dog training

August 6 2025

Why Hands-On Dog Training in Los Angeles Is Hard to Pass Up

melissa Classroom Training, Dog Training abc dog trainer, abc dog training, animal behavior college, animal care courses, animal care jobs, animal careers, Animal Jobs, animal related jobs, animal training, become a dog trainer, careers with animals, dog obedience training, dog trainer, dog training, how to train a dog, in-person, jobs with animals, jobs working with animals, LA, Los Angeles, puppy training, training dogs

The Advantages of Hands-On Dog Training Sessions

When it comes to effective dog training, nothing beats direct, hands-on experience. Online courses offer flexibility, but in-person training sessions give aspiring dog trainers a chance to learn essential skills firsthand. Working directly with professional trainers and real dogs provides valuable insight into dog behavior, helping students quickly grasp and apply various training methods in realistic scenarios.

In hands-on sessions, students witness common behavioral challenges dogs and their owners face. They receive immediate feedback, enabling them to adapt and refine their techniques in real-time. This experiential learning approach is especially beneficial in understanding subtle dog behaviors, something textbooks or videos alone cannot fully capture.

Why Los Angeles is Ideal for a Dog Training Program

ABC’s Hands-On Dog Training Program in Los Angeles

Animal Behavior College (ABC) offers a comprehensive dog training program uniquely structured to provide substantial hands-on experience. Our Los Angeles-based program pairs students with seasoned professional trainers, ensuring they gain critical insights into effective dog training practices.

Students participate actively in structured training sessions, learning foundational and advanced dog training methods, including positive reinforcement and behavioral modification techniques. ABC emphasizes practical experience, ensuring students spend ample time handling dogs directly, applying theory in real-world scenarios, and working closely with dogs and their owners to achieve lasting results.

This combination of hands-on practice, expert mentorship, and real-life exposure equips ABC graduates to confidently step into their careers as professional dog trainers.

Why Professional Dog Trainers Highly Recommend ABC

Professional dog trainers across Los Angeles highly recommend ABC’s hands-on dog training program for its structured, practical approach. ABC’s comprehensive curriculum ensures students understand dog behavior deeply, master proven training methods, and develop essential interpersonal skills for working effectively with both dogs and their owners.

ABC’s training programs are designed to provide realistic, practical experience. The opportunity to train dogs in various Los Angeles environments under professional guidance significantly enhances skill development, preparing graduates for immediate entry into the dog training industry.

ABC graduates leave the program not only highly skilled but also well-prepared to handle real-world dog training challenges. The strong reputation of ABC in the dog training community makes it an excellent choice for anyone serious about building a successful career as a professional dog trainer.

Frequently Asked Questions about Hands-On Dog Training in Los Angeles

Why is hands-on dog training important?
Hands-on dog training allows students to directly apply training methods, accurately read dog behavior, and build practical skills by working closely with professional trainers, dogs, and their owners.
Does ABC’s Los Angeles program include real-life dog training scenarios?
Yes, ABC’s Los Angeles dog training program offers extensive practical experience, providing exposure to diverse training environments, dog breeds, and behavior challenges.
How long does ABC’s hands-on dog training course in Los Angeles take?ABC’s dog training program, a fully immersive classroom experience, is a 5-month course.
What makes Los Angeles a good place for dog trainer education?
Are Animal Behavior College’s dog training certifications recognized nationally?
Yes, ABC’s certifications are widely recognized, helping graduates secure employment nationwide or start their own successful dog training businesses.

Ready to start your career as a professional dog trainer? Enroll in ABC’s Dog Training Program today!

Real-World Readiness for Every Kind of Dog and Owner

Whether you’re working with an energetic puppy, a reactive dog, or calm adult dogs, ABC’s dog training program prepares you to respond to every scenario with confidence. You’ll learn essential training techniques, such as proper leash handling, behavior modification, and how to address excessive barking and anxiety. These skills are critical whether you’re training in a client’s home, at a public park, or in a dog boarding facility.

The program also emphasizes obedience training and puppy socialization, helping you guide new dog owners through early training sessions and prevent common issues before they become problematic. From establishing boundaries to building trust, ABC equips you with the tools to support dogs and their owners every step of the way.

ABC’s certified professional dog trainer course is ideal for those seeking a rewarding career path through dog training classes that combine theory and real-world experience. Every dog training tip, hands-on session, and mentorship opportunity is designed to help you thrive in the growing pet care industry. As an ABC graduate, you won’t just be ready to train dogs, you’ll be ready to change lives, one paw at a time.

Have you served in the military and are ready for a new career path? U.S. veterans and dependents under the provisions of Title 38, United States Code, may be able to use their military benefits toward our GI Bill approved Dog Trainer Classroom Program

May 5 2025

How to Become a Professional Dog Trainer in 2025

melissa Dog Training abc dog trainer, abc dog training, become a dog trainer, careers with animals, Dog Behavior, dog obedience training, dog trainer, dog training, training dogs

If you’re a dog lover dreaming of a rewarding, flexible career working with animals, now is the perfect time to pursue dog training. The demand for knowledgeable, certified dog trainers is on the rise in 2025, as more pet parents seek expert guidance to help their dogs behave better, reduce anxiety, and live safer, happier lives.
Whether you’re starting from scratch or building on your experience with your own pet dog, enrolling in a professional training program is the best way to ensure success. While you can learn a lot by watching how others dog train on YouTube or social media, formal education offers a structured, science-backed approach to mastering canine behavior and teaching puppies and adult dogs alike.

