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The Sterling Dog Blog
Dog Training Legend Nick White gives you the top Dog training content on the web today!
Therapy Dog Training in Sterling, VA: What Owners Should Know First
Key Takeaways Therapy dog training prepares a friendly, stable dog to visit hospitals, schools, nursing homes, libraries, and care facilities as a volunteer therapy animal. A therapy dog is different from service dogs and emotional support animals. Therapy dogs focus on visiting others and do not have the same public access rights as a service
How to Stop Counter Surfing and Food Stealing in Dogs
Key Takeaways Counter surfing is a common behavior challenge for dog owners, and it can often be reduced or prevented with consistent dog behavior training, structure, and supervision. Dogs steal food because it works. They are not stubborn or spiteful. Habit, opportunity, and past success drive the behavior forward. Punishment after the fact, like yelling
Dog Humping and Mounting: When It Happens and How to Respond
Key Takeaways Dog humping behavior is common in both male and female dogs and can start as early as puppyhood. It is considered a normal behavior in dogs regardless of gender. Humping is driven by many reasons, including excitement, stress, overstimulation, attention seeking, and habit. It is not always about dominance or sex. Yelling, laughing,
How to Stop Dog Digging Before It Becomes a Backyard Habit
If you want to stop dog digging, start by treating it as a natural behavior with an identifiable cause, not simply as a yard problem with a hole. Dogs may dig because of boredom, excess energy, heat, prey activity, stress, escape motivation, or repeated opportunities to practice the behavior while unsupervised. The good news is
Dog Jumping on Guests: How Sterling Owners Can Build Better Manners
Key Takeaways Most dogs jump on guests out of excitement, attention seeking, or unclear household rules, not dominance. Yelling, pushing, or grabbing your dog’s collar can accidentally reward jumping with attention or make your dog more excited. Teaching sit, down, stay, place, command, recall, and leash control gives your dog a clear alternative behavior to
How to Stop Puppy Biting Before It Becomes a Bigger Problem
Key Takeaways Puppy biting, puppy mouthing, puppy nipping, and play biting are normal mouthing and play behaviors, but human skin should be off-limits. Redirect biting to appropriate toys or activities, including puppy-safe chew toys, tug toys, fetch, and structured tug-of-war instead of rough play. Consistent training and management help to teach puppies bite inhibition, which
Dog Doorbell Barking: How to Teach Calm Visitor Manners
Key Takeaways Dogs bark at the doorbell from excitement, fear, alerting, habit, or territorial barking, and structure is often the fastest way to stop dog barking at guests. Yelling or rushing to the door can make doorbell barking worse, while calm routines and clear rules reduce your dog’s excessive barking over time. Dog obedience skills
Attention-Seeking Dog Behavior: A New Owner’s Guide
Key Takeaways A dog seeking attention is normal, but constant barking, jumping, or pawing can become problematic if not addressed early. Common causes include boredom, lack of mental stimulation, anxiety, and simply wanting affection or play. Ignore pushy attention-seeking behavior and consistently reward calm behavior using positive reinforcement. Establishing a routine with specific times for
Reactive vs. Aggressive Dog: What New Owners Should Know
Understanding the difference between a reactive vs aggressive dog is one of the most important things new owners can learn. Many dogs bark, lunge, or pull on leash, and it can be hard to know whether this is normal excitement or something more serious. This guide will help you recognize the signs, understand what drives