Star Dog Training & Behavior Specialists

24/10/2025

“So, umm… when do I work next?”

Some dogs need a steady job or else they find a side hustle. For Portuguese Water Dog Oliver here, he’d combined his quick wit, enthusiasm for food, and agile nature to start a little counter surfing business. He’s even dabbled in swiping cutlery - Don’t turn your back for even a second! When he got caught, he’d fight like his life depended on it.

And it’s no wonder - the commitment and work ethic on this guy!
His mug shot here? He had been working for about an hour straight… leave it, place, sit, down, settle, watch me, filing his taxes. Okay not that one.
Most dogs I work with are cooked and resting 45 minutes in. Or ten minutes. Not Oliver. Well over an hour later he’s clearly ready for more.

That’s where kibble porridge in a or or comes into play… or work. For every meal. Smush in, freeze overnight, and now he has gainful employment! For every meal. And less time and energy to put into his side hustle.
Add “works well independently” to this guy’s resume!

17/10/2025

The philosopher’s dog

08/10/2025

Success! class week 4 of 5 and the humans in class have learned how to get the dogs in class to do all of the things! That means next week I can have fun teaching the humans how to consistently get dogs to respond with less effort no matter the scenario 😃

06/10/2025

Animal behavior QUIZ time! Can you guess what was happening in this conversation between my dog and cat? Read the picture sequence top to bottom, left to right.

Put your guesses in the comments and I’ll give my interpretation soon too!

Background: Kitty was there first, then Bucky hopped up. This is a queen-sized bed and the whole bed was available. They don’t have preferred places. I did not intervene other than taking pictures.

19/09/2025

You are your dog’s gateway to the world.

Consider how big that world is. Is it limited to your home? A neighborhood walk?

A simple way to expand your dog’s world: use a longer leash to walk your dog in quiet, open areas, such as soccer fields that aren’t in use.

If you need to build some trust and confidence in your dog first, I hope you reach out for help from a qualified trainer & behavior specialist like me!

You mean the world to them!

27/08/2025

Teach your dog “Claim it!”
(lift his leg to relieve himself)
Very useful when someone pi$$e$ you off!

25/08/2025

Sadly, some animal rescues are in it for the money. Be aware of who you’re supporting!

Any rescues interested in training staff and volunteers in kind methods for improving behavior as critters pass through your care, I hope you will reach out! I love volunteering to spread the good word!!

If you work with a rescue that uses punishment, pain and fear on their dogs, please consider gently offering them information on established science that those techniques run a huge risk of fallout (i.e. aggression, fear and anxiety).

Also, why would you rescue a sacred being only to then hurt them?

Even if science didn't strongly support the use of force free methods WHY would you hurt,scare or cause pain to a dog or cat?

SDR has a podcast to help rescues and shelters get modern, evidence based information on training and behavior. We interview experts from around the world. Please like, follow and share Pod To The Rescue .

If you would like more information to share with rescues and shelters, email us. We have endless resources we are happy to share!

24/08/2025

If you’re anywhere near Littleton and looking for a solid veterinarian for your furry friend, Southwest Vet is excellent!!

We are accepting all new clients! Tell your friends if they'd like a privately-owned, personal touch for their pets, call us at 303-794-2697 to schedule!

20/08/2025

✅ Long torso
✅ Short legs
✅ Big independent streak
✅ XS petite bladder
That’s right, it’s a mini dachshund puppy in need of potty training help!

The pictured here is 11-week-old Dottie, and today I set her (and her people) up for potty training success!

A big part of any good puppy potty training plan is that “going” outside earns free time inside.

Set your home up so that you are ALWAYS able to catch them in the act should they have an accident. Use gates and pens to keep them in sight, or confine to a crate if/when you can’t supervise.

If possible, when you do catch them in the act, act fast - “uh-oh!!” Whisk them outside, set them down in the preferred potty area and see if they’ll go.

ALWAYS supervise outside so you can praise and reward when they eliminate in the proper place.

No scolding necessary when accidents happen. Especially if you did didn’t catch them in the act, it’s usually your fault!

If you need help - always feel free to call or message me or another experienced, certified, positive, canine training and behavior specialist!

13/08/2025

Does your dog need a good manners tune-up?? Sign up now - class starts soon!
Tuesday, September 9th at 7 pm
StarDog-training.com
Southwest Veterinary Hospital, P.C.

DID YOU KNOW? StarDog Training & Behavior holds classes in our conference room every Tuesday night! StarDog Training & Behavior offers puppy classes, dog classes, and anxiety & aggression training. Contact them via their website: https://stardog-training.com/

16/07/2025

Note to self: don’t immediately break windows to help dogs…

DID YOU KNOW??? In Colorado, it is legal to break into a locked car to rescue a child or animal if they are in imminent danger of death or serious injury, but only after certain steps are taken. The law, passed in 2017, provides legal immunity to those who break a car window to save a child or pet, but only if they reasonably believe the person or animal is in serious danger, have confirmed the doors are locked, and have made an effort to contact the owner or authorities, such as law enforcement or first responders. For more information, research Colorado State Law HB17-1179.