Dog Play is intentional and most of the the time seems harmless.  Who doesn't love to play tug with their pup!  It is important to understand that dogs use play as a power up.  By that I mean they live in the moment and will feel like they "one up'd you" if you lose the battle or play moment.  If your dog has other issues this little moment can be used to solidify or keep solidifying the fact that the pup is obviously in charge of you in their eyes.  So, it's important to work your dog in other areas of it's life to balance out the bigger picture and your relationship so play doesn't become a thing. It is also important to teach proper play and begin and end the play.  You can also use play as a motivator or reward.  Next time you are playing tug watch, ball or whatever with your dog watch for it's subtle cues in the game.  See if in fact he/she is trying to one up you.   

One of the things I teach is how food is power for a dog.  Some dogs don't have a need to use food so they won't it's still a definable staple in their life none the less.  Some dogs manipulate their lives around it in a way that most don't see. Then act entitled or act out in other areas of their day.  Part of that can be rooted in their definition of themselves where food is concerned.  Again, it is usually under the radar that most don't see although the dogs do and that is really all that matters. A simple, yet powerful tool we use is food how the dog defines it, training with it, shifting out of training with it thus working their minds.  Without food we see once the dog totally understands what's being asked if they will follow.  This is where true balance lingers for moments that feel like minutes.  Does the dog follow through with what it knows or does the dog have an opinion about what's being asked.  Dogs are so smart and when you line up and start to build conversations in training whatever is going on underneath shows up.  Then it can be shifted into balance. Food is a GREAT motivator yet, it can dumb a dog down as well.  Food used appropriately can bring out the BEST and EVERYTHING your dog has been hiding and needing to evolve into.  

• Long Leash Come Command can be Fun and Engaging
  

​1.  Teach your dog how to walk beside you in the pocket
Faster you commit to the short leash the faster your dog will commit and faster to fun times!

2.  Teach your dog the "COME" command
First in your house stretch the space between you both slowly.  Your dog will let you know when it's too much they'll stop coming to you.

3.  Teach the Long Leash
Merge the pocket position on the leash short beside you to a freedom command like "OK".  Your pup can be free to sniff & explore no pressure on the leash however far then use "COME" command dog returns to you.  At first continue with beside you position and release again when ready with "OK".  

This can be a GAME CHANGER for dogs especially fearful dogs to gain confidence because you've done so much work prior to this moment it is freedom feeling.  You can't skip the above steps though. It's important for your dog to know they are really under your commands at all time especially when free.    Happy Training ~ #trainwhatyouexpect

I know folks may have a hard time using a pinch collar.  I get it! It totally looks barbaric etc and has a bad rap!  YET, this tool when used with super super soft hand gestures can be TRANSFORMATIVE for both you and your dog.   Showing up for your dog in a way that is clear, directive and in the pocket right beside you takes so much pressure off of him/her.  Want more information on how to use this tool correctly reach out.  

Not all dogs are born equal by that I mean like kids some are soft like the artist more sensitive.  Some are born chill and don't really care about what the heck is going on.  Others like our boy above is more like a Jock a bit hard and driven which can be a tough combination especially for a sweet person who has to learn the role of leading this type of dog.  My client has gone ABOVE the call of duty when she adopted him and then some.  It takes time, it takes a village and you have to keep yourself safe too.  A dogs personality doesn't go away with training it does learn to cope better, respect others and learn to listen to someone other then it's own drive and mechanisms.  Sometimes we need the help of a balanced day care settings with a balanced trainer or training outside the house with a balanced trainer.  Dogs live in routine as well as being committed to it's environment and protecting both it and it's owner.  Outside the house training the dog is put in a position to learn all the above without the owner which can yield a big transformation because it is working with a balanced trainer at all times for weeks. Creating clear communication and expectations always wanting the dog to succeed and living in the smallest of moments for big changes.  I will always recommend this route when necessary because sometimes it is necessary.  ​

I've been training dogs for 11 years on the North Shore.  I LOVE my clients and I've learned a ton along the way.  About dogs, about people about myself so grateful for those who have walked the path with me and learned the language their dog needed to have a more balanced relationship.  It really is all about the relationship.  Dogs are pack members and relationship is everything and where they BELONG in it is EVERYTHING.  So I've really have become more of a teacher I teach dog and my clients first the student become the teacher as well.  Teaching their dog how to be yet the reasoning behind their teaching is in the psychology of why.  My clients understand why they are asking their dog to sit, to follow, to come they are more then commands they are communication.  I teach THAT!  Merging psychology the "why" with the leash and the commands.  The less we speak the more the dog hears.  The gentler we are the more the dog is given opportunity to show up.  The more patient we are the deeper the learning.  I am always dog first when I teach so it is clear teaching for my folks.  They can line up and understand because although I bend with each household I stay the course of dog or puppy.  No matter the issues they come up they rise from the hidden and show up in the work and we can swipe the bricks off their shoulders it's amazing to see the lightness, the smile and easiness of a dog who has been burdened by really it's just lack of understanding of what a dog needs. 
Let me teach you my way it's a bit different.  It's not just the tool it so much more!