Canine Consent

Canine Consent Fear-/force-free dog behavior consultant & certified professional trainer using a positive reinforcement (rewards-based) approach informed by behavior science.

Recognized as a Sniff Spot Best of Missouri Dog Trainer in 2023 & 2024. KPA CTP, CPDT-KA, FFCP. I’m Karen DiCostanzo, CPDT-KA, KPA CTP, canine behavior consultant and certified professional dog trainer. Learning the art and science of training animals has forever changed my life in an extremely positive way. I’d like to share with you how to enrich your relationship with your canine companion whil

e achieving your dog training goals! All great relationships are based upon strong, two-way communication. For this reason, one of the first things I’ll teach you is how to understand your dog’s communication signals and, in turn, express yourself in ways your dog can easily understand. Services include behavior consultations, private lessons, service/emotional support dog training, and Canine Good Citizen (CGC) training. All breeds, sizes, and ages are welcome! In-home appointments available weekdays, evenings, and weekends to accommodate your busy schedule; discounted training packages also available. Effective training is an ongoing process of growth and understanding between you and your canine companion. Whether in the privacy of your home or in my semi-private classes, I’ll help you create custom solutions for your dog, supporting you as much as you need until you’ve achieved your dog training goals. Ready to improve the life you share with your dog? Get started today by contacting me!

06/28/2025

Italy just gave dogs a major upgrade cabin class.

That’s right. Italy has officially announced that medium and large dogs are now allowed to fly in the airplane cabin with their owners not just tiny lap dogs in travel bags.

Until now, most countries (and airlines) only allowed small pets in the cabin, while bigger dogs were forced into cargo holds often a stressful and risky experience for both the pets and their humans.

But Italy’s new regulation flips the script. Now, as long as the dog is well-behaved, leashed, and the airline allows it, your large furry friend can sit right beside you, paws and all.

Some Italian airlines like ITA Airways and Neos are already on board, with special seating arrangements and pet-friendly policies.

It’s a win for animal welfare, a comfort boost for pet owners, and a big leap toward more compassionate travel.

So next time you’re flying to Rome, don’t be surprised if there’s a golden retriever chilling by the window seat.

Pet parents, rejoice Italy just became the most dog-friendly airspace in Europe. 🐕✈️🇮🇹

Start planning now—don’t wait until July 3rd!!
06/05/2025

Start planning now—don’t wait until July 3rd!!

ITS NOT TOO EARLY…

The 4th of July is the #1 Day Dogs Go Missing…Fireworks. Crowds. Open doors. Unfamiliar visitors.
It’s a sensory overload for your dog and the perfect storm for panic.

While we celebrate, our pets often suffer quietly or bolt in fear.
Be proactive this year. A little planning now can prevent heartbreak later.

Here’s Your 4th of July Safety Checklist for Dogs:

✔️ Order calming meds from your vet NOW (don’t wait until July 3rd!)
✔️ Create a safe zone indoors with white noise, closed blinds, and familiar comfort items
✔️ Secure all gates, doors, and crates—add locks or visual reminders if needed
✔️ Walk and potty on-leash only, even in fenced yards (fear can override training)
✔️ Skip the fireworks shows—your dog doesn’t need to be social today
✔️ Update microchip and ID tags just in case
✔️ Inform guests not to open doors or feed pets party food
✔️ Keep your dog indoors early—many fireworks start before dark

Let this 4th of July be safe, secure, and uneventful—for all the right reasons.

04/20/2025
Has your previously potty-trained dog started urinating inside your home? Read on!
03/29/2025

Has your previously potty-trained dog started urinating inside your home? Read on!

An adult dog suddenly urinating indoors is one of the most common reasons veterinarians see older dogs. Here are some possible reasons.

"Research shows that fear-free, reward-based training is not only better for the dog but also more effective."
03/07/2025

"Research shows that fear-free, reward-based training is not only better for the dog but also more effective."

E-collar dog training isn't a good training option. Aversive training measures cause stress and pain rather than building a bond with your dog.

FREE course on Canine Communication by the fabulous BHARCS! 😀 🐾
02/19/2025

FREE course on Canine Communication by the fabulous BHARCS! 😀 🐾

01/11/2025

Here's an excellent explanation of why it's better to use a properly fitted harness instead of a collar for walking dogs!

11/30/2024

Love this idea! Why not let your pup help you "recycle" (or compost!) those leftover pumpkins?

Alert: dog treat recall due to salmonella!Dog treats from Carolina Prime Pet, Inc. based out of North Carolina are being...
11/29/2024

Alert: dog treat recall due to salmonella!

Dog treats from Carolina Prime Pet, Inc. based out of North Carolina are being recalled. The treats may be contaminated with salmonella which can cause harmful health impacts for dogs and people who come into contact with the food. The FDA said the “Hollywood Feed Carolina Made Chicken Chips” were sent to stores in 19 states. These include Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Pennsylvania, Oklahoma, Ohio, North Carolina, Missouri, Mississippi and Michigan.

TOPEKA (KSNT) – Federal health officials say dog treats sold in numerous states are being recalled this week as they may be contaminated with salmonella. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA…

"Learning and   are generally associated with brains and     alone, but our   shows that other cells in the body can lea...
11/09/2024

"Learning and are generally associated with brains and alone, but our shows that other cells in the body can learn and form memories, too,” explains Nikolay V. Kukushkin, Center for Neural Science, New York University

Do you live in the Kansas City area and have lost a pet? Register for an upcoming (in-person) class in Overland Park KS ...
09/12/2024

Do you live in the Kansas City area and have lost a pet? Register for an upcoming (in-person) class in Overland Park KS here.

Losing a beloved pet can be an incredibly difficult experience, leaving a void in our hearts and homes. To support those navigating this challenging journey, Resurrection Overland Park is offering a Grieving the Loss of a Pet Support Group. Starting September 26, we invite you to join us every 2nd a...

The results of a citizen science survey suggest that neutered dogs appeared more stressed and aggressive than intact dog...
09/11/2024

The results of a citizen science survey suggest that neutered dogs appeared more stressed and aggressive than intact dogs. Neutered dogs were also less social, trainable, emotionally calm and extroverted than intact dogs. This all suggests that neutering should be questioned and decided on an individual basis, as hormonal changes can have a considerable influence on dog behaviour.

This study investigates the behavioural differences between neutered and intact dogs. A total of 230 questionnaires of neutered (n = 115) and intact (n = 115) mixed-breed male dogs were collected. Small, medium, large, and giant dogs were analysed to investigate a possible influence of body size. Th...

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I’m Karen DiCostanzo, KPA CTP, CPDT-KA, dog behavior consultant and certified professional trainer. Learning the art and science of training animals has forever changed my life in an extremely positive way. I’d like to share with you how to enrich your relationship with your canine companion while achieving your dog training goals! All great relationships are based upon strong, two-way communication. For this reason, one of the first things I’ll teach you is how to understand your dog’s communication signals and, in turn, express yourself in ways your dog can easily understand. Services include behavior consultations, private lessons, semi-private classes in socialization and manners, service/emotional support dog training, and Canine Good Citizen (CGC) training. All breeds, sizes, and ages are welcome! In-home appointments available weekdays, evenings, and weekends to accommodate your busy schedule; discounted training packages also available. Effective training is an ongoing process of growth and understanding between you and your canine companion. Whether in the privacy of your home or in my semi-private classes, I’ll help you create custom solutions for your dog, supporting you as much as you need until you’ve achieved your dog training goals. Ready to improve the life you share with your dog? Get started today by contacting me!