Better Bond Dog Training

10/22/2024

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•Pet your dog, all the time
•Talk to your dog, all the time
•Allow your dog to follow you, all the time
•Allow your dog to be on your lap or laying on your feet, all the time
•Pet, soothe, comfort your dog when it whines or barks for attention...or is simply anxious
•Allow your dog to demand affection/interactions
•Be emotionally dependent on your dog to the point that unhealthy dependency and interactions are no longer noticed
•Allow your dog to do whatever it wants, whenever it wants—aka, provide no structure, rules, or accountability
•Foster an environment of chaos, stress, and anxiety
•Refuse to train and pattern calmness
•Refuse to crate train your dog
•Refuse to correct your dog when inappropriate behavior occurs
•Refuse to train your dog how to be independent/alone by using a “Place” command, “Downstay, and/or “away” time in the crate
•Let your dog out of the crate when it whines or barks
•Avoid training or anything that makes your dog temporarily uncomfortable or unhappy—in other words, cater to your dog’s every desire/need, designing your life around your dog, rather than having your dog fit into yours
•And many, many more...

Basically, baby, soothe, allow, enable, disable, lean on, omit teaching necessary life skills, prioritize what feels good for you rather than what does good for your dog, and through this master plan of leadership-free chaos, and systematic cultivation of creating a toxic dependency between dog and human...you’ll ensure that when you leave, your dog will be a true emotional mess, because you haven’t prepared them to be calm, obedient, strong, resilient, robust, independent, and alone.

09/16/2024

Thank you, Sandy, for your wonderful review! It was such a pleasure working with you and Luna!

06/03/2024

Anyone else? Loki & Tosh do this to me every day.

05/21/2024

05/20/2024

This is so important. Growling is communication. A dog is saying I am uncomfortable with something or I don't want someone/thing to do something.

If you punish the growl, you are saying it is not okay for your dog to communicate.

What happens next?

The dog skips the growl and goes straight to a bite.

Moral of the story...listen when your dog communicates and learn how to help them feel better about a situation instead of punishing them for how they feel.

04/22/2024

🐾 Why Dog Training Isn't Just About Being "Good" 🐾

Ever thought your furry friend needed to be "good"? Let’s rethink that! Dogs don’t dream about being good - they act based on what feels right in the moment, like that naughty nibble on your favorite shoe might just be their way of coping with your absence. 🐶💔

Here’s the scoop: WE are the ones responsible for teaching our pups the ropes, deciphering right from wrong in their world. It’s not about transforming them with magic tricks but about guiding them with consistent standards and a clear understanding of house rules. 🏠✨

Training isn’t about demanding perfection; it’s about communication and consistency. Dogs excel when they know exactly what’s expected of them, and guess what? They can’t read minds! So, if chewing the furniture gets them attention (even if it's negative), why would they stop?

That's where leadership steps in - not to dominate but to guide. Your role isn't just about setting boundaries, it's about nurturing an environment where your dog chooses to follow them, knowing exactly where they stand with you. 🌟

Remember, a well-behaved dog isn’t a product of rigorous training sessions alone but of a relationship built on mutual respect and clear communication. Every interaction is a learning opportunity, a chance to foster trust and understanding. 🐕💬

So next time your pup eyes that expensive shoe, remember: Your behavior shapes theirs. Set the stage for a harmonious life together, not by demanding they be "good," but by guiding them on how to be their best self. 🌈🐾

04/19/2024

Setting boundaries helps your dog know how to be a good friend. It's like teaching them the rules of a game. This way, they understand how to make you happy and how to fit into the family better. It's not about saying "no" all the time. It's more like showing them the way to a big "yes."

Not having rules can be confusing and scary for dogs. When they know what the rules are, they feel safer and trust you more. This trust makes life nicer and more peaceful for both of you. So, setting boundaries is actually a way to let your dog know you care.

Telling your dog the rules is one way you show you love them. It means you want them to be happy and safe. When you both understand each other better, your friendship grows stronger. This is how you both end up really enjoying being together.

