basic obedience & training
Learn from the experts and train your pet on basic obedience: potty training, crate training, even litter box training. Plus, how to find a professional trainer.
It may be playful, but it’s getting old.
By sticking to a schedule, you’ll find it’s very doable.
New Dog Training 101
Look, new dogs are cute. But they’re also little alien monsters who have descended to destroy our furniture and our sleep. Still, we love them. Luckily, this program covers all the basics, from potty training to proper socialization—all through positive reinforcement. Time to stock up on treats!
Start Trainingopens in a new tabPlus, four things you should do immediately.
Follow this guide for a calm and content puppy.
The most mouth-watering treats for training your pup.
If anything requires patience, it’s this.
How to Introduce a Cat to a Dog
Hint: Take it slow.
It may stop the problem in the moment...
Ask a Vet
Pet health question that’s not an emergency? Our vet team will answer over email within 48 hours. So, go ahead, ask us about weird poop, bad breath, and everything in between.
Here’s everything you need to know about ESAs.
Best Training Collars for Dogs
Get expert advice to find what will work for your pup.
All those things you’re doing to get ready may be the culprit.
The answer to your obedience questions—right there on your phone.
How to Teach a Dog to “Drop It”
The most important cue your dog doesn’t know. Yet.
And learn how often they have to go outside.
The questions to ask and credentials to look out for to find the right trainer for your dog, according to a pro.
Stop them before a stare turns into a fight.
With a little patience, some training, and a few treats, your pup will be scaling those steps in no time.
Animal behaviorist Karen London on how the time change will affect your cat or dog.
And they’ll thank you for it.
And why you shouldn’t skip the longer routes.
Your dog knows when they want fun and games, but it’s important you understand. Here’s why.
And how to keep them safe when they do.
Those viral Tiktok videos may not be all smoke and mirrors.
Don’t let your new dog walk you.
It's time to reframe the situation.
Why Does My Puppy Pee on My Bed?
And when will it stop?
How to Train With a Puppy Pad
First step: patience.
One more thing to talk about with your therapist.
Are Dogs Actually Stubborn?
“Labeling a dog as stubborn is often an easy way to shift the blame from a problem with the relationship to a problem with the dog.”
Does Dog Pee Kill Grass?
It depends...
How to elevate your pup’s experience with one of the best enrichment toys out there.
From the safest gear to training recs.
The internet has a lot to tell you about your new addition. Here’s what’s actually true.
A new study found that a dog’s breed accounts for less than 10 percent of their behavior.
How to Socialize a Puppy
Everything you need to know to get your new addition off to a good start.
The Best Dog Breeds for Families
Remember: You can find just about any breed you want at a rescue.
You love that your dog is your shadow, but maybe not when you’re on a Zoom call.
The latest training activity develops your dog’s natural scenting abilities through fun and games.
Why Your Dog Needs a Frozen Kong
Two words: Endless entertainment.
Yet another reason positive reinforcement is the way to go.
Keep calm and get blood drawn.
Here’s your guide to how treats can help as your new pup is learning all the things.
How to Train a Dog Not to Jump
Kinship Collective dog trainer Robert Haussmann’s pro tips for getting a hyped-up dog to chill out.
How to Train a Dog to Stay
The first rule of thumb for you: patience.
As a behaviorist, the South Dakota governor's actions horrify me for several reasons.
Having an older, wiser dog around can be a big plus.
It is powerful enough, even for the tough cases, and it is the best choice—here’s why.
Take it slow. This process should never feel like speed-dating.
How to Calm a Puppy Down
Yes, it is possible.
Cognitive Science professor Dr. Federico Rossano on how Bunny, TikTok’s “talking” dog, is sparking change in how we communicate with our pets.
Why it’s best to avoid these altogether.
I’m baffled by the number of names I call my dog. Is my dog baffled, too?
This study found that cranky pups are actually very fast social learners.
A new study says your dog could fall into one of these categories based on their reactions to real-life events.
Your dog is wild for the snow, but here’s how to convince them to retreat back inside when your toes start to get frozen.
Your personality may actually have something to do with your pet’s personality.
Your little cutie is growing up in many ways—look out for these big stages as they do.
You need a break sometimes, and your dog is ready (and willing!) to take one with you.
Are You a Helicopter Dog Parent?
It’s normal to worry—but your pup might need some space.
Snow days are fun—until your pup needs to do their thing outside.
Chilly pup refusing to layer? Here’s how to train them to love their winter wardrobe.
Let the games begin.
Spoiler: It’s not about the breed. But these pups are pretty brainy.
Make sure your pup doesn’t “decorate” your tree.
