Raise The Woof Dog Training

As cute as the ghost trend looks on your feed, this “outift” unfortunately prevents movement and blocks our dog’s vision. Let’s go ahead and skip the ghost trend this year and keep our dogs comfortable and confident this Halloween. If your dog is anxious in costume, opt for a Halloween-themed collar or bandana instead. Also, let’s go ahead and keep the photoshoot sessions short. These pics may be cute, but remember most dogs would rather just be dogs than influencers. #forcefreetraining #positivereinforcementtraining #postivereinforcementdogtraining #dogtraining #dogtrainingtips #dogtraining101 #advoateforyourdog #forcefreedogtraining #517living #517community #lovelansing #ghosttrend #halloween #doghalloween #fearfreehalloween #fearfreehalloweencostume #fearfree #fearfreepets

Fall Enrichment Tip: “Play Find” It In A Pile Of Leaves

👃Did you know that dogs have up to 300 million scent receptors compared to just 5 million in humans? Their sense of smell is 10,000 to 100,000 times more sensitive than ours, making sniffing not just enjoyable, but crucial for their well-being. Allowing your dog to use their nose reduces stress and encourages relaxation. Sniffing is a powerful mental workout, activating the brain in ways that help them process their environment and gain a sense of accomplishment. For dogs, sniffing is how they truly “see” the world, so giving them the time to explore through scent is cruical for their mental health. For my big feelings girl, I use the “find it” game to help manage her triggers. This game redirects her attention from stressors to a rewarding task that naturally can bring her back into a calm state. 🍂Want a fun fall enrichment idea? Try playing “find it” in a pile of leaves! Toss a treat, give the cue, and let your dog dive into a scent-filled adventure. 🙌✨ #enrichmentfordogs #enrichment #letthemsniff #LetDogsSniff #DogEnrichment #ReactiveDogTips #Falldogs #patterngamesfordogs #sniffari #dogtrainingtips #dogtraining #reactivity #reactivitytraining

Fall Enrichment Ideas & Tricks Training

I get it, it can be tough when you have a reactive dog and don’t get to attend the fall, dog-friendly events in your community. If you can relate to this my advice to you is to bring the fall fun into your backyard! Nothing is stopping you! 🎃🍂 Tricks training is a great way to build your dog’s confidence, get out their excess energy, and meet their needs with enrichment. When we fill our dog’s cups we often see a reduction in the “undesirable” or frustrating behaviors we find in our dogs, which is why I love tricks training! Also it is a great way to grow your bond with your dog. 🎃For a fall enrichment idea with a tricks training twist, grab a pumpkin from your local pumpkin patch and have them place two paws on it. Not only will this trick get you a super cute IG-worthy photo, it is a great way to teach your dog balance and build up their confidence. What tricks are you currently working on with your dog? Share with me in the comments! 👇 🙌Two Paws Up Tutorial: Prepare: Gather treats, find a quiet space, and use a sturdy, low object like a stool. Get Attention: Hold a treat to capture your dog’s focus. Lure to Object: Guide your dog’s nose toward the object, encouraging them to place both front paws on it. Add Cue: Once they reliably place paws, introduce the cue “Two Paws Up” and gradually reduce treat luring. Practice: Build confidence by increasing time on the object and practicing in different environments. #dogtraining #dogtraining101 #reactivedogtraining #tricksdog #trickstraining #dogenrichment #enrichment #enrichmentfordogs #dogtricks #domorewithyourdog #enrichmentideas #fall #fallenrichment #fall #falldog #dogsofmichigan #michigandogs #lansingdogs #lansingdogparents #517living #517community #lovelansing