In the end, teaching your dog the rules is a big part of loving them. It helps them know how to be a great part of the family. It's not just about following commands; it's about making a happy home together. By being clear about the rules, you help build a loving and respectful relationship.

Comment with the boundary you wish you had set earlier in your dog's life.

04/15/2024

Dog training isn't just about commands and tools. It's about letting our dogs be part of our family without controlling their every move. When we notice and reward the good things they do on their own, it makes living together easier and happier.

We want our dogs to fit into our lives naturally. We don't always need to tell them what to do. Sometimes, it's better to let them choose to be calm or friendly because they want to, not because we told them.

Rewarding our dogs for good behavior they show on their own is important. It helps them learn to make good choices without us having to say anything. This way, they become great companions who know how to act around us and in our world.

Dog training is about more than just teaching tricks. It's about helping our dogs understand how to live with us. By focusing on their natural good behavior and encouraging it, we help them become a happy and loved part of our family.

Comment below and tell me what behaviors your dog does that you could reward more frequently to improve their behavior.

04/12/2024

Unraveling the mystery behind your dog's bad behavior often leads to a surprising revelation: it's not just about the dog. As dog owners, our actions, or sometimes our lack of action, play a pivotal role in shaping our furry friends' behavior. Recognizing and addressing common mistakes we make during dog training is the first step towards a solution.

One frequent oversight is inconsistency. Dogs thrive on clear, consistent signals. When we're unpredictable, it confuses them, making it hard for them to understand what we expect. Another issue is miscommunication, where our verbal or body language sends mixed signals, again leading to confusion.

Overcoming these hurdles is a journey we embark on together with our dogs. It starts with self-reflection and a willingness to learn and adapt. Consistency in commands and responses, patience during the learning process, and clear, positive communication are key elements in this transformation. It's about building a mutual understanding and working together towards the common goal of happy, well-behaved companionship.

Remember, dog training is a two-way street. It's not just about teaching your dog; it's about learning how to be a better guide and companion for them. Together, through understanding and cooperation, you can unravel and resolve bad behavior, paving the way for a harmonious relationship.

Comment below and share a daily activity where you could better incorporate training consistency.

04/08/2024

When you begin training your dog, envision it as the start of a journey you're embarking on together. Every word, game, and lesson shapes their understanding and how you interact as a team.

Training goes beyond just commands; it’s about establishing a partnership based on mutual respect and clear communication.

The early stages of training are a perfect time to build trust and guide your dog with kindness, patience, and consistency. This approach helps your dog grasp expectations and feel supported, making learning a positive experience for both of you.

By focusing on the basics early on, you create a foundation for a strong, cooperative relationship. It's about creating an environment where learning is a shared adventure, filled with growth and mutual support.

Starting with the right approach in training sets the tone for your journey together. It’s all about growing, learning, and enjoying life side by side.

Each moment you share is an opportunity to strengthen your teamwork, making every step of the way meaningful and full of discovery.

04/05/2024

Training is worth the investment to not have to spend even more later.

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Let’s include vet bills from dogs fighting over resources in the home. Let’s include what it will cost to fix learned behavior rather than learn how to safely prevent it.

I always remind people that they must invest for expert help on anything they want done right.
Dog training is no different.

04/05/2024

In the journey of dog training, love intertwines with leadership to guide your dog to happiness. Leadership, rooted in guidance and consistency, transforms love into respect and understanding, setting the stage for a balanced relationship.

Finding the right mix of love and leadership avoids confusion and misbehavior, creating a bond filled with respect and warmth. This balance ensures your dog feels connected and secure, recognizing you as a leader filled with affection.

Leadership is an expression of love, showing your dog that following you leads to a safe, adventurous world where discipline means more chances for praise. Together, love and leadership pave the way to happiness, establishing a deep, respectful connection.













The aim of training goes beyond commands, fostering a relationship of mutual respect and love. This balanced approach not only results in a well-behaved companion but enriches the bond you share, making your journey together one of growth and understanding.

