Blog Standard – Page 3 – Black Magic Dog Training

How to Find the Right Dog Trainer for You in the Pacific Northwest

April 21, 20200Comments

The Pacific Northwest is a paradise for dogs and their people. From the rocky shores of the coast to the misty trails of the Cascades and the bustling streets of…

What to Expect at Your First Dog Training Lesson

April 21, 20200Comments

You've made the call. You’ve booked the appointment. The date is circled on your calendar, and as it approaches, a mix of hope and anxiety might be setting in. Will…

Why A “One-Size-Fits-All” Training Group Class Might Not Be Right for Your Dog

April 21, 20200Comments

The idea of group classes is simple and appealing: "Six-Week Puppy Kindergarten!" "Beginner Obedience Class!" For a reasonable price, you and your dog can join a group and learn the…

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Why I Stopped Doing Board-and-Train Programs

April 21, 20200Comments

For years, the board-and-train model was presented as the pinnacle of dog training—the ultimate "fix" for busy owners and difficult dogs. The promise was intoxicating: send your canine companion…

How Canine Fitness Assessments Complement Training

April 21, 20200Comments

A dog that barks relentlessly at the mailman. A dog that refuses to recall at the park. A dog that shuts down during training sessions. We are quick to label…

The Investment: Understanding the Cost of Professional Dog Training in the Seattle Area

April 21, 20200Comments

The numbers can be startling. In the greater Seattle area where I operate, a board-and-train program can run from $3,000 to $8,000. Private lessons can run $200 and up for…

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Is Your Dog a Candidate for Protection Sports? How to Spot a Successful Prospect

April 21, 20201Comment

The iconic image: a powerful, focused canine athlete, moving in perfect sync with its handler, executing commands with breathtaking precision and power. This is the world of modern protection sports—IPG,…

Beyond CGC: Preparing for the AKC Community Canine and Urban CGC Titles

April 21, 20200Comments

Congratulations, you and your dog did it as a team. You put in the work, passed the test, and now that coveted AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) title is next…

The Psychology of Reinforcement: A Deeper Look at Marker Training

April 21, 20200Comments

In the world of dog training, few tools are as deceptively simple yet profoundly powerful as the marker. A sharp "Yes!" or the precise snap of a clicker seems almost…

Building a Legacy: The Journey from Family Pet to Confident Sport Partner

April 21, 20200Comments

The world of dog sports—Agility, Rally Obedience, Nosework, Barn Hunt—can seem like an exclusive club for purebred dogs and professional handlers. For pet dog owners just starting to test the…

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The Training Collar (Kinder Collar): The Perfect Tool for Hairless Dogs

April 21, 20200Comments

T raining a hairless dog like a Xoloitzcuintli or Chinese Crested is an exercise in nuance. Their minds are often brilliantly independent and sensitive, and their skin—a living, exposed organ—is…

Service Dogs vs. Emotional Support Animals (ESA): Understanding the Legal Definitions and Rights

April 21, 20200Comments

I n today's world, it's becoming increasingly common to see animals accompanying their owners in stores, on planes, and in housing that typically prohibits pets. As a dog trainer…