Smart Dog University

04/22/2025

Hey Maryland dog friends, if you have a dog who pulls or might need some leash manners, check out Canine Lifestyle Academy's deep dive class coming up on May 10!

NEW!! We are offering Skills Workshops to deep dive on specific topics or behaviors. First up, learn how to have a more pleasant walk -- for both ends of the leash!

WHERE: Our Farm in Union Bridge, MD -- about 25 minutes from Westminster, Mt. Airy, Frederick, and Sykesville.

WHEN: Saturday, May 10, 11am-12:30pm

WHO: Anyone who struggles with pulling, attention, or excitability on walks. *If your dog is nervous or reactive in public, reach out to us first to see if group classes will be a good fit.*

Sign up link in the comments!

11/17/2024

Rogie and I went on a Saturday adventure to get us both out of the house and shake off the blahs.

We went to our first SniffSpot, a private dog park that you reserve for just you and your dog (or friends, if you choose).

We went to Canine Lifestyle Academy's SniffSpot, and it was AWESOME!

They had everything you might need:
🐶 Chuck-It and a bunch of balls
🐶 Water and water bowls
🐶 Dog treats (and human treats!)
🐶 An entire box of toys
🐶 An elevated dog bed
🐶 Perfectly cut sticks for dogs (like Rogie) who love to fetch a stick!
🐶 P**p bags, hand sanitizer, and paper towels
🐶 AND it was fully fenced!

You couldn't ask for more! We'll be back, for sure!
Check out the SniffSpots near you (every one is different), but if you're in the Central Maryland area, here is the listing for the one we went to: https://www.sniffspot.com/listings/union-bridge-md/canine-lifestyle-farm-play-sniff-3764

11/04/2024

Today is the last day! If you have a dog you might say is "a bit extra," you wanna check this out.

Did you miss the arousal webinar over the summer? Now's your chance to rent the recording. But don't wait because this offer is only available until Monday 11/4. After that, it won't be available again.

Details: Mouthing Mounting & Mischief: Hyperarousal

"Jumpy-Mouthy" behavior, "hu***ng," leash biting and other behaviors categorized as "arousal" are big problems in the shelter and the home. Many of the interventions recommended for these problems, including "ignoring" the unwanted behavior, "redirecting" the dog to toys or treats, or even verbal punishment not only backfire, but make the problem worse over time.

In this 2-hour presentation, you will learn practical strategies you can use in the home, with clients, or in the shelter.

To rent: https://www.serenitycanine.com/mmm

11/02/2024

Hey, Maryland Dog Friends! Have you heard about SniffSpot? It's like a private dog park that you can rent for your dog!

✅Your dog can be off-leash.
✅No other dogs will be there.
✅It's great if you want your dog to have the freedom to run -- with no other people or dogs around.

Anyway, there are tons of SniffSpots out there; here's one that a real-life friend has!

Happy November! Thanks to everyone who visited our Sniffspot in October, we grew 450% (!!!!!!!) over our September visits. It's been so fun to host dogs and their families who need a safe, secure, quiet place to exercise and hang out. Even at just a few visits a week, we've been able to purchase some replacement fencing for our aging gate area, and a gas fire pit for the upcoming cold weather, as well as put a little away to save for our big projects.

What will November visits go towards? First, we'll be putting new rubber matting down in the unfinished barn area to remake a play and training space! Then we'll be saving up to fully fence in the first of our two large pastures for more room to run and Sniff.

Come check it out! Canine Lifestyle Farm Play & Sniff, https://www.sniffspot.com/to/wgtnr

10/08/2024

Hello Fall! 🍂🍁 I'm planning my Karen Pryor Academy offerings and am excited to return to the KPA classroom to offer another Dog Training Professional course.

Apply by November 8. See you there!

08/14/2024

Putting the finishing touches on my crate training presentation for Your Dog's Friend. Working outside on this lovely day at our local public library.

08/09/2024

I'm partnering with Your Dog's Friend for a free webinar on crate training!

Registration link in comments!

Crate Training Made Easy
Saturday, August 17, 2:00 – 4:00 PM ET

We all want our dogs to feel comfortable – better yet, LOVE – spending time in their crate.

Join us to learn how investing a little extra time and energy into training upfront can result in a pup who willingly and happily relaxes in their crate.

Our speaker will discuss the best way to introduce the crate (to puppies and adult dogs alike), review appropriate and inappropriate uses of crates, highlight typical and easy-to-avoid training mistakes, and troubleshoot common concerns.

07/20/2024

Hey DMV Dog People! Check this out!

GAUGING INTEREST: We will be running some 90 minute training workshops this fall! Possible topics include -- polite walking; engagement games; outdoor dining skills; recall practice. What are you interested in? What else would you like to see? Let us know!!

07/03/2024

A new way to KPA!
✅ No travel!
✅ Great for reactive or environmentally sensitive dogs!
✅ All learning is done remotely!
✅ Four two-day workshops (online) and virtual check-ins!
✅ Work wherever you are!
📆 Four workshops: Tuesday & Wednesday
⏰ 11a (Eastern)
⏰ 10a (Central)
⏰ 9a (Mountain)

The deadline looms! Check it out and get your application in by Monday, July 8! All the info is here: https://karenpryoracademy.com/workshop/virtual-central-laurie-luck/

01/10/2024

It helps to have a "big brother" to show Norman that rain and wind and some flooding is a-ok.

01/05/2024

Norman, the Great Dane service pup in-training went out in public for the first time today. It's always a big deal because first experiences can carry some serious weight.

We want things to go as smoothly as possible and be enjoyable for the puppy, so it takes some consideration to determine where to go.

I wanted Norman to have a low-key, low-stress place to explore, but also wanted it to feel like it was a public outing. We have a great brewery in our area that fit the bill perfectly.

I chose 3p on a Thursday because I knew it would be fairly slow and quiet. We had a beer, Norman had some snacks and sniffs, and then we came home!

Norman did a really nice job. His body language was soft and waggy, he was interested in his surroundings, and he was able to focus on me and settle on his mat. ⭐💯

12/31/2023

A service puppy in training needs to see the world! And they need to see it sooner rather than later, but we have to be thoughtful about introducing them to new things.

I took Norman to the local shopping area to see cars, people, carts, and everyday life. He got a bit overwhelmed when I had him outside the car, so we watched the world go by from inside, with the window down (and the heat on 🥶).

He was much happier with this setup, making it easier to make a little more progress the next time we socialize him.