How to Pad Train a Puppy – Puppy Pad Training 101

Getting a puppy is an exciting time. You’ve got this new, adorable family member who will grow into a fluffy couch potato, a gentle giant, or a crazy playmate you can take on runs. But no matter what kind of dog your puppy grows into, learning how to pad train is one of the first …

The Benefits of Platform Training

In dog training, there are many different types of tools that can be used to help make your goals more attainable, but in over 25 years of professionally training animals, I can think of no better tool in my toolbox than platform training. By using this simple idea of elevation, you can help not just …

Bite Inhibition Training: How to Train Your Dog Not to Bite

Everyone loves puppies. They’re cute, cuddly, and fun to wrestle with. That is, until those tiny puppy teeth come out. As much as most people don’t want to deal with a bitey puppy, the reality is that all puppies use their jaws during play. Like house training, bite training just one of those things you …

Ultimate Guide to Dog Whistle Training (Plus our Favorite Whistles)

When we first brought our Alaskan shepherd, Eira, home last November, I jumped into training her right away. She was sweet, cuddly, and extremely loud — a problem for my son with sensory processing special needs — so I figured I could train her early. It was essential to get her well trained before she …

Dog Training Series: How to Help Your Nervous / Anxious Dog Overcome Fears

If you have a dog that is plagued with stress due to fears and anxieties, you might feel like the process of training him or her in the beginning, seems like a daunting task. Their fears, just like us, hold them back from doing things that your neighbor’s or friend’s dogs seem to do without …

Cues, Markers, Release Words: Essential Tools for Training Success

When you think of positive reinforcement training, what comes to mind? If you’re like most people, you probably said treats. Lots of yummy, high-value treats. While it’s true that rewards (whether they are treats, toys, or praise) are a huge piece of training, they aren’t the only “tools” you’ll need. Your dog looks to you …

Why Punishment Should be Avoided When Training Your Dog

The dog training world can be a passionate and widely divisive one.   Broadly speaking, there are two main types of training. Those that rely on using force-free, positive reinforcement techniques, and those that rely on aversives techniques and punishment (sometimes used alongside some positive training too admittedly). In this article, we hope to help you …

What is Target Training and Why Can It Be Useful?

Target training, sometimes also referred to as a ‘hand touch’, or ‘hand target’, or just as a “touch”, is something that might initially seem like an odd thing to teach your dog, but it can actually have a lot of really useful practical applications.  Generally, most trainers recommend starting by teaching your dog to touch …

What You Need to Get Started in Dog Agility Training

Are you looking for an amazing activity that you can do with your favorite canine? Agility training is a great way to build a stronger dog between you and your dog, plus it’s fabulous exercise, great for solving behavioral problems, and a whole lot of fun. You don’t need to be an expert dog handler …

How to Choose the Best Training Treat Pouch

We are advocates of positive dog training techniques.  Teaching your dog using force-free, scientific and positive methods has been shown to be much more effective and kinder than harsh and aversive techniques and it also helps to create a stronger, happier and more trusting relationship between you and your dog. Food rewards can be great …

Mastering Crate Training: How to Crate Train Your Dog

Crate training can be a contentious issue in the world of dog behaviour and training.  Some people will be aghast if they see a crate in your home, exclaiming that it is cruel to imprison your dog in one! Crate training is NOT cruel – when done properly! If crate training is introduced carefully and …

20 Dog Training Books Every Dog Owner Should Read

Looking for the best dog training books? Sometimes it can be really useful to have a handy point of reference from a respected source that you can use to help build up your dog training and behaviour knowledge, or it could be that you have a specific skill that you want to work on or …

Best Dog Training Equipment Reviewed

Looking for the best dog training equipment? Even if you have the most well-behaved dog on the planet, it can benefit them to have some basic training.  Not only can it be great brain food, helping them to stay stimulated and entertained, but it can also greatly increase the bond between you and your dog. …

Living with a Blind Dog: 12 Tips to Help with Training and Safety

It is a sad fact that dogs in rescue that are blind or have severe sight issues, like deaf dogs, usually have a much harder time being adopted. Don’t forget that humans may rely on our vision more than any of our other scents but dogs are very different, smell is their primary sense and …

Living With a Deaf Dog: 15 Tips to Help With Training and Safety

My Cocker Spaniel, Daisy, had chronic ear problems when she was still a relatively young dog.  Whilst we were eventually able to get this under control it left her with slight deafness. As she got older her hearing lessened until by the time she was around ten or eleven she had complete hearing loss. Whilst …

11 Husky Training Tips You Should Know

There are a ton of articles that give you some extraordinary Siberian Husky training tips when it comes to Huskies or dogs in general. A lot of these articles are geared towards a certain aspect of what it means to train your husky. As a long-time Siberian husky owner and lover, myself, I have scoured …

