Thanksgiving in Springfield is all about family, food, and gratitude—but for dog owners, it can also mean chaos. With guests coming and going, delicious smells filling the air, and food everywhere, your dog may feel overwhelmed or tempted to break the rules. Whether your pup is sneaking snacks, begging under the table, or jumping on…
The holidays are a time for family, food, and togetherness. For many Springfield families, that includes bringing their dogs along for the ride. Whether you’re driving across Missouri or flying across the country, traveling with a dog requires more than just packing a leash. Proper training, structure, and preparation make all the difference between a…
Every Veterans Day, we pause to honor the men and women who have served our country. For many of them, the return home is a new kind of battle, one fought quietly with anxiety, hypervigilance, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). While medical and emotional support are critical, one of the most powerful tools for recovery…
Every November, as families in Springfield prepare for Thanksgiving, I like to take a moment to reflect on what dog training truly gives us. It is easy to focus on what we teach our dogs (sit, stay, come) but often, they end up teaching us even more. Training builds more than obedience. It builds trust,…
Training Tips for Multi-Dog Homes A second dog can double the fun, but it can also double the chaos if you do not have a plan. I work with many Springfield families who add a new pup and then see barking, resource scuffles, or sibling rivalry show up almost overnight. The fix is not luck….
Bringing a new dog into your home is exciting, but it also comes with challenges. Whether you are adopting a puppy, rescuing an older dog, or adding a second (or third) canine companion, introductions must be handled carefully. Rushing the process can lead to tension, fights, or long-term behavioral issues. As a trainer in Springfield,…
Halloween in Springfield brings excitement, costumes, and plenty of treats. But for dogs, it can be overwhelming. Strange outfits, constant doorbell ringing, and kids running around at night create a recipe for stress, or even danger. As a trainer, I remind families that preparation and structure are key to keeping their dogs safe and calm…
If you have ever walked your dog and felt the sudden lunge, bark, or growl at another dog, you are not alone. Leash reactivity is one of the most common behavior issues dog owners in Springfield face. The good news is that it is also one of the most misunderstood, which means with the right…
Obedience training is not just for puppies. Whether your dog is eight weeks old or eight years old, training plays a critical role in shaping their behavior, confidence, and bond with your family. Every stage of life brings unique opportunities and challenges, but with the right approach, your dog can thrive from puppyhood through their…
Life gets busy. Between work, kids, errands, and the occasional trip out of town, many Springfield families struggle to keep up with dog training. The good news is that training does not have to stop when your schedule gets overwhelming. In fact, consistency is less about the number of hours spent and more about weaving…
