Here is my list of the top 5 commands for dogs based on my experience with the dogs I have worked with #5. Sit – This is the easiest to teach and 99% of my clients have already taught it #4. Heel – Always good to teach your dog how to walk on leash #3. Come – Everyone wants recall with their dogs #2. Leave it – Prevents dogs from picking things up …

This is always a popular question for dog trainer but I think my answer might surprise you. Takeaways: When is it okay When is it not okay Creating structure around it Dog Fact of the week: 10 million pets are missing worldwide and less than 20% of them will be reunited with their owners. Courtesy 93.9 WLVB…

Many dog owners have this issue with their dogs, but what can we do about it? Takeaways: Why dogs do this What does the leash represent to the dog How to fix it Question: When my dog is sitting in my lap and my husband approaches me my dog growls at him, what should I do? Courtesy 93.9 WLVBBy Ian Grant

It's important that we keep those good vibes going while training our dogs. Ending a good note or notes will help your next session. Takeaways: Where this comes from What it means to the dog Understanding your dog’s stamina, both mental and physical Question: Do dogs tear things apart when the owner leaves the home because they are mad at their own…

When we try a new technique and fail often times we just give up. But there is a different way of looking at that failure. Takeaways: How to approach your dog doing something wrong What steps to understand it How to move forward with it Question: Will neutering my male dog take away his aggression? Courtesy 93.9 WLVB…

There are times when we can address unwanted behaviors in the moment. Takeaways: Understanding what the dog sees The pattern that gets created How to create a new pattern Listener Question: Will recall with my dog ever be 100%? Courtesy 93.9 WLVBBy Ian Grant

I really enjoyed chatting with Michael about how our mindfulness can help our dog's behave better. Once we understand how we are feeling is when we can turn our attention to our dogs. Takeaways: Clearing the "cloud" that our dog's see around us Patterns keep us comfortable but don't allow us to grow Live in the moment Michael's Website Intro/Outro …

On today's episode of the podcast I sit down with Jill Viggiani from MotoDog Training. We discussed the importance of cooperative play with your dog, making your dog somebody, and what it truly means when your dog is distracted. https://motodogtraining.com/ Romng Poop Bags Coupon Code VERMONTDOG Canine Fusion Workshop The Cornerstone Collection - I…

Dogs that bolt through doors have learned that they need speed to get through the door, but they learned that speed from someone, guess who? Takeaways: How dogs keep moving faster than us Car door/front door How to slow it down Question: Will recall with my dog ever be 100% perfect? Courtesy 93.9 WLVB Romng Poop Bags Coupon Code VERMONTDOG Canine F…

Most dog owners that I come across don't walk with purpose. Listening to this episode will give you insight into how you can make that change. Takeaways: What does this mean? We hesitate a lot when walking our dogs We don’t focus on what we want Question: My dog suddenly won’t sleep through the night in her crate. She will wake up around 2 and does…

It's one thing if your dog has certain skills, it's another if you know how to increase those skills into something else. Here is a great example on how you can do this with your dog. Takeaways: Pick a skill that you want to increase Create a pattern that’s easy to follow Once the dog understands the pattern, add another step Question: I’ve read th…

Patterns can emerge in different ways and once we are aware of patterns, it can lead to both positive and negative behaviors. Here is my take on how you can overcome those pesky negative patterns. Takeaways: Can be positive or negative How to read unwanted patterns Pinpoint where to get ahead of the mistake Question: My dogs are constantly scanning…

Prey drive is instinctual for dogs and in some cases it's quite prominent. Takeaways: What is it? How do we handle it? Communication is key? Question: How can I teach my dog to be calm when he’s always excited? Courtesy 93.9 WLVB Romng Poop Bags Coupon Code VERMONTDOG Canine Fusion WorkshopBy Ian Grant

Dealing with a fearful dog can be difficult, but we have to be VERY aware of our "touch" both on leash and off leash in the house. Takeaways: Overpowering Being too physical with the leash and collar Taking the time to teach what we want – slowing down. Question: How do I redirect my dog if he starts lunging at a dog he sees? Courtesy 93.9 WLVB Rom…

Fear can debilitate dogs and it's not a pretty site. But we have a chance to help them through it and you might be surprised how. Takeaways: What does fear look like in dogs? We nurture fear too much We have to give direction during times of stress Question: My dog just doesn’t seem to calm down in the house. We can go for a 3 mile walk and she sti…

Part 2 leads us into your guests coming into play and what their role should be, you might find my opinion very interesting. Takeaways: Your guests & your dogs Instruct both guests and dog what to do Make it clear and concise – use a note outside the door if needed Listener Question: What do you feel is the biggest mistake dog owners make with thei…

In this episode we dive into the essential topic of "Doorway Diplomacy: Mastering Front Door Behaviors." The front door can be a common source of chaos and excitement for our canine companions, but with the right techniques, you can transform it into a zone of calm and control. Controlling the Space Around the Front Door: We start by exploring effe…

