Too often as pup parents, we try to fix or train “bad” behaviors while they are happening. Unfortunately, we often feel overwhelmed, embarrassed, and downright frustrated in the heat of those moments. So in this article, we’re going to discuss alternatives to better set your dog up for success. And, I’m going to give you a sports reference that just might make this concept click (it’s not actually “sports heavy” don’t worry 😜)! Here’s some of what we will cover: -What my high school...

Treats are part of every dog’s life, but how many treats per day can your dog have?! 54% of dogs are either overweight or obese. And unfortunately, treats are often a big culprit of this problem! So, let’s break down how many treats your dog can safely consume AND more importantly, how you can find that number for your specific pup! Because just talking about the 10% rule for treats isn’t enough! Here’s what we will cover: -Dog body condition score -Calculating your dog’s caloric...

The next time you’re tempted to think your pup is being “naughty, bad, or disrespectful”, it may help to remember that dogs are opportunists. While there are many behaviors we perceive as “bad”, dogs often act out of a desire to fulfill their own hard-wired desires and needs. Understanding this and adopting a mindset that empathizes with our opportunistic dogs can help you raise a well-mannered pup. Here’s what we will cover: -A brief history lesson about dogs -What being an...

I remember being a young dog sitter and taking the dog on a walk, seeing him sniff a dog’s butt, and alarmingly wondering to myself ‘WHY do dogs sniff butts’?! I was 10 years old and thought it was hilarious, of course, but also could tell it probably was for a specific reason. Well, fast forward a couple of decades, and current me is going to amaze you (and 10-year-old-me) with all the facts about dogs and butt sniffing! While I’ll do my best to hold in as many butt jokes and puns (was...

Dogs can play a huge role in our mental health journey. But, is it always “improvements”?! I sat down with Chrissy Lawler, a licensed therapist & sleep expert, to discuss the good AND the bad parts of dogs and our mental health. And while dogs typically provide SO much good in our lives, it’s important to understand some of the bad that can pop up. Here is what we’ll cover in this podcast interview: -Are there situations where dogs become a “net-negative” for someone’s mental...

Wherever you interact with other pup parents, you’ve probably experienced the harness vs collar debate. While it comes down to your preference and your dog’s needs, there are some pros and cons of both harnesses and collars you must be aware of! In this article, I’ll break down 5 pros and cons of both harnesses and collars for your puppy or adult dog and by the end, you’ll be able to make an informed decision for your pup!  It’s vital to understand that both harnesses and collars are...

While online learning is valuable beyond compare, there’s something to be said about education through physical books (or ebooks if you must 😜). On that note, I wanted to share 3 of the best dog training books that I think EVERY pup parent should read! These books not only will help improve your dog’s behavior, but they’ll ultimately help you better understand what’s going on in your pup’s head! 1- Don’t Shoot the Dog - Karen Pryor: https://amzn.to/3uDMO9f 2- Culture Clash - Jean...

Imagine wearing a jacket all day long in the middle of July… That’s essentially what our dogs do!  And unfortunately, dog heat stroke is a serious problem and can sneak up on you quickly! So, in this article, I’m going to give you 15 dog summer safety tips to help your pup stay cool, protected, and safe, even during the hottest days. And even if you live in a cooler area, you never know where travel might take you. So let’s get right into it! ⬇️ -Walk at cooler times of day -Use...

Every year millions of pets are lost or run away. And unfortunately, not having a dog microchip makes it 2.4x LESS likely that you’ll be reunited with your pup! And to make matters worse, the 4th of July and the following days typically lead to about a 30% uptick in lost dogs.  But, it’s not all gloom and doom. Microchips are extremely easy to get, relatively cheap, and can keep your pup safe for their entire life! So, we’re gonna dive into all things dog microchips to help you keep...

Some things in life are never fun. Like, cleaning up dog vomit. But, by using a simple item like puppy pads, you can make that clean-up about 37x easier. Actually, you can make that clean-up almost non-existent. Let me tell you why, where, and how puppy pads are just about the most underrated life hack known to dog parents! In this video, we’ll cover the following: -Why I always have puppy pads -Where I keep puppy pads Why I Always Have Puppy Pads - Even When Not Potty...

After about the 73rd puppy bite of the day, I looked down at my bloodied hands and wondered aloud… WHY do puppies bite so much?! I tried all the puppy biting tips but nothing seemed to be working. 😫 What a challenge! Like many things in life, understanding the why behind our dog’s behaviors can actually help us more effectively train and raise a well-behaved pup! So, let’s break down why puppies bite, how they interact with the world around them, and of course, some other FAQs around...

In the vast majority of cases, crate training is extremely beneficial. But is it necessary..? Many pup parents questioning the necessity of crate training are at their wit’s end with their puppy whining and barking in the crate. And to that I say, trust the process. If you set out with a desire to have a crate-trained puppy, don’t give up just yet. So to answer the question of whether crate training is necessary… the answer is no. At least according to the dictionary...

