Every Dog Behavior and Training

11/05/2024

Our "Is it Cognitive Dysfunction or Something Else?" webinar is now available to stream!

Here, Dr. Valli Parthasarathy talks us through the behavior changes we may see as our dear pets grow older. Watch to explore common reasons for changes in older pets, as well as cognitive dysfunction syndrome in dogs and cats

Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SUxdY90odUo

*** This webinar is part of our BIPOC Speaker Series. Learn more about this important series at https://www.everydogaustin.org/speakers

As our dear pets grow older, sometimes they start showing behavior changes. Let us explore common reasons for behavior change in older pets, as well as cogni...

11/01/2024

Meet Volunteer Jeannie (and her pup Bruschi)!

Jeannie started volunteering with us in October 2023 after learning about our volunteer opportunities in training class with her own dog! Since then she has volunteered in Basic Manners, Rowdy Manners, Agility, Nosework and more! Her favorite volunteer task is catching dogs after they do the tunnel in Agility 1.

Her advice to anyone interested in volunteering is to have fun! We have some openings and are looking for folks to assist in our group dog training classes.

Volunteering includes:
- Setting up class materials like chairs, toys, and training supplies.
- Assisting with cleaning tasks to make sure the training space is ready.
- Greeting clients and welcoming them to class.
- Assisting with training exercises when needed - this sometimes means saying hi to adorable doggos!

No prior experience is necessary. This is a unique opportunity for those interested in dog training to learn and develop their skills in a supportive environment or anyone who wants to hang out with lots of dogs!

Most classes are held in the evenings or on weekends, allowing you to volunteer at a time that suits you. We ask for a 6-week commitment. You must be at least 18 years old!

Learn more and apply here: everydogaustin.org/join

10/31/2024

Happy Halloween from Super-Cisco!

Cisco is a true superhero! After overcoming reactivity due to multiple dog attacks, he is now a therapy dog who supports folks in need all over Austin.

Is your dog dressing up tonight? Tell us in the comments or tag us in your photos! 🎃🐾👻

10/30/2024

Meet Banjo!

We were so touched when Banjo's mom reached out all the way from South Carolina to share their story:

"I first learned about your account from a tech at the animal shelter where I'm a volunteer and adopted one of my dogs, Banjo. From the start, Banjo was a handful and while he's not the first dog we've had, he's definitely been the most challenging and overwhelming at times. Also around this time I became aware of the positive reinforcement training movement and wanted to understand more about the "why" behind a lot of his behaviors. Since that time, I've participated in numerous webinars you've offered and am grateful for the knowledge and experience I've gained.

Thank you for the help you've provided to me and Banjo, as well as the countless other animals in need. It's because of organizations like Every Dog that I am better able to meet his needs and help him through his struggles, and he's done the same for me."

While we're based in Austin, Texas, we know the need for accessible and inclusive training extends far beyond the city limits - that's why virtual resources are a key part of our mission!

Are you outside of Austin? Have you used one of our social media posts, webinars, or virtual training calls? Comment to let us know where you're from!

10/29/2024

You know the scene too well: you've turned away for a moment and left your sandwich on the counter, and then it's gone! And your dog is gulping it down, after grabbing it off the counter.

Here are 3 quick tips to curb counter-surfing!

1️⃣ Prevent Access: Put food away or use baby gates to make sure your pup can't get any good stuff off the counter. Every time your dog snags a delicious snack from the counter, this behavior is rewarded!

2️⃣ Teach Alternative Behaviors: Reward your pup for keeping “4 on the floor” near counters instead of jumping up. Over time, you can add food so they practice ignoring the good stuff.

3️⃣ Practice Everywhere: Reinforce these habits on different surfaces and in various situations to help your dog generalize. Practice with kitchen counters, coffee table, dining room, or any other places your dog could have a chance to steal food.

Need extra help? Book a consultation for personalized guidance at everydogaustin.org! 🐾

10/28/2024

What does 5 years of inclusive, accessible training look like?

🐾 4,500+ dogs have worked with Every Dog. That’s over 4,500 people and families who trusted us to support them with everything from puppyhood to aggression.
🐾 $100,000+ have been given in financial assistance to support those families.
🐾 70,000+ views on our free webinars from folks around the world.
🐾 400+ shelter dogs have joined a class with us.
🐾 And so much more!