In this engaging episode we delve into the intriguing world of "Situational Aggression" and we will explore the following key points: What is Aggression? We begin by unraveling this term and how it comes about, and define it. Understanding Situational Aggression: Our spotlight then falls on the specific concept of "Situational Aggression" – a fasci…

Join us as we explore the ins and outs of this powerful training tool, equipping you with the knowledge and techniques to utilize it effectively. Segment 1: What is the Place Command? - We kick off the episode by providing a comprehensive understanding of the Place Command. Learn the foundational principles behind this training technique and how it…

Join us as we delve into the three key takeaways that will revolutionize your understanding of your furry companion and pave the way for a fulfilling and harmonious relationship. Dogs are born neutral - Prepare to challenge common misconceptions about canine behavior as we uncover the truth: dogs are born with a neutral disposition. We delve into t…

Step into the world of unleashed canines in this podcast episode as we unravel the myths surrounding dogs being left outside unsupervised. Join us as we explore whether it can truly serve as a replacement for exercise, the potential negatives that arise, and valuable insights on how to recover from problematic behaviors. In this episode, we explore…

Join me in this captivating podcast episode as we delve into the intriguing world of dogs and their attention-seeking barks. Discover what "Barking for Attention" really means, whether you should accommodate it, and gain valuable insights on how to effectively handle this behavior. In this episode, we explore: Decoding the Bark: Unravel the mysteri…

Teaching your dog Rules & Boundaries are essential in the relationship with your dog. Without them, unwanted behaviors can manifest themselves in many ways. Takeaways: Why they are important What it means for you and your dog Create clarity Question: My dog won’t stop licking my hand when I pet her. Is there a way to make it stop? Courtesy 93.9 WLV…

Training should be fun and exciting and what better way to do it than during play. I have seen some great success over the past couple of years teaching my clients how to do it. Takeaways: Playing & Training shouldn’t be boring How you can train while playing Teaches your dog to listen during excitement Question: How long should it take my dog to f…

It's important to know that dogs love routine, but if we keep changing the routine it makes it VERY hard for them. It's important to recognize success and repeat it! Takeaways: Where dog owners fail What to do when you get success Why the repetitions are important Question: We are thinking about getting another dog for our current dog to play with.…

These 2 subjects go hand in hand because if you don't have a great relationship with your dog then it will be tough to have good recall. Takeaways: Can you get recall from your dog without a relationship A Strong Relationship has to be present How to have both Question: Every time I take my dog to a friends house he pees inside the house. Is this n…

We've heard for years the health benefits of eating eggs but you may not realize how good an egg is for dogs! Takeaways: Why is it so good? How do I feed it to my dog? How often do I feed it to my dog? Question: What is the best way for my dog to gain confidence around strangers? Courtesy 93.9 WLVB Romng Poop Bags Coupon Code VERMONTDOG Cynology Wa…

Many dog owners struggle with trying to get their dogs inside. Sometimes you get that look from your dog as they "think" about what they should do. Here is how I handle it. Takeaways: Look at it from your dog’s view What does inside represent How to re-work this Question: What should I do about my Chihuahua that stops walking while I’m taking her f…

When a client walks in and says "I've tried everything" I know right where they are going with it. They are struggling but guess what? So is the dog. Takeaways: What this means to me What is really going on How you can reset Question: What can I do about a dog that just doesn’t want to bond with me? Courtesy 93.9 WLVB Romng Poop Bags Coupon Code VE…

Insufficient stimulation in dogs can lead to the development of undesirable behaviors, and it's our responsibility as pet owners to provide them with adequate mental and physical exercise to reduce such behaviors. Takeaways: Destruction & Aggression What can happen Long-term effects Question: I have 2 golden retrievers and often we have the same of…

Not only should we be fulfilling our dogs physically but also mentally. Obstacle courses are a great way to do this, but without intensity. Takeaways: Why make my dog go through it? How it helps your relationship with your dog Fine tuning leash skills Question: Changes in routine can change your dog’s behavior Courtesy 93.9 WLVB Romng Poop Bags Cou…

This is an intriguing conversation to have. Do we need to reward our dog for a behavior that we expect? Give this one some thought! Takeaways: What is expected behavior? Training still needs to happen The importance of when to reward Question: I have a dog that is always excited and she doesn’t like going on walks, can you help? Courtesy 93.9 WLVB …

There's nothing like saying goodbye to our beloved dogs. It can be a difficult and painful situation and everyone grieves differently. Takeaways: Tough times for humans Tough times for dogs, behaviors can change How long to grieve before you get another dog Question: Any time I go somewhere new with my dog he goes crazy when he gets our of the car,…

