PHOTO OF THE WEEK:
Our Pack after a day of work & play. Time for a "cuddle puddle" and a nap. From top of the pile to bottom - Angus, Leo, and Drogo.
99% of Students Surveyed Would Recommend Us!
We always look for and value the feedback from our clients and students and are pleased to announce that 99% of the students who took our training survey would recommend us! Plus, 93% of students gave Lead Trainer, Mark Dunlap, a rating of 9 or higher on a scale of 1-10!
Our New Dog Training Run!
Take a look at our photos page to see more great shots of our team in action. Below is a great VIDEO glimpse into the LIFE of the dogs in Live-in Training.
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Our Philosophy is simple...
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LOTP Hierarchy of Dog Needs!
At Leader of the Pack Dog Training our goal is to teach our clients how to respect and work with a dog's basic instincts. To understand the roots of dog behavior it is important to understand the Hierarchy of Needs the behavior is fulfilling. Once all of a dog's needs are met it can finally lead the healthy happy life it deserves.
First, it is important to remember the basic needs of the ANIMAL - these include things like water, food and shelter. Secondly, we need to address the needs of the CANINE - these include exercise, work and play. Thirdly, we provide the structure for the PACK MEMBER - these include leadership, discipline and affection. Lastly, we are rewarded with a working PARTNER - skills at this level include the command and performance of advanced training behaviors, assistance dogs and the freedom of knowing your dog focuses and responds on cue to all verbal and non-verbal commands without delay.
First, it is important to remember the basic needs of the ANIMAL - these include things like water, food and shelter. Secondly, we need to address the needs of the CANINE - these include exercise, work and play. Thirdly, we provide the structure for the PACK MEMBER - these include leadership, discipline and affection. Lastly, we are rewarded with a working PARTNER - skills at this level include the command and performance of advanced training behaviors, assistance dogs and the freedom of knowing your dog focuses and responds on cue to all verbal and non-verbal commands without delay.
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At Leader of the Pack Dog Training we believe
every dog can be trained. If you've been told your dog can't be helped don't despair & don't euthanize. You can have a GOOD DOG too! |
From lost cause to Good Dogs!
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Summer Dog Training and Care Tips:
Here’s a sun-drenched set of powerful summer dog training tips—designed to keep your pup cool, calm, and brilliantly behaved while the mercury rises:
1. Train Early or LateAvoid the midday meltdown. Schedule training during the cooler hours—before 10 a.m. or after 6 p.m. Dogs can’t sweat like us, and hot pavement can burn those precious paws.
2. Hydrate Like a Hound BossAlways keep fresh, cool water nearby—especially for outdoor training sessions. Use it as a reward during training, or freeze dog-safe broths into pupsicles for post-session treats.
3. Keep It Short + SweetShort bursts = smarter dogs. Summer heat drains energy fast. Stick to 5–10 minute sessions, packed with clarity and consistency. Precision over length is key.
4. Train in New (Shady) SpacesChange the scenery to build social skills and confidence—but pick shaded parks, dog-friendly patios, or covered trails. Exposure + protection = growth.
5. Use Cooling ToolsA cooling vest or mat can be a game-changer for outdoor training. If you’re working on “place” or “stay,” a cool surface keeps them focused, not fried.
6. Desensitize to Summer SoundsFireworks, parties, lawnmowers? Now’s the time to normalize the noise. Use soundtracks or expose to noise at a low volume during training and reward calm behavior—this builds emotional resilience.
7. Make It a SplashIf your pup likes water, incorporate sprinklers, kiddie pools, or shallow streams into training games. “Come,” “Sit,” and “Wait” are more fun (and sticky-free) when wet.
8. Mind the PavementTest it with your hand. If it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for their paws. Use booties or stick to grass and dirt trails during outdoor drills.
9. Focus on Mental GamesOn days when the heat’s high, go low—indoors. Puzzle toys, hide-and-seek, scent games, or trick training stimulate their mind without overheating their body.
10. Celebrate ProgressEven if training’s interrupted by heatwaves, celebrate the wins. A single breakthrough—like nailing recall or ignoring distractions—can set the stage for a lifetime of better behavior.
If you're building a dream dog life, summer is a season of opportunity—to connect, to communicate, and to co-create habits that’ll last long after the sun sets on August.
Need a custom plan for your pup’s personality or behavior quirks? We can help design a tailored training timeline faster than a greyhound on espresso.
Here’s a sun-drenched set of powerful summer dog training tips—designed to keep your pup cool, calm, and brilliantly behaved while the mercury rises:
1. Train Early or LateAvoid the midday meltdown. Schedule training during the cooler hours—before 10 a.m. or after 6 p.m. Dogs can’t sweat like us, and hot pavement can burn those precious paws.
2. Hydrate Like a Hound BossAlways keep fresh, cool water nearby—especially for outdoor training sessions. Use it as a reward during training, or freeze dog-safe broths into pupsicles for post-session treats.
3. Keep It Short + SweetShort bursts = smarter dogs. Summer heat drains energy fast. Stick to 5–10 minute sessions, packed with clarity and consistency. Precision over length is key.
4. Train in New (Shady) SpacesChange the scenery to build social skills and confidence—but pick shaded parks, dog-friendly patios, or covered trails. Exposure + protection = growth.
5. Use Cooling ToolsA cooling vest or mat can be a game-changer for outdoor training. If you’re working on “place” or “stay,” a cool surface keeps them focused, not fried.
6. Desensitize to Summer SoundsFireworks, parties, lawnmowers? Now’s the time to normalize the noise. Use soundtracks or expose to noise at a low volume during training and reward calm behavior—this builds emotional resilience.
7. Make It a SplashIf your pup likes water, incorporate sprinklers, kiddie pools, or shallow streams into training games. “Come,” “Sit,” and “Wait” are more fun (and sticky-free) when wet.
8. Mind the PavementTest it with your hand. If it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for their paws. Use booties or stick to grass and dirt trails during outdoor drills.
9. Focus on Mental GamesOn days when the heat’s high, go low—indoors. Puzzle toys, hide-and-seek, scent games, or trick training stimulate their mind without overheating their body.
10. Celebrate ProgressEven if training’s interrupted by heatwaves, celebrate the wins. A single breakthrough—like nailing recall or ignoring distractions—can set the stage for a lifetime of better behavior.
If you're building a dream dog life, summer is a season of opportunity—to connect, to communicate, and to co-create habits that’ll last long after the sun sets on August.
Need a custom plan for your pup’s personality or behavior quirks? We can help design a tailored training timeline faster than a greyhound on espresso.