Big Girl Dog Training

03/11/2022

It has been a long time since I last posted on here. I have been having a rough time of it with my parents being ill. I spent the better part of 7 months running back and forth to care for them. Sadly they both died (Daddy in October 2021 and Momma in January 2022) and it has taken some time for me to feel normal again. I am back at training dogs and I am taking on new clients so feel free to reach out to me if you need some help. And I am getting a puppy soon. I will talk about that in my post tomorrow! For now, just wanted to let you all know what had been going on and to let you know I am back at it!!!

02/27/2021

Many of the problems my clients face with their dogs fall into two types: walking calmly on the leash and recall. Check out my upcoming workshops that will help you deal with those issues! And right now the workshops are on sale until Monday (3/1/21) at midnight so register now to save money! If you have any questions, just let me know.

Just need to polish up a skill for your dog? Want to teach a specific skill? Check out these short workshops that can fit into anyone’s schedule. Workshops focus on a specific skill and help you to fine tune your dog’s behavior. Need a class or private instruction? Check out the links below for ...

01/08/2021

Good Morning! Happy Friday! Make plans to spend some quality time with your family this weekend and that includes the dog! Go for a walk, play fetch in the backyard, teach your pup a new trick. Make a plan now that includes all of the family, not just the humans.

01/05/2021

Hey everyone! We finally made it to 2021! Time to think about those resolutions and what changes we will make for 2021. Here's my blog about making resolutions for your dog! www.biggirldogtraining.com/training-pad/new-years-resolutions-for-your-dog

Many of us begin the new year by making resolutions. But what about making resolutions for your dog? There is always something that our dogs could improve on whether it’s obedience, behavior or health related. Of course, these resolutions can only happen if you work with your furry partner to make

11/27/2020

11/14/2020

Happy Saturday Everyone! So many times I see posts about a dog who escaped out of the home and is on an adventure all on their own. That is so frightening to the owners. Teach your dogs permanent boundaries. For example, Rey has been taught to never go through the back door unless she is given permission to. You can do the same with gates, doors, rooms you don't want to enter. It's a skill that could very well save your dog's life!

11/08/2020

Getting ready for the loose leash walking workshop. Still time to come out and participate. 1 to 3 p.m. 106 Island Drive. See you there!

10/28/2020

Meet ChubChub. He is a 10 week old Shih Tzu and is working on his crate training and potty training. He's doing great and his family is working hard to show him the way things happen in the house. Using a crate helps with potty training and giving your puppy a safe place to be when you can't directly supervise them. And we think he is really an Ewok.

10/24/2020

Meet Moses and he lives with Sue Clements on St Simons Island. He's a 5 month old shih-poo and full of wiggles and love and personality. We have started his obedience and he already knows sit, stay (for 5 seconds) and is beginning to understand how to walk properly on a leash. He is soo cute. The toughest part of my job is staying focused on the training because I want to love on all these adorable dogs!

10/23/2020

It's Friday! Have fun this weekend and spend some time working on some new skills with your dog. Rey is going to learn how to put two paws up on overturned food dish and then work on proper heeling position. She doesn't have very good awareness of her back end. I will video what we do and post it next week so you can see. We are also going to work on a down from a recall. Rey loves to work and having strong obedience skills keeps her active and provides her with enrichment. What skills are you going to work on? Comment below and let's get busy teaching our dogs!

10/16/2020

Your weekend goal: Try to catch your dog doing good things. 95% of the time our dogs are good but we only notice the 5% when they are doing something we don't want. Make it a point to catch your dog doing good things and mark the behavior. Simply say good girl or good boy or good dog calmly. Let them know you see them being good. I promise it will make a difference. Reach out to me if you need help with the 5% of the time.

10/15/2020

"I don't have time to train my dog." This is a common complaint I hear a great deal. Training/teaching your dog can happen in short bursts. You don't have to schedule in hours a day to train your dog. In the morning, before you give them breakfast, train for 5-10 minutes. Work on behaviors that need proofing or teach a new skill. Do another session around lunch (if you are home) and do a final quick session in the evening before dinner. Carve out a little time each day to train and it will make a world of difference to your dog!

10/15/2020

10/14/2020

Halloween is one of my favorite holidays but it may not be your dog's favorite holiday. The many people wearing masks, makeup and costumes can confuse your dog or even frighten them. Give your dog a safe space to be on Halloween, put on the t.v. for them and give them a favorite treat or a frozen kong to chew. And please don't put on a mask and go frighten your dog. It's not fun for them. Don't take them trick or treating with you. The large groups of people with costumes on may overwhelm them. Have fun but keep your furry family members in mind and give them the tools to cope with this festive event!

10/12/2020

10/12/2020

Did you know that raw carrots are good for your dog? Check out Rey gnawing away at her favorite treat!