Dog Training wisdom & More

Lost your keys? Maybe your dog can help! Teaching your dog to identify and retrieve specific objects, like your keys,…

After first hearing about the Karen Pryor Academy (KPA) Dog Training Professional (DTP) program from a friend who provided daycare…

Can you teach your dog to offer two opposite behaviors? How… and why? Teaching paired, opposite behaviors accelerates the learning…

Introducing your dog to different surfaces is essential for dog-sport training. Dogs that compete in dog sports must have the…

Have you ever been embarrassed by your dog jumping up to greet a stranger? Jumping is one of the most…

Karen Pryor Academy (KPA) faculty member Andre Yeu will lead the KPA Dog Trainer Professional (DTP) program in Toronto, Ontario,…

Dogs, especially puppies, like to play and get dirty and need to be bathed regularly. However, just the sound of…

Dan Tower Anderson, KPA CTP, who generally goes by Tower, is a crossover trainer. When he first trained dogs in…

Imagine if you could teach your cat to go into or out of a carrier effortlessly, without physical manipulation. How…

Many dogs fear being handled by strangers, which can be particularly problematic visiting the vet or groomer. However, when dogs…

Few things are more joyful than unclipping your dog’s leash to begin an outdoor adventure. Off-leash walks and hikes let…

Ben Touchton, KPA CTP, discovered his passion for working with animals as a part-time employee at an animal shelter while…

Looking for a fun way to build new behaviors while building your chops as a trainer? Try shaping! Shaping is…

Interested in a new way to train and have fun with your dog this summer? Try Canine Freestyle! Also known…

There are few things more exciting than bringing home a new puppy. The first weeks and months are crucial for…

Doorways are exciting places for dogs—who knows what is waiting on the other side! As a result, many dogs get…

Alasdair (Al) Bunyan, KPA CTP, first heard about the Karen Pryor Academy (KPA) Dog Trainer Professional (DTP) program when he…

One question that trainers are often asked is if food treats must be used as the reinforcer. Some dogs do…

Teaching your dog a jump is an essential skill for canine sports such as agility. In fact, a standard agility…

Walking with your dog can be a very rewarding experience for both you and your dog. It is also a…

Karen Pryor Academy (KPA) faculty member Kiki Yablon will lead the KPA Dog Trainer Professional (DTP) program in Salt Lake…

Stationing—training an animal to go to a designated area and stay there until cued otherwise—is a useful training tool for…

Imogen Poropat, KPA CTP, learned about Karen Pryor Academy (KPA) and the KPA Dog Trainer Professional (DTP) program when she…

Many dogs are afraid of getting into a car. This common fear occurs for many different reasons. Some dogs have…

It’s never too early to start clicker training—and that goes for both dogs and humans! One of the benefits of…

Blood draws are routine procedures at veterinary visits, but they are also one of the most stressful procedures—for dogs and…

By the time Miki Saito, KPA CTP, enrolled in the Karen Pryor Academy (KPA) Dog Trainer Professional (DTP) World program…

Living in a multi-dog household can be enjoyable and fun, but it can also be chaotic—especially when it comes time…

Kittens are highly intelligent animals that, just like their canine counterparts, are capable of learning a variety of behaviors. Beginning…

Does your dog listen to you when you are at home but ignore you at the park? That’s because training…

Mouthy puppy problems? While it’s completely normal for puppies to bite, chew, and mouth people’s hands, it’s important to teach…

A healthy dog is a happy dog, so it’s important to catch health problems before they occur. Teaching your dog…

A veterinary nurse, Leah Bria, KPA CTP, transitioned to animal training after teaching puppy preschool classes at the vet clinic…

Do you struggle with giving your cat medication? You aren’t alone. Getting cats to take medication can be a challenge,…

Building strong foundation behaviors is an investment that will demonstrate value throughout your dog’s training. For example, targeting is an…

Brian Burton and Sarah Fraser, both 2014 graduates of the Karen Pryor Academy (KPA) Dog Trainer Professional (DTP) program co-founded…

Does your dog respond to cues reliably at home but fails to respond when you ask for those same cues…

Socializing puppies with other dogs is important; it teaches them how to be relaxed and confident when they meet new…

Rose Browne, KPA CTP, the Owner and Lead Puppy Trainer at Dynamic Canines Inc., was the first Karen Pryor Academy…

