Big Leap of Faith Dog Training & Services

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Big Leap of Faith Dog Training & Services Big Leap of Faith is named after my two original Pit Bulls.

Big Leap of Faith offers private lessons, group classes, board & train, working through undesired behaviors, as well as the opportunity to participate in group walks. I have always had a passion for dogs and dog training but it was not until a 4 month old Pit bull came into my life that I knew the love I had for training came in all breeds and sizes.

Monday night we had three classes ďżźgraduate! ďżź Not everybody was able to make it to graduation night, but we still had l...
10/15/2026

Monday night we had three classes ďżźgraduate! ďżź Not everybody was able to make it to graduation night, but we still had lots of fun!

ďżźCongrats to Phil, Wrigley and Satsu for graduating beyond basics class and congratulations to Jake and Glen ďżźfor graduating advanced obedience class.

ďżźDate night class ended with painting with your dog! Congrats to Corbin, Kevin, Nali and Rudy!

🐾 BLOF TIP TUESDAY🐾 Big Leap of Faith Dog TrainingThis Week’s Tip: Stop Repeating Your Commands“Sit…sit…SIT…SIT!” accid...
10/13/2026

🐾 BLOF TIP TUESDAY🐾
Big Leap of Faith Dog Training

This Week’s Tip: Stop Repeating Your Commands

“Sit…sit…SIT…SIT!” accidentally teaches your dog that the first cue doesn’t matter. Give the cue once, allow your dog time to process it, then help them succeed if needed. Reward when they get it right.

Training tip: Start in a quiet area with minimal distractions. Ask your dog to “Sit” one time, then silently count to three to give them a chance to respond. If they sit, immediately mark the behavior with “Yes!” and reward!
If they don't sit, avoid repeating the command. Instead, make it easier by using a hand signal or gently guiding them with a treat lure. Then try again!

Remember: The goal is to teach your dog to respond to the FIRST cue, not the fourth! Consistency and patience build reliable obedience. 🐾

BLOF wants to hear from you!
🐾 What word do you repeat often?
🐾 What dog training question would you like BLOF to answer on a future Tip Tuesday?

Johnny recently joined our 4-week CGC/CGCA/CGCU class, but his goal wasn't necessarily to earn all the titles. His goal ...
10/10/2026

Johnny recently joined our 4-week CGC/CGCA/CGCU class, but his goal wasn't necessarily to earn all the titles. His goal was something even more important building confidence and becoming a well-mannered canine citizen!

When Johnny first started training, the world could be a pretty scary place. But over the past six months, he has made incredible progress, learning that not everything needs to be feared and that new experiences can actually be fun!

Does he still have things to work on? Absolutely! But that's what training is all about…progress, not perfection!

Watching this team grow together and seeing Johnny become more confident has been incredible!

ďżźBelow, he is pictured successfully completing the fit dog novice title in the spring which is his first title ever!

Guess what? BLOF has four new teams that have passed the CGCU test! This test requires the teams to be an urban environm...
10/09/2026

Guess what? BLOF has four new teams that have passed the CGCU test! This test requires the teams to be an urban environment where they:

✅Exit/enter doorway with no pulling in dog-friendly buildings.
✅Walk through a crowd on a busy urban sidewalk.
✅Appropriate reaction to city distractions.
Noises: horns, sirens, construction noise, etc.
Moving objects: skateboard, bike, carts, person running
Surfaces: concrete, grass, grates, plastic tarp, wet sidewalk
✅Crossing street
✅Ignore food on sidewalk.
✅Person walks up and pets the dog.
✅Public Building (that is dog friendly).
✅Down stay (3 min) in lobby or outdoor area

Congratulations to Maeve, Ziva, Zonko and Corbin!

BIG congratulations to our CGC/CGCA/CGCU class! 🐾🎉Last week, these awesome teams wrapped up the class and put all that h...
10/07/2026

BIG congratulations to our CGC/CGCA/CGCU class! 🐾🎉

Last week, these awesome teams wrapped up the class and put all that hard work to the test and passed both their CGC and CGCA!

BLOF is so proud of each of these owners and their dogs!

But we aren’t finished yet! 😎

TONIGHT: CGCU!
We’ll be taking those skills out into a more urban environment, and we’re hoping to see every one of these teams add one more title to their accomplishments!

Stay tuned for the results!

🐾 BLOF TIP TUESDAY🐾 Big Leap of Faith Dog TrainingThis Week’s Tip: Your dog is not stubborn!Dogs often aren’t refusing ...
10/06/2026

🐾 BLOF TIP TUESDAY🐾
Big Leap of Faith Dog Training

This Week’s Tip: Your dog is not stubborn!

Dogs often aren’t refusing because they’re stubborn. They may not understand what you’re asking, may be distracted, stressed, or haven’t practiced the behavior in that environment. If your dog can sit perfectly in the kitchen but not at the park, go back a few steps and make it easier.

Training tip: If your dog fails repeatedly, change the environment or expectation rather than repeating the command louder.

