My Personal Dog Trainer

22/11/2024

Here we have three puppies all practicing how to stay on their bed when the doorbell rings. We typically start them off on their bed while these events occur. We get an overwhelming history of them being in this location when the doorbell rings and when the door opens and then when people come in. We will transfer it over time to when the bell rings they will go to their bed. I think they did a fabulous job! Don't you?

21/11/2024

We took Charlie (6 month old toy poodle) and Rupert(17 week old standard schnauzer ) on a field trip to Ruff Life in Elmhurst. We practiced some sit days and downstairs, but we also took advantage of their super awesome selfie station! That’s right you heard me right! A selfie station. So stinking cute! Go in and check it out. Along with all their other wonderful stuff they have to offer. It’s our favorite place to go for our field trips. It’s a quiet, inviting place to practice And we always love picking up healthy treats and food to take home with us.  #toypoodle

23/10/2024

The lovely Mr Finn came through my fast track board and train program at 6 1/2 months old. Finn is a Whoodle(Wheaton terrier/poodle cross) we worked on coming when called, loose leash walking, and then heavily worked on socialization in stores and getting out and about, as Finn would like to be a therapy dog when he grows up.

16/10/2024

I had the wonderful opportunity today to go cuddle some cows(basically just really big puppies!) How flipping awesome is that! I highly recommend if you're in the Chicago land area checking out Luz Farms. It is by appointment only and it is a small family-owned farm. The owners are exceptionally, inviting and welcoming.

16/09/2024

Ajax is a sweet 6 month old Bernedoodle. We worked on loose leash walking, coming when called, down stays and then took fields trips to parks and our favorite store, Ruff Life to practice all of our new skills.

22/08/2024

Comet(Golden Retriever) is working place and downs with the doorbell next to my dog Koda(Newfie): Comet is so food driven that the food itself is the actual distraction. So, you will see me toss food multiple times on to the floor as his distraction. All while he listens to a recording of knocking and doorbell ringing. Watch how amazingly well he does!!!! Such good doggies!!!

20/08/2024

Murray is practicing what to do when he hears door sounds (knocking and ringing) and what to do when company comes in. We are being dramatic here lol. Lots of knocking, ringing and theatrics when opening the door. He’s doing fabulous!!

15/08/2024

Absolutely love this! I have shared this before but it is so worth sharing again. Those that have worked with me know I shout this over and over.

Someone sent me this a good while back and I’ve shared it several times … I think Kelsey (the original poster) is on here herself …. What she says here is something I’ve tried my damndest to get across to the public. We’re gonna focus on “dog trainers cannot fix genetics” …. Because that’s what and who they are…, as it pertains to your dog’s given genetics. Slow to develop, not prey driven enough, hates water like his ancestors, etc…. There’s only so much a person can do to cover up and bring to life in an animal with average genetics Athletes train for years to make it to the next level…. High school to college, college to the pros, pros to all stars or even hall of fame …. It’s not possible to take an average talent level hunting dog from a pup or juvenile and make him a “trained dog” in 3-4 months In the case of versatile hunting dogs, you’ve got pointing birds, any possible fur work, engage tracking with various exercises, water work, retrieving on land and water of fur and feather …. And on and on and on and to what degree polish do you want or expect…..? Them gifted athletes are working day in and day out for decades to get to where they need to be What happens when there’s set backs or struggles …. Guess what …. That eats up “Time” …. And in this business it’s a race against time Those given genetics are gonna shine “good or bad” ….. high prey drive or low prey drive, extreme love of water or no love of water, extreme desire to retrieve or minimal desire to retrieve, full speed ahead attitude or meek and mild All of this stuff matters

14/08/2024

Sweet Murray took a field trip to a dog friendly mall. He did amazing!! #

13/08/2024

Murray is practicing his new found skills at the park and he is doing a fabulous job of showing them off. (NOT an off leash dog park. So be like Murray and use a long line/leash)

12/08/2024

Just out for a wonderful walk on a gorgeous summer day with Murray. Murray is an 8.5 month old golden retriever/Australian shepherd mix. He’s in our Fast Track Board and train as he is quite the rambunctious fella. lol

09/08/2024

Phoebe is at the park (NOT an off leash park! Be polite like Phoebe and use a leash!) She is practicing her coming when called and enjoying this beautiful day.

07/08/2024

Phoebe the happy Frenchie is finishing up with her Fast Track Board and Train. She is a happy girl. A little tooooo happy lol so we took her to a dog friendly mall to practice loose leash walking and just ignoring other people and dogs. She did fabulous!!

30/07/2024

Phoebe(adorable Frenchie in the front) is out for a nice structured walk with her new friend Koda(my lovely Newfie). Phoebe is wonderful with other dogs off leash. However, while on walks she is what we call “reactive”. Meaning she will bark and have a bit of a tantrum when she sees other dogs. In Phoebe’s case, she is not fearful. She is extremely social and has a bit of FOMO lol. She is doing a wonderful job walking and ignoring Koda. Practice makes perfect!

17/07/2024

Cooper is a 7.5 month old Westie. He is in our Fast Track Board and Train Program. He is just starting to take his skills out and about and this is his first field trip!! He did great for his first time out. Such a happy little guy! Just love him!

16/07/2024

When we punish dogs for growling, even if they're growling at our child, we aren't helping them feel better about whatever it is that is threatening them. Instead, we are teaching to stop letting us know when they feel unsafe.

The result? A dog who stops giving us warning signs and "bites out of the blue."
And, that's how we create dangerous dogs. I'd much rather have a dog growl and tell me they're upset (so we have a chance to intervene and help them) than a dog who just bites without any warning signs.

13/07/2024

Cooper is a 7.5 month old Westie. He is in our Fast Track Board and Train Program. Here he is working on settling on a cot while company comes in. At this point, “company” is only people he is familiar with. If he cannot stay settled on his bed for familiar people, he cannot stay for new and exciting people entering in. Next step will be real guests. We heavily acclimate them to doorbell rings, knocking and practicing calmness when company comes in. And, he’s flipping adorable chewing his bone on his cot lol.