Drew Rupp

Are You Accidentally Reinforcing Bad Behavior? You tell your dog to stop barking, but they keep going.You ask them to sit, and they jump on you instead.You come home to a mess—and they get excited when you talk to them about it. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Many well-meaning dog owners accidentally reinforce […]

Why Consistency at Home Matters After Training You sent your dog to training—whether in-home lessons or a board and train—and saw amazing progress. Your once-distracted, leash-pulling, counter-surfing pup now listens, focuses, and respects boundaries. But then… a few weeks later, things start to slip. This is where many owners ask:“What happened?” The answer is almost

Training your dog is not only about practicing commands at home—it’s also about teaching your dog to respond to cues in the real world. Fortunately, Wausau, WI, has a wealth of dog-friendly parks and trails that provide the perfect environments for training. Whether you’re working on basic obedience or advanced skills like recall and leash

How Your Body Posture Impacts Your Dog’s Learning You might not realize it, but your dog is reading your every move—literally. Dogs are masters of body language. While we humans lean heavily on words to communicate, dogs rely much more on what we do than what we say. That means your posture, gestures, and overall

Taking your dog on a car ride can be an exciting adventure, whether you’re heading to the park, visiting friends, or embarking on a road trip. However, ensuring your furry friend’s safety while traveling is crucial. Unsecured dogs can be a major distraction and are at risk of injury in case of sudden stops or

As dog owners, we all want well-behaved, happy companions. But sometimes, despite our best efforts, our dogs develop behavioral issues that can be challenging to manage alone. Understanding when to seek professional help can make all the difference in improving your dog’s well-being and maintaining a healthy bond. Here are key signs that indicate it’s

Bringing a new dog into your home is an exciting and life-changing decision. Whether you’re a first-time owner or adding another pup to your family, choosing the right dog is crucial for a happy relationship. I see many pet clients, and honestly the most common issue boils down to the wrong dog in the wrong

The Importance of Crate Training Your Dog Crate training is an essential part of responsible dog ownership. While some may see a crate as a form of confinement, when used correctly, it becomes a safe haven. A properly trained dog will view their crate as a secure and comforting space rather than a punishment. Crate

Living in Wisconsin life gets cold, really cold. Knowing when the temperature is becoming dangerous for your dog is important and there are a few factors to consider. Temperature: This is the number one factor and the most obvious. The chart below is a good guide, but is unable to account for all of the

A common misconception is that playing tug with a dog will make them aggressive. I have a hard time figuring out where this belief comes from. Maybe because the game can look aggressive at times? Or because the dog is biting and shaking the toy? Not sure. Often, this comes up with specific breeds. A