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Ask a Dog Trainer – How Do I Choose A Stimulating Toy For My Dog?

iHeartDogs is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you A lot of dog trainers and vets recommend people use activity toys and with good reason. They are great for boredom, mild separation anxiety, slowing down fast eaters, increasing problem solving skills and even tiring your dog out (thinking is hard work!). However, activity toys can be pretty expensive and if you don’t know anything about them, … Read more

Ask A Dog Trainer: How Do I Get My Distracted Dog To Focus On Me?

You are trying to teach your dog to sit. You’ve tried every trick in the book and he just won’t put that rump on the ground. He’s turning his head every which way, he’s staring off into the distance, he’s rolling around on the ground, he may even be lunging and barking at the bird that just flew by. Sound familiar? If your dog acts like this, it’s time to stop training. When we are training our dogs, we are … Read more

14 Tips For A Stress-Free Dog On The 4th Of July

iHeartDogs is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. For many families, the Fourth of July is filled with cookouts, fireworks, and celebrations. For dogs, however, it can be one of the most stressful days of the year. The loud booms, flashing lights, unfamiliar guests, and changes in routine can leave even normally confident dogs feeling anxious. The holiday is also one of the busiest times … Read more

Pit Bull Weight Management: Veterinary Health Assessment (2026)

We all love our Pit Bulls and want to give them the best lives possible. However, sometimes the way we express our love can have negative side effects. For example, too many treats and too much snuggling on the couch can create an overweight Pittie with health problems. Pitties can get fat pretty easily, so it’s important to watch your dog’s weight. The following are 3 signs your Pittie is overweight. If you notice any of these, you should talk ... Read more

Lab Weight Management: Veterinary Health Assessment (2026)

Labrador Retrievers are true food hounds and as they age, many of them become a bit lazy. This combination often results in an overweight Lab. Labs seem to be skilled at gaining weight and owners should be aware that all those extra pounds come with a lot of health issues that can even shorten their lifespan. Because of this, Labrador Retriever owners should pay attention to the following 3 signs that their Lab is overweight. If you believe he is ... Read more

3 Tips To Successfully Train Your Dog With Treats

Positive reinforcement is scientifically proven to be one of the most effective and humane ways to train your dog. It builds trust, strengthens your bond, and creates a dog who wants to work with you. But even when you’re committed to positive methods, small mistakes can slow your progress — especially when it comes to treats. Food rewards are one of the most misunderstood parts of positive reinforcement training, yet for most dogs, they are also one of the most … Read more

Top 10 Senior Dog Training Tips

You can’t teach an old dog new tricks is a saying that has been around for decades. But the fact is, you can teach an old dog new tricks, and it’s not that much different from teaching a younger dog. In fact, older dogs have some advantages – attention span being one – that might make them easier to train in some ways. However, there are a few things to think about when you are working with an older dog. … Read more

12 Tips To Stop Your Dog From Bothering You While You’re Eating

As much as we love our dogs, sharing a meal with them constantly staring, begging, or trying to steal food can be frustrating. Fortunately, there are ways to discourage this behavior and make dining a more pleasant experience for everyone. Here are 12 effective tips to help your dog become a better dinner guest and to keep those puppy-dog eyes away from your plate. #1 – Teach “Leave It” Teaching your dog the “leave it” command is one of the … Read more

6Toys To Keep Your Pup Entertained

FitPAWS Paw Pods for Dog Agility

iHeartDogs is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. The most asked question I get as a trainer is usually, “What toy is best for my dog?” While there is a wide variety of toys that are great for dogs, I thought I’d showcase ones that will not only entertain your pup but maybe even help them become smarter as well! 1. JW Pet Hol-ee Roller … Read more

Ask A Dog Trainer: Why Does My Dog Growl When People Approach Me?

It’s wonderful when we have a special bond with our dogs. Many of us get a dog for that very reason – to have a devoted companion. However, some dogs can get a little too attached to their humans and the result can lead to trouble. Dogs that growl when someone tries to approach you, can end up biting. It’s something that needs to be addressed immediately. Why Dogs Growl When People Approach Their Owner Dogs that growl (they may … Read more

Ask A Dog Trainer – Do I Have To Walk My Dog?

