It usually comes a few sessions in. A client watches their dog respond to a cue, walk calmly beside us, or settle more quickly than they expected. Then they pause, smile, and say something like: “Wait… are you training me right now?”

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.

One of the most common questions new puppy parents ask is: “When should I start training my puppy?” Many people assume training begins once the puppy is older. But in reality, training starts the moment your puppy arrives home.

One of the most common questions people ask during walks is: “Is it bad if my dog walks in front of me?” Many dog owners have heard that letting a dog walk ahead means the dog is trying to assert dominance or take control of the walk.

Spend time around toddlers and you start to notice something strange. Parents everywhere are seemingly speaking in the exact same way: “Come on…”; “Do you want to put your shoes on?”; “Should we go brush our teeth?”; “Let’s gooo.”

There’s a moment that happens at playgrounds everywhere. A toddler finds something interesting — a truck, a shovel, a bucket. They pick it up. They start exploring it. Another child walks over. And almost immediately, the parent steps in: “I think the other child wants to play too. You should share.”

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

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! :)