If only there were dog Jeopardy!.
How to re-housetrain a dog of any age.
Separation Anxiety in Dogs
Train your dog to stay calm when they’re on their own — instead of sad-singing “All By Myself” until you come home.
Considering this viral moment, trainers weigh in on what you should know about introducing dogs to kids.
Here are some tips for fitting training into your action-packed schedule.
Because nobody wants your pup eating the host’s charcuterie platter.
Set your pup up for success.
How the misunderstood training tool actually empowers dogs to be “happy, fulfilled, and living their best lives.”
Dog trainer Robert Haussmann’s tips for dealing with a protective dog that’s taken their duties too far.
Pro tips on training your dog with the click of a button — literally.
Can I Pet Your Dog?
Consent isn’t just for humans. Here’s how to respond when the answer isn’t so simple.
There’s a lot more to it than sniffing each other’s butts.
It’s important to remember that dogs are individuals, so training isn’t one-size-fits-all.
How to treat and prevent confinement anxiety.
A dog behaviorist schools us on why puppy classes are more about socializing than getting straight As.
Is Your Dog Bilingual?
Your dog may understand other languages better than you think, according to a new study.
If your dog tries to scarf down literally everything in sight, you need this advice.
You gotta start somewhere.
Why the TikTok personality’s harmful tactics are just plain abuse, according to certified trainers.
Celebrity dog groomer Jess Rona’s puppy grooming pro tips.
Your puppy training schedule, from eight weeks to six months. Let’s do this.
Dog trainer Robert Haussmann’s tips for turning a stressful walk into a chill stroll.
5 reasons to get your dog in the agility game, from burning energy to building confidence.
Kinship Collective dog trainer Robert Haussmann’s tips for getting a shy pup to go from wallflower to social butterfly.
6 puppy pens recommended by positive-reinforcement dog trainer Aislynn Ross, because we all need boundaries.
It’s a personal preference, but here are the pros and cons.
New kid on the block? Follow this trainer’s tips before letting your pet run wild.
If you follow these tips, the whole process can go smoothly.
For starters, it prevents escape, works as a training tool, and is recommended by rescue workers.
How to Turn Your Dog Into a Swim Fan
Get them to master the doggy paddle with these trainer-approved tips.
Teach your pup a perfect recall so you can be sure they will come back, no matter what.
They’ll always remember their first childhood pet—this intro is just the beginning.
Seven tips you’ll want to pay attention to.
With patience and positive reinforcement, you can do a lot to make up for lost time with socialization.
...Without turning your home into a circus.
Behavior Adjustment Training (B.A.T.) will keep your dog calm in any situation. For real.
A common (if not silly) question with a complicated answer.
Basics of the tug game and how to troubleshoot common problems.
Head haltis, aka gentle leads, are a very common tool in training, but here are some things to consider before using one.
Keep these two words in mind: Start now.
Upgrading your pup’s recall training from accidental to intentional.
Your senior dog might move slower these days, but that doesn’t mean they can’t learn new things.
Social interaction — aka praise — works, too. Who doesn’t like that?
Behavior correction, Mary Poppins style: Turn a job into a game.
Would you want a stranger coming right up to your face?
In between cuddle sessions, work on these eight basic cues with your pup.
These puzzle toys are made to help you bond with your pup.
Cue the Schoolhouse Rock! because learning can be fun.
Everything you need to keep your pup safe and engaged (so you can focus on that Zoom meeting).
Waiting until full vaccination to socialize can cause huge problems for your pup.
Instead of focusing on the negatives, here’s what you should do instead.
Offering fewer treats can actually be a good thing.
When those little razors start biting, keep these tips in mind.
Just like your friends do with their infants on Instagram (ahem).
Almost all new puppy parents fall at the first hurdle. Here, pro tips on picking yourself up.
Like most things in 2023, there’s a Zoom link for this.
Here are some simple steps to pry your pup away from that one spot in the yard they’re obsessed with.
At airports, hospitals, schools, and more, therapy dogs make things better.
How to Teach a Dog to Fetch
For some dogs, it’s not as simple as just throwing a ball.
It turns out, “shake” is good for more than just impressing other dog parents.
Well-trained dogs have more freedom (and more fun).
It’s like your 30-day yoga challenge — except with way more training treats.
How to Teach Your Dog Your Name
Your dog might not know your name. Don’t take offense; just play this game.
Not every public place allows ESAs — but there are ways to advocate for yourself and your needs when your pup or other ESA is not on the guest list.
Dog trainer Robert Haussmann’s tips for teaching a pushy pup that there are friendlier ways to get what they want.