Regular veterinary visits are important for your dog’s health and wellness, but for many dogs these visits can be stressful.…

One of the most powerful benefits of clicker training is the ability to teach creative behaviors quickly. The head nod…

Pivoting, a behavior that requires a dog to change direction by moving her rear end while keeping her feet in…

Being out and about with your dog is one of life’s greatest joys, but only if you have a dog…

Hu Wang, KPA CTP, changed careers to improve the image of dogs in Chinese society. A TV producer in Beijing,…

When thinking about positive reinforcement, food treats are likely top of mind. However, there may be times when you can’t…

While there’s so much that goes into getting puppies off to a great start, puppy socialization classes can play a…

If you have a dog, you have probably heard of clicker training. But what exactly is it? Is clicker training…

Teaching your dog the concept of left and right is useful for many circumstances, including trail-walking, dog-sports competitions, retrieving exercises,…

Marsha Penner, KPA CTP, was pretty much a dog training novice when she first attended ClickerExpo “to see what it…

Have you ever been out on an enjoyable walk with your dog, rounded the corner, and suddenly come face-to-face with…

How do you celebrate National Cat Day? At Karen Pryor Academy (KPA), we celebrate by teaching our cats new behaviors,…

Karen Pryor Academy (KPA) and Lisa White, DVM, founder of Veterinary Behavior Management Solutions in Cincinnati, Ohio, are pleased to…

Many dogs are anxious about receiving husbandry care—especially if they find new experiences scary or if they have had a…

If your dog is sensitive to people or dogs, it can make everyday activities like walks, vet visits, and group…

If you work at or have ever visited a shelter, you know these dogs: the shy dogs that cower in…

Michelle Wieser, KPA CTP, lives in Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada, a remote northern area near Alaska. She first became involved in…

Congratulations to our very own Ken Ramirez who was the recipient of the 2021 Lifetime Achievement Award by the Association…

You want to interact with your puppy but, ouch, those little razor-sharp teeth! Puppy biting is a completely normal part…

Multiple-time International Freestyle Champion Michele Pouliot is often asked how she makes her dazzling freestyle routines seem so effortless. Ready…

Anyone who has ever taken a cat to the vet knows that it can be a stressful experience for both…

Here’s a common scenario: Your dog loves to chase toys. You pick up a toy and your dog dances wildly…

Does your dog go berserk when you come home? Do you wish your dog would greet you calmly rather than…

Vijay Joshi, KPA CTP, is the Puppy Development Coordinator at Leader Dogs for the Blind, a guide-dog training organization. She…

Many people only think of using a primary reinforcer, such as food treats, when they are training behavior with an…

In Teach Your Dog to “Leave It,” Karen Pryor Academy (KPA) faculty member Juliana Willems demonstrated the first step to…

The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB) position statement on humane dog training emphasizes the belief that Karen Pryor…

During the pandemic, many people have opted for private consults over group puppy classes. The consults can be done in-home…

In Part 1 of How to Create a Safe Place for Your Dog, KPA faculty member Debbie Martin demonstrated how…

Waltham, MA, August 4, 2021—Karen Pryor Academy (KPA) is pleased to welcome KPA Certified Training Partner (CTP) Breanna Norris as…

Jennifer Long, KPA CTP, was working at a local animal shelter and contemplating a certification program to further her interest…

Teaching your dog to tell the difference between left and right on cue is not only fun, but the skill…

The bow is not only an impressive trick, but is also one of the critical skills in canine freestyle routines.…

Many people feel guilty about crate training their dogs, as they think that confinement is cruel. However, when crate training…

Teaching your dog to hold an object builds a solid foundation for teaching advanced behaviors for dog sports, such as…

When her first dog passed away, Reanna Ali, KPA CTP, was heartbroken. Around that time, she left the corporate world…

One of the most useful (and easy) behaviors that you can teach your cat is to sit on cue. Not…

When they think about adding a new dog to the family, many people dream of long, leisurely strolls with their…

Let’s face it, most diagnostic or therapeutic procedures are not pleasant for dogs. However, by practicing at home for what…

Shaping is the process of breaking down a behavior into small steps and reinforcing each small step as you work…

Puppy socialization is not just about playing with other puppies or being petted by humans. Practicing body handling, introducing novel…

Cindy Benson, KPA CTP, offers positive training for working livestock guardian dogs (LGDs) and their owners at Benson Ranch, and…

