Trails and Tails Dog School

Trails and Tails Dog School Trails and Tails Dog School is dedicated to helping dogs and their people build skills and relationships so they can explore the world together.

01/12/2025

If you need help finding a harness that works for your dog, please let me know! I’ve used so many different ones and can help you find one that will work for you and your dog!

These Skills Challenges have been really fun! I’m looking forward to getting new challenges in February! I’ll be setting...
01/11/2025

These Skills Challenges have been really fun! I’m looking forward to getting new challenges in February! I’ll be setting these up for my own dogs so if anyone wants to join me, let me know!

The purpose of this challenge is to show that the dog can differentiate between the suspended source of odor and the pooling odor on objects on the ground below the hide.  

If you need help understanding your teenage dog, please let me know!
01/04/2025

If you need help understanding your teenage dog, please let me know!

Ever feel like your adolescent dog "forgot" all it's training or doesn't listen to you? Well you're not alone and it's not abnormal either. This is often when trainers are finally contacted to address behavior and/or when dogs are relinquished the most to shelters/rescues.

Adolescence begins around 6 mos of age and ends anywhere between 12 to 24 months, depending on the dog. During this time, massive development of the brain's striatum (motor control, emotion, habit formation, and reward) occurs faster than development of the prefrontal cortex (regulation of thoughts, actions, and emotions). So you may find yourself with an impulsive and frustrated teenaged dog.

During this time, your dog's motivations and what they find rewarding are more likely to be at odds with what is safe or what your priorities are for them. This is regarded as a passing phase, when the prefrontal cortex comes on board in adulthood and the dopamine system stabilizes.

What your dog is exposed to, what they learn, and how they learn can reduce frustration, which can look like redirected displays of aggression and development of repetitive coping behaviors.

Adolescent dogs require patience. Maintaining a secure relationship with your dog through positive training methods can help ensure a well-rounded adult dog.

Here are some tips to help with guests over the holidays!
12/16/2024

Here are some tips to help with guests over the holidays!

Recall issues? Pulling on leash? Reactivity? Play this game with your dog today!
12/07/2024

Recall issues? Pulling on leash? Reactivity? Play this game with your dog today!

In this video I’m going to tell you what that dog training game is, how to play it, and WHY I think you should try it with your dog!►🙋‍♀️COMPLETE DOG TRAINI...

Great info!
12/07/2024

Great info!

If you hear dog training advice based on the Dominance Theory, it’s time to rethink that approach. I’m diving deep into what you need to know about dog train...

Helping kids understand dog body language is so important. If you need help and would like some free resources, please c...
12/07/2024

Helping kids understand dog body language is so important. If you need help and would like some free resources, please contact me! I’m happy to chat with you about this for free! Let’s work together to help dogs and kids stay safe!

Our goal is to prevent, treat and effectively manage behavior problems in companion animals to enhance and strengthen the human-animal bond. If you have any questions about your pet’s behavior please contact us.

12/05/2024

Happy and Safe Holidays!

12/03/2024

Looking for things to keep your dog busy? Check out the 25 days of games on SpiritDog’s page! New fun ideas each day!

Otter is ready for the holiday this week! Wishing everyone a safe and joyful Thanksgiving!
11/26/2024

Otter is ready for the holiday this week! Wishing everyone a safe and joyful Thanksgiving!


11/25/2024

Great tips for teaching a solid stay!

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2461 Etta Place
Bozeman, MT
59718

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Videos

Want to teach your dog how to find hidden objects with just their nose? Unlock your dog's super power with my upcoming scent work classes and sign up today! Starts September 29th! https://youtu.be/gb4v-hbMsz0?si=92U-ma0OgfeTAtlg

Tracer has a long history of health issues and is not a big fan of the vet. In order to get her the care she needs with as little stress as possible, we're splitting the whole process into a few different pieces. 1) The vet location can be scary! Gallatin Veterinary Hospital is fantastic about letting us stop by for quick fun visits. If we only go to their building when scary things are happening, then Tracer will be stressed before we even get inside! (Huge thanks for the staff at GVH for letting us practice there!) 2) Being restrained or touched in odd ways can be stressful! If we practice this at home in clear and safe ways, then it's not going to be a surprise when the vet does the same thing. Humans touch lots of stuff with our hands. Dogs aren't always used to that! Here's a video of some of our handling practice that we learned from the incredible Laura Monaco Torelli - Animal Behavior Training Concepts! We're working on pairing touch with treats! What challenges does your dog face at the vet?

The world is full of big distractions! Squirrels, deer, cars, people, oh my! I want my dogs to be able to still hear me even when these distractions are present. So, we work with smaller distractions and practice behaviors that we want to be super solid! We practice a lot before we introduce bigger challenges. Yesterday, we worked on laying on a mat, even with a friendly horse nearby. We've practiced this a lot inside and a bit outside, so it was time to add a medium distraction (the horse!). Tracer did great and we were very successful! This is how I always want my training sessions to be. No punishment, ever. No corrections, ever. Just a well set up situation with an appropriate challenge to help my learner grow. What distractions could you add to your training this week to help build a solid behavior?

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