Go the Distance Dog Training

07/09/2025

This is Phil. Phil likes socks. Phil likes to play chase. Phil steals socks to play chase.

If you want Phil to play lots of chase, drop a 🧦 below for him and later this week I'll share how to stop the thief in your home!

06/23/2025

The heat this week will be intense, all the reason to walk the dog before work!

Send a message to learn more

06/23/2025

03/11/2025

Kass says Spring is here and we are SO back. Enjoy the sunshine! ☀️

02/05/2025

BIG changes are coming to Go the Distance Dogs! I am very happy to announce that starting this spring I will be beginning a continued education program with CATCH Trainer's Academy! It is never too late to learn and hone your craft, and thus I will be doing the same. I am very excited to use the knowledge and experience I gain to help better the lives of families with furry companions

01/09/2025

📚✨Continuing Education: Embracing the Unknown ✨🐾

Learning something new can be intimidating. Whether it’s a skill, a subject, or understanding your dog’s unique behavior, the unknown can feel overwhelming and it is easy to simply bury our heads in the sand (or blankets in Kass's case). But here’s the thing: growth happens when we step outside our comfort zone.

When it comes to our dogs, the stakes feel even higher—they’re family. It’s easy to feel unsure or frustrated when we don’t fully understand why they’re behaving a certain way. But that’s where education and guidance come in.

Investing in your dog’s training isn’t just about fixing behaviors—it’s about building trust, communication, and a deeper bond. A professional trainer can guide you through those “unknowns” with expertise, patience, and strategies tailored to your dog’s needs.

It’s not about being perfect; it’s about showing up, learning, and growing together. So, if you’ve been on the fence about taking that step—whether it’s enrolling in a training class, hiring a one-on-one trainer, or diving into resources to better understand your pup—this is your sign to go the distance.

Your dog is ready to learn. Are you? 💕🐶

12/05/2024

Bundle and Leash Up! 🐾❄️

The colder weather is here, but that doesn’t mean your pup has to miss out on their favorite part of the day—a good walk! 🐕 Walking your dog in the cold is not just a chore; it's an opportunity for bonding, exercise, and fresh air for both of you.

Here are some tips to keep the tails wagging and the cold at bay:
🧥 Layer Up: If your dog has short fur or gets chilly easily, a cozy dog jacket or sweater can work wonders. Don't forget your layers too! I find face coverings go a long way.
🧤 Protect Those Paws: Ice, snow, and salt can be tough on paws. Booties or paw balm can help keep them comfy and safe.
⏰ Time It Right: The early morning and evening chill can be intense. Aim for walks when the sun is out for a little extra warmth.
🐾 Keep It Moving: Your pup doesn't have to stop to smell everything! A brisk pace can keep everyone warm and make the walk more fun!

Share your frosty adventures with your furry friends below! 🐶📸 What are your go-to tips for winter walks? Let's help each other make the most of the season while keeping our four-legged family members happy and healthy! 🐕❄️

11/21/2024

🐾❄️Cold Weather Tips for Dog Owners❄️🐾

When winter weather makes long walks challenging, keeping your dog happy and healthy means getting creative indoors! Here’s how to help your furry friend burn energy, stay safe, and avoid the winter blues—even when it's too cold for a big outdoor adventure:

1. Indoor Energy Burners 🏠🐕
- Tug-of-War: A great way to build strength and have fun together!
- Scent Work: Hide treats around the house for a mental workout that taps into their natural sniffing instincts.
- Stair Climbing: A few quick rounds on the stairs (if it’s safe!) can help burn off energy and keep them fit.

2. Enrichment Games 🎾🧠
- Puzzle Toys: Keep your dog’s mind sharp with a variety of puzzle toys—they’ll keep busy while you stay warm!
- Frozen Treats: Freeze their favorite treats or peanut butter in a Kong to give them something to work on and enjoy.
- Training Drills: Use winter as a time to reinforce commands or learn new tricks for a mentally engaged pup.

3. Stay Safe from the Elements 🥶🐾
- Paw Protection: Road salt and icy sidewalks can harm their paws—consider dog booties or a paw balm before heading out, including moisturizer for paw pads.
- Winter Jacket: For shorter-haired or small dogs, a dog-friendly coat helps keep them warm.
- Quick Cleanup: After walks, wipe their paws to remove salt and ice melt chemicals that can cause irritation.

4. Keep Both of You Sane 💆🐶
- Routine Exercise: Even a few short walks throughout the day help keep both of you active, but if it’s too cold, try having regular play sessions indoors.
- Restful Time Together: Winter is a perfect season to cuddle up, which helps reduce stress and gives you both a chance to relax.

Stay cozy and keep your pup active—even when it’s cold outside! 🌬🐕

11/14/2024

🦴🐾 *Understanding Extinction Bursts in Dog Training* 🐾🦴

Ever noticed that when you stop giving into a behavior, like jumping up or barking, your dog seems to *try it even harder*? That’s called an *extinction burst*, and while it might feel frustrating, it’s actually a good sign that your training is working!

Here’s what to know about extinction bursts and how to work through them:

1. **What’s an Extinction Burst?** 🤔
- When you start ignoring a behavior (like begging for treats), your dog may intensify that behavior before it fades away. It’s their way of “trying harder” to get the same old result.

2. **Why It Happens** 🐕
- Dogs, like people, are creatures of habit! When something that worked before suddenly doesn’t (like barking for attention), they’ll double down to see if it’ll work "just one more time.”

3. **Stay Consistent & Patient** 🧘‍♀️🐶
- Ignoring the extinction burst can be tough, but consistency is key! Eventually, your dog will learn that the behavior no longer brings rewards, and they’ll stop.

4. **Reward the Right Behaviors** 🎉🐾
- Reinforce calm and positive behaviors right away! If your dog sits instead of jumping up, for example, reward them so they know *this* is the action that brings attention or treats.

5. **Know It’s Normal** 💪
- An extinction burst is a natural part of training and proof that your dog is learning. Hang in there—it’s often the last hurdle before the behavior finally fades for good!

Remember, with a little patience and lots of consistency, your pup will go the distance and adapt to the new rules! 🐶💕

📷: Erin Ison