Throughout my years of training, I’ve had many clients tell me that when their dogs hear my voice on social media, they look around for me, tilt their heads, and become intrigued by the sound.
Leo takes it to a whole new level by actually responding to the commands I’m giving (even when the sound is from a video of me training another dog).
The relationships I build with my students are irreplaceable, and videos like these brighten even the gloomiest of days.
I love all my doggie friends 🥹🤍
Also, good boy Leo🤪🐾
Getting More Freedom Through Relationship Building: What It Really Takes to Give Your Dog the Life They Deserve
We all want to give our dogs freedom — to let them run, explore, and be part of our adventures. But true freedom requires a foundation of listening and trust, and it’s not always easy. It takes dedication, patience, and love to create a partnership where your dog knows they can rely on you — and you can rely on them.
🧠 **1. Take Time to Understand How They Listen Best**
Each dog is unique. To create a relationship where they listen, we need to first understand what drives them. Is it food? Play? Social connection? When we speak to our dogs in a way they understand and value, they’re far more likely to respond positively.
📚 **2. Commit to Consistent Training** Training isn’t a one-time thing; it’s a lifelong journey!
Consistency is how our dogs learn that our guidance is reliable. Through structured practice, we build a communication system that becomes natural for both of us — so listening isn’t a “command,” it’s a choice they happily make.
🎯 **3. Be Clear and Patient**
Dogs thrive when they know exactly what’s expected of them. Clear boundaries, consistent rewards, and steady leadership help create the security they need to listen confidently. When they know what’s expected, they feel safe — and free.
❤️ **4. Strengthen Your Bond**
At the heart of a strong listening relationship is a deep connection. Spending time together, playing, and bonding outside of training all strengthen this bond. When your dog truly trusts you, they’ll listen because they want to, not because they have to.
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When we invest in understanding and applying proper training foundations, our dogs gain the confidence to explore their world while staying connected to us. Freedom becomes possible because they know we’ll keep them safe and guide them back to us every time. So if you want to give your dog the freedom they deser
How I became a dog trainer and my tribute to the boy who got me here
How I became a dog trainer and a tribute to the special boy who lead me here 🐾
Exactly a year ago today, I lost the dog who changed everything for me. His name was Nickel and he came into my life when I needed him most. Our bond was instant, and I truly believe it was 'meant to be.' My video above is the story of Nickel and how he came into my life.
Our journey wasn't always easy. Nickel had his challenges—he had extreme reactivity issues along with aggressive tendencies towards dogs and humans and I knew I needed to find a way to help him. That's when I discovered dog training, and little did I know, it would become my passion and purpose.
Through training, we transformed together. It wasn’t just about teaching him commands—it was about understanding him, creating new behaviors, building trust, and creating a deeper bond that I’ll cherish forever.
I believe that every dog deserves the chance to be understood, and every owner deserves the chance to experience the magic of that kind of bond. My story with Nickel is what taught me that, and it's why I do what I do today.
If you've ever had a dog who changed your life, I'd love to hear your story in the comments. And if you're struggling with your dog like I once was, I want you to know there's hope. Training can open doors you never thought possible.
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Can’t believe it’s already been 1 year without you buddy.. thank you for sending me along the path I’m on today. I wouldn’t be here, helping other dogs and owners who are struggling without you 🤍🐾
The absolute BEST TOOL to take advantage of in your dogs training
What if I told you that one of the most effective training tools for your dog could already be in your home?
While there are many tools that can help you and your dog achieve faster, more reliable results, the leash stands out to me as one of the easiest and most beneficial to use!
Often, our dog’s leash is seen simply as "the thing we use to safely walk our dog" or "what prevents my dog from running away."
However, it’s important to recognize that the leash is much more than just a safety tool—it’s an essential training aid that can significantly enhance your dog’s learning experience.
What I call the “on-leash mindset” is the idea that we establish the foundations for EVERYTHING first with the LEASH ON.
Why is the on-leash foundation important?
🐾 Helps TEACH
🐾 Increases your value and importance to your dog
🐾 Improves communication and accountability
🐾 Provides guidance and sets clear expectations
🐾 Builds skills for both you and your dog
🐾 Promotes a calm mindset for your dog
🐾 Fosters respect in your relationship
Overall, this foundation is vital because it lays the groundwork for all future training.
If you're struggling with your dog’s training and haven’t been using a leash, ask yourself:
“If my dog hasn’t been successful with certain behaviors or situations while on a leash, why would I assume they could do it successfully off the leash?”