Why Dog Training Certification Matters

Becoming a certified dog trainer sets you apart as a trusted professional. Today’s pet parents—want reassurance that the person working with their golden retriever or German shepherd understands more than just teaching basic commands.
Effective dog training isn’t just about getting a dog to sit or stay. It’s about understanding body language, managing anxiety, and addressing behavior problems that interfere with the bond between a dog and its family. Certification proves that you’ve gained essential skills through structured training sessions and understand concepts like positive reinforcement, clicker training, and crate training.
Dog training professionals also promote pet safety, especially when working with reactive breeds, puppies, or dogs recovering from trauma.

What You’ll Learn at Animal Behavior College

Animal Behavior College’s Dog Obedience Trainer Program provides a well-rounded, career-focused education that blends online coursework with real-world experience. Whether you live in a big city or a small town, our flexible, affordable program can help you build a strong foundation in dog training.

Key Features of the Program:
• Nine Comprehensive Stages: Covering everything from learning theory to dog behavior, head collar use, anxiety management, and training techniques like clicker training and crate training.
• Externship with a Professional Trainer: After completing your online modules, you’ll work hands-on with a local trainer to gain practical experience.
• 12-Month Completion Time: Most students complete the course within a year, gaining the skills needed to work confidently with puppies, adult dogs, and even special cases like anxious golden retrievers or energetic German shepherds.

Students learn how to dog train using LIMA-based (Least Invasive, Minimally Aversive) techniques. That means we emphasize positive reinforcement over punishment, building trust between the pet dog and trainer, and creating behavior change through reward-based systems.

Expanding Your Career Beyond Basic Dog Training

Once you’re certified, the world of dog training offers many rewarding paths. Basic obedience is just the beginning—there are numerous specialties for trainers who want to work with different breeds, needs, or environments.

Here are some exciting directions you can take:
• Puppy Training: Help pet parents navigate potty training, crate training, teething, and socialization. Puppies require gentle, consistent training sessions and benefit immensely from early guidance.
• Dog Sports: If you enjoy active dogs, dog sports like agility, flyball, and scent work offer fun opportunities to combine fitness and training.
• Service and Therapy Dog Training: Work with dogs that support individuals with disabilities, anxiety disorders, PTSD, and more.
• Behavior Modification: Specialize in solving behavior problems like aggression, separation anxiety, excessive barking, or leash reactivity.
• Pet Care Services: Add services like dog walking, pet sitting, or even training classes for specific concerns like anxiety or leash pulling.

As a certified professional trainer, you can also teach group training classes or one-on-one sessions, guiding dog owners and puppies through consistent, personalized instruction.

Why Dog Owners Choose Certified Trainers

Dog owners want more than just someone who loves dogs—they want someone who understands the science of dog behavior and can guide their pet through structured training sessions. Whether they have a feisty puppy, a stubborn adult, or a high-energy German shepherd, pet parents want results they can trust.
As a trainer, you’ll not only teach dogs how to follow basic commands—you’ll help build stronger human-animal bonds and improve the quality of life for both pet and owner. You may even save a dog from being surrendered due to unresolved behavior problems.

Begin Your Dog Training Career with Animal Behavior College

With over 27 years of experience in dog training education, Animal Behavior College has helped tens of thousands of students transform their love of dogs into successful careers. We understand what it takes to become a skilled, compassionate professional trainer—and we’re ready to help you every step of the way.
If you’re ready to start training puppies, lead your own training classes, and help reduce dog anxiety through modern, humane methods, ABC is here for you.

Call us today at 1-800-795-3294 to speak with an admissions counselor, or visit our website to learn more and enroll. Your future as a certified dog trainer starts now!

May 5 2025

How to Get Your First Clients as a New Dog Trainer

melissa Dog Training abc dog trainer, abc dog training, become a dog trainer, Dog Behavior, dog obedience training, dog trainer, dog training, training dogs

Launching a dog training business is one of the most rewarding things a dog lover can do, but it takes more than just passion and a love for pets. If you’re ready to dog train professionally, you’ll need a strategy for standing out, attracting your first clients, and proving your value to every pet parent you meet.
Whether you’re interested in training a pet dog to stop jumping on guests, preparing a puppy for future dog sports, or working with a service dog, getting your first clients is all about visibility, expertise, and trust.

Define Your Specialty as a Dog Trainer

Before you start marketing your services, get clear on your focus. Are you planning to offer basic obedience? Solve behavior problems like chewing, digging, jumping or anxiety in dogs? Work with puppies, adult dogs, or specific breeds like German Shepherds?
Some trainers specialize in high-energy activities like agility or scent work. Others aim to prepare a service dog to assist individuals with disabilities. The area you choose can shape your brand and determine the type of dog owner you attract.
While working with one breed can be fulfilling—especially if you love a particular type like German Shepherds—most trainers benefit from staying open to different sizes, temperaments, and needs. That said, choosing a specialty doesn’t mean limiting your skills—it’s just a way to stand out in a busy market.

Get Certified and Start Strong

If you’re serious about becoming a professional dog trainer, certification is a must. Even if you’ve trained your own pet dog or volunteered with shelters, a professional certification program like the one offered by Animal Behavior College (ABC) helps you learn how to use proven techniques such as clicker training, positive reinforcement, and proper head collar use.
Certification helps you stand out to pet owners looking for someone with credentials they can trust. With ABC, you’ll go through an online program and also gain hands-on experience through a mentor in your area. You can start anytime by calling 800-795-3294 or visiting animalbehaviorcollege.com to enroll online.

