DogWorkz - Training and Behavior Solutions

24/11/2025

Loose leash walking can be one of the most difficult skills to teach because the way a dog naturally walks is so contradictory to how we expect them to walk when leashed. (The want to zig-zag and explore; we want to walk in a boring straight line...)

Here are some basic tips to get started using treats:

Start simply, indoors, with minimal distractions.

Pick a side that you want your dog to walk on. To get started, hold treats in the hand on the side your dog is on and your leash, loosely, in the opposite hand.

Keep your hand with treats by your side at about the dog's nose level. Do NOT reach out to lure your dog in, let them find the treats next to you--that's the sweet spot! Start to take steps forward, letting your dog eat as you walk. Don't let them push your hand out of position, keep it by your side!

Start walking in just a straight line, then add in left and right turns. You can also teach your dog to stop and sit at your side by pulling the treats up slightly when you stop. As your dog gets better at sticking by your side, you can start to gradually wean the treats away.

Add distractions gradually and realize that you may have to add more guidance again once you move outside. Again, try an outdoor spot with minimal distractions first, then make things more challenging as your dog becomes more skilled.

23/11/2025

Is your dog a menace on the leash? Are you ready to start taking your new puppy on walks? This week we'll be sharing tips on making walks less frustrating and more enjoyable!

20/11/2025

First below-freezing run of the season. 🥶🥶🥶
He’s worth it.

18/11/2025

We know when you don't do your homework between lessons. And, to be honest, there is no excuse for it.

YOU are the one who has to live with your dog and their behaviors.

YOU need to care about creating change in your dog's behavior more than anyone. YOU need to take action toward better behavior every...single...day.

That's when the real magic happens--when you and your dog learn to work with and live with each other. When YOU apply what you've learned to your life with your dog.

Do your homework.

14/11/2025

Drax says, “Distractions? What distractions?

Taking advantage of a training opportunity during a walk!

11/11/2025

Very often, people talk so much they don't even give their dog time to think! Slow down, be more intentional in what you say, and give your dog the chance to recognize you've said something.

For example: Everyone has heard the "no, stop, sit, don't jump, get off, no, down" stream of consciousness when someone's dog is jumping on someone. Exactly WHAT is the dog supposed to respond to in that stream? How about just, "Sit" instead? That's much easier for the dog to hear and understand.

Up for a challenge? Try to completely minimize the amount of words you say to your dog for 24 hours and see how much more attention you get from them. (For the advanced challenge, only "speak" to your dog using body language for 24 hours.)

04/11/2025

Yes, you CAN find time in your busy schedule to train your dog! You may just need to get a little creative!

30/10/2025

Rainy days are good days for indoor fitness! The goal is to balance on two paw pods and maintain a square stand to strengthen the adductor muscles. Add an additional unstable surface and it really becomes a full body workout! (Please note: This is an advanced exercise being learned by an experienced dog.)

28/10/2025

Every dog, no matter how big or how small, needs time to just be a silly dog! Ignore the mud, grass stains, or wet dog smell and let them have some fun!

Letting your dog safely run, dig, chase, or just their goofy self is incredibly fulfilling for them! It will cut down on stress and anxiety and give you the joy of seeing their eyes light up as they get to romp and play like...dogs!

26/10/2025

25/10/2025

Most puppies (and owners) will do well with the potty training basics we've shared this week but if you find you need some extra help, don't hesitate to reach out and let us know. We love helping families welcome new puppies and dogs into their households!

24/10/2025

Keeping a journal can be incredibly helpful, especially if you find yourself struggling with potty training.

Tracking activities and potty times will help you become more able to predict when your puppy needs to go out, which will let you be proactive when you know it's about to be potty time!

For example, you might find that your pup has to p**p 30 minutes after a meal or see that if they drink a lot of water after playing, they’ll need to p*e within 10 minutes!

Also keep track of any accidents in the house--the location, time, what the puppy was doing before they went, and what signs they may have shown to indicate they needed to go potty.

If you find yourself and your puppy struggling, look back at your past results and see if you can improve supervision and timing of potty breaks based around your pup's activities and needs.