Pups Unleashed, Reward-Based Dog Training

12/06/2025

How to Train/Play Cooperative Fetch with Two Dogs

https://youtu.be/cfNpS9mIuGI
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In-session training notes after a play session with professional dog trainer Arie Ebaugh (MS, CPDT-KA) and two Fetch FIENDS, Fenton and Cooper. Fetch is a wonderful game for relationship building between dogs and people. The give-and-take structure of the game means lots of direct interaction with the dog. It is even a great way to practice skills such as Drop It, Leave It, and Take It.

But have you ever tried to play Fetch with TWO dogs? Difficulties can arise with multiple dogs, so it can be helpful to preventatively change the “rules” to teach cooperation and teamwork between the dogs. Watch the video for examples of Arie’s “rules” that can be adapted as needed and real-time descriptions!

Need personalized help? Visit Arie's website to schedule a training session today: www.PupsUnleashed.com

https://youtu.be/cfNpS9mIuGI

12/06/2025

Celebrating the Little Things: Using a Predictable Routine to Help Overstimulation during Play

https://youtu.be/9GI3XdpCqeg
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Professional dog trainer Arie Ebaugh (MS, CPDT-KA) and Atlas the Frenchie are celebrating the Little Things in this clip. The video shows an example of how an easily overstimulated dog is making big progress in regulation! Playtime can be a double-edged sword for high arousal dogs because it can become overstimulating so quickly. One way to help reroute this tendency is to keep a predictable pattern of short play sessions, then structured REST before overstimulation begins. If we TEACH that rest follows play by using skills (e.g. Down-Stay), a dog’s nervous system CAN learn to do it on its own and automatically so. Following play with positive relaxation as a training means that dogs can learn, like Atlas here, that ENDING play is also good too (rather than overstimulating or frustrating).

The MOST important bit if you have a high-arousal, high-stimulation dog is to celebrate when you see PROGRESS. Avoid comparing one dog to another. Focus on PROGRESS, UNDERSTANDING, and the LONG-GAME. Starting with a predictable pattern and basic skills can have a HUGE effect on dogs AND your relationship with them. They are worth it and will pay you back in time!

If your pup doesn’t know the Down skill yet, check out Arie’s instructional video on HOW to train the Down skill: https://youtu.be/TOhmKzg3hQw

For detailed instructions on HOW to train the Stay skill, check out Arie’s instructional video here: https://youtu.be/FjYq6hQZIFI

Need personalized help? Visit Arie's website to schedule a training session today: www.PupsUnleashed.com

https://youtu.be/9GI3XdpCqeg

12/06/2025

How to Use Down and Stay to Train Dogs to Relax Outside after Playtime/Exercise

https://youtu.be/xHChDTihboc

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In-session training notes after a play session with professional dog trainer Arie Ebaugh (MS, CPDT-KA) and four amazing pups–Fenton, Corvus, Cooper, & Atlas. Play, although incredibly important, can also overstimulate dogs. Overstimulation commonly causes dog-dog behavior and relationship issues in multi-dog households. This is especially common in adolescent puppies that have a hard time “turning off” when playtime ends.

It is essential that pups learn to modulate their own stimulation levels so that their nervous systems do not become primed and practiced in being overstimulated. The key to combat overstimulation is to teach RELAXATION. Working on the behavioral level here helps to train the nervous system. Training a soothing and predictable pattern for your dogs can work wonders in teaching dogs of all ages to settle.

This video covers a helpful strategy for helping dogs relax after play while still outside. These pups know EXACTLY what happens after we end play time. Because of this, they do so easily and calmly, even when they were JUST playing vigorously.

After play is complete, move to a designated area where you’d like your pups to learn to relax. Have water freely available as well as a comfortable spot(s) to settle. If you have multiple dogs, make sure you allow for ample space between everyone! Use the Down skill to facilitate relaxation. When pups lie down on cue or on their own, provide a small reward. You can “capture” this in the moment by watching for someone to lie down, and then calmly walking to them to treat.The longer the Down is offered by a dog, the more times the person can reward, while still allowing the pups to generally wander as needed within the relaxation area.