Build Your Business Plan

Before you try to train anyone’s pup, take time to plan your business. Set your rates, define your service area, and decide whether you’ll offer private training sessions, group classes, virtual training, or a mix.
Make sure you also have any necessary licenses, business insurance, and waivers in place. This professional setup reassures clients that they’re working with a reliable expert—not just someone who likes dogs.

Attracting Your First Paying Clients

Getting your first clients can feel like trying to board a moving train—fast-paced, overwhelming, and hard to catch up with. But don’t worry—with the right tools, you can gain traction quickly.

Here are the best ways to land those first few paying customers:

1. Start with Your Inner Circle
Your friends and family probably have dogs—or know someone who does. Offer discounted or free training sessions to build up testimonials and gather content for your website and social media. Make sure to take before-and-after videos of your work with each puppy or adult dog.
2. Leverage Social Media
Post short videos, training tips, and behind-the-scenes clips of your work. Share success stories of how you helped a puppy learn to sit or calmed a pet dog’s anxiety with confidence-building exercises. Engage your followers with polls, fun facts, or posts asking them to share stories about their dogs.
Don’t forget to target your local area unless you’re offering virtual sessions. Dog owners looking for local help won’t benefit if your audience is scattered across the country (unless you train online!).
3. Create a Website
Every serious business needs a digital home. Your site should explain what services you offer (obedience, puppy training, behavior modification, etc.), where you’re located, and how to contact you. Post client reviews, feature a blog with training tips, and include a section for FAQ.

Bonus tip: Add content related to dog sports, service dog tasks, and solving behavior problems. This helps position you as an expert to both search engines and potential clients.

Use Low-Cost Marketing Methods

● Print Business Cards & Flyers
Leave them at pet stores, vet offices, groomers, coffee shops, and anywhere else dog lovers hang out. Include a list of your services (e.g., clicker training, puppy socialization, basic obedience) and a clear call to action.
● Vehicle Magnets
A simple car magnet with your business name, contact info, and a catchy tagline like “I Train Dogs So You Don’t Have To” is an affordable way to market wherever you go. Fewer people use this method today, so it can help you stand out
● Offer Free Community Classes
Running a free “How to Train Your Puppy 101” workshop at a local park or community center is a great way to build trust with the local pet parent community. Demonstrate how you use tools like clicker training, and explain common puppy challenges like potty training or crate resistance.

Network with Other Pet Professionals

Your local vet, pet supply store staff, and groomers are all great sources of referrals. These professionals meet new dog owners daily—some of whom need help with training. Build relationships by visiting regularly, offering free mini-sessions to their staff, or leaving behind a stack of your cards.
Veterinary referrals are especially powerful. Because pet owners trust their vets completely, their recommendation carries a lot of weight—especially if their client has a puppy showing early signs of anxiety or behavioral challenges.

Word of Mouth Is Your Best Friend

Great service equals great marketing. Every time you help a pet dog overcome a challenge—whether it’s leash aggression or general hyperactivity—you build your reputation. Satisfied clients will rave about you to neighbors, coworkers, and fellow dog lovers.
And don’t forget: trained dogs are walking advertisements. When a dog owner proudly shows off their well-behaved puppy at the park, people ask, “Who trained your dog?” That’s your moment.

Recap: Start Smart, Train Hard, Stay Visible

To dog train professionally is to blend knowledge, patience, and people skills. Here’s how to launch your business successfully:
• Get certified by a reputable program like Animal Behavior College.
• Define your training focus: obedience, puppy training, service dog work, or dog sports.
• Build a professional website and use social media to connect with your audience.
• Offer a free class to demonstrate your training style and earn community trust.
• Connect with local professionals for valuable referrals.
• Use flyers, car magnets, and community events to boost visibility.
• Always deliver exceptional service—word of mouth will follow.

Want to Become a Certified Dog Trainer?

Enroll with Animal Behavior College to get certified in under a year. Our hybrid program combines online coursework with in-person experience through a mentor near you. Whether you dream of working with puppies, assisting with service dog training, or teaching obedience to rescue dogs, we’ll help you get started.

📞 Call 1-800-795-3294 or visit v2.animalbehaviorcollege.com/ to apply online.

March 20 2025

Online dog training not clicking? Learn to train dogs in-person in sunny SoCal!

melissa Classroom Training, Dog Training abc dog training, animal behavior college, animal related jobs, animal training, become a dog trainer, careers with animals, dog obedience training, dog training, how to train a dog, training dogs

Animal Behavior College’s (ABC) in-person dog training program combines two of the best things in the world: dogs and sunshine; because even though we excel at helping people launch their training careers online, we know online learning is not for everyone. With that in mind, we also offer a 5-month in-person dog obedience training course at our classroom in Santa Clarita, California, just 35 miles north of Los Angeles.

Our immersive in-person dog obedience program is scheduled Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm, leaving evenings and weekends free to enjoy all sunny Southern California is famous for!

ABC’s dog obedience certification course provides comprehensive instruction through a combination of classroom training and in the field learning opportunities. Guided by an instructor with over 20 years of dog training experience, ABC students benefit from one-on-one-instruction from someone who has seen it all during their career.

ABC’s Approach to Dog Obedience Training

Our students quickly learn that positive interactions and balanced training methods facilitate learning and strengthen the bond between canines and humans. Instructors teach Least Intrusive Minimally Aversive (LIMA) techniques that focus on positively modifying behavior.

The smaller class size encourages collaboration and support among students. In such an intimate setting, students feel more comfortable to ask questions, share individual input and bouncing ideas off one another. Of course, the canine students take part, too!

