Dogs in Harmony

09/17/2025

Chance says there’s nothing better than water play on a hot day (probably).

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

09/14/2025

📩 DM us for our free resource: “Neutrality vs. Socialization — What Most Puppy Owners Miss”

Just because your puppy *loves* everyone doesn’t mean they know how to behave *around* everyone. We’ll show you what real-world prep looks like.

09/13/2025

🔥 “He just wants to say hi!” is not a free pass.

Uninvited greetings aren’t neutral — they’re a problem. Some dogs are recovering from trauma. Some are in training. Some are just *not in the mood.*

If your dog loves others, great. Now teach them to greet people and dogs appropriately. Do you struggle with a dog who thinks the whole world is their best friend?

09/12/2025

🐶 Breed Fact Friday: Labrador Retriever

Labs are one of the most popular family dogs in the U.S. — and for good reason. They’re affectionate, food-driven, eager to please, and love being around people.

But don’t confuse easygoing with easy.

Labs were originally bred in Newfoundland (not Labrador, weirdly) as water retrievers — hauling fishing nets, retrieving ducks, and working in icy conditions. That “friendly pet” you brought home? It's built to work all day in freezing water.

So when they’re not given structure, training, and a job… they make their own. Usually by chewing, jumping, digging, or running zoomie marathons through your hydrangeas. Your Lab isn’t broken. They’re just unemployed.

Labradors thrive with:

🐾Clear training structure
🐾Daily physical and mental enrichment
🐾Access to retrieve-based play or sport
🐾Steady reinforcement (they will sell their soul for a cookie)

09/11/2025

Structured play, body handling, novel surfaces, safe exploration — that’s what Saturday Socials are all about.

We keep groups small, split by age when possible, and guided by certified professional trainers. Pre-registration is required!

09/10/2025

Training doesn’t stop once your dog “knows it.”

What matters is whether they can *use* it — around other dogs, new people, or when it really counts.

That’s what group class is for: practicing obedience in the real world, with real distractions!

09/09/2025

💡Training Tip Tuesday: Leash work doesn’t start on the street (or even with a leash!)

Start teaching leash cues in your hallway, yard, or even your living room. Build patterns and rewards before distractions show up — not while your dog is trying to chase a leaf at warp speed.

08/08/2025

Nuevo Dog Park in Santa Clara closed after multiple reports of dog illness.

Santa Clara said that over the last two months, it has received multiple reports of dogs becoming ill after visiting Nuevo Dog Park.

07/29/2025

🎯 Training Tip Tuesday
Reward placement matters.

Try delivering treats where you want your dog to be. For example, if you want a loose leash, reward at your side. Want a down-stay? Drop treats between their paws. Placement builds pattern.

07/28/2025

🐾 Socialization is a deadline, not a goal.

Harmony School is designed for the critical 8–16 week window. During this time, puppies form life-long associations about the world. That’s why we do more than playtime — we build vet handling skills, sound desensitization, and emotional resilience.

Get it right, right from the start.

07/27/2025

✍️ Sunday Blog Drop

“Why Adolescent Dogs Are the Real Challenge (and How to Survive It)”

From barking to backtalk — this week’s post breaks down how to handle the teenage stage without losing your cool (or your shoes).

Link below — grab your iced coffee and dive in!

(Oops-- we didn't grab our coffee. Here's that link! https://www.harmonydogs.net/forum-1/adolescence/why-adolescent-dogs-are-the-real-challenge-and-how-to-survive-it)