The Clever Dog Company

05/28/2026

The thing that often surprises handlers: skills aren't just skills. They're confidence, too.

Erin Lynes is teaching FF175: Building Bravery in our June term, a six-week class for growing confident, optimistic dogs through play and games. Starts June 1, registration opens May 22.

05/24/2026

A command tells your dog what to do.

An expectation is what your dog should do without being told.

The difference is critical. What are your expectations? Comment below.

05/24/2026

They remember so much more than you think.

05/23/2026

Do you know the difference between a command and an expectation?

Your dog does.

Would love to hear your thoughts.

05/13/2026

Please share!

This sweet baby girl was dumped on a disabled woman's property with 3 other dogs.

The woman is in between shelters zones and everyone is full so no one will help her.

05/13/2026

01/29/2026

Spring is around the corner, and while antibody titers are ideal for most core vaccines, rabies vaccination is required by law. For adult dogs, choosing the 3-year rabies vaccine is a smart option and research suggests spirulina can help support the immune response.

A peer-reviewed study found dogs fed a small amount of spirulina had a faster, stronger antibody response after a rabies shot, without immune overstimulation, inflammation stayed low and normal. These dogs also had higher stool IgA, the gut’s first line of immune defense, which helps block toxins, balance gut bacteria, and support long-term gut health.

Spirulina doesn’t overstimulate immunity; it supports immune communication, gut barrier health, beneficial microbes, and oxidative balance, think immune training, not immune pushing.

Safety note: Spirulina does not naturally produce BMAA. Risk only comes from poor sourcing (wild harvesting, uncontrolled ponds, lack of testing). Well-sourced, GMP-produced, batch-tested spirulina has very low risk, which is especially important for dogs.

Dosage: start with 1/4 tsp🥄 per 20lbs of body weight.

01/06/2026

We had an opening pop up for our new CGC training program. The family has a kiddo home from college and they want to have their Clever Dog home during that time.

This is a 2-3 week program focused on meeting the milestones set out by the AKC for the Canine Good Citizen test.

The deposit is $300 to hold your spot and the remaining cost of $2000 is due only at the end of the program when your dog has met their goals!

Please, text 636-329-4442 email [email protected] if youre interested.

Here are the 10 test items for the standard CGC:

Accepting a Friendly Stranger: Dog remains calm as a stranger approaches and speaks to the handler.

Sitting Politely for Petting: Dog allows a stranger to pet them while sitting.

Appearance and Grooming: Dog accepts a brief exam (brushing, paw check, ear check).

Out for a Walk (Loose Leash): Dog walks politely on a loose leash through a controlled situation, including turns and stops.

Walking Through a Crowd: Dog walks under control through a group of people.

Sit, Down, and Stay: Dog responds to commands for sit and down and holds a stay.

Coming When Called: Dog comes when called from a distance.

Reaction to Another Dog: Dog remains calm and controlled when another dog passes by.
Reaction to Distractions: Dog stays focused despite common distractions (dropped item, noise).

Supervised Separation: Dog stays calmly with the evaluator for 3 minutes while the handler is out of sight.