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Dog Training Guides

Explore effective dog training techniques and tips on Sniffspot's blog, covering topics from basic cues to behavior modification strategies including reactive and selective dogs.

How to Deal With Food Aggression in Dogs (Facts + Infographic) thumbnail

How to Deal With Food Aggression in Dogs (Facts + Infographic)

Does your dog ever growl when you walk by their food dish? Maybe they get possessive of treats, carrying them far away and giving you side-eye when you start to approach — or snarling at your other pets or children if they get too close.

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Comprehensive Guide to Scent Training for Dogs (Facts + Infographic) thumbnail

Comprehensive Guide to Scent Training for Dogs (Facts + Infographic)

As almost every dog owner is aware, the nose of a dog is an amazing thing. Just as they can pick up sounds we can’t hear, their sense of smell and ability to pick up scents is well beyond ours. In fact, dogs have 40 times the number of olfactory receptors as humans.

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How Much Does it Cost to Train a Service Dog? thumbnail

How Much Does it Cost to Train a Service Dog?

All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *

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What is and How to Handle Potty Training Regression thumbnail

What is and How to Handle Potty Training Regression

* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *

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Coprophagia: Why Does Your Dog Eat Poop? thumbnail

Coprophagia: Why Does Your Dog Eat Poop?

Ah, poop. We humans think it’s disgusting… but many of our dogs seem to love the stuff. If you’re wondering why your canine companion tries to eat feces (either his own or that of other animals) you’re not alone!

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How to Train a Rescue Dog: Shelter Dog Training thumbnail

How to Train a Rescue Dog: Shelter Dog Training

* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *

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Most recent dog training guides

Why Dogs Bark and How to Stop the Noise thumbnail

Why Dogs Bark and How to Stop the Noise

Why Do Puppies and Dogs Nip? And How to Control It thumbnail

Why Do Puppies and Dogs Nip? And How to Control It

How to Teach Your Dog to Roll Over thumbnail

How to Teach Your Dog to Roll Over

How to Become a Dog Trainer thumbnail

How to Become a Dog Trainer

Introductory Guide to Dog Behavior thumbnail

Introductory Guide to Dog Behavior

How to Teach a Dog to Shake Paws thumbnail

How to Teach a Dog to Shake Paws

How to Teach a Dog to Sit thumbnail

How to Teach a Dog to Sit

Dog Chasing Tail: Complete Guide thumbnail

Dog Chasing Tail: Complete Guide

Dog Psychology and Canine Cognition: An Introductory Guide thumbnail

Dog Psychology and Canine Cognition: An Introductory Guide

How to Train Your Golden Retriever thumbnail

How to Train Your Golden Retriever

Tips for Walking Your Puppy on a Leash thumbnail

Tips for Walking Your Puppy on a Leash

Tail Biting in Dogs: Everything You Need to Know thumbnail

Tail Biting in Dogs: Everything You Need to Know

How Long Does it Take to Potty Train a Puppy? thumbnail

How Long Does it Take to Potty Train a Puppy?

How to Train Your Dog Not to Run Away thumbnail

How to Train Your Dog Not to Run Away

Most recent dog training guides

Why Dogs Bark and How to Stop the Noise thumbnail

Why Dogs Bark and How to Stop the Noise

Everyone knows that dogs bark. (Ask any toddler what sound the dog makes — you’re sure to hear some type of “woof” in response!) What isn’t so well understood, though, is exactly why dogs bark, just how much barking is normal, and what you can do about it if you think your pet is using their voice a little too much to be kind to the neighbors.

Why Do Puppies and Dogs Nip? And How to Control It thumbnail

Why Do Puppies and Dogs Nip? And How to Control It

Ah, nipping. Everyone who has raised a dog — or simply been around one who is in their adolescence — knows what we’re talking about. While puppies have little mouths to start with, their teeth are razor sharp from the time they leave their mothers through the end of the teething process. (Young dogs don’t get the nickname “baby shark” for nothing.)

How to Teach Your Dog to Roll Over thumbnail

How to Teach Your Dog to Roll Over

Looking to teach your dog how to roll over? We’ve got you covered. Here’s everything you need to know about teaching a simple trick, from reinforcers and reward markers to step-by-step instructions and troubleshooting.

