🐟 Roo Bites (aka Sardine Specials): Homemade Dog Treats That’ll Make Tails Wag
I started making treats because of food allergies. Now I stick with it because dogs love these. Soft, simple, and easy to make at home.
Building Calm in an Exciting World
In a world full of distractions and stimulation, helping your dog build calm is one of the best gifts you can give them. Here’s how I teach calmness—and why it matters so much.
Why I Believe Dog Training Should Be Fun—For Both Ends of the Leash
When training is fun, everyone wins. Here’s why joy and play should be at the heart of your dog training—and how that mindset can transform your partnership with your dog.
Training Without the Bowl: Make Every Moment Count
Want to get more out of your dog training? Stop feeding from the bowl and start training throughout the day. Here’s why this method works—and how I use it with my own dogs.
Trick Training: More Than Just Fun—It Builds Trust and Focus
Trick training builds so much more than cute behaviors. It’s a powerful way to deepen trust, improve focus, and create joyful connection with your dog. Here’s why I love it—and why your dog will too.
Why Clicker Training Changed Everything For Me
Clicker training isn’t just a trendy tool—it’s the clearest way I’ve found to communicate with dogs. Here’s why it changed my entire approach to training—and why I think you’ll love it too.
Building a Reliable Recall: Start Before You Need It
A strong recall can save your dog's life—and open the door to off-leash adventures. Learn how to build it with positive training and engagement games.
Loose Leash Walking is a Conversation, Not a Battle
Walks shouldn’t feel like a battle of wills. Learn how to turn leash walking into a conversation with your dog—and why clicker training helps make it fun and engaging for both of you.
Train Like it’s a Video Game: What Dog Training Taught Me About Setbacks
Dog training isn’t a straight line—it’s a video game. When things fall apart, you’re not starting over. You’re just reloading the last level with new information. Here's why that mindset keeps me (and my dog) moving forward.
You Don’t Need 30 Minutes—You Need 3 Good Ones
Wondering how long you should train your dog each day? You’re not alone. Here’s what I’ve learned from working with my own dog, Bagheera: short, real-life sessions matter more than long drills.
The Moment That Matters Most: What to Do When Your Dog Gets It Right
Most people focus on what to do when their dog messes up—but what you do when they get it right is even more important. Learn how to mark and reinforce good behavior so it sticks.
Over Threshold: When Your Dog’s Brain Is Full
If your dog isn’t listening, they might not be stubborn—they might be overwhelmed. Learn how to recognize stress signals early and what to do when your dog is “over threshold.”
Connection Before Correction: Why Relationship Comes First
Training that works starts with trust. Before you correct your dog, ask: are we connected? This post explains why relationship always comes before rules—and how that changes everything.
How to Socialize Your Puppy Without Overwhelming Them
Puppy socialization is important—but more isn’t always better. Learn how to build confidence without overwhelming your pup, and how to spot signs when it’s too much.
Build the Habit You Want to Keep
Your dog is always learning—whether you're actively training or not. In this post, I explain how habits form through practice, why the 3 Ds matter, and what you can do to make good behaviors stick.
Building Habits, Not Just Behaviors
Teaching a behavior once isn’t enough. To get real-world results, we need to build habits—through repetition, the 3 Ds (distraction, duration, distance), and consistency. Here’s how to turn a good behavior into a reliable one.
Why Your Dog Isn’t ‘Being Stubborn’
When your dog "won’t listen," it’s not about being stubborn—it’s often about confusion, distraction, or emotional overload. This post explains what’s really going on and how you can respond with clarity and compassion.
Focus on Body Language: Understanding Your Dog’s Silent Communication
Dogs speak volumes without words. Learn how to read your dog’s body language to reduce stress, build trust, and create more effective training sessions.
Make Training Fun with Play: The Key to Engaged and Happy Dogs
Training doesn’t have to be serious. Learn how using play can supercharge your training sessions, boost your dog’s engagement, and build a stronger bond.
It’s OK, they’re friendly!
A friendly off-leash dog might seem harmless, but it can create real stress for others—dogs and humans alike. Here’s why leash etiquette and social awareness matter more than “don’t worry, he’s friendly.”