Often the first thing new pup parents search for is puppy potty training tips (no one wants to clean pee from their carpet constantly).  And you can find LOADS of information and tips about potty training, but there is one essential tip you can’t skip out on… It is setting a schedule and timers and following them to a T. That is the most effective puppy potty training tip. Period. While that may sound simple, new pup parents often forget and neglect it. The result?...

One of the most common questions in our private online community is “how long does it take to train a puppy”. Often, that wonder is accompanied by the realization that training a puppy can be a lot of hard work. Naturally, we want our puppies to learn quickly.  BUT, that’s not always the case.  While many behaviors can be learned in 3-6 months (or more… or less), so many factors can influence how fast your puppy will learn new behaviors. And on top of that, putting “timelines” on...

You’re a better pup parent than you think.  And in this article, I’ll tell you exactly why I believe that to be true. We’ll also talk about dealing with self-doubt as a pup parent and staying positive with your efforts with your pup! Let’s get right to it ⬇️  Self-Doubt As a Pup Parent Raising a pup can be hard work. In the sense of time, effort, and even mentally. There can be a LOT of ups and downs, frustrating moments, and moments of self-doubt. A good friend of mine recently got a...

While there are many many ways to raise a pup, there are generally agreed-upon ways to be a responsible dog parent! And being a responsible pup parent makes the world better for all other dogs and humans. In this episode, I’ll break down 5 easy ways (honestly, very easy) to be a good dog parent citizen. Plus, these ideas will help keep you and your pup safe! Let’s dive into it ⬇️ Being a responsible dog parent helps open the door to new opportunities and situations for your dog and...

The way we choose to train our puppies can have long-term effects on their mental well-being, and behavior! Unfortunately, I made the mistake of trusting some “experts” who guided me to make training decisions that almost ruined my relationship with my puppy. Let’s dive into why it happened to me and why it often happens to other well-intentioned pup parents. My wife and I got our 2nd puppy to try and give our 1st puppy a friend and playmate. While it was a great decision overall, we...

While there isn’t one simple answer, generally speaking puppies calm down (at least a little bit) when they stop growing. But it’s not that simple… Let’s find out when your puppy will calm down 👇 A quick note before we look at the factors. The question of ‘when do puppies calm down’ is truthfully a loaded question.  Are you really wondering about when your puppy will have less energy or when your puppy will be better behaved? Thinking that a puppy will just magically be calm,...

A counter surfing dog can be extremely frustrating and dangerous. And while there are some things you can do to reduce counter surfing, we have to talk about the unfortunate reality of this behavior. Prevention is the #1 way to stop counter surfing. But more on that later! Plus, we will break down why dogs counter surf. Understanding the why of this behavior is important to know how to stop it! In this episode we will cover the following. Why dogs counter surf How to stop counter...

Taking dogs on vacation can typically go one of two ways. Outcome #1: Enjoyable for everyone (dog included), fun, and relaxing Outcome #2: Stressful for everyone (dog included), unpleasant, and miserable While you can of course get bits and pieces of both outcomes, this article will help make your vacation with your dog full of enjoyment, fun, and even relaxing memories!  I’ve taken my dogs across the country multiple times, to a variety of places, and in a variety of seasons....

Do you regret getting a puppy? Let me tell you first, you are NOT alone! Raising a puppy (or any age dog) is challenging, sometimes frustrating, and can put a toll on your mental health. If you have a desire to keep your puppy, which I hope you do, you need to take action today to overcome the feelings of puppy regret! 1- Find Positives While it may feel like your puppy (and you) are only doing “bad” things, that’s likely not the truth. Getting hung up on the “bad” (potty accidents,...

Learning how to break up a dog fight is unfortunately a necessary skill for every pup parent. While I hope you don’t actually have to use this information, you likely will. In this episode, we’ll break down the ins and outs of dog fights. And while the information can feel startling and somewhat scary, it’s vital to learn what to do if your dog is involved in a fight. Important note on safety. Any time a dog fight occurs and you try to break it up, there is a high risk of you getting bit or...

There is only one time when you shouldn’t be training your puppy…  When he or she is asleep! 💤 And while that may seem far-fetched or unrealistic, let me explain why this mindset will vastly improve your puppy’s behavior! With your puppy, you’ll often focus on “training sessions”. Those dedicated blocks of time are invaluable for improving your pup’s behavior.  But what about outside of those dedicated training sessions THAT is when real learning often takes place. Here’s an...

For most of history, humans have regarded dogs as animals with specific jobs. But in recent history, these animals have become pets only. Is that to blame for many of the “problems” and “challenges” we face with our dogs? In this episode, Kim Brophey will help us make sense of why the viewing of our dogs as pets may actually be the root of many “problem behaviors”. And of course, Kim will break down what you can do today to help your pup be more successful in a human-centric...

Do the words we use in dog training matter? In this episode, we break down why the distinction of “cue” vs “command” matters and how it can benefit your dog’s behavior! Terminology in Dog Training In the early stages of Pupford as a company, we spent lots of time learning from trainers and experts, like Zak George. And one of the things he mentioned was using the word cue and behavior, instead of command. Since that time, we’ve tried to stick to that at Pupford. Here’s why 👇 We believe...