THANK YOU for trusting us with your pups. Thank you for supporting us with your donations and your time. Thank you for following us on social media, and for watching the webinars, and for sharing Every Dog with your friends and family.

We couldn't have accomplished any of this without YOU, and there's so much more we want to do! Join our monthly giving program and give $5 a month to support Every Dog for the next 5 years and beyond! Visit everydogaustin.org/donate today!

10/24/2024

November dog training classes are open for enrollment! Including:

🐾 South: Advanced Manners & CGC prep: Nov. 6
🐾 North: Fearful Dogs: Nov. 11
🐾 North: Advanced Manners & CGC prep: Nov. 16
🐾 South: Polite Greetings: Nov. 20
🐾 North: Polite Greetings: Nov. 20
🐾 North: Fearful Dogs: Nov. 26
🐾 Plus our ongoing puppy, manners, and agility classes.

We also have waitlists so if a class you want to join is full please join the waitlist just in case a spot opens up.

Just a friendly reminder that we offer financial assistance on all of our training services. Visit everydogaustin.org/classes to sign up!

10/23/2024

Everyone meet Ginger! She is a super smart pup, and we love helping her learn. She worked her tail off in Puppy Day School, and we're so proud! 🥳🥳

10/17/2024

✨ Come volunteer with us! ✨

If you love Every Dog and talking to people about dogs, email [email protected] to get signed up as an event volunteer!

We're looking for folks to help out at:
🌈 Doggy Drag Show
Oct 19 | 9:30am-2:30pm
Paws on Chicon, 7601 South Congress Avenue Austin, TX 78745

🎃 Paws and Pumpkins
Oct 19 | 10:30am-2:30pm
Alamo Rec Center, 2100 Alamo St, Austin, TX 78722

🍭 APD Trunk or Treat
Oct 20 | 3:30pm-7:30pm
Nelson Field, 7105 Berkman Dr, Austin, TX 78752

👻 Pettober Fest
Oct 26 | 9:30am-4:30pm (2 shifts)
The Domain, 3225 Amy Donovan Plz, Austin, TX 78758

10/16/2024

Five years ago, in October 2019, our founders Michele and Miranda sat down at a bakery and talked about this wild vision for a nonprofit that would help people access the dog training and behavior support they needed.

Today, Every Dog is supporting thousands of people and pups, and none of it would be possible without you.

Help us celebrate five years of Every Dog with a donation to support inclusive, accessible training for years to come: www.everydogaustin.org/donate

10/14/2024

As our dear pets grow older, sometimes they start showing behavior changes. Let us explore common reasons for behavior change in older pets, as well as cognitive dysfunction syndrome in dogs and cats.

Join us for "Is it Cognitive Dysfunction or Something Else?" our next FREE webinar with Dr. Valli Parthasarathy on Thursday, Oct. 24 from 6-7 PM CDT!

**As always, the webinar will be recorded**

Visit www.everydogaustin.org/event-details/is-it-cognitive-dysfunction-or-something-else to RSVP

10/06/2024

Let's talk about Recalls! Would your dog come to you in an emergency? Do they ignore you when you call? Are distractions your dog's downfall? We have a class to teach the skills you need to call your dog back to you!

Join us this month for our Recalls Class at our North and South locations starting Wednesday October 16! As always, financial assistance is available.

If you're not in Austin or can't attend a class, we have some recall tips for you:

1. Practice recalls OFTEN, especially when you can immediately let your dog go back to the fun stuff! Make it a game!

2. Use high-value food rewards for recall (at least some of the time). Think chicken, cheese, etc

3. Avoid burning out your recall by only using it when “bad” things will happen. If you only call your dog to leave fun places or to do things they dislike, they’re going to stop coming!

4. Be sneaky about treats! To avoid dogs who only come when they know you have treats, try carrying something good in a different pocket, wrapped up, or otherwise hidden. When you ask your dog to come and magically make good stuff appear, they think “it’s always worth coming when called, even if I don’t see the treat bag!”

5. If you aren’t sure if your dog will come when called, DON’T let them off leash in areas without a secure fence! You can practice using fenced in areas or on a long-line (a 15+ foot leash) until your dog’s recall is more reliable.

6. And as always, FOLLOW LEASH LAWS. Even if your dog has the perfect recall, please leash your dogs when required. This is for safety, and has a huge impact on other dogs/owners whose dogs might not appreciate another pup coming to say hi. Leash your dog whenever you’re not in a designated off-leash area.