Dogs essentially learn that the more that they lie down after play, the more likely it is that someone will notice and provide tasty snacks at random! Remember, “feed ‘em where you need ‘em” and they’ll learn to relax automatically after playtime ends rather than struggling to settle. Try NOT to use a formal Stay here–we want dogs to know that they are ALWAYS free to have water after playtime and a Stay **may** bring confusion into the equation.

If your pup doesn’t know the Down skill yet, check out Arie’s instructional video on HOW to train the Down skill: https://youtu.be/TOhmKzg3hQw

Need personalized help? Visit Arie's website to schedule a training session today: www.PupsUnleashed.com

https://youtu.be/xHChDTihboc

In-session training notes after a play session with professional dog trainer Arie Ebaugh (MS, CPDT-KA) and four amazing pups–Fenton, Corvus, Cooper, & Atlas....

12/06/2025

How to Use the Leave It Skill to Stop Dogs Begging for People-Food

https://youtu.be/JxggOfT2zCE
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In-session training notes with professional dog trainer Arie Ebaugh (MS, CPDT-KA) using the Leave It skill to train dogs to not beg for people-food on the couch. As a skill, Leave It tells a dog to not engage with something. One way to use Leave It is to teach dogs that YOUR food items aren’t intended for them.

The video shows an example of how to use Leave It when a dog is begging for a food item. Arie picks up a food item, tells the pups Leave It, and then casually withdraws eye contact/attention from them. The pups are free to wander or rest at their own pace. Once everyone has disengaged from looking at the food item, THEN Arie heads to the kitchen to reward the pups with kibble. Remember the simple phrase: “Feed 'em’ where you need ‘em!”

As a repeated pattern, the dogs learn that a human eating food means that they should DISENGAGE temporarily to earn a reward LATER, in a different room after the human finishes eating. This method gives the dogs a very clear understanding of HOW to earn their reward, while also maximizing autonomy because they can freely wander or rest or play as long as they don’t beg!

If your pup doesn’t know the Leave It skill yet, check out Arie’s instructional video on HOW to train the Leave It skill: https://youtu.be/hokCYNEQLb0

Need personalized help? Visit Arie's website to schedule a training session today: www.PupsUnleashed.com

https://youtu.be/JxggOfT2zCE

05/06/2025

https://youtu.be/_d1MSWXu7K8

How to Practice and Use Puppy Push-Ups (Sit, Down, & Up) with a Dog for Engagement/Motivation - Pt. 2
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This video explains how to use “Puppy Push-Ups” with professional dog trainer Arie Ebaugh (MS, CPDT-KA) and Izzy the Havanese. For dogs, a “push-up” is a pattern game where a dog Sits, then lies Down, and then pops back into an Up. When used as a repetitive series, this game is extremely useful for many reasons! It can help to increase a dog’s engagement with the human when they need to focus. This game can also be effective in increasing a dog’s motivation to train because it is fun and predictable. Finally, push-ups are helpful in soothing dogs in stressful situations such as waiting in the vet’s office, being out in public, or adjusting to environmental stressors (e.g. seeing a trigger, being nervous about a person or location, etc.).

Check out the video for tons of practical examples of HOW and WHEN to use Puppy Push-Ups for a more focused and engaged pup!

For guidance on HOW to train Puppy Push-Ups, check out Arie’s instructional video (also starring dear Izzy, of course!): https://youtu.be/GQWsjFHYovg

Need more help? Visit Arie's website to schedule a training session today: www.PupsUnleashed.com

This video explains how to use “Puppy Push-Ups” with professional dog trainer Arie Ebaugh (MS, CPDT-KA) and Izzy the Havanese. For dogs, a “push-up” is a pat...

