Our Blog
Teaching Your Reactive Dog to Stay Calm: Art of Doing Nothing
Does Your Reactive Dog Bolt to the Door Every Time Someone Moves? Here’s How to Fix It Ever feel like your reactive dog has a sixth sense for when someone gets up off the couch? You shift slightly, and suddenly, your dog is charging to the door, barking like an...
Dog Dental Care: Why It’s More Important Than You Think
Ever Wondered If Your Dog’s Teeth Need Cleaning? Let’s be real—how often do you check your dog’s teeth? If you’re like most owners, probably not as often as you should. I get it. We think, dogs in the wild don’t brush their teeth, so why should we worry? But here’s...
Before You Consider Rescueing Beach Dogs, Consider This…
Have You Ever Thought About ‘Saving’ a Beach Dog You Meet while on Vacation? Have you ever vacationed in the tropics and thought to yourself, these poor dogs on the beach are homeless, It would be great to save one or more of them? You see them wandering the...
Dog Rescue in Costa Rica: How It’s Different from the West
Ever Wondered How Dog Rescues Work in Other Countries? If you’ve ever set foot in a North American dog rescue, you know the drill: rows of kennels, barking dogs, staff members hustling to clean and feed, and adoption forms that sometimes feel more intense than...
Street Dogs and Freedom: The Hidden Side of Canine Happiness
Street Dogs of Costa Rica: Are They Happier Than Our Pets? Have you ever wondered what life would be like if dogs had complete freedom? No leashes, no fences, no humans constantly managing their every move? During my trip to Costa Rica, I witnessed something...
Achieving Work-Life Balance in Your Dog Training Business
Have you ever looked at business owners traveling to exotic places like Costa Rica and wondered, “How do they manage it all?” Well, I’m Karen Laws, The Ontario Dog Trainer, and I’m here to show you how having a solid work-life balance is the key to making it all work....
Dog Fights: What to Do When Play Turns Ugly
Who Do You Think Is Most Likely to Instigate Dog Fights? A Golden Retriever or a Belgian Malinois? If you guessed the Belgian Malinois, you’re wrong. This story involves my buddy, Prince, a Belgian Malinois who helps me with everything from training to chasing...
Senior Dog Anxiety—5 Key Steps to Rebuild Confidence on Walks
Helping senior dogs cope with anxiety can be a challenge, especially when it affects their confidence during walks. Aging often brings new fears and sensitivities, but with the right strategies, you can help your dog feel secure, calm, and happy again. In this week’s...
7 Key Signs of Anxiety in Senior Dogs
Helping Senior Dogs Overcome Anxiety: 7 Signs to Watch For As our beloved canine companions grow older, they may face new challenges, with anxiety being one of the most common. Even dogs who have been calm and confident their entire lives can become more...
Happy Holidays from The Ontario Dog Trainer
-From Me, Prince, Jozee, and Pippy! Hi there, As the holiday season is in full swing, I want to take a moment to send warm wishes from my pack—Prince, Jozee, Pippy—and me to you and yours. This time of year is all about creating meaningful moments, and I hope...
How to Leash Train a Dog: Say Goodbye to Stressful Walks
If you’ve ever found yourself clutching the leash like it’s a lifeline while your dog barrels toward every squirrel, motorcycle, or random scent, you’re in good company. The truth is, learning how to leash train a dog can feel like solving a riddle in a hurricane. But...
Have a Well Mannered Dog During Thanksgiving
Holiday Guests and Having a Well Mannered Dog Tips for a Smooth Thanksgiving Ah, Thanksgiving. Time to gather with friends, family, and… chaos, right? Between the food, the people, and the sheer volume of everything happening, it’s easy for our...