So your dog needs to chill. Let’s get him to chill on a bed. There, he can relax, sleep, and stay out of mischief – while you solve behavior problems! “Anytime, anyone is struggling with a problem behavior, I ask them one simple question. “Well, what do you want your dog to do instead?” I get a… Continue reading Help Your Dog Chill Out
Author: Andrea Kutzko Dog Training
Andrea is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA) with over 8 years of experience. She focuses family manners for family dogs at Petco in Highland.
My Favorite Dog Training Picks
It's true. I am the "treat lady". You will find treats in my car, my washing machine, and even my medicine cabinet. Using food rewards is an important part of positive reinforcement dog training. It naturally motivates dogs and helps them form positive associations. Be careful to never use food as a bribe. Don't show… Continue reading My Favorite Dog Training Picks
Hack Dogs Staying at Home
Try these easy hacks to maintain the peace while stuck at home. These toys offer enrichment, build confidence, reduce mental energy, and some even provide tons of exercise. This means your dog is tired. Tired dogs are better behaved. 🙂 Always supervise your dog to prevent your dog from eating non-food objects. The goal: Keep… Continue reading Hack Dogs Staying at Home
When Should I Start Training My Dog?
The second you meet your dog! Dogs learn on their own every second from every association and every consequence. Whether you like it or not, you're training your dog from the get go! You should begin training your puppy the moment you bring him home because he is learning anyway. Use positive reinforcement to teach… Continue reading When Should I Start Training My Dog?
What I Wish I Knew Before Bringing Home a Dog
I don't want you to have to learn the hardway. That's why I'm giving away some of the best advice a trainer can give... for free. (Let's get this out of the way.) 1. Hire only a Certified Professional. Don't give a trainer a penny until you read this. If a trainer does not does… Continue reading What I Wish I Knew Before Bringing Home a Dog
How to Get the Most Out of Your Kong!
Kong toys are my favorite! They are one of the few toys that my lovely 6-year-old pit, Tank, hasn't destroyed and can provide dogs with tons of mental stimulation. They can be stuffed in a thousand different ways and have an almost magical ability to keep my dog busy for hours! They can be given… Continue reading How to Get the Most Out of Your Kong!
Easy Tricks to Stop the Jumping!
Teach your dog to never jump again!"Anytime, anyone is struggling with a dog behavior problem, I ask them one simple question. "Well, what do you want your dog to do instead?" I get a lot of surprised looks! Most of us haven't actually thought about it that way!"Andrea Kutzko, CPDT-KA Waiting for his friends to… Continue reading Easy Tricks to Stop the Jumping!
Dollar Tree for Dogs – The Good, The Meh, and The Never
Let's get right down to business. You can find tons of great deals at the Dollar Tree - the one where everthing costs $1. You can get swindled, too. The Good Check this out ya'll. Practically disposable rope & toys - $1 These things get trashed fast, even under the best of supervision. At… Continue reading Dollar Tree for Dogs – The Good, The Meh, and The Never
Puppy Class & Socialization – When to start?
The truth is that puppies need to start vaccines as early as possible so they can begin a group class as early as possible in a positive reinforcement environment like that I offer at Petco Highland. Training at home should start even earlier - the moment you bring your new bundle of joy home. Socialization… Continue reading Puppy Class & Socialization – When to start?
Dog Safety & Summer Holidays
Can your dog do this? If not, summers here and its all about safety and holidays! Get the lawn chair and the kiddie pool for your pup. It's easy to get caught up in the picnics and festivities. We may even miss the signs of stress and the general safety of our dogs. First, let's… Continue reading Dog Safety & Summer Holidays
Let’s Play: Interactive Toys
My dog destroys every toy he can get his paws on... well, just about. There are a few toys that have stood the test of time in our pitbull lovin' home and many are interactive toys that can provide hours of self entertainment for any breed. First on the list is The Buster Cube! This glorious… Continue reading Let’s Play: Interactive Toys
One Simple Way to Immediately Improve Your Dog’s Behavior
The quick and secret trick to improving your dog’s behavior.
How to Get the Most Out of Your Kong!
Kong toys are my favorite! They are one of the few toys that my lovely 10-year-old pit, Tank, hasn't destroyed and can provide dogs with tons of mental stimulation. These are some of the same Kongs we bought when he was a puppy. The Kongs can be stuffed in a thousand different ways and have… Continue reading How to Get the Most Out of Your Kong!
Let’s Play: Find it!
Find it! is Tank's favorite game in the.entire.world. It turns out that it is a great training exercise as well! In find it, dog's use their nose to locate a hidden toy or treat. It's an excellent way to begin nosework and can build confidence in dogs! This is another great idea for a game… Continue reading Let’s Play: Find it!
Kids & Dogs: Keep It Safe! – Part 1
It's 1987. My parents (who don't even like dogs) let me "play doggie" and share a drink with this big ol' dog! They tell me it happened so fast yet someone had the time to get out a camera... Fishy... Cute photo? Sure looks cute. You can't help but assume it's where I started my career… Continue reading Kids & Dogs: Keep It Safe! – Part 1
Finding the Right Dog Trainer for Your Family
Choosing a dog trainer can seem like a daunting task! What’s with the alphabet soup after my name? How do I know which trainer is the right fit for me? How will they treat my dog? Just a few of the questions to ask before hiring a professional dog trainer. Read on to learn what other questions to ask!