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We spent some time ranking large breed dogs on this episode and it got real in a hurry. This isn't a feel good/everything is hunky dory with every breed kind of episode. You know how when you Google a dog breed, every website basically tells you they are great and just need consistent training? Well, this episode isn't that 🤣. We see the best and worst of many different breeds and give you real info based upon what we see every day. After watching this episode you will know which large breed dogs are the most likely to be an easy family pet for you and your family!

Are you wondering how to introduce your dog to a cat? Nelson and Matt both have cats and frequently introduce board and trains and other dogs to them. Also, all three of the guys have a lot of experience helping clients introduce their dogs to cats. It isn't as hard as you think it may be if you have a solid plan and spend the proper amount of time on it. Let us know if you have any questions or comments!

What is the key to being a great dog trainer? Not an average dog trainer. A truly great dog trainer. Is it skill, experience, knowledge, or something else? In this episode, Matt makes the case that it is the ability to truly connect with a dog. Sometimes a conversation like this can feel like semantics, but this is an important topic. Matt has trained a huge number of trainers over the last 20 years and has scene first hand what leads to a great trainer. Let us know what you think!

In this episode Robert Cabral joins us and we had a blast. We talked dogs in general and he also answered a lot of questions from our listeners. It is important to learn from others and we wanted our listeners to get another perspective on various dog training topics. We also spent a lot of time talking about the number of dogs in shelters, why they got there and what can be done about it. Here are some links where you can learn more about Robert: Online Courses and Membership Programs: https://robertcabral.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RobertCabralDogs Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RobertCabral Drop a comment and let us know what you think about the episode!

We are trying something new in this episode. Instead of spending an hour on one topic, we explore 3 dog behavior topics for 15 minutes each. We discuss resource guarding, shelter honesty, and motivation/training strategies. This episode is perfect for dog owners and trainers looking to deepen their understanding and improve their training approach.

We answered some interesting questions from our listeners. We about talked aggression, e collars, the come command and quite a few other topics.

This episode explores why dogs eat too fast, the risks involved like bloat, choking, and resource guarding as well as effective long-term solutions to slow down their eating habits. The guys offer practical tools and step-by-step methods to improve your dog's eating behavior and keep them safe.

In this episode we talk about how to live with dogs and children. We discuss rules for the dog, rules for the children and how to ensure that everyone coexists and has a happy and safe life.

If this description sounds kinda douchy its because it was written by AI. Learn essential dog etiquette for public spaces to ensure enjoyable outings for both pets and people. Discover tips for responsible pet ownership and public behavior. When it comes to taking our dogs out into public spaces, many pet owners face challenges that can impact the experience for everyone involved. How do you ensure your dog is well-behaved in environments filled with distractions? In this post, we’ll explore essential dog etiquette that every pet owner should follow, ensuring a positive experience for both your furry friend and those around you. ## Understanding the Importance of Dog Etiquette Dogs are social creatures, and public outings are opportunities for them to explore and interact. However, without proper training and etiquette, these outings can lead to frustrating situations for both pet owners and the public. Understanding the significance of good dog behavior in public spaces can help prevent negative encounters. ### Why Etiquette Matters - **Respect for Others:** Not everyone is comfortable around dogs. A well-behaved dog shows respect for those who may be nervous or fearful. - **Safety:** Good etiquette reduces the risk of accidents, such as dogs pulling on leashes and causing injury to themselves or others. - **Positive Reputation:** Responsible dog ownership enhances the reputation of pet owners in the community, making public spaces more welcoming for everyone. ## Key Etiquette Guidelines for Public Spaces ### 1. Maintain Control of Your Dog - **Leash Requirements:** Always keep your dog on a leash in public spaces unless you are in a designated off-leash area. This helps ensure you have control over your dog’s movements. - **Training Commands:** Invest time in teaching basic commands such as "sit," "stay," and "leave it." These commands can prevent your dog from getting into trouble or approaching others without permission. ### 2. Be Mindful of Your Dog's Behavior - **Barking and Aggression:** If your dog tends to bark excessively or show aggression towards other dogs or people, consider seeking professional training. This behavior can disrupt public peace and create tension. - **Socialization:** Regularly exposing your dog to different environments, noises, and people can help them become more comfortable and less reactive in public. ### 3. Clean Up After Your Dog - **Waste Management:** Always carry bags to clean up after your dog in public spaces. Leaving waste behind is not only disrespectful but can also pose health risks. - **Designated Areas:** Use designated areas for dog relief whenever possible, especially in parks and public events. ### 4. Be Considerate of Others - **Ask Before Approaching:** Not everyone is comfortable with dogs. Always ask permission before allowing your dog to approach others, especially children or elderly individuals. - **Avoid Crowded Areas:** If your dog is easily distracted or anxious, consider visiting less crowded times or areas to avoid overwhelming them. ## Conclusion Practicing good dog etiquette in public spaces is essential for fostering a positive environment for both pets and people. By maintaining control of your dog, being mindful of their behavior, cleaning up after them, and being considerate of others, you contribute to a community that welcomes dogs and their owners. Remember, a well-behaved dog reflects positively on you as a pet owner. For more tips on responsible pet ownership, check out our related articles on dog training and socialization.

