Orlando Dog Training

26/08/2026

16/07/2026

I love this graphic from Emma Judson. It gives you a great way of making sure the dog is ok to pet. Not all dogs are ok with strangers petting them.

01/06/2026

What Is a Clicker, and Do You Really Need One?

This has been a mystery for many new dog owners.

When people get their first dog, a clicker often ends up on the shopping list because the internet says they need one. They buy it, bring it home, and then wonder, "Now what?"

There are a few common misconceptions about clickers:

• A clicker is not used to get your dog's attention.

• A clicker is not a remote control that makes your dog obey.

• A clicker is not a substitute for treats, rewards, or good training.

So what is it?

A clicker is simply a marker. It tells your dog, "Yes! That exact thing you just did is what I wanted." It is then followed by a reward, usually a treat.

The advantage of a clicker is precision. It allows you to mark a behavior—or even a tiny piece of a behavior—the exact moment it happens.

When I was studying service dog training, one of my assignments was to teach my dog to pick up an object and place it in my hand or lap. Stupidly, I chose a screwdriver, the hardest thing a dog could pick up.

My dog wasn't comfortable picking up the hard plastic handle, so I started by clicking and treating for the smallest movements toward it. Then I clicked and treated for touching it, then mouthing it, then lifting it, and finally bringing it to me. By rewarding these tiny steps, I was able to build the complete behavior. This process is called shaping.

Do I recommend a clicker for general pet dog training? Usually not. Most pet owners can accomplish the same thing by using a consistent marker word such as "Yes!", "Good!", or "Nice!" The important part is clearly telling your dog when they made the right choice.

While a clicker can be a useful training tool, it isn't necessary for the average dog owner. Understanding how to communicate with your dog is far more important than any gadget you can buy.

If you'd like help training your dog using positive, force-free methods, visit Orlando Dog Training, LLC at www.OrlandoDogTraining.com

05/05/2026

I see a lot of YouTube and Instagram videos telling people things like “do this with your dog every day,” “never do this,” or “fix this one thing and all your problems will go away.” A lot of it is just clickbait, and honestly, it can leave dog owners more confused than helped.

The problem with that advice is that it treats dogs like machines, as if every dog will respond the same way to the same method. That’s just not reality.

Dogs have their own personalities, histories, and individual quirks. What works perfectly for one dog might not work at all for another. Good training isn’t about following viral rules, it’s about understanding the dog in front of you and adjusting accordingly.

If you’re feeling stuck or overwhelmed, stop chasing viral tips and start paying attention to your own dog. What I can do for you is cut through all the muck and look at you and your dog as individuals in a unique environment, your home.

16/04/2026

What works for your dog

A lot of my clients come to me worried about doing the “right” thing with their dogs. They ask what they should or shouldn’t allow, like there is a universal rulebook everyone else somehow has. There isn’t. The more useful question is simple, what behaviors are desirable to you and which ones are not.

If you don’t mind your dog on the couch, then it is not a problem. If barking at the door drives you crazy, then that is something worth working on but if you like your dog being a sentinel, not a problem. Training should reflect your life, your home, and your preferences, not someone else’s idea of perfection especially a trainer.

I also want to quickly address the old alpha theory. The idea that you need to dominate your dog to earn respect is outdated and based on misunderstood research. Dogs are not trying to take over your household or the world. They are trying to figure out what works, what doesn’t, and how to live successfully in your world. Run away from any trainer that tries to convince you that getting on your bed is a way that your dog wants to dominate you. It sounds ridiculous, doesn't it?

When you shift your thinking from right vs. wrong to desirable vs. undesirable, things get clearer. Your dog doesn’t need a boss, they need guidance, consistency, and someone who makes expectations clear. That is where real progress happens., That’s where I can help.

30/03/2026

Choosing a Dog Trainer: Red Flags to Watch For

Not all dog training is created equal. If you are looking for help with your dog, here are some things I would strongly avoid:

1. Military or police style training
If a trainer pushes boot camp, dominance, or presents themselves like law enforcement, avoid. Pet dogs are not working K9s. This approach often creates fear and confusion instead of real, lasting behavior change.

