Training with Marker Words: A Helpful Guide for Dog Owners
In the world of modern dog training, marker training is a proven method for speeding up your dog’s learning. But what happens when you don’t have a clicker handy? This is where training with marker words comes in. While a spoken word can't be quite as...
How To Fade Treats in Dog Training
For most dogs, food is a great and easy way to reinforce good behavior (whether we’re using their kibble or rotisserie chicken depends on the context!). We use it heavily here at School for Dogs and coach most of our clients to do the same in the learning process. So...
Big News: Shanthi Earns IAABC Certification!
At School for Dogs, we’re committed to providing the highest standard of dog training – which is why we’re thrilled to announce that our founder and lead trainer, Shanthi Steddum, has officially earned her certification as an IAABC Certified Behaviorist through the...
Puppy Training Rules?
As a trainer, there are a lot of recommendations I give my clients - especially with puppies - to make their life a little easier. The real question is, what puppy training rules do I ignore when it comes to my personal dogs and why (I might just be slightly...
6 Proven Tips for Successfully Crate Training Your New Puppy
Bringing home a new puppy is an exciting adventure, but let’s be honest—it can also be a little overwhelming! One of the biggest challenges for many new puppy parents is crate training. How do you make your pup feel safe and comfortable in their new space without all...
The Monster in the Room: Dog Reactivity Explained
Story time with Shanthi, kiddos. Got another one for you. Question: "How do I get my dog to stop barking at (insert thing here like cars, people, dogs)? I scold them for it and tell them to ignore it but they won’t stop." So many dogs struggle with dog reactivity,...
Positive Reinforcement Dog Training: Looking for the Good
As humans, we tend to be predisposed to looking for “bad” things" as a side effect of living in a punitive society. If someone steals your wallet, you’re going to notice right away and want them punished for doing something morally wrong. Whereas if you leave your...
Dog Training: Intuition or Protocols?
I had two separate clients talking about playing fetch with their dogs today. They both have the issue that their dog won’t let the ball go or let them get it to throw again. Both dogs also have an issue with being easily aroused (read that however you want including...
First Week with a New Puppy
As a trainer I’ve done my fair share of work with young puppies - whether it’s raising them for myself and other people or helping clients with their new pups. I just brought home a new puppy and he’s given me the perfect opportunity to really discuss puppy raising in...
Dog’s Don’t Want To Bite: Understanding and Helping Reactive Dogs
An Interesting, But Not Unique, Encounter While picking up lunch, someone saw my logo’d jacket and asked if I worked at the School for Dogs. “Why yes I do!” I replied. “What kind of training do you do?” he asked. “Well, mostly just manners,” I replied. “So no bad...