Kathy Santo's Dog Sense

Hello everyone, and welcome back to a brand new episode of Dog Sense! 🙌

I'm here not only with Sarah today, but also with the brilliant Stacey Samela, a senior trainer at our school and someone who has been with me since I opened it!!

And even though it's her first time on the show, we've been training together for over a decade! And when we're together, we tend to have a lot of fun!

Today, Sarah, Stacey, and I are going to be discussing something super important: Our top training tips and tricks for reactive dogs!

So, whether your dog is an intense "starer," terrified of the vacuum cleaner, or just overly friendly, this episode is for you.

Ready?

Let's dive in! 👇

Key points discussed

Intro (00:00)

What does "reactive" mean? (01:50)

How you react matters! (05:04)

How to practice with your reactive dog at home (08:25)

Practicing calm (14:24)

Get off territory (17:46)

Story time! (19:32)

Additional resources

Check out our Online Training Programs here.

Check out our Perfect Dog Pacifiers recipe eBook here.

Learn more about Kathy Santo Dog Training.

Hey everyone, welcome to another episode of Dog Sense!

As always, Sarah and I are here to share some super useful dog tips with you. Plus, today, we're once again joined by Nikki, so you know this is going to be a fun episode! 🤩

Now, let me ask you a question: When you hear the word "socialization", what's the first thought that comes to you?

For most people, it's puppy 🐶 socialization! And yes, socializing a young puppy and exposing him to the world is suuuper important.

But, there's another category of dogs that also need socialization: Adult rescues!

After all, you can't just bring your newly adopted dog home and invite 52 people (and their dogs!) over the house that day, even if you're excited about them meeting him or her! 🤦

So, how do you properly socialize an adult dog when you're well beyond the critical socialization window? 🤔

Well, this is exactly what Sarah, Nikki, and I discuss in today's episode of Dog Sense, so tune in now to learn more!

Key points discussed

Intro (00:00)

Socializing an adult rescue dog (00:48)

The first 24 hours (02:30)

Give your dog personal space (05:01)

Don't label your dog (07:08)

Slowly bring your dog to different places (09:27)

Go through a puppy socialization chart (10:17)

Introduce your rescue dog to what's around him (13:55)

Final thoughts (14:54)

Additional resources

Check out our Online Training Programs here.

Check out our Perfect Dog Pacifiers recipe eBook here.

Learn more about Kathy Santo Dog Training.

Hey everyone, Kathy and Sarah here! Welcome to another episode of Dog Sense. Yayy! 🙌

Today, we're joined by one of the trainers from our school, the amazing Nikki. 💪

She's here this week to discuss a topic near and dear to our hearts... Why students (even those whose dogs attend FastTrack) should be attending our group classes! 👊

I have sooo many feelings about this, and for a good reason: Group classes are super important for owners to learn how to communicate and handle their dog properly to progress their training.

And that's why we want you to attend them!

Plus other (fun!) reasons, which you'll find out about in today's episode of Dog Sense. 😉

Let's dive in!

Key points discussed

Intro (00:00)

What's FastTrack? (01:15)

Why you should be attending your dog's training classes (03:10)

"I don't wanna go to class because I'm embarrassed." (05:07)

Another reason people don't come to class (07:52)

Dog training class should be fun! (08:48)

Just come to class! (10:30)

Additional resources

Check out our Online Training Programs here.

Check out our Perfect Dog Pacifiers recipe eBook here.

Learn more about Kathy Santo Dog Training.

There's a particular struggle that owners have regarding dog-dog communication.

Every dog owner needs to know not only what their dog is saying to other dogs, but what the other dog is saying to THEM!

So… How DO you actually introduce dogs who may not have great social skills?! 🤔

(Spoiler alert: you can't just schedule a playdate and call it a day!)

Before you even tune in to the episode, I'll share a little secret with you: It's all about body language. 🤯

I know, I know... we go on and on about that, but it's literally the primary way your dog communicates with you (we talk about barking in another episode….😇)

Sure, we'd love a talking dog — who hasn't dreamed of having one as a child? 🙊 —, however, body language is all we have for now, so you need to become fluent in his native language. 😉

So, what's your dog saying when he's meeting another puppy? And how can you learn his language when Duolingo still hasn't come out with a "dog" option?

