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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)

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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

Dog Parent's Guide to Separation Anxiety thumbnail

Dog Parent's Guide to Separation Anxiety

Definitive Guide To Off Leash Training With Your Dog thumbnail

Definitive Guide To Off Leash Training With Your Dog

How to Read Your Dog's Body Language thumbnail

How to Read Your Dog's Body Language

How to Teach Your Dog to Play Fetch thumbnail

How to Teach Your Dog to Play Fetch

Why Dogs Cry and How to Help Your Pup’s Whining thumbnail

Why Dogs Cry and How to Help Your Pup’s Whining

Free and Easy Outdoor Dog Training Activities thumbnail

Free and Easy Outdoor Dog Training Activities

Puppy Socialization: Comprehensive Guide thumbnail

Puppy Socialization: Comprehensive Guide

How to Introduce Dogs thumbnail

How to Introduce Dogs

How to Stop Your Dog's Destructive Chewing thumbnail

How to Stop Your Dog's Destructive Chewing

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

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

How to Socialize a Dog: Comprehensive Guide thumbnail

How to Socialize a Dog: Comprehensive Guide

Reliable Recall Training: Teaching Your Dog to Come thumbnail

Reliable Recall Training: Teaching Your Dog to Come

How to Train a Dog Not to Jump thumbnail

How to Train a Dog Not to Jump

How to Crate Train an Older Dog: Comprehensive Guide thumbnail

How to Crate Train an Older Dog: Comprehensive Guide

Complete Guide to Dog Training Hand Signals (Facts + Infographic) thumbnail

Complete Guide to Dog Training Hand Signals (Facts + Infographic)

How to Train Your Dog to Walk on a Leash thumbnail

How to Train Your Dog to Walk on a Leash

How to Train a Dog to Pee on Pad thumbnail

How to Train a Dog to Pee on Pad

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

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

How to Clicker Train Your Dog thumbnail

How to Clicker Train Your Dog

How to House Train an Adult Dog thumbnail

How to House Train an Adult Dog

How to Train a Stubborn Dog or Puppy thumbnail

How to Train a Stubborn Dog or Puppy

Most recent dog training guides

Dog Parent's Guide to Separation Anxiety thumbnail

Dog Parent's Guide to Separation Anxiety

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

Definitive Guide To Off Leash Training With Your Dog thumbnail

Definitive Guide To Off Leash Training With Your Dog

Looking for ways to add some variety to your dog’s daily routine? You might want to try some off leash excursions.

How to Read Your Dog's Body Language thumbnail

How to Read Your Dog's Body Language

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

How to Teach Your Dog to Play Fetch thumbnail

How to Teach Your Dog to Play Fetch

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

Why Dogs Cry and How to Help Your Pup’s Whining thumbnail

Why Dogs Cry and How to Help Your Pup’s Whining

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

Free and Easy Outdoor Dog Training Activities thumbnail

Free and Easy Outdoor Dog Training Activities

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

Are you looking for some interesting outdoor activities to do with your dog? Look no further. We’ve put together some of our favorite outdoor dog training activities, all of which can be done at a 
Sniffspot.

Puppy Socialization: Comprehensive Guide thumbnail

Puppy Socialization: Comprehensive Guide

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

How to Introduce Dogs thumbnail

How to Introduce Dogs

By: Danette Johnston
Owner - Dog's Day Out, Ballard, WA
Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA)
Licensed AKC CGC Evaluator
NW Coordinator, Doggone Safe

How to Stop Your Dog's Destructive Chewing thumbnail

How to Stop Your Dog's Destructive Chewing

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

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

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

How to Socialize a Dog: Comprehensive Guide thumbnail

How to Socialize a Dog: Comprehensive Guide

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

Reliable Recall Training: Teaching Your Dog to Come thumbnail

Reliable Recall Training: Teaching Your Dog to Come

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

How to Train a Dog Not to Jump thumbnail

How to Train a Dog Not to Jump

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

How to Crate Train an Older Dog: Comprehensive Guide thumbnail

How to Crate Train an Older Dog: Comprehensive Guide

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

Complete Guide to Dog Training Hand Signals (Facts + Infographic) thumbnail

Complete Guide to Dog Training Hand Signals (Facts + Infographic)

Have you ever wondered whether you should teach your dog with verbal cues or with hand signals? Does it make a difference? 

How to Train Your Dog to Walk on a Leash thumbnail

How to Train Your Dog to Walk on a Leash

Taking your dog for a walk can be an incredibly relaxing experience, and a great way to unwind after a stressful day at work or a long day running errands. However, a dog walk can also be stressful when your dog doesn’t know how to walk properly. Being pulled from side to side as you hold on to the leash for dear life isn’t what most people would consider fun, and it could even be dangerous for both you and your dog.

How to Train a Dog to Pee on Pad thumbnail

How to Train a Dog to Pee on Pad

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

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.

How to Clicker Train Your Dog thumbnail

How to Clicker Train Your Dog

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

How to House Train an Adult Dog thumbnail

How to House Train an Adult Dog

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

How to Train a Stubborn Dog or Puppy thumbnail

How to Train a Stubborn Dog or Puppy

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

Top dog guides per area

Dog enrichment guides

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

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.