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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
4 DIY Costume Ideas: Dog friendly, safe, and budget friendly!
Here are some super easy (and budget-friendly) dog Halloween costumes you can throw together in a pinch! Each costume idea meets the three must haves. Comfortable, fits well and does not obstruct their vision. As always, dogs should be supervised when in costume. #1 Black Spider Costume: All you need are pipe cleaners and a appropriate fitting black dog harness. #2 Mummy costume: All you need is self sticking bandage wrap. Be sure to wrap loosely. #3 Three headed dog: All yo
jillkudera
Oct 14, 20251 min read
Pawsitively Puzzling: Why Your Dog Needs a Brain-Boosting Toy
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.
jillkudera
Sep 17, 20253 min read
Costume Training 101: A Pet-Friendly Guide to Halloween
If you want your pets to join in the Halloween fun and be a cute pumpkin this year, now's the perfect time to start getting them...
jillkudera
Sep 16, 20252 min read
Costco's Best-Kept Secret: The Tonka-Approved Milk Jug Toy
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
jillkudera
Aug 12, 20251 min read
One-on-One Time: Our Secret Weapon for Happy, and Engaged Pups!
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
jillkudera
Aug 11, 20252 min read
Here's how to create a great digging pit for your dog
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
jillkudera
Jul 14, 20252 min read
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
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