How do I improve my relationship with my dog?

       Your dog clearly loves you and your snuggles after work, your routine of giving her treats when you leave for the day, or playing with his favorite toy in the yard. You two are obviously BFFs, but you seem to find yourself frustrated at that same pooch when he wont come back to you at the dog park, jumps on your friends when they get to the house, or barks incessantly every time the wind blows or you see another dog. If these scenarios sound familiar, maybe your relationship could use a little TLC. 

​       There is nothing wrong with training an already awesome dog. In fact, training will not do anything but improve your relationship with your dog, even if it is already pretty cool. Working towards a common goal with your dog is similar to doing the same with a human counterpart. It gives you a reason not to snuggle, but to WORK together (you can still totally snuggle). It gives you both the sense of accomplishment, and knowing that you are proud of him will make any dog strut.

 Training will not do anything but improve your relationship with your dog, even if it is already pretty cool."

           As a trainer, this is my favorite thing to see. When an owner achieves what they believed to be slightly out of reach or downright impossible, and you can see both sides of the pair glowing. “But my dog is fantastic, doesn’t jump on the guests or bark all of the time, what else can we do?” Truth is, there is always something you can work on. Whether that be off-leash training (which, BTW is TOTALLY attainable) or agility (which is super fun for humans, too) or advanced trick training.
 
       These days, YouTube is a mecca for dog training, but if you prefer to get the one-on-one experience or the professional treatment, find a trainer in your area that can help you both grow into the best version of that “man’s best friend” vision. ​