Training Dogs Online

06/28/2025

For the Dogs Who Can’t Just ‘Shake It Off’

The Decompression Scatter

Your dog just saw another dog. They’re WIRED. Heart racing, eyes darting, body tight as a spring. What do most people do? “Come on, let’s go!” and drag them along.
What actually helps? This magic trick.

WHAT IS IT?

Think of it as a nervous system reset button disguised as a snack hunt.
You scatter treats in grass (or leaves, mulch, whatever’s textured) and let your dog’s nose take over. When they drop their head to sniff and search, their brain literally shifts gears from “ALERT! ALERT!” to “Ooh, treasure hunt.”
It’s not training. It’s therapy with treats.

WHEN TO USE IT

• After Mr. Reactive barked at you from behind a fence

• When your dog is “scanning” the environment like a security guard

• Before walking into the vet clinic (trust me on this one)

• Anytime they feel like a tightly wound spring

🔸Pro tip: Use it BEFORE the meltdown, not after. Think of it as emotional first aid.

HOW TO DO IT

Step 1️⃣: Find textured ground (grass, mulch, leaves - not concrete!)

Step 2️⃣: Scatter 5-10 treats like confetti

Step 3️⃣: Say “Go sniff!” and become a statue

Step 4️⃣: Watch the magic happen

🚨TROUBLESHOOTING HACK

If your dog is too amped up to even notice the treats, take ONE piece and literally touch their nose with it. Do this 2-3 times until you see them actually start sniffing. THEN scatter the rest.

WHY IT’S BASICALLY MAGIC ✨

✅ Nose work = brain work → thinking brain comes back online
✅ Head down = heart rate down → body naturally relaxes
✅ Foraging instincts → taps into what dogs are designed to do
✅ Independence building → they learn to self-soothe

YOUR JOB

Scatter. Step back. Shut up.
You’re not the snack-finding coach. You’re the calm presence holding space while they reset.

REAL TALK

I use this ALL the time when I take my dogs from our quiet country trails into downtown Ottawa. It’s sensory chaos out there - sirens, crowds, food trucks, other dogs. Even the chillest pup can hit overload.

This technique? It’s like having a portable zen garden in your treat pouch.

TRY IT THIS WEEK!

Next time your dog gets that “deer in headlights” look, don’t rush past it. Scatter some treats and watch them literally decompress before your eyes.
Your dog will thank you. Your stress levels will thank you. And honestly? Other dog owners will think you’re some kind of wizard.

LITTLE TIP

Some dogs need to understand the pattern/sequence BEFORE it’s used in real life. Meaning you might have to do this a few times in a place where your dog is comfortable and has the mental capacity to learn (backyard, quiet park, etc.). Some skills need to be practiced a few times before they can be used in real-world situations.

Think of it like learning to drive - you don’t start on the highway! Practice when they’re calm so it’s available when they’re not.

This addition really helps set realistic expectations and prevents people from thinking the technique “doesn’t work” when they try it for the first time in a high-stress moment!​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Drop a comment ⬇️ if you’re going to try this!

06/27/2025

It Wasn’t the Bone’s Fault—It Was the Lack of Preparation

“She’ll choke!”
“He gulps everything!”
“I’m too scared to give bones now…”

Sound familiar? You’re not alone.

But here’s the uncomfortable truth that keeps showing up, over and over again:

The danger isn’t just the bone…

The danger is giving a dog a challenge they were never prepared for.

The Real-World Cycle I See All the Time:

1️⃣ Dog gets their first bone… but never had any slow-build chewing practice

2️⃣ They don’t know how to process it → They swallow it whole

3️⃣ Emergency vet visit → Total panic response from the human (understandably)

4️⃣ Owner swears off all bones forever

5️⃣ Dog now has NO outlet for their
mouth, energy, or stress

6️⃣ Dog becomes more anxious, mouthy, destructive… or starts gulping non-food objects

7️⃣ The chewing-related behavior issues we blamed on the bone… get worse

What Actually Made It Worse in Almost

•Too much competition from other dogs (multi-dog resource anxiety)

•Taking things away mid-chew (teaching them: “Eat fast or lose it”)

•Starting with hard, dense bones instead of softer, skill-building textures

•Never giving the dog a chance to develop true chewing technique

•Replacing real chewing with licking toys, puzzle feeders, or “convenience enrichment”

Dogs don’t magically become safer.
They don’t suddenly lose their need for oral stress release.

