Dog Training 101

11/24/2025

You might be wondering why I am posting about taking your Thanksgiving turkey out of the freezer. I’m actually not going to be giving cooking advice. When you take your turkey out of the freezer, it’s a great time to put your dog’s Kongs in! As you plan your Thanksgiving menu and activities, also make a plan for your dog. How can you set them up for a successful day of having good behavior? Where will they be when guests arrive? How about when you are eating dinner? My dogs will be enjoying their stuffed/frozen Kongs while I am eating.
Planning for your dog today will help them have better Thanksgiving celebration.

(I’ve put some links to websites that have creative Kong stuffing ideas in the comments.)

11/21/2025

11/21/2025

It’s amazing how much a puppy can learn while also getting socialized to other people, dogs, places, sights, sounds, surfaces, and even a vacuum cleaner!

11/10/2025

Our Beginner Manners and Puppy Preschool swigs learned about going to a mat as well as other skills last week. My camera is still having a hard time with the lights in the room so several “not so good” pictures.

11/02/2025

It’s been great watching the dogs in the beginner manners class improve their skills in just the first couple weeks of class! Everyone is off to a great start.

10/31/2025

*New classes are available starting in November. Preregistration is required.
*Classes are taught at the Pet Supplies Plus pet store in Jacksonville, IL.
*If the posted classes fill, additional classes will be added.
*Individual lessons are also available.
*Contact Dog Training 101 with questions, to register for a class, or to schedule an individual lesson.

10/30/2025

Halloween is here! What's your game plan to make the holiday safe and stress free for your dog? Here are some ideas..
* Not all dogs like wearing costumes. You might want to opt for Halloween themed collars, leashes, or a bandanas.
* If you are going to have your dog wear a costumes, practice several times before the big day. Pair putting the costume on and wearing the costume with treats. Only ask your dog to wear the costume for short periods of time when you start.
* If you dog doesn't like wearing costumes, take their picture and photoshop a costume on them for a fun picture.
* Remember that costumes can hide important body language that dogs rely on. Use caution when around other dogs.

What about all the trick-or-treaters coming to your door, especially wearing costumes that many dogs find scary?
* If your dog gets overexcited when people come to the door, you may want to keep your dog in a back room or bedroom when all of the kids are stopping by for candy. Give your dog a safe, long lasting chew or stuffed, frozen Kong and allow them to hang out away from all the action. You may even be able to let your dog watch the Charlie Brown Halloween show!
* If the doorbell gets your dog worked up, wait for the trick-or-treaters on your porch.

By following these tips, you and your dog can enjoy a safe, not scary, Halloween!

10/29/2025

Here are just some of the puppies in the current Puppy Preschool class! More pictures of the other puppies to come in the weeks ahead. The class is off to a great start!
(My camera and the lights in the room couldn’t seem to get along!)

10/26/2025

I couldn’t agree more with the skills listed in this video! I’ll have to add a “household chores” class!

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1ADAw5AFdY/?mibextid=wwXIfr

10/08/2025

Here are some of our most recent Beginner Manners class graduates. Everyone did a great job training their dogs! Congratulations on a job well done!

We missed those of you whose dogs were on the disabled list or who has conflicts this week!