Is your dog fearful of loud noises or events, such as thunderstorms, fireworks, or even the vacuum cleaner? Or is…

When people think of dog training, they don’t often think beyond teaching basic cues. However, dogs are capable of so…

Have you ever dropped a pill and scrambled to pick it up before your dog rushed over to scarf it…

As eye infections in dogs are common, your veterinarian may prescribe eye drops for your dog at some point. After…

Alex Lee, KPA CTP, is the new Karen Pryor Academy (KPA) Country Manager in (South) Korea. Translating to Korean the…

Is your dog obsessed with chasing balls and toys? It’s tempting to try and wear out your dog by mindlessly…

Does your dog spend most of your walks sniffing the ground? Well, there’s a good reason for that! Unlike humans…

Vet visits are stressful for many dogs. Being placed on strange surfaces and touched all over your body with strange…

KPA CTP and faculty member Andre Yeu was featured recently on CTV’s morning show Your Morning. In a focused segment…

Karen Pryor Academy (KPA) faculty member Juliana Willems will lead the KPA Dog Trainer Professional (DTP) program in Washington, DC.…

Despite the pandemic, now is the best time to consider switching careers and pursuing pet-dog training, as a side-hustle, a…

What is the first step to becoming a good trainer? Good clicker mechanics! By practicing your clicker mechanics before you…

Waltham, MA, April 13, 2021—Karen Pryor Academy (KPA) is thrilled to announce Dog Trainer Professional (DTP) scholarship opportunities for people…

Shelters can be a stressful environment for dogs. Fortunately, there are simple, low-cost enrichment activities that can be implemented to…

KPA CTP Joy Chia and her dog-enrichment school appear in a recent (March 21,2021) Channel News Asia (CNA) online article,…

Brittany Thomas, KPA CTP, met a Karen Pryor Academy (KPA) Certified Training Partner (CTP) when she was pursuing her certification…

Bringing a new cat into a home with other cats? Let’s face it: cats are territorial, so you will want…

Training your dog is not only essential for teaching life skills and avoiding problem behaviors, but it also offers an…

Ken MacLeod, KPA CTP, has been a newsmaker in recent months. Profiled in Modern Dog magazine and featured on the…

Waltham, March 22, 2021—Karen Pryor Academy (KPA) is pleased to announce that its Dog Trainer Foundations and Dog Trainer Foundations…

Multiple International Freestyle Champion Michele Pouliot frequently dazzles crowds with her Head-Tuck Bow routine. In this video, Michele shows you…

Training puppies? Consider incorporating a stationing platform into your training plan! A stationing platform provides many benefits. It not only…

As trainers, we need to be able to depend on our dogs’ ability to respond to the correct verbal cue…

Kristina Dieta Setiabudi, KPA CTP, offers dog training services through her business, Puppy Colours in Singapore, focusing on puppies and…

For many animals, cold winter climates, the pandemic, or recovering from an injury often results in less exercise outdoors, leading…

Teaching your dog to heel is not only easy and fun, but it helps encourage your dog to love walking…

Teaching your dog to spin is a fun and easy way to start teaching basic tricks. The spin behavior can…

Even if your dog is the sweetest dog in the world, there may be a situation where s/he needs to…

Georgette Lombardo, KPA CTP, Albuquerque The Magazine’s Top Trainer in 2020 and 2017 and among the Top 5 in 2016,…

Karen Pryor Academy (KPA) faculty member Alexis Davison will lead KPA Dog Trainer Professional (DTP) programs in Sydney, Australia (application…

KPA faculty member Laura Monaco Torelli was featured recently on FOX 32 Chicago where she offered advice on how to…

Although it is National Train Your Dog Month, dogs shouldn’t have all the fun! Try training your cat to provide…

Capturing your dog’s attention is an important foundation for all other training, and it demonstrates the positive relationship you have…

Shaping, teaching a new behavior by breaking it down in small increments, is an essential tool for teaching complex (and…

Most dogs are social animals, which is why teaching puppies the appropriate way to greet other dogs is a critical…

Cari Tetzlaff, KPA CTP, was searching for new ways to help at-risk dogs when she enrolled in the Karen Pryor…

Have you ever wanted to reward your dog for a job well done, but didn’t have food treats with you?…

When training at a distance, there are many different objects that can be used to help your dog to stay…

Karen Pryor Academy (KPA) faculty member Jen Biglan will lead the KPA Dog Trainer Professional (DTP) program in Dublin (East…

