For the Love of Dog Training (2025)

10/07/2025

Is Your Dog Addicted to Dopamine? (AKA, a Furry TikTok Ju**ie?)

Let’s talk about something that’s messing with more dogs than we realize: dopamine overload. Your dog might be stuck in a loop of chase, tug, bark, repeat. And while it’s not exactly doomscrolling with string cheese at midnight, it’s not far off either.

If your dog goes from squirrel to ball to barking at the UPS truck in seconds, struggles to settle, and gets more hyped the longer they play, your pup might be riding the same overstimulation train as the rest of us. And just like us, when the high wears off, they’re left feeling a little off.

Here’s the deal.
Dopamine is the brain chemical that makes us feel good. For us, it’s notifications, treats, binge-watching stuff we barely remember. For dogs, it’s food, toys, movement, new smells, people, play. The problem is when that system gets flooded all the time, the brain stops responding the same way.

Signs your dog might need a dopamine detox:
Gets over-the-top excited just because you picked up the leash
Obsesses over toys or balls
Can’t settle after play
Barks at you when you're not engaging with them
Looks spaced out during tug or high-arousal games

This isn’t about cutting out fun. Play is healthy. Toys are amazing. But when dogs don’t get built-in breaks from stimulation, they don’t learn how to regulate. And that makes life harder for both of you.

Start adding calm back on purpose.

Let them sniff on walks without rushing ( i have a little caveat to this though some dogs may get a dopamine hit while sniffing)
Practice laying down in public places and just hanging out
Give them quiet crate time even when you're home
Walk in calm, low-traffic areas
Teach them that being still is safe

You don’t have to throw away the flirt pole or ban the tug toy because we all know I am a play addict myself! But your dog does need help learning that life isn’t just one big game of whack-a-mole.

This kind of reset helps your dog’s brain rebalance. When you bring back the exciting stuff, they’ll actually enjoy it more. So if your dog is acting like they’re scrolling TikTok in your backyard, it might be time for a little detox.

And hey, you might sleep better too. Just saying.

07/07/2025

$200 off a September Retreat Opening

Struggling with your dog’s behavior and feeling like nothing sticks? You are definitely not alone, and that is exactly why we do what we do.

At For the Love of Dog Training, our Board and Train Retreat is not your average dog training program. It is designed to actually change your day-to-day life with your dog, not just slap a band-aid on the problem.

Here is why it works:

🏡 Your dog stays in a small, cozy home environment that feels like yours, not some giant kennel

📚 You get daily virtual coaching (six days a week) plus written lectures to help you stay in the loop

🤝 You get leash time with your dog during the program, because you are part of the process

📞 Lifetime support, both virtual and in person, because real life happens and questions come up

🐶 We only work with three or four dogs a month, so your pup is not just a number

👩‍🏫 We coach both ends of the leash, because your relationship with your dog matters most

If you are ready for real change and want to live your best life together with your dog, this is your chance.

✨ Free Zoom consultations are happening now, and it only takes a deposit to lock in your spot once approved. Let’s make this the moment things finally click.

📩 Message us or hit the link to book your consult. Your dog’s transformation starts here.

www.orovilledogtraining.com

05/07/2025

Let’s talk about the warm-up. And no, I don’t mean for you. I’m not here to critique your stretching routine (but hey, maybe take care of those knees). I’m talking about your dog.

How often do you find yourself rushing out the door, running late, throwing your dog in the car, flying into the parking lot, and basically launching straight into chaos? Sound familiar? Yeah… and then we wonder why the walk is a total disaster.

Picture this. Instead of panic-parking and dragging your poor, overwhelmed dog into the action, what if you planned ahead? Crazy idea, I know. But seriously, imagine giving yourself just five extra minutes. You could do some circle work in the lot, a few back-and-forths to help your dog settle, and let them take in the environment. It's a total game-changer, especially if your dog tends to get spicy around other dogs.

That cortisol spike and adrenaline rush? It’s not helping anyone. It sets the tone for stress and reactivity before you even hit the trail. And for my reactive dog people, you know if you start frazzled, it’s only going downhill from there.

So here's your checklist for success:

✔ Have your gear ready the night before. That means treats, f***y pack, leash, coffee because we’re realistic around here
✔ Assume something will go wrong. Gas light probably came on halfway to the event so plan for it
✔ Give yourself enough time to breathe, get organized, and actually help your dog settle in
✔ Running late? Feeling frantic? Skip it. I promise I’m not going to be offended if you sit one out because your mental state is shot. Your dog will thank you
✔ Not every dog can jump out of a car and immediately perform like a service dog. Set realistic expectations

And listen. If you forget your treats, your leash, your equipment… just turn around. We’ve all been there. But you’ll have a much better experience if you’re set up for success from the get-go.

