WinterPaws Dog Show

WinterPaws Dog Show

Mark your calendars for next Sunday, January 31st and come join in the fun at the WinterPaws Dog Show in Blowing Rock! You can bring your dog and enter one of six fun categories or just come for the entertainment. Doors of the Blowing Rock elementary school gym will...
Does your dog say ‘Please’?

Does your dog say ‘Please’?

Does your dog know how to say please? Now, I’m not just talking about sitting up and begging for something they want with those big eyes. I’m talking about politely asking for something they want. Dogs don’t come with built-in manners. If they want...
Train Your Dog to Come When Called

Train Your Dog to Come When Called

Almost every phone call, email, or conversation I have with someone about their dog’s training needs includes the statement “And he just doesn’t come when I call him!”. Teaching your dog to “come” (also known as a “recall”) is not just a nice trick, it is...

Preparing for Success: Rewards

One of the most important pieces of Positive, Force-Free training is the REWARDS your dog earns! Before embarking upon the journey of training your dog, you need to first figure out what your dog finds rewarding – what makes them happy. Many people believe that...

Preparing for Success: Environment

One of the keys to being successful in any training endeavor with your dog is preparing for success by taking all variables into consideration before you even get the treats out. There are several things we encourage our students to do before beginning a training...

Positive Loose Leash Walking

Before we start: This blog is outlining loose-leash walking, not heeling. The goal of this exercise is to teach your dog to walk politely by your side without pulling. This is not about competition heeling where your dog’s entire focus is on you. In this form of...