With a combination of positive reinforcement, technique, and good timing introducing simple cues like sit, down, and come lay the foundation for more complicated or multi-part cues like place.

This can be a tough behavior to tackle, especially if you have a breed that is instinctually vocal (hello, Huskies). The good news is that barking can be addressed. When nuisance behaviors are redirected or replaced with a new job, the difference in decision-making can be impressive and often drastic. Believe it or not, there is more than one type of barking. The training approach depends on why your dog is barking, which is why a customized training plan matters. While training is a great addition to a dog’s overall health and wellness, it’s always best to start with a veterinary visit to rule out any invisible factors, such as pain or discomfort.

This is an important, yet easily overlooked first step. Getting your dog to listen isn't always as easy as bribing them with treats. Some dogs aren't even motivated by food so finding a prize that is motivating to your dog is vital. This is not something that you or even a trainer can pick. It is up to your dog what ranks as high value or low value. This is only one small example of why LTD emphasizes training as teamwork and not merely a dog listening to what the owner says.

This is a question I love because it gives us an opportunity to educate outside the “normal” threshold. The simple answer is: you can’t — and that’s okay. If your dog doesn’t like other dogs, there is nothing wrong with them. Just like people, dogs are allowed preferences. It’s their prerogative to decide what they like and don’t like, much like choosing not to eat mushrooms because they’re slimy, or grocery shopping with headphones in because you don’t want to chat with a stranger. What this does mean is that your training plan may look a little different. When dogs overreact to a stimulus, it’s our responsibility to teach them healthier, more appropriate ways to respond when they’re under stress. Neutrality is often the goal, not forced friendliness. If this resonates with you, reach out — Let’s Talk Dogs would be happy to help create a training plan that fits the needs of your furry friend.

Treats are a great way to introduce new concepts, but they shouldn’t be a permanent crutch. It’s important to phase treats out in a timely manner so dogs don’t become treat-dependent. Let’s Talk Dogs uses an intermittent schedule of reinforcement to help transition your dog while maintaining their motivation and desire to work.

This is a great question — and an important one. A dog should never be considered “done” with training. Like any habit, if it isn’t practiced, it fades. Even the most highly trained service dogs and police dogs require regular practice to keep their skills sharp. Training is a lifestyle, not a finish line.

Training cost varies based on your dog, your goals, and the level of support needed. Because every dog is different, pricing is discussed after an initial consultation so we can ensure you’re matched with the right program.

Let’s Talk Dogs fully understands the demands of parenthood. When addressing basic obedience or behavior modification, the first step is always controlling the dog’s environment as much as possible. If we were to categorize variables, children would fall into the “uncontrolled variable” category (said with love). For your initial consultation, it’s important for your trainer to observe how your household naturally operates. Kids are more than welcome during the initial excitement of introductions, but once that phase is over, children should be supervised by a non-participating adult in another room, if possible. For ongoing training lessons, family members and/or friends can be incorporated into your training program when appropriate, usually in later sessions.

For initial consultations and early training sessions, it’s best if only the dog’s owners are present. If appropriate for your dog’s individual training plan, family members, children, and/or friends can be incorporated into the curriculum later on.