The Pet Dog Ambassador Program: Show Your Clients the Value of Force-Free Dog Training in Everyday Living
by Niki Tudge For trainers and pet professionals, the Pet Dog Ambassador (PDA) program is more than just a curriculum—it’s a way to provide long-term value to your clients while upholding the highest ethical standards. The Professional’s Perspective: A Business-in-a-Box Are you dedicated to training the “real-life” skills that make a dog a joy to live with – walking on a loose leash, greeting people politely, and staying focused amidst life’s distractions? As a professional trainer, you can register for the PDA program and become an Instructor. If you are… Continued
The Language of Dog Training: It’s Not Just Semantics
by Louise Stapleton-Frappell Originally published in BARKS from the Guild (Stapleton-Frappell, 2015). Updated and expanded for 2026 with current perspectives from DogNostics Education. Why Do Semantics Matter? The language we use shapes ethics, learning, and relationships in modern force-free training. According to the Britannica Dictionary, semantics is “the study of the meanings of words and phrases in language, and how those meanings shift depending on context.” In dog training, semantics matter because the words we choose don’t just describe what we do; they reveal how we think about and relate… Continued
Help Get the Whole Household on Board with Your Training Plan
by Veronica Boutelle In this article, the experts at dogbiz share tips for working with a committed client who’s training is being undermined by a skeptical partner. Ask dogbiz Q: Hi dogbiz, I’m working with a really great client who is totally committed to training her dog. The problem is that her partner is not on board at all. He ignores the training plan, uses completely different methods, and sometimes jokes that the dog “needs a firmer hand.” My client is frustrated and says she feels like she’s doing all… Continued
A Kinder World for Pets and People: The Building Blocks of Meaningful Change
by Tasha Attwood A recent Pet Professional Guild Advocacy Panel discussion centered on a simple but powerful question: how can guardians and professionals work together to create a kinder world for pets? For this event, moderator Don Hanson was joined by panelists Rebekah King, Kim Silver, Jennifer Van Valkenburg, and myself. It was a very powerful and emotive discussion, with a message of kindness for everyone, and I’ve summarized some of the highlights for pet professionals here. Well-being Begins with Understanding Kim Silver opened the discussion by reflecting on welfare… Continued
Nonnegotiable Indoor and Outdoor Pet Care Standards for Pet Sitters
by the Pet Professional Guild (PPG) Pet Care Division This resource is a product of the Pet Professional Guild Pet Care Division Team: Kat Frizzell (Chair), CPPS, FFCP, PFACCI, PLBS; Kristi Jones, CPDT-KA, CBCC-KA, CET; and Roxanne Dockter, MSc., CPPS, FFCP, CFVA, PFACCI This checklist outlines a clear set of nonnegotiable standards that all professional pet sitter members of PPG should adhere to when providing services such as boarding, pet sitting, and overnight care. Indoor & Outdoor Pet Care Standards for Pet Sitters Download the Guide Here: About the Pet Professional Guild Pet Care… Continued
Just in Case: Encouraging Preventative Muzzle Training
by Annie Dowell-Caffrey Muzzle training is often misunderstood. For many guardians, the first time they think about a muzzle is when they are already facing a challenging situation, such as a stressful veterinary visit, an unexpected injury, or a behavioral concern that has escalated. Cooperative Care The Just in Case campaign from The Muzzle Movement aims to shift that conversation by encouraging dog guardians to view muzzle training as a normal, preventative life skill rather than something introduced only in moments of crisis. For trainers and behavior professionals, this idea may already feel familiar.… Continued
Creating a Kinder World for Pets: What Professionals Can Do
by Tasha Attwood In the recent Pet Professional Guild (PPG) Advocacy Panel discussion, moderator Don Hanson brought together Dayle Pearce, Rebekah King, and myself to explore a deceptively simple question: How can pet professionals help create a kinder world for pets? It’s a big question. And the answers, as it turns out, are both practical and deeply human. Are We Expecting Too Much? The conversation opened with a reflection on a wider cultural shift. Since COVID especially, expectations placed on dogs seem higher than ever. A recent article by Professor… Continued
The Weight of Words: How Labels Impact Cat Welfare
by Mary Stevens We are all guilty of describing a cat as “spicy” or “just plain mean,” but what we often don’t realize is how these negative labels shape not only how we view the cat, but also how others perceive them. When we use this kind of language, we project our own emotions and assumptions onto the listener rather than describing what we are actually observing or taking the time to explore why the cat may be behaving this way. Labels in Welfare Settings: Why Words Matter In animal… Continued