05/06/2025

https://youtu.be/GQWsjFHYovg

How to Train a Dog to Do Puppy Push-Ups (Sit, Down, & Up) for Engagement/Motivation - Pt. 1
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This video explains how to train a puppy (or dog of any age) to do “Puppy Push-Ups” with professional dog trainer Arie Ebaugh (MS, CPDT-KA) and Izzy the Havanese. For dogs, a “push-up” is a pattern game where a dog Sits, then lies Down, and then pops back into an Up. When used as a repetitive series, this game is extremely useful for many reasons! It can help to increase a dog’s engagement with the human when they need to focus. This game can also be effective in increasing a dog’s motivation to train because it is fun and predictable. Finally, push-ups are helpful in soothing dogs in stressful situations such as waiting in the vet’s office, being out in public, or adjusting to environmental stressors (e.g. seeing a trigger, being nervous about a person or location, etc.).

Check out the video for steps on HOW to train Puppy Push-Ups with real-time commentary.

For examples of practical uses for Puppy Push-Ups, check out Arie & Izzy’s additional Push-Up video here: https://youtu.be/_d1MSWXu7K8

Need more help? Visit Arie's website to schedule a training session today: www.PupsUnleashed.com

This video explains how to train a puppy (or dog of any age) to do “Puppy Push-Ups” with professional dog trainer Arie Ebaugh (MS, CPDT-KA) and Izzy the Hava...

05/06/2025

https://youtu.be/8sO77iOh-SE

Training Session Example: Training a Dog to Do an Extended Down-Stay in a Bed or On a Mat
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This video shows an in-session training example of an extended Down-Stay skill with professional dog trainer Arie Ebaugh (MS, CPDT-KA) and Izzy the Havanese. Izzy demonstrates how to remain stationary on her bed/mat while the human (Arie) moves away, withdraws attention, and interacts with distractions. Each time, Izzy is rewarded with a high value food item in her bed when Arie returns. This teaches Izzy that her bed is a rewarding settle-spot, and makes an extended length stay MUCH easier for dogs.

Watch the video for commentary on how to reward and use this extremely useful skill!

For detailed instructions on HOW to train the Stay skill, check out Arie’s instructional video here: https://youtu.be/FjYq6hQZIFI

Need more help? Visit Arie's website to schedule a training session today: www.PupsUnleashed.com

https://youtu.be/8sO77iOh-SE

30/05/2025

How to Train Dogs to Recall (Come Inside) for a Triangle Dinner Bell, Whistle, or Other Cue Sounds

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In-session video notes from professional dog trainer Arie Ebaugh (MS, CPDT-KA). This video shows how to train dogs to recall onto a porch (or inside) using a triangle dinner bell, but can be applied to any other sound cue for a recall as well (e.g. a whistle, different type of bell, noise frequency, etc.).

To train the recall, it is necessary to pair the novel (new) sound of the triangle bell with a reward, IN the location where you’d like the dogs to recall. Remember, feed them WHERE YOU NEED THEM. In this case, Arie rings a triangle dinner bell on the porch while the dogs are sniffing in the yard down below.

To encourage the pups to come to the porch when they hear the bell, you can praise or make enticing noises (kissy or clicking sounds) just AFTER you ring the bell. This helps the dogs make the connection between hearing the bell and running to the correct location. Reward with “yes!” and food (or affection/praise if you forget food) once the pups arrive on the porch. Alternatively, you could also wait until the dog(s) follow you inside the house before giving the food reward. It all depends on your needs!

The video above contains even more real-life tips on how to facilitate a dinner bell recall. For guidance on how to condition a recall to a verbal cue phrase, check out Arie’s Emergency Recall video here: https://youtu.be/9cJaPgxeFao

Need more help? Visit Arie's website to schedule a training session today: www.PupsUnleashed.com

https://youtu.be/8cXZwcbK2xc

In-session video notes from professional dog trainer Arie Ebaugh (MS, CPDT-KA). This video shows how to train dogs to recall onto a porch (or inside) using a...