As a premium lifestyle brand that features high quality earth-friendly dog products made from renewable and natural materials, it is Romng's goal to reduce plastic waste starting with what we use to pick up after our dogs. Nicholas created this brand and has built a wonderful community of people that are not only picking up after their dogs, but lo…

Do you know what your dog does while you are at work? Remember that while we are gone our dogs can pick up bad habits when left unsupervised. Takeaways: What this looks like How intense it can become How we can fix it Question: When my dog sees another dog on a walk he will start to walk slowly and get down on his belly. What does that mean? Courte…

As dog owners it is important to know how to read nutrition labels. We all know the first ingredient listed is the most abundant but you may not know this one issue with labels. Takeaways: The REALITY of the ingredients list 1st 4 ingredients should be meat If 2nd-4th is not meat then dogs are getting mostly grains Question: My dog will throw her h…

Most people believe that if they tell their dog something once, the dog will retain that information for the rest of his/her life. It couldn't be further from the truth. Takeaways: What repetitions do for your dog What repetitions do for you Why we approach it this way Question: What can I do about my dog who doesn't seem to have an off switch. He …

I hear the words jealousy and attention during lessons but what if it's more about rules and boundaries than it is about jealousy and attention? Takeaways: Our definition of attention Dogs ask for it by invading our space How we can provide structure around it Question: How can I stop my dog from going nuts when someone knocks on our door? Courtesy…

Dogs are ALWAYS moving forward except for a couple of exceptions. This is why recall and waiting are important. Takeaways: Dogs move forward for everything they desire or want Times when I see them back up The importance of making them wait Question: My dog plays fetch for about 2 minutes and then stops, why is that? Courtesy 93.9 WLVB Canine Coope…

Am I saying it's not okay to hug your dog? No, but please be aware of a dog's personal space just like we want them to be aware of our space. Takeaways: Why are we doing this? Be aware of space The right timing of it Question: My dog goes crazy when I get the vacuum cleaner out of the closet. Is there anything I can do to help him? Courtesy 93.9 WL…

I don't teach a dog to give me eye contact to avoid a stimulation as I feel that it creates avoidance. Instead I want to teach the dog how to accept the stimulation. Takeaways: During stimulations Why it’s done What should be done Question: My dog barks at everything and the hair on his back stands up, is he aggressive? Courtesy 93.9 WLVB SAVE50…

As dog owners this is one of the most common frustrations that we encounter. Takeaways: Your dog’s reaction What you can do How to create a calm/positive association Question: My friend and I both have new puppies, should we get together for play dates? Courtesy 93.9 WLVB SAVE50By Ian Grant

There is nothing wrong with putting your dog through a simple warm-up before you take a walk with your dog, sometimes it helps! Takeaways: Why is this important This will help set the tone You won’t always need it Question: When taking my dog for a walk, I let her stop and watch some horses in a nearby pasture. Is that okay? Courtesy 93.9 WLVB SAVE…

You can either become a part of the environment, or you can create the environment you want. Takeaways: Are you constantly saying "No" You are a part of the environment Create what you desire Listener Question: Is it bad if my dogs can go in and out of the house whenever they want with a dog door? Courtesy 93.9 WLVB Canine Cooperative SAVE50…

Whether you realize it or not, your dog knows how you feel and when you are tense. This is where your breathing can influence your dog. Takeaways: The Deep Breath What it means to us and our dogs How we can influence our dogs Courtesy 93.9 WLVB Canine Cooperative SAVE50By Ian Grant

Crating isn't just a place for your dog to sleep, it can also be used to teach your dog patience and respect. Takeaways: Why this is important How to do it What it if goes wrong? Question: My dog will lunge at other dogs during a walk and no matter what I say, he won’t listen. Is there anything I can do? Courtesy 93.9 WLVB Canine Cooperative SAVE50…

We don't often get a chance to start over with our dogs but being away is our best opportunity. Takeaways: Being away is change of routine Start over when you get home Dogs won’t question it Question: What kinds of treats are best to use for training? Courtesy 93.9 WLVB SAVE50By Ian Grant

Repeating commands is a problem because we are trying to control the dog physically and not focusing on the mental connection we have with our dogs. Takeaways: Why people do it What are we telling our dog What this creates Question: Why does my dog come to a complete stop during walks? Courtesy 93.9 WLVB Canine Cooperative Free Resources…

It's important that we respect a dog's personal space when meeting them for the first time. And this will help the dog's owner handle the situation. Takeaways: The importance of knowing this The purpose of it How it helps dogs and their owners Listener Question: My dog won’t climb into the car, what can I do? Courtesy 93.9 WLVB Canine Cooperative F…

Many dog owners struggle with dogs that are constantly jumping on them. Here are my tips on how to address it. Takeaways: Why dogs do this It’s a symptom How to properly address it Listener Question: Every time I go to my friends house her dog pees when I walk in the door. Is there something I am doing wrong? Courtesy 93.9 WLVB Canine Cooperative F…