In the course of their lifetimes, most dogs will get an ear infection that requires ear drops. However, administering ear…

The joy of raising a family dog should be a great family experience. One of the benefits of clicker training…

Karen Pryor Academy (KPA) faculty member Alexis Davison will lead KPA Dog Trainer Professional (DTP) programs in Sydney, Australia (application…

Sarah Walsh, KPA CTP, CDPT-KA, studied zoology and business administration to earn her bachelor’s degree. After graduation, she was eager…

Socializing is more than introducing your puppy to lots of people and animals—it’s also about exposing your puppy to everyday…

Teaching dogs to “drop it”—to release an object that they have—is an often-overlooked skill. However, it is probably one of…

Many cats are just as frightened of nail trims as their humans are of giving them. However, by taking a…

What if your dog could bring you his/her bowl—or even a beer? Training a dog to retrieve everyday items is…

Tisha Knickerbocker, KPA CTP, offers a range of dog-training services, from basic family manners to training for the fun, games,…

The shelter environment is stressful for dogs, and for the people who work there, but the environment is especially stressful…

A reliable recall, or come when called, behavior is one of the most important foundation behaviors. Mastered, it lets your…

Does your dog resist oral medication? If so, you are not alone. Most dogs (like people) don’t enjoy swallowing pills.…

Sarah Hoth, KPA CTP, entered the dog training field in a familiar way: she adopted a dog and needed advice,…

Walking a dog with a harness is safer and more comfortable than walking a dog with a traditional collar. However,…

When you think of training new behaviors, you think of training one behavior at a time. For example, in one…

An umbrella snapping open during a rainstorm. A walker rolling along a sidewalk. These are a few of the many…

Thinking about training your cat? Why not teach your cat to go to a mat? This behavior has many applications:…

Teaching your dog to stay, an essential foundation behavior, is an investment that will be valuable in a variety of…

Chelsea Murray, KPA CTP, began her career as a dog trainer after earning a degree in biological sciences at the…

Canine freestyle champion Michele Pouliot is known for using innovative trick behaviors in her entertaining routines. One of the foundation…

Waltham, MA, September 9, 2020—Karen Pryor Academy (KPA) is pleased to welcome five new faculty members to its world-renowned Dog…

New trainers often ask which cues should they use in their training: verbal cues or a non-verbal cues. The answer…

Can animals recognize shapes? As Ken Ramirez demonstrates frequently, they can! But why teach shape discrimination? Training an animal to…

One of the first steps of training any behavior is to teach your dog to focus his/her attention on you.…

In a recent online article in Wirecutter, owned by The New York Times, the topic of post-pandemic return to work…

Receiving eye drops can be quite stressful for many dogs (and humans!). However, with some planning and training, you can…

Consuelo López, KPA CTP, halted a study of literature to return to her greatest passion, horse riding. In addition to…

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, interest in fostering and adopting pets has soared. However, with many dog parks closed and social…

Adding distance to a behavior is one of those things that sounds simple on the surface but can get sticky…

Canine freestyle, also known as musical freestyle, is a modern sport where dogs and handlers perform dazzling choreographed routines set…

One of the fastest and easiest ways to train a new behavior on cue is to capture a behavior that…

Targeting, when a dog to touches a body part to a specific object or person, is a very valuable and…

Looking for a fun activity to do with your dog this summer? Stand-up paddle boarding (SUP) can provide an awesome…

The life of Jill Sackman, DVM, PhD, KPA CTP, has always included companion and show animals. A veterinarian specializing in…

Understanding reinforcement is the key to understanding how dogs learn. Reinforcement can be categorized as either primary or secondary. A…

Let’s face it, most diagnostic or therapeutic procedures are not pleasant for dogs. However, by practicing at home for what…

One of the most common questions that puppy parents ask is “What should I teach my puppy first?” Teaching a…

Are you always tripping over dog toys? Did you know that, according to the CDC, tripping over dog toys caused…

As many cats live their entire lives indoors, clicker training can provide valuable mental and physical stimulation. But where to…

Kiki Yablon, KPA CTP, has journeyed from new-dog owner to established and respected dog trainer in the Chicago area—following a…

As important as it is to teach your dog basic behaviors such as “sit” and “stay,” it’s equally as important…

If you teach a dog to distinguish between his left paw and his right paw, you will have a terrific…

