Pied Piper's Dog Training

The Power of a High Value Reward As Rewards, Not All Treats Have the Same Value Not all treats are created equal, and the value is decided by your pup. They may like chicken jerky, but LOVE cheese—and that matters! Even high-value rewards can lose their value if used all the time, so switch things up and keep it exciting. To find favorites, I like to offer a variety of treats spread out—the first one chosen is the top pick (saved for recall… the really important stuff). The s

“Reactivity” is one of the biggest buzzwords in the dog world right now, but the tricky part is that everyone pictures something different when they hear it. Some imagine barking and lunging; others may picture exuberantly pulling while trying to say hello to a fellow dog or their person; still others might see it as the dog freezing or planting themselves, not wanting to move. I like to think of reactivity as a dog simply having some big feelings. Excitement, frustration, f

Don't let the rain ruin your dog's day! Discover Pied Piper’s favorite indoor enrichment games—from DIY foraging boxes to recall chase—designed to burn energy and satisfy your dog's innate behaviors while staying dry inside.

We’ve all been there: a friend brings home a wiggly new puppy, or a family member adopts a soulful rescue dog. We want to get them something special, so we head to the pet store and grab another squeaky toy or a bag of treats. While toys and treats are great, they eventually wear out or get eaten. If you want to give a gift that truly lasts a lifetime, consider the Pied Piper’s Dog Training Gift Card. Why Training is the Best Gift You Can Give Many people think of dog trainin

1. Help Your New Puppy Feel Safe and Secure Your top priority is helping your puppy feel safe, secure, and unpressured as they adjust. Your puppy’s whole world has just changed, and even though you’re wonderful, you aren’t their mom or furry siblings. There’s nothing more adorable than a precious puppy. As challenging as this will be, avoid scooping them up for hugs and kisses right away—this can feel overwhelming and entirely unnatural for a little pup. Give them time to set

Free Fall Fun

The look of pure joy on your dog's face as they chase a favorite toy is priceless, but did you know you can tap into their natural instincts and keep them mentally sharp with DIY enrichment toys ? Far beyond a simple chew session, enrichment is about providing challenges that satisfy your pup's instinct to sniff, forage, and problem-solve. The best part? You don't need to spend a fortune on fancy gadgets. With a few common household items, you can create engaging puzzles that

Discover the value of puzzle toys for dogs! A certified dog trainer explains how these toys prevent boredom, reduce anxiety, and curb destructive behaviors by providing essential mental stimulation.

Sometimes, the most expensive dog toys get ignored in favor of a cardboard box or a stray sock. It's a tale as old as time for dog owners! My dog Tonka is no different, but his current favorite toy takes the cake for being both free and utterly hilarious. Tonka's favorite toy is... a Costco milk jug! 🥛 Yep, that square jug many people love to hate is his ultimate source of joy. He'll chase and fetch it again and again, proving once again that the best toys are often the free

As a family with a house full of wagging tails and a few other critters, we've learned a lot about managing a multi-pet household. One of the biggest lessons? The power of one-on-one time with each of our furry family members. When you're diving into the world of pet training—whether it's with a trainer, a book, or a podcast—the first piece of advice you always hear is to start in a distraction-free environment. We often think of our living rooms or bedrooms, and those are gr

To create a great digging pit for your dog, designate a space, add a soft digging medium like sand or loose soil, and bury toys and treats to encourage your dog's digging behavior. Supervise your dog, redirecting them to the pit when they dig elsewhere. Regularly refresh the digging medium and buried items to maintain interest. Here's a detailed guide: 1. Choose the Location and Materials: Location: Select a spot that's convenient for you and your dog, and consider whether yo