Written by Christine Durrant, Professional Dog Trainer and Pet Expert
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There are differing opinions around the subject of crate training for dogs. Some feel that putting a dog in a "cage" is cruel, while others value the benefits of crate training. I've had dogs that were crate trained and others that were not, and there is no denying that having a crate trained dog is helpful for many reasons, including safety and training.
Using a crate for a puppy or dog can be compared to the use of a crib or playpen for a child. They are used to keep them safe when we can't watch their every move. It's also a great place for some quiet time, a safe sleeping spot and a place of comfort.
Here are some true/false examples to help you to understand the benefits of using crates with dogs:

• A crate offers your dog a quiet, safe place to relax.  True! 
  Because of this, never allow children to play or go into your dog's crate. Keep it special for your dog.
• Putting a dog in a crate is cruel.  False! 
  Using a crate to keep your dog safe while you are away is not cruel, but rather it's a caring way to ensure their well being. Leaving a dog in a crate for extended periods of time or when you are too lazy to "deal with them" is cruel, however. Use the crate in a way that is helpful to them, not as a way to avoid dealing with your dog.
• A crate is an exceptional tool when house training your dog. True! 
  By keeping them in an appropriate sized crate, your dog will not be free to roam around and potty throughout your house and you can better regulate their potty breaks.
• Many dogs feel more relaxed in a crate.  True! 
  For example, I haven't closed the door to my dog's crate in over a year but I will often find him laying in there, napping and enjoying his "space". He also goes into his crate when he is startled by a noise - it's his comfort place.
• A dog must be trained to enjoy the crate.  True! 
  It's very important to take the time to ensure that your dog feels relaxed in their crate BEFORE closing the door and leaving the house. Work with the door open at first and feed them meals and treats in the crate. When you do start to close the door, do it for only a few seconds, then reward. Work up to longer periods of time while you are home. Once your dog is comfortable, you can leave for short periods of time, gradually working up to longer periods. If you go too fast, they may end up associating the crate with you leaving and that is not a good start.
• All dogs need to be crated and/or enjoy being in a crate.  False! 
  I've worked with dogs that have literally destroyed their crates. This could be from severe separation anxiety, stress, fear, etc.. I do not recommend forcing a dog to stay in a crate if they are afraid or excessively destructive in it. Working with a professional to help with the anxiety is key. In the end, they may feel too confined and a small room or gated area may be better for dogs that have an extreme reaction to being confined in a small space. I am specifically referring to dogs that break out of crates or cause damage to them. Some dogs may chew up a bed or toy in the crate, but that is generally due to boredom or not being properly exercised prior to being placed in the crate.

If you have a dog that is destructive to your home, not potty trained or cannot be trusted alone, please consider the use of a crate for their safety and well being!

Reward-based dog training requires lots of motivation - which can mean lots of weight gain if your treats of choice aren’t healthy. 
 
According to the Association For Pet Obesity Prevention’s 2017 clinical survey, an estimated 53 percent of dogs in the United States are overweight or obese, possibly because most pet foods are very high in starchy fillers like corn, wheat and legumes, and because many owners simply feed their dogs too much. 
 
Our modern, sedentary lifestyles are also to blame for the pet obesity epidemic. Make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise to keep them in shape, especially when you give them lots of treats - even if they are healthy.

Written by Christine Durrant, Professional Dog Trainer and Pet Expert

I am a big believer in hands-free dog walking and training. The hands-free method is very convenient and there are many different styles on the market (including ours) that have wonderful reviews and experiences behind them. I have walked and trained dogs this way for years, and find it very beneficial. In this blog I will discuss the pros and cons of using a hands-free belt when training, walking, hiking, or jogging with your dog(s). I will also address some safety concerns.

Cat and Dog Room Ideas
Cited from Furniture.com

Some pets can share your whole house without leaving much of a trace, other pets are accidents waiting to happen no matter where they roam. Investing in a pet-friendly space keeps your furry friend happy and maintains the look of your decor. With a few simple changes to any spare room, you can create a clean, functional and fun area for cats or dogs that will help contain their chaos. Use these pet room ideas to kick off the decorating process.

Move Decor Away from the Floor
To prevent accidents from boisterous tail wags or play sessions, keep pet room decor high on the wall. Closed shelving is an excellent place to store opened bags of dog food or cleaning products away from a curious pet. Hanging wall units provide a place to store leashes and treats out of reach as well.

​Written by Christine Durrant, Professional Dog Trainer and Pet Expert

Does your dog jump, bark and rush to the door when company arrives at your home? If so, you may consider taking the time to teach your dog a replacement behavior. This means deciding what you’d like them to do instead. The best place to start is to teach your dog to sit, then to stay. That way, you can have them sitting nicely while your guests enter your home. The time you spend training now will last a lifetime.
 
Next, it’s important to determine WHY your dog is reacting. If your dog is simply excited; follow the steps below. If your dog is afraid or nervous, you’re going to want to change their mindset from fear to excitement. Basically, turn the arrival of guests into a party instead of a dread. Remember, it takes time and patience to help your dog change their feelings about people, especially if they have had bad experiences in the past.

Written by Christine Durrant, Professional Dog Trainer and Pet Expert

​Barking is a natural behavior for dogs, for some breeds more than others. However, barking can be quite irritating. Below are some training tips and information that will help you to teach your dog to stop barking. 

It’s important to remember that anytime your dog is doing something that is undesirable, you should offer them a “replacement” behavior. In this article we will be teaching you how to replace your dog’s barking with being quiet.
Equally important is to NEVER use a command (in this case quiet) unless you are sure your dog knows the meaning and will successfully complete the request. This takes time and patience but, I assure you, it’s worth it.