We want to help you prevent and fix Littermate Syndrome! Are you raising and training littermate puppies? Do you have littermates that are fighting? Fixing littermate syndrome and stopping your dogs from fighting is possible, it just takes a good plan and a lot of effort. This podcast is meant to educate dog owners who currently have or are considering getting littermates. We recommend you avoid getting littermates, but if you already have them we are here to help!!!Not every time you raise littermates will lead to issues, but if Littermate Syndrome does arise it can be a huge problem. Our recommendation is to always assume that two littermates will develop Littermate Syndrome and take a series of steps to prevent it. If you have littermates remember that it is 3 times more work than raising one puppy! You need to do all of their training and socializing both together and separate. Generally littermate syndrome leads to socialization issues but it can also lead to fighting between the siblings. When littermate syndrome turns into fights between the dogs we call it Sibling Rivalry Syndrome. This usually occurs because one dog has become too pushy/dominant while the other dog has become too submissive. Your job when raising littermates is to make sure they are comfortable even when separate. This means you need to work on a lot of socializing and obedience training with your puppies while they are separated to ensure that they learn how to be happy on their own. If they are stressed during this process you need to use your obedience commands as a calming tool. They goal is to use Heel and other commands as a way to "reset" your dogs' brains and calm them down. We have hundreds of littermate syndrome success stories, and they are all due to having an action plan and then working hard. Make sure to crate your littermates separately, preferably in separate rooms. This helps them handle being alone and can prevent or help fix separation anxiety. If you have never done this you will need to start slowly to make sure the dogs are able to handle the process. Reach out with questions!

Boundary training is an amazing skill that can change your dog's life.  It allows your dog more freedom and the ability to be off leash more often. We discuss how to do boundary training in a variety of situations from the yard, to the front door to the kitchen.   We spend most of the time discussing how to do boundary training in the yard because it is the most challenging and the most important.  Imagine not having a fence and being able to allow your dog to roam free!  A lot of our clients do boundary training in the front yard even when they have a fence in the backyard.   Enjoy the episode and drop a comment with questions.

How to Prevent Leash Reactivity: 4 Key Insights for Dog Owners Leash reactivity can be a frustrating challenge for many dog owners. Have you ever found yourself struggling to control your dog when they see another dog or person? In this episode we explore how leash pulling and improper socialization can lead to reactivity, and share practical steps you can take to prevent these issues. Understanding Leash Reactivity Leash reactivity often stems from a dog’s frustration when they can’t reach something that excites or scares them. This can manifest in pulling, barking, or lunging. Understanding the root causes is crucial for effective training. The Role of Socialization Many new dog owners don’t realize that insufficient exposure to different environments, people, and animals can lead to anxiety and reactivity. Dogs need to learn what’s normal and safe, just like children learn about the world around them. Over Socialization: On the flip side, overly indulging puppies by allowing them to meet every person they see can create an expectation that all encounters will be positive, which is not always the case as they grow older. This can lead to frustration when they are no longer the center of attention. By ensuring your dog is appropriately socialized during their early months, you can help them become more relaxed and confident in various situations. Training Techniques to Prevent Reactivity Leash Training: Teaching your dog to walk calmly on a leash is fundamental. Practice commands like "heel" or "leave it" to help control their impulses. Gradual Introduction: Introduce your dog to new experiences gradually. Start with low-stress environments before moving on to busier places. For example, take them to a park during quieter hours. Desensitization: Help your dog get used to the sights and sounds of everyday life. This might include walking near busy streets or meeting other dogs. Allow them to observe without the pressure of direct interaction. Clear Commands: Consistency in commands and expectations is key. If you allow your dog to pull on the leash sometimes and not others, they become confused. Stick to the rules you set. Daily Training: Integrate brief training sessions into your daily routine. This can be as simple as practicing commands during walks or rewarding calm behavior when encountering other dogs. Recognizing Triggers Identify Specific Triggers: Pay attention to what specifically causes your dog to react. This could be other dogs, specific people, or even loud noises. Understanding these triggers will help you manage and train effectively. Plan Your Walks: Choose routes that minimize encounters with triggers, especially during the early stages of training. Gradually introduce them to their triggers in a controlled manner as they improve. Key Takeaways - Proper socialization and consistent training are crucial in preventing leash reactivity. - Avoid both improper and over socialization to help your dog learn what normal interactions look like. - Use positive reinforcement and controlled exposure to encourage calm behavior. - Maintain consistency in your training commands and routines to prevent confusion. By implementing these strategies, you’ll be on your way to having a well-behaved dog that enjoys walks without the stress of leash reactivity.