What are some of your best pre-walk, pre-outing tips to help set the stage for a calmer, more successful adventure with your dog? Drop them below. I love hearing how other people prep.

04/07/2025

Happy 4th of July from For the Love of Dog Training

Hope everyone has a fun and safe holiday with family, friends, and of course, your dogs who are probably wondering why the sky is exploding tonight.

Just a little reminder to set your dogs up for success before the fireworks kick off. Get them settled, get the calming music going, maybe throw in some frozen enrichment or crate time, and keep them safe and comfortable.

Let the humans enjoy the fireworks and let the dogs enjoy not having to deal with them.

Happy 4th and stay safe out there.

02/07/2025

Consider this your how is it almost July 4th already PSA: Time to prep for National “My Dog Thinks The Sky Is Falling” Day. 💥

🚀 Step 1: Crate ‘Em Early
Even if your dog normally free-roams like they pay rent, we crate before the backyard fireworks and questionable neighborhood gunfire start. (Yes… sometimes it starts before dark.)

💚 Step 2: CBD = Sanity Saver
King Kalm has been my holy grail for 5+ years. If your dog goes feral at the first pop, this is your friend

🎶 Step 3: “Alexa, Play Calm My Dog”
If you know, you know. Weird elevator music for dogs? Absolutely. But it works.

🍦 Step 4: Frozen Enrichment Everything
Kongs, lick mats, puzzle toys — if I can freeze it and it keeps them busy, it’s going in the freezer.

🛏 Step 5: Blanket Fort Mode
Light blankets over crates help block light, dull the sound, and create a cozy little bunker. Dogs love a good hideout when the world gets loud.

🌿 Step 6: Essential Oils for the Win
We diffuse lavender like we’re running a dog spa — calms the vibe, and bonus, it smells better than fireworks smoke.

✨ Bonus Tip for My Students:
If you’ve trained with me, reach out! I have limited boarding spots for the holiday. Many of my students let their dogs stay with me so they can enjoy making memories with their family, while I keep their dogs safe and stress-free.

Your turn — what’s your fireworks survival plan? Drop your tips below, we’re all in this together when the sky starts crackling! 🎆🐶💨

www.orovilledogtraining.com

27/06/2025

This event is open to the public. Spread the word Moose Members.

26/06/2025

Let’s Talk About Scent Work, aka Letting Your Dog Be a Superhero with Their Nose

Alright, buckle in because today we’re diving into one of my favorite things, scent work. Or as I like to call it… organized sniffing with prizes.
First off, dogs were built for this. You’ve got dogs out here with noses that can detect one drop of blood in a swimming pool. Meanwhile, I can’t even find my car keys when they’re in my hand. So when we tap into scent work, we’re basically giving your dog their version of a purpose-driven career.

Why scent work?
Because sniffing isn’t just sniffing. It’s enrichment. It’s problem-solving. It’s confidence-building. And for some of these dogs, especially the nervous or reactive ones, it’s one of the only jobs where they can be brilliant without having to be social or “perfect.”

Here’s the beauty of it:
When we teach our dogs to search for odor, whether that’s essential oil in sport scent work, a missing sock, your car keys, or even your dignity after your dog embarrasses you at the park, we’re building their focus, independence, and resilience.
And bonus… tired noses equal tired dogs. A scent session can mentally drain a dog faster than a mile-long walk. That’s a win for all of us.

What I love most?
Scent work creates space for your dog to problem-solve without micromanagement. You can’t lead them to odor, you have to trust the process. It’s humbling, honestly. Your dog figures it out, you celebrate, they get paid, and everyone feels like they just won a gold medal.

Common mistakes?
Oh, we’ve all done them. Rewarding away from source, hovering like a helicopter parent, guessing the hide location when your dog is still thinking. Remember, your dog knows what they’re doing. You’re just the chauffeur and the treat dispenser.

Scent work isn’t about ribbons or fancy titles, though those are fun.

It’s about building confidence, trust, and turning your dog’s natural superpower into something that works for both of you.
just to keep it easy.

So grab your odor, grab your snacks, and let your dog be great.