Redefining Business Growth and Success
In this article, the experts at dogbiz share tips on expanding your dog training business without expanding your stress. Ask dogbiz Q: Hi dogbiz, My business is doing well. I’m booked weeks in advance, earning a steady income, and I’ve got awesome clients. But lately I’ve started wondering if I should be doing more. Everywhere I look, people seem to be hiring staff, running online courses, or launching new things. I don’t actually want any of that, but I can’t shake the feeling that staying small might mean I’m lacking… Continued
Pet Care Service Non-Negotiables: A Guide for Pet Care Professionals and Their Clients
by the PPG Pet Care Division This resource is a product of the Pet Professional Guild Pet Care Division Team: Kat Frizzell, CPPS, FFCP, PFACCI, PLBS; Kristi Jones, CPDT-KA, CBCC-KA, CET; and Roxanne Dockter, MSc., CPPS, FFCP, CFVA, PFACCI This guide outlines a clear set of non-negotiable standards that all professional pet care members of the Pet Professional Guild should adhere to when providing services such as boarding, pet sitting, daycare, overnight care, pet taxi and dog walking. Overview: The non-negotiables sections are divided into Service Standards and Pet Care Standards. Section One:… Continued
Book Review: How Dogs Love Us by Gregory Berns
by Daniel H. Antolec I recently read a fascinating book written by neuroscientist, Dr. Gregory Berns, who headed the two-year Dog Project, using fMRI scanning technology to investigate the brains of dogs who were specially trained to participate in the project. Callie was his family dog, and the book not only explored the scientific method of this unique experiment, but also the personal relationship development between Berns and his dog. The book, How Dogs Love Us: A Neuroscientist and His Adopted Dog Decode the Canine Brain, is clearly written, with… Continued
From Hourly to High-Value: A Strategic Guide to Pricing and Packaging Your Pet Training Services
by Niki Tudge Many pet trainers fall into a common trap: they view themselves as laborers selling their time by the hour. But when you trade time for money, you cap your income and risk burnout. To build a sustainable, profitable business, you must shift your mindset from selling “hours” to selling “results.” This guide covers how to restructure your pricing, protect your income with solid policies, and market your services to attract the right clients. The Psychology of Price: Pricing IS Marketing Before you open a spreadsheet, you must… Continued
Bridging Training and Treatment: A Behaviorist’s Advice on Using Medications to Support Shelter Animals
By Kim Monteith This article is based on an interview by the author with Dr. Karen van Haaften, a board-certified veterinary behaviorist with a focus on shelter behavioral medicine. We ask animals to learn, adjust, and adapt in highly stressful environments. While behavioral interventions play a critical role in supporting animals with these changes, on their own they are not always enough for some animals. In many cases, bridging training and treatment can be the key. This is especially true when it comes to anxiety-reducing medications. In a recent interview, Dr.… Continued
Pet Industry Marketing—Create Products and Services Clients Desire
By Niki Tudge Needs, wants, and desires are separate concepts that influence human behavior. Needs are essential for survival, wants enhance the quality of life but are not vital, and desires are intense, often emotionally driven longings. In marketing, desire is a powerful motivator that drives people to purchase a product or service. It’s the human appetite for a specific item or experience, often stimulated by advertising, that creates a sense of wanting. Unlike a basic “need” for survival, desire is more aspirational and connected to a person’s emotions, values,… Continued
Embracing Variety in Your Dog Training Business
In this article, the experts at dogbiz share tips for dog trainers who may be struggling with whether to niche down or be a generalist. Ask dogbiz Q: Hi dogbiz, I’ve been hearing a lot about the importance of having a niche in dog training. Everyone says it’s the key to success, but the truth is, I love variety. I enjoy working on a wide range of things: puppy basics, basic manners, behavior modification, scent work, agility—you name it. I also enjoy working with all kinds of dogs and… Continued
Overstimulation in Cats
by Misty Hampton The term “overstimulation” is sometimes used among cat professionals. Like any label, it has the potential to be useful in certain contexts. Applied too broadly, it limits understanding. In this article, the author discusses how the term “overstimulation” is applied to cats and proposes a working definition of the term to promote better understanding of cats’ behavior and needs. Overstimulation can be prevented. When we recognize the signs of overstimulation, strategic interventions can lead to better interactions and improved outcomes, for both people and cats. Starting Point I was inspired to… Continued
What’s Wrong With No Kill?
