Good Dawg Training LLC

01/05/2025

Today is a sad day - the world has lost an iconic animal trainer, Karen Pryor. Karen Pryor Academy Karen blazed the trail for reinforcement based training across species. Her work formed the foundation training I received almost 30 years ago. Her work remains relevant and vital.
RIP Karen Pryor

12/31/2024

Fireworks can feel like the end of the world to our dogs.
If your dog struggles with loud noises, here are some tips to help them feel safe and calm when the fireworks start flying:
1) Get an exploratory walk in early in the day to avoid any accidental fireworks in the early evening.
2) Drown out the noise with classical music or a movie.
3) Reduce potty breaks to the bare minimum.
4) Give your dog a frozen Kong or a long-lasting chew to focus on something positive.
5) Talk to your vet about calming treats or sprays they recommend.
If you’ll be home, get some good snuggles in. You can’t reinforce an emotion such as fear, but you can help your dog feel comforted and safe with some extra snuggle time.
New Year’s is a time to celebrate, and with a little preparation, you can make it a more peaceful experience for your dog, too.

Be safe and have a Happy New Year!

12/26/2024

Exciting plans are underway for Good Dawg Training. We are planting roots in Bennett Valley!! (2700 Yulupa Ave in the lovely Annadel Center).
No new info is available on the website yet, but believe that we will have plenty unique and exciting opportunities for you and your dog to learn, bond, grow and have fun together!

Don’t miss out on news, signup to our newsletter! https://good-dawg.com/good-dawg-training

12/24/2024

8 ways you can reinforce your dog without treats.

While I use food to train specific behaviors - like a sit & stay or come when called - there are actually an infinite number of ways you can reinforce good behavior throughout your daily life with your dog.
Here are a few reinforcers, but the key is to know your dog and what they enjoy.
1) Sniff breaks on walks.
2) Verbal “good boy/girl!”
3) A door opening to access a new space (indoors or outdoors)
4) A toy thrown
5) A toy to tug
6) A game of chase
7) A good chin or back scratch
8) An opportunity to do another fun behavior
It all comes down to what your dog enjoys.

This isn’t always obvious to my clients so I can help you decipher their body language so we can really pinpoint the interactions and activities they’ll feel motivated to work for.
Positive reinforcement-based training focuses on identifying and then reinforcing behaviors you want to see more of from your dog.

12/22/2024

Why exercise isn’t the be-all, end-all for your dog’s behavior challenges…
It's common for new clients to come to me saying “she gets plenty of exercise, but XYZ is still happening.”

We’ve been taught that exercise is absolutely essential to a dog’s well-being and that exercise will solve all their problems and behaviors. If they’re tired, they won’t have the energy to do anything “bad.”
So while exercise is generally beneficial - much like it is for people - exercise alone is not a cure-all for unwanted behaviors.
Running more miles will not reduce their anxiety when you leave the home.
More games of fetch will not reduce their frustration-induced barking or chewing.
Doubling the number of walks will not make them less likely to counter-surf.

Behaviors are based in emotions and patterns.
As a trainer, I look for ways to change how a dog feels about a situation. I look for ways to interrupt patterns of behavior. The more a behavior has been repeated, the more likely the dog is to repeat that behavior.

Factors I consider outside of physical activity to get to the route cause of unwanted behaviors:

Medical - hair loss, excessive licking, a dog’s gait while walking, etc
Observable behavior - hypervigilance, barking, lip licking, panting, etc
Environmental changes - recent routine changes, diet changes, new animals or people in the home or near the home, etc.
Genetics & socialization - how was the dog raised & socialized, do certain behaviors run in their genetics, etc.
Mental enrichment - enriching activities to prevent boredom, new experiences, engaged problem-solving thinking, etc.

There are so many factors I can look to help identify the root of the issues and determine an effective plan of action. Every dog is unique.

I am in the process of creating exciting new experiences for you and your dog. Watch this space for updates soon!

12/21/2024

As clients share their habits in how they live with their dog, they sometimes worry that I will negatively comment on their routines.
But this couldn’t be further from the truth.
Each family is unique. Each person has their personal preferences. I respect that.
My goal is to help you and your dog find common ground and understand each other.

I’m the ultimate problem solver. Finding your unique path between where you are now and where you want to be with your dog is where I thrive. I look at all the pieces to the behavior puzzle to design a custom solution for your unique needs.
Curious about my process? Comment or message me “puzzle” so I can elaborate on this based on your situation.