In this episode, the guys dive into various dog-related topics, sharing their hot takes on various things people do with their dogs, training methods, misconceptions about dog breeds and more. They discuss the absurdity of certain dog behaviors, the importance of responsible pet ownership, and the challenges of dog training in a world filled with misinformation. The conversation is filled with humor, frustration, and a few silver linings as they navigate through the complexities of dog ownership and training. Some of our topics 🤣 Dogs in strollers are often not getting enough exercise.Picking up after your dog is a responsibility of ownership.Off-leash training is essential for a well-behaved dog.Fake service dogs undermine the legitimacy of real service animals.Force-free training has its limitations and should not be the only method used.Social media can promote harmful practices in dog training.Pit bulls are often misunderstood and misrepresented in society.Dog parks can be a source of disease and behavioral issues.Crating dogs is a safe practice when done correctly.Shaving dogs can lead to health issues and discomfort.Hot Takes on Dog OwnershipThe Truth About Dog Training"When I see dogs in a stroller.""Why are you shaving labs and Goldens?"

We are huge believers in the power of handling exercises. Almost every time a dog bites a family member could be prevented if the owners do these handling exercises with their dog. Not 50%. Not 75%. 99% of bites within the household could be prevented simply by doing these easy and fun exercises from a young age. There is no excuse not to do them!

Muzzle training and conditioning doesn’t have to be scary or stressful. Here is a link to the video we discussed today: https://youtu.be/FSnpjh2k7O4Why Proper Muzzle Acclimation Is So Important: When muzzle training is done poorly, dogs often learn to fear the muzzle. That fear doesn’t come from the muzzle itself, it comes from how it’s introduced.Common problems happen when:The muzzle is forced on the dog, the dog is restrained or cornered, the muzzle only appears before scary events, stress signals are ignored, or the process moves too fast. That’s how dogs learn that the muzzle predicts bad things.In contrast, proper muzzle acclimation teaches the dog that the muzzle predicts food and calm interactions, they have choice and control, nothing bad happens when the muzzle appears and staying relaxed pays off. That’s exactly what you’ll see in this video.The goal is not to rush to get the muzzle buckled. The real goal is to get a dog who understands what’s happening, who isn’t stressed or shut down, and who willingly participates. If a dog can calmly put their nose into a muzzle on their own, everything else becomes easier.Treats are a huge part of successful muzzle acclimation — and no, they’re not “bribes.” Food helps change emotional responses, build positive associations, lower anxiety, reinforce calm behavior and create clarity.Muzzle appears → food appearsThis simple step is where most of the groundwork happens.Voluntary Nose-In Muzzle Training is something you should be thinking about. Eventually, the dog begins placing their nose inside the muzzle — on their own. This is a critical moment in muzzle training.Build Duration Slowly Duration is where a lot of people mess up muzzle training. They get one success and immediately jump ahead. Instead, we build duration gradually while watching the dog’s body language closely.If stress shows up, we slow down or take a step back. There’s no deadline or rush.Choosing the Right Muzzle for TrainingNot all muzzles are created equal. For proper muzzle acclimation, the muzzle should allow full panting, allow drinking water, allow taking treats, fit securely without rubbing and not restrict breathingBasket muzzles are typically the best option for training because they allow normal mouth movement and airflow.Muzzles are one of the most misunderstood tools in dog training. A lot of people assume that if a dog wears a muzzle it means the dog is bad or incredibly aggressive. In reality, a muzzle is simply a safety tool, and when it’s introduced correctly, all dogs can learn to wear one comfortably and calmly.Thanks for listening and feel free to reach out with questions!