Students spend part of the time paired up working with rescue and/or shelter dogs as our students take part in ABC’s Students Saving Lives campaign. This is a program we created in 2004 to give our budding trainers valuable experience working with dogs in shelters, humane societies, and rescue organizations. Well-mannered dogs are adoptable dogs. By providing much-needed socialization and basic obedience training, our students give down-on-their-luck dogs a better chance at getting a soft landing in a furever home.

To date, between our classroom program and our online obedience program, our students have donated around 200,000 hours to the cause of saving shelter dogs. In fact, most find the experience so rewarding they continue to volunteer in their local area after completing their certification.

Dog Trainers Make a Difference

By becoming a dog obedience trainer, you not only learn to shape canine behavior but also give dogs the ability to enjoy all the wonderful experiences life has to offer, such as running free in dog parks, taking hikes, visiting outdoor cafes with their people, and, of course, shopping for treats and toys at pet supply stores! Dogs with good manners are welcome in more and more places these days. Having a well-socialized, polite dog can happen with solid obedience training.

Through personalized attention, positive reinforcement, and expert adaptability, obedience trainers help canines, and their humans, overcome everyday challenges, paving the way for enjoyable adventures for both owner and pet. As a dog trainer, you could provide countless tail-wagging happy endings!

Our program is approved by the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC), the International Association of Canine Professionals (IACP), and the National Association of Dog Obedience Instructors (NADOI).

To learn more about Animal Behavior College or to ask about the next in-person program at our Santa Clarita campus, call our admissions counselors at 800-795-3294 or find us online at Animal Behavior College’s Traditional Classroom Environment.

February 10 2025

Enhancing Your Training Sessions with Coastal Pet Products

melissa Paw Prints alumni, coastal, coastal pet products, dog training, newsletter, paw prints

By: Coastal Pet Products

As a professional dog trainer, you know that the right tools can make all the difference in achieving successful outcomes with your canine clients. Coastal Pet Products offers a range of high-quality training tools designed to support your efforts and enhance the training experience for both you and the dogs you work with. In this article, we’ll explore four essential products from Coastal Pet that can help you elevate your training sessions: the Walk Right!® Front-Connect Padded Dog Harness, the Train Right!® Dog Training Clicker, the Train Right!® Dog Treat Bag, and the Train Right!® Cotton Web Dog Training Leash.

1. Walk Right!® Front-Connect Padded Dog Harness

The Walk Right!® Front-Connect Padded Dog Harness is a helpful tool designed to help manage and correct pulling behavior during walks. This harness features a front-connect ring that gently guides the dog by the chest strap, naturally diverting their attention and reducing neck strain. The soft padding ensures comfort, making it suitable for extended use. Additionally, the harness includes a back-connect ring for standard use once the dog has learned to walk properly.

Key Benefits:

Reduces Pulling: The front-connect design helps to minimize pulling by redirecting the dog’s movement.
Comfortable Fit: Soft padding and an ergonomic design ensure the dog remains comfortable during training sessions.
Versatile Use: The dual connection points allow for flexibility in training and everyday use.

2. Train Right!® Dog Training Clicker

Positive reinforcement is a cornerstone of effective dog training, and the Train Right!® Dog Training Clicker is an excellent tool for this purpose. This clicker produces a loud, clear sound that dogs quickly associate with positive outcomes. Its ergonomic design makes it easy to hold and press, ensuring that you can deliver timely and consistent cues during training sessions.

Key Benefits:

Effective Reinforcement: The distinct click sound helps reinforce desirable behaviors quickly and effectively.
Durable Construction: Built to withstand the rigors of regular use, ensuring longevity.
Comfortable Use: Ergonomic design fits comfortably in your hand, making it easy to use during extended training sessions.

3. Train Right!® Dog Treat Bag

Rewarding good behavior is made easy with the Train Right!® Dog Treat Bag. This convenient accessory is designed to keep treats within arm’s reach, allowing you to reward your dog promptly. The bag features a drawstring closure to secure treats and prevent spills, and it includes a key clip for added convenience. Its waterproof and stain-resistant material ensures durability and easy maintenance.

Key Benefits:

Quick Access: Keep treats readily available for immediate rewards.
Secure Storage: Drawstring closure prevents spills and keeps treats fresh.
Convenient Design: Includes a key clip and is made from durable, easy-to-clean materials.

4. Train Right!® Cotton Web Dog Training Leash

The Train Right!® Cotton Web Dog Training Leash is a versatile tool ideal for various training scenarios, including obedience training, distance training, and general exercise. Made from 100% cotton, this leash provides a comfortable grip and is strong enough to handle dogs of all sizes. The swivel-style bolt snap prevents tangling, ensuring a smooth and safe training experience.

Key Benefits:

Versatile Use: Suitable for a wide range of training activities.
Comfortable Grip: 100% cotton material ensures a comfortable hold.
Tangle-Free: Swivel-style bolt snap prevents tangling, enhancing safety and ease of use.

Integrating Coastal Pet Products into Your Training Routine

Incorporating these Coastal Pet Products into your training routine can significantly enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of your sessions. Here are some tips on how to make the most of these tools:

• Start with the Harness: Use the Walk Right!® Front-Connect Padded Dog Harness to manage pulling behavior during walks. Begin with the front-connect ring to guide the dog and switch to the back-connect ring as the dog learns to walk properly.

• Reinforce with the Clicker: Utilize the Train Right!® Dog Training Clicker to mark desirable behaviors. Pair the click with a treat from the Train Right!® Dog Treat Bag to reinforce positive actions.

• Reward Promptly: Keep the Train Right!® Dog Treat Bag handy to ensure you can reward good behavior immediately. This helps the dog make a clear connection between the behavior and the reward.