2. Extremely high prices
Training is an investment, but programs that cost many thousands of dollars are often more about marketing than results. High cost does not equal better training.

3. E collars or “electronic stimulation”
Different name, same tool. If it has to be rebranded to sound nicer, that is a red flag. These tools rely on discomfort to stop behavior. In many years of training, I have never needed one.

4. Outdated training myths
Be cautious of trainers talking about alpha, dominance, or pack leader theory. These ideas are outdated and can lead to unnecessary conflict with your dog.

5. Training that happens away from you
Board and train programs and big group classes often fail because your dog is not learning with you in your real environment. Training should start in your home where real life happens.

6. One size fits all training
Your dog should be trained for your life. Whether you want a calm couch dog or a more active companion, training should match your goals, not a rigid system.

Bottom line
Good training is about communication and trust, not control. If you are not sure where to start or want help building a plan that fits your dog and your lifestyle, feel free to reach out to me. And even if you have started with a trainer and something doesn’t feel right, reach out to me to get a second opinion.

10/03/2026

If your dog barks, lunges, or tries to go after other dogs on walks, the solution is not punishment or forcing the dog closer. The real way to help is with distance, duration, and great food. You create enough space from other dogs so your dog can stay calm, and you gradually change how they feel by pairing the sight of other dogs with something wonderful.

Yes, this takes time. But so do most things worth learning. We do not expect someone to run a marathon without training. Kids do not learn to read in a week. You do not learn a language or recover from an injury overnight. Behavior change takes repetition and patience.

Dogs are no different. With the right approach and consistency, leash reactivity can improve dramatically.

If you are struggling with a reactive dog in your neighborhood, reach out or comment below. I am happy to share some simple steps that can make walks calmer for both you and your dog.

07/03/2026

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/d3RN8lhd8YI Very funny watching this dog try to figure this out.

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06/03/2026

Please be cautious when adopting a dog from certain rescues. One red flag to watch for is a rescue that charges an unusually high adoption fee while only offering to meet you in a store parking lot to hand off the dog. Unfortunately, this happens more often than people realize.
Whenever possible, adopt from reputable rescues that allow you to meet the dog in a natural setting such as a foster home or the organization’s facility. It’s also important that everyone in the household who will be living with the dog has a chance to meet the dog beforehand.
If something about the situation feels off, it’s okay to walk away even if you feel bad for the dog in the moment. Bringing a dog into your home is a commitment that can last many years, so taking the time to make a thoughtful and informed decision is important for both you and the dog. A little extra caution can help ensure you are working with a trustworty rescue.

17/02/2026

I feel badly for dog owners who make this mistake, because I’m sure it isn’t intentional but sometimes it is. But this gaffe has long-term consequences for your dog(s), and it’s surprisingly common. An owner has a senior dog and decides to get a puppy. When I interview owners about why they do this, the reasons vary. Some think their senior is bored and could use a companion. Others are anticipating the death of their senior and don’t want to be without a dog. Still others, quite frankly, are getting bored with their senior dog and want more life and energy in the home.

All of these reasons are misguided, and they do your senior dog a great disservice. Look at the situation through your senior dog’s eyes. The dog is living out his final days with a predictable routine, possibly enjoying food, comfort, and lots of sleep. Or the senior may be arthritic or ill, simply trying to cope day to day. Either way, all of a sudden this young whippersnapper comes into the home and all the puppy wants to do is play, play, and play some more. Not only that, the puppy bites, jumps, and does all the things puppies do. Meanwhile, your senior dog is miserable and often ends up in conflicts with the puppy or slinks away and silently endures the chaos. This is called learned helplessness.

Eventually, I get called because the situation has become untenable. What it usually involves, among other things, is the puppy having to spend far more time confined to protect the older dog, creating a stressful and unfair environment for both dogs and the humans as well.

My advice: don’t do this. Let your senior dog live out his days in comfort and peace. When your senior passes, then bring that new energy into your home.

If you have made this mistake, don't hesitate to contact me so we can make changes to the household dynamic to make sure both dogs have quality of life.