Fall is here, and that means pumpkins are everywhere! But pumpkins aren't just for decorating porches and carving jack-o'-lanterns. They're also a fantastic ingredient for dog treats, enrichment activities, and even digestive support! As a canine behavior trainer and pet nutrition specialist, I love finding affordable ways to combine nutrition with mental stimulation. And pumpkin is one of my favorite fall ingredients! From frozen Kongs and lick mats to homemade biscuits and

Cooler weather, colorful leaves, and endless opportunities to keep your dog's mind and body active! Fall is finally here! The temperatures are cooling down, the leaves are changing, and it's the perfect time to get outside and enjoy some adventures with our four-legged companions. Here in South Carolina, where our summers can be brutally hot and humid, autumn brings some much-needed relief for both dogs and their owners. But fall isn't just a great time for longer walks. It's

When I ask owners how much their dog eats, I often hear something like: “Two cups a day.” But here's the problem: a cup isn't a nutritional measurement. Calories are. One dog food might contain 300 calories per cup, while another contains 500. Add training treats, dental chews, bully sticks, table scraps, stuffed Kongs, toppers and the occasional “just one little bite,” and a dog can consume hundreds of calories beyond what their owner realizes. For Pet Obesity Awareness Day,

How to keep your dog safe, comfortable, and well-behaved during the spookiest night of the year! Halloween is a night filled with excitement, costumes, candy, and plenty of visitors knocking on your door. But while we humans may love the spooky festivities, our four-legged companions might have a very different opinion! Think about it from your dog's perspective. Strangers are constantly approaching their home, the doorbell is ringing every few minutes, people are wearing unu

September is Responsible Dog Ownership Month, and at Run Free K9, we believe responsible ownership goes far beyond keeping a dog fed, vaccinated, and loved. It means learning how to communicate with the dog in front of you. It means providing structure, enrichment, exercise, boundaries, training, advocacy, and opportunities to build confidence. Most importantly, it means recognizing that training isn't something you do for six weeks and then check off your list. Training is a

When we think about dog training, we often think about doing something. Sit. Down. Come. Heel. Place. Leave it. But one of the most valuable skills you can teach your dog is actually the opposite: How to do absolutely nothing. I call this the Art of Doing Nothing, and for anxious, fearful, overly excited, or hyperactive dogs, it can be one of the most important pieces of their training. Some Dogs Don't Come With an "Off Switch" We all know that dog—the one who is constantly m

How aging, pain, vision and hearing loss, nutrition, and changing social needs affect our senior dogs There is something incredibly special about living with a dog long enough to watch their face turn gray. But as our dogs enter their senior years, we have to recognize that the dog standing in front of us today may have very different needs than the dog we trained five or ten years ago. Senior dogs don't necessarily need less training. They often need different training, diff

If you’re considering training a service dog to help manage anxiety, you’re stepping into a world filled with hope, patience, and incredible rewards. Service dogs can be life-changing companions, offering comfort and support when anxiety feels overwhelming. I’m excited to share some practical insights and service dog training tips that can guide you through this journey. Whether you’re just starting or looking to refine your approach, this post will help you build a strong,

When it comes to helping a loved one—or even yourself—manage anxiety, a well-trained service dog can be a true game-changer. These incredible animals provide comfort, stability, and practical assistance that can make daily life so much easier. If you’re ready to dive into the world of service dog training, you’re in the right place! I’m excited to share some service dog training tips that will guide you through the process of preparing a dog to support someone with anxiety.

Bringing a new puppy into your home is one of life’s greatest joys! But along with all the cuddles and playtime comes the important task of training your furry friend. If you’re considering professional help, you might be wondering about the puppy training cost guide and what influences the price of in-home training sessions. Let’s dive into the factors that affect these costs and how you can make the best choice for your pup and your budget. Understanding the Puppy Training

If you’ve ever opened your door to a furry whirlwind of excitement, you know how overwhelming it can be when your dog jumps on guests. It’s a common behavior, but it can quickly become frustrating or even unsafe. The good news? With patience, consistency, and the right techniques, you can teach your dog to greet visitors politely. I’m here to walk you through some practical, easy-to-follow dog jumping behavior solutions that will help you create calm, happy introductions ever

Bringing a dog into your life is one of the most joyful experiences you can have. But let’s be honest - sometimes, it can also be a bit challenging! Whether you have a playful puppy or a mature dog with some habits you want to improve, professional training can make all the difference. If you’re in Myrtle Beach, SC, you’re in luck. There are fantastic options for professional dog training that can help you build a stronger bond with your furry friend and enjoy every moment to