by Pat Miller Those who know me know that I abhor the entire deceptive, unethical, abusive “no-kill” movement. When I first spoke out against no kill at conferences 20-plus years ago, I was greeted by a roomful of puzzled looks and verbal resistance. Today, I get wild applause. Our industry has come to understand how damaging the so-called no-kill movement actually is. Imagine a world where no dog is euthanized for homelessness: more homes than dogs; waiting lists at dog adoption sources; potential adopters anxiously awaiting the next available canine.… Continued
Pet Training and Behavior Consulting: Knowledge Versus Performance
Knowledge and performance are distinct yet interconnected concepts. Knowledge refers to the understanding and awareness of facts and ideas, while performance is the practical application of that knowledge. Dog training hinges on both knowledge and performance. These concepts are different, but both should be assessed before a professional can become an accredited or licensed dog trainer. Can you imagine other industries certifying or licensing professionals without evidence of both knowledge and performance? Veterinary medicine, surgery, nursing, and most trades require performance competency. How can we overlook the performance factor and… Continued
Five Ways the Power of Play Will Transform Your Dog Training Business
Want to know the secret to happier clients, better-trained dogs, and a thriving dog training business? Or how to encourage your owners to actually do the work and put your training into practice? The answer is simpler than you might think—it’s play! Science shows that play doesn’t just make training more enjoyable. It actively enhances learning, strengthens bonds, and builds confidence in both dogs and their owners. At Tug-E-Nuff, we’ve seen firsthand how incorporating interactive play into training supercharges results and makes people and dogs happy! Let’s explore five compelling ways… Continued
Balancing Health and Business
In this article, the experts at dogbiz share tips for dog trainers who may be struggling with balancing their health and running their dog training business. Ask dogbiz Q: Hi dogbiz, I’ve been struggling to find the right balance between my health and running my dog training business. I’ve had some health issues that can flare up from time to time, and I worry about letting my clients down when I need to cancel appointments. I want to be reliable, but I also need to take care of myself. How… Continued
Occupational Licensing for Pet Trainers and Behavior Consultants: Does a Suitable Model Exist?
by Niki Tudge, Debra Millikan, and Louse Stapleton-Frappell This article was adapted from Tudge, N., Millikan, D., & Stapleton-Frappell, L. (2019). Occupational Licensing for Pet Trainers and Behavior Consultants. DogNostics Career Center Publishing. Ch. 1, pp. 14-21. Download your free copy of the ebook here. According to Roth and Ramlow (2016), “Americans have always been rooted in the idea of economic freedom.” In other words, Americans tend to be of the belief that hard work and determination will pay off. Children, from a young age, may be told that, rich… Continued
Hoof Care Options for Fearful Equids
by Michelle Martiya When people adopt or rescue fearful and feral equids, one of the most pressing issues the new owners face is the need to trim their feet. These animals often come with feet that are too long, which can be painful and cause long-term musculoskeletal problems. Much like dogs accepting nail trims, hoof trims can be one of the most challenging procedures for an equid to accept, and the need for care will frequently happen before training for this procedure is complete. Fortunately, there are a few things… Continued
Identifying Positive Reinforcers for the Individual
Anna Bradley explains why using food as a positive reinforcer in training is not bribery and examines alternative options for dogs who may not always be so food driven. While I would say there is, in general, a much wider appreciation of the role of rewards in animal training and behavior these days, I also believe—and it is certainly my experience—that pet guardians do not always fully understand the power of positive-reinforcement training. For example, I have had clients who consider the use of rewards to be “bribery.” There may… Continued
Eat, PURR, Love
Andrea Carne investigates how feeding regimes can help meet feline behavioral needs, particularly those of indoor cats, while deliberating the findings of a recent study on the same topic. Read the next sentence very carefully (and with a large pinch of salt): Feeding your cat one meal a day might be best. I can almost hear the gasps from cat guardians across the world! “Feed my cat once a day? Are you crazy?” I hear you say. “What do I do when I get the 5 a.m. ‘wake up and… Continued
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