To join our upcoming Recalls class visit https://www.everydogaustin.org/classes

10/04/2024

We want to give a big THANK YOU to Austin Community Foundation for generously providing funding to support our financial assistance program through a $5,000 grant. This will go SO far in helping us provide aid to local families needing help with behavior care for the dogs that they love 💙.

10/01/2024

Your dog knows if they’re being paid enough 😳. Think about it like this:

1. If you know you only get paid to go to work Monday thru Friday, you don't generally show up on Saturday. You're only going to show up if you're being paid. Your dog is not so different! They are likely to respond when they see you have treats - but not when they don't think treats will be available for that behavior.

Strategy: Hide treats so your dog learns that payment is always possible, even if they don't know for sure. That way they're always willing to try!

2. You're happy to help a friend move w/ the offer of pizza and drinks. But if they ask you to do their taxes, you'd want to get paid a LOT more! Your dog may work for kibble at home, but when the environment is more distracting or the behavior is harder, they might not listen.

Strategy: Adjust the value of your treats based on the degree of difficulty. Kibble for easy skills inside, treats for leash walking, and chicken for reactivity or distractions.

3. If your partner tried to give you a $20 bill for doing the dishes, it would be weird. If your boss said "thank you" for working overtime instead of paying you, that would be weird, too.

If your dog really wants to go sniff a tree and you ask them to wait, a treat may not be the right reinforcer. They really want to sniff that tree!

Strategy: Use the right reinforcer for the situation! That might be a treat, the opportunity to say hi to a dog, or getting to chase a ball.

4. If your boss initially pays you every two weeks, but then it starts being every three weeks, four, five, etc- eventually you're going to have a problem!

We get "ratio strain" when we ask for too much in between reinforcements. Stop rewarding your dog often enough for recall, and they'll stop coming when called.

Strategy: Make sure you're rewarding your dog often enough to keep the behavior strong. You can always use environmental rewards, too!

To summarize:
- Reward them even when they don't realize you have treats.
- Pay higher (and more often) for harder jobs!
- Reinforce often enough to make it worth their effort and time.
- Use the right reinforcer for the situation!

09/30/2024

October dog training classes are open for enrollment! Including:

🐾 North: Tricks: Oct 5
🐾 North: Fearful Dogs: Oct 15
🐾 North: Recalls: Oct 16
🐾 South: Recalls: Oct 16
🐾 South: Control Unleashed: Oct 28
🐾 North: Leash Walking: Oct 30

Plus our ongoing puppy, manners, and agility classes. We also have waitlists so if a class you want to join is full please join the waitlist just in case a spot opens up.

Just a friendly reminder that we offer financial assistance on all of our training services. Visit everydogaustin.org/classes to sign up!

09/25/2024

Hi friends, we have another VIRTUAL Reactive Dog Class starting next week on October 1st!

It can be hard when your dog barks, lunges, or snarls at other dogs (or people, or bicycles!) when out on walks. But we're here to help.

In this virtual class we go through:
- what causes reactivity
- leash handling and management skills
- ways to help your dog stay calm instead of reacting
- realistic strategies for helping your reactive dog!

This course is virtual and held over Zoom. Internet access and a device with a camera and microphone are required for participation.

Financial assistance is available! Follow the link in our bio to learn more and sign up! https://www.everydogaustin.org/online-classes

09/20/2024

We have another FREE webinar coming up and it's a goodie! Join us to learn some techniques that you can teach your dog at home to reduce stress during vet appointments. We're so excited to host this talk with Isamar Perez!

**As always, this webinar will be recorded!!**

Our webinars are FREE. Donations are optional. RSVP here:

Learn some techniques that you can teach your dog at home to reduce stress during vet appointments. Speaker: Isamar Perez FREE event, donations optional!

09/19/2024

You may think of tricks as silly or only for certain dogs, but trick training is an AMAZING activity for so many pups. From reactive or fearful pups to adolescent buddies or mild-mannered seniors. For instance:

💙 Tricks are fun and create a positive bond and learning history with you and your dog

💙 Tricks give you and your dog a whole bunch of fun options to get out of “trouble,” whether it’s managing overly exciting moments or scary ones

💙 Training tricks helps your dog learn HOW to learn, and helps you figure out how to teach complex behaviors. This carries over into other training for behavior issues.

