Unleashed with Auli Lovoi

07/10/2025

🐾 Come When Called – Dog Training Guide
A lifesaving skill every dog should know

💡 Why It Matters
Teaching your dog to come when called ("recall") is one of the most important safety skills. Whether your dog slips out the front door or gets off-leash at the park, a strong recall can bring them back safely.

✅ Step-by-Step Training
1. Start Simple (Low Distraction)
Say your dog’s name.
Then say “Come!” in a happy, excited tone.
Take a step back and reward with a treat or toy when they reach you.
2. Practice on a Long Leash
Use a 15–30 ft leash in a safe open space.
Let them explore, then call “Come!” once.
Reel in gently if needed. Reward big when they arrive.
3. Make Coming FUN
Use high-value rewards (chicken, cheese, favorite toy).
Celebrate like they just won a gold medal!
Never call them for something they dislike (bath, crate, etc.).
4. Level Up with Distractions
Gradually practice in busier areas (yard, park, etc.).
Reward even more for coming through distractions!
5. Turn It Into a Game
🕵️‍♂️ Hide & Seek: Call them from another room.
🏃‍♀️ Chase Me: Call and run away for them to follow.
🤝 Two-Person Recall: Call them back and forth between two people.

❌ Common Mistakes
Don’t repeat the cue over and over.
Don’t call them for negative experiences.
Never punish your dog for coming late—always reward the effort!

🐶 Pro Tip:
Recall is a muscle—use it often, reward it well, and keep it fun. Make “Come!” their favorite word!

Download this handout from my website: https://www.unleashedwithaulilovoi.com/

07/09/2025

Positive reinforcement trainers often avoid the term "owner" and instead use words like guardian, parent, or caretaker for a few key reasons:

🧠 1. Mindset Shift
"Owner" implies possession — like you own an object.
Positive reinforcement trainers want to emphasize a relationship based on trust, respect, and cooperation, not control or dominance.

❤️ 2. Ethical & Emotional Framing
Calling someone a guardian or pet parent helps people see their dog as a sentient being, not property.
It encourages compassion and empathy rather than control-based thinking.

🐾 3. Training Philosophy Alignment
Positive reinforcement is all about choice, consent, and communication.
Using language that reflects mutual respect fits better with this style of training than terms rooted in ownership or dominance.

🌎 4. Animal Welfare Movement
In some places (like parts of California and Canada), cities have legally replaced the word “owner” with guardian in municipal codes to promote better treatment of animals.
Trainers often align with that movement to support broader animal welfare goals.

In short: the word choice is intentional, and part of creating a more respectful and modern approach to living and working with dogs.

https://www.unleashedwithaulilovoi.com/

07/08/2025

Some exciting new!!🎉

I was invited to be interviewed by Gobal Podcast Network.

Tune in at 2:20pm est. tomorrow, to hear me live talk about what I love to do!!🧡

07/08/2025

Consistency is one of the most important parts of dog training because it creates clear communication, builds trust, and helps your dog learn faster and more reliably. Here’s why:

🧠 1. Dogs Learn Through Repetition and Patterns
Dogs don’t speak our language, so they learn by noticing patterns. If you reward a behavior sometimes but not others, it confuses them. Consistency helps them understand, “When I do this, I always get that.”

📣 2. Clear Expectations = Less Confusion
If you're inconsistent with commands or rules (e.g., letting them on the couch some days but not others), your dog won't know what you expect. This leads to frustration and disobedience—not because they’re stubborn, but because they’re unsure.

❤️ 3. It Builds Trust
Dogs feel safer and more secure when their environment is predictable. Consistency in training and daily routines helps your dog feel calm and confident.

🕰 4. Faster Results
When everyone in the household uses the same rules and cues, your dog learns faster. Mixed messages slow down progress.

🧍‍♀️Example:
Let’s say you’re teaching “sit”:
✅ If you always reward with a treat and praise right after they sit, they’ll quickly understand what “sit” means.
❌ If you sometimes say “sit,” sometimes “sit down,” and sometimes forget to reward them, they’ll get confused and respond less reliably.