Www.orovilledogtraining.com

25/06/2025

Let’s dive into a topic that most dog owners don’t see coming… quite literally… until it hits them in the face: the wind.
Not another dog.
Not a loud bang.
Not even a chaotic new environment.
Just good ol’ wind.

And yet, for many dogs, wind can have a major influence on behavior. It’s often overlooked as a factor when things start to fall apart on a walk or in a training session.

Why Does Wind Matter?
Wind is more than just a breeze. For your dog, it can completely change how they interpret their surroundings. Here’s how:

1. Scent Overload
Dogs live in a scent-based world. Wind scatters smells from every direction, bombarding their senses. For many dogs, this can be overstimulating, especially when they’re trying to work or focus. A dog who normally has a great nose-to-handler connection might suddenly feel “zoned out” or overwhelmed.

2. Visual Distractions
Leaves tumbling down the street, debris blowing across the sidewalk, trees swaying rapidly. These things don’t just look different to us. To a dog with prey drive or visual sensitivity, this can be outright triggering. Their instincts are engaged, and it becomes harder for them to stay calm and neutral.

3. Distorted Sounds
Wind doesn’t just carry smells. It distorts sound. The same noise your dog hears every day may now sound closer, more sudden, or more threatening. Dogs who are sound-sensitive might appear reactive or startled by things they normally tolerate just fine.

4. Overall Arousal Spike
Put it all together. Unpredictable smells, fast-moving visuals, strange sounds. What do you get? Heightened arousal. Dogs may become more impulsive, more sensitive, and less emotionally regulated in general.

So What Do You Do?
When your dog is struggling on a windy day, it’s not the time to push harder. It’s the time to adjust your expectations and advocate for your dog’s needs. Here’s how:

→ Lower Your Criteria
If your dog is struggling to focus, don’t insist on perfect heeling or long downs. Today might be a day for micro wins. Eye contact, checking in, or just calmly existing.

→ Pause and Reset
Use simple techniques like circle work or stationary “yes” sessions to help bring their arousal down. Don’t be afraid to just be still with them and breathe.

→ Slow Your Own Body
Your dog will reflect your energy. If you’re rushing, tense, or frustrated, they feel that. Ground yourself. Move slowly. Exhale.

→ Stay Present
Observe instead of reacting. Tune in to what’s really setting your dog off. Is it that flapping sign? The rustling leaves? Knowing what’s happening around them lets you step in with support rather than confusion.

Environmental conditions always matter, but wind is one of the most underappreciated ones. If your dog is “off,” don’t immediately jump to conclusions about training failures or obedience issues.

Sometimes, it’s just the wind.

And acknowledging that gives you a tremendous amount of power. To meet your dog with compassion. To shift your expectations. To become a more emotionally attuned handler.

When the world gets noisy, chaotic, and overwhelming, your dog doesn’t need perfection.

They need you. Steady, observant, and supportive. Even when the wind is wild.

www.orovilledogtraining.com

24/06/2025

People love to think dog training is all about ribbons and trophies like we are prepping for the Olympics of Sit and Stay. But let me tell you it’s so much bigger than that. Sure, I enjoy getting out there and testing my training in trial environments because hey I’m competitive and I like seeing where we stack up. But real dog training? That’s happening every single day in real life. It’s happening when your dog’s chasing a leaf down the street or deciding if they want to listen to you or go full feral.

And listen I need everyone to understand this part because I say it every day. Regression is normal. Setbacks are normal. I see it in my board and train dogs all the time. We’re handing them a ton of new information at once. New rules, new structure, new ways to communicate. Some days their little dog brains are just cooked. So what do we do? We take a break. We grab the flirt pole, we go outside, maybe we stand around watching the wind blow like philosophers. And that’s okay. There’s learning happening in those quiet moments too. Even when it looks like we are doing absolutely nothing productive.

Dog training is not linear. I wish it was. I wish I could hand you a calendar and say mark this day your dog will be perfect. But it doesn’t work that way. I get asked all the time how long before my dog has this down. And I always ask how old is your dog? Because guess what they are going to go through phases. Good days, bad days, days where they act like they’ve never seen a leash before and you wonder if you accidentally brought home a wild coyote. Totally normal.

Training isn’t this neat little program where you complete Level 1 and suddenly your dog is a functioning member of society. It’s a foundation you build and then keep building. You layer it. You strengthen it. You adapt when life throws chaos your way.

