Direction for Dogs, LLC

10/08/2026

🐾 Training Challenge: Paws On!

Today, have your dog put two paws on (not four) five new surfaces or objects. It can be inside or outside. Look for things like a couch cushion, cardboard box, tree stump, sand, or turf.

Keep it easy and reward the trying if they are having difficulty. The goal of this challenge is to build confidence while also working on body awareness, strength, communication, and connection.

Comment below when you have found all five. Which one did your dog find the most interesting? Bonus: Share a photo of it with us. 👇

10/07/2026

Want to learn some pet CPR and first aid tips? Check out this local event happening this weekend!

Knowing what to do in an emergency can make all the difference… for people AND pets! 🐾❤️

Join us for a community event hosted by Minquas EMS! Our team will be presenting dog CPR and basic first aid demonstrations at 10am and 2pm.

📅 Saturday, October 10, 2026
📍 Kerr Park- 1 Park Lane, Downingtown
⏰ Event runs 8am- 4pm

10/07/2026

Has your dog ever gone into a store before? How did they do?

Today, our Real World Ready class went shopping! And keeping it real... the dogs were VERY excited! 😆Loose leash walking was definitely the biggest challenge for everyone, but that is exactly why we practice outside of the classroom.

Other than that, these dog did outstanding! They ignored traffic, kids cheering for them, and people asking to pet them. Plus, they absolutely rocked their calm waits on the park benches!

TRAINING TIP - It is important to build skills in a controlled environment first, and then practice them in the real world. Whether you train with me through group classes or private sessions, I encourage the same approach.

By the way, we ended class in the store so everyone could continue shopping. I bought myself a new coat! 🧥

10/06/2026

Two sessions in, and this handsome guy is excelling with his training!

This is exactly why I recently changed the way I offer private training at Direction for Dogs. Training works best when we can practice together, build on what you learned, and keep moving forward so you can reach your goals faster.

The new private training structure is designed to give you the right amount of support at the right time. You can now choose the option that is the best fit for you and your dog from a First Session to focused Training Programs, Training Boosts, and Virtual Coaching.

My goal is simple: make it easier for you to succeed with your dog at home so you can enjoy life together. 👉 Ready to make progress with your dog? Explore the new private training options on the website.

10/06/2026

A huge THANK YOU to everyone who stopped by my booth at Downingtown Fall Fest yesterday!

It was my new demo dog's first day on the job, and he did fantastic! He was so well-behaved, sat nicely while getting lots of pets and hugs from kids, and did a great job welcoming guests and directing them over to me.

I also got a lot of great name suggestions for him such as Coconut, Pretzel, Pumpkin, Sandy, Murphy, Benji, and Stella.

But the name I liked the best was inspired by something that helps you notice what is happening and figure out where you are going to find the right direction... which is exactly what I want to help dogs and their people do together.

So, meet Radar, the newest member of the Direction for Dogs team! Do you like his name?

10/04/2026

It is Downingtown Fall Fest time! Having so much fun!

10/03/2026

🍂 Who’s coming to FALL FEST?!

BarkHop Studio and Direction for Dogs, LLC are sharing a vendor booth, and we will have giveaways, games, coupons, fun, and plenty of great pet conversations!

With the large crowds, event organizers recommend leaving your pets at home, but we would love for you to stop by and say hi! Hope to see you there! 🧡

10/02/2026

OMG, these puppies! 😍 They are doing SO good!

We introduced "Wait" in puppy class this week, and look how much they understood the skill by the end of the night.

TRAINING TIP: Teach "Wait" before worrying about a formal "Stay" command. Wait is a temporary pause that helps pups learn self-control in everyday situations like at doors, before meals, crossing the street, and more.

And look at all of those puppies checking in with their people! Eye contact and engagement are important skills we have been working on too, and the progress is evident each week. Major kuddos to this crew!

What skill would you love your puppy or dog to learn?

10/02/2026

I spent some time outside yesterday with this beautiful pup, which is exactly where we needed to train! She spends a lot of time outdoors with her dad, the owner of Lara Landscaping LLC, so practicing in the places and situations that are part of their everyday life is important.

By the way, have you heard that our private training has been completely revamped? Instead of booking one session at a time, the new structure gives you more support and options to help you reach your goals.

🐾 First Session – A starting point for new clients
🐾 Training Boost – A one-session option for returning clients
🐾 Training Programs – Five different 3-session programs to keep you moving forward
🐾 Virtual Coaching – Convenient support from wherever you are

You can read all about the new options on the website and find the right path for you and your dog!

10/01/2026

Do you know why today is National Black Dog Day?

It was created to raise awareness about Black Dog Syndrome, where black dogs are usually passed over for adoption in favor of lighter-colored pets. Some people think black dogs look scary or angry, while others think they do not photograph as well. Whatever the reason, I believe that black dogs deserve to be seen for the wonderful pets that they are.

My past dog, Dakota, certainly gave me plenty of reasons to love black dogs. She was the dog who changed everything for me. 🖤 Show me photos of your black dogs in the comments! I would love to see them and give them a little extra recognition today.