Check out our tricks class starting next month on October 5. You're going to love it! https://www.everydogaustin.org/classes/tricks-1-(north)

09/17/2024

Hi friends, we have a BUNCH of super fun upcoming events coming up this fall and could use some volunteer support!

If you would like to join us as a volunteer at any of the following events, please email [email protected]. We’d love to hang out with you!

🐾 CASA Superhero Run
Sep 22 | 6:30am-11:30pm
Circuit of the Americas (COTA), 9201 Circuit of the Americas Blvd, Del Valle, TX 78617

🐾 Doggy Drag Show
Oct 19 | 9:30am-2:30pm
Paws on Chicon, 7601 South Congress Avenue Austin, TX 78745

🐾 Paws and Pumpkins
Oct 19 | 10:30am-2:30pm
Alamo Rec Center, 2100 Alamo St, Austin, TX 78722

🐾 APD Trunk or Treat
Oct 20 | 3:30pm-7:30pm
Nelson Field, 7105 Berkman Dr, Austin, TX 78752

🐾 Pettober Fest
Oct 26 | 9:30am-4:30pm (2 shifts)
The Domain, 3225 Amy Donovan Plz, Austin, TX 78758

09/16/2024

If you sometimes struggle with your dog’s behavior,

YOU ARE NOT ALONE.

It is so easy to feel isolated when your dog’s behavior isn’t what you’d like.

Whether your puppy ate your favorite slipper or your dog just bit the neighbor, it’s common to have some feelings - even BIG feelings.

That can include guilt, anger, frustration, and even hopelessness. And it often comes with this sense that something is “wrong” with you for feeling that way.

BUT.

You are not alone!

As trainers, we hear so many people just like you- who are struggling with some of the same challenges with their dog and feeling so many of the same feelings!

So know this: you’re not alone.

And if you need help with your dog’s behavior, we’re here for you.

09/14/2024

We’re hiring!! Join our team!

Training Center Supervisor- lead our team of trainers and oversee our training operations.

Behavior Consultant- work with lots of amazing doggos (and their families) who are working through fear, anxiety, and aggression.

Head to everydogaustin.org/careers to learn more!

09/13/2024

Do you ever marvel at TSA dogs or pups that find missing people? We have a class for that. It's called Nosework!

Nosework teaches dogs to use their sense of smell to search for specific scents and is a fun activity for all breeds and ages.

What to know about Nosework:

1. It's inclusive! Any dog can benefit from and enjoy nosework regardless of age or ability. It's an excellent entry-level sport for individuals without prior dog sports experience. If your dog loves to learn and use their nose, nosework is worth exploring.

2. It's REALLY fun! Seeing your dog begin to understand the game is a beautiful experience that never grows old. In nosework classes, dogs approach the training process uniquely, making class not just about individual learning but a collaborative effort. It's a bonding experience for sure!

Nosework can provide:

- Mental Stimulation and Enrichment
- Stress Relief for Dogs and Humans
- A Stronger Bond Between Dogs and Their People
- Fun for All Ages and Breeds
- Confidence and Focus Building

If you want something fun to do with your pup, check out our Nosework class in South Austin starting next Wednesday September 18. Visit everydogaustin.org/classes to sign up!

09/12/2024

Our Coping with Canines webinar is now available to stream!

Jess Adam joined us this week with incredible tips for living with a behaviorally complex dog. When you love a complex or sensitive dog, chances are you’ve experienced some emotional ups and downs along the way. This webinar walks you through concrete tools and mindset shifts rooted in counseling and mental health theories, and a deep reassurance that you’re not alone in this experience.

When you love a complex or sensitive dog, chances are you’ve experienced some emotional ups and downs along the way. You’ll walk away from this Coping with C...

09/09/2024

If you have a dog with behavior challenges, you’re not alone. And you probably find yourself dealing with a lot of tough emotions:

Grief. Guilt. Frustration. Anger. Anxiety.

The good news is, we’ve got the perfect pep talk for you! This webinar from is all about giving you tips and tricks for managing your complex feelings about your complex pup.

Join us September 10th at 6pm Central!

www.everydogaustin.org/webinars

09/08/2024

We had lots of puppies this morning graduate! They are all so sweet and ADORABLE! Thanks to everyone who participated in the class!