Here’s what really happens:

➡️ Some dogs become more frantic and desperate around food and toys

➡️ Others ramp up destructive chewing on furniture, blankets, and objects

➡️ Many start showing oral anxiety behaviors—constant licking,
shredding, or chewing non-food items

➡️ And for high-drive dogs? The chewing gets harder, faster, and more dangerous. Because the nervous system is still chasing the stress relief it isn’t getting.

This isn’t stubbornness. It’s unmet neurochemical need.

What Actually Works:

🔸1. Start with Whole Prey That Teaches, Not Just Feeds

Choose whole prey animals (not parts) whenever possible—because breaking down an entire body teaches dismantling, pacing, and pressure control.
✔ Whole duck or chicken
✔ Rabbit with fur/skin
✔ Turkey frames and necks

👉 If you’re really worried, go 3x bigger than their head.

Yes, I once gave my dog an 8lbs whole raw chicken just to help her slow down and it worked.

When a dog can’t swallow it whole, they must learn to chew it right.

🔸2. Supervise Without Hovering

Stay close, but let them lead.
✔ Place your dog in a quiet chew zone
✔ Let them figure out angles, grips, and pace
✔ Interrupt only if safety is a concern—not just because you’re anxious

🔸3. Use Size and Texture Strategically

Give chews that demand technique:
✔ Meaty, bone-in portions with resistance
✔ Items too long or wide to fit in the mouth in one go
✔ Connective tissue that takes time to work through
These chews teach chewing by design.

🔸4. Manage the Environment for Success

In multi-dog homes or with anxious dogs:
✔ One dog out at a time
✔ Set up in a low-distraction, neutral location
✔ No stealing, staring, or hovering from other pets
✔ Predictable chew routines (same time, same space = safety)

This Isn’t Just About Behavior… It’s Nervous System Regulation.

Dogs, especially working breeds and purpose bred dogs, have neurochemical needs tied directly to jaw engagement and chewing.

This isn’t just enrichment.
This is stress relief.
It’s how their nervous system discharges energy and recalibrates after stimulation.

When we take that away out of fear…
The anxiety doesn’t disappear. It builds.

✨ The Mindset Shift:

✅ From avoiding… to teaching.
✅ From reacting… to building skills.
✅ From fearing the next emergency… to preventing it through education and preparation.

Your dog isn’t broken.
They’re under-skilled.
They’re under-supported.
But they are 100% capable of learning.

Let’s build real chewing confidence, safely, gradually, with intention.

What’s the weirdest thing your dog has swallowed ? ⬇️ Drop a comment

06/26/2025

Bone Hoarding = Guarding Peace, Not Power

When your dog gathers bones and stashes them like treasure around the house — they’re not being bossy.

They’re trying to feel safe.

This isn’t about control. It’s about regulation.

Especially in homes with multiple dogs — where personalities clash, play styles compete, and boundaries get blurry — some dogs quietly start saving their bones. Why?

Because:
• They’ve had things stolen one too many times
• They’re not the fastest eater or the loudest communicator
• They’re unsure when the next chew opportunity will come
• They feel calmer knowing it’s there

This is enrichment meeting nervous system support.

For the soft-spoken dogs who’d rather avoid conflict than cause it, bone hoarding becomes a quiet strategy for peace.

What helps?
• A consistent chewing routine
• One special bone at a time — not a chaotic pile
• Respect for their space (no surprise takeaways)
• Safe, low-traffic zones where they can settle and chew undisturbed

⚠️ Reminder: If we’re always taking things “just in case,” we’re reinforcing the very scarcity they’re trying to solve.

Chewing is more than a pastime — it’s a coping tool, a need, and sometimes a security blanket.

So let’s reframe:
It’s not greedy.
It’s not dominant.
It’s a dog doing their best to feel okay.