Do I Have to Walk My Dog

iHeartDogs is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. Walking the dog seems like an essential part of being a dog parent. Yet, many people wonder if they have to be walking their dogs daily. For example, some dogs may dislike walks while others may misbehave while walking in public. So, are walks necessary? Let me start by saying I rarely walk my dogs. As in, … Read more

Ask A Dog Trainer: How Do I Train My Dog For Teeth Brushing?

Training your puppy to tolerate having their teeth brushed can be quite a challenge, but it is worth the extra effort. Strong, healthy teeth are an essential part of a dog’s health. With training, your pup will grow into a patient, well-behaved dog that calmly endures – or even enjoys – their dental care routine. Have an older dog? These tips will help you get them used to the teeth-brushing process, too! Choose A Toothbrush Like with people, there are … Read more

Toss The Treats: Using Everyday Rewards In Training

One of the main reasons many dog owners are hesitant to try positive reinforcement training is because they are worried about always having to have food on them to get their dogs to obey. However, if the training is done correctly, you should not have to use food past the initial learning of the behavior. Sometimes, you might not use food even then, but what you do need is a reward of some type. Why Trainers Use Food At The … Read more

Ask A Vet: What Should My Dog Weigh?

We know that obesity shortens lives and impacts overall health. The trouble is that when you see your dog every day, it is hard to tell exactly what their perfect weight might be. Be aware that “ideal weight” for dogs is not a number on a scale because dogs come in so many shapes and sizes. Studies show that healthy-weight dogs can live an extra 2.5 years longer than their overweight counterparts. Look at your dog with a critical eye. … Read more

The Leash Matters – When To Use What Type

Why did you choose the leash you did? Maybe based on color or because a friend or trainer recommended it? Many of us don’t take a lot of time thinking about the leash. We just fasten the nearest one to our dog’s collar and go. But the leash is very important. It keeps your dog under control and affects your safety, your dog’s, and that of other animals or people nearby. So next time you reach for the leash, stop … Read more

How To Get your Dog To Leave Something Alone On Command

“Leave it” is one of the most valuable cues we can teach our dogs. It can save them from eating something harmful, from chasing a car or stealing your steak. It’s so important that most dog trainers teach it in puppy and/or beginner obedience. However the easy version of leave a cookie in mom’s open hand or on the floor of the training room is a far cry from what we expect our dogs to do in real life: leave … Read more

How To Help Your Dog Cope With Separation Anxiety

Separation anxiety in dogs is one of the worst behavioral issues. Dogs suffering from it can be extremely destructive – not only ruining your home, but harming themselves. I’ve heard of dogs eating through walls and jumping out second story windows that were closed. Why Dogs Suffer From Separation Anxiety So far, canine behaviorists have not been able to identify why some dogs develop separation anxiety. It could be genetic, but anecdotal evidence suggests it’s caused by environmental factors. Dogs … Read more

10 Tips For Potty Training A Puppy From A Professional Dog Trainer

If you plan on getting a new puppy, then potty training is probably the first thing on your mind. It’s the one part of puppy ownership that none of us enjoy. Failure at it is one of the reasons dogs are surrendered to shelters. The following ten tips for potty training a puppy will help ensure your success. They are the tips I used with my sheltie when I brought him home at eight weeks – he had two accidents (both my … Read more

Ask A Dog Trainer: What Do I Do If My Dog Is Possessive With Her Toys?

Some dogs are not good at sharing. Once they get possession of a toy, it’s theirs and they do not want you to take it. This can result in growls and, if the owner is not careful, bites. Toy guarding is a fairly common problem that plagues those who were hoping for a nice family dog. Why Some Dogs Growl When You Try To Take Their Toys Behaviorists are not actually certain why dogs do this. On the surface, it’s … Read more

7 Ways Your Dog Talks To You Through Body Language

We all wish our dogs could talk to us – it would make life soo much easier! But did you know your dog does try to speak to you? While it might not be in your language, your dog most definitely communicates with you. The following are a few of the main ways your dog talks to you about things that are important. Teaching your kids your dog’s language can also help to prevent bites from happening. #1 –  They … Read more

Ask A Dog Trainer: How Do I Get My Dog To Stop Licking Everything?

