Puppy playing with a ball on a windowsill Bringing home a puppy is exciting — but it also creates a lot of responsibility. At Perspective K9, we believe that the earliest days matter most. With a bit of planning and knowledge, you can give your puppy a confident, calm start right from day one. Why planning ahead matters Puppies don’t come with a built-in owner’s manual. Without structure, consistency, and the right environment, even the sweetest puppy can develop frustration,

A man training his dog to shake Busy days happen — and when your schedule gets tight, it’s common to see problem behaviors pop up. But improving your dog’s behavior doesn’t always require long training sessions. Small, intentional habits can go a long way. At Perspective K9, we focus on helping owners build structure that actually fits real life. Here’s how to make progress even on your busiest days. Why Problem Behaviors Get Worse When Life Gets Hectic When routines shift —

Two golden retrievers (one adult, one puppy) resting in a grassy field Just like people, dogs change as they move through different stages of life — physically, mentally, and emotionally. Training isn’t something you “finish,” but something that evolves as your dog matures.  At Perspective K9, we focus on helping owners understand these natural shifts so they can support their dogs with clarity, structure, and empathy at every age. Here’s what to expect and how to adjust your

A dog in the back of a car eager to go on an adventure with its owners Traveling with your dog can be incredibly rewarding, but new environments, tight spaces, and unpredictable situations can also make it challenging. At Perspective K9, we focus on building emotional balance, clarity, and confidence — all of which make traveling smoother for both you and your dog. Here are our top training tips to help your next trip feel calm, safe, and enjoyable. Build a Foundation of Calm

PK9 Dog Using a Training Pedestal If you’ve ever watched a training session at Perspective K9, you may have noticed dogs calmly hanging out on small raised platforms — almost like their own little stage. While it might look simple, the pedestal (or place board) is one of our most valuable tools for building focus, confidence, and calm behavior in dogs of all ages and temperaments. A pedestal isn’t just a fancy prop — it’s a tool for communication, structure, and confidence. H

During PSA training, a dog jumps on Amanda's padded arm while she holds a stick If you’ve spent any time around working dogs, you might have heard someone mention “PSA” with a mix of awe and excitement. But what is PSA, and why are so many dog handlers pushing themselves—and their dogs—to train in this intense sport? Whether you’re a dog training enthusiast, a working dog professional, or just a curious owner, here’s a breakdown of what PSA is, what makes it different, and wh

Happy dog playing hide and seek under a rug Let’s be real—some days, the weather just won’t cooperate. Whether it’s pouring rain, freezing cold, or just plain miserable outside, your dog still needs exercise—not just physically, but mentally. The good news? You don’t need a backyard or sunshine to keep your dog’s brain working. Mental stimulation can be just as tiring (and satisfying!) as a long walk, and it’s one of the best ways to prevent boredom, anxiety, and destructive

Happy dog, Georgie, wearing an e-collar Electronic collars—commonly known as e-collars—tend to spark strong opinions in the dog training world. Unfortunately, they’re often misunderstood and misrepresented. Many people associate them with punishment or outdated training methods, but when used correctly and ethically, e-collars can be a powerful tool based on modern learning science—not cruelty. In this post, we’ll explore the difference between punishment and negative reinfor

Perspective K9's Amanda wearing a padded suit doing bitework training with a focused dog If you’ve ever seen a working dog launch toward a padded figure, bite with intensity, and then immediately return to their handler on command, you’ve witnessed a form of bitework in action. But what exactly is bitework, and why do some trainers use it? Let’s break it down in simple terms—because while bitework looks intense, it’s a highly controlled, purpose-driven activity rooted in trus

A dog wearing glasses reading important dog news If you’ve looked into professional dog training, you’ve probably come across Board &...

A pretty dog sits in a crate with its favorite toy When many people hear the term “crate training,” they picture confinement or...

Person holding a dog's paw Trimming your dog’s toenails might not be your favorite chore—but it’s a crucial part of keeping your pup...

Two very happy dogs Bringing a dog into your life is one of the most rewarding decisions you’ll ever make—but it’s also one of the most...

Dog waiting for treats If you’ve ever tried to train your dog and felt like they just weren’t interested in treats, you’re not alone....

Dog Sitting on Command If you’ve ever trained a dog, taught a child, or tried to change your own habits, you’ve used some form of operant...

A group of happy dogs on a walk Living in a multi-dog household can be incredibly rewarding—built-in companionship, endless play...

A dog looking longingly out the window If you’ve ever come home to chewed shoes, scratched doors, or a neighbor’s report that your dog...

Ozzy wearing a prong collar while relaxing on the floor of a pet store. When it comes to choosing the right walking tool for your dog,...

One of the most misunderstood tools in dog ownership is the crate. Many owners avoid crate training because they feel guilty or think...

Most dog owners think training begins when the leash comes out and ends when the session is over. But here’s the truth: your dog is...