💡 Pro Tip:
Be consistent in:
The cues you use
Your tone of voice
The timing of rewards
Your household rules (e.g., where they’re allowed to go, when they eat, etc.)

https://www.unleashedwithaulilovoi.com/

07/07/2025

🚫 Leave It – One of the Most Powerful Life Skills! 🐾

“Leave it” isn’t just about ignoring snacks on the sidewalk — it’s about impulse control, safety, and communication.

Whether it’s a dropped pill, a squirrel, or another dog’s toy, Leave It teaches your dog to look to YOU instead of diving in.

💡 Training Tip:
Start with a boring treat in your closed hand. When your pup stops sniffing or licking, say “Yes!” and reward with something even better from your other hand. Build slowly to more tempting items on the floor!

✨ Remember:
✅ Be patient
✅ Reward for making good choices
✅ Practice in low distraction areas first

Your dog’s safety and your peace of mind are worth it. 🧡

https://www.unleashedwithaulilovoi.com/

07/04/2025

How Positive Reinforcement changed me 🧡

Before I was educated in positive reinforcement, I would get upset at things very easily, especially when it came to training my dog. I took classes to help with my anger in hopes of improving myself and my dog training skills. The classes helped me, but I found myself still having trouble training my dog. I would regularly use shock and prong collars because they are easy to access. However, once I discovered "positive reinforcement training," I saw a tremendous improvement in my dogs' trainability, and they seemed much happier.

After my certificate, I started changing the way I approach challenges by ensuring I was using a positive approach. Starting with my dogs. In the beginning, I could still feel that frustration inside of me when I would see my dogs behaving poorly and not listening. But i realized my dogs were not used to hearing a cue being spoken, only a command being yelled.

It's been 5 years since I earned my certificate, and I've learned to use positive reinforcement in everything I do. People and dogs are similar in the fact that we do something to get something out of it. For example, my toddler puts his toys away because he knows that once he's done, his dad will dance all around and praise him. This excites my toddler, so he likes to put his toys away now. More examples include "finish your food, then we can play outside", or "pick up your toys, then you can have screen time". Setting up our toddlers to be responsible adults. We need to do the same with our dogs, setting them up for success, not waiting to react with punishment.

Before becoming a positive reinforcement trainer, my dog would break out of the kennel and run away constantly. Now he is willing to go into his kennel just to relax; it has become a safe place, not a punishment. He also used to struggle staying by me on walks and pulling away from me. Now he has no trouble at all because I've taught him that if he does well on the walk, he will get to stop whenever he wants to smell things and enjoy the scenery. No more color pop needed, just compromise.

When you hire me to train your dog, the first thing you'll hear me say is "I'm teaching YOU how to train your dog". I'm only with your "fur-babies" for a limited time; you're with them for a lifetime. It's important you know all the same tips a tricks that I do.

My certificate made me a better mom, wife, friend, and all-around better person. If you hire me as your trainer, my goal is simple. It's not only to help you communicate better with your dog but to hopefully make you a better person, too! 🧡

https://www.unleashedwithaulilovoi.com/

07/03/2025

Dogs are social animals, but calling them pack animals can be a bit misleading depending on the context.

✅ Here's what’s true:

Dogs evolved from wolves, which do live in packs.

They naturally form social groups and thrive on companionship.

Dogs often seek structure, boundaries, and leadership in a social setting (with other dogs or humans).

❌ But here’s what’s not quite accurate:

The old idea that dogs need a "dominant alpha" is outdated. It came from early wolf studies on captive animals, not wild ones.

Wild wolves live in family units, not strict dominance hierarchies. The "alpha" is usually just the parent.

Trying to be a "pack leader" through force or dominance can harm trust and behavior.

🧡 So what does this mean for training?

Dogs do need structure and clear communication.

They bond deeply with their humans and other animals.

Use positive reinforcement and consistent boundaries—this builds a secure and respectful relationship.

In short: dogs are social, thrive in groups, and do well with structure—but we don’t need to be their "alpha." We just need to be their trusted guide.

https://www.unleashedwithaulilovoi.com/

07/02/2025

🎯 NO JEALOUSY GAME
Teach your dog that sharing attention is no big deal!

Jealous behaviors like nudging, barking, or shoving between dogs (or even with people!) can be cute at first… until they’re not. 😬
This simple game teaches your dog that good things still come, even when attention goes elsewhere.

👣 How to Play:

1. Start Calm
Get your dog settled. Use a leash if needed.

2. Praise One, Treat the Other
If you have two dogs:

Pet Dog A, then give a treat to Dog B.