Find out in today's episode of Dog Sense!

Key points discussed

Intro (00:00)

How does your dog react when he sees another dog? (01:08)

The approach (02:22)

The nose to nose greeting (03:27)

What about disengagement? (05:53)

Neutral walks? (07:57)

You have to be present (09:49)

Moving on to the backyard (11:56)

No toys should be involved! (12:24)

End it on a good note (15:16)

Additional resources

Check out our Online Training Programs here.

Check out our Perfect Dog Pacifiers recipe eBook here.

Learn more about Kathy Santo Dog Training.

The kids wanted a dog. Tale as old as time, right? And they literally begged you for one for years... And one magical day, the dog of their dreams FINALLY appeared. So now they're dog owners!!

But…. where are they?

They're with their friends.

They're at sports practice.

Where they're NOT is home with their dog.

But you are. You and your loyal canine companion…..that your KIDS wanted….. 😬

I'm sure you've heard that saga before. (Maybe you're there right now!)

But help is on the way! Because if you've been looking for ways to get your kids involved in dog training, look no more. 🙌

In this episode, Sarah and I share tips and tricks to make dog training fun and engaging for both your kids and the dog. 🐶

Spoiler alert - these tips are for all ages, from toddler to high school!

And, as a dog trainer, I know I'm biased, but I gotta say, if you notice your kids have a passion for dogs, please encourage them to follow it! It's how *I* got started! Being a dog trainer is so very rewarding. 🥰 For us, it's a family thing.

OK, let's get to it!

Key points discussed

Dogs just love the fall (00:00)

Involving your toddler (02:00)

Say the commands together (02:54)

What about grade school children? (03:27)

How to use "keys" (05:25)

Tips for older children (06:40)

Additional resources

Check out our Online Training Programs here.

Check out our Perfect Dog Pacifiers recipe eBook here.

Learn more about Kathy Santo Dog Training.

Sarah and I are super extra excited about this topic 🙌!

Having been a professional dog trainer for decades, there are things I consistently see dog owners (even seasoned ones) do that are a hard "No" in my book.

And when asked "Why are you doing that?" The most common reasons we hear are: "That's how we've always trained/fed/walked our dog", or "we searched for advice on the internet and that's what we were told to do!" 🤷

Side note: Here at Dog Sense, we reaaaaally don't like/agree with most of the dog training advice that's online (except ours, of course!).

And that's exactly why we decided to do this very important episode 💪!

So, if you'd like to know what your favorite dog trainers are really thinking, tune in for this candid and 'filter-free' episode 😇!

Key points discussed

Intro (00:00)

The importance of regular training (00:46)

Talk to your trainer! (01:58)

Is keeping your friends and family informed critical? (04:34)

Find your tribe (06:44)

The pandemic didn't ruin your dog (08:03)

Don't handicap your dog/yourself with a label (10:07)

Additional resources

Check out our Online Training Programs here.

Check out our Perfect Dog Pacifiers recipe eBook here.

Learn more about Kathy Santo Dog Training.

Hello everyone, Kathy and Sarah here 🙌!

Like every week, we're back with a new episode of Dog Sense, and our answers to your most burning questions 🔥🔥!

This week's question? How to keep your dog safe during the holidays!

Yes, believe it or not, the holidays can be full of hidden dangers, and you have to get on top of that 💪!

I'm talking guests coming in and out of the house 🙀, I'm talking decorations laying around 😩, I'm talking 'dangerous for dogs' food everywhere 😱!!

And yes, even if you have an older dog who's been with you for years, you might want to give this episode a listen too, because you never know what you could miss.

So, without further ado, let's dive in!

Key points discussed

Intro (00:00)

Decorate with awareness (01:56)

Keep your guests informed (04:58)

Don't bump your dog's training off the list (06:13)

Keep an eye on your dog (08:00)

Take advantage of frozen food toys (09:02)

Get a pet sitter if you need one (10:38)

Additional resources

Check out our Online Training Programs here.

Check out our Perfect Dog Pacifiers recipe eBook here.