Dog licking everything

iHeartDogs is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. While most of us don’t mind a gentle lick from our furry friend now and then, a dog that constantly licks can be exhausting. Some dogs only lick themselves or humans, but others may lick random objects, furniture, or even the floor. No one wants a big spot of dog saliva on the couch. Plus, obsessive licking … Read more

Ask A Dog Trainer: Why Does My Dog Run & Hide When I Try To Leash Him?

iHeartDogs is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. Most dogs get excited when you take them out for a walk or car ride. They follow you around like they always do… until you reach for the collar and/or leash. Like a bullet, your dog is gone. Then, you spend several minutes trying to track them down. Calling them, bribing them, whatever it takes to get … Read more

Ask A Dog Trainer – How Do I Get My Dog To Stop Attacking The Vacuum?

Training dog to stop attacking vacuum

iHeartDogs is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. It’s a timeless struggle – dog vs. vacuum. Are you at a point where you dread vacuuming? Or do you schedule vacuuming only when your dog isn’t home? If you relate to either, it’s time to teach your dog that the vacuum is not their mortal enemy. After all, what is it with the vacuum? The main … Read more

Top 10 Tips On Crate Training A Dog

Crate training tips

iHeartDogs is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. Crate training is one of the best things a dog parent can do. It gives your dog a safe, secure place to be when you can’t watch them. It’s handy for potty training, obedience classes, and travel. Keep reading to learn our top 10 tips on crate training. Are you confused when it comes to training? You … Read more

Ask A Dog Trainer: Why Doesn’t My Dog Respond The First Time?

Dog training confusion

iHeartDogs is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. At the dog park, do you have to call your dog’s name ten times before they come to you? Or maybe you have to say “sit” three times before they respond. It might feel like everyone else’s dog responds immediately, except yours. Related: Spirit Dog Online Training Review: Is SpiritDog Really Worth It? Many frustrated dog parents … Read more

From A Dog Trainer – How To Teach Your Dog To Tell You When They Need To Go Potty

Potty training cue

iHeartDogs is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. Potty training is often the most frustrating part of having a dog. Sadly, many dogs are surrendered to shelters due to potty training issues, but those dogs just need more training sessions and patience. One of the best ways to avoid accidents is to teach your dog to let you know when they need to do their … Read more

Top 5 Tips For Training Your Puppy Not To Bite

Preventing puppy biting

iHeartDogs is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. Puppies bite for many reasons. They use their mouth to explore their environment and to play. They also use it to communicate when they are stressed or don’t like the way you are handling them. But those needle-sharp puppy teeth are no fun on our soft skin because we don’t have a layer of fur to protect … Read more

15 Dog Breeds You Think You Want But Probably Shouldn’t Get

There are hundreds of dog breeds in the world, each with their own unique look, purpose and personality. While many people think they want a certain breed, they sometimes find out that the dog they thought looked really cool is actually a lot of work to live with. This is why so many trainers and rescues try to advice first time owner to avoid certain breeds. Many breeds are becoming more popular on looks alone, but end up most often … Read more

Why Does My Dog Growl At Some People And Not Others?

Dogs are always alert when someone new arrives on the scene. Your dog notices new people immediately, but sometimes he growls at them and sometimes he doesn’t. His growl might indicate aggression, defensiveness or just plain anxiety. Why does he have different reactions to people? Does he know something about them that you don’t? No one can sum up all dogs’ reactions and definitely, each case is unique, but we can look at the way dogs perceive their world and … Read more

Ask A Dog Trainer: How Can I Get My Dog To Stop Breaking His Stay?

Teaching your dog a reliable stay is important. A stay not only makes your life easier, but can save your dog’s life. It can also be a very frustrating experience. You may feel as though no matter what you do, your dog just won’t stay longer than a few seconds. Don’t feel bad, stay is a hard cue because it’s asking your dog for a lot of self-control, which is something most dogs do not naturally have. With a bit … Read more

6 Signs Your Dog Is Living With Fear

While it may be obvious if your dog runs in the opposite direction that she is afraid, dogs have many less obvious signs of fear. You can help ensure your dog doesn’t get to the point where they want to bolt by watching for these subtle signs and reacting to them to make your dog more comfortable. Knowing these signs can also make training easier, as you realize your dog is not being stubborn or ignoring you, but is actually … Read more

