The Better Companion

08/05/2025

What are we learning at Day Training today?

More novel surfaces and body placement!

Shuki is learning how to use the walk pad, at our lowest speed, and in turn learning to be more cognizant of where she places her feet while walking.

These exercises are a great low impact way for you to work with your puppy and their growing body, and joints.

Good girl Shuki!

08/05/2025

Did you know outside of our recent partnership with Mat-Su Animal Shelter we also have a partnership with Knik Tribal Council and Mat-Su Central School for our group classes?

The next generation of dog owners happen fast and we want to always ensure we are doing our part to support those who have dogs in all walks of life - and beyond!

We are grateful for the ability to play a small part in our community, and the trust they have in us for making these partnerships - new and tenured ones.

08/05/2025

Our first Monday Open Play Time was a tiny but mighty group this evening 🥰

Open Play Time is owner present, and $12/hour - spacing is limited, and reservations are required:

907 357 2521

See you Friday evening!

08/04/2025

Today is our FIRST Monday Open Play Time!

5:30 - 6:30 is small dogs
6:30 - 7:30 is medium to large dogs

Due to popular demand we will be expanding our open play time to a second day!

Beginning in AUGUST we will start offering Open Play Time on Mondays as well! Reservations are required, you can secure your spot - or ask questions - by calling or emailing 907 357 2521, [email protected]

Our Open Play Time is 60 minutes long, and is limited to 8 dogs - dogs must be social with other dogs and up to date on age appropriate vaccines.

The cost is $12 for the hour

Owners remain with dogs during Open Play Time and our open play time is led by a trainer.

Small dog hour is 5:30 to 6:30
Medium to large dogs are 6:30 to 7:30

Weather permitting we are outside in our side yard, otherwise we will be inside the facility.

Open Play Time is a great way for you to safely socialize your puppy without the risk that can come with dog parks.

08/04/2025

Due to overwhelming demand, we’ve created a day just for our small but mighty pups to learn, play, and grow in a structured and safe training environment designed just for them.

We’re thrilled to announce the LAUNCH of Little Learners Day Training, the small dog portion of our overall Polite Paws Day Training Program.

What is Little Learners Wednesday Day Training?

For small breed dogs under 30lbs and over 6 months of age.

Starting Wednesday, August 20th.

🐾 Focused on positive reinforcement, manners, confidence building, and calm socialization

🐾 Includes enrichment, training sessions, social time, and go-home report cards just like our Tiny Tails and Refined Rover Adult Day Training programs

🐾 Spaces are limited and reservations are required!

🐾 All dogs must be up to date on vaccines and tolerant or social with other dogs, tolerate kenneling, and be non-aggressive to humans.

Ready to enroll your little learner or have questions?

Message us here on Facebook, email us at [email protected] or call us at (907) 357-2521 to secure your spot!

We can’t wait to welcome them into our Wednesday crew!

08/03/2025

🐾 Trick Dog Novice Tips🐾

Did you know your mood can make or break a training session with your dog?

Dogs are emotional sponges—they pick up on your tone, body language, and energy. If you’re stressed, frustrated, or distracted, your dog feels it too. But when you’re relaxed, upbeat, and encouraging, your dog is more likely to stay focused, confident, and ready to learn.

Training shouldn’t just be fun for your dog—it should be fun for YOU too! You should be laughing, giggling and smiling at the process as much as your dog’s tail is wagging and wiggling.

Turning training into a game keeps things positive and helps build a stronger bond. Whether you’re teaching “sit,” practicing recall, or just playing with tricks, it’s a chance to grow, and connect with your dog through fun.

So next time you train, take a deep breath, grab some treats, and bring your best mood to the moment. You’re not just training a dog—you’re building a relationship.

Our Trick Dog Class was practicing just that today with Lucy showing her human just how fun getting in the box can be! 🥰

08/02/2025

Are the puppy checklists wrong?
Well....sort of.

One good interaction is far more valuable to your pup than ten rushed or over aroused ones.
Yes, puppies need exposure to the world....but they need careful exposure and that's where the misunderstanding often begins.

More isn’t always better. Sometimes more is just...more.

Focus on quality interactions.
Aim for calmer, thoughtful introductions to new experiences.
If your puppy is naturally curious....nurture that. Gently.

Ticking a box means nothing if the experience itself was overwhelming.

Quality and quantity both matter....it's a fine line.

08/02/2025

Now that Christmas in July is behind us… it’s totally acceptable to crawl into spooky season, right? 👻

🐾 Save the Date! 🐾

You’re formally invited to The Better Companion’s Trunk or Treat event!

Saturday, October 25th
12:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Join us for a wickedly fun afternoon full of:

🎃 Costume Contests for Dogs (with prizes!)
🎯 Spooky Games – like Octopus Ring Toss & Pin the Nose on the Witch
🍬 Tricks, Treats & Tons of Candy
🛍️ Local Vendors & Community Booths (indoors & outdoors!)
🚚 Food Trucks
🤝 Meet the New Owners of The Better Companion

This event is a great way to connect with the dog-loving community, learn about what we do, and support small businesses in the Mat-Su Valley!

Interested in being a vendor?

Booth space is FREE (but limited) and we offer both indoor and outdoor spots!

✨ Crafters, artists, trainers, makers, and service providers are all welcome. ✨

To reserve your spot, contact us at:

[email protected]
907-357-2521
Or send us a message right here on Facebook!

We’re brewing up a scarily good time — and even better candy. 🎃🍭

Costumes encouraged. Fun guaranteed.

08/01/2025

August & September classes are up for registration!

Whether you are looking for obedience beginnings, or tune ups for your growing dog, or looking to take a break from obedience and hop into one of our sports classes we have you covered!

August 6th we have Puppy 2 and Grade School.
August 8th Puppy 1
August 23rd Foundations

September 2nd Puppy Agility
September 6th Puppy 1, Puppy 2, Foundations
September 7th Out and About, Tails on Trails
September 17th Nosework Beginner, Nosework Intro to Odor

You can find all classes, pricing, and their descriptions here: www.bettercompanion.com

See you soon!

08/01/2025

If you said Wasilla Lake you were right!

Otis, Lilly, and Rex took on seagulls, ducks, and mid day traffic to work on leash manners around distractions and LOTS of movement triggers.

Despite the muggy weather, all dogs were on their best behavior to make sure no ducks or seagulls were harmed while we were Out and About 🥰

07/31/2025

Recognize where we were Out and About today?

Today’s focus was working around the unexpected and maintaining that focus, loose leash, and keeping the desire to chase ducks and seagulls at a minimum.

In between our learning, we did some body work to keep our pups brains light and happy while learning 🥰