How to Become a Dog Trainer thumbnail

How to Become a Dog Trainer

Nearly 40 percent of all American households share life with a canine companion. Pet professionals like dog trainers and vet behaviorists are more needed than ever as our modern human society becomes increasingly difficult for four-legged friends to navigate. Unfortunately, reactivity, anxiety, and general stress from lack of proper enrichment are on the rise in domestic dogs.

Introductory Guide to Dog Behavior thumbnail

Introductory Guide to Dog Behavior

Dog behavior is a fascinating and complicated field. You’re not alone if you’ve ever caught yourself wondering “why on earth does my dog do this?” or “what could they mean by that?” — and we’re here to help!

How to Teach a Dog to Shake Paws thumbnail

How to Teach a Dog to Shake Paws

Looking for something new to teach your dog? Interested in getting into the trick training world with a simple, low-stakes start? We’ve got you covered — “shake” is the perfect thing to learn!

How to Teach a Dog to Sit thumbnail

How to Teach a Dog to Sit

Sitting on cue is one of the most common basic obedience training skills — and for good reason! “Sit” is a simple, versatile behavior that can make it easier to live with your dog when they know it well.

Dog Chasing Tail: Complete Guide thumbnail

Dog Chasing Tail: Complete Guide

Tail chasing has long been a recognized behavior in domestic dogs. There’s a reason the phrase “like a dog chasing its tail” is popularly used to describe someone who isn’t getting anywhere!

Dog Psychology and Canine Cognition: An Introductory Guide thumbnail

Dog Psychology and Canine Cognition: An Introductory Guide

Dog psychology is a popular field, and for good reason: Almost half of all households in the United States share life with a four-legged companion! It's no wonder we want to know what's going on in that canine mind.

How to Train Your Golden Retriever thumbnail

How to Train Your Golden Retriever

Golden Retrievers are generally considered intelligent and eager to please. They have a reputation for being quick learners — and they’re often used as working dogs in various roles, including search and rescue, therapy work, and obedience competitions.

Tips for Walking Your Puppy on a Leash thumbnail

Tips for Walking Your Puppy on a Leash

Who doesn’t love puppies? They’re full of fun and laughter — but they definitely do not come pre-trained. Walking on a leash is a top skill that many pet owners want their canine companions to have, but it can be tricky to teach an energetic ball of fur to stay near your side (or avoid unwanted behaviors like turning the leash into a tug toy).

Tail Biting in Dogs: Everything You Need to Know thumbnail

Tail Biting in Dogs: Everything You Need to Know

Some occasional tail chasing can be harmless, though — especially in young puppies who are still learning about their bodies — while excessive tail biting is almost always a problem you need to address. Pay particular attention if the compulsive behavior is frequent and intense.

How Long Does it Take to Potty Train a Puppy? thumbnail

How Long Does it Take to Potty Train a Puppy?

You want your puppy to be potty trained as quickly as possible. We get it! Cleaning up accidents is no fun. And you'll be able to take your pup on more adventures, like to indoor pet-friendly stores and restaurant patios, if you're able to trust that they won't use the bathroom where they shouldn't.

How to Train Your Dog Not to Run Away thumbnail

How to Train Your Dog Not to Run Away

Picture this: A sunny day at the park, the breeze rustling through the leaves, and the joyous laughter of time spent with your dog. You decide to let your furry friend off the leash for some well-deserved freedom… only to find yourself in a heart-pounding chase as your pup takes off on an unexpected sprint as fast as they can.

Top dog guides per area

Dog enrichment guides

The Best Dog Water Parks in the United States thumbnail

The Best Dog Water Parks in the United States

Do you have a water-loving dog looking to burn some energy? There are countless dog parks to visit throughout our country — but some of them become far too hot in the midday sun to be safe for your pets to play. That’s why we’ve put together a list of some of the best dog water parks throughout the United States! At these locations, your pup can frolic, splash, and swim to their heart’s content.

Best Toys for Herding Dogs thumbnail

Best Toys for Herding Dogs

* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *

The Best Dog Toys for Aggressive Chewers (Facts + Infographic) thumbnail

The Best Dog Toys for Aggressive Chewers (Facts + Infographic)

Does your dog destroy every toy you give them? Is your house littered with remnants of fabric and stuffing of all different sizes? Are you tired of investing in “indestructible” toys only for your pup to still dismantle (or worse, get bored of) them in just a few days?

Dog Exercise Calculator: How Much Exercise Does Your Dog Need? thumbnail

Dog Exercise Calculator: How Much Exercise Does Your Dog Need?

