Why Winter Is the Perfect Season for Training When temperatures drop in Des Moines, many dog owners assume it is time to pause training until spring. In reality, winter is one of the most effective times to build consistency, obedience, and focus. Fewer outdoor distractions, quieter parks, and longer evenings at home all set the…
Thanksgiving brings family, food, and celebration, but it also brings temptation for your dog. From turkey trimmings to dessert plates, dogs are masters at sneaking snacks when no one is looking. While it might seem harmless to share a bite, many holiday foods can cause stomach upset or serious illness. As a trainer in Des…
The holidays bring excitement, family gatherings, and road trips, but for dog owners, travel also means planning ahead. Whether you are driving across Iowa or flying out of Des Moines International Airport, a calm, well-prepared dog makes the journey smoother for everyone. As a professional trainer, I remind families that good travel behavior starts long…
Honoring Heroes and Healing Together Each Veterans Day, we take time to honor the men and women who served our country. Many veterans return home carrying invisible wounds, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and anxiety that make everyday life difficult. For countless heroes, dogs become more than pets. They become partners in healing. In Des Moines,…
Why Gratitude and Training Go Hand in Hand As Thanksgiving approaches in Des Moines, many families take time to reflect on what they are grateful for. For dog owners, that list almost always includes their loyal companions. Dogs teach us patience, responsibility, and unconditional love. But through obedience training, they also help us grow as…
The Joy and Challenge of Multi-Dog Homes Owning more than one dog can be incredibly rewarding. You get twice the love, twice the energy, and twice the fun. But for families in Des Moines, multi-dog households also bring unique challenges. Competition, jealousy, and chaotic energy are common if structure is not in place. The good…
A New Beginning Bringing a new dog home is exciting, but it can also create stress if not handled carefully. Whether you are adopting a rescue or adding a second family dog, the way you manage introductions will shape how your dogs get along for years to come. As a trainer in Des Moines, I…
The Spooky Season and Your Dog Halloween is one of the most exciting nights of the year in Des Moines, but for dogs, it can also be one of the most stressful. Strange costumes, constant doorbell rings, and tempting treats create a perfect storm for confusion and misbehavior. As a trainer, I’ve seen how proper…
Walking your dog should be an enjoyable activity, not a stressful one. Yet many owners struggle with leash reactivity: barking, lunging, or growling when their dog sees another dog, person, or distraction. It can be frustrating and embarrassing, but it is also one of the most common behavior challenges we address in training. The good…
Obedience training is not a one-time event. It evolves as your dog grows, matures, and faces new life stages. Just like people, dogs go through developmental phases, and the strategies that worked during puppyhood will not always be enough in adolescence or senior years. As a professional dog trainer here in Des Moines, I have…