House Training a Puppy: 14 Ways to Get it Right

Toilet training or house training a puppy is something that a lot of new dog owners can get frustrated with.  It is not pleasant to come into a room and discover that your new puppy or rescue dog has had an accident on your brand new rug.  Apart from the obvious of not giving your …

Clicker Training 101: How to Use a Clicker to Train Your Dog

In this ultimate clicker training guide we will teach you how to use a clicker to train your dog. This simple but powerful training tool is very effective. What is a Clicker? A clicker is a small hand-held tool, commonly used for training dogs.  It allows you to clearly mark a desired behaviour offered by …

Best Dog Training Treats

Dogs are usually highly food motivated, so using dog training treats to reward a desired behavior is the most common option. We always advocate the use of positive reinforcement as the best technique for training your dog.  Not only is it scientifically proven to be the most effective method, but it also ensures you have …

7 Common Dog Training Mistakes (and How to Fix Them)

Training your dog to behave and follow commands isn’t always an easy task. No one is a perfect trainer, and you will certainly make some mistakes along the way. Here are seven common dog training mistakes you’re probably making and how to fix them. The Importance of Proper Dog Training The difference between a dog …

How To Sell a Dog – Detailed Guide

If you are wondering how to sell a dog, it can be a challenging task. Consider many things before deciding to give up on your furry friend. This detailed guide explains how to sell a dog, and it covers everything from finding an appropriate marketplace to getting your pooch before the sale and what to …

Golden Newfie Mix Information: Facts, Traits & More

Buckle up, dog lovers! We’re diving headfirst into the world of the Golden Newfie, which is a golden retriever crossed with a Newfoundland. We’re talking about a unique hybrid breed that’s specifically bred for hunting, birds, and swimming. Yup, these furry friends are the ultimate water dogs! With their naturally buoyant bodies and webbed paws, …

Your Complete Guide To The Black Pitbull

Pitbulls are incredibly popular dogs, well known for their adoring temperaments and unique appearance. They have a large fanbase that spans across the globe, so it’s no wonder you’ve found yourself here looking into the black Pitbull specifically. And while Pitbulls come in all kinds of colors and color combinations, we agree there is something …

20 Shepherd Breeds You’ll Fall In Love With 

When you think of dogs, Shepherd breeds may not be the first breed that comes to mind. But these hard-working canines have been around for centuries, and they’ve even played an important role in the history of most countries. If you’re interested in learning about some of the world’s most intelligent and hard-working dogs, you’ve …

Common Doberman Colors – Coats, Patterns, and Markings

Doberman Pinschers are one of the most recognizable dog breeds in the world. These dogs are known for their devotion, courage, intelligence, and strength. And they are also known for their beauty. When most people think of Doberman Pinschers, they think of large, sleek-coated dogs with either black or mahogany fur. What many people don’t …

About the Team

Meet the passionate team of experts at Your Dog Advisor, an authority blog dedicated to empowering dog owners with quality, well-researched advice. Led by veteran dog trainer, Jen Jones, who brings over two decades of hands-on canine experience, the team includes a range of professionals in veterinary medicine, animal psychology, and professional dog handling. A …

Your Ultimate Guide To The Australian Labradoodle

Crossbreed dogs, and especially crossbreed doodle dogs, have become increasingly popular over the years. People love these hybrids for their curly, potentially hypoallergenic coats, their adoring temperaments, and their unique appearance. But while most of us have heard about the Labradoodle, most of us are still learning about his close cousin, the Australian Labradoodle. So, …

15 Most Popular German Shepherd Colors 

When it comes to popular dog breeds, you don’t get more coveted than the German Shepherd. This purebred dog sits just behind the Labrador Retriever as the number two dog on the American Kennel Club’s list of most popular dog breeds. With that noted, it’s no surprise that you’re likely pretty used to seeing German …

The American Staffordshire Terrier vs Pitbull – Which One Is Right For You? 

Pitbulls have gotten a bad rep, as anyone who is passionate about the breed already knows. However, in recent years these bully breeds have become increasingly popular, with supporters coming out in droves to stand behind what many might consider the world’s most misunderstood dog. And if you’re trying to decide between an American Staffordshire …

The Agouti Husky – Your Ultimate Breed Information Guide 

Have you ever seen an Agouti Husky? If so, you may have mistaken this beautiful dog for a wolfdog hybrid or even a Coydog (a Coyote-dog mix). Agouti Huskies are neither, and instead are a color variation of the incredibly popular Siberian Husky. However, these darker-colored Huskies are much rarer than their lighter-colored counterparts, and …

The Doberman Rottweiler – Is This Mixed Breed Right For You?

