From the blog
Dog training tips and insights
Advice from Justin's own program, in plain language.
The J-Shape Leash and Pop-and-Release, Explained
Two terms come up constantly in the Home Plan: J-shape leash and pop-and-release. Here is exactly what they mean and why the technique matters more than any tool.
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Why Puppies Do Not Get Leash Corrections
A puppy’s brain is not ready for formal obedience yet, so we do not ask for it. Here is what actually happens in a puppy’s first two weeks instead.
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Scent Work: The Easiest Way to Tire Out a Smart Dog
If your dog needs a two-hour walk to take the edge off, the problem may be mental rather than physical. Scent work is the fastest fix we know.
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What Two Weeks Can and Cannot Fix
Two weeks builds a real foundation, not a finished dog. Here is exactly what it covers, what it does not fix, and where the line actually falls.
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How Much Practice Does Training Really Take?
Less than most owners fear, but more consistently than most manage. The pattern of practice matters more than the total time.
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Why I Train One Dog at a Time
Your dog is the only dog in training here - never one of a kennel full. Here is why I built the program that way.
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What Happens in a Free Behavior Evaluation
Before any program starts, we spend an hour with you and your dog. Here is exactly what that hour covers and why we insist on it.
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Reading the Signals Before a Dog Reacts
A bite is almost never the first warning. Learning the quieter signals that come earlier is the most useful skill an owner can develop.
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The Truth About Socialization
Socialization does not mean letting your dog meet everyone. Done the popular way, it often creates the exact problem owners come to us to fix.
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What Positive Reinforcement Actually Means
It is not permissiveness and it is not bribery. It is a precise idea about consequences, and getting it right is what makes training stick.
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Why Your Dog Pulls on the Leash, and What Actually Fixes It
Pulling is not defiance. It is a habit that has been reinforced on every walk, which is also why it can be changed.
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Group Classes or Private Lessons: Which Does Your Dog Need?
Both work. They just solve different problems. Here is how to tell which one fits the dog in front of you.
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