6 Tips To Train The Most Versatile “Trick” : The Hand Touch

The hand touch is one of my favorite “tricks” to train because it has so many uses when taught properly. (Check out 6 clever uses here!) A hand touch can turn into a fast recall, a way to keep you dog focused on you, and even help teach heel. It can also be used for a variety of tricks, such as the “dolphin” where your dog jumps in the air. The following tips will help you get that rock-solid hand … Read more

3 Ways to Keep Your Pit Bull Happy And Healthy

Life with a Pit Bull may have its ups and downs – especially if you live in an area that is breed biased. But inside your home, your Pittie provides you unconditional love and friendship, something you most likely won’t get anywhere else. Regardless of what others think, you know the truth about your wonderful best bud and want them to have the best life in return. The following are 3 ways you can thank your Pit Bull for all … Read more

How To Teach Your Husky To Stop Jumping On People

Huskies are energetic, fun loving dogs that have a zest for life that can’t be equaled. This zest sometimes manifests itself in the inability to keep paws on the floor when interacting with humans. Whether he is just so happy to see you or wants the toy in your hand, this behavior is annoying and can even cause injury. So how do you get your Husky to not jump? It may seem like a big task, but if you know … Read more

5 Questions To Ask Yourself Before Getting A Husky

Siberian Huskies are beautiful, intelligent dogs that catch the attention of many would-be owners. Between their wolfish stare and perpetual puppy playfulness, people are often eager to get a Husky without much further thought. But there is a lot that goes into making a Husky a well-mannered, happy and healthy member of any family. If you’ve been thinking about adding a Husky to your house, you should ask yourself the following questions before picking one out. #1 – Can I … Read more

3 Signs Your Boxer Is Overweight

Like us, your Boxer should stay in shape to avoid many health problems. Several things can cause your Boxer to become overweight, including but not limited to: too many treats, low-quality pet food, not enough exercise, and health problems such as thyroid disease. We all know it’s easy to get busy and stop exercising the dog. It’s even easier to over-indulge on the treats. The important thing is to recognize when your Boxer has packed on a few extra pounds, so you … Read more

Is My Chihuahua Overweight Or Obese?

Chihuahuas are so small, it’s easy for them to get overweight. This is especially true if you like to indulge them when they beg – it doesn’t take too many human treats to make a Chihuahua overweight. In addition, since so many of us tend to carry them around – in our arms or in bags – our Chihuahuas are not always getting the exercise that they should. But being overweight is not good for your Chihuahua. It can lead ... Read more

Is My Dachshund Overweight Or Obese?

The Dachshund body shape makes them more prone to bulking up. It doesn’t help that they are expert beggars and get carried around a lot because they are small. But being overweight is really bad for your Doxie’s long back, hips and short legs. The strain can cause all kinds of health issues and even shorten their lifespan. Because of this, it’s important to recognize when yours has packed on a few extra pounds. The following are 3 signs your ... Read more

Is My German Shepherd Overweight Or Obese?

Although German Shepherds are naturally active dogs, this does not mean they cannot gain weight. Lack of exercise, poor diet including too many treats, and health issues such as thyroid disease can cause your Shepherd to become overweight. Being overweight can cause all sorts of health problems – especially extra strain on their hips – and even shorten their lifespan. Because of this, it’s important to know when your Shepherd is carrying around some extra pounds so you can slim ... Read more

3 Signs Your Great Dane Is Overweight

Though it’s not common, Great Danes can get overweight. They won’t ever get as round as maybe a Dachshund can, but they can definitely have too much fat–especially aging Danes that are not as active as they used to be, but are still fed the same amount. Feeding junk food or human treats, or  having health issues such as thyroid disease or hip dysplasia can also lead to your Dane gaining a few extra pounds. Those extra pounds can mean even more … Read more

5 Tips To Prevent Your Husky From Pulling on Leash

Walking nicely on a leash can be a real challenge for Huskies. After all, they were bred to pull. But a pulling Husky can be the cause of a lot problems. They may injure your back or neck, get loose and lost, or even injure other people if they pull you into them. All you want is a nice, calm walk, but what you get is frustrating pull down the street. Never fear: while it does takes some patience, your … Read more