• Practice with the Leash: Use the Train Right!® Cotton Web Dog Training Leash for various training exercises. Its length and strength make it ideal for teaching commands like recall, stay, and fetch.

Coastal Pet Products offers a range of tools that can help you achieve better results in your dog training sessions. By integrating the Walk Right!® Front-Connect Padded Dog Harness, Train Right!® Dog Training Clicker, Train Right!® Dog Treat Bag, and Train Right!® Cotton Web Dog Training Leash into your routine, you can enhance the training experience for both you and your canine clients. These high-quality, durable products are designed to support your efforts and ensure that you can provide the best possible training outcomes.

October 11 2024

The Benefits Of Multiple Streams Of Income

melissa Paw Prints dog trainer, dog training, extra income, paw prints

By: pawTree Home Office

Whether you are looking to pay off debt, build an emergency fund or simply break the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle, having multiple streams of income increases your earning power to help you reach your specific goals.

Multiple streams of income can have a major impact on your finances. Even extra income of $500 each month could go a long way toward increasing your investments — or simply paying down debt. Here are a few benefits of having multiple sources of income:

Financial stability:
Having multiple sources of income can help you weather financial storms, such as an unexpected job loss, unexpected expenses or a decrease in business income. It can also help you create a savings account or safety net to allow you to access money day or night for immediate needs.

Helps pay down debt:
By having multiple sources of income, you may be able to make larger payments toward your debt, which can help you pay it off faster. This can be especially useful if you have high-interest debt. Paying it off quickly can help you save money on interest charges.

Pursue your passion:
A side gig can allow you to choose to explore a new passion, or pursue an existing passion, something you don’t do in your 9 to 5 job. This is always great, because when people follow their passions in life, they’re just happier. Overall, they feel more uplifted and have a greater peace of mind.

Use other talents outside of work:
Have you ever wanted to explore your creative side? Explore a talent you have a knack for? By earning income through a side hustle or second job, you get the opportunity to explore other talents outside of your usual day job. By making the most of your other skills, you venture out to career opportunities that you may not have
considered before.

Get closer to your financial goals:
Having multiple sources of income can help you get closer to your financial goals, whether that’s saving for retirement, paying off debt, or building wealth. By having multiple sources of income, you can save and invest more, which can help you achieve your financial goals faster.

How To Start
The benefits are clear, but the first step is always the hardest … How can you start building several streams of income? The first step to success is finding the right opportunity. Being a part of the pawTree community allows you to tap into a recession-proof industry with unprecedented possibilities, sharing premium pet products with pet parents who already trust you.

pawTree allows you to share premium food, treats, supplements and grooming products, earning up to 30% commissions. You already have a community of pet parents around who trust you!

At pawTree, pets and their people are at the heart of everything we do. Our holistic products, crafted by dedicated veterinarians and PhDs in animal science and pet nutrition, embody our unwavering commitment to their well-being.

No need to worry about time — pawTree provides you with a proven system, designed to fit into your life seamlessly:

Build a consistent flow of income to sustain the seasonality of your business.
Share your personalized website link for easy online ordering.
Grow with pawTree-provided tools and trainings to support social-media selling.
Connect with a supportive pet-loving community.

Transform your passion for pets into an additional income with pawTree and unleash the benefits of having multiple streams of income with $0 enrollment fee!

border collie catching a treat with a wide open mouth in a studi

October 11 2024

Multi-Tasking Treats: How Treats With Supplemental Benefits Can Help Your Clients’ Dogs

melissa Dog Training, Dogs, Paw Prints abc dog trainer, abc dog training, dog trainer, dog training, paw prints, treats

By: The Cloud Star Staff

We all know that the best way to motivate a dog during training is with an irresistible treat. Once the dog realizes a delicious goodie awaits her, she will quickly learn to respond to the trainer’s commands and perform desired behaviors.

But what if training treats could do more for your clients’ dogs than simply function as delicious behavior-reinforcing rewards? In recent years, there has been a movement to a whole new category of treats that provide supplemental benefits.

Supplemental Benefits

In addition to serving as delicious training motivators, these multifunctional treats were designed to help pets in a variety of ways — from relieving physical conditions such as dry, itchy skin, to supporting important functions like the immune system, to promoting a dog’s healthy growth and development. Not only do such treats allow trainers and pet parents to “kill two birds with one stone” — reinforcing behavior and enhancing health at the same time– they can also help make training go faster and easier by alleviating physical issues that might be distracting a pup’s attention and by proactively maintaining wellness so the dog can reach his full learning potential.

Many of our own Cloud Star brands such as Tricky Trainers, Pet Botanics and Dogswell include products that are, not only highly effective training rewards, but also offer supplemental benefits in areas such as gut health, joint mobility and puppy cognitive development.

Puppy Development

A good example are Tricky Trainers’ new training rewards formulated specifically for puppies, Tricky Trainers PUPPY with Lamb. Made with mouth-watering Lamb as their first ingredient, the new Puppy treats also contain DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), which offers the supplemental benefit of promoting cognitive development in puppies. A study published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medicine Association found that puppies given foods fortified with DHA acid–rich fish oil from 8 to 52 weeks of age showed “improved cognitive, memory, psychomotor, immunologic, and retinal functions” – benefits that, in addition to promoting young dogs’ development, lead to better training outcomes. Designed for puppies in every aspect, Tricky Trainers PUPPY treats are only 1.5 calories each with a soft, easy-to-chew texture, making them ideal for tiny mouths and tummies.

