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BELLY UP
DOG TRAINING



Why Potty Training Luna Was Tough And Why That's Totally Normal
Luna is a 5-month-old Cockapoo I’m currently working with, and when her family got her, she wasn’t potty trained at all. Like many puppies, she didn’t yet understand that going outside is the “right” place to go. Potty training might sound simple in theory: take your dog outside, they go, everyone celebrates, repeat forever. But if you’ve ever found a little surprise on your carpet or tile and wondered, “But we were just outside?” , you already know the truth: potty training
Mackenzie Counts
6 hours ago2 min read


Why Friendly Dogs Are Often the Hardest to Live With
When people imagine a “difficult dog,” they usually picture a growly, barking, leash-lunging nightmare. But here’s the funny thing: some of the hardest dogs to live with are the friendly ones — the ones who think every person, every dog, and every leaf on the ground is their best friend. It seems backwards, right? How can a dog who loves everyone and wants nothing more than cuddles and playtime make life feel… complicated? But if you’ve ever tried to enjoy a quiet morning wh
Mackenzie Counts
Feb 63 min read


Meet Biscuit: A Sweet Dog Who Needed Better Everyday Manners
Biscuit is a golden retriever with the sweetest personality — friendly, affectionate, and always happy to be with his people. Like many lovable dogs, though, his manners didn’t quite match how good of a dog he was. When Biscuit first started training, his family had a few big worries: he didn’t reliably come when called he struggled to stay in the yard they worried he might chase something into the woods and not come back Even though Biscuit hadn’t actually chased wildlife ye
Mackenzie Counts
Jan 302 min read


8 Things Service Dog Handlers Wish the Public Understood
Service dogs are becoming more visible, but visibility doesn’t always equal understanding. While most interactions come from curiosity or good intentions, there are many things service dog handlers wish the public knew, not to criticize, but to make daily life a little easier. Here are some of the biggest ones. 1. Distracting a Service Dog Can Be Dangerous, Not Just Rude Whistling, making kissy noises, gesturing, calling the dog’s name, or petting a service dog without permis
Mackenzie Counts
Jan 233 min read


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
Jan 92 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


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


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


Why Teaching Your Dog Manners Beats Just Obedience Any Day
When most people think of dog training, they picture a dog sitting perfectly at attention or walking in a tight heel. And yes, obedience...
Mackenzie Counts
Aug 15, 20253 min read

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