The Warrensburg Dog Nerd

The Warrensburg Dog Nerd Improving human-dog relationships by decreasing frustration on both ends of the leash.

This is Toffee, a one year old Miniature Dachshund who joined my family about two weeks ago. He still has a lot of puppy...
09/02/2026

This is Toffee, a one year old Miniature Dachshund who joined my family about two weeks ago. He still has a lot of puppy brain and I have to remind myself to be in puppy mode.

Puppy mode means limited access, lots of management, and zero expectations. Despite my protocols, I've still slipped a few times which has resulted in a couple of casualties including a collectible art book, two silicone lick mats, and a few foam floor mats.

Toffee is not a naughty puppy, he's a curious pup in a new home learning the new routine, boundaries, and expectations. It is up to me to teach him these things and set him up for success.

The day I left him with my adult dogs uncontained to turnover laundry, I got distracted and the dogs were unattended for nearly half an hour. I'm so glad the only thing that happened was the taste testing of a book. (Although he could've chosen any of the other 30 books on the bottom shelf, but I guess he has good taste 🤷‍♀️)

Puppies are new to the world and learning every day. They aren't naughty or testing your boundaries, they're exploring the world around them the only way they know how. Puppies do puppy things. Our job is to let them do puppy things safely.

Let's talk about potty cues!Potty training consists of more than just not having indoor accidents. It's about establishi...
08/26/2026

Let's talk about potty cues!

Potty training consists of more than just not having indoor accidents. It's about establishing potty habits and teaching dogs what are appropriate potty spaces and what aren't. There are actually multiple potty skills.

One potty skill that is often overlooked is a verbal cue. When we give our dogs a verbal potty cue, we are telling them "this is your time and space to do your business". So how do we establish a potty cue?

Standing in your yard repeating "go potty" might reap results eventually, but timing is everything. Whether your dog is learning to do their business in grass or on a potty pad, WHEN you give the cue is important.

Dogs generally have a tell-tale sign that they're about to pop a squat. Some dogs turn in circles, others get really sniffy, pace about, or even waddle. If you know your puppy's or dog's signal, watch for it and say the cue right before they lift their leg or squat.

For young puppies, try not to interrupt them from completing their task. Sometimes praise can get them excited and distract them from what they're doing. Once they're done and kicking up grass or doing their post p**p zoomies, praise them and throw a party!

Having a verbal potty cue helps build potty skills, is really helpful for travel, and is how I potty four dogs in under five minutes.

The word or phrase doesn't matter too much but consistency is key. Most owners opt for "go potty". I use "get busy".

Introducing Stella! Stella is an adolescent Border Collie with tenacity to spare and *nearly* unshakeable focus.Stella i...
08/26/2026

Introducing Stella! Stella is an adolescent Border Collie with tenacity to spare and *nearly* unshakeable focus.

Stella is working on building life skills like recall, leash manners, and how to not be a tripping hazard to her owners.

Oliver had another day train session today! We are working on leash manners, being neutral in novel environments, and ju...
08/24/2026

Oliver had another day train session today! We are working on leash manners, being neutral in novel environments, and just expanding his life experience by exploring new places.

He had his first long line walk and got to explore around Lions Lake. He learned how to play structured tug and I plan on introducing the flirt pole next time.

Oliver has been displaying hostile behavior towards unknown dogs and sometimes barks at people in the distance. I believe he's going through a fear period, which is age appropriate, but I'm focusing on building confidence, resilience, neutrality, and engagement. I want Oliver to be a happy, stable dog who makes good choices even when he's unsure about something.

08/15/2026

Someone should start 3D printing handicap buttons that are to scale and click like a fidget to use as training targets for service dogs.

This would make training more accessible and prevent blocking automatic doors in public for the purpose of training. Also, not all automatic door buttons are placed the same way. Some are on walls near the doors, some are on poles before the door. Being able to stick the button to different surfaces at different heights would help service dogs generalize the behavior.

08/09/2026

Pet Friendly Businesses in Warrensburg

Patios:
Country Kitchen Restaurants
Starbucks
Culver's
The Gathering Coffee House
Sonic
Dairy Queen

Cafés:
Cafe Du Burg
Magnolia Market
B&G Scoops (K**b Noster)

Retail:
Wood Shed - Warrensburg
Lowe's
Tractor Supply Co
Westlake Ace Hardware Warrensburg
Awesome Blossoms
Those Were The Days Warrensburg (small dogs carried or in stroller)
Marshalls
Northside Feed and Supply
Harbor Freight

Drive Thrus for Pup Cups:
Dutch Bros
7Brew
Starbucks
Culver's
Sonic (drive-in)
Scooters
Dairy Queen
Culver's

Etiquette:
🐾 Make sure your dog is leashed and under control
🐾 If your dog is stressed, disruptive, or sick remove them from the establishment
🐾 Give other dogs and people their space, don't allow your dog to rush up to anyone
🐾 Give your dog ample opportunity to relieve themselves before going into a business and always carry bags

If you know of any other dog friendly businesses in Warrensburg or the surrounding area put them in the comments! The list will be updated regularly.

I'm at Goodwin Park in Centerview for the Last Splash of Summer event! Finally getting to show off my brand new banner!!
08/08/2026

I'm at Goodwin Park in Centerview for the Last Splash of Summer event!

Finally getting to show off my brand new banner!!

Address

Warrensburg, MO
64093

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 7pm
Tuesday 10am - 7pm
Wednesday 10am - 7pm
Thursday 10am - 7pm
Friday 10am - 7pm

Telephone

+16602387954

Website

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