Cavaletti training, walking or trotting over poles, has been used for equine conditioning traditionally but we now also use it…

Does your dog bark wildly when the doorbell rings? Dogs bark when they hear the doorbell for several reasons: they…

Teaching your dog to weave through your legs is great for building confidence, and the leg weave is a fundamental…

Tabitha Kucera, KPA CTP, CCBC, CRVT, is dedicated to strengthening the bond between animals and humans. Her business, Chirrups &…

The effective use of non-food reinforcers is a critical skill that all trainers will likely use or need at some…

Most shelter dogs have not been taught how to greet people, so they greet them like they would other dogs—they…

If your dog is fluent in more than one behavior, those individual behaviors can be linked together by learned cues…

In the midst of the coronavirus outbreak, many pet owners are wondering how to implement husbandry care. Use this time…

Puppies are always learning. Their first experiences with new stimuli shape how they will respond to those stimuli later on…

Amber Quann, KPA CTP, CPDT-KSA, is the owner and head trainer at Summit Dog Training in northern Colorado. She is…

All behavior is impacted by the environment. Even if the trainer does nothing consciously, the animal will still perceive cues…

A timely article in The New York Times online newspaper entitled “Helping Your Dog Survive During a Quarantine” provides excellent…

With longer, warmer days ahead, it’s a good time to enjoy the outdoors together with your dog. Why not prepare…

Linda Ryan, one of the first graduates of the Karen Pryor Academy (KPA) Dog Trainer Professional (DTP) program from the…

Ken Ramirez believes that animals are capable of far more than we give them credit for—when training is fun! For…

Will Brunz, KPA CTP, owns and runs Columbia Mountain Kennels (CMK) along with his wife, Andrea. Now a positive-only trainer,…

Is your dog afraid of ordinary objects? Does he freeze or try to run away when he sees a bag…

When you give your dog a treat for a job well done, you are using a primary reinforcer, which is…

One of the most common problems that pet owners want to solve is how to teach their dogs not to…

Anyone who lives or works with animals knows how powerful the human-animal bond can be. In this heartwarming tale from…

Weight checks are a standard part of every vet visit, but for many pet owners getting their dogs onto the…

Sarah Surritt, KPA CTP, CPDT, CGC, was drawn to volunteer work at the San Diego Humane Society when she had…

Introducing puppies to new stimuli and different surfaces is essential to the development of a confident and well-adjusted adult dog.…

Just because it’s National Train Your Dog Month doesn’t mean that dogs get to have all the fun! KPA Certified…

During the winter you may be searching for activities that you can do with your dog to keep you both…

What types of useful behaviors can you teach with targeting? In last week’s blog Teaching Your Dog to Hand Target,…

Eva Berginc, KPA CTP, completed the World format of the KPA Dog Trainer Professional (DTP) program in 2018, with Terry…

Trainers are often asked, “What behaviors should I begin teaching my dog?” Teaching your dog to touch the palm of…

If you and your dog find nail trimming stressful, you are not alone. Nail trimming is one of those necessary…

A fundamental skill for canine freestyle is the dog backing around the handler. It’s also a fun trick that will…

Waltham, MA, December 16, 2019—Karen Pryor Academy (KPA) will be the first private education institution to join forces with three…

Karen Pryor Academy’s Dog Trainer Foundation course offers dogs and their humans what they really crave: fun together! When you…

Erin Kidd, KPA CTP, came to positive-reinforcement training with a sigh of relief 15 years ago. Since she bought her…

Think you’re a great dog trainer? Try training a cat, bird, guinea pig, or horse! Training other species is not…

A recent study out of Portugal led by Ana Catarina Vieira de Castro has been receiving attention, including press from…

Puppy training is more than socialization and problem-solving; it’s about setting the foundation for a lifelong partnership between people and…

Is your dog performing a new behavior reliably, but not necessarily when you want him to? Maybe you’re hoping for…

Teaching your dog to tell the difference between left and right on cue is a fun exercise that is handier…

Laura Heyer, KPA CTP, an experienced educator of children with behavioral and developmental disabilities, has utilized—and extended—that special skill set…

Waltham, MA, October 31, 2019—Karen Pryor Academy (KPA) and Lisa White, DVM, founder of Veterinary Behavior Management Solutions in Cincinnati,…

Life in a shelter is stressful for dogs—even at the most humane shelters. A variety of enrichment activities can enhance…

