Affinity Dog Training, Inc.

06/25/2025

This is a PERFECT visual! Every dog does NOT want strangers coming up to them to pet them! This includes puppies! In the effort to socialize your puppy, pay attention to what the puppy is saying! If they don't look comfortable with new people don't force new people on them and heaven forbid don't pass your puppy from stranger to stranger in hopes of 'getting them used to people'.... If you need socialization tips feel free to reach out to me!

Sometimes the way we approach dogs is as inappropriate and scary as if we were approached in the same way.

Even the most people friendly dogs may need a bit of a slower hello and the option to approach if and when they choose to.

06/24/2025

Happy Summer! Puppy Class Scheduled to begin July 14th At Animal House Veterinary Hospital in St. Charles has a couple spots available! Must be 6 months or under at the class start date! Email [email protected], message me here or call 630 762 9271 to register or for more information! Come have fun with us - and see what makes training with Affinity Dog Training different!

06/17/2025

Behavior is communication - what is your dog telling you?

When was the last time you got stuck in the resistance and forgot to SEE THE DOG?

06/04/2025

Puppies available. Serious inquiries only!

06/04/2025

This is something that anyone can do for their dogs! Just a few minutes a day can do wonders for your pup. If you are caught on a rainy day like this one and don't know what to do with your dog - reach out to me! We can do a private session based on your dog's needs and personality and devise a plan that will give your dog the mental stimulation (and maybe physical) that they are craving. Reach out! [email protected] or 630 762 9271

It is so important to give our dogs ways to work their brains as well as their bodies.

This is especially true for dogs who cannot go out for long walks to explore the world for any number of reasons, but mental stimulation is something that is massively beneficial for all dogs.

It can be as simple as some sniffing (gather items from the outside world and bring home for your dog to explore if they are unable to go out), puzzle toys for them to hunt out food, games like hide and seek, or working on tricks and training fun things.

All of these will let your dogs use their brains and can really tire them out - my dogs are Border Collies, so have lots of energy, but a 20 minute sniffing session will often be immediately followed by a good nap!

05/28/2025

Calling all puppies up to 8 months of age! New blended puppy class to begin June 23rd at Animal House Veterinary Hospital in St. Charles! Meet once a week for 7 weeks on Monday evenings starting at 7pm. Class sizes are limited to no more than 5 pups to insure individualized attention. Reinforcement and game based training! Email me at [email protected], call 630.762.9271 or message me for details or to sign up!

05/20/2025

I am currently taking names for a 3:45pm Agility Class on Thursdays at Agility at the Farm. This class will start the first week in July. It is open to any dog that is familiar with all the obstacles or have a means to work on it away from class. So this is Novice thru masters level. Message, email [email protected] or call 630 762 9271 for more information.

04/23/2025

Super fun Yappy Hour module again tonight! Fun to see the “regulars” improve leaps and bounds in focus and partnership!!!

04/20/2025

Rainy days can be difficult for active dogs! Here Twist demonstrates his favorite game of finding his favorite toy! Uses his nose, body and brain! What did you do with your dog today?

04/17/2025

I have sent several emails to FB to "allow" me to change my business page name. Why I can't just change it, I don't know. It is my page! Sigh.. I am still Affinity Dog Training, but now an LLC instead of INC. Just FYI in case you see discrepancies somewhere.... Thanks!

04/16/2025

I need extra hands! I forgot to get video of our Yappy Hour Sits and Downs edition last night! So much fun was had by all! What a great group of dogs! Everything from 3 months to 4 years of age. To break it up we built our proprioception skills and confidence by playing on variations of planks and running thru tunnels! I really enjoyed taking everyone to the next level of their training! Looking forward to our next edition!

04/15/2025

I need not say anything more. It is the ONLY way to train and be with your beloved dog.

Positive dog training focuses on rewarding desired behaviours rather than punishing unwanted ones, fostering trust and a stronger bond between dog and guardian.

This method enhances learning by using treats, praise, or play as motivation, making training enjoyable for dogs. It reduces fear and anxiety, promoting better emotional well-being.

Positive reinforcement also encourages quicker, more reliable behaviour changes and strengthens communication, helping dogs feel confident in their actions. Suitable for all breeds and ages, this approach nurtures a cooperative relationship, ensuring a well-behaved and happy dog while creating a positive, respectful environment for both pet and owner.