Natalie Piper - Dog Training

05/29/2026

Emotional regulation is a prerequisite for a polite social interaction.

05/27/2026

2 paws on or 4 paws on: a great skill to build value for! This has all sorts of applications especially for dogs with strong prey drive, dogs who can be nervous, dogs who can be overexcited, and dogs who can be reactive. A great puppy socialization exercise as well! (And very helpful if you want a cute photo)

04/22/2026

Variable reinforcement schedules are good for making behaviors resilient/strong, and good for building frustration tolerance. This is the schedule of reinforcement that gets people hooked on slot machines and phone notifications, powerful stuff! Along with varying the ratio of reinforcement, varying the ✨type✨ of reinforcement is a great way to keep your dog engaged as well! Will they get a treat? Praise? Scratch on the neck? Freedom to choose where to walk next? You point out some bunny fur on the ground? You reveal a toy and invite them to tug? You invite them to chase you as you sprint?

04/20/2026

Waiting at exterior doors, gates, car doors, and crate doors is a great thing to build value for! Door open = feed treat. Give clear permission to cross the line. If they try to cross without permission, gently block them with your body or gently shut the door. If it seems too hard for your dog make it easier (shorter duration, less distractions, less distance you move away). If you are struggling with your dogs behavior I’d love to help! Link in bio.

04/16/2026

Enrollment is open for the Life Skills For Dogs group class! This is a 5 week long class that meets Tuesdays at 6pm and begins Tues April 28th. We will meet at a variety of dog-friendly public spaces in Urbana. Cost is $175. This class is for fully vaccinated dogs over 6 months old who are comfortable and relatively quiet in a public park with people and dogs nearby. Skills we will work on include:

How to keep a loose leash
How to hold position relative to handler
Wait for permission to greet & greet people politely
Cooperate for brushing & nail trims
Relax on a mat
Respond to cues like come and stay despite distractions
Predation substitute games
& more!

Sign up using the link below, hope to see you there!
https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=21334651&appointmentType=80278567

04/13/2026

If you’re adding an additional dog and want to prevent issues or if there is already tension between your dogs and you want help please reach out!

04/01/2026

A quick game of “go find it” might only take a minute or two but it could also be what helps your dog keep their sanity. The options with this game are endless.

03/31/2026

Adolescent dogs are especially prone to getting distracted, be patient and keep building value for those freely offered unprompted check-ins! If you’re feeling stuck I can help!

02/09/2026

02/06/2026

What kind of equipment does a dog behavior consultant use? Equipment that reduces or eliminates risks! Some favorites:
- A Roman style harness with the option to clip the leash on the front or the back (back clip allows dog to move naturally, front clip gives handler more physical control)
- a martingale collar (escape proof!)
- a safety strap (in case one piece of equipment fails)
- a 15’ long round leash (can allow freedom, have control, and use for gentle communication)
- a basket muzzle (dogs who may bite, dogs who swallow random things on walks, etc can be trained to enjoy wearing it)