I hate to break it to you, but there are no “quick fixes” in dog training. If a trainer promises fast or guaranteed results, that’s a red flag 🚩 and you’ll likely be disappointed when progress doesn’t come as expected. 💀🪦 Real change in your dog’s undesirable behaviors takes time, consistency, and patience. When selecting a dog trainer, keep these AVSAB guidelines in mind: ✨Evidence-Based Practices: They should rely on scientific methods and modern dog training methods. ✨Uses Positive Reinforcement: Effective training focuses on rewarding good behavior. Steer clear of trainers who rely on aversive tools or methods, as these can negatively affect your dog’s psychological well-being and physical development and may cause future fear/aggression behaviors. ✨Individualized Approach: Training should be tailored to your dog’s specific needs. ✨Continual Education: They should stay updated with the latest training techniques. ✨No Guarantees: Be wary of trainers who promise quick fixes or guaranteed results. ✨Vaccination Requirements: Ensure they prioritize the health and safety of all dogs. Choosing a dog trainer is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your dog, as it can significantly influence their future behaviors and wellbeing. If you’re a #Lansing area dog parent seeking humane and effective training for your dog or puppy, comment “training” to get started on your journey towards lasting change! #lansingmichigan #dogsoflansing #dogsofmichigan #michigandogs #dogtraining #dogtraining101 #positivereinforcementtraining #positivereinforcementdogtraining

How To Get Your Dog To Focus On You

My 3 Simple Training Tips To Gain Your Dog’s Focus 🙌👇 1. Start in a distraction-free and indoor environment when socializing a new cue; I recommend to clients to start in their living room! 2. Incorporate game-based training methods to keep your dog engaged in the training session. This video shows a game I like to call “Around-The-Clock Stay.”It builds on your dog’s resilience and focus as you move around them (in a clock ⏰ movement), where they learn focusing on you is the most exciting thing they can do (leads to rewards like treats!) 3. Teach your dog a “look @ me” cue so they can learn to keep focus and with practice you’ll be able to build upon the cue in more distracting environments. 🙌 Are you in the #Lansing area and ready to find a focused and resilient companion? ✨Comment “training” to learn more about our dog training services. #517living #517community #dogtraining #puppytraining #dogsofmichigan #michigandogs #lansingdogs #lansingdogparents #dogsoflansing #dogparentsoflansing #lovelansing

Reactivity Training Tip: Wait The Cue Out

Why, during #reactivity training, do I wait it out before repeating a cue? 🤔 I want to give her the time to take in and process the environment, allowing her to decide not to engage with the triggers she finds scary or overwhelming. This approach helps her build resilience. On a recent walk with Riese, she was first triggered by a bunny (just off to the left of the video, barely visible and what I was initially trying to capture on my phone), and then, within minutes, by another distraction—two dogs with their owners heading outside. We were at a far enough distance where she wasn’t over her threshold and could choose to focus back on me. Every small victory, like the one shown here, is progress, so I choose to celebrate! 💬 What little wins have you noticed in your dog’s training journey over the past week? Share them in the comments! 👇 #ReactiveDogSupport #DogParentTips #lansing #lovelansing #lansingdogs #dogsoflansing #dogsofmichigan #michigandogs #reactivity #reactivitytraining #reactivedogawareness #advocateforyourdog #reactivedogs #517living #dogtraining #dogtraining101 #reactivityindogs #dogreactivity #leashreactivity #reactivitytips

Friday Gentle Reminder: Meet Your Dog’s Needs

As a dog trainer, I can easily shift into training mode and want to focus on improving Riese’s leash reactivity. However, sometimes the best thing for both of us is to take a step back and enjoy a walk at her pace and her leading the way. 👃Why do I take sniffari walks and recommend it to my clients? ✨Walking at your dog’s preferred pace and direction is mentally stimulating for them and it can help reduce frustration and reactivity. Simply put, sniffari walks cater to your dog’s natural instincts and needs, creating a more relaxed and positive walking experience for both ends of the leash 🎉Happy Labor Day and if you’re looking for something fun to do with your dog on your day off, try a sniffari!

