I will always recommend training your dog to do more things. In my opinion, it helps develop a deeper bond with your dog, increases your ability to communicate, stimulates your dog’s brain, and helps tire him out. One cool trick I learned recently was to unroll a blanket. I loved training Ezra this trick, because…
I love hearing stories of my parents or my friends parents growing up with dogs. Just 50 years ago, dog training and pet ownership was wildly different than it is today. Their dogs were generally outdoor dogs. They didn’t wear leashes. They didn’t sleep inside unless the weather was bad. And they certainly didn’t sleep…
The Place command is not widely known amongst the dog owner community, unless you seek out dog training. It’s one of the top ten commands any trainer would recommend you train you dog. It can easily be used in everyday life. Most dog owners could probably avoid some unwanted behaviors if they learned how to…
Teaching your dog to lay down on command is particularly valuable when you are out in public. What if you are walking your dog and someone wants to stop to talk to you? Putting your dog in a down keeps him still and less engaged so he won’t get distracted. This means you can chat…
Recently, Ezra and I learned a cool new trick that I never imagined we would do. We learned how to walk together while Ezra weaves through my legs. It was really funny and I think we both enjoyed working together in new ways. It’s pretty tough to navigate with a big dog, but it is…
A dog’s nose is an incredibly powerful tool. It is incredibly powerful, smelling volatile organic compounds that are undetectable by humans. This has paved the way for dogs to have jobs as cadaver dogs or in bomb detection, blood tracking, and even to alert if your blood sugar is high. But dog noses can be…
Markers are excellent tools in dog training. They are regularly used in conformation and trick training. They are helpful in the early phases of puppyhood to help capture behavior. I used a marker in the beginning to quickly teach Ezra his name, and I’m using it now to help quickly learn new dog tricks. If…
Anyone can train their dog or puppy to spin. It’s a great skill to teach any dog of any age or obedience level. The easiest way to train it is through food luring. Ezra and I learned it on our path to getting our AKC Dog Trick Novice Title. And if big, goofy Ezra can…
![59 Tips for First Time Dog Owners from 155 Dog Owners [2023]](https://www.bigdogtails.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/rectangle-768x1365.png)
Whether you are a first time dog owner or not, getting a dog is a wild ride. You may have done a lot of research on the right dog for you. You probably bought all the items you’re heard from friends and family you need for a new puppy. You’re also probably really excited for…
Food is really overwhelming when you first bring home your puppy. What’s the best type of food to feed the dog? How do you change your pup’s diet over time? Are you feeding them too much or too little? It’s really easy to assume that any food at the pet store that is marketed for…