Training Tips

FEATURED

In-Home Training - Nastia and Harley Liukin (Trailer)

In-Home Training - Nastia and Harley Liukin (Trailer)

May 21, 2021

Today is Harley’s 1st Birthday! So in honor of him, check out this glimpse into his (and his moms) transformation.

Training Tip - Animal, Species, Breed, Family Pet

Training Tip - Animal, Species, Breed, Family Pet

May 07, 2021

I can’t tell you how often I hear, “I bought my German Shepherd as a companion. He’s a family pet and he’s pretty good most of the time, but there is a list of things I want you to fix for me because he can be really frustrating at times.”

Training Tip - Trust Your Instincts!

Training Tip - Trust Your Instincts!

May 05, 2021

Humans are rewarded for being emotional and intellectual. We’re paid and rewarded socially to ignore instincts and just “fit in”. We’re paid financially to ignore instincts and just “do as we’re told” or “do what it takes to get the next check”.

Training Tip - Dog Anxiety Is At An All-Time High

Training Tip - Dog Anxiety Is At An All-Time High

March 25, 2021

Is it a coincidence that 2 out of every 3 dogs we rehab has anxiety and that (according to some sources) human anxiety is at an all-time high?

Training Tip - It's Just Like Raising Kids

Training Tip - It's Just Like Raising Kids

March 22, 2021

We Don’t Train Kids. We Raise Them.

Raising your dog is not much different than raising children. When raising your kids there is no “off switch”. You. Are. Always. Parenting.

I never set aside time to specifically “train” my son. I’m always training him in some way because he’s always paying attention to what we’re doing. And he’s always looking for the rules, boundaries, and limitations of our home/family.

Training Tip - Master Necessary Skills When It’s Easy!

Training Tip - Master Necessary Skills When It’s Easy!

January 14, 2021

As the great @linnboyke says, “The best time to practice a skill is when that skill is not needed.” Can you imagine trying to learn how to box in an actual fight rather than in the gym?

Training Tip - Controlling Parent? Or Solid Parenting?

Training Tip - Controlling Parent? Or Solid Parenting?

January 06, 2021

A lot of trainers will tell you that humanization of our dogs is the biggest problem we face today. I call BS. I think using human psychology on our dogs is the problem. If we humanized them all the way to a place where they truly were our CHILDREN (rather than an accessory, a personal brand statement, a toy, or an emotional dumping ground), I think we might be better off.

Training Tip - You Have to EARN a Family Pet

Training Tip - You Have to EARN a Family Pet

November 22, 2020

You don’t purchase or adopt a family pet. You have to EARN a family pet. Our clients are great at telling me what they want or don’t want from their dog. But they rarely talk about what the dog might want or not want from them or the home environment.

Training Tip - You Don't Like Your Room?

Training Tip - You Don't Like Your Room?

November 21, 2020

For some reason a large percentage of our clients come into their BDB experience believing that they are doing something amazing for their dog by giving them free reign of the house and yard - that somehow all of that “freedom” makes the dog more happy (and freedom is in quotes bc there is nothing “free” about the walls in your house and the fence in your yard). 

Consultation - The Goat Killer

Consultation - The Goat Killer

November 21, 2020

Ranger is a dog that killed a couple of goats on the ranch. His job is to protect the livestock - not kill them! So we were called out to help the family get the entire pack to coexist in harmony. Such an awesome experience!

Training Tip - Teach Your Dog to Swim - Jagger

Training Tip - Teach Your Dog to Swim - Jagger

November 21, 2020

If you have a pool, you MUST teach your dog to swim AND where the steps are for safety purposes. If you don’t have a pool, you should teach your dog to swim because it’s fun, bonding, and a great mental/physical challenge!

Training Tip - Don't Touch My Coffee

Training Tip - Don't Touch My Coffee

November 21, 2020

When we remove our kids or dogs from an event/environment, or we alter the environment in a way that changes the entire event, we are not teaching them how to relate to the original environment/event.

Training Tip - It's Not Ok

Training Tip - It's Not Ok

November 21, 2020

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard dog owners tell their anxious, fearful, nervous, unsure, reactive, aggressive dog, “It’s ok! It’s ok!” while petting or holding them.

Consultation - Max

Consultation - Max

November 21, 2020

Dogs need jobs. They need a purpose. Out in nature - in a more primal life - dogs have a clear place in the pack and a clear job.. every single day. All dogs need to work, however, if you purchased a true working breed dog - you better get ready to fulfill that work drive!

