What to Do With Your Puppy: Expert Dog Training Advice

As pet parents, we’ve all dealt with the task of teaching our dogs to help them adapt to our ways of living, from potty training your puppy to leash training an older dog, it can be a time-consuming task to take on your own, especially if you´re not an expert. That’s why we’ve gathered a…

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Is My Dog Too Old To Learn?

Is My Dog Too Old To Learn Image, The Academy of Pet Careers

Have you ever heard the phrase “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks”? As it happens, this phrase has nothing to do with dogs, dog tricks or teaching senior dogs new things. It actually refers to the idea that it can be challenging to get humans to change well-established habits.   So, with that…

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R+ Training: Using Positive Reinforcement

Girl Rewards Husky with Treat Using R+ Training Image, The Academy of Pet Careers

“All of those positive reinforcement (R+) trainers always use food for training.”…“The dogs won’t work unless they see you have treats.”…“My dog isn’t that food motivated, so R+ training clearly won’t work for us….”   Have you heard these comments?…Have you made these comments?   Let’s take a step back and address these common misunderstandings…

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Playing Tug of War: Good Exercise, Great Bond-Building

Tug Of War Image, The Academy of Pet Careers

There is a school of thought that suggests we shouldn’t play Tug of War with our pups because it can create aggression. That same school of thought will say that if you do play Tug, make sure you always win so that the dog knows you’re the boss.   I could not disagree with that…

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How Much Training Does A Dog Need?

How Much Training Does A Dog Need Image

You’ve decided to train your new (or existing) dog. You’re going to a weekly class. Or you have a trainer coming to your home. Or maybe you’re watching YouTube videos and working on your own. But how much time should you devote to training each day? And how much time should you devote to training…

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Job Posting: VCA Parkcrest (Springfield, MO)

Full-Time Dog Groomer (W-2 Commissioned) Job Description VCA Parkcrest Animal Hospital is seeking an experienced Groomer to join their team. This is an outstanding opportunity for a highly motivated Groomer to capitalize on our established clientele. Their clients consist of dogs and cats of many breeds and most have a yearly schedule already booked out.…

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Muzzle Training in 8 Simple Steps

Muzzle Training, The Academy of Pet Careers

Teaching a dog to love their muzzle is pretty easy. Just follow the steps to learn muzzle training. 1. Show the muzzle to the dog in one hand and offer tasty treats with your other hand. Once the dog has had a couple treats, hide the muzzle behind your back. Pause for 8-10 seconds and…

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10 Types of Service Dogs

Types of Service Dogs

Service dogs help individuals with disabilities or medical/mental health conditions live more independent lives. The areas dogs can assist are growing. This blog will discuss 10 types of service dogs and the skills needed to do the job. Note that service dogs are different from Therapy Dogs or Emotional Support Dogs. To learn more about…

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Why Attend A Dog Trainer School?

Dog Trainer School in Missouri

We know you have many options for dog training education. It is important for you to understand and appreciate the benefits of each option. An online education can offer a speedy education and the convenience of learning from home. Finding a mentor is a cheap alternative to a formal education. But a hands-on dog trainer…

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