Wondrous Tails Dog Training

07/13/2026

When I intentionally started increasing the amount of agency Zuko has when it comes to how we spend our time, I was not expecting this. Every morning the sun is out, he eschews going inside for his breakfast in favor of spending 20-30 minutes basking in the sunshine. So now, I bring a book on our morning potty break and we both get a little bit of much-needed vitamin D. He tells me when he's ready to go inside by moving out of the sun.

Giving dogs agency builds confidence, decreases stress, and helps them become more accepting of change. More than that - taking the time to do what your dog really wants to do helps us, as humans, to slow down and live in the moment with them.

06/21/2026

All behavior is communication, especially the behavior we consider "bad." Behavior tells us about a dog's mental and emotional state, and dogs do not lie. If all you ever think about is how to get certain behaviors to stop, you wind up ignoring the underlying issue your dog is attempting to tell you about. Anytime your dog does anything at all, stop and ask yourself what that behavior might be communicating. I promise you'll understand your dog much better for it.

06/06/2026

So much of dog training is focused on DOING stuff. Counter-conditioning. Desensitizing. Teach this behavior. Implement this management. But oftentimes less is more. Just sitting on a bench and watching the world go by can do so much to help dogs feel okay with stuff happening around them.

And honestly? It's good for us, too. Sit on a bench. Do nothing. Turn your music, podcast, audiobook off and sit with your thoughts. Put your phone down. Let the world happen around you. We're all so go,go,go. On the move. Gotta be hustling, doing, training, with no time to truly let our nervous systems come down. It's no wonder we all have anxiety.

06/03/2026

Whether you're overwhelmed by puppy woes or at the enf of your rope with reactivity, find out how Wondrous Tails can help. Reach out today to schedule your free consultation.

05/28/2026

As I learn more about dog behavior and cognition, I find myself more and more convinced that treating dogs as the smart, capable, sentient, feeling beings that they are is more important than teaching specific behaviors ever could be.  Agency, choice, and control are so critical to helping any animal feel safe.  If I could start over again with Zuko, I would intentionally build agency and control into our relationship from the beginning.    

If you're starting from the beginning with a new puppy or dog and want to build the best relationship you can with them, reach out today for a consultation. 

03/25/2026

Whether you're overwhelmed with a new puppy or struggling to fit dog training into your family's chaotic life, day training might be a great option for you. Learn what day training is and why we prefer it over board-and-train.

Whether you're overwhelmed with a new puppy or struggling to fit dog training into your family's chaotic life, day training can be a fantastic option for your dog. Learn what day training is and why we prefer it over board-and-train programs.

02/19/2026

...put a treat under a ramekin?

Enrichment doesn't have to be time-consuming, fancy, or expensive. I put about 5 of these around the house at varying levels of difficulty, and it kept Zuko busy for a good 15 minutes.