Dog Obedience Training School

07/10/2026

SHOULD YOU SHAVE YOUR DOG FOR SUMMER? ☀️🐾

As temperatures rise, many people assume shaving a double-coated dog will help keep them cooler.

The truth is, a double coat is designed to protect, not overheat.

The outer guard hairs help protect the skin from the sun and the elements, while the undercoat helps regulate body temperature. Together, they work as a natural insulation system.

One of the biggest reasons people choose to shave is shedding. We get it! But regular brushing and removing dead undercoat is usually far more effective than shaving and allows the coat to continue doing the job it was designed to do.

Instead of shaving, focus on:
✔ Regular brushing and de-shedding
✔ Plenty of fresh water
✔ Access to shade
✔ Swimming and water play
✔ Limiting exercise during the hottest parts of the day

For Labradors, Goldens, and many other retrievers, the goal isn’t to remove the coat.

The goal is to maintain the coat.

Maintain the coat. Don’t remove the protection. 🐾

📍 Best Retrievers | Paige, TX
📞 512-409-8222

07/10/2026

The biggest mistake new puppy owners make is to give their puppy too much freedom before they earn it, don’t be that owner!

HOME ALONE? A CRATE CAN SAVE YOUR DOG’S LIFE. 🏡🐾

One of the most common questions we hear is, “Now that my dog has completed training, can they stay home alone outside of their crate?”

Our answer is simple: only when they’ve earned that freedom.

A crate isn’t a punishment. It’s one of the safest tools you can use to protect your dog when you can’t supervise them. We’ve heard far too many stories of dogs getting into the trash, chewing electrical cords, swallowing socks, medications, or other dangerous objects. It’s simply not worth the risk if your dog isn’t ready.

One thing people often don’t realize is that dogs have about 1.3 seconds to connect a behavior with a consequence. If your dog gets into the trash while you’re gone and you come home an hour later, they aren’t connecting your frustration with what they did earlier. They’re responding to your body language and emotions in that moment, not learning that getting into the trash was wrong.

At Best Retrievers, some of our own dogs have earned the freedom to stay out while we’re away. Others are still crated because that’s what’s safest for them. Every dog is different, and there’s no prize for giving a dog freedom before they’re ready.

A crate should never be used as punishment. It should be a safe, comfortable place where your dog can relax while you’re away. By preventing bad habits instead of allowing them to be practiced, you’re setting your dog up for long-term success.

Freedom isn’t given. It’s earned, one good decision at a time.

Does your dog stay out while you’re away, or do they enjoy the safety of their crate? We’d love to hear what has worked best for you and your dog! 🐾

03/30/2026

There are 7 pups. Can you find the missing puppy?

03/26/2026

Halo x Speedy puppies due tomorrow!

03/16/2026

Is anyone else ready for spring? We are ready for spring and puppies that should be here on or around March 27. Tina (pictured) is a full sister to the upcoming golden nuggets.

01/26/2026

A Speedy X Halo breeding took place today. Super excited for another litter from this pair.

11/28/2024

Have A Happy Thanksgiving!

04/13/2024

Distraction training is simply a conversation between friends, with a playful banter back and forth between you and your dog. You ask a question, evaluate your dog’s answer, and respond appropriately. Laughing is recommended during this exchange because that is what friends do when they talk to each other. Training this way really does work and is incredibly fun for all involved!