“Training doesn’t limit a dog. Training frees a dog.
My dog, being trained, is free – free to walk with me, free to ride with me,
free to play off-leash with other dogs, free to learn and run.
An untrained dog is “free” to sit in the backyard
where he can get into as little trouble as possible.”
– Sue Ailsby
Quick Links:
Local Resources – other area trainers, daycares and pet sitters, mobile vets, and more
Local Dog Parks
General Training
Get Started with Clicker Training – learn how to use this powerful and fun tool!
NEW! Product Recommendations – harnesses, chew toys, hacks, and more
Working from Home Tips – some ideas for keeping your dog quiet, from Office Buddies
NEW! Boredom Busters – keeping your dog out of trouble while sheltering in place
Needs More Attention – has your lifestyle change left your dog wanting more? Here’s some advice.
Three Truths About Dogs – Read this first to gain insight into dog behavior.
Quick Fix Tools – A little management goes a long way to helping with behavior problems.
Six Secrets to a Good Dog – Keys to your dog’s good behavior.
I Never Thought It Would Work, But It Did! – Things you can do to improve your dog’s behavior, even if you doubt it
Stress Signs in Dogs – How to read subtle body language.
Don’t Say “No!”…? – What clicker trainers really advise to stop bad habits.
Ditch the bowl! – List of recommended enrichment products
Finding Time to Train – Use your daily routine to improve your dog’s behavior.
Dog Body Language – Learn to understand what your dog is “saying”
Longer-Term Tools – train incompatible behaviors to solve common problems.
One-Week Attention “Fix” – Teach your dog to focus on you, not distractions.
Target Training – teaching your dog to find and follow a target – more useful than you might guess!
Friendly Dogs – Prevent aggression and maintain good canine mental health
Games you can play to increase obedience – and have fun!
Dog Parks – what you should know before you go, and where the San Jose-area ones are.
Breeding Your Dog – If you’re considering this adventure, be prepared! Guest article by Wendy Dreyer
Tips for Spot-On Recall – Teach your dog to come when called. Published in Bay Woof magazine.
Mostly for Puppies and New Dogs
Pre-Puppy checklist – all the things you need to consider before getting a puppy
Puppy Play-Biting – is your puppy biting you and playing too roughly? Check here for solutions!
House-proofing Your Dog — teach your dog to act appropriately in your house, including what not to chew.
Housetraining Your Dog — teach your dog where to go to the bathroom.
Before You Get Your Puppy – advice from Dr. Ian Dunbar (PDF file)
Problem Solving
Barking – different kinds of barking and ways you can reduce it or use it.
Separation Anxiety/Alone training – how to teach your dog to be comfortable when you’re gone.
Training The Deaf Dog – just because your dog can’t hear doesn’t mean that training has to be difficult!
Counter Surfing – how I trained my own dog to stop stealing food
Harnesses and other equipment to reduce pulling
How to keep your neighbors’ dogs from pooping on your lawn
Special/Seasonal
Independence Day – enjoy the Fourth of July independent of fear and worry!
Surviving the Halloween Nightmare – have a safe and happy Halloween with your dog!
Holiday Tips – have safe and happy winter holidays!
How to Help Your Dog Enjoy a Pet Festival (like Bark in the Park!)
Understanding Clicker Training
What is Clicker Training – a short introduction
Stacy’s Animal Trainer’s Guide – the theory behind animal training
Local Resources – other area trainers, daycares and pet sitters, mobile vets, and more
Local Dog Parks
Stacy’s blog – on advanced concepts in training, book reviews, and more