“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.

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.

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! :)

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.

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!).

When my dog is crying/whining in his/her crate at night, should I let them “cry it out”, so as not to encourage this behavior? This question is, by far, the most common question that I receive on crate training.

You see another dog approaching. Your puppy gets excited. And the other dog parent asks: “Does your puppy want to say “hi”? My dog’s super friendly!”

Crate training is essential for successful potty training. It helps create a private spot for your puppy & allows your pup to travel safely in a car, or on an airplane.

Puppies are naturally curious and social, so as they start to explore the world more, they will try to interact with it as well.  Most puppies can also be quite fearless and may not have necessarily learned the “social etiquette” required to navigate greetings and play.

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.

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.