top of page

BELLY UP
DOG TRAINING

All Posts


Why January Is the Best Time to Start Training Your Dog
January feels like a reset for a reason, and that applies to your dog, too. After the holidays, many owners notice the same things: more excitement, less listening, routines completely off track. The good news? January is actually one of the best times to start (or restart) training. Here’s why. Fewer Distractions After the Holidays The holidays are chaotic for dogs. Extra guests, irregular schedules, more noise, and less structure can easily undo progress, even for well-tra
Mackenzie Counts
3 days ago2 min read


New Year, New Dog: Setting Realistic Training Goals for 2026
A new year often comes with big hopes for our dogs. Maybe this is the year your dog finally listens when you call them, stops jumping on guests, or becomes easier to take places. Those goals are completely valid, but the key to real success in 2026 is setting goals that are realistic, kind to both you and your dog, and built for real life. Training is not about having a “perfect” dog. It is about creating a dog you enjoy living with and feel confident handling in everyday sit
Mackenzie Counts
Jan 24 min read


Winter Walk Safety Guide: How to Keep Your Dog Safe on Cold-Weather Adventures
Winter walks can be some of the most beautiful moments you share with your dog — peaceful mornings, crunchy snow, and a pup who seems extra excited by all the new smells. But cold weather also brings a long list of hazards most dog owners never think about until something goes wrong. This Winter Walk Safety Guide breaks down everything you need to know to enjoy safe, relaxed, and enjoyable walks all season long. Salted Sidewalks & Ice Melt: Hidden Culprits That Hurt Paws Salt
Mackenzie Counts
Dec 26, 20253 min read


How to Prepare Your Dog for Visiting Family and Holiday Gatherings
The holidays are packed with food, fun, and family, and for many dogs, they’re also full of strange places, loud noises, new people, and tempting snacks that magically appear at nose level. Whether you’re traveling with your dog or hosting at home, a little prep goes a long way toward keeping things stress-free for everyone. Here’s how to set your dog up for success this holiday season. 1. Brush Up on the Basics Before You Go Holiday gatherings get busy fast. A little practic
Mackenzie Counts
Dec 19, 20253 min read


Boarding Your Dog During the Holidays: How to Make It a Positive Experience
The holidays are busy – travel, parties, family events, and all the chaos in between. For many dog owners, that means making arrangements for their pup while they’re away. Whether you’re heading out of town or simply need some extra help during the season, boarding can be a safe and stress-free option when done right. Here’s a guide to the different ways you can board your dog, what to look for, and how to help your pup enjoy their stay. Different Ways to Board Your Dog 1. Tr
Mackenzie Counts
Dec 5, 20253 min read


Preparing Your Dog for Winter: Tips for a Safe and Happy Season
Winter is on its way! For dog owners, this time of year comes with a mix of excitement and challenges. Cozy walks, snuggly blankets, and holiday time with your pup sound wonderful, but winter also brings cold weather, icy sidewalks, and shorter daylight hours that can make life with a dog a bit trickier. With a little preparation, you can help your dog stay safe, healthy, and happy all season long. Here’s a guide to preparing your dog for winter and making sure both of you en
Mackenzie Counts
Nov 28, 20253 min read


Dog-Friendly Pumpkin Pie Recipe: A Tail-Wagging Thanksgiving Treat
Who says pumpkin pie is just for people? This Thanksgiving, your dog can enjoy a slice of the holiday fun, too — safely, of course! Traditional pumpkin pies are loaded with sugar, dairy, and spices that aren’t great for dogs. But this easy, pup-approved version keeps things simple, healthy, and just as delicious. Why Pumpkin is Great for Dogs Pumpkin isn’t just festive — it’s packed with fiber, vitamins A and C, and can help support your dog’s digestion. A little pumpkin can
Mackenzie Counts
Nov 21, 20252 min read


