Leash Foundations for Dogs

This was written many years ago when the school was at a facility with cement floors that we could use sidewalk chalk on. Nowadays, our high-tech waterproof floors don’t work with chalk, so we ask our students to stand perfectly still and reward their dog for paws...
Engage-Disengage: Reactive Dog Training

Engage-Disengage: Reactive Dog Training

One of my favorite techniques for working with reactive dogs is the simple yet effective “Engage-Disengage” method. It’s a game-changer for helping dogs learn to manage their reactions to triggers in a positive, stress-free way. Before diving...

Train Smarter, Not Harder: 6 Tips for Effective Dog Training

Training your dog doesn’t have to be overwhelming—it’s all about clear communication, consistent rewards, and understanding your pup’s needs. In this post, we’ll share six tips to help you build better behaviors, from rewarding quickly and often to using high-value...
Rainy Day Games

Rainy Day Games

“EEGADS it’s raining!! We can’t go outside we may DIE” – Strega & Henry That seems to be the tone for all dogs this morning. So I wanted to share with you some things we do in our home to manage the cabin fever on really rainy days....

Foundation Skills for Dog Training

At NWA School for Dogs, we consider the foundation skills of dog training to be those skills required for you and your dog to have a harmonious and happy life together. These aren’t just tricks – they’re the building blocks of communication, safety,...