Another Cloud Star brand, Pet Botanics, offers a training treat formulated to help support healthy coats and skin — Pet Botanics Soft & Chewy Omega Plus treats. Dogs suffering from dry, itchy skin are often in severe discomfort, which can cause them to become agitated and irritable. They may lick or bite at the affected areas, trying to relieve the itching, which only leads to further skin irritation. This obviously makes it difficult for the dog to focus on a training lesson. Pet Botanics Soft & Chewy Omega Plus treats are filled with Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids from Salmon Oil and Chia to help soothe and moisturize dry skin and coats, making dogs more comfortable so they will be more receptive to learning. The treats themselves are also a very strong training motivator, made with Salmon as their first ingredient to give them an irresistible aroma and yummy taste.

Functional Ingredients

Dogswell, another Cloud Star brand, offers a diverse portfolio of functional treats that provide solutions for a variety of health and wellness issues. These include Hip & Joint, Skin & Coat, Gut Health and Immune System formulations. Each formulation is offered in a number of different treat formats — such as Jerky, Soft & Chewy, Grillers, and even Meatballs! – as well as different flavors, to appeal to individual dogs’ preferences.

In addition to their functionality, all Dogswell treats have a high-quality protein as their first ingredient. This makes meaty Dogswell treats ideal for trainers and pet parents looking for a high-value reward. Or, as we at Dogswell like to say, we make “treats that taste good and do good!”

Each ingredient in Dogswell treats was carefully selected to serve a purpose. For example, Dogswell Hip & Joint treats are loaded with Glucosamine, found in the connective tissue, and Chondroitin, naturally found in cartilage, both of which support hip and joint health. The number one ingredient in Dogswell Hip & Joint treats is a high-quality protein such as real chicken, duck, beef or pork to maintain muscle mass and deliver the tantalizing meaty flavor dogs love.

Another Dogswell category, Immune System treats, contain large amounts of Vitamin E, a major source of antioxidants. Antioxidants help boost a dog’s immune system by neutralizing free radicals that can accumulate in the cells and cause oxidative stress, making it harder for the cells to perform their functions and repair themselves. Research published in the Journal of Animal Science indicated that giving dogs and cats increased dietary concentrations of antioxidants, including Vitamin E, enhanced their immune health, “as observed by reduced cellular breakdown and reduced signs of oxidation.” Older dogs, especially, are prone to immune system decline and may be particularly helped by antioxidants like Vitamin E. The American Kennel Club asserts that “when combined with behavioral enrichment, antioxidants can improve memory and cognitive function in senior dogs.“

Trainers, therefore, might want to suggest a treat fortified with antioxidants like Dogswell Immune System to their clients who have older dogs. Even if the dog isn’t showing overt problems, this would be a good proactive step to keep aging dogs healthy now and into the future.

Individualized Treats

With the wide range of functional products available today, there are many other opportunities for trainers to match clients with a treat that is geared toward their dog’s specific condition and needs. Whether the dog has a sensitive stomach, mobility issues, or dryness of the skin and coat, why not recommend a treat that can help address the issue — in addition to being a scrumptious indulgence in itself. Or why not give your puppy students a head start in their cognitive development with Tricky Trainers PUPPY with Lamb treats. You can even suggest reduced-calorie treats to clients whose pets might indulge a bit too often or train frequently – many Cloud Star products are available in a Mini size at half the calories.

The day of the one-size-fits-all treat is over. By pinpointing treats that are best suited to each individual pup, trainers can help dogs become healthier, make their clients happier — and speed up the training curve in the process.

October 11 2024

Recognizing Training Plateaus and How to Overcome Them

melissa Dog Training, Dogs, Paw Prints, Training abc dog trainer, dog trainer, dog training, paw prints

By: The Charlee Bear Staff

When training a pet, it’s common to experience periods where little to no new progress is being made. Just as humans sometimes become burned out or grow tired of their usual routine, pets can hit a wall during training sessions and show signs of disinterest in learning new tricks or practicing ones they already know. But with patience and knowledge on how to tackle training plateaus, this issue can be resolved quickly and serve as a learning experience for both a client and their pet!

Signs of a Training Plateau

The first step to overcoming standstills in training is to recognize the warning signs early on within the pet’s behavior. If the pet is expressing frustration, lack of motivation, and seems easily distracted, then it might be time to reassess how the client goes about training their pup. Other telltale signs of stagnation in training is when a dog can’t perform commands that they had previously mastered, or is re-exhibiting unwanted behaviors that were corrected already during prior training sessions. Roadblocks like these can be frustrating, but it’s better to catch them earlier rather than later so that they can be tackled head-on!

Ways to Overcome Training Plateaus

The positive thing about training plateaus is that they serve as an opportunity to refine and improve ways in which clients can go about training their dogs. And luckily for pet parents, there are several effective ways to combat regression and stagnation in training. The three techniques we’ll outline in this article are to simplify complicated commands, provide immediate and consistent positive reinforcement, and remove any distractions that could be hindering the pet’s training progress.

Simplifying Complex Commands

Sometimes a pet will exhibit frustration during training not because they’re unable to perform the command that they’re tasked with, but because they need it to be broken down into smaller steps in order to get a better understanding of what is wanted from them! For example, if a client wishes to teach their pup to hold and carry an object in its mouth, they should first reward their dog whenever its mouth makes contact with the object, no matter how big or small. Then, clients can move on to reward the dog when it opens its mouth around the object or near the object, signaling that this is a wanted behavior. If a pet isn’t rewarded at all until the wanted behavior is exhibited for the first time, in this case holding an object in their mouth, they can become easily irritated and confused. This only hinders their training progress further, so it’s important for clients to take a step back and reassess how they can be simplifying their training commands to better suit the needs of their pet.

