Happy Pup Training

13/02/2025

I have two available spots in my Basic Manners 1 class that starts this coming Saturday, February 15 at 10 AM. If you are interested in deepening your relationship with your young dog and learning how to train without force, fear, or pain, please come join us! This is six weekly sessions, one hour long each, cost: $190. Here’s a link to sign up:

Schedule your appointment online Happy Pup Training

10/02/2025

I have an opening for my Basic Manners 1 class starting this coming Friday the 14th at 10 AM. This class is for puppies four months and older and the cost is $190 for six weekly sessions with six young dogs and their people. . If you’re interested in learning how to create the best possible relationship with your young dog so that you can help them have the best possible manners, come join us! Below is the link to sign up.

Schedule your appointment online Happy Pup Training

06/02/2025

“Dogs aren’t people. They’re just animals,” some will say.

And? What exactly is that supposed to prove?

That we can ignore what science tells us about how they learn?

That because they aren’t human, we can justify using fear and pain instead of teaching them effectively?

The reality is, we do know how animals learn. We’ve studied it.

Reinforcement strengthens behavior, punishment suppresses it unpredictably, and fear interferes with learning rather than improving it.

Teaching isn’t about authority and control, it’s about clarity, consistency, and emotional understanding.

So why is “they’re just animals” always the fallback for outdated, disproven methods?

Because this was never really about science.

It was never about effectiveness.

It’s about power, the belief that control is more important than cooperation, that obedience is more valuable than trust.

But dogs don’t exist to submit. They exist to live. And the way we teach them should reflect that.

So when you look into their eyes, what do you see?

A machine to command? Or a life worth understanding?

04/02/2025

I love this quote from Patricia McConnell. If you haven’t read her books, read them ALL. We shouldn’t measure progress by our dog’s ability to cope with social situations, we should measure how safe and happy they feel ❤️

26/01/2025

We believe diversity is a source of strength, equity is worth pursuing, inclusive practices foster humanity and progress, women's and LGBTQ+ rights are human rights, retaining control over our outcomes is fundamental, and kindness reflects true character. We reaffirm our commitment to foster inclusivity in training and behavior. In 2025, we will expand our scholarship opportunities for those who represent and/or support underserved and underrepresented communities. We will continue to evaluate and explore ways to further support this through our various platforms and brands in the weeks, months, and years ahead. More: https://bit.ly/4jKjlCD

05/01/2025

This woman changed my life and my relationships with the people and animals in it in a profound way and I am forever grateful for her.

We are deeply saddened to learn of Karen Pryor's passing. She was a pioneer in animal training and behaviour whose contributions have shaped modern dog training as we know it. Her innovative approach and entrepreneurial spirit transformed the industry, paving the way for countless trainers and animals to benefit from science-based, positive reinforcement methods.

Karen’s work extended far beyond the Karen Pryor Academy, which has educated and inspired trainers worldwide. Her book, Don’t Shoot the Dog, introduced an entire generation of trainers to the principles of clicker training and remains a cornerstone of dog training literature. The annual Clicker Expos she founded became vital opportunities for professional growth, collaboration, and community-building within the field. Her legacy also includes Reaching the Animal Mind, a profound exploration of the science and art of animal training.

Karen’s vision, intelligence, and compassion revolutionised how we communicate with and understand our canine companions. Her contributions have had a lasting impact on the lives of trainers and the dogs they work and live with. She will be greatly missed, but her legacy will continue to inspire and guide the animal training community for generations to come.

Our thoughts are with Karen’s family, friends, and all those whose lives she touched.

https://karenwpryor.com/

31/12/2024

Amen!

When strangers touch our dogs without consent, it can be unsettling for them—much like an unexpected touch feels to us. Dogs deserve respect and agency over their bodies. Politely guiding others to wait for the dog’s signals, like approaching willingly or leaning in, helps ensure interactions are safe and comfortable.

14/12/2024

13/12/2024

Not all dogs jump for joy, some jumping can be exploratory, a quest for comfort, or even aggressive. That’s why the solutions to stop your dog from jumping will vary.

17/11/2024

15/11/2024

14/11/2024

Yay!

10/11/2024

Thinking about bringing a puppy home? Stay up-to-date with socialization guidelines!

10/11/2024

The relationship between dogs and humans has evolved significantly over the centuries. Once revered primarily for their practical roles in hunting, herding, or guarding, dogs have now become an integral part of many families, providing companionship, loyalty, and unconditional love. As our understan...