Switch: pet Dog B, treat Dog A.

Just one dog?

Give a hug to a person, or talk to a stuffed animal (yes, really 😂), then treat your dog when they stay calm!

3. Reward Chill Behavior
Calm watching? Quiet sitting? That’s what earns the treat!

4. End with a Release Word
“Okay!” or “All done!” lets them know the game’s over.

💡 Why It Works:
Instead of feeling left out, your dog learns that staying relaxed = rewards. Over time, jealousy fades and confidence grows. 🙌

🐶 Try it a few minutes a day.
👏 Celebrate the little wins.
💛 Share the love — and the treats!

https://www.unleashedwithaulilovoi.com/

07/01/2025

🐶Training Tip Tuesday!!!
Training recall by running away from your dog is actually a smart and highly effective method, especially for dogs who love to chase or have strong play drives. Here are some practical tips to use this strategy successfully:

🐾 Why Running Away Works
Dogs are naturally drawn to movement—especially playful, retreating movement. Running away taps into their chase instinct and makes you more fun and exciting than distractions around them.

✅ Step-by-Step: Recall Training Using "Run Away"
Start in a Safe, Enclosed Area Use a fenced yard, long leash (15–30 ft), or safe open space.
Get Your Dog’s Attention Call your dog’s name excitedly: “Buddy, come!” or just “Buddy!” Wait until they look at you.
Immediately Turn and Run Away Run a few steps in the opposite direction, clapping or whooping like it's a game. Make it high-energy: “Let’s gooo!”
Reward When They Catch You As your dog runs to you, stop, crouch down, and reward with:
High-value treats
Tug or toy play
Verbal praise
Pets/scratches (if your dog loves those)
Repeat Often Mix up locations and distances. Add distractions slowly as your dog improves.

🧠 Pro Tips
Keep it Playful: Be silly, use a fun tone. Your dog should associate recall with a party.
Use a Cue Word Consistently: Pick one—like “Come!” or “Here!”—and use it only when you can follow through.
Avoid Punishment: Never scold a dog for coming late—it ruins trust.
Practice Frequently: 3–5 minutes daily beats a long weekly session.
Add Distance Gradually: Start close, then stretch out the distance as your dog succeeds.

🚫 Common Mistakes
Repeating the cue over and over (“Buddy…Buddy!...BUDDY!!!”) — say it once, then get moving.
Grabbing the collar or leashing immediately — make recall fun before ending the freedom.
Only calling when something unpleasant follows (e.g. bath, crate) — occasionally call and reward, then let them go play again.

Want help making a weekly recall training plan or turning this into a game like hide-and-seek or “chase me”? Just let me know! 🧡

https://www.unleashedwithaulilovoi.com/

06/27/2025

06/27/2025

Crate training your dog has many benefits, both for you and your dog. As long as it is not over used!! I always try to push for a spare room or an exercise pen. Here’s why it’s important:

🐾 Benefits for the Dog:

1. Creates a Safe Space:
Dogs are den animals by nature. A crate gives them a cozy, secure place to relax and feel safe.

2. Reduces Anxiety:
When properly introduced, a crate can help reduce stress during loud events (like fireworks) or when left alone.

3. Aids in House Training:
Dogs naturally avoid soiling their sleeping and eating area, making crates useful for teaching bladder and bowel control.

4. Supports Routine & Structure:
Having set times for crate rest helps puppies and adult dogs learn self-control and follow a routine.

🐶 Benefits for You (the Gardian):

1. Protects Your Home:
A crate keeps your dog from chewing furniture or getting into dangerous things while unsupervised.

2. Easier Travel & Vet Visits:
Dogs familiar with crates travel more calmly and are less stressed in crates at the vet or groomer.

3. Simplifies Training:
A crate helps manage behavior by limiting access to areas where bad habits could form.

✅ Tips for Successful Crate Training:

Make it positive: Use treats, toys, and calm praise to make the crate a happy place.

Never use it as punishment.

Keep it short at first and gradually build time.

Let your dog out before they cry to avoid reinforcing whining.

When done correctly, crate training is a kind and effective way to raise a happy, well-adjusted dog. Want help with a crate training plan? Message me! 🧡

https://www.unleashedwithaulilovoi.com/