Welcome to Ask Doggie — Your Trusted Dog Training & Care Resource

Whether you just brought home a new puppy or you’re trying to fix years of bad habits, Ask Doggie has the practical, proven advice you need. We cover everything from reactive dog training and positive reinforcement methods to everyday questions like what foods are safe and which breeds are best for your family.

Our approach is simple: leadership over dominance, mental stimulation over punishment, and calm energy over chaos. Every guide below is written to give you real answers you can use today.

 

🐾 Dog Training & Behavior

Training your dog doesn’t have to mean yelling, yanking, or spending thousands on private sessions. The guides below will help you understand why your dog does what they do — and what actually works to change it.

Getting Started with Training

What Are the 5 Golden Rules of Dog Training? — The foundational principles every dog owner should know before starting any training program.

How to Get My Dog to Listen to Me — If your dog ignores you at home, on walks, or in public, this guide breaks down what’s really going on and how to fix it.

Why “Sit” Is Just the Beginning — Basic commands are only the first step. Learn what comes next to build a truly well-behaved dog.

Choosing the Right Training Path for Your Pup — Not every method works for every dog. Here’s how to match your approach to your dog’s personality.

What Is Force-Free Dog Training? — A complete breakdown of humane, science-backed training methods that build trust instead of fear.

Why Positive Reinforcement Works — The research behind reward-based training and why it creates lasting behavior change.

Why Age Isn’t a Dealbreaker — What Research Really Says — Think your old dog can’t learn new tricks? Science disagrees.

Fixing Common Behavior Problems

How to Stop Your Dog’s Bad Behavior in Just 5 Minutes a Day — A simple daily routine that can transform your dog’s behavior without overwhelming your schedule.

3 Mistakes That Keep Your Dog Stuck in Bad Habits — Most owners unknowingly reinforce the exact behaviors they want to stop. Here’s how.

Yelling Didn’t Work. Treats Didn’t Work. This Did. — When nothing seems to get through to your dog, try this overlooked approach.

Understanding the Problem — Dogs Aren’t Just Being Stubborn — What’s really happening when your dog refuses to listen.

Why Dogs Lose Interest in Training — If your dog checks out mid-session, it’s probably not their fault. Here’s how to keep them engaged.

Meet Your Stubborn Genius — Understanding the Intelligent but Strong-Willed Dog — Smart dogs need a different approach. This guide shows you how to work with their intelligence, not against it.

Training in a Vacuum — Why Environment Matters — Your dog listens at home but not at the park? Here’s why context changes everything.

The Great Outdoors Is a Sensory Overload — Understanding why your dog struggles to focus outside and what to do about it.

How One Bad Moment Could Cost You $10,000 — The real financial and emotional cost of ignoring behavior problems.

Keep a Behavior Diary for 7 Days — A simple tracking method that reveals the hidden patterns behind your dog’s worst habits.

Barking Solutions

How to Get a Dog to Stop Barking — A complete guide to understanding and reducing excessive barking for good.

Why Does My Dog Bark at Nothing? — They’re not barking at nothing. Here’s what they’re actually reacting to.

The 5-Minute Trick That Helps Dogs Stop Barking Like Crazy — A quick daily exercise that redirects your dog’s barking impulse.

Barking Battles at the Fence? Try This Weird Trick That Actually Works — Fence-line barking is one of the hardest habits to break. This method changes the game.

Tired of Your Dog’s Constant Barking? Here’s the One Fix That Actually Works — If you’ve tried everything and nothing sticks, start here.

Reactive & Aggressive Dog Training

Reactive Dog Training — The Complete Guide — Step-by-step training plan for dogs that lunge, bark, or panic on leash.

Reactive Dog vs. Aggressive Dog — What’s the Difference? — Understanding the distinction is the first step to getting the right help.

Dog Training for Aggressive Dogs — What works, what doesn’t, and when to call in a professional.

How to Walk a Reactive Dog — Practical tips for getting through walks without meltdowns.

How to Socialize a Reactive Dog — Safe, gradual socialization techniques that don’t push your dog over threshold.

Start with Safe Exposure — Gradual Desensitization — The science-backed approach to helping fearful and reactive dogs build confidence.

Potty Training & Housebreaking

How to Train a Puppy to Pee Outside — A straightforward guide to outdoor potty training from day one.

10 Potty Training Fixes You Can Try Today Before You Call a Trainer — Quick adjustments that solve the most common housebreaking problems.

Why Does My Dog Walk and Pee? — What it means when your dog pees while walking and how to address it.

How to Stop Excitement Peeing in Dogs — Submissive and excitement urination is more common than you think. Here’s the fix.

How Often Do Newborn Puppies Poop? — What’s normal for newborn puppies and when to be concerned.

Brain Games, Mental Stimulation & Focus

Mental Exhaustion for a Calm Dog — Why a mentally tired dog is a well-behaved dog, and how to get there in minutes.

Best Games to Train Your Dog’s Focus — Fun games that teach your dog to pay attention to you instead of every distraction.

Understanding the Science — How Mental Stimulation Impacts Behavior — The research behind why brain games reduce barking, chewing, and hyperactivity.

The “Find It” Game — Tap Into Natural Canine Instincts — One of the simplest and most effective brain games you can play anywhere.

Rotate and Reinvent Toys to Keep Dog Training Fun — How to keep your dog engaged without constantly buying new toys.

Why Impulse Control Matters for Dogs — Impulse control is the missing ingredient in most training programs.

Canine Intelligence Isn’t Fixed — Here’s Why That Matters — Your dog’s brain is more adaptable than you think. Here’s how to unlock it.

Understanding the Root of Hyperactivity — Hyper dogs aren’t broken. They’re understimulated. Here’s what to do.

Destructive Chewing or Digging — Why dogs destroy things and the enrichment strategies that actually stop it.

 

🐶 Puppy Care & New Dog Owners

Bringing home a new puppy is exciting and exhausting. These guides cover the essentials so you can start your relationship off right from day one.

First 48 Hours with a New Puppy — The Ultimate Guide — Everything you need to know to survive and thrive during those critical first two days.

Red Flags When Picking Out a Puppy — Warning signs to watch for before you commit to a breeder or litter.

What Is the Most Difficult Puppy Age to Parent? — The stages where most owners struggle the most and how to push through.

How to Get a Puppy to Sleep at Night Without Crying — Practical tips for peaceful nights from the very first week.

Best Puppy Treats for Training — The right training treats make a huge difference. Here are the ones that work best.

Best Chew Toys for Puppies — Safe, durable options to keep your puppy busy and protect your furniture.

When Do Golden Retrievers Stop Teething? — A timeline of teething stages and what to expect along the way.

Why Is My Black Puppy Getting White Hair? — What causes color changes in puppies and when it’s normal.

 

🍖 Can My Dog Eat This?

One of the most common questions dog owners ask is whether a specific food is safe for their pet. Here are the answers.

Can Dogs Eat Grits? — Are grits safe for dogs? What you should know before sharing your breakfast.

Can Dogs Eat Imitation Crab? — The surprising truth about this processed seafood and your dog’s stomach.

Can Dogs Eat Instant Noodles? — Why instant noodles are worse for dogs than you might think.

Can Dogs Eat Sushi? — Which types of sushi are safe and which ones to avoid completely.

Can Dogs Eat Chicken Nuggets? — Fast food and dogs — here’s what you need to know.

My Dog Ate Chocolate Chip Cookies — What Now? — Immediate steps to take and when to call the vet.

 

🚨 My Dog Ate Something Weird — What Do I Do?

Dogs eat things they shouldn’t. It happens. These guides tell you exactly what to watch for and when to seek emergency help.

Help! My Dog Ate a Q-Tip — What Should I Do? — How dangerous is it, and when should you go to the vet?

Dog Ate a Tampon — What to Do — A common emergency that requires quick action. Here’s your step-by-step guide.

My Dog Ate Maggots — Is it dangerous? What to watch for and when to worry.

 

🐕 Dog Breeds, Mixes & Breed-Specific Questions

Whether you’re researching a new breed or learning more about the dog you already have, these guides cover the questions owners ask most.

Australian Shepherds

Are Australian Shepherds Hypoallergenic? — What allergy sufferers need to know before getting an Aussie.

Do Australian Shepherds Have Tails? — The truth about natural bobtails vs. docking in Australian Shepherds.

Australian Shepherds with 2 Different Colored Eyes — What causes heterochromia in Aussies and what it means for their health.

Are Australian Cattle Dogs Good with Cats? — What to expect when pairing a cattle dog with a feline housemate.

French Bulldogs

What Color French Bulldog Is the Most Expensive? — A breakdown of rare French Bulldog colors and their price tags.

French Bulldog Bite Force Strength — How strong is a Frenchie’s bite compared to other breeds?

Shiba Inus

Are Shiba Inus Good with Kids? — An honest look at whether this independent breed is right for families.

Shiba Inu German Shepherd Mix — What to expect from this unique crossbreed in terms of temperament, size, and care.

Other Breeds & Mixes

Golden Retriever Chihuahua Mix — Is this unusual crossbreed real? Here’s what you need to know.

Are Mini Bernese Mountain Dogs Hypoallergenic? — The truth about this smaller version of the Bernese and allergy concerns.

Husky Bite Force Strength — How powerful is a Husky’s bite and what it means for owners.

How Much Bite Force Does a Pug Have? — You might be surprised by what a small breed can do.

 

🏥 Dog Health & Wellness

From strange symptoms to everyday wellness questions, these guides help you understand what’s going on with your dog’s body.

How Long Can a Dog Go Without Water? — What every owner needs to know about dehydration and water intake.

Symptoms of Black Mold Exposure in Dogs — Hidden household dangers that could be making your dog sick.

Why Is There a Pink Spot on My Dog’s Lip? — Common causes of lip discoloration and when to see a vet.

Why Does My Dog Faint When Excited? — Fainting episodes can be scary. Here’s what might be causing them.

7 Reasons Why Dogs Sleep with Their Tongue Out — Is it cute, or is it a sign of something more?

Why Does My Dog Sleep at My Feet? — The behavioral and emotional reasons behind this common habit.

How Many Toes Does a Dog Have? — A quick answer to a surprisingly common question, plus info on dewclaws.

 

💰 Pet Insurance

Vet bills add up fast. These guides help you understand your options so you can protect your dog and your wallet.

What Is Pet Insurance and How Does It Work? — A beginner-friendly breakdown of pet insurance plans, coverage, and costs.

Pet Insurance for Older Dogs — Your options for insuring a senior dog, including what’s typically covered and excluded.

 

🛁 Dog Gear & Products

The right gear makes daily life with your dog easier. These are our most recommended products and tools.

Dog Harnesses 101 — Everything you need to know about choosing the right harness for your dog’s size, breed, and behavior.

Best Dental Chews for Dogs — Keep your dog’s teeth clean and breath fresh with these top-rated picks.

Best Dog Bowl Mat — Stop the mess at mