Struggling with your puppy “forgetting” commands outside the home? It’s a common challenge rooted in how puppies learn in different environments. Discover why puppies need real-world practice to generalize behaviors, why I don’t recommend board & train programs, and how involving you in training builds a stronger bond and lasting results. Perfect for puppy parents in Fairfield County looking for gentle, effective, evidence-based training.

"Should I use a harness or a collar for my dog?"
If I had a treat for every time I’ve been asked this, I’d have a very full treat pouch! 🐾

As a professional dog trainer who’s worked with hundreds of dogs—from wiggly puppies to strong-willed herding breeds—this is hands down one of the most common questions I get. And honestly? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. But there are some important factors to consider!

In this post, I’ll walk you through the key factors to consider when choosing between a harness and a collar, so you can feel confident that your dog is not only safe and secure—but also comfortable and happy on every walk.

Let’s dig in!

Struggling with a reactive herding dog? Melissa shares her journey from chaos to calm with her Australian Shepherd, Ollie, thanks to the Herding Hero program by Dogfulness Coaching. Learn how structured routines, mindset shifts, and personalized training tools helped transform reactivity into connection — and gave Melissa the confidence to take Ollie on walks with ease.

The goal of socialization isn’t to turn your puppy into a social butterfly—it’s to teach them that the world doesn’t need a reaction. From passing bicycles to new people and strange sounds, your dog’s ability to stay neutral is the superpower that will shape their emotional wellbeing for life. But here’s the thing: pushing too much, too fast, can do more harm than good. What your puppy truly needs is space, support, and the right kind of exposure at the right time.
This is especially important for sensitive and highly intelligent dog breeds like Australian Shepherds, Border Collies and Australian Cattle Dogs.

Does your Australian Shepherd seem incapable of settling down, no matter how much exercise or attention they get? Herding breeds like Aussies were bred for endurance, intelligence, and non-stop movement—not for lounging around the house. But when restlessness turns into anxiety, it can impact their well-being. In this post, we’ll explore why your Aussie struggles to relax, the signs of anxiety to watch for, and how to help them find balance.

Why does your dog go crazy on-leash but act fine off-leash? Leash aggression is a common but misunderstood behavior rooted in fear, frustration, or lack of socialization. In this blog, we break down the causes of leash reactivity, why leashes can contribute to the problem, and how understanding the root cause is the first step toward a calmer, more confident dog. Read more to learn how to help your pup

Thinking about introducing your dog to your new baby right away? Think again! Rushing that first meeting can create unnecessary stress for your pup—and put a lot of pressure on you. Instead of focusing on a picture-perfect introduction, the real key is a gradual, thoughtful transition that helps your dog feel secure and confident. As a Professional Dog Trainer and Licensed Family Paws Parent Educator, I’ve helped countless overwhelmed parents navigate this change. Want to set your dog and baby up for success? Let’s talk about a better way! 💛

Looking for a new adventure with your pup in Fairfield County? Check out my 3 favorite hikes & walks.

Understanding the underlying reasons why your dog is not listening empowers you as a dog owner to take strategic actions.