With the holiday season around the corner, now is the time to begin holiday training. What if instead of jumping…

When you give your dog a treat for a job well done, you are using a primary reinforcer, which is…

Jade Fountain, KPA CTP, has trained a multitude of species, studied with many of the most renowned animal training and…

Karen Pryor Academy (KPA) faculty member Laurie Luck will lead KPA Dog Trainer Professional (DTP) program in St Louis, (application…

In a recent online news article about training the family cat, KPA’s Train Your Cat course was recommended. Emphasizing that…

If your dog pulls away when you touch his paws, you are not alone. Many dogs dislike having their paws…

Imagine moving across a dance floor, with every move in synch with the music. Now imagine your dog dancing with…

Karen Pryor Academy for Animal Training & Behavior (KPA) was lauded recently by Wirecutter, the product review site owned by…

Nothing is more frustrating than reaching for your puppy only to have him back away just out of your reach.…

Shaping, the process of teaching a new behavior by breaking it down in small increments, is a great way to…

When we think of animal training, we don’t often think beyond teaching certain cues. However, Ken Ramirez encourages everyone to…

Teaching a dog to back up is important for many dog sports, as it is a fundamental skill. However, did…

Michael Baugh, KPA CTP, has trained dogs since 1999, but has a background in communications that extends back even further.…

They are called “cones of shame” for a reason. Most dogs have to wear one of those awkward, plastic, lamp-like…

One of the biggest objections to positive reinforcement training is the perception that it’s “all about the food.” However, while…

Teaching your dog to wait at a boundary, like the threshold of a door, is not only a useful skill…

A nail Dremel is a great alternative to use with dogs that hate having their nails clipped by guillotine-style clippers,…

While Amy Creaven’s career focus has switched from intensive care nursing to dog training, she has not abandoned her nursing…

Karen Pryor Academy (KPA) Dog Trainer Professional (DTP) program student Jessica Benoit (RVT, CPDT-KA) is using her knowledge of targets…

With scorching heat in many parts of the U.S., many dogs may not be able to enjoy long walks or…

Have you ever observed a dog performing behaviors at a distance from his handler and wished you could teach your…

Juliana Willems, KPA CTP, of Dog Latin Dog Training returned recently to Dr. Katy Nelson’s Ask the Trainer television segment.…

Megan Ramirez, KPA CTP, switched her professional focus from library science, in which she earned a master’s degree, to dog…

In last week’s featured video, KPA CTP Michelle Wieser and her dog Timber demonstrated how to teach a paw target.…

Training a dog to target an object with his paw is easy and fun. A paw target is a foundation…

Most people understand the importance of socializing puppies, and there are numerous puppy classes available. However, many classes are not…

Waltham, MA, June 18, 2019— Karen Pryor Academy (KPA) is pleased to announce the selection of KPA Certified Training Partner…

Everyone knows that you can teach tricks to dogs, but did you know that cats can be trained easily, too?…

In early June, the Oshkosh Area Humane Society (OAHS) was awarded the $5,000 first prize in the Jackson Galaxy Project’s…

Kimmie Harlow, KPA CTP, provides private dog training in Rockville, Maryland. She has a special interest in helping families where…

Chances are that when your dog was younger, you spent many hours training new behaviors like spinning, jumping, bowing, and…

Visiting the veterinarian’s office can be a stressful experience, for both pet owners and their pets. Teaching a dog simple…

Do you have a dog that barrels out doorways or from the crate? What about from the car? This can…

Stationing—training an animal to go to a designated area and stay there until cued otherwise—is an essential tool for most…

Teaching your dog to turn his head is a fun exercise, and the skill is handier than it seems. A…

Born in Ontario, Canada, Sandy Issler, KPA CTP, came to the United States for graduate school. She has lived in…

Being very comfortable wearing an appropriate and well-fitted muzzle is a good training goal for any dog—particularly in situations where…

In spring 2019, Maddisen-Leigh Phelan, KPA CTP, and her border collie Rev were finalists in Facebook’s World’s Most Amazing Dog…

One of the fastest and easiest ways to train a new behavior on cue is to capture the behavior. “Sit”…

Karen Pryor Academy (KPA) faculty member Laura VanArendonk Baugh will lead upcoming KPA Dog Trainer Professional (DTP) programs in Washington,…

Teaching your dog a chin-rest behavior is useful for training shy, overly excited, or reactive dogs. It is also helpful…