It’s also important to know the breed you have.
• Independent Thinkers: Some breeds were bred as autonomous guard and hunting dogs, meaning they evaluate commands rather than obeying blindly.
• Low Tolerance for Nonsense: They easily bore with repetitive, unengaging tasks and will actively ignore commands if they see no value in them.
• Testing Boundaries: Confidence and stubbornness often peak between 1 and 2 years of age as hormones and maturity set in.

I have four Japanese Akitainu andďżź independent thinkers, low tolerance for nonsense and testing boundaries are exactly ďżźhow I would describe them. What people consider to be stubborn behavior, is really understanding who they are.

How to Handle that “Stubborn Behavior”?

• Make Training Rewarding: Use high-value treats (like real chicken or cheese) and keep training sessions short and fun so your dog feels motivated to cooperate.

• Avoid Confrontation: Never chase, yell at, or physically punish your dog…this damages trust and often causes them to dig their heels in further.

• Provide Mental Jobs: Give your dog a sense of purpose through puzzle toys, nose work, obedience, or structured tasks to channel their independent drive.

• Stay Consistent: Maintain clear rules every single day so your dog understands that you provide steady leadership.

Remember, dog training isn’t about being perfect…it’s about building communication, consistency, and a stronger relationship with your dog. ❤️

BLOF wants to hear from you!

🐾 What stubborn behavior does your dog do?
🐾 What dog training question would you like BLOF to answer on a future Tip Tuesday?



📸 Mira Micin

Who me? Stubborn dog?? They must have it wrong. Would a stubborn dog have such a cute smile??"

Hard to believe it’s already been a month since the Minnesota State Fair! I couldn’t be more proud of Rogue and Yuuna an...
10/03/2026

Hard to believe it’s already been a month since the Minnesota State Fair!

I couldn’t be more proud of Rogue and Yuuna and having the opportunity to showcase their skills in Scent Work, obedience and tricks. These two girls have pushed me to become a better trainer over the years, and they are always ready to step up to whatever challenge I give them.

This year, Rogue showed off some incredible self-control by holding a 10-minute Place right in the middle of the fair—with dogs and people moving around her, music playing, and all the excitement happening around her. For a dog to stay focused and settled in an environment like that is something I am incredibly proud of!

And then there’s Yuuna! ❤️ At 10 years old, she still loves showing off all of her tricks and reminding everyone that she’s still got it! She has always loved working with me, and watching her perform and have fun at the fair was so special.

These girls are a great reminder of why I love dog training so much. It’s not about having a “perfect” dog it’s about building a relationship, continuing to learn together, and seeing just how much your dog is capable of when you give them the opportunity.

So proud of my girls!

📸 Kevin Newland

The State Fair demos simply wouldn’t happen without my good friend and fellow BLOF instructor, Laura Newland! Laura is a...
09/20/2026

The State Fair demos simply wouldn’t happen without my good friend and fellow BLOF instructor, Laura Newland!
Laura is an incredible trainer, and it truly shows through her dogs. Mango and Maeve are both exceptional, with performance-level tricks that never fail to amaze the crowd. They bring so many smiles and laughs to our demos—and, of course, you never quite know what kind of shenanigans might happen along the way! 😂🐾
Laura also plays a huge role in our Scent Work demonstrations. She does a fantastic job teaching the crowd what Scent Work is all about, showing how amazing a dog’s nose really is, and helping people understand how they can get started with their own dogs at home.
But beyond everything she brings as a trainer, I’m especially grateful to have her beside me during these long, crazy, fun-filled State Fair days.
Thank you, Laura, for being such an important part of BLOF and for always being my partner in crime at the fair. I truly couldn’t do these days without you! ❤️🐕🐾
Enjoy many photos of these pups in action!

📸 Kevin Newland See less

09/14/2026

No class tonight due to a 75% chance of rain. See you next week!🥲🌧

Angie is no stranger to the Minnesota State Fair—she has participated with us for many years—but this year was a little ...
09/14/2026

Angie is no stranger to the Minnesota State Fair—she has participated with us for many years—but this year was a little extra special because she had THREE dogs participating! Fizz, Mav, and Zonko all had their chance to step out and show off their skills in different demos throughout our two days at the fair.

Fizz and Mav are a little older these days and so Ange is thoughtful of the activies she has them do but still makes the days at the fair fun for them.

Zonko, Angie’s newest addition as of last year, absolutely exceeded expectations. Watching this dog handle the crowds, noise, excitement, and long days of the fair was incredible. He stepped up and showed just how much work Angie has put into building his confidence and skills.

But what makes me even more proud is watching Angie's journey over the years. When I first met her, she came to one of my Sunday Socials with Mav and Fizz looking for some assistance. Over time, she listened, learned, practiced, asked questions, and most importantly put in the work. Today, I consider Angie not only a very good dog owner, but a very dog trainer.

Enjoy pictures of Fizz, Mav and Zonko

📸 Kevin Newland

Address

Saint Paul, MN
55107

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
6:30pm - 8:30pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
6:30pm - 8:30pm
Friday 9am - 5pm
Saturday 9am - 5pm
Sunday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+16512525242

Website

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