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.

“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.

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.

On the latest episode of The Family Pupz Podcast, we asked the founder of Paws For Thought Dog Training, Maddie Messina, whether the popular puppy training myth of rubbing a puppy's nose in their pee or poo to teach them not to go potty in the house is an effective way to house train a new puppy.

Whenever a new client purchases a puppy or dog training package from me, they instantly receive an automated email with information about what they can expect from me (and what I will expect from them) during the entirely of the package, tips on how to train effectively, scheduling, and various contracts and pledges, to name a few.

On one of our all-time favorite episodes of The Family Pupz Podcast, the owner and head trainer of From Dusk Till Dog, Erika Gonzalez, explains whether she thinks we need to exhibit dominant behavior towards our dog, in order to show him/her who's the "ALPHA", for fear that they might dominate us first.

When it comes to puppies, biting/mouthing/nipping is usually at the top of the list of the most common complaints I hear about from new paw-rents! I can also personally relate after fostering quite a few puppies myself in the past who were determined to bite (in the cutest way) every inch of my skin! :)

Every dog loves a good toy! Here is a dog trainer’s list of favorite interactive and food dispensing dog toys!

For many people who want to train their dog using positive reinforcement methods, the idea of rewarding your dog for behaviors you want to see persist makes absolute and total sense.

For example, you ask your dog to sit, and if he sits, you reward him with a treat in the hopes that he'll reliably sit when you ask him to do so again in the future. But for many, at least conceptually, it's harder to understand how to reward your dog for behaviors you want to see go away, like jumping, biting, and of course, barking.

Socialization is important because it will provide your puppy with the social skills needed to interact with other people and dogs confidently, while preventing your puppy from becoming fearful, shy or skiddish in the future.

We’ve recently chatted with Dr. Saunders at Sploot Veterinary Care to discuss the best way to ensure that your pup is ready for his/her first vet visit, as behavioral issues related to anxiety at the vet clinic is a pretty common issue that they encounter at the clinic.

Imagine for a moment that you are casually walking down the street with your spouse, and all of a sudden, you catch a glimpse of your favorite celebrity (i.e. Beyoncé or Brad Pitt), and you literally CANNOT believe your eyes.

Almost immediately, you start sweating uncontrollably in your state of discombobulated excitement (“is it hot in here, or is it me?!”).

Meanwhile, your spouse, who is completely oblivious to your mini freakout, casually asks you where you would like to go for lunch.

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.

I had already started training dogs for a few years as the founder of Play Pals, a dog walking and cat sitting company in London and New York City, because as any experienced dog walker will tell you, having a few dog training tricks up your sleeve makes your job a LOT easier.