04/03/2024

In the dance of dog training, praise is our rhythm, cheering on the actions we hope to see from our dogs. It's a powerful tool, but its impact hinges on being selective and timely.

Properly given, praise turns training into a fun and rewarding journey.

Picture a song composed of a single note played over and over again. It would quickly become monotonous and lose its appeal, right?

When every little thing is praised, dogs might get confused about what truly merits reward. This can lessen their motivation or make them think any action is praise-worthy.

It's crucial to save our enthusiastic cheers for the moments that matter, guiding them towards the behaviors we truly value.

By pledging to praise intentionally, we spotlight the achievements that count, helping our dogs understand and strive for the actions that bring us joy.

This approach strengthens our communication and fosters a motivated, eager-to-learn companion. In our shared training journey, let's use praise wisely, making each step in this dance meaningful and enjoyable.

03/31/2024

Happy Easter from our pack to yours!

03/29/2024

In the midst of our bustling days and the engaging challenge of dog training, we often lose sight of something fundamental: the power of relaxation. More than a simple pause, teaching our dogs to embrace calmness on their own is arguably more crucial than mastering a repertoire of commands. The goal isn't to micromanage every action with a "sit" or "down," but to nurture a companion who chooses serenity alongside us, without needing constant cues.

Introducing relaxation training into our routine places a spotlight on the importance of rewarding calm behavior naturally occurring. This approach encourages our dogs to seek out peace without our prompt, creating an environment where calmness begets calmness. It’s about cultivating an understanding that the most rewarding state can simply be being together, at ease.

By prioritizing relaxation, we're not just teaching our dogs a command; we're guiding them towards a lifestyle. This focus on voluntary tranquility means less stress for both of you, as your dog learns to value calmness as much as you do. Rewarding these moments of spontaneous quietude reinforces a cycle of positive choices, leading to a dog who knows how to settle down independently.

This shift towards valuing relaxation above all teaches us a valuable lesson in training and companionship. It's not the flurry of commands that build the deepest bonds, but the shared moments of calm. Emphasizing and rewarding relaxation creates a dog who doesn't just respond to commands but understands the deeper bliss of shared silence.

In essence, while commands have their place, the true art of dog training may well lie in teaching our furry friends to find peace on their own. Rewarding these choices of calm behavior crafts a bond not built on constant direction but on mutual respect and understanding for the need for tranquility. Let's cherish and nurture these moments of peace, for they are the foundation of a truly harmonious relationship.

03/27/2024

In the captivating universe of canine coaching, treats are far more than mere morsels of food. Imagine them as the golden coins of an intricate communication system between you and your pawed pal. They are, indeed, the language of love and understanding that bridges the gap between human and hound.

The allure of this system, however, lies in its subtleties. Treats are not handed out like mindless snacks at a party. Oh no! They are the hard-earned rewards of diligence and discipline. They are the tangible markers of moments of triumph, the sweet taste of victory that solidifies the 'aha' moments in your dog's mind.

Every time your dog earns a treat, it's not just the flavor that delights them. It's the euphoria of accomplishment, the pride of a job well done. It's the surge of joy that comes with the realization that good behavior has delicious consequences.

Yet, like any fine art, the art of treat-giving thrives on balance. The joy of earning treats should be carefully balanced with the establishment of clear boundaries and expectations. In this delicate dance between discipline and reward, your dog embarks on a journey of learning that is both effective and filled with happiness.

Used wisely, treats can reinforce good behavior without overshadowing the importance of structure and mutual respect. They become a powerful tool to carve the path towards a well-behaved, content companion.

So, let's indulge our dogs, but with purpose and love. Let's use every treat as a golden opportunity to strengthen our bond and encourage the behaviors we want to see. Because in the end, giving treats isn't just about handing out snacks. It's about crafting moments of joy and achievement that will guide your dog towards becoming the best version of themselves. This, my friends, is the true magic of dog training. It's a journey filled with love, discipline, and lots of tasty rewards!

03/13/2024

Please help us in wishing one of our student dogs, Bailey, a very happy 2nd birthday!