You’ve seen him out and about – a large black dog with a friendly face, silky coat, and adoring brown eyes. This dog is unlike anything you’ve seen before and yet there is something so familiar about that face and body. And then it dawns on you. You’re looking at a Doberman Rottweiler Mix! And …

20 Black Dog Breeds That Are Sure To Amaze You 

Black dog breeds are intriguing to many different people and for many different reasons. They’re beautiful, eye-catching, and even somewhat mysterious. In different cultures, black dog breeds even symbolize different things, making them all the more interesting. While we don’t always recommend choosing a dog based solely on its coat color, we know that the …

The White Pomeranian- Health, Temperament, And Everything Else You Should Know 

If you’re a Pomeranian lover then you likely already know about the White Pomeranian. This beautiful, snow-white pup looks an awful lot like an adorable (albeit pint-sized) fluffy cloud. Unfortunately, White Pomeranian dogs are rare, making them difficult to come by and therefore often more costly when going through breeders. With that said, it is …

12 Adorable Teacup Dogs We Simply Can’t Get Over 

It’s no secret that teacup dogs are rising in popularity. These pint-sized pups are cute, cuddly, and often less costly to keep and feed than their larger counterparts. Teacup dogs come in all shapes and sizes, from Pomeranians to Chihuahuas to French Bulldogs and more! But while all teacup dogs are cute, not all teacup …

Looking For A Scary Dog? 10 Scariest Dogs Out There

When it comes to navigating through different dog breeds, there are plenty to choose from. Some breeds are known for being gentle and sweet, while others are known for being fierce and scary. And if you’re looking for a dog that will protect you and your family with its intimidating looks, you’ve come to the …

12 Most Muscular Dog Breeds

Muscular dog breeds have always been intriguing. Bred primarily for working purposes, these pumped pups often possess a good amount of strength, work ethic, and devotion to their owners. Many muscular dog breeds can also come across as more intimidating than other types of dogs, even if their temperaments are as sweet and gentle as …

Do Dogs Get Tired of Barking? Here’s What We Know

Barking is one of the most common reasons for people to become frustrated with their dogs. And while barking is a normal behavior in all dogs, a dog that is barking excessively can be a nuisance for not only you and your neighbors, but it can also indicate that something is wrong with your dog. …

Your Ultimate Guide To The Red Golden Retriever

The red Golden Retriever is a rare variation of Golden Retriever, so you may not have seen this unique and beautiful dog very often. Still, its rarity has only proven to make this dog more popular over the years, especially as we come to learn more about him. Are you curious about the red Golden …

Best Dog Digging Repellent

If you have a digging dog, chances are you’re fed up with the destruction going on in your yard or garden, and possibly even in your home. Not only is digging disastrous, but it’s also messy and may even be dangerous for your dog, especially if he’s digging beneath fences or near power lines. Unfortunately, …

Razors Edge Pitbull Dog Breed Information Guide

If you are a Pitbull enthusiast, chances are you already know about the Razors Edge Pitbull. Though not a purebred Pitbull and not recognized by most major breed clubs, the Razors Edge Pitbull continues to be one of the most popular bully-type dogs in the United States. However, if you’re looking to obtain a Razors …

The Best Herding Ball and Other Toys For Active Dogs

When you think of dog toys, you probably think of bones, tennis balls, chew toys, and squeaky toys. The last toy on your mind is probably a herding ball. But if you have an active dog with any kind of herding instinct or even a dog that just loves to play with a variety of …

Complete Merle Pitbull Terrier Breed Guide

Merle Pitbulls are absolutely stunning, so it’s no wonder you’re curious about this gorgeous dog. With a coat that looks as exotic as a tiger’s, these canines are quickly becoming a coveted companion for Pitbull lovers everywhere. But while merle Pitbulls are certainly a thing of beauty, they are also somewhat controversial. And no, not …

15 Dachshund Colors You Didn’t Know About

Their long bodies, squat legs, and lively temperaments are all traits that make the Dachshund a family favorite across the United States. This darling dog turns heads for more than his unique body type. In fact, Dachshund dogs come in a variety of coat colors and combinations, which only adds to the fun of these …

10 Of The Meanest Looking Dog Breeds 

We’ve all heard the famous saying that you can’t judge a book by its cover, and the same is certainly true for dogs. Although a dog may look mean, the true test of its temperament is often defined by a few factors that may be determined by how a dog is raised, trained, and socialized. …

15 Tri Color Dog Breeds You Have To See To Believe

Dog breeds come in many shapes, sizes, and colors, but there are some breeds that are known for their classic color combinations and patterns. Tri color dog breeds are some such dogs, with a color combination that is not only beautiful but also a defining feature of the dog. But how often do we really …

Your Ultimate Guide To The Mini Bernedoodle

Are you head over heels for the Bernedoodle but lacking in the space it takes to maintain one of these large breed mixes? Never fear, because the Mini Bernedoodle has arrived! This miniature version of the standard Bernedoodle packs everything you already know and love about the Bernedoodle dog into a smaller package that is …