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Jill Kudera
CPDT-KA Certified Professional Dog Trainer
Licensed and Insured
Licensed Veterinary Technician
Canine and Feline CPR and First Aid Certified
360-516-3245


A Seasonal Peril: Protecting Your Pup From Foxtail Grass Seeds
Summer is here, and with it comes the usual list of concerns for dog owners: hot pavement, fleas, and ticks. But did you know there's a third, often overlooked, seasonal hazard that can cause just as much trouble? This humble grass seed can be a real pain for your pup if you're not careful. Foxtail grasses, with their barbed seeds, can be very dangerous for dogs. These seeds can easily become lodged in a dog's skin, ears, eyes, nose, and even lungs, leading to infections, ab

jillkudera
Jul 11, 20252 min read


The Common Canine Conundrum of Grass Eating
The Common Canine Conundrum of Grass Eating
Observing a dog eating grass is a familiar sight for many pet owners, often occurring during daily walks or playtime in the yard. This common behavior, however, frequently raises questions and concerns: Why do dogs engage in this activity? Is it a harmless quirk or a sign of a problem? Could the grass itself, or substances on it, be dangerous? How much grass consumption is considered excessive? And critically, what actions should

jillkudera
Apr 22, 20255 min read


My #1 Tip for the Best Walks with Multiple Dog Guardians
In today’s world, it seems that everyone has a hectic schedule. So when I tell my clients they should walk their dogs one at a time, I often get a look that says, “Are you crazy? Who has time for that??” Meet Tonka & Piper Having a multi-dog household myself, I completely empathize. But here’s the thing: when we take both (or more) dogs on a walk, there’s a level of competition (good old sibling rivalry)—who’s going to walk in front, who’s going to smell that leaf first, who’

jillkudera
Mar 17, 20253 min read


Here is what's been on my mind of late. Let's speak about poop and that bag!
Ready to hit the Trail…. Here’s a great solution to Where to store/carry that pesky poop bag. The mini-Backpack. Not only is this...

jillkudera
Mar 4, 20251 min read


Have you recently adopted or rescued your new best friend?
According to the ASPCA: Approximately 7.6 million companion animals enter animal shelters nationwide every year. Of those, approximately...

jillkudera
Feb 20, 20252 min read


Understanding "Learned Behavior".
Let's start by defining "Learned Behavior." In general, a learned behavior is one that an organism develops as a result of experience....

jillkudera
Feb 12, 20253 min read


Yes, there is a Piper! Here is how this pup changed my trajectory from veterinary technician to positive reinforcement dog trainer.
Puppy Piper :) Piper has been an incredible blessing in my life over the last four and a half years. From the moment she came into my...

jillkudera
Jan 29, 20252 min read


Unveiling the Hidden Danger: The Threat of Xylitol to Your Pet's Health
As January rolls out the fresh first days of the new year, many of us reflect on our resolutions to eat healthier. It's a time for positive change, but while we improve our diets, we must also consider our pets' health. One often-overlooked danger is artificial sweeteners, particularly xylitol. Xylitol, a popular sugar substitute, is commonly found in products we use daily—such as chewing gum, sugar-free desserts, candy, mouthwash, toothpaste, and some peanut butters. Unfortu

jillkudera
Jan 23, 20253 min read


Potty Training your Dog or Puppy, Tips for Success from the Dog Trainer
There’s nothing quite like the warmth and joy of a snuggly puppy! But let’s be honest: potty training can be challenging and sometimes...

jillkudera
Jan 3, 20252 min read


Bringing Home a Holiday Puppy? 🐾🎁
Three Tips for Success! It's the most wonderful time of the year, and maybe a new furry friend is joining your family! Bringing a puppy...

jillkudera
Dec 13, 20242 min read


Helping Your Dog Thrive During the Holidays: Tips for a Calm and Happy Season. Jill Kudera
Jil Kudera is a Licensed Veterinary Technician, a CPDT-KA Certified Dog Trainer, and is also certified in Canine and Feline CPR and First...

jillkudera
Nov 23, 20243 min read


AKC Canine Good Citizen
AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Program AKC Trick Dog Titles For more info. https://www.akc.org/sports/akc-family-dog-pr...

jillkudera
Nov 14, 20241 min read


Private Lessons adjust with your dogs growth and life changes. Just like us dogs benefit from a lifetime of learning. I would love to be your guide.
Have you survived the puppy phase and are now moving onto the even more challenging stage of the dreaded adolescent phase. Maybe you’ve...

jillkudera
Nov 14, 20242 min read


Dogs can become overly aroused by common stimuli. This is often termed Reactivity.
Is your dog experiencing BIG emotions, or do they seem anxious or nervous around other dogs, people, or loud noises? Every dog has their own way of expressing themselves, often to our exasperation! Let's work together to find realistic and sustainable solutions. The term Reactivity encompasses a wide range of different emotions, including stress, anxiety, or fear. Dogs may also feel frustrated because they are overly friendly and want to greet everyone. Unfortunately, these v

jillkudera
Nov 14, 20242 min read


Puppy Training for a lifetime of GREAT communication!
Congratulations you got a new puppy! Nothing compares to the joy and laughter a puppy brings. This special time allows your little one to explore, learn, and grow—and it’s the ideal opportunity to establish a solid foundation for a well-mannered, confident, and happy dog. Get ahead with your pup by enrolling in my four-week training program designed for new puppies and their guardians. I’m dedicated to helping you forge the best possible relationship with your new family memb

jillkudera
Nov 13, 20241 min read


ENRICHMENT Essentials
Woof Pupscycle Full Details: Long-lasting quiet in a beautifully designed dog toy. Easy to clean and fill with DIY or pre-made treats. The Pupsicle opens in the middle for easy filling, cleaning and, reuse. To get started, unscrew the bottom, drop in a treat, and give it to your dog. They'll enjoy some playtime, and you'll get 30 minutes of uninterrupted me time! Use Pupsicle Pops for an extra long-lasting distraction, or make your own treats with the DIY Treat Tray.

jillkudera
Nov 6, 20242 min read


ENRICHMENT Essentials
Providing enrichment toys for your dog is essential for their well-being, offering mental stimulation, reducing boredom, and promoting healthier behavior. I am always looking for ideas on how to enrich my dog’s lives. There is a multitude of things out there, some good and some not-so-good 1. The original Kong KONG Classic Mentally stimulating toy; offering enrichment by helping satisfy dogs’ instinctual needs Unpredictable bounce for games of fetch Recommended by veterinar

jillkudera
Nov 6, 20242 min read
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