Life at home looks a little different these days. Since bringing our human baby home, we've been learning what our "new normal" looks like, and that includes figuring out what works (and what doesn't) when it comes to balancing a baby and dogs under one roof. The truth is, there's no perfect formula. What works for one family, might not work for an...

This weekend, we had four dogs in the house during the snowstorm, two of which don't permanently live here. While all the dogs had fun in the snow, the cold temperatures limited their outdoor time, so we spent a lot of time indoors together. Managing this many dogs requires a balance of structure, communication, boundaries, and mutual respect. How ...

Choosing the best kibble for your dog isn't just about filling their bowl. It's about setting them up for success in every part of their life. The right kibble affects a dog's daily energy and will encourage the balanced behavior that we look for in a well-rounded dog. A quality kibble supports everything your dog does, and understanding what goes ...

UNPOPULAR OPINION! You will find me at a dog park under two specific circumstances: 1. Training outside the fence, utilizing the dogs inside as a training distraction.2. Working inside the fence when there are no other dogs present. Dog parks serve as a great venue for letting dogs stretch their legs and get exercise, particularly for those without...

EXAMPLE A You take your retriever puppy out for his first REAL field trip. You are so proud of this tiny,adorable, furball and you can't wait to show him off! As you walk him into Tractor Supply, a family with three small children spots him and they rush up to you and your puppy. They are encircling him, hugging and kissing and petti...

The Honeymoon Period John and Karen are a couple in their 40s. They have three kids, and they both work hard at their full time jobs. Growing up, they had pets and feel comfortable around most animals. Now that the kids are old enough, they have decided to add a dog to the family. Their search online brings them to several dog sites, some of w...

Not sure how exactly to teach your dog or puppy to love the crate? You're not alone - but you can find success in 5 easy steps! 1. Elevate the Crate Leaving their mom and litter mates behind can be traumatic for a puppy. The first few nights after you bring your puppy home may be scary and lonely for them. However, it is important to establish rout...

We will now have two locations, one in Southern Illinois, operating out of Aviston, Illinois and one in the New Hampshire Seacoast region, operating out of Kensington, New Hampshire. Our New Hampshire location will be active as of June 1st, 2024. Please fill out a training questionnaire to inquire about our services in either location.  Best L...

Are you having trouble potty training your puppy? Here are FIVE quick and easy things you can do to help. 1. Limit your puppy's freedom around the house.  Unless your puppy has peed within the last 30 minutes, there is no free roaming around the house. Puppies pee… A LOT!   After that 30 minutes, they can go: into their crateint...