Dog Training
3 Fun and Easy Ways to Prevent Dog Boredom and Boost Mental Stimulation
3 Fun and Easy Ways to Prevent Dog Boredom and Boost Mental Stimulation Keeping your dog mentally engaged is just as important as physical exercise—especially for energetic puppies or dogs recovering from injury. This article explores three creative boredom-busting activities that keep your furry friend’s mind active and tail wagging! 1. Sensory Treasure HuntTap into your dog’s natural instincts with [...]
Tampa Bay Times Interview: Dog’s good manners according to a Lutz expert
By Philip Morgan, Tampa Bay Times Correspondent Originally published by the Tampa Bay Times here. Angelica Steinker loved dogs early on. “When I was little, I begged my parents for [...]
Click & Praise
Click & Praise By Angelica Steinker, M.Ed., C.D.B.C, CAP2 Imagine a reward your dog will never fill up on, a reward that can last exactly as long as you want, [...]
Play, Don’t Train
Play, Don't Train By Angelica Steinker, M.Ed., C.D.B.C, CAP2 Are your clients less motivated then you would like them to be? Stop telling them to train their dogs, and start [...]
Health & Safety
Agility Equipment Safety
Dog agility combines speed, power, and precision, which makes safety on course absolutely essential. Agility Equipment Safety focuses on identifying hidden risks that can exist on commonly used contact obstacles and explains why even small [...]
Why Are so Many Dogs Going Gray as Early as Age 1?
Seeing white hairs on a very young dog can be surprising. It can also be concerning. Why Are so Many Dogs Going Gray as Early as Age 1? This question has drawn attention from both [...]
Dog Training’s Dirty Little Secret: Anyone Can Legally Do It
Most dog guardians assume that professional trainers follow strict standards. These standards include education, safety, and ethics. Dog Training’s Dirty Little Secret: Anyone Can Legally Do It challenges that belief. It reveals a reality many [...]
Dog Agility Training
Courteous Canine, Inc. Instructor and Student Competes in Purina Incredible Dog Challenge
Agility Dog Snitch Competes in Incredible Dog Challenge Courteous Canine, Inc. Instructor and Student Competes in Purina Incredible Dog Challenge Jill Baker and her fast Golden Retriever Snitch competed in the Regional Purina [...]
Courteous Canine Articles
Do Dogs Have a Negativity Bias?
This is a fascinating article by Linda Case on Negativity Bias and how it probably also applies to dogs. This article helps support the need for positive reinforcement based training! Humans are wired to notice [...]
Understanding Dog Consent
Understanding dog consent is an essential part of building trust, safety, and positive relationships with our dogs. While dogs may not use words, they communicate constantly through body language. As pet parents, learning to recognize [...]
The “Your Turn, My Turn” Sharing Game
The “Your Turn, My Turn” Sharing Game: Teaching Dogs to Share Safely The “Your Turn, My Turn” sharing game is designed to teach two dogs that taking turns with food, toys, and human attention is [...]
Understanding Pain in Dogs
Understanding Pain in Dogs: Recognizing the Signs and Taking Action Understanding pain in dogs is essential for protecting their health and quality of life. Dogs rarely vocalize pain unless it is severe. Because of this, [...]
The Benefits of Trick Training for Dogs
The Benefits of Trick Training for Dogs go far beyond teaching cute or impressive behaviors. Trick training is a powerful enrichment activity that strengthens learning skills, builds focus, and supports both mental and physical well-being. [...]
Teaching 4 Essential Skills for Pet Therapy Dogs
Teaching 4 Essential Skills for Pet Therapy Dogs lays the foundation for helping dogs succeed in therapy environments where calm, safety, and emotional connection matter most. Pet therapy dogs provide comfort and joy in hospitals, [...]
Total Recall!
Total Recall! Building a Distraction-Proof Recall Criteria Ladder Total Recall! Building a Distraction-Proof Recall Criteria Ladder is a structured, success-focused approach to teaching dogs to come when called, even when the environment is packed with [...]
Teaching Your Dog to Faint
🎬 Lights. Camera. SPLAT! What happens when your dog locks eyes with their one true love… and simply cannot cope?They faint. Obviously. Welcome to the most dramatic dog trick ever, where your pup [...]
The “Choice” Challenge
The Choice Challenge: Rethinking Choice in Dog Training Choice in dog training can support humane, enriching, and positive experiences. However, this article encourages trainers and dog owners to examine how choice actually influences behavior. Eileen [...]
Building Self-Control in Dogs with Fun Training Games
Building self-control in dogs can make everyday life calmer, easier, and more enjoyable. This article introduces two simple positive reinforcement games that help dogs practice patience, focus, and thoughtful decision-making without relying on repeated verbal [...]
Myth-Busting Dominance Theory in Dog Training
Myth-Busting Dominance Theory in Dog Training Dominance theory in dog training has influenced training methods for decades. However, modern behavioral science has challenged many of its core ideas. This article explains why the outdated “alpha” [...]
Cat Training: Fun Positive Reinforcement Games and Tricks
Fun and Playful Cat Training with Positive Reinforcement Cat training can be a fun, rewarding way to build communication, confidence, and connection with your feline companion. Cats are intelligent, curious learners, and the right training [...]
Choosing a Floating Motivational Toy for Dock Jumping and Swim Training
Choosing a Floating Motivational Toy for Dock Jumping and Swim Training A great floating dog toy for dock jumping can make swim sessions more exciting, motivating, and rewarding for your dog. The right toy can [...]
Agility Equipment Safety
Dog agility combines speed, power, and precision, which makes safety on course absolutely essential. Agility Equipment Safety focuses on identifying hidden risks that can exist on commonly used contact obstacles and explains why even small [...]
Dog and Pool Safety: Tips for Safer Swimming and Water Play
Dog and Pool Safety: Tips for Safer Swimming and Water Play Dog and pool safety should always come first when your pup is enjoying time in or around the water. Swimming can be excellent exercise [...]