Animal Minds Behavior & Training

Animal Minds Behavior & Training Animal Minds is dedicated to providing the best in customer service, training solutions & continued support for our two legged & four legged clients.

Whether you have a brand new puppy, an adolescent dog with some behaviors you might want to change, or maybe you recently adopted a pet and want assistance during the transition... we have experience with it all. Please fill out a contact form on our website (www.animal-minds.com) or message us here with any questions!

✨ **Updated Group Class Dates** ✨We’ve got a few updated dates to kick off the new year. These sessions are all about re...
01/04/2026

✨ **Updated Group Class Dates** ✨

We’ve got a few updated dates to kick off the new year. These sessions are all about real-world practice, proofing skills around distractions, and keeping things consistent after your training foundation is in place.

📍 Paws N Play
🗓️ Fridays | 5–7 PM
• Jan 16
• Jan 30
• Feb 13
• Feb 27

⚠️ These group classes are for clients who have completed private sessions or a board & train previously.

Please RSVP via message or text so I can plan accordingly — spots are limited and headcount matters.

In today’s dog world, “enrichment” has become the go-to answer for everything — anxiety, boredom, reactivity, you name i...
11/12/2025

In today’s dog world, “enrichment” has become the go-to answer for everything — anxiety, boredom, reactivity, you name it. Scroll social media and you’ll see dogs surrounded by toys, lick mats, and puzzles, often described as “mental stimulation.” While enrichment can absolutely be useful, it’s not a replacement for what truly changes a dog’s behavior: exercise, structure, and meaningful training.

“Enrichment” has become a buzzword in dog training. You see it everywhere — stuffed Kongs, snuffle mats, lick mats, puzzles, and frozen treats marketed as must-haves for a happy dog. And while these tools have value, they’ve quietly become a substitute for the very things that actually teach dogs how to live well in our world: exercise, structure, and a working relationship with their owner.

The problem isn’t enrichment itself. The problem is what it’s replacing.

We’re seeing more and more owners use puzzle feeders and toys to keep their dogs busy, yet they skip the walk, the calm time on a place bed, or the training session that builds actual communication. A snuffle mat doesn’t teach patience. A lick mat doesn’t teach impulse control. And a puzzle toy doesn’t teach a dog to look to you for direction when something new or stressful happens.

Those things come from leadership, time and experience — not from distraction.

Dogs are meant to move, follow, and work alongside people. Real exercise — structured walking, long-line recall, hiking, or obedience sessions — does more to stabilize a dog’s mind than any “brain game” ever will. When enrichment becomes the only outlet, we’re feeding the dog’s nervous system instead of grounding it. They learn to self-entertain, not self-regulate.

The truth is, many behavior problems we see today come from too much freedom paired with too little accountability. Owners want calm dogs, but they’re unintentionally raising dogs who only know how to be busy. That kind of mental activity without structure doesn’t drain energy — it creates more of it.

There’s nothing wrong with giving your dog something to chew or lick. But enrichment should support a structured day, not replace it. Use it after a walk, after training, after a down-stay or crate session — as part of a balanced lifestyle where the dog’s mind and body both have a job.

If your dog’s routine is heavy on toys and light on training, start re-balancing. The best enrichment is time spent working together — a clear command, a calm release, and a dog who understands exactly what you expect.

Because at the end of the day, fulfillment doesn’t come from novelty. It comes from connection.

https://animal-minds.com/ambtblog//when-enrichment-replaces-effort-the-misuse-of-a-good-idea

10/27/2025

This little Corgi is a little over a week into her training program and already learning that paying attention pays off.

Right now, we’re keeping things light and fun—turning distractions into opportunities for engagement. The goal isn’t perfection yet—it’s building awareness and focus through short, intentional games that help her want to check in.

It’s always amazing to see how quickly young dogs start to understand that their name means, “Hey, something good’s about to happen!”

🐾 Good start, Luna! Big things ahead.

Repetition is what teaches your dog the basics—but it’s variety that makes those skills hold up in real life. 🚶‍♀️🐾If yo...
10/02/2025

Repetition is what teaches your dog the basics—but it’s variety that makes those skills hold up in real life. 🚶‍♀️🐾

If you walk the same route every day, your dog learns to anticipate every smell, sound, and corner. That predictability can actually create overexcitement or frustration. By switching up locations, routes, and environments, you’re teaching your dog that obedience isn’t tied to one place—it’s a life skill.

👉 Try changing your dog’s walk route this week. Notice how well (or not so well) they handle it. Reliability is built when your dog can adapt anywhere.

Cooler temps = time to get back out there!I’m opening Adventure Days on Tuesdays & Thursdays—a focused maintenance optio...
09/04/2025

Cooler temps = time to get back out there!

I’m opening Adventure Days on Tuesdays & Thursdays—a focused maintenance option for dogs who need real-world reps around distractions. This isn’t standard day training—we’re out and about with structure and purpose.

Packages:
Single day — $120
4 days — $375
10 days — $900

Spots are limited so we can keep quality high. Reply with your preferred days and I’ll lock in your spot.

(If you've never trained with us before an in person assessment will be required before a dog can join. Contact for more info!)

Updated Group Dates! While these classes are for already established clients looking to continue practicing around distr...
08/25/2025

Updated Group Dates!

While these classes are for already established clients looking to continue practicing around distractions, I am considering putting together a beginning group class if there's enough interest. If that's something you may be interested in please reach out.

Text, email ([email protected]), message us here with any questions.

Squinty boy (Winston) waiting for his owners to arrive for their first lesson with him since he’s been here. 🎉
08/16/2025

Squinty boy (Winston) waiting for his owners to arrive for their first lesson with him since he’s been here. 🎉

Address

Rancho Cordova, CA
95670

Opening Hours

Wednesday 9am - 4pm
Thursday 9am - 4pm
Friday 9am - 4pm
Saturday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+19165380422

Website

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Our Story

Whether you have had animals your whole life, recently decided to add a new family member or are researching doing so, one thing is clear: Owning an animal involves commitment.

At some point there may be a problem you can't seem to solve or a goal you'd like to reach but you just aren't sure how to get there. There are endless methods, theories and "how to" guides but the most important factor is finding what will work for YOUR pet in your situation and lifestyle. We're here to help you not only find but implement the right training plan to reach your goals with your animal.

At Animal Minds our goal is to teach everyone to be self sufficient. If we've done our job successfully, one day you won't need us at all! Every Client should understand their animal and what motivates them, how to troubleshoot unwanted behaviors and get the most out of your relationship.