dog has great recall…inside your house. How about outside? When another dog is around? When they're sniffing a stain on the ground? Let alone when a demonic squirrel...

Single-ingredient dog treats are healthier, better tasting, and simpler to evaluate. Here's the argument behind all three.

Norwegian dog trainer and behaviorist Turid Rugaas spent decades observing how dogs communicate with each other. She identified over 30 distinct behaviors that dogs use to signal peaceful intentions and de-escalate tense situations. She called them "calming signals."

Your dog isn't stubborn about water — she's a reactive drinker. Dogs evolved to hydrate for survival, not optimization, which means by the time they feel thirsty, they're already behind. This guide covers why dogs hydrate reactively, how to spot dehydration, and practical strategies to get your dog drinking at the moments that actually matter.

Buying Dog Treats Is Tricky  When we buy food—for ourselves or our pets—we usually look at a few things: price, ingredients, nutritional info, and weight. Price is (sort of) a...

Stepping Into the Unknown This past weekend, Lupin, my youngest son Max, and I went to our very first dog agility event. Honestly, I had no idea what to expect....

Free shaping is a reward-based dog training method where you reinforce good behavior without giving commands or using lures. It builds confidence, focus, and stronger bonds. It can be intentional (like teaching a trick) or spontaneous (rewarding calm behavior at home).

To work, rewards must be instant—ideally within one second. That’s where Doggo Discs in Treat Tubes shine: compact, stashable, and always ready, making spontaneous training easy and effective.