Kimberlee Tolentino

Is Dedication Enough? 3 Common Missing Ingredients for Effective Dog Training

choosing a trainer, learning theory, motivation5 days ago12Views 0Likes 0Comments

You love your dog. You’re committed to helping them succeed. You’ve watched the videos, bought the treats, practiced the exercises, and promised yourself that this time you’re really going to stick with the training plan. No one can argue that you’re not plenty dedicated. So why isn’t the training working? Dedication matters enormously in dog…

Are Dogs Naturally Afraid of Snakes?

UncategorizedJuly 11, 202686Views 0Likes 0Comments

In many areas of the world, dangerous snakes are simply a reality. They co-exist with humans (and our dogs) in sometimes not-so-harmonious ways, popping up in backyards, long hikes, and sometimes even inside the home. In my home of Kent, Washington, we don’t have much in the way of wild snakes, much less venomous ones.…

Are Head Halters Cruel?

UncategorizedJuly 10, 202670Views 0Likes 0Comments

This article was originally written for the Lugaru K9 Training blog in 2023 and has been updated for Black Magic Dog Training in 2026. Disclaimer: this article contains affiliate links, and Black Magic Dog Training may receive a commission on sales when you use those links, at no additional cost to you. We only recommend…

Why Your Dog Trainer’s Dedication Should be to You, Not the Method

choosing a trainerJuly 1, 202610Views 0Likes 0Comments

There are a lot of arguments in dog training. Treats or corrections, harnesses or collars, clickers or verbal markers, "force free" or balanced training. Spend enough time researching dog trainers online and you can quickly feel like you're being asked to choose a side. But here's the problem: You didn't start looking for a dog…

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Dedication or Distance? The Cost of Sending Your Dog Away for Training

choosing a trainerJune 10, 20269Views 0Likes 0Comments

When your dog is struggling, sending them away to a professional trainer can sound like the perfect solution. You drop off the dog you’re struggling with. A professional handles the difficult part. A few weeks later, your dog comes home trained. For busy owners—especially those dealing with reactivity, poor leash manners, destructive behavior, unreliable obedience,…

Dedication to Science, Devotion to Results: My Approach at Black Magic Dog Training

choosing a trainerMay 3, 20267Views 0Likes 0Comments

One thing that I wasn't prepared for when I first began training around ten years ago is...dog training has a strange way of becoming...ideological. Spend enough time online and you'll find people arguing about which quadrants of operant conditioning you're allowed to use, which tools make someone a "good" or "bad" trainer, whether every problem…

Designing a Home Gym for Your Canine Athlete

MediaDecember 17, 20252KViews 6Likes 0Comments

Disclaimer: this article may contain affiliate links, and I may receive a commission on sales when you use those links, at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products I use and genuinely love. The world of canine athletics has evolved. No longer is a backyard and a ball sufficient for the modern performance…

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How to Stop Leash Pulling in Dogs: Balanced Dog Training Techniques that Work

dog training, how to, leash mannersNovember 10, 2025371Views 0Likes 0Comments

Disclaimer: this article may contain affiliate links, and I may receive a commission on sales when you use those links, at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products I use and genuinely love. Leash pulling is one of the most common and frustrating issues dog owners face. While many trainers rely solely on…

Can a Xoloitzcuintli Be a Service Dog? Evaluating the Breed for Tasks and Public Access

service dogs, xolotizcuintliMay 14, 20202KViews 2Likes 0Comments

Disclaimer: this article may contain affiliate links, and I may receive a commission on sales when you use those links, at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products I use and genuinely love. T he Xoloitzcuintli (or "Xolo"), with its ancient lineage, striking hairless appearance, and calm demeanor, is a definitely a dog…

service dog in a pet store seattle renton kent washington

Building a Service Dog Training Plan: A Step-by-Step Framework for Owner-Trained Service Dogs

dog training, how to, service dogsMay 14, 20202KViews 0Likes 0Comments

At Black Magic Dog Training, I specialize in balanced service dog training with a focus on low level pressure-based conditioning and reward, combining structure, positive reinforcement, and real-world proofing. I have worked in dog training for nearly a decade, and have seen disabled people shell out tens of thousands of dollars for training only to…

The Complete Guide to Xolo Skincare: Oils, Grooming, and Skin Protection

Care, XoloitzcuintliMay 14, 20201KViews 0Likes 0Comments

Disclaimer: this article may contain affiliate links, and I may receive a commission on sales when you use those links, at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products I use and genuinely love. T he Xoloitzcuintli's majestic, hairless body is a living canvas of ancient history. But that unique skin is not…

Xoloitzcuintli Temperament: The Ancient Guardian in a Modern Home

training, XoloitzcuintliMay 14, 20201KViews 0Likes 0Comments

T o live with a Xoloitzcuintli is not merely to own a dog; it is to be granted stewardship of a living relic. This breed from pre-hispanic Mesoamerica has walked alongside humanity for over 3,000 years. They were not bred for the fleeting whims of fashion, but for profound spiritual meaning. This ancient job description…

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