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BELLY UP
DOG TRAINING



Adolescent Dogs: How to Survive the “Teenage” Phase Without Losing Your Mind
Navigating the "teenage" phase of dog ownership can be one of the most testing experiences for any dog owner. If you’ve found yourself searching "how to rehome my dog" or feeling like you’ve failed as an owner, take a deep breath. You aren't alone, and your dog isn't "broken"—they are simply a teenager. This period is the most common time for dogs to be surrendered to shelters. In fact, Dogs Trust reported that 42% of all surrender requests in 2025 were for adolescent dogs. H
Mackenzie Counts
Aug 73 min read


The Puppy Piranha Phase: A Survival Guide to Biting and Chewing
If you’ve recently brought home a new puppy, you might feel like you’ve actually adopted a tiny, furry piranha. One minute they’re a cuddly ball of fluff, and the next, they’re attached to your ankles or gnawing on your favorite pair of sneakers. The good news? This behavior is completely normal. Biting and chewing are essential parts of puppy development, but that doesn't mean your hands (and furniture) have to suffer. Here is everything you need to know to survive the "pira
Mackenzie Counts
Jul 243 min read


City Pup: A Week-by-Week Guide to Raising a Calm Puppy in a Noisy World
Living in the city is a lot for a little puppy to take in. Between the screeching buses, the rattling construction sites, and the crowds of people, the "concrete jungle" can feel pretty overwhelming. The first four months of a puppy’s life are like a sponge. They are learning what is safe and what is scary. If you live in an urban area, your goal isn't just to teach them "sit" or "stay"; it’s to show them that the noisy city is actually a pretty boring place where nothing bad
Mackenzie Counts
Jul 174 min read


Marley: From Over-the-Top Puppy to Confident Companion
Marley just graduated recently from our program, and what a journey it’s been! When she first joined us, Marley was a whirlwind of energy. Her family loved her to pieces, but living with her sometimes felt like running a marathon without leaving the house. She would: Jump on everyone she met, leaving visitors feeling overwhelmed Nibble on hands, sleeves, and anything she could reach like a tiny, fluffy shark Pull on the leash so every walk felt like a tug-of-war Scratch at th
Mackenzie Counts
Mar 132 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


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


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


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


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


How to Successfully Potty Train Your Pup Without Losing Your Mind
Potty training your puppy can often feel like a challenging adventure. These energetic little furballs come with tiny bladders and an...
Mackenzie Counts
May 9, 20254 min read


A Beginner's Guide to Navigating Puppyhood: Tips, Training, and Troubles
Puppyhood is a thrilling adventure packed with love, laughter, and a good amount of chaos. As we celebrate National Puppy Day (March 23),...
Mackenzie Counts
Mar 21, 20257 min read


A Beginner's Guide for New Dog and Puppy Owners: Must-Have Supplies, Vet Selection, Training Tips, and More!
Bringing a dog or puppy into your home for the first time is both thrilling and a little daunting. From the moment you welcome a playful...
Mackenzie Counts
Feb 28, 202511 min read


How to Puppy-Proof Your Home and Yard: Keeping Your Furry Friend Safe and Sound
Bringing a puppy into your home is one of the most exciting experiences for any dog lover. Their playful energy and lovable antics can...
Mackenzie Counts
Feb 14, 20254 min read

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