Canine Connection LLC

06/01/2026

First workshop date is June 8, repeated every third Monday throughout the summer!

06/01/2026

QUICK TIP: Dog training is one of those things, that a lot of people think they know how to do by virtue of living with dogs or watching other people train dogs.

In reality, most people know very little about dog training and that's not only unfortunate for the dogs, who are frequently labeled as "stubborn" and punished, but also for the dog owners who continually fail to get the behavior they want, despite their best efforts.

Not uncommonly have I seen people come to group class and proceed to work with their dogs in the class doing something totally different than what I am instructing. One thing I see is people repeatedly commanding their dogs or trying to proof a behavior before the dog even knows the behavior.

We live in an instant gratification world these days. People want quick results, but skipping steps in dog training only leads to failure and frustration on the part of the dog as well as his or her human partner.

I've had people in a group class ask me when their dog is going to heel off leash after the first group meeting. What comes to mind for me, as someone who has studied dance for years, is the process of learning how to dance. First, we have to learn the steps and the steps must be fluent before you can put them together in a dance and perform on stage. This takes hours of practice!

Not all dog trainers have a thorough understanding of dog behavior and training. That's because there is no entry requirement into the field, no educational requirement. There are no regulatory requirements, no regulatory oversight. Basically, anyone can call himself or herself a dog trainer.

But if you're fortunate enough to find a qualified trainer who has been to a reputable dog training school, then my best advice is to make an effort to really listen to that trainer and learn from them. The things you don't know—and don't know you don't know—can interfere with both your learning and your dog's learning. It can work against you and even be hazardous to both you and your dog.

Be patient with the process. Good dog training can proceed fairly quickly with good instruction, but some things take more time than others, and the proper progression is essential to see reliable results. The way I see it, a strong foundation is essential for everything that follows, from a reliable sit/stay to coming when called to an off leash heel. ~Cindy

06/01/2026

A reminder about the purpose of this page:

This page is owned and moderated by a professional dog trainer. Its purpose is to provide educational content for my clients, students, and others who are interested in learning about evidence-based, positive reinforcement dog training and current research in canine behavior.

This is not a debate forum. It is not a venue for argumentative exchanges, contrarian commentary, or criticism for the sake of criticism. There are countless places on the internet for that.

Questions are welcome. Respectful discussion is welcome. Genuine curiosity is welcome. However, comments that are argumentative, dismissive, disrespectful, or intended to derail educational conversations are not consistent with the purpose of this page and may be removed.

Participation here is voluntary. If you choose to engage, please do so respectfully and in a manner that contributes to learning and constructive discussion.

Thank you to the many clients, students, and followers who help make this page a positive resource for dog owners seeking reliable information and better relationships with their dogs.

Cindy Ludwig, Owner, Canine Connection LLC, Willard, Missouri

05/31/2026

Ghost is a smart, energetic, and loving dog in the intermediate class. He makes me smile and he challenges me - in a good way!

05/31/2026

Starting June 20! (Note: this class is a prerequisite to the advanced class.)

05/31/2026

Who's got a bulldog who would like to learn how to teach their dog to use a skateboard?

Dog astounds with human-like skillWe interviewed instagram.com/sk...

05/30/2026

Some dogs just don't read the breed book.

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

05/30/2026

"The takeaway message from this research is that if you want to increase the likelihood that you will have a fearless and friendly dog, you should make a strong effort to shield your puppies from harsh treatment and strong stressors, especially during the first six months of their life."

For fearless and friendly dogs, shield your puppies.

05/30/2026

"Dr. Horowitz’s lab has done remarkable work exploring the sense of smell in dogs, even establishing that dogs can use scent to determine the passage of time. The lab’s latest report suggests that dogs can also smell and identify other dogs' emotions."

Dogs can recognize the emotional state of other dogs by scent alone, and their behavior changes in a manner consistent with their interpretation of that emotional odor.

05/30/2026