You’ve been told that your dog needs regular exercise. There’s a reason “walking the dog” is a classic daily activity: Frequent excursions give your pup a chance to stretch their legs, experience the world, maintain a healthy weight, and spend time with you! Consistent physical activity will also improve their strength, muscle tone, coordination, and mental ability over time.

Complete Guide To Herding With Dogs thumbnail

Complete Guide To Herding With Dogs

* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *

Dog reactivity guides

Sniffspot community guides

The State of Public Dog Parks Across the United States thumbnail

The State of Public Dog Parks Across the United States

From 2009 to 2020, there was a 40 percent increase in the development of public dog parks. Designated spots for canine exercise have become commonplace in every major city in North America — many pet owners won’t even consider renting an apartment that doesn’t have its own fenced-in pet area for their canine companions.

How This Family is Affording Their Dream Property Through Renting it Hourly to Dogs thumbnail

How This Family is Affording Their Dream Property Through Renting it Hourly to Dogs

Thousand Oaks, California has been a safe haven for Sniffspot host, Jen, since childhood. Having grown up in busy Santa Barbara, Jen, an introvert from an early age, would seek out solitude and serenity away from tourists attractions and droves of people visiting from elsewhere. “My grandparents own 60 acres about a 30 minute drive from here, and I grew up spending every summer and every holiday visiting them on the ranch,” Jen explained. “In Santa Barbara, we wouldn't go to the beach on the weekend because that's where everybody was, so you'd find places off the beaten path where the tourists weren't. For me, the ranch was just my happy place.” 

Host Tips: Ellen K. What Makes Sniffspot Successful for Me thumbnail

Host Tips: Ellen K. What Makes Sniffspot Successful for Me

Ellen is the host of Country Pasture Getaway, one of Sniffspot's most popular sniff spots. She has taken the time to write up the lessons she has learned about how to be a great sniff spot host.

How this Oregon Farmer is Making a Business From Renting Her Land to Dogs thumbnail

How this Oregon Farmer is Making a Business From Renting Her Land to Dogs

Just 20 minutes outside of the busy city of Portland, Oregon, and settled right on the banks of the Columbia River, you’ll find what countless visitors have flocked to the area in search of – mountain views, crisp, clean air, and running water for miles. What you might not expect to find, however, is a hidden oasis designed just for dogs and their people, owned and operated by a farming couple and enjoyed by visitors on two legs, and four.  

Host Tips: Fran T. Providing Great Guest Service at our Spot thumbnail

Host Tips: Fran T. Providing Great Guest Service at our Spot

Fran is the host of Ranch Setting, one of Sniffspot's most popular spots. She has taken the time to write up the lessons she has learned about how to be a great Sniffspot host.

Top dog trainers in the US

The Best Dog Trainers in the United States of 2023 thumbnail

The Best Dog Trainers in the United States of 2023

Welcome to the United States Sniffspot top dog trainer list for 2023. This is a list of the top dog trainers in the United States based on votes from the Sniffspot community and the general public. Over 55,000 votes were used in compiling this list. We have only included the top trainers with sufficient votes and the trainers are ordered in terms of the number of votes received. Trainers that tied are ranked in reverse alphabetical order based on first name. All dog trainers on this list are positive reinforcement only, as defined by no force, fear, intimidation, or aversive methods used.

The Best Dog Trainers in New Jersey of 2023 thumbnail

The Best Dog Trainers in New Jersey of 2023

The Best Dog Trainers in Michigan of 2023 thumbnail

The Best Dog Trainers in Michigan of 2023

The Best Dog Trainers in Washington of 2023 thumbnail

The Best Dog Trainers in Washington of 2023

The Best Dog Trainers in Florida of 2023 thumbnail

The Best Dog Trainers in Florida of 2023

City dog parks guides

The Best Indoor Dog Parks in the United States thumbnail

The Best Indoor Dog Parks in the United States

Looking for a space to play with your dog no matter what the weather’s like outside? Look no further than our list of the best indoor dog parks in the United States! These climate-controlled spaces are growing in popularity as pet ownership increases throughout the country. As a bonus, many of them also offer dog training, boarding, grooming, or daycare services on the premises.

The Best Off-Leash Dog Parks in the United States thumbnail

The Best Off-Leash Dog Parks in the United States

Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog? We’ve got you covered! It’s hard to narrow down, but we’ve put together some of the best off-leash dog parks throughout the country so you can plan your next adventure — along with a checklist of what to bring, what to know beforehand, and some frequently asked questions.