30/05/2025

How Use Pattern Games In The House to Relax Dogs with Anxiety, Reactivity During Rain/Thunderstorm/Environmental Stressors

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In-session video notes from professional dog trainer Arie Ebaugh (MS, CPDT-KA). This video shows how to train and use a very simple pattern game during stressful events (in this case, a rainstorm).

Pattern games give a mental outlet for a dog’s mind, which allows them to better cope with environmental stressors and triggers. In this video, Hazel the dog switches between two different comforting locations to sniff for food rewards. This positive behavior modification strategy works for several reasons including:

--The repetitive motion gives her body something to do automatically, without thinking

--Moving around obstacles (agility) gives her brain something simple to focus on in the immediate environment

--Sniffing in each location helps to soothe her and decrease anxiety

--Eating the food reward helps condition her nervous system not become triggered or flooded in the presence of environmental stressors now AND in the future.

Watch the video for lots of real-time tips on how to use this VERY simple pattern game for anxious, reactive, or easily stimulated dogs!

Need more help? Visit Arie's website to schedule a training session today: www.PupsUnleashed.com

https://youtu.be/gxzy1ebmosI

In-session video notes from professional dog trainer Arie Ebaugh (MS, CPDT-KA). This video shows how to train and use a very simple pattern game during stres...

15/05/2025

Consent Test for Petting a Dog + How to Train a Dog to Gently ASK for Petting

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Professional dog trainer Arie Ebaugh (MS, CPDT-KA) explains the importance consent tests and how to train gentle solicitations for physical contact. This video shows several examples of how to check that a dog is consenting to petting/physical affection.

It is important that a dog BOTH solicits the initiation for physical affection AND continues to consent to petting throughout the time that the human is offering it.

Luckily, the solution is simple: stop petting for a few seconds and see what the dog does!

A dog's reaction will tell you if they want you to start petting again. Do NOT assume a dog still wants to keep receiving petting, even if they initally "asked" for it.

Consent throughout petting is a powerful relationship builder, and part of mental wellness for dogs.

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Featuring Miss Hazel: watch the video for instructions on how to "read" a dog during petting, and how to ask for consent to petting throughout the experience.

ALSO includes: guidance on how to train a dog to gently ask for petting/physical affection to replace pawing (or potentially other "pushy" behaviors).

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Visit www.PupsUnleashed.com to submit a training request today!

https://youtu.be/6dggL-oy6nk

Professional dog trainer Arie Ebaugh (MS, CPDT-KA) explains the importance consent tests and how to train gentle solicitations for physical contact. This vi...

14/05/2025

You don't truly know boundary issues until you have a Corgi. IYKYK

(Festuring Dara trying to live IN my dress.)

08/05/2025

How to Teach Dogs to Relax after Playing Outside
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In-session training notes from professional dog trainer Arie Ebaugh (MS, CPDT-KA). This video shows a simple way to teach dogs to relax after vigorous outdoor play and training. To teach dogs to relax after playtime, Arie rewards any dogs that offer a Down (lie down) without being asked. Dogs are allowed to freely roam, drink, etc. without being corrected so as to maximize their autonomy. Any time that a dog chooses to lie down on their own receives food rewards. If they Stay, they get MORE rewards for doing so (again, without being asked).

This strategy incentivizes dogs to relax while also preserving their free choice and autonomy to roam as they see fit. By giving choice, we reduce any potential frustration of “needing” to Stay and simply capture the pups in the act of being good when they CHOOSE to lie Down.

Try using this method for 5 minutes upon coming inside and see how your pups settle in! Then give them an “all done!” cue and withdraw your attention to let them fully decompress (naptime is SUPER important).

Need more help? Visit Arie's website to schedule a training session today: www.PupsUnleashed.com

https://youtu.be/tSyKINi9SIk

In-session training notes from professional dog trainer Arie Ebaugh (MS, CPDT-KA). This video shows a simple way to teach dogs to relax after vigorous outdoo...