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Questions to ask a dog Sitter
Choosing the right dog sitter can make all the difference in your dog’s comfort and well-being while you’re away. Whether you need overnight care, drop-in visits, or someone to help with daily walks, it’s important to find a sitter who truly understands dogs — and your dog’s unique needs. Here are some key questions to ask before booking your next sitter: General Background & Experiences How long have you been dog sitting or working with dogs? Do you have any training or cert

Bailee Smalt
5 days ago2 min read


What to Look for in a Quality Boarding Kennel
Leaving your dog behind while you travel can be stressful — for both of you. As a professional dog trainer, I’ve seen firsthand how the environment and care provided in a boarding facility can affect a dog’s behavior, stress level, and overall well-being. I’ve also seen things that can truly ruin a dog — from dog attacks during “playtime,” to poorly managed group play, to dogs being placed in stressful situations simply because a facility said they “temperament test.” Just be

Bailee Smalt
Nov 104 min read
How to Grade Your Dog’s Kibble (Dry Food)
Start with a score of 100 Then subtract or add points based on the ingredients and quality listed on the bag. Subtract Points –10 points each “By-product” listed anywhere in ingredients Non-specific meat source (“meat,” “meat meal,” “animal fat”) Contains BHA, BHT, or ethoxyquin –5 points each Non-specific grain source (“mill run,” “cereal food fines”) Same grain ingredient used 2+ times in the top 5 (ex: “ground brown rice,” “rice flour,” “brewers rice”) Most vegetables list

Bailee Smalt
Oct 192 min read
Transitioning Your Dog to a New Food
Step 1: Switch the food first, before changing the number of meals . How to Switch to a New Food (Extended 2-Week Transition): Day 1–3:...

Bailee Smalt
Sep 91 min read


Why Getting Two Puppies at the Same Time May Not Be the Best Choice
The thought of bringing home two puppies at once can feel exciting—twice the cuteness, twice the love, and a built-in playmate for each...

Bailee Smalt
Sep 73 min read
Change Your Perspective, Change Your Dog’s Behavior
The first step to improving your dog’s behavior is shifting how you think about it. If you don’t understand how behavior works, trying to...

Bailee Smalt
Aug 282 min read
Questions to Ask a Dog Breeder Before Buying a Puppy
Bringing home a puppy is a big commitment — one that will shape your life for the next 10–15 years or more. A responsible breeder plays a...

Bailee Smalt
Aug 134 min read


Types of Dog Trainers: Which Approach Is Best for Your Dog?
When it comes to dog training, there’s no “one-size-fits-all” method. The world of training is filled with different philosophies — the...

Bailee Smalt
Jul 233 min read


Service Dogs: What You Need to Know
Service dogs play a vital role in helping people with disabilities lead more independent and fulfilling lives. Whether you’re considering...

Bailee Smalt
Jul 233 min read


How to Choose the Right Dog Toys for Your Pup
Selecting the right dog toy is essential for your dog’s safety, mental stimulation, and enjoyment. Not all toys are created equal, and...

Bailee Smalt
Jul 232 min read


When Behavior Isn’t Just Behavioral: How Medical Conditions Can Cause Aggression in Dogs
When a dog shows signs of aggression, many people immediately assume it’s a behavior issue. But what if it’s not? Sometimes, aggression...

Bailee Smalt
Jul 212 min read


Dog Daycare: Is It Right for Your Dog? (Pros, Cons & What to Look For)
Dog daycares have become a popular solution for busy pet owners who want their dogs to stay active and social during the day. While...

Bailee Smalt
Jul 213 min read


Why You Should Start Training Your Young Dog Sooner Than Later
Bringing home a young dog or puppy is an exciting time, full of cuddles, play, and lots of photos. But in the midst of the cuteness,...

Bailee Smalt
Jul 33 min read


Why Using Rewards in Dog Training Is Essential
When it comes to teaching our dogs how to live peacefully in our human world, rewards are one of the most powerful tools we have. They...

Bailee Smalt
Jun 292 min read


Why Puppies Bite (and How to Get Them to Stop)
Why Puppies Bite : 1. Teething Between 3 and 6 months old, puppies go through a teething phase. Biting helps relieve the discomfort as...

Bailee Smalt
May 162 min read


The Importance of Ethical Dog Breeders
When considering welcoming a new canine companion into your life, it's essential to be aware of where your future pet comes from. The...

Bailee Smalt
Apr 63 min read


Biosensor Routine for Puppies
The biosensor routine is a series of early neurological stimulation exercises designed to enhance the development of puppies. This...

Bailee Smalt
Apr 22 min read


Can An Individual Train A Service Dog?
Training a service dog can be a rewarding endeavor, but it comes with its own set of challenges and responsibilities. Whether you're...

Bailee Smalt
Mar 82 min read


When to Get Another Dog: A Guide to Expanding Your Canine Family
Adding a new dog to your family is an exciting journey. However, it's important to consider several factors before making this...

Bailee Smalt
Mar 82 min read


How To Fit and Use a Pinch Collar
Pinch collars, when used correctly, can be a helpful training tool for stopping unwanted behaviors such as jumping, pulling, nipping, and...

Bailee Smalt
Mar 82 min read
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