Has your dog ever hoarded a bone for peace of mind? Drop your story below. 🐾

03/09/2025

Dog Enrichment: It’s in Their DNA, Not Just Training! 🐾

Did you know that enrichment isn’t something you “train” your dog to enjoy—it’s a natural biological instinct? Just like humans have hobbies they naturally gravitate toward, dogs have enrichment needs that are hardwired into their DNA.

🧠 Some dogs LOVE solving puzzles.
🐕 Others live for the thrill of chasing and fetching.
👃 Some need to sniff and forage to feel fulfilled.
🦴 And for some, chewing is the ultimate stress relief.

❌ You don’t get to choose what your dog finds enriching—nature already did.
✅ Your job is to observe, support, and provide healthy outlets for their instincts.

When dogs don’t get the right enrichment, they find their own ways to entertain themselves… and let’s be honest, their version of fun might involve shredding your couch. 😬

Want to understand why enrichment is essential and how to give your dog the best mental & physical stimulation? Read our latest blog! 👇

🔗 Click here to read: https://trainingdogsonline.ca/blog/dog-enrichment--why-it-s-a-natural-instinct--not-a-training-exercise

🐾 Let’s help our dogs be dogs—in the best way possible! Share this with a fellow dog parent who needs to see it! 💛

Dog Enrichment: A Biological Need, Not a Conditioned Response Think about your favorite hobby. Maybe you love painting, hiking, playing music, or binge-wat

03/03/2025

Desensitization: It’s Not Just Training, It’s Biology! 🧬

Dogs don’t learn to “just deal with it” overnight—their entire development is designed for gradual exposure!

✅ Puppies are born blind & deaf to prevent sensory overload.
✅ Their vision & hearing kick in slowly to help them adjust.
✅ Rushing exposure? That’s how fear and reactivity start.

Understanding how dogs are meant to learn changes the game for training. Want to work with their instincts, not against them? Read more here:

https://trainingdogsonline.ca/blog/why-desensitization-is-built-into-your-dog-s-dna

Born to Adapt, One Sense at a Time Imagine being born into this world, but you can’t see, you can’t hear, and your only skill is wiggling toward something

02/11/2025

Understanding Your Dog’s Thresholds
How to Know When They’re Calm, Stressed, or Overwhelmed

A trigger is anything in your dog’s environment that causes them to react—like another dog, a loud noise, or a moving object. But not all reactions are equal. Your dog has threshold levels, which are like emotional traffic lights.

Here’s how it works:

🟢 Green Zone – Calm and Learning
Your dog notices the trigger but stays chill. They can:
✔ Follow commands
✔ Take food normally
✔ Relax and disengage easily

💡 Training Tip: This is the best time to train! Use this calm state to build positive associations with triggers.

🟡 Yellow Zone – The Tipping Point
Your dog is starting to get stressed. They may:
⚠ Stare intensely at the trigger
⚠ Take food but hesitate or gulp it down
⚠ Struggle to focus on you

⚠ What to Do: Add distance between your dog and the trigger. Redirect their attention with high-value food rewards before they escalate.

🔴 Red Zone – Reactive and Overwhelmed
Your dog is no longer coping and might:
❌ Bark, lunge, or freeze
❌ Refuse food entirely
❌ Ignore your commands

🚨 What to Do: Move your dog away from the trigger ASAP. Let them decompress in a calm, quiet space and avoid forcing them to stay in a stressful situation.

Every dog’s threshold is different, and it can change based on distance, intensity, and environment. Learning to spot where your dog is on the threshold scale can help you manage their reactivity and set them up for success.

Read our blog on Understanding your Dog's Thresholds to learn more.

https://trainingdogsonline.ca/blog/understanding-your-dog-s-thresholds

Got a question about thresholds or reactivity? Drop it in the comments! ⬇️

Struggling with a reactive dog? You’re not alone! Learn how to manage reactivity and build real-world skills with our online course.

🔥 Get 75% OFF today! Sign up here → https://trainingdogsonline.mykajabi.com/offers/hZqAB4c7/checkout

02/07/2025

Dually ❤️ He was such a great little work horse.

