From the trainer's desk...
Consent Isn’t Just for People—Dogs Need It Too
We’re finally seeing more conversations about consent between people, and that’s a huge step forward. But here’s something we rarely discuss: dogs deserve consent too.
Dog Training Is Political—Whether We Admit It or Not
My most recent email and instagram post focused on standing up to fascism and working together during these difficult political times. I received plenty of
Bird Flu in Dogs and Cats: What to Know
I do use affiliate links in this post, which means at no additional cost to you I earn a few cents for my referral, which
How My Chronic Illness Journey Elevated My Canine Behavior Expertise
I’ve been struggling with a chronic illness since 2012. I honestly didn’t even know at first that it was chronic. I was just experiencing a
A Positive Reinforcement Approach to Thunderstorm Distress
The monsoons have arrived! While some may find comfort in the cozy ambience of a thunderstorm, many dogs experience an entirely different reaction – fear
Extreme Weather: An Update
As this scorching record-breaking heat wave continues to impact our region, we wanted to take a moment to express our deepest appreciation for our clients,
Dealing with Off-Leash Dogs
Encountering an off-leash dog can be a scary and potentially dangerous situation for both you and your four-legged companion. Whether you’re walking your dog in
Seasonal Changes & Your Dog
According to a 2021 study published in the journal Animals, seasonal changes can have various impacts on the health of indoor pets. Not only does
Client Portal FAQs
What’s in my client portal? At each step of our client process, from onboarding to consultation to training programs, we provide lots of helpful support
Do You Sniffari?
Sniffaris are one of the best activities you can provide for your dog on a regular basis. It meets so many of their needs. Aside
Separation Anxiety
Separation distress and anxiety (a phobia) in dogs looks like pacing, vocalizing, destruction of property, and potentially injuries to self. While separation anxiety should be
What to do when your dog bites someone
No one plans for or expects their dog to bite. Unfortunately, this means a lot of well-meaning folks are setting themselves and their dogs up
2021 Holiday gift guide
It’s holiday time! Check out our favorite products of the year in our 2021 Holiday Gift Guide so you can enrich your pup’s year and
body language
During my training sessions, classes, and rooms on Clubhouse I talk about body language SO much that I wanted to put some resources together for
Valley fever: Arizona beware!
Towards the end of 2020, while working hard to keep my business afloat during a pandemic, I managed to get Valley Fever. What a nightmare!
new puppy checklist
Congratulations on your new puppy! The best way to set you and your puppy up for success is to gather the supplies you need before
Four Reasons to Ditch the Doggie Door
The concept of pets going in and out of the house as they please has been around for hundreds of years. But as the way
Pet Loss Resources
This week I lost my cat, Lola, of seventeen years. She passed away at home with me, expected in some ways due to her age
#SDTdaily10 Enrichment Challenge
We love enrichment here at Smiles Dog Training! Enrichment is the concept of improving your pet’s experience in a way that is valuable to them.
snake avoidance training
It’s officially that time of year again. Spring is here and this means that many trainers in the valley are promoting “Snake Avoidance Training” workshops.
Disclaimer: While my intent here is to give general advice, it is important to hire a certified fear-free professional (like me!) to help you with training or behavior modification and to seek medical advice from your veterinarian. Any recommendations in these posts are intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as anything other than that.