Colorado culture is built around outdoor freedom. And it’s natural to want your dog to experience that with you. But here’s the honest truth: Off-leash training isn’t about freedom. It’s about responsibility. And most people try to earn freedom before they’ve built reliability.

If you’ve ever found yourself thinking, “He knows this,” or “She does it perfectly at home,” you’re not alone. Many dog parents experience the frustration of watching their dog respond reliably in the living room, only to seem completely confused at the park. It can feel like your dog is ignoring you or being stubborn. But in most cases, something very different is happening.

We hear this question all the time. A client watches their dog walk politely next to us, respond smoothly to cues, and settle calmly during a session. Then they turn and say, half-joking, half-serious: “Why is my dog always good with you?”

Inside your living room? Angel. Outside in the hallway, park, or apartment building? Chaos. This is one of the most common frustrations in dog training. And it has nothing to do with your dog “testing you.”

You ask for “sit.” Nothing. You reach into your pocket. Suddenly? Perfect obedience. If this feels familiar, you’re not alone. A lot of dog parents worry they’ve “bribed” their dog or created a treat-dependent monster.

You say it once. Nothing. You say it again. Still nothing. By the third time, maybe louder, they finally respond. It feels like your dog is ignoring you. But here’s the truth: Your dog probably isn’t being stubborn. They’re responding exactly how they’ve been trained.

One of the hardest parts of dog training often has very little to do with the dog. It’s the conversations between two people who both care — and don’t see the situation the same way.

Feeling overwhelmed by dog training? Learn what actually helps—clear, compassionate strategies that support real progress without fear or guilt.

“Coaching” dog training is a collaborative approach where you, as the dog parent, are actively involved in every step of your dog's training journey.

We’re thrilled to offer our “Home Schooling” Dog Training Service – our alternative to a traditional “Board & Train” program designed to fit seamlessly into your busy schedule while delivering the same exceptional results as our in-person coaching sessions.

No one ever expects it, but sometimes, even the sweetest, most gentle dog can bite. Maybe it was a quick nip, or something more serious. Either way, it’s a moment that can leave you feeling shocked, scared, and unsure of what to do next.

When my husband and I moved to Denver from New York City at the end of 2018, I immediately hit the ground running to build the dog training company that I’ve always dreamed of building.

Dog training isn’t just about obedience—it’s about building a life you love with your dog. Our lifestyle training approach gives you the tools and confidence to navigate real-world moments together.

On the latest episode of The Family Pupz Podcast, we asked the Director of the Behavior & Training Department At The Marin Humane Society, the founder of Canine Behavior Associates, and the author of the critically-acclaimed book, Parenting Your Dog, Trish King, to the podcast, how she would deal with a dog that gets way too overexcited before going out on a walk (in a 4th floor walk up, no less!).

Today, we'll focus on the power of a “positive interrupter” vs a verbal correction with a firm “no” when our dogs are doing something we don't like such as chewing on furniture or digging in the backyard!

Leash reactivity (a.k.a dogs overreacting towards triggers while on leash) is one of the top 3 behavioral issues we get contacted for. In fact, our own dog, Zippo, has struggled with his emotional responses towards other dogs as well. This has allowed us to live the “leash reactive pet parent life” and learn so much from it. 

On the latest episode of The Family Pupz Podcast, we asked the founder of Paws For Thought Dog Training, Maddie Messina, we asked the founder of Paws For Thought Dog Training, Maddie Messina, whether she thinks we should just let our puppies "figure it out" when socializing with other dogs.

On the latest episode of The Family Pupz Podcast, we asked the founder of Paws For Thought Dog Training, Maddie Messina, whether she thinks that allowing a young puppy to greet other dogs while on leash counts as good socialization. We loved her point about how dogs in the wild greet other dogs in a very specific way that a leash doesn't allow.

On the latest episode of The Family Pupz Podcast, we asked the founder of Paws For Thought Dog Training, Maddie Messina, whether puppies are acting out of spite when they go potty somewhere in the home where they are not supposed to.

On the latest episode of The Family Pupz Podcast, we asked the founder of Paws For Thought Dog Training, Maddie Messina, whether puppies are acting out of spite when they go potty somewhere in the home where they are not supposed to.