Learn more about Kathy Santo Dog Training.

Hello everyone, and welcome back to a brand new episode of Dog Sense 🐶!

Today, Sarah and I are joined by a very special guest - Lauren Tobin-Dolan, our head trainer at the school! We're super excited to have her back on the show 🎉.

Lauren is here to discuss a topic we hear about all the time: How to get your dog or puppy to love his crate!

If your dog doesn't like his crate, there's usually a pretty quick fix for it! Perhaps the type of crate you're using isn't RIGHT for him. Or maybe the crate isn't in the right spot in the house?

"But Kathy", you may ask, "WHY does my dog need to be crated?" 🤔

I know, I know. It's easy for new puppy or dog owners to feel guilty about crating. But having a crate is incredibly useful for soooooo many reasons that we'll be covering in today's episode.

Plus ( if you do it right), putting your dog in a crate can actually be a positive experience for him! Sometimes, it's the best way to soothe him if he's too cranked up.

So, tune in to learn our top tips and tricks on how to get your puppy (or dog) to LOVE his crate 😍!

Key points discussed

Intro (00:00)

How to choose the right type of crate (01:40)

Why some dogs don't love crates (07:04)

The best way to make your dog love his crate (08:28)

Why placement is crucial (14:53)

How to get your dog to settle and self-soothe (16:26)

Why crates are necessary (19:04)

Additional resources

Check out our Online Training Programs here.

Need help socializing your puppy? Check out the Puppy Socialization Checklists here.

Learn more about Kathy Santo Dog Training.

Hello everyone, and welcome back to a brand new episode of Dog Sense!

Today, Sarah and I are again joined by the super talented Nikki, who is one of our amazing trainers at our NJ school.

This week, we'll be discussing a super cool class that we teach in our NJ school: Dog Park Class!

Why a dog park class, you ask?

Well, as you'll learn in this episode, we're not big fans of dog parks. They can be really scary to some dogs, and they can even overhype others. Some dogs can get bullied, and some can even become bullies and … and we don't want any of that happening to YOUR dog!

Our dog park classes are safer and educational for both dogs and owners.

How does our unique dog park class work?

Tune in now to find out!

Key points discussed

Intro (00:00)

Dog groupings (02:36)

The benefits of dogs playing together (03:52)

Who needs to come to dog park class (07:32)

Tips for a perfect play session (10:05)

Take a break during play! (13:53)

Declining play (16:00)

What the tail means (17:55)

Additional resources

Check out our Online Training Programs here.

Need help socializing your puppy? Check out the Puppy Socialization Checklists here.

Learn more about Kathy Santo Dog Training.

Hello everyone and welcome back to a brand new episode of Dog Sense! Yayyy 🎉!!

Today, Sarah and I (and Nikki, who is one of my trainers at the school AND our guest for today) will be discussing something every dog owner should know: How to stop your dog 🐶 from jumping on people (and you!) when meeting and greeting.

If you've ever had a dog jump on you and you weren't expecting it (or wanting it!), no matter the size of the dog, it can be an "overwhelming" experience.

Plus not jumping on people is Basic Manners 101! Every puppy and dog should be taught not just what NOT to do (jump on people without being invited), but also what TO do (so they can earn awesome rewards🥰).

Now SOME people may say "Oh I don't mind if your dog jumps on me. I love it!" But that doesn't help you solve the problem. Because if your dog jumps on someone and knocks them down, or your puppy puts muddy paw prints on someone's clothes, it won't be a great experience for them OR you!

I know you're thinking "Kathy, can you PLEASE teach me to train my dog that jumping on people to say "hi" is a big no-no!! Because the holidays are just around the corner!" 😱

Well since you asked, tune in now to find out!

Key points discussed

Intro (00:00)

Why do dogs jump? (03:06)

Make yourself better than the environment (05:44)

Managing your older dog's jumping (06:35)

Teach your dog how to appropriately greet people! (09:11)

What to do when your dog jumps on people (12:21)

Additional resources

Check out our Online Training Programs here.

Need help socializing your puppy? Check out the Puppy Socialization Checklists here.

Learn more about Kathy Santo Dog Training.