As a professional dog trainer, the start of a new year is one of my favorite times to work with dog owners. People are motivated, focused, and ready to build better habits with their dogs. The challenge is not starting strong. The challenge is building training routines that actually last beyond the first few weeks….
As the holiday season approaches, many people are searching for meaningful gifts that make a lasting impact. For dog owners, few gifts are as valuable as training. Toys break, treats run out, but obedience training lasts a lifetime. At Off Leash K9 Training St. Louis, we have seen countless families experience the joy of giving…
The holiday season is full of joy, lights, and celebration, but it can also present hidden dangers for dogs. Every year, veterinarians see an increase in emergency visits during December due to food poisoning, choking hazards, and stress-related behavior issues. As dog trainers, we know that awareness and structure can prevent most of these accidents….
Thanksgiving is a time for family, gratitude, and delicious food, but for dog owners, it can also mean chaos. The smell of turkey, constant guests, and plates full of tempting food make it a tough holiday for your dog to handle without proper training. Many dogs beg, jump, or even steal food from the table…
Every Veterans Day, we honor the brave men and women who have served our country. Many of them return home carrying invisible wounds that can make daily life difficult. For these heroes, dogs are not just companions. They are lifelines. As professional trainers, we see firsthand how structured obedience training can help veterans and others…
As trainers, we often talk about how much we teach dogs, but the truth is they teach us just as much. Every session, every breakthrough, and even every frustrating moment reminds us of what patience, consistency, and gratitude can do. Thanksgiving season is the perfect time to reflect on what makes the bond between humans…
Living in a multi-dog household can be incredibly rewarding. Watching your dogs play, bond, and even comfort one another is special. But it also presents unique challenges. More dogs means more energy, more opportunities for conflict, and more need for structure. Without rules, the home can quickly turn into chaos. As a trainer, I work…
Bringing a new dog into your home is exciting, but it can also be stressful for everyone involved. Your current dog may feel territorial, the new dog may be anxious, and without structure, conflict can develop quickly. As a trainer, I often see introductions go wrong because owners move too fast or assume dogs will…
Obedience training is one of the most important investments you can make in your dog’s life. It does not matter if you are starting with a rambunctious puppy, an adult dog with ingrained habits, or a senior dog who has never been formally trained. Every stage of life offers unique opportunities to strengthen obedience, improve…
Dog socialization is not just about meeting other dogs. It is about preparing your dog to confidently and calmly handle the world around them. Parks, cafes, patios, walking trails, neighborhood events, and even vet visits all introduce new sounds, smells, people, and distractions that your dog must learn to navigate. As a professional trainer, I…