Are you looking for a fun training exercise this spring? Teaching your dog to go around an object, such as…

Patrick (Pat) Emmett, KPA CTP, is full-fledge into his second career. Pat turned to dog-training in his retirement after more…

How can you quickly transform a dog from growly and people-averse to a willing participant in a training dialogue? The…

Targeting, where an animal touches an object with her nose or paw, is not just a useful behavior for dogs—it…

Strategic treat placement is a key part of dog training, yet it is often overlooked. The placement of reinforcement during…

One of the first graduates of the Karen Pryor Academy (KPA) Dog Trainer Professional (DTP) program held in Australia, April…

Cues should always be clear and consistent. However, cues do allow for some flexibility and can be transferred. Are two…

Teaching your dog to settle on a mat is very useful—for both practical and safety reasons. Dogs need a safe…

Dogs make the best Valentines—today and every day! They love unconditionally, are faithful and unselfishly devoted, and can always make…

Michelle Mullins is the owner of and Director of Training at Honest To Dog, LLC. She provides private, in-home training,…

Teaching your dog a chin rest is useful for building cooperation during medical, such as vaccinations, administration of medications, and…

Sherry Nativo, KPA CTP, assists pet parents with the everyday, and the unexpected, issues that arise with animals. Private lessons,…

Constant barking is stressful for shelter dogs, staff, and visitors. A small shift in routine management can reduce the noise…

Shaping is the process by which you gradually teach a dog a new action or behavior by rewarding him during each step of…

Did you know that you can teach your dog the difference between left/right, up/down, or over/under? The second course in…

Does your dog know how to pay attention to you? When your dog is focused on listening to you, training…

January is National Train Your Dog Month, a time to celebrate the joy of training. Enjoy a healthy relationship with…

The cat: independent, strong-willed, often aloof. Not exactly training material, right? Surprise surprise: clicker training blows the roof off of…

During the holiday season we put a lot of thought into gifts for others. It’s a wonderful feeling to give…

All Ears! How to Train Your Puppy to ListenTuning you outDo you find yourself repeating instructions to your dog or…

The first four months a puppy’s life are the most influential. Most of what is learned during this early period…

The holiday season is a joyous time for humans. It’s full of festive parties, holiday décor, delicious treats, and visitors.…

Teoti Anderson, KPA CTP, CPDT-KA, Vice President of A Dog’s Best Friend in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, has provided professional dog-training…

‘Tis the season for finding that perfect gift for those we love, and for many of us that includes the…

If you are hosting Thanksgiving this year, your focus is probably on the bird—not the dog. But to ensure a…

Holidays are fun to celebrate with furry family members, but the abundance of guests, commotion, and food can be challenging…

Karen Pryor Academy (KPA) faculty member Shelly Brouwer will lead a KPA Dog Trainer Professional (DTP) National program in Boulder,…

Karen Pryor Academy (KPA) and Dr. Lisa White, DVM, founder of Veterinary Behavior Management Solutions in Cincinnati, Ohio, are pleased…

Heather Adams, KPA CTP, first discovered Karen Pryor Academy (KPA) through an internet search as she sought help for Sadie,…

The Dos and Don’ts of Halloween Costumes for PetsAccording to an article in the New York Post, 31 million people…

In honor of Adopt-a-Shelter-Dog Month, Karen Pryor Academy (KPA) is proud to announce the availability of four Zoe Shelter Scholarships…

Lynne Stephens, KPA CTP, is a canine agility specialist, trainer, and seminar presenter. She is the co-owner of DogLogic Training…

DEFINE POSITIVE FOR ME…A recent article in the Psychology Today e-magazine discusses the challenge of finding true positive reinforcement animal…

A career change in 2008 saw Beth Mullen, KPA CTP, CBCC, CPDT, incorporate her interest in animals of all species…

Stephanie Peters, KPA CTP and CPDT-KA, owner of Plucky Paws, adopted her “sweet little dog Marmalade” from Second Chance Animal…

Laura Donaldson, KPA CTP, combines her extensive credentials with her experience in dog training and canine behavior (and her participation…

Karen Pryor Academy (KPA) faculty member Emma Parsons led KPA Dog Trainer Professional (DTP) programs in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and Franklin,…

Karen Pryor Academy (KPA) faculty member Emma Parsons led KPA Dog Trainer Professional (DTP) programs in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and Franklin,…