12/18/2024

When to start working with a dog trainer like me:
Before bringing home a new dog or puppy.
Picking out a new dog or puppy.
Moving neighborhoods.
A few months before a newborn arrives.
A separation of the family.
Family moving in.
Changes in career hours and therefore routines.
Kids going back to school.
Kids leaving for college, leaving an empty nest.

As you can see, the list goes on and on. Why?
Because as a trainer, it’s my job to help your dog adapt to your lifestyle.
Any change in lifestyle (family, location, routines) can greatly impact your dog’s behaviors!
Dogs thrive in routine and anything that can throw off those patterns can throw off their behaviors.
There are skills we can teach them ahead of those changes if we get enough of a heads up.

12/15/2024

Happy National Cupcake Day! Treat your furry friend to a delicious doggie cupcake after a successful training session 🐶🧁

12/15/2024

Why is this time of year one of the best times to hire a dog trainer?

Because you’ll have an expert to lean on through challenging situations so you can navigate them with ease. (That’s me!)

Your dog will be much less stressed leading to better behavior and more harmony.

Training is FUN.

I know what to look for and what to recommend for the most effective and easy improvements.

By the time everyone is back in their normal routines and the chaos subsides, you’ll be well ahead and able to focus on initiatives for the New Year.

Having a dog guide through the holidays can be a source of much relief and an opportunity for connecting with your family rather than another thing for your to-do list.

Let’s get started and bring the family together - send me a private message if this hits home with you and let’s talk about next steps.

12/14/2024

Great start for Mademoiselle today! She was focused and motivated! Good pup!

12/13/2024

Rosie had the rainy day zoomies, but training exercised her brain and tired her out!

12/13/2024

Why not source local gifts for your dog this year.
Loads of small businesses are popping up that are specializing in spoiling dogs. These local makers are creating high-quality foods and treats that you can order online or buy in their stores.
Many of these small businesses are also giving back to local rescues, too.
So while your dog is being treated to exceptional food and products, you’re also supporting a neighbor and a charity during the holidays. Win. Win. Win!

Why not treat a friend or family member to one of our dog training gift vouchers? Scroll to the bottom of the services page on our website.

https://good-dawg.com/services

12/11/2024

Come when called (Recall)

The one vital skill that could save your dog’s life if:
They get outside accidentally.
They run into the road.
This ONE behavior can be the difference between safety and a very bad outcome.
Seeing my clients begin to trust their dog as we work on this behavior is the cherry on top.

12/09/2024

The holidays bring about changes in routines. These changes can cause some unexpected behaviors in your dog.
Whether you’re traveling or having more guests over than usual, prepare your dog in these ways:

A) Give them their own space. Provide them a room, a crate, or a special bed where they can be sure that good things will happen (Think: long lasting treats they love!) Do this several days before you begin hosting events or travel begins.
B) Play calming classical music or DogTV to help drown out stimuli that might spark their anxiety and barking.
C) Make sure your dog’s needs are met:
- 12-14 hours of sleep a day
- Freshwater (can be forgotten or displaced when guests come)
- Exploratory walks outdoors
- Food delivery that inspires problem-solving thinking
- Minimal table scraps or holiday treats

12/08/2024

Variety is the spice of life, isn’t it?
The same principle applies to your dog!
Simple changes in patterns can provide a more enriching experience for your dog(s).

Our dogs can’t simply go out to a restaurant to have a change of pace and a different meal experience.
Fortunately, it’s easy to provide this to them at home.

Here are 4 ways to spice up their meal routines without any extra time on your part:

1. Have them eat out of a muffin pan. Place dog toys on top of the food in the muffin pan so they can learn how to navigate around the objects to get their meals.

2. Put their food in a food toy or puzzle, these are abundant at the pet store or online with new versions coming out all the time.

3. Sprinkle their food in an open tea towel and then roll it up! Your dog will have to unravel the towel to access their meal.

4. Give your dog a scavenger hunt by hiding their bowl or several small bowls of food around your home for them to find. The first few times, you may need to walk them around so they can find their food, but if you pair this with a phrase like “Go get it” They will quickly understand it’s time to go for a little hunt and seeing a dog engage their nose organically is such an amazing experience.

Private positive dog and puppy training in the comfort of your home.
Santa Rosa and 30 mile radius.

11/28/2024

Short daily sessions with this handsome fella, Yogi, working on his reactivity to other dogs. Yesterday was challenging, but today was a good day!

11/20/2024

Taylor, fresh from the groomer. Pics sent from a proud Mom. Looking forward to our next training session together.

11/20/2024

Ellie and with her older sister, Sally. Ellie was a star in her first session today. Terrier x Frenchie ❤️