Providing Immediate and Consistent Positive Reinforcement

There’s nothing that dogs love more than feeling good about the hard work they’re putting into training! Positive reinforcement can look different for every dog, but one common way to positively reinforce pets during training is with a delicious treat that will keep them motivated to perform. A popular training treat we recommend is Charlee Bear’s Original Crunch treats as each treat is less than three calories, meaning clients can reward their dogs as many times as needed without worry. Each treat is also sized with treating and training in mind and doesn’t leave any stains, smells or crumbs in clients’ pockets or treat bags.

Once a client has settled on a treat their pet will love, it’s important that the pet is rewarded consistently and immediately after they perform the desired behavior. If there is a delay in rewarding a pet, they may become confused since they won’t know exactly which action they’re being rewarded for. This will only delay the pet’s learning progress further and cause them to become frustrated. But, if a pet is rewarded consistently and clearly after displaying wanted behaviors, they will quickly learn that the action they’re performing will be rewarded with a yummy treat and stay motivated to continue!

Removing Distractions During Training

Similar to how humans go to libraries to study in order to concentrate, pets should be in a controlled environment with as little distractions as possible during their training. If a pet is learning a new command, taking them outside to train may slow down the learning process since there are too many visual and auditory distractions. Clients should find a quiet room inside their house away from other pets or family members and begin training there instead. This way, even if a dog were to become distracted, it will be much easier for a client to regain their pet’s focus. Once the dog has grasped an understanding of the new command they’re learning, a client can then gradually introduce their training in other environments, such as a backyard.

Although training plateaus can be equally frustrating for a client and their pet, implementing the above strategies can help lead clients toward more success with their training efforts! Every dog learns at their own pace, so it’s important that clients remain patient and try to find ways to improve their training. Practice makes perfect!

July 24 2024

3 Simple Scent Work Activities for Canine Enrichment

melissa Paw Prints canine enrichment, dog trainer, dog training, paw prints, scent work

By: The Charlee Bear Staff

With canine enrichment becoming a more popular topic over the years, everyone is on the lookout for new, engaging ways to keep their pets entertained. Scent work is a great and underutilized way to fulfill a pet’s enrichment needs and build confidence. Not only is scent work mentally stimulating for dogs, but it also provides an outlet for them to burn off excess energy in a way that’s productive and strengthens the bond between themselves and their owners. And the best part is that any breed of dog can do it!

With several different scent work training exercises out there, it can be difficult to know where to start. Here’s a list of simple activities your clients can try out at home with their pups to get them started on their scent work training journey!

1. Muffin Tin Puzzle

For this easy scent work activity, all your client will need is a muffin tin, some tasty dog treats and tennis balls. While out of their dog’s sight, the client should place one treat in two to three different holes in the muffin tin and then cover each of the holes with a tennis ball. Afterwards, the client can place the tin on the floor and allow their pet to sniff to try to find which tennis balls have a treat hidden under them. For this exercise, we recommend using Charlee Bear’s Grain Free Crunch treats because they’re a light snack that are less than 3 calories each, meaning this activity can be repeated as many times as needed without having to worry about excessive rewarding!

Once the client’s dog successfully finds a treat under the tennis ball, they should be praised to positively reinforce this behavior. Not only will this activity help prevent boredom, but it’s also a great, quick mental exercise that all dogs can enjoy.

2. Hide and Seek with Treats

This activity is the most simple and efficient of all since it only requires one thing – some delicious smelling dog treats! A great treat option for this activity is Charlee Bear’s Meaty Bites. These treats are freeze-dried to preserve their aroma and flavor and are offered in a variety of animal protein options like salmon, chicken or beef, making them a snack that’s both yummy and easy to track by their scent. Simply take the treat and touch or drag it across items around the house and hide it somewhere the dog can’t immediately spot. Clients should make sure that their dog isn’t in the same room as them while they’re creating the scent trail and ensure that the trail is linear so that it leads directly to the treat.

This exercise is versatile because it can be done both indoors and outdoors with any nearby items, and your clients’ dogs are sure to feel accomplished when they find the mouth-watering snack! With practice, clients can begin to increase the difficulty level such as hiding the treat inside of items or making the scent trail less linear.

3. Shell Game

Everyone has played the classic shell game in which three cups are shuffled around and someone has to guess which cup has a hidden item underneath it. Did you know that dogs can have fun playing this game too?! All that’s needed are some dog treats and two bowls. To start, clients should allow the dog to see the treat be placed under one of the bowls. Then, the client can shuffle the bowls around a couple of times before allowing the dog to sniff to try and find which one has a treat hidden underneath. If the client’s pet points its nose or paws at the wrong bowl, the client should lift it to show that there’s no treat under it, and then allow the dog to sniff the other bowl and receive the hidden snack.

This activity will take some practice, as many dogs may not be able to immediately identify which bowl has a treat underneath it after it’s been shuffled. But as your client’s dog starts to get the hang of it, more bowls can be added for a higher level of difficulty.

As seen by this list of exercises, scent work is very versatile and can be done with items that are easily found in any client’s home, making it the perfect go-to training activity for those who want to add some enrichment to their pup’s daily routine. While scent work is beneficial for dogs because it allows them to tap into their hunting instincts and feel a sense of accomplishment, it’s also great for clients who want to improve on the communication and connection they share with their pets!