Training Tip - Music, Dogs, & Tex-Mex

Training Tip - Music, Dogs, & Tex-Mex

November 21, 2020

Music, Dogs, & Tex-Mex

Every being NEEDS certain elements in their life to be fulfilled. From grasshoppers to birds to fish to dogs to humans.

Evaluation - Ollie

Evaluation - Ollie

November 21, 2020

We require an evaluation for every dog that enters our program. It’s an opportunity for our clients to meet and become comfortable with Brad and team, tell their side of the story, and communicate what they want to accomplish.

Training Tip - We Co-Parent Every Dog

Training Tip - We Co-Parent Every Dog

November 21, 2020

We have to be aware of what the root cause of our dog’s behaviors are before we can modify them.Once we are aware and all parties are in AGREEMENT regarding the path forward and the responsibilities we each have, THEN we can help the dog.

Training Tip - Dogs Need to Learn Independence

Training Tip - Dogs Need to Learn Independence

November 21, 2020

The best way to create a nervous, anxious, insecure dog that guards you and is miserable without you is to create an unhealthy NEED to be with you - dependence. Our dogs need to be calm and content whether we're in the room, out of the room, or totally away from them.

Training Tip - What Is a Trained Dog?

Training Tip - What Is a Trained Dog?

November 21, 2020

We can't expect perfection from our dog in every environment we put them in. What we can offer them, however, is fulfillment and guidance every day and to bring more balance into their lives while also providing leadership so they will be more reliable and balanced in new situations.

Consultation - Sadie

Consultation - Sadie

November 21, 2020

One of the most powerful tools we have when working with dogs comes from withinThe more knowledge we gain, the more confident we become. Self-confidence layered with our energy (emotions x intentions) becomes one of the most important tools we can use while interacting with Mother Nature.

Will My Dog's Personality Change During/After Training?

Will My Dog's Personality Change During/After Training?

November 21, 2020

Many dog owners are nervous that their dog’s personality or spirit will be broken during/after training. The thought of that bums us out. 

Training Tip - All About Convenience

Training Tip - All About Convenience

November 21, 2020

When human convenience becomes the driver for how we live with our dogs, they suffer. We have to put their needs first even if it’s not exactly what we want. Sounds a bit like parenting, yeah?

Evaluation - Peanut

Evaluation - Peanut

November 21, 2020

Biting isn't always about aggression. Oftentimes it happens because dogs have already had very simple conversations that you unknowingly participated in.

Training Tip - Your Dog Thinks You're Psycho

Training Tip - Your Dog Thinks You're Psycho

November 21, 2020

Your Dog Thinks You’re Psycho! 😳 Ok. First of all - not ALL of our clients live with their dogs this way, but the vast majority of dog owners do.

Training Tip - Not All Socialization Is Good Socialization

Training Tip - Not All Socialization Is Good Socialization

November 21, 2020

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard from clients, “I don’t understand how he/she got this way. I socialized him constantly as a puppy! I took her everywhere!” 

Training Tip - How Did This Happen?

Training Tip - How Did This Happen?

November 21, 2020

Dogs don’t come out of the womb thinking anything about human beings or doorbells or lawn equipment or water drains or thunderstorms. They are taught. Why does your dog jump on people?

Training Tip - Just Change

Training Tip - Just Change

November 21, 2020

Just change. Your dog is ready to let go of the past. You need to do the same. When we start teaching new clients about Dog Psychology, they typically start feeling bad/guilty about the relationship they’ve created with their dog.

Training Tip - Be More Creative

Training Tip - Be More Creative

November 21, 2020

Dogs don’t care about how nice our house is, how nice their collar is, how nice their bed is, how pampered they are by our friends/family, how many toys they have, or anything else materialistic.

Training Tip - Love Is Selfless

Training Tip - Love Is Selfless

November 21, 2020

Love Is Selfless Loving someone the way you want to be loved, isn’t loving them. No matter how many gifts you buy me, I won’t feel loved. I’m an acts of service person.

Training Tip - Convenience or Contentment?

Training Tip - Convenience or Contentment?

November 21, 2020

Your personal convenience can not be the bar by which you judge how “good” your dog is. Your dog is “good” when they are fulfilled, safe, content, balanced, peaceful, social, soft, obedient, and living in harmony with his/her family.

Dog Training Tip - What Is Love?

Dog Training Tip - What Is Love?

November 21, 2020

Love is not holding hands and kissing any more than love is giving a dog affection. Love is selfless. It’s understanding what the other person (in this case dog) needs to be fulfilled and content. It’s taking the time to understand them. 

Training Tip - Decisions Are Stressful

Training Tip - Decisions Are Stressful

November 21, 2020

Decision-making Is Stressing Out Your Dog! The people at the top of any organization deal with the most stress. Why? Because they have the most responsibility and have to make the most decisions. And those difficult decisions impact a variety of things including people’s lives. That’s stressful. Now imagine being...

