Fetch Please Dog Training

08/12/2026

Pepper sure did miss her Mason's Place visits!

Who is the cutest customer today? Pepper, that's who 😍😍😍🐾💗🫶

07/03/2026

06/05/2026

Here's an example of why a dog, whose needs have all been met and who has built a strong relationship with their owner, can be trusted to make better decisions:

My backyard neighbors are outside where Dot can see and hear them. Genetically speaking, this is a dog who is going to charge, bark, and posture at things outside of her territory when left to her own decises.

What do I want? To enjoy a peaceful afternoon in my yard, for my neighbors to be able to do the same, and to procrastinate on all the yard work I have to do.

Whether or not that is a reasonable expectation depends on the answers to the following questions:

1) do I have a history of fun, cooperation, and clear communication with the dog?

2) is the dog in need of an outlet for their energy?

3) has the dog learned appropriate alternative and incompatible behaviors to what her instincts tell her to do?

It also depends on my knowledge:

1) can I effectively read my dogs body language; specifically, can I tell when the dogs' arousal level is approaching a threshold at which the dog loses emotional regulation?

2) do I have a good understanding of differential reinforcement of alternative, incompatible, and other behaviors? (DRA, DRI, DRO)?

3) have I taken the time to develop these behaviors prior to difficult scenarios?

Apologies for not including the flirt pole + tug game. I may not be a videographer with 3 arms, but I am a girl who doesn't need to put video evidence of my current outfit on the internet.

04/25/2026

Part 2: how to teach your dog "place"

04/24/2026

The first time I realized dog training was a career path was long before I decided it'd be mine.

My mom took me along for a dinner party her friends were hosting. I was loving on the dogs when dinner was served. One of the owners (who trained police dogs) said "place" and all of their dogs suddenly left the dining area and took their respective places in the living room. Impressive! This is the first time I can remember seeing pet dogs trained to mind their manners.

It'd be years before life led me here, but that will always stand out in my memory.

Now, as a professional, I see all the benefits of such a simple skill that is incompatible to so many problem behaviors.
Counter surfer? Place.
Wiggle worm when gearing up for a walk? Place.
Too enthusiastic for greetings? Place.
Begging at the table? Place.

Wanna teach your dog this useful skill?

See part 2 coming soon.