The Best Las Vegas, Nevada Dog Parks thumbnail

The Best Las Vegas, Nevada Dog Parks

Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog in Las Vegas? We’ve got you covered! Take a look at the best local dog parks and plan for your next adventure in Sin City.

The Best United States Dog Parks thumbnail

The Best United States Dog Parks

Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog? We’ve got you covered! It’s hard to narrow down, but we’ve put together some of the best dog parks throughout the country so you can plan your next adventure. Here’s what the United States has to offer to its more than 90 million canine companions.

The Best Portland, Oregon Dog Parks thumbnail

The Best Portland, Oregon Dog Parks

Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog in Portland? We’ve got you covered! Take a look at the best local dog parks and plan for your next adventure in the City of Roses.

dog training

The relationship between a dog and their human is a beautiful, complex thing. We know so little today about how a dog's mind works and every dog is different. Add to this the cultural history of not really viewing dogs as sentient beings, but rather as objects or possessions. Dog training encompasses all of these complexities. It is one of the most challenging topics covering dogs. Despite the challenge this topic is well worth covering. Only by diving deep into this topic can we begin to understand how we can nurture healthy relationships with dogs.

In this section, you can read about all kinds of dog training topics, including food aggression, dealing with common difficult behaviors in dogs, ways to train your dog, understanding dog behavior and more. We have separate sections for dog reactivity and dog enrichment.

Our blog is dedicated to relevant, high quality articles with modern advice aligned with recognized dog experts. All of our articles are force free and we do not endorse any kind of aversive training.

dog training FAQ

What is positive reinforcement training, and how is it different from aversive training?

Positive reinforcement training is a method of dog training that involves rewarding good behavior rather than punishing bad behavior. This technique is based on the idea that dogs are more likely to repeat behavior that is rewarded than behavior that is punished. Aversive training, on the other hand, uses punishment such as shock collars, choke chains, or physical force to stop unwanted behavior. Positive reinforcement training is more effective in the long term, as it strengthens the bond between the dog and the owner and builds trust and confidence in the dog.

How do I train my dog to come when called?

The best way to train your dog to come when called is to use positive reinforcement techniques. Start by calling your dog's name and rewarding them with a treat when they come to you. Repeat this process several times, gradually increasing the distance between you and your dog. You can also use a long line to ensure your dog comes back to you. Never call your dog to you if you plan to punish them. This will create a negative association and make your dog less likely to come when called in the future.

How can I prevent my dog from jumping on people?

To prevent your dog from jumping on people, you can use positive reinforcement training to teach them an alternative behavior, such as sitting. Whenever your dog jumps on someone, calmly remove them from the situation and ask them to sit. When your dog sits, reward them with a treat or praise. Consistency is key to training your dog, so make sure everyone who interacts with your dog is on board with this method.

What is clicker training, and how can I use it to train my dog?

Clicker training is a form of positive reinforcement training that uses a clicker to mark desirable behavior. The clicker is a small, handheld device that makes a distinct sound when pressed. Clicker training is based on the principle of operant conditioning, where the dog learns that the sound of the clicker is associated with a reward. To use clicker training, you first need to associate the sound of the clicker with a reward, such as a treat. Then, you can use the clicker to mark good behavior, such as sitting or staying. When the dog hears the click, they know that they have done something right and will be rewarded.

How can I train my dog not to bark excessively?

Excessive barking can be a problem for both the dog and the owner. To train your dog not to bark excessively, you can use positive reinforcement techniques to reward them for being quiet. Start by identifying the triggers that cause your dog to bark, such as the doorbell or other dogs. Then, work with your dog to desensitize them to these triggers by gradually exposing them to the trigger and rewarding them for staying quiet. You can also teach your dog a "quiet" command, which tells them to stop barking.

Is it possible to train an older dog?

Yes, it is possible to train an older dog. While it may take longer for an older dog to learn new behaviors, positive reinforcement techniques can be effective at any age. It's important to remember that older dogs may have physical limitations, so be patient and adjust your training methods accordingly.

What should I do if my dog has behavior problems?

If your dog has behavior problems, the first step is to consult with a professional dog trainer or behaviorist. They can help you identify the underlying cause of the behavior and develop a training plan that works for you and your dog.