Nowadays, more board and train programs in the St. Petersburg area are being run from trainers’ homes instead of licensed facilities. At first glance, this can seem like a win because your dog gets to stay in a home, not a kennel. Some owners hope this setup will make...
Welcome to Puppy Parenthood Welcoming a new puppy into your home is an exhilarating and joyous time. There is a wealth of information available on topics such as potty training, socialization, crate training, and more. I understand the excitement and anticipation that...
Most puppies go home to their new families at around eight weeks old. Until then, they have been wrestling, playing, and establishing their hierarchy among their littermates. Puppies engage in mouthing, nipping, growling, and pinning as forms of play and status....
Genetics vs. Behavior What if, instead of only trying to change your dog, you extend understanding and grace by delving into the root of most pet frustrations, not accepting their dog's genetic components? Understanding your dog's genetic needs is crucial in the dog...
The Unpredictable Dog Cop We're all familiar with the concept of speeding. It's a simple equation: We get a ticket when we speed. The ticket amount is directly proportional to how much over the speed limit we were. Speed limits are clearly posted, leaving no room for...
What is a herding breed? Herding breeds all share a genetic instinct: the desire to control the environment, especially other animals' movements. While they can vary in herding style, this genetic instinct rings true across all breeds. Common Herding Breeds ● Border...
In the summer of 2022, St. Petersburg, Florida, was named America's number-one dog-friendly city. Its sister city, Tampa, finished third in the rankings, making Tampa Bay a competitive destination for doggy locals and tourists. Just what makes St. Petersburg a...
Combating training tool shame and negativity l is important to ensure the go-home process for you and your dog is as smooth and easy as possible. Training Tool Narratives Picture this, your dog recently graduated from one of our training programs and is fresh...
Holiday Dog Training Tips What are holiday manners? Can you reflect on a holiday gathering, birthday celebration, or social event and remember a well-behaved dog? What was it about the dog's mannerisms that caught your attention? Was it a calm dog that wasn't pushing...
The scariest thing that can happen as a dog owner is having your dog attacked by another dog. Even the thought of this is nerve-wracking for most dog owners. Beyond the physical damage, dog attacks can create a lot of post-traumatic mental stress for your dog. This...
Nail Trims in Dogs: The Missing Factor that Determines Where your True Relationship Stands Even as a professional dog trainer, I struggle to keep up with my dog's nail trims. Not many people, it seems, love to trim their dog's nails. Not even the groomer you are...
The heat of Florida summers can be brutal even for us humans, who can choose to stay in the AC and drink more water. But what about dogs? As caretakers of our pets, we need to ensure we keep them safe from the dangers hot weather can present. Heat Index The heat index...