Misguided Love

Misguided Love

November 21, 2020

Every single one of our clients LOVES their dog. We know for a fact their heart is in the right place. We simply need to tweak HOW they physically manifest/show that love to their dog. In order to love anything (human, dog, horse, or alien) in a meaningful/fulfilling way, you must understand how they want/need to receive love and approach the relationship from a SELFLESS place. 

Training Tip - Chuck E. Cheese vs. The Library

Training Tip - Chuck E. Cheese vs. The Library

November 21, 2020

Teach Your Dog to Be Calm If you want your kids to be able to sit calmly and quietly (without a phone or tablet) in a wedding, funeral, dinner party, or church service for an hour without disrupting, then they have to practice the skills of being quiet and sitting calmly PRIOR to the wedding, funeral, dinner party, or church service.

Training Tip - Knowledge Doesn't = Happiness

Training Tip - Knowledge Doesn't = Happiness

November 21, 2020

Knowing how to DO things does not make a dog balanced or happy. I can’t tell you how many dogs we’ve had to rehabilitate who’s “obedience” was WAY better than my own dogs. We’ve also trained dogs that had a trick catalog 30 deep! 

Training Tip - Structured Fetch with Duke!

Training Tip - Structured Fetch with Duke!

November 21, 2020

Play is a very important part of fulfilling our dogs. However, making sure we are in control of the game and are challenging our dogs to use their minds to follow some simple rules is key! Watch as Brad plays structured fetch with his dog, Duke.

Training Tip - Structured Tug with Duke!

Training Tip - Structured Tug with Duke!

November 21, 2020


Play is an important part of fulfilling our dogs. However, making sure you are in control of the game is important! Watch as Brad plays tug with his dog, Duke.

Consultation - Ricardo (Oliver Peck & Audra Cabral)

Consultation - Ricardo (Oliver Peck & Audra Cabral)

November 21, 2020

Step inside and experience an in-home consultation with Ricardo - dog of Ink Master judge and tattoo legend, Mr Oliver Peck and his girlfriend, Audra Cabral.

Training Tip - Structure vs. Routine

Training Tip - Structure vs. Routine

November 20, 2020

Doing the same thing every day at the same time and in the same order is "routine". And routine is not always great for our dogs. Oftentimes our dogs will start to anticipate the routine instead of simply relaxing and trusting that mom/dad will provide all they need for the day. They become dependent on the ROUTINE more than the owner.

Training Tip - It's the Little Things

Training Tip - It's the Little Things

November 20, 2020

It’s the little things! So often in life (to get the end result we want), we must conquer small, daily tasks. Over time they add up and we get the career we want, the body we want, the house we want, the financial position we want, etc.

Training Tip - When Do You Enjoy Your Dog?

Training Tip - When Do You Enjoy Your Dog?

November 20, 2020

“When do you enjoy your dogs?” What a weird question. I hope the answer is, “All of the time because I have control. Therefore, I can take my dogs anywhere I want and do anything with them.” If you post on social media more about your dog’s bad behaviors than you do them joining you at patios, parks, hikes, walks, trips, etc, then something is wrong. “Enjoying” your dogs shouldn’t mean snuggle time only. There are MANY forms of affection. And snuggling is only one of them. Walks, hikes, play, exploration, food, toys, hunting, positive energy, petting, car rides, working, exercise, protection/advocation and so much more are also forms of affection. Stop fulfilling your own emotional needs and start truly enjoying your dog.

Client Follow-Up - Gunner

Client Follow-Up - Gunner

November 20, 2020

The work really begins when the dogs go home. Our program is designed to be heavier on the back-end (when the dogs go home) than on the front end. We support our clients for the lifetime of their dog. In this video, we shadow Brad as he works with a client at the first in-home follow-up.

Brad and Robbie Talk "Pack Walks"

Brad and Robbie Talk "Pack Walks"

November 20, 2020

Pack walks are a big part of our training, rehabilitation, and socialization program. Here, Brad and Robbie discuss the pack walk and how BDB uses them to benefit the dogs in our care.

Consultation - Berkeley the Vizsla Puppy

Consultation - Berkeley the Vizsla Puppy

November 20, 2020

The best thing a new puppy owner can do is educate themselves on dog psychology so they can raise their new puppy to be a fulfilled, calm, respectful, trusting, and balanced adult dog. We love prevention over intervention - and puppy consultations are all about prevention! The more control you have of your dog, the bigger your dog's world becomes!