So when you get frustrated and you will trust me take a step back. Breathe. Be kind to yourself and your dog. This is a process. And progress? It’s messy and unpredictable but that’s where the magic happens.

Www.orovilledogtraining.com

22/06/2025

Let’s talk joints, zoomies, and the very real risk of raising your sweet baby pup like they’re training for an Ironman.

Imagine you’re six years old, someone throws a weighted backpack on you and drags you up a five-mile hike while yelling “heel.” Oh, and your knees? Made of Jell-O. That’s your puppy.

Puppy joints are soft and their growth plates don’t close until 12 to 18 months. Larger breeds like Labs, Goldens, Malinois, and Shepherds? Still growing into their second year. That means they’re not ready for distance, pressure, or pounding pavement.

If you’ve noticed I don’t bring puppies under a year to my longer pack walks—it’s on purpose. Their joints can’t handle the mileage yet.

So how much is too much?

A good rule: 5 minutes of structured walking per month of age, twice a day.
A 4-month-old puppy = 20 minutes of walking at a time. That’s it.

Yes, your puppy has energy. That doesn’t mean they’re ready for a 10K. A 4-month-old doing 3 miles is like a toddler running a race. Just because they can doesn’t mean they should.

You might not see the damage now, but repetitive strain on developing joints can lead to dysplasia, OCD, and arthritis later in life. Not to mention expensive vet bills and pain that could’ve been avoided.

What’s appropriate?
• 5 to 10 min potty walks
• Low-impact play
• Brain games and enrichment
• Calm outings like Home Depot strolls
• No hills, jogs, or long hikes until growth plates are closed

I didn’t start running Jameson until he was three. Early neutering can affect joint development too, so we waited.

Dragging your puppy for miles because “they were pulling” doesn’t build stamina—it builds confusion and joint trauma.

Puppy energy needs to be channeled, not drained.

Let their joints finish cooking. Let their brains grow without burnout.

A calm, fulfilled puppy is better than a tired, limping one.

And if you’ve been overdoing it, don’t panic. Just pivot. Their joints New puppy? Grab our free puppy guide at the link below https://www.orovilledogtraining.com/free-resources

21/06/2025

You guys know I can't resist a chaotic story time, especially when it involves a 5K that mysteriously shapeshifts into a 10K. But listen... for once, I actually managed to stay on the route. I know, personal growth. But don’t worry, it wasn’t without a little flair for the dramatic.

So I pull up to Bidwell Park, ready to run, and suddenly remember — oh yeah, this place turns into the Wild West at certain hours. Off-leash dog hours. Which is super cool unless you’re, say, a diabetic alert dog handler with a dog you’ve poured your entire soul, budget, and emotional stability into. One bad interaction and p**f there goes your dog’s career, your plans, and probably your last nerve.

I sat in my car for a solid thirty minutes having a full-blown meeting with the risk management department in my brain. Do I run and risk it? Do I turn around and cry into a Starbucks cup? I eventually decided to go for it, but I packed my trusty compressed air like I was smuggling pepper spray into a rave and planned to stick close to the herd like a nervous antelope.

And then, as if summoned by my anxiety, it happened.

A mile and a half in, here comes a woman with THREE off-leash dogs, all living their best no-recall lives. They saw us running and, like the predators they are, came in hot. Because nothing says “fun!” like chasing a moving target, right?

I used the air to back off two of them. The third one was a little more persistent, like the clingy guy at a bar who thinks “no thanks” is flirting. The woman? Oh, she was not pleased. She threatened to hit me. With her hand. Not the dog. Me. For protecting my own diabetic alert dog.

Luckily, I had my Meta glasses on, and yes, they were recording. No, I’m not going to post the video, because I’m not into turning someone’s meltdown into content. But if she decides to do a dramatic Facebook retelling of the event, I’ll be ready to drop the receipts like a TMZ segment.

Anyway, the good news is we finished the run. I ended up pacing with a little girl who was really struggling, and her family had gone up ahead with another sibling. So we stuck together, and it felt really good to support her. It also felt amazing to run the whole thing strong. Minus the almost-being-punched moment, I ran the entire thing and my dog was an actual rockstar.

Moral of the story: I need to run with a body cam, an air horn, and maybe a legal team next time. But we crushed it, and I could not be prouder of both of us.

For the Love of Dog Training

10/07/2025

07/07/2025

05/07/2025

04/07/2025

02/07/2025

27/06/2025

26/06/2025

25/06/2025

24/06/2025

22/06/2025

21/06/2025

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