OK, OK, don’t come for us. We know dogs and kids are very different to raise, but this study finds they respond to different parenting styles in similar ways.
Trick training increases their focus and gives your relationship a boost.
Dog trainer Robert Haussmann’s tips for calming down a dog who’s protective of their turf.
Celebrity dog trainer Victoria Stilwell explains how to crate-train a dog with an intense fear of being in the car.
In The Year of the Puppy: How Dogs Become Themselves, the dog cognition expert and New York Times best-selling author maps her puppy’s early development with empathy and insight.
TikTok pet parents have made this clear: Tone matters. Celebrity dog trainer Nicole Ellis says dogs can hear “stress in our voice — whether directed at them or when they hear us talking to others.”
Dog trainer Robert Haussmann gives a masterclass on pet parent etiquette for apartment living.
Training a dog can seem pretty intuitive — until it’s not.
When it’s time to call in reinforcements.
The answer to every (seemingly never-ending) crisis: Dogs.
Uh, who else got that memo?
Kinship Collective dog trainer Robert Haussmann’s tips for helping an adult dog learn to go outside in a new environment.
“America’s Veterinarian” and the founder of Fear Free Pets, Dr. Marty Becker, on how this method makes vet visits, training sessions, and grooming appointments less stressful for pets.
You don’t have to look like you belong on Best in Show to be a contender.
Celebrity dog trainer Victoria Stilwell on how to keep your dog from using your living room as a toilet.
This sounds like a competition show waiting to happen.
Kinship Collective dog trainer Robert Haussmann’s tips for getting a stubborn pup to listen up.
You — yes you! — can be one of those fun people who runs with your dog. Just be smart about it.
A few minutes — or even a few steps — are all you need to add joy to your dog’s day.
If your dog needs a job, trainers recommend Treibball.
Double the trouble or double the fun?
Your neighbors will thank you.
July 24 is National Take Your Dog to Work Day. Dog trainer Robert Haussman shares his tips for how to teach your pup to be your favorite co-worker.
They’ll be doing ollies in no time.
Renowned animal behaviorist Patricia McConnell, PhD, on what it takes to be a great therapy dog.
If your pet’s got moves, canine freestyle is the dog sport you didn’t know you needed.
Most dogs love walking, but some love chaos a little bit more.
Pet Stroller Training 101
Older dogs can still enjoy the benefits of a long walk — even without using their legs.
And save your skin.
Looks aren’t everything, but they can talk.
The cult favorite brand’s first-ever enrichment toy is the ticket to a productive day for remote working pup parents.
The creative multi-hyphenate and dog rescue advocate is mom to three big mushes and one tiny human.
The beginning of puppy parenthood can be rough, but it does get better — especially when you implement this advice.
Don’t hit pause on your pet’s playtime – these solo activities will help 9-5 fly by for them.
Don’t blame the dog — instead, figure out how to help them succeed.
Companion has developed an AI device that might change how we train our pets, whether we’re there for it or not.
How to Spark Joy in Your Dog’s Life
(And your own, while you’re at it.)
What to do when your best-laid training plans are sabotaged.
Go beyond the basics.
Viral trends that’ll help your dog (okay, you) through long days of isolation and/or boredom.
This simple dog training skill could save your dog’s life.
Post-training play may extend a dog’s memory of previously learned behaviors by up to a year.
Stop your dog from digging up your favorite plants with expert advice from animal behaviorist Karen London, PhD.
How to Mat Train Your Dog
Teach your dog to settle with these five steps.
Look behind the advertising language when picking a dog trainer.
Using platforms are favorites with pro dog trainers—here’s why you should add them to your training to-do list.
When your dog won’t climb stairs, take training one step at a time.
Go beyond basic obedience and teach your dog this easy-to-learn trick.
Even if your dog is injured and can't exercise, you can still keep them entertained. Here's how.
How she taught Turtle to ring a bell, open a door, count to four, and walk with a limp!
This rock-climbing technique can take your dog-walking skills to the next level.
Pro Karen London, PhD shares the most common dog training errors and how to correct them.
Can you bet against your dog’s nature and win?
A volunteer with Guide Dogs for the Blind shares her experience.
Teach Your Dog to Climb Stairs
Tips on how to train your dog to go down stairs.
For better dog photos, focus on your pup’s natural behaviors.
The virtual dog-training revolution is here.
From puppy to partner, guide dogs are a special breed.
Boost your pup’s heel work with this flourish.
There are plenty of benefits to teaching your dog this cute trick.
How to Teach Your Dog to Sit
In dog training, taking things one step at a time can make a world of difference.
Keep you and your dog in shape — no snow required.
Positive reinforcement is in the eye of the beholder