basic obedience & training

Plus, 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.

Hint: Take it slow.

It may stop the problem in the moment...

It’s definitely a process.

Here’s everything you need to know about ESAs.

Yes, it’s possible.

Get expert advice to find what will work for your pup.

All those things you’re doing to get ready may be the culprit.

They love to play, and you need to keep them busy. Here you go.

The answer to your obedience questions—right there on your phone.

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.

Hey, put those chompers away.

Animal behaviorist Karen London on how the time change will affect your cat or dog.

And they’ll thank you for it.

Seriously, it’s not as hard as you think.

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.

This is not Meet the Parents.

It's time to reframe the situation.

And when will it stop?

First step: patience.

One more thing to talk about with your therapist.

“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.”

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.

Everything you need to know to get your new addition off to a good start.

Remember: You can find just about any breed you want at a rescue.

The pros and cons of letting your cat explore the neighborhood (and beyond).

You love that your dog is your shadow, but maybe not when you’re on a Zoom call.

The better question is should they?

Here’s how you can train your stubborn cat to do one of their least-favorite things.

Adventure Cats author Laura Moss’s step-by-step guide for hitting the streets with your cat.

The latest training activity develops your dog’s natural scenting abilities through fun and games.

Two words: Endless entertainment.

Yet another reason positive reinforcement is the way to go.

Keep calm and get blood drawn.

If you do nothing else, teach your cat to poop in their litter box (not your shoe).

Here’s your guide to how treats can help as your new pup is learning all the things.

Kinship Collective dog trainer Robert Haussmann’s pro tips for getting a hyped-up dog to chill out.

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. 

And how to really get them to stop jumping on the counter.

Take it slow. This process should never feel like speed-dating.

It’s the key to a happy cat.

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.

Keep track of all their fun phases with these guidelines.

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.

It’s normal to worry—but your pup might need some space.

Everything you need to know about the difficult task of medicating a cat.

Just a few things to keep in mind so everything goes smoothly as you all get adjusted.

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.

It’s their favorite of your holiday decorations—for better or for worse (usually worse).

Make sure your pup doesn’t “decorate” your tree.

If only there were dog Jeopardy!.

Maybe even better.

How to re-housetrain a dog of any age.

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.

If your cat still approaches you with a figurative arched eyebrow of skepticism, try these tricks to put them at ease.

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.

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.

Cat behaviorist Kristiina Wilson and her viral cat, Steve, are successfully communicating with speech buttons.

Celebrity dog groomer Jess Rona’s puppy grooming pro tips.

Your puppy training schedule, from eight weeks to six months. Let’s do this.

Here are the pros and cons of having a feline sleeping buddy.

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.

Here’s how to help your rescue kitty feel at home.

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.

Get them to master the doggy paddle with these trainer-approved tips.

This popular training technique isn’t just for dogs. Here’s how you can use it for your cat.

Your kitty’s an explorer. Just keep their expeditions indoors.

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.

It takes some patience (shocker), but it can be done.

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.

Move over, pups. This is a cat’s game, too.

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.

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.

Your dog might not know your name. Don’t take offense; just play this game.

Your cat deserves to play. You deserve to walk away unscathed.

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.

Tips to help you find a legit behaviorist (according to a veterinary behaviorist).

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.

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.

A veterinarian on how nosework and scent enrichment can strengthen your bond.

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.

(And your own, while you’re at it.)

What to do when your best-laid training plans are sabotaged.

Take things slow, according to cat behaviorist Jennifer Van de Kieft.

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.

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.

Feels high stakes because it kind of is.

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.

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.

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