July 11 2024

5 Innovative Online Dog Training Techniques for Busy Pet Parents

melissa Dog Training, Uncategorized abc dog training, animal training, become a dog trainer, dog obedience training, dog trainer, dog training, dog training tips, how to teach a dog, how to train a dog, puppy training, training dogs

If you’ve recently opened your home to a new furbaby, congratulations! Now get ready to start training. Dog training should begin early and, ideally, should continue throughout your pet’s life to keep their minds active and to reinforce what they’ve already learned!

Unless you’ve acquired an already well-trained older dog, you’ve got a lot of work to do, and it can be hard to know where to start! Depending on the age of your dog and her former life circumstances you may need to teach potty training and obedience basics like “Sit!” and “Come!” and work with possible behavior issues like:

Jumping on people
Reacting uncontrollably to dogs and other animals
Relentless barking
Puppy or play biting
Chewing on your stuff

Most dogs are born with an innate desire to please but not an innate knowledge of what to do, and a lot of what humans want is in opposition to a dog’s nature! Dogs love to chase small animals and eat things they find on the ground, they like to greet you in an energetic, in-your-face manner and hop up on your lap without permission. Dogs have a lot to learn, and it’s our responsibility to teach them. Busy pet parents want a magic bullet to make training go faster, but training correctly and consistently is what works. That takes time, patience and commitment.

Thanks to the internet, it’s actually a great time in history to learn how to train your dog; there are so many blogs and videos online that you can find help with almost any problem.

Innovative professional trainers have moved away from traditional methods and now wholeheartedly recommend positive, upbeat techniques that are more like rewards and play.

Hopefully, training will be an enjoyable experience! It’s a wonderful way to build a bond with your dog.

5 Things to Remember When Training

Take these truths to heart before you delve into training your dog, and things should go a lot more smoothly. Some of them are common sense but bear repeating.

The right attitude matters.

You and your dog should be relaxed and in a positive frame of mind for a training session. If you are tired, stressed out, and grumpy then your dog’s going to know. And it will make you more prone to be impatient. Your dog’s mood also comes into play. If he’s not ready to pay attention and engage, try again later. You’re just as likely to move backwards as you are to move forwards if you both aren’t ready.

Being willing to take your time succeeds faster in the long run.

Don’t try to train in long sessions and don’t try to teach too much at once. Being willing to take your time works faster in the long run. If your dog loses focus, stops taking treats or seems frustrated, it’s time to stop. What makes training unsuccessful? Rushing.

Start in a Safe, Controlled Space

When you begin training basics you want a familiar, distraction-free environment you can control. Teaching your dog to come to you or stay will never work if you’re in a yard alive with squirrels and birds or dogs and people passing on the sidewalk. You want to give your dog plenty of time to successfully master a command before you work up to trying it in a distracting environment.

Keep everything upbeat.

To succeed, it helps if training is fun for your dog. Being energetic and enthusiastic fosters a positive attitude in dogs. It feels like play. Your tone of voice really matters and so do your emotions. For instance, when you’re teaching recall it’s important never to get frustrated and start using a harsh voice–as if your dog would suddenly want to come to you if you sound mad! Ugly behavior on your part is another quick way to lose ground, as well as your dog’s trust.

Communicate sincerely and clearly

– First thing off the bat, teach your dog to pay attention to you. Train him to look you in the eye. Getting him to immediately turn his focus to you in any environment with any distraction is important.

– Always keep signals, whether voice commands or hand-signals, clear and consistent, and when you start out, the bigger the better. You can eventually rein in a sweeping gesture for “down” once your pup obeys the command like a pro.

– Be sincere, engaging and present; be “there,” and your training will be more successful.

– Always be looking for behaviors to reinforce and be super-fast rewarding them! This can’t be stressed enough. When you first start training, in fact, treats should be stashed all over the house, and you should be actively looking for things to encourage. Mark good behavior immediately, though, or your dog may clue in to the wrong thing.

Dog Training for Fun and Profit

If you love dogs; if you want to save unruly pets from being surrendered to shelters; if you want a career that keeps you outside, moving and meeting new challenges then you may want to consider dog training. Becoming a certified dog trainer is a fulfilling career that allows you to help both animals and the people who love them and who desperately want them to stop leash-pulling, jumping on people, or counter surfing!

Animal Behavior College has been certifying dog trainers since 1998. Learn online then get hands-on experience with a local mentor trainer. You could be training dogs on your own in about 12 months!

How to Become a Professional Dog Trainer in 2025

Why Dog Training Certification Matters

What You’ll Learn at Animal Behavior College

Expanding Your Career Beyond Basic Dog Training

Why Dog Owners Choose Certified Trainers

Begin Your Dog Training Career with Animal Behavior College

How to Get Your First Clients as a New Dog Trainer

Define Your Specialty as a Dog Trainer

Get Certified and Start Strong

Build Your Business Plan

Attracting Your First Paying Clients

Use Low-Cost Marketing Methods

Network with Other Pet Professionals

Word of Mouth Is Your Best Friend

Recap: Start Smart, Train Hard, Stay Visible

Want to Become a Certified Dog Trainer?

The Benefits Of Multiple Streams Of Income

Multi-Tasking Treats: How Treats With Supplemental Benefits Can Help Your Clients’ Dogs

Recognizing Training Plateaus and How to Overcome Them

3 Simple Scent Work Activities for Canine Enrichment

5 Innovative Online Dog Training Techniques for Busy Pet Parents

5 Things to Remember When Training

The right attitude matters.

Being willing to take your time succeeds faster in the long run.

Start in a Safe, Controlled Space

Keep everything upbeat.

Communicate sincerely and clearly

Dog Training for Fun and Profit

STATE LICENSURE AND APPROVAL

DISCLAIMER

GI BILL® TRADEMARK ATTRIBUTION