Dog Training
Fetch Rules Cheat Sheet for Judges and Competitors
The Fetch Rules Cheat Sheet for Judges and Competitors by Courteous Canine is your go-to guide for mastering every level of AKC Fetch — from Novice to Retriever. Designed to support both judges and handlers, this quick-reference tool simplifies the rules, requirements, and expectations so everyone can focus on teamwork, accuracy, and fun. At the Novice level, dogs fetch [...]
Is Your Dog Bored?
Is Your Dog Bored? Enrich Your Dog’s Life! By Kimberly Archer, Dog Behavior Technician Have you ever wondered what a day is like through your dog’s eyes? You may [...]
The Truth About Dominance Theory
The Truth About Dominance Theory By Angelica Steinker, M.Ed., C.D.B.C, CAP2 The truth is there is nothing noble in being superior to another being. The only real nobility is in [...]
Preparing Your Dog For Your New Baby
Preparing Your Dog For Your New Baby By Heather Gibbs, CPDT-KA, ABCDT, SBA Overview Preparing for a new baby's arrival can be an exciting and stressful time for all family [...]
Health & Safety
Holiday Safety for Dogs
By Brenna Fender The holiday season is filled with food, guests, and excitement. While these things are fun for the people in your life, they can be dangerous for your dog. But don’t worry, there [...]
Trick or Treat?
Choosing the Right Food Rewards for Your Dog By Brenna Fender If you attend a dog training class, you are likely to be asked to bring treats with you so that you can reward your [...]
Microchip Maintenance
Dog Microchip Registration: Helping Your Lost Pet Get Home By Brenna Fender Your dog is microchipped and you feel confident that, if he or she was ever lost, that microchip would help get your dog [...]
Dog Agility Training
Courteous Canine Articles
Preventing Door Dashing in Dogs with Positive Training
Preventing Door Dashing in Dogs with Positive Training Preventing door dashing in dogs is an important part of keeping pets safe around open doors, visitors, and busy entryways. With positive reinforcement, management, and consistent practice, [...]
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 [...]
Update on NEW AKC Trick Training Titles
By Marie Macher Trick training is a fun, engaging, and great way to build a bond with your dog! Not only do you and your pup get to show off tricks to family and friends, [...]
How to teach your dog to jump through a hoop
Here is a great YouTube Channel and tutorial on how to teach your dog to jump through a hoop. Kikopup has many of these videos that are clear and easy to understand. We highly [...]
Reducing Stress During Dog Walks with Dog Sports
Reducing Stress During Dog Walks with Dog Sports Reducing stress during dog walks can be easier when dogs have healthy outlets for their energy, focus, and emotions. For dogs that bark, lunge, or become overwhelmed [...]
Five Benefits of Playing Fetch with Your Dog
Five Benefits of Playing Fetch with Your Dog Playing fetch with your dog is more than a fun way to pass the time. This simple game can support physical fitness, mental enrichment, confidence, manners, and [...]
Flirt Pole Fun for Dogs: Safe and Happy Playtime
Flirt Pole Fun for Dogs: Safe and Happy Playtime Flirt pole training for dogs can be a fun way to provide physical exercise, mental stimulation, and an exciting outlet for natural chase behaviors. A flirt [...]
Cheeseball Recall
By Brenna Fender If you need to work on getting your dog to come when called, here’s a fun game to try! Select an easy-to-eat, fairly dry, easy-to-toss, visible treat. The name of this exercise [...]
Fun Scent Games for Dogs Using Food, Toys, and Easy Searches
Fun Scent Games for Dogs Using Food, Toys, and Easy Searches Scent games for dogs are a simple and rewarding way to provide mental enrichment while encouraging natural sniffing behavior. These activities can help dogs [...]
Teaching Dogs Helpful Household Skills with Positive Training
Teaching Dogs Helpful Household Skills with Positive Training Teaching dogs helpful household skills can be a fun and practical way to build confidence, improve communication, and add useful behaviors to everyday life. This guide shows [...]
How to Be More Fun Than a Squirrel During Dog Training
How to Be More Fun Than a Squirrel During Dog Training Making dog training more engaging can help your dog focus on you instead of every exciting distraction in the environment. This guide shows how [...]
Holiday Safety for Dogs
By Brenna Fender The holiday season is filled with food, guests, and excitement. While these things are fun for the people in your life, they can be dangerous for your dog. But don’t worry, there [...]
How to Say “I Love You” in Dog Language
How to Say “I Love You” in Dog Language Learning how dogs show love can help you better understand your dog and strengthen the bond you share. Dogs communicate affection through body language, behavior, play, [...]
Don’t Be Callous: How Punishment Can Go Wrong
How Punishment Can Affect Dog Training and Behavior Punishment in dog training can produce immediate changes in behavior, but those changes may not last. This article examines why aversive training methods can be unreliable, difficult [...]