Why is jumping up on people such a pervasive dog behavior? Because everything we naturally do to stop the behavior actually serves to reward it. Dogs jump up on people because they are seeking social contact. They hope we will look at them, talk to them, and/or touch them. So, if we look at the [...]

Crate training and acclimating your puppy to "alone time" doesn't have to be stressful! Wick chooses to sleep in his crate because that's where his cozy bed is. Are you worried about creating separation anxiety in your new puppy? By having a plan to safely introduce "alone time" in a way that meets [...]

Here at Crossbones, our goal is that you hit the ground running and start making progress in your very first dog training class. In today’s post, I’ll outline some common but costly dog owner mistakes when it comes to attending classes. Set yourself up for success and get the most out of your dog training [...]

"Teething" is perhaps the most misunderstood concept in puppy raising. In today's blog post, I'll explain what it is, what it isn't, and how to work through your puppy's nipping behavior effectively and with kindness. Teething refers to the period of time where a puppy's teeth are erupting. The discomfort associated with the teething process [...]

As a handler, there are few things more frustrating in agility than an unreliable start line stay. As a dog agility instructor, there are few things more frustrating to me than a handler blaming their dog for a broken start line. Remember that your dog’s behavior is a reflection of your ability to teach and maintain criteria. [...]

Does your dog experience loose stools after training class? While frustrating to deal with, the good news is with some prep work and support for your dog, you can reduce the likelihood it will happen again.  Just because your dog has a sensitive stomach does not mean training needs to come to a halt. With [...]