Do you feel like your dog found you when you needed them most? 🐾

Would you agree? 🤔😁🐾

Puppy biting is one of the most common challenges new puppy owners face. In this week's Skill Boost, I share the story of Charlie, a puppy whose nipping improved dramatically when we shifted our focus from stopping the behavior to building engagement, confidence, and better choices through games. 👉 Watch the video here! youtu.be/0TMPfWbME8s

Thinking about dog sitting for a friend or caring for dogs professionally? 🐕 A successful stay starts long before the dog arrives. Taking the time to make sure they're a good fit for your household, meeting them beforehand, learning their routines and quirks, having emergency contacts ready, and creating a safety plan can help make the experience safer and less stressful for everyone involved. Whether you're new to dog sitting or have years of experience, these simple steps can help set both you and the dog up for success. ➡️ Read the blog here: dogsthat.com/t/dog-sitting-b…

"Vulnerability is the birthplace of innovation creativity and change." -Brene Brown

What if your dog HATES having their nails cut? What if they're terrified? What if attempting to do so is a danger to them and to you? By breaking nail trimming down into small elements, shaping success at each step, and carefully transferring value from something your dog loves, you can help build confidence and comfort over time. Patience, shaping, and consistency turn tolerance into enthusiasm. ➡️ Read the full blog: dogsthat.com/t/nail-trimming…

There is always a chance for a fresh start.

What is one personality trait your dog has that you actually wish YOU had more of yourself?

If your puppy pees when excited, it's usually not a house training problem. It's often a normal emotional response that can happen when puppies are greeting people, meeting someone new, or getting lots of attention. They aren't choosing to do it, and in many cases they don't even realize it's happening. 😅 The most effective way to help is to keep greetings calm, reduce social pressure, and build your puppy's confidence through positive experiences and games. Most puppies improve with maturity when we focus on helping them feel confident rather than correcting the behavior. Read our latest blog post to learn why it happens, common triggers, and how confidence building games can help your puppy succeed. dogsthat.com/t/excited-peein…

"Dream big. Start small. But most of all, start." -Simon Sinek What dream are you starting? ⭐

If behavior is communication, what is your dog trying to tell you? 🤔 Unwanted dog behavior often points back to needs not being met. When you identify the unmet need, the solution often becomes much clearer. Those needs come in five categories: emotional, physical, social, mental, and daily thrive needs. A puppy's needs will look different than an adult dog's, and a senior dog's needs will be different again. When one of these areas is not being fully met, behavior often changes. Before focusing on the behavior itself, consider what your dog might be communicating. 💡 Want to learn more? Read the full blog post at dogsthat.com/t/behavior-chal…

Kindness costs nothing, but its impact can last a lifetime. ❤️

Barking, pulling, jumping, reactivity, and other challenges dog owners commonly struggle with are often signs that something important may be missing for the dog. In this blog, I’m sharing the five core needs I look at and how understanding those needs can change the way we approach training and behavior challenges.  Read the full blog here: dogsthat.com/t/behavior-chal…

What's the biggest lesson your dog has taught you?

"Train the dog in front of you." -Susan Garrett

Ever feel like the joy in dog agility slowly changes once expectations start creeping in? 🏆 In our latest blog post, dog agility champion Max Sprinz shares an honest perspective on why frustration often comes from trying to move forward before the dog fully understands the picture. He reminds us that dogs do not care about titles, or ribbons, they care about whether working with us feels safe, clear, and reinforcing. If you are ready to slow down, build understanding first, and remember how agility felt with your dog, this read is for you. ✨ Read Max’s full guest post! 👉 dogsthat.com/t/max-agility-f…

Show us Dogs That love kids!

There is a profound difference between saying “this dog changed my life” and saying “this dog is my one and only”. The first statement is an expression of gratitude for an amazing soul. It honors the journey you have shared and the impact that dog has had on your heart. The second statement creates a limitation for both you and your dog. While the first honors what you have had, the second predicts what can never happen again. One of these perspectives keeps the door of possibility wide open while the other quietly closes it forever. When we choose a language that celebrates the past without limiting the future, we open ourselves up to new possibilities and new connections.

What’s your dog’s actual name… and what nickname do you use way more often? Let us know in the comments! 💬

Socialization isn't a "free-for-all." Puppies don't need to greet everyone; that just breeds overstimulation. True socialization is about neutrality. Teach your pup that the world is "white noise" so they stay calm and connected to you. Learn more: dogsthat.com/t/puppy-sociali…