Understanding Bloat in Dogs: What Every Dog Owner Should Know
When it comes to canine health emergencies, few conditions are as serious, or as misunderstood, as bloat, also known as Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV). It can come on suddenly and progress rapidly, turning a normal day into a life-threatening situation for your dog. In this post, we’ll break down what bloat is, why it’s so dangerous, how to spot the signs early, and what you can do to help prevent it. What Is Bloat? Bloat occurs when a dog’s stomach fills with gas, food, o
Mackenzie Counts
Nov 14, 20254 min read


Thanksgiving Foods Your Dog Can (and Can’t) Eat
Thanksgiving is one of the best times of the year — full of family, food, and plenty of reasons to be thankful (especially if you’re a dog hoping for a dropped piece of turkey!). But before you let your pup join the feast, it’s important to know which foods are safe and which can lead to an emergency vet visit. Let’s go over some of the most common holiday dishes and how to keep your dog safe this Thanksgiving. Safe Foods: What Your Dog Can Eat in Moderation Many Thanksgiving
Mackenzie Counts
Nov 7, 20253 min read


Essential Holiday Dog Tips for a Stress-Free Season
The holidays are right around the corner, which means cozy evenings, family get-togethers, and maybe a few too many leftovers. But for your dog? It can be a whirlwind of new people, sounds, smells, and changes in routine. If you’re hoping for a peaceful, stress-free season (without barking at guests or counter-surfing turkeys), now’s the perfect time to focus on a little holiday dog training. Here’s some holiday tips on how to help your dog stay calm, confident, and well-beha
Mackenzie Counts
Oct 31, 20252 min read


Essential Halloween Safety Tips to Keep Your Dog Safe
Halloween brings excitement, candy, and costumes, but it also presents challenges for our furry companions. As dog owners, we play a...
Mackenzie Counts
Oct 24, 20254 min read


Halloween Costumes for Dogs: Fun, Safe, and Stress-Free
Spooky season is here, and that means pumpkin patches, candy, and of course — costumes! Many dog owners love including their pups in the...
Mackenzie Counts
Oct 17, 20252 min read


A Spook-tacular DIY: Homemade Halloween Treats for Your Dog
Halloween isn’t just for the kids; your pup can join the fun too! While candy and chocolate are a big no-no for dogs, you can whip up...
Mackenzie Counts
Oct 10, 20252 min read


Fall Dangers for Dogs: What Pet Owners Should Watch Out For
Fall is one of the most beautiful times of the year—cooler weather, colorful leaves, pumpkin spice everything. But while you and your pup...
Mackenzie Counts
Oct 3, 20254 min read


Inga's Story: Transforming a High-Energy Dog into a Wonderful Companion
When Inga, a German Shorthaired Pointer, first bounded into training, she was the definition of a “wild child.” Bursting with energy,...
Mackenzie Counts
Sep 26, 20252 min read


Is a Service Dog the Right Companion for Your Needs?
Deciding whether or not to get a service dog is a big step. For many people, a service dog can mean freedom, safety, and confidence. But...
Mackenzie Counts
Sep 19, 20256 min read


How Service Dogs Work Their Magic: Understanding Tasks and Their Importance
Service dogs are extraordinary companions that offer essential assistance to individuals with disabilities. These specially trained dogs...
Mackenzie Counts
Sep 12, 20255 min read


Can Any Dog Be a Service Dog? The Truth About Training and Temperament
If you’ve ever seen a well-behaved service dog calmly walking through a busy store or helping their handler navigate the world, you might...
Mackenzie Counts
Sep 5, 20254 min read


Surviving Puppy Zoomies: How to Tell If Your Pup's Energy is Normal or Needs Attention
One second your puppy is peacefully chewing a toy, the next they’re sprinting around the living room like they’ve just been possessed by...
Mackenzie Counts
Aug 29, 20254 min read


The Real Scoop on Socialization: What Every Puppy Owner Should Know
You’ve brought home an adorable new puppy, and everyone is eager to meet them—family, friends, even the neighbor down the street. You’ve...
Mackenzie Counts
Aug 22, 20256 min read

bottom of page