Are you fed-up with walks filled with lunging and pulling? Here's the ✨Secret Sauce✨ for exercising your leash-reactive dog without having to take an actual walk. 👇 Channel your dog's excess energy with enrichment! Let your dog sniff, explore, and try some playground Parkour. It’s amazing how fulfilling your dog’s mental and physical needs leads to a calmer, more confident companion. Many unwanted behaviors like jumping, excessive barking, or counter-surfing can be managed with the right mental stimulation. What unique enrichment activities do you use beyond a lickimat or stuffed Kong/Toppl? Share with me in the comments. #DogEnrichment #CanineEnrichment #MentalStimulationForDogs #EnrichedDogsAreHappyDogs #DogTrainingFun #EnrichmentForDogs #DogBrainGames #HappyEnrichedPups #EnrichmentMatters #Lansing #DogTraining101 #DogsofLansing #LansingDogs #LansingDogTrainer #517living #517community #lovelansing #dogparentsoflansing #lansingdogparents #lansingdogmom

✨Your Friday Gentle Reminder✨ Just like every person, every dog is living its own unique experience. Their behaviors, choices, and personalities are shaped by their Learning, Environment, Genetics, and Self—what is called the L.E.G.S.™ approach in ethology. Understanding a dog through the L.E.G.S.™ framework allows us to see them as individuals with unique needs and behaviors. It emphasizes the importance of considering all aspects of a dog's life when addressing behavioral issues or training. ✨Why Is It Important In Dog Training? ✨ L.E.G.S.™ is important in dog training because it provides a holistic understanding of a dog's behavior, allowing trainers and owners to tailor their approach to each individual dog. #dogsoflansing #dogsofgrandrapids #dogtraining #dogtrainingtips #dogtraining101 #reactivity #forcefreetraining #positivereinforcementtraining #positivereinforcementdogtraining #grandrapidsdogparents #lansingdogparents #lansingdogmom #lansing #517living #517community #dogtrainer #lovelansing #bodylanguage #dogbodylanguage #advocateforyourdog #legs #legsanimalethology #animalbehavior #caninebodylanguage #lansing #animalethology #ethology #experienceGR #grandrapids #thepackindoordogpark

We don’t expect humans to be perfect, so why would we expect otherwise from our dogs? Sometimes we unintentionally place our dogs on an unattainable pedestal of perfection, dictating how they “should” act. We end up feeling frustrated with behaviors that don’t align with society’s expectations of what our dogs should be. But guess what? Dogs are living their own individual experience just like us, with their own set of needs that need to be met in order to thrive. Through the lens of LEGS—Learning, Environment, Genetics, and Self—we can truly understand and embrace their individuality. By meeting them with empathy and compassion, we can create a bond that celebrates every facet of who they are and find understanding in why they do certain behaviors—even the very ones we may not always like (doesn’t this sound familiar with family members, partners, spouses, co-workers, or even your own children?). ✨Imagine a relationship where imperfections are welcomed and celebrated, and where living a life together means both of each other’s needs are met with compassion and understanding. If you’re a #Lansing dog owner ready to forge a deep connection with your dog, let’s work together. All I ask is that you and your dog come exactly as you are! #dogsoflansing #dogtraining #dogtrainingtips #dogtraining101 #reactivity #forcefreetraining #positivereinforcementtraining #positivereinforcementdogtraining #lansingdogparents #lansingdogmom #lansing #517living #517community #dogtrainer #lovelansing #bodylanguage #dogbodylanguage #advocateforyourdog #legs #legsanimalethology #animalbehavior #reactivity #itsokaytohavebigfeelings #bigfeelingsdogs #dogswithbigfeelings #lansing #animalethology #ethology #canineanxiety

Why is “touch” one of the first cues I teach puppies? The “touch” cue is a fundamental skill because it leverages the natural reinforcing quality of physical contact, which puppies instinctively seek. I like to train for recall set-up and getting a puppy to learn to come reliably. Additionally, “touch” can be used to redirect undesirable behaviors. For instance, if your puppy jumps up on you when you come home, you can ask for a “touch” instead. This way, they still receive the physical contact they seek and you are getting the polite greeting you want. It’s all about management before modifying the unwanted behavior. If you’re a #Lansing area Puppy Parent who is ready to start their puppy training journey, reach out to us today! #dogsoflansing #dogtraining #dogtrainingtips #puppytraining #puppytraining101 #dogtraining101 #recalltraining #recallpuppytraining #forcefreetraining #positivereinforcementtraining #positivereinforcementdogtraining #lansingdogparents #lansingdogmom #lansing #517living #517community #dogtrainer #lovelansing #advocateforyourdog