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/15zttnwYaL/?mibextid=wwXIfr

02/06/2025

How Long Does It Really Take to Train Your Dog? Let’s Talk Timelines! 🐾

Ever wonder how long it actually takes to train your dog? Is it weeks? Months? A lifetime? 🤔 Let’s face it—every dog is different, and there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. But don’t worry, we’ve got the inside scoop to help you set realistic expectations and celebrate every milestone!

Whether you’re teaching your pup to sit, mastering loose leash walking, or tackling those bigger behavioral challenges, we break it all down for you in our latest blog post: “How Long Does It Take to Train a Dog?” 🐶✨

📖 What You’ll Learn:
🐾 Why consistency is key (and why skipping training one day isn’t the end of the world).

🐾 How different goals—basic manners vs. advanced skills—affect the timeline.

🐾 Tips for keeping progress fun and frustration-free!

Training isn’t just about the end result—it’s about building an awesome connection with your dog along the way. 🐕💛 So, if you’ve ever felt like progress is taking forever (or happening too fast to believe!), this blog is for you.

📍 Check it out here 👉 https://trainingdogsonline.ca/blog/how-long-does-it-take-to-train-a-dog--realistic-timelines---expectations

Comment below and let us know your biggest training win or challenge—we’d love to hear your story! ✨

Is Dog Training a Weekend Fix or a Lifelong Journey? If you’ve ever Googled, “How long does it take to train a dog?” you’ve probably seen answers ranging f

01/31/2025

Your Dog’s Not Lazy—They’re Bored! Here’s How to Fix It

You think your dog is just chill—but are they actually BORED OUT OF THEIR MIND? 🤯
🚀 Midnight zoomies?
🛋️ Redecorating your furniture (with their teeth)?
🐶 Barking at literally everything?

These aren’t quirks—they’re cries for enrichment! The good news? Fixing it is EASY (and no, it doesn’t mean running marathons together).

👉 Find out why enrichment matters more than you think & how to turn your “bored dog” into a fulfilled dog NOW!

📖 Read here:

Ever feel like your dog is just… there? Maybe they spend most of the day snoozing, barely lifting their head when you walk by. Or, on the flip side, they’r

01/27/2025

💸 Why Are Vet Bills So High? Let’s Break It Down 🐾

If you’ve noticed your vet bills creeping higher with every visit, you’re not alone—and it’s not just inflation. A major trend called corporatization is reshaping veterinary care, and it’s directly affecting your wallet and your dog’s care.

👩‍⚕️ Here’s What’s Happening:
• Big corporations like Mars, Inc. (yes, the M&M’s people 🍫) and EQT Partners are buying out independent vet clinics.

• While this brings more resources and standardized practices, it also brings higher fees, upselling of services, and a focus on profit.

🐕 What This Means for You and Your Dog:
• Vet visits might feel less personal and more like a sales pitch.

• Costs for routine care like vaccinations and check-ups are rising.

• Independent, family-owned clinics are disappearing, leaving fewer personalized care options.

✨ What Can You Do About It?
✔️ Ask questions—always understand why a test or service is recommended.
✔️ Support independent clinics where possible.
✔️ Focus on preventative care to avoid unnecessary vet visits.

💡 Want to know more about what’s driving these changes and how you can navigate them? Check out our latest blog:

👉 https://trainingdogsonline.ca/blog/why-your-vet-bills-are-skyrocketing

Let’s keep the focus on what matters most: your dog’s health and happiness. 🐾

01/24/2025

Beyond Sit and Stay: Building a Dog Who Wants to Learn! 🐾

Training isn’t just about obedience—it’s about creating a dog who’s eager, motivated, and ready to learn. Want to know how to make training something your dog wants to do rather than something they have to do?

In our latest blog, we’re covering:
✅ How to build food motivation the right way
✅ The secret to keeping your dog engaged
✅ Turning training into a fun, rewarding experience

Ready to make training a highlight of your dog’s day? Check out the blog here:

https://trainingdogsonline.ca/blog/beyond-sit-and-stay--building-a-dog-who-wants-to-learn

🎯 Let’s work smarter (and tastier!) to make training a joy for both you and your dog.

Why Engagement Starts with YOU Let’s be honest: when most people think about dog training, their minds go straight to the basics—sit, stay, down. And while