Blog
Learn more about our successes, our struggles, and what we have learned from our clients at The Freckled Paw.
Recalls: Don’t abuse them!
One of the top requests from our clients must be a dog who comes when called. We have so many requests that we teach a class on the beach that spends 3 weeks going over this one skill. As a dog trainer, how do I get a dog who comes back to me every time? Dogs are not...
Give your dog a job: Your dogs paycheck
Every dog works for a paycheck Most people are very stingy with their dogs' paychecks. I think I tell people to increase the number of treats they are giving every single appointment. Those treats are your dogs paycheck. Are they working for minimum wage or are they...
Dog Training Basics: Reinforcement
What Is Reinforcement The definition of Reinforcement is the process of encouraging or establishing a belief or behavior, especially by encouragement or reward. This concept is something we use everyday when we interact with our co-workers, our family, or the grocery...
A week with a puppy!
Callie here with another confession: it has been a very long time since I have lived with a puppy. Earlier this month I got to spend a week with a 5 month old Australian shepherd puppy who quickly reminded me that puppies are no walk in the park. I now have a new...
My life with multiple dogs
Some of you know I just brought home a fourth dog. Yes, I currently have 250 pounds of dog in my house. That number will be a little lower once Toad looses some weight. Poor Fat Fat. How do we make this work, and how do we keep the peace? I am going to give you the...
Dog Training: Easy, but not Simple
I am currently taking an online class to teach Cargo how to formally heel. We may or may not do any obedience work, but I am a huge nerd and enjoy training my dogs. This particular class is a 3 session in depth into the details and small particles of the heeling...
Meet the Cat with Charlotte and Forge
It’s the age-old battle. Cats vs Dogs. Are you a cat person? A dog person? I’m going to let you in on a secret of mine. I don’t consider myself a “dog person” or a “cat person”. I love animals, always have, always will. Fur or feathers, slimy or scaly, it doesn’t...
To Pet or not to Pet. We answer the question!
Imagine this... You are out enjoying a day at the park with your family. Suddenly, a stranger runs up and asks if they can touch your child. Your response would obviously be no. So why is the answer different when it comes to our dogs? There is a notion that all dogs...
Beyond Training: Rewarding Effort
Many Training classes want to see your dog succeed so they teach you how to get your dog to the behavior you want as quickly as possible. I am all about quick wins with my clients, but I also want them to understand how to move beyond the cookie in their hand. Also...
Firework Season: Start Prepping Now!
The Fourth of July and fire works are right around the corner. Pandemic and Social Distancing creates a bit of a different picture than we are used to this time of the year. The big, city wide firework displays have all been cancelled but, that means your neighbors...
What Happens when you Adopt A Hound Dog!
Funny, Affectionate, Adaptable Hound dogs make wonderful companions for those who are ready for their antics. They seem to be in their own world and to a degree they are! Hound parents need to be willing to step into the world as a hound sees it and be ready to go...
Dogs and Otters, the Similarities
Did you know your dog and an otter learn the same way? Hi guys, Callie here. If you’ve had the chance to talk to me, you probably know that I previously worked as a zookeeper before sidestepping into dog training (I like to talk about all of my critters from my old...
Virtual Dog Training: Impractical or the Best Thing to Happen?
Corona Virus Stay at home orders Homeschooling We are about sick of it and ready to get on with life. At The Freckled Paw, we miss our clients, snuggles from your dog, and watching the lightbulb moments as we work together. Our dogs are sick of us being home. (If we...