Behavior modification looks different in winter By: Stephanie Barger, CSAT, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA Ready for a fresh start? January is a great time to build new habits, and it’s also National Train Your Dog Month.  But what if your dog feels frightened instead of playful? For dogs that are reactive or nervous, regular training methods might not work. Instead of focusing on cues like "sit" and "stay," focus on helping your pup feel safe and build trust. Strengthening your dog’s conf

Separation anxiety is exhausting...for everyone! By: Stephanie Barger, CSAT, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA January rolls in, and suddenly everyone talks about fresh starts. New planners. New habits. New hopes. It feels like the whole world hits the reset button. So you may look at your dog and think, “This is it. This is training season.” And it is. Only the training your dog needs might look different from what you picture. Let me give you an example:  A young couple, Mark and Sarah, wer

Time to reflect! By: Stephanie Barger, CSAT, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA Progress does not always bark or wag loudly. Sometimes it is a quiet sigh, a softer glance, a peaceful moment shared between friends. Quiet Moments at Year’s End December slows everything down. After the holidays, the rush of the year turns into quiet time to breathe, notice what’s changed, and look to the year ahead.  If you have been working through separation anxiety or reactivity, you know it takes patience, pe