Instructional Video - Prey Drive/Flirt Pole

Instructional Video - Prey Drive/Flirt Pole

November 20, 2020

If your dog's prey drive is high enough that you can't simply redirect them, then you might need to fulfill that drive in a safe and structured manner. The flirt pole can be a great tool to do just that. However, you must have total control of the exercise and must be able to turn off the excitement/chase/drive when desired. In this video, Brad discuss and demonstrates how.

Consultation - Murphy

Consultation - Murphy

November 20, 2020

Murphy's owners are having a baby and Murphy's excitement is out of control! Brad does an in-home consultation to educate Murphy's owners on how to properly fulfill and lead Murphy in a way that creates a calm, follower state-of-mind.

Training Tip - Structured Play

Training Tip - Structured Play

November 20, 2020

"If we have to be so calm all of the time, when can we play?!" This video explains how we play with dogs!

FEATURED ITEMS

BDB Raised Bed

$40.00

BDB's Raised Dog Bed gives your dog not only a great place to rest, but the help needed to focus on a job (relaxing) even with distractions. We use these beds for training every single day. Because the raised bed creates very defined boundaries, it makes it much easier for the dog to know what we're asking (stay on the bed and relax).

We also love them because the fabric is breathable - making them much cooler and more comfortable than a regular dog bed. After a long walk, your dog will be happy to lay on the BDB Raised Bed instead of the tile or wood floor. It features a sturdy, powder-coated steel frame and a durable, PVC-coated fabric sleeping surface made to last. The tight, breathable fabric provides an added level of comfort and support that also keeps your dog cool and won't sag after extended use.

Get one for each room that you use the most so you don't have to carry it around the house. These beds are ideal for use indoors or outdoors. They are easy to assemble and easy to clean. Give your dog the bed she deserves!

* DIMENSIONS:
   SMALL: 35.7” L x 21.8” W x 7.75” H
   MEDIUM: 43.4” L x 25.8” W x 7.75” H
   LARGE: 
51.6" L x 31.8" W x 7.75" H
* WEIGHT:  8.36 pounds
* BED FEATURE:  Water-resistant, Outdoor, Machine-washable
* COVER MATERIAL:  Polyester
* FILL & FRAME MATERIAL:  Metal
* BED TYPE:  Elevated
* LIFESTAGE:  Puppy, Adult
* ASSEMBLY REQUIRED:  Yes
* TOOLS INCLUDED:  Yes

Relax

$125.00

Welcome to the world of Delta-8. These products have been created to allow for a softer approach to THC and cannabis medicine. These products offer a true therapeutic approach to the cannabis plant, gentler in many ways, and recommended for your pets.

Relax is a Delta-8 Indica tincture product that helps the body and mind relax.The softer feel of this medicine is a nice way to ease into a deeper sleep. Relax will help your pet with:

  • Anxiety/Stress Reduction
  • Overall Relaxation
  • Lower Intensity of Extreme Behaviors
  • Improved Sleep
  • Appetite Stimulation

CBD (Calm. Balanced. Dog)

$150.00

Welcome to the world of Delta-8. These products have been created to allow for a softer approach to THC and cannabis medicine. These products offer a true therapeutic approach to the cannabis plant, gentler in many ways, and recommended for your pets.

CBD (Calm. Balanced. Dog.) is a CBD/Sativa (2:1) tincture product that gives the full benefits of CBD with a light boost from the Sativa. This product will help your pet with:

  • Pain Inflammation
  • Anxiety/Stress
  • Improved Sleep
  • Seizure Management
  • Appetite Stimulation
  • Digestive Health
  • Skin/Coat Health
  • Overall Wellness and Immune Support

BDB Slip Lead Leash (3/8'')

$25.00

Our soft, durable, and easy-to-use figure 8 slip lead is the perfect tool to gently but clearly communicate with any dog. Tired of your leather "stopper" either stretching out and not working or being so tight that you can't move it? Our easy-to-use, adjustable slide keeps the loop from slipping down your dog's neck, yet releases slightly when the leash is in the relaxed position. The BDB Leash comes with a back-up or "safety clip" that can be attached to your dog’s collar when you're using the leash in the "Figure-8."

We use the figure 8 slip lead every single day in our training sessions, pack walks, and treadmill sessions. Not only are these leads helpful in ensuring your dog doesn't stray, but the slip leash also provides unparalleled comfort for your dog. As the name implies, the figure 8 slip lead slips over your dog’s head and rests comfortably on the shoulders. Unlike other leads, our slip leash doesn’t pitch or cinch providing your dog ultimate comfort and peace of mind. The BDB Slip Leashes are workhorses that are made to last and are a must have for any dog owner.