Alabama Dog Trainer

07/14/2026

07/13/2026

07/11/2026

One concept we emphasize in dog training is nose, eyes, ears.

Why? Because when a dog is fully engaged with its nose—working scent or locked onto a distraction—it’s not truly listening. A dog’s attention naturally flows from nose, to eyes, to ears.

Instead of repeating commands while the dog is focused elsewhere, first redirect its attention away from the distraction. Get the dog to make eye contact with you. Once you have its eyes, you’ll have a much better chance of reaching its ears. Then give the command.

Interestingly, this sequence begins at birth. During their first couple of weeks, puppies rely almost entirely on their sense of smell. Their eyes open next, and their hearing develops after that. From the very beginning, they experience the world through nose, eyes, then ears.

As trainers, we use that natural progression to communicate more effectively. First interrupt the nose, then capture the eyes, and finally speak to the ears. Understanding how dogs process the world leads to clearer communication and better training.

07/10/2026

07/07/2026

This about mals but it could be about Any working line/breed of dog… or dog ownership in general. It’s not going to be all sunshine and roses. There will be work. Work in training. Work in exercise. Work in mental stimulation. Wow, that sounds like a lot of work. Yes, but the rewards are worth the effort. The joys of owning a dog are immense, but not if you don’t do your part. Don’t give up so easily. You can do it, we can help.

07/06/2026

Whether horses or dogs, or whatever, help them overcome their fear and desensitize them to novel experiences. Like fireworks.

07/06/2026

If your pooch struggles with fireworks, don't let them suffer in fear and hopelessness. Now is the time to begin working with your pooch to counter condition them to the sounds. Take the time. Put in the effort. Instead of fussing at everyone, trying to put a stop to fireworks displays, help your dog to become comfortable with the sounds. Help them to overcome fear, rather than wallow in it. It takes work. It takes time. If you love them like you say you do, the effort is worth it. They're worth it. Don't know how to help them? That's what we're here for. Training is not just for "sits and downs". Let us help.

07/05/2026

Now that the fireworks are coming to an end, if your dog was freaked out, you had to procure sedatives or anxiety meds, they huddled in your closet, etc, now is the time to start addressing those fears. Don’t just dope them with a temporary fix. Help them overcome their fears. To be at peace the next time the fireworks boom or the thunder rolls. You can do it. We can help.