How To Teach Your Boxer To Stop Jumping On People

Boxers are known for using their paws, especially when greeting someone or when they want something, like the toy in your hand. And when they do, they tend to use those front paws like hands, which can easily cause injury as they grab you with those sharp claws. While it’s nice that your Boxer is friendly, he needs to learn to ask for things, such attention, appropriately–and that means no jumping. Luckily, there are some easy ways to get your … Read more

Top 5 Mistakes Chihuahua Owners Make

Chihuahuas are an extremely popular breed. But they are also one of the top breeds found in shelters. While some of this is from over-breeding, a lot of them are older Chihuahuas with behavior problems that owners just couldn’t figure out how to fix. These are often the result of owners forgetting or not knowing they should have done things differently. Knowing the following 5 mistakes Chihuahuas owners make can help keep your Chi a happy and a welcome part of … Read more

3 Ways To Keep Your German Shepherd Dog Happy And Healthy

Our German Shepherds add so much to our lives, it’s hard to know how to repay them for everything they do – it’s just not possible! If only they could understand all our words so we could express our gratitude to them. But since they can’t, one of the best ways to show your Shepherd how much you love her is by keeping her happy and healthy. Wondering if you are doing all you can to provide excellent care to … Read more

Top 5 Mistakes Labrador Retriever Owners Make

Labrador Retrievers are thought of by many as one of the easiest breeds to own. It’s one of the reasons they are so popular! They don’t take a lot of grooming, they are overall an easy-going breed that likes other people and dogs, and they seem to enjoy training. But that doesn’t mean there are not things that all Lab owners should keep in mind. The following are 5 mistakes Lab owners make that can affect their dog’s health and … Read more

5 Tips To Potty Training Your Pit Bull

Little Pitty puppies are the sweetest things in the whole world. That is, until they have a potty accident in your house. That’s about when most puppy owners start to wonder why they got a puppy. And we can all agree it’s the major downside to getting one. Worse still, if not trained properly, you will end up with an adult Pit Bull that thinks it’s okay to go in the house. It’s important to start out right from the very … Read more

Ask a Dog Trainer: How Do I Stop The Sibling Rivalry Between My Dogs?

Whether you own two sibling dogs from the same litter or just have two dogs at your house, you’ve probably experienced some type of sibling rivalry. In dogs, rivalry looks a lot like what human siblings do – they fight over your attention, toys and even food. If your dogs push each other out of the way for attention, if one dog gets upset while you are training the other, they get snappy and grabby with treats, or even fight … Read more

Ask A Dog Trainer: Verbal Cues Vs. Hand Signals

Awhile ago, I wrote about new research that showed hand signals resulted in more correct responses from dogs than verbal cues, in most cases. The exception was the COME cue. This research was done on a small pool of Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers that had been taught both hand and verbal signals as part of their water rescue training. So what should you, a pet parent, teach your dog? Here are the pros and cons to both ways of training. … Read more

6 Tricks For Teaching Lie Down To A Small Dog

When it comes to teaching dogs basic cues such as sit and down, most of us think of them as “easy.” And, for the most part, they are. However, sometimes even these “simple” behaviors can be hard to teach your dog. Small dogs, in particular, are often harder to teach lie down to than bigger dogs. Why Small Dogs Don’t Like To Lie Down When Asked Of course, you want to first make sure it’s not because your dog has … Read more

5 Questions To Ask Yourself Before Getting a German Shepherd Dog

You’ve watched the police dog demos at the fair. Your friends own one and you love the way he tolerates your kids. Perhaps you’ve even seen a highly trained Shepherd tend his sheep. Maybe it’s as simple as seeing the movie Finding Rin Tin Tin (2007). Whatever it was, you’ve taken that first step – you’re pretty sure you want a German Shepherd to join your family. A German Shepherd can make a wonderful pet, but they can also be … Read more

5 Questions To Ask Yourself Before Getting a Great Dane

One of the most easily recognized dog breeds in the world, Great Danes are admired by all dog fanciers, so it’s no wonder you are considering adding one to your home. Maybe you watched Scooby Doo when you were little or enjoyed reading “Marmaduke” each Sunday. It could be that a friend of yours owns one and you just love her. Whatever your reason, you are now contemplating adding a Dane to your household. And while they can be wonderful … Read more