The VSA Blog

Across the dog industry, it’s common to use labels to describe methods, practitioners, and philosophies. But what do those labels really mean?

Teaching and training can empower dogs with more confidence, safety, and opportunities to expand their horizons. But are they actually enjoying the process?As positive dog trainers, we teach dogs life skills that help them navigate their world with more ease,...

As dogs age, their needs change. Meeting those needs can require special considerations during private or class training sessions. Senior dogs may have physical limitations, cognitive decline, and different training and socialization needs compared to younger dogs....

As a dog trainer, you know how important it is for dogs to have enriching experiences in and around their home. A client’s own backyard can be a marvelous place to begin! Outdoor canine enrichment is an opportunity to engage a dog’s senses, provide mental and physical stimulation, and exercise their natural behaviors. Discover five ways your clients can add beneficial enrichment to their outside space while still protecting their cherished companion from potential outdoor hazards.

Help your clients make the most of life with their dog beginning from the earliest days. These tips will help them maintain an active friendship with their dog at all stages of life.

Taking walks and playing in the backyard are great opportunities for exercise, but indoor enrichment activities can go the extra mile to help transform a bored, destructive dog into a happier, calmer one.

As a professional dog trainer, your clients are your livelihood, filling your classes and private training calendar with needed income. Many clients can also become your biggest supporters, referral generators, and even close friends. By reaching out with a heartfelt thanks, you’ll strengthen those relationships, help build your business, and get a lot of personal satisfaction and joy from your work, as well.

The family dog is so closely involved in the everyday activities of a household that it’s easy for people to view them as a childlike family member. Unlike a child, however, dogs can’t say “no” when they are frightened or anxious, and their ways of expressing...

As an aspiring or professional dog trainer, you certainly want to be a leap and a bound ahead of the crowd to establish yourself as an expert in your profession. Of course you want to be sure you are offering your clients and their dogs the best possible guidance. But...

Every trainer quickly learns that dog training isn’t just about the dogs. It means teaching people, too. Your clients need to wrap up each dog training session with enough canine savvy to guide their dog toward success. When they get home, your client may have to...