So, whether you’re just getting started or have been working at it for a while without seeing the results you desire, remember that the leash CAN and should be used at all times to help you and your dog succeed.
Once you start seeing results, you can practice with the leash dragging and eventually work towards removing it!
Don’t overlook the importance of on-leash foundations for you and your dog. A confident on-leash foundation can be key to creating a well-rounded relationship!
🍁Fall is here 🍁
Which leaves the yard messy 🍃 and lots of opportunities for training 🐾
On this weekend episode of: “What a real world training session could look like”
Snoop dog, Marcie and Furgi are working together on PLACE while I tune up my backyard/training space
All three of these dogs know this command and have practiced alone in easier settings than this and have done great.. so I decided to make things a bit more challenging and add them all out together!
Since Marcie is new to the training world, leaving a leash on her kept her successful (though I was prepared to put a leash on Snoop and Furgi if I felt they needed it)
Through out this 30 minute session, all dogs got great practice with different distractions and distances (from me).. along with loads of duration time!
Of course, there were some mistakes but also lots of good decisions!
Fall yard clean up time is a great picture to ask our dogs to listen!
Sure.. I could have just let them run around and play. But then, I wouldn’t be setting them up for success with their listening skills.
The more creative you get with your dog’s training, the more confident/successful they will be!
This is your reminder to stop putting training on the back burner!
Get out there and build your relationship with your dogs 🤪
Passive and Active Training
Incorporating both these training concepts in your dogs daily routine can be crucial when it comes to cultivating a well rounded pup 🐶
🐾 ACTIVE Training 🐾
Active training is usually easiest! There’s many ways you can incorporate this in your dogs training routine.. maybe it’s walking your dog is a heel (structured walk) or going to the field by your house and saying the word COME as many times as possible while you let your dog explore all the smells.
The idea is that you’re keeping your dog moving. There’s usually a lot of reps involved with this side of training!
⭐️ Some of the reasons we love this ⭐️
- Helps keep our dogs engaged with us
- Helps build our relationship with our dogs
- Helps strengthen dogs reliability with each command
- Can help tire out your pups brain
🐾 PASSIVE Training 🐾
Passive training is when your dog is practicing the art of doing.. well nothing 😌 Like active training, there are many ways you could implement this concept into your dogs life.
This could be by asking your dog to hold a 40 minute place command while you’re cooking dinner for the family or taking 5 minutes in the middle of your walk to ask your dog to DOWN and simply BE “be”..
⭐️ Some of the reasons we love this ⭐️
- Helps teach dogs how to slow down/relax
- Helps Build Confidence
- Help Build ~Neutrality ~
- Helps Build on Impulse Control
- Helps Ease/Work Through Anxiety
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It can be easy to focus on one training mindset over the other. Especially when you’re just beginning!
It’s okay to start with one and build into the other if needed. It’s normal to find movement easier than stillness.
But try to remember that BOTH of these ideas are helpful when your on this training journey 🐾
Are you using both ideas within your dog’s training routines?
Send us a message or schedule an eval if you want to talk about how you can start incorporating these concepts
The Joys of Off-Leash Reliability 🐕
Having a dog that is off leash reliable is so much fun! But it’s important to know that this freedom is earned.
🐾 **Understanding Off-Leash Training:** 🐾
Having a dog trained off-leash means they have mastered obedience commands such as “come,” “stay,” and “heel” and can reliably respond to these commands even when distractions around and without the leash on. It’s about building a strong foundation of trust, communication, and mutual respect between you and your dog, allowing them the freedom to explore and thrive while staying safe and connected.
⭐️ Some of the reasons we love off-leash ⭐️
- Being able to let your dog explore while at the park/camping/walking/hiking
- Redirection of the dog (chasing an animal, getting too far ahead of you, getting into something they shouldn’t be!!)
- Dog has more freedom
- Encourages stronger bond between owner and dog
Send us a message or schedule an eval if you want to talk about how your dog can also become off-leash reliable!
Eval 🔗 in bio
#dogtraining #walkingprogram #twincities #offleash #off-leash #dogtrainer #minnesota #obedience
Walking Program
DETAILS HERE 👇🏼
Because it is launch week- we want to give you 15% off to set you and your dog up for success!
Our ⭐️ Walking Program ⭐️ has a little bit of everything for all dog owners!
This program walks dog owners through the important steps of:
🐾 relationship building
🐾 a loose leash walk
🐾 introducing leash pressure
🐾 forming a heel
🐾 thresholds
The program is self-paced and filled with videos to walk you through each step!
Message us “walking program” to get your 15% off coupon code! Offer valid thru 4/6
https://www.k9universitydogtraining.com/challenges
K9University Walking Program is here 🌟
DETAILS 🐾
Our online Walking Program is officially here!
The Walking Program is a self-paced online program designed to teach dog owners the art of loose leash walking and laying the foundation for a solid heel. This program is suitable for dogs of all ages and breeds.
What You’ll Learn:
* Loose Leash Walking Mastery: Say goodbye to leash pulling as you learn proven techniques to encourage your dog to walk calmly by your side.
* Introduction to Heel: Lay the groundwork for a perfect heel position, setting the stage for more advanced obedience training.
* Engagement Exercises: Strengthen the bond between you and your dog with engaging activities designed to boost focus and attention during walks.
* Choosing the Right Training Tools: Navigate the maze of collars, harnesses, and leashes to find the perfect fit for your dog’s unique needs.
* The Importance of Relationship Building: Understand the crucial role of a strong relationship in successful training outcomes, and learn how to foster trust and cooperation with your pup.
Program Features:
* Video Tutorials: Follow along with step-by-step video tutorials
* Self-Paced Learning: Fit training into your schedule with our flexible, self-paced format. Pause, rewind, and revisit lessons as needed to ensure understanding and mastery.
Who Is This Program For?
* All Dog Owners: Whether you’ve just welcomed a puppy into your home or wanting to correct those bad walking habits with your more mature dog, this program is perfect for beginners looking to establish good walking habits from the start.
Transform Your Walks Today!
Enroll in the 🌟 Walking Program 🌟 today to start building your best walk! Use the link below or use the link in our bio!
https://www.k9universitydogtraining.com/challenge-page/5ee74f89-a23e-470f-ab1b-2a74820e484f
#dogtraining #twincities #obediencetraining
🌟 Details 🌟
Doing walking drills like this is a great way to get your dog “tuned” into you and ready for your walk. This is just one of the many things that is taught in our ⭐️ Walking Program ⭐️
Our program included you all of the beginning stages of how to build a solid walking foundation, how to teach these skills to your pup, and how to achieve continued success!
The ⭐️ Walking Program ⭐️ includes:
🐾 The importance of building a strong relationship and what that looks like
🐾 The concepts of leash pressure and how to teach leash pressure
🐾 Engagement exercises with videos to get your dog “tuned” into you
🐾 How to teach a basic and structured walk
🐾 How to choose the right tools
🐾 How to use praise and food
🐾 Bonus materials like how to teach “sit”
This program launches April 1st!!
Get on our waitlist today for a 15% off discount code!
https://forms.gle/qXtZpDELTzRJ1WTu7
#obediencetraining #twincities #dogtraining
🌟 DETAILS HERE 🌟
At a young age, some dogs learn that pulling on the leash gets them to what they want. Maybe they want to sniff everything, go faster, go in the other direction, or greet people passing by. This can make your walks with your pup exhausting and seem like work.
In our 🌟 Walking Program 🌟 you will learn
🐾 how to build a relationship with your dog that promotes listening
🐾 how to get your dog “tuned into you”
🐾 how to teach a loose leash walk to your pup
If you want to enjoy your walks with your pup and build a stronger relationship with them then you will want to check out our 🌟 Walking Program 🌟 that launches April 1st!!
Get on our waitlist today to be notified when it drops!
https://forms.gle/qXtZpDELTzRJ1WTu7
#dogtraining #obediencetraining #minnesota #twincities
Walking Program
🌟 DETAILS HERE 🌟
At a young age, some dogs learn that pulling on the leash gets them to what they want. Maybe they want to sniff everything, go faster, go in the other direction, or greet people passing by. This can make your walks with your pup exhausting and seem like work.
In our 🌟 Walking Program 🌟 you will learn
🐾 how to build a relationship with your dog that promotes listening
🐾 how to get your dog “tuned into you”
🐾 how to teach a loose leash walk to your pup
If you want to enjoy your walks with your pup and build a stronger relationship with them then you will want to check out our 🌟 Walking Program 🌟 that launches April 1st!!
Get on our waitlist today to be notified when it drops!
https://forms.gle/qXtZpDELTzRJ1WTu7
#dogtraining #obediencetraining #minnesota #twincities
