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BELLY UP
DOG TRAINING



Dog Booties: A Trainer's Guide to Choosing and Using Them
If you've ever watched a dog wear booties for the first time, you know the scene. The high-stepping prance. The confused look. The "what have you done to my feet" expression that makes you question every life choice that led to this moment. But here's the thing. Sometimes booties aren't just a cute accessory or a funny video waiting to happen. Sometimes they're necessary for your dog's health and comfort. The challenge is figuring out when your dog actually needs them, which
Mackenzie Counts
Mar 209 min read


Choosing the Right Dog Toys: Pros, Cons, and What to Look For
Walk into any pet store and you’ll see walls of dog toys. Squeaky toys, Rope toys, Plush animals, Rubber chews, Puzzle games. It can feel overwhelming, and not every toy is right for every dog. Choosing the right toys isn’t just about fun. It affects safety, behavior, and even how calm your dog feels at home. Let’s break down the most common types of dog toys, their pros and cons, and how to choose what works best for your dog. Common Toy Types Plush Toys (Stuffed Toys) Pros
Mackenzie Counts
Mar 63 min read


Why Most Behavior Problems Start Small
Most behavior problems don’t show up overnight. They don’t arrive with flashing warning signs or dramatic moments where you think, “Oh no, this is becoming a problem.” They usually start small. So small they’re easy to brush off. Sometimes even kind of cute. A puppy jumps because they’re excited to see you. They pull on the leash because everything outside feels brand new and fascinating. They ignore you when you call because, in that moment, the leaf, squirrel, or smell was
Mackenzie Counts
Feb 203 min read


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
Feb 132 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


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


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


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


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


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


5 Things You're Accidentally Teaching Your Dog
Have you ever wondered why your dog jumps on guests, pulls on leash, or barks for attention? Here’s a little secret: many of the...
Mackenzie Counts
Aug 1, 20253 min read


Keeping Your Pup Calm and Safe This 4th of July with Fireworks Tips
As the 4th of July approaches, excitement fills the air. Fireworks explode in vibrant colors, and backyard barbecues bring together...
Mackenzie Counts
Jul 4, 20255 min read


Cool Paws Only: A Casual Guide to Preventing and Dealing with Heatstroke in Dogs
Summer fun is great, but rising temperatures can quickly become dangerous for our dogs. Unlike humans, dogs can’t cool down as easily and...
Mackenzie Counts
Jun 27, 20254 min read


What's in Your Dog's First Aid Kit? Essential Tips for Your Everyday Dog Owners!
Life with dogs is full of adventures and sometimes, unexpected bumps in the road. Whether it’s a scraped paw on a hike, a bee sting at...
Mackenzie Counts
Jun 20, 20254 min read


Motivating Your Dog 101: Types of Rewards and Training Secrets
Keeping your dog engaged and eager to learn can sometimes feel like a challenge. Motivating your dog effectively not only enhances their...
Mackenzie Counts
Jun 6, 20255 min read


Keep Your Pup Cool This Summer: Warning Signs of Overheating and What to Do
As summer brings warmer days, it’s essential for dog owners to keep a close eye on their furry friends. Dogs can easily overheat,...
Mackenzie Counts
May 30, 20254 min read

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