Congratulations! You and your four-legged friend are following in the footsteps (and paw steps) of millions before you and are going to dog training class. As a professional dog trainer with over 4 decades of experience, here are some tips to help you and your dog get the most out of the experience.

The question of which tools are best to train dogs has been discussed among pet owners and dog trainers for decades. For many years, the standard tools for teaching basic obedience commands (AKA cues) were a six-foot leather or nylon leash and a properly fitting slip collar, more commonly known as a “choke chain.” However, times change, as do preferences and attitudes. Nowadays, many trainers elect not to use a slip collar and instead opt for a body harness or head collar.

When it comes to training a dog, owners should be aware of their dog’s unique needs as well as their own goals and desires. With multiple training tools available, it can be difficult to understand the benefits of each one and choose a product. We are going to break down the uses and benefits of two training collar options.

Whether you are a hunter training your dog to hunt or an owner who would like your dog to get involved with retrieval competitions, dummies are a tool that can be incorporated during training processes. Coastal Pet Products’ Water & Woods® collection offers a variety of training dummies, scents, and fowl trainers for any retriever training situation.

There are numerous ways to train a dog with simple voice commands among the most common. While voice commands are effective, there are several training tools that can help make the process easier. Coastal Pet Products offers a few such products, including a head halter, no-pull chest harness, and a clicker.

Whether you’re heading out on a road trip or hitting the open skies with your pooch, a little preparation can go a long way. Especially if your dog is going to need to spend any length of time in a travel crate. Ensuring sure your dog is familiar with and comfortable in his crate can help make what might be a scary situation a little easier.

When it comes to dog training, there is no one size fits all. Every dog is different. What works with one, might not work with another.

It's time to go Back to School with Coastal Pet. Learn dog training essentials using positive reinforcement with tips from Animal Behavior College.

As a professional dog trainer and President of Animal Behavior College, I have been asked literally thousands of times over the last three plus decades, why someone should invest in professional dog training.

February is Dog Training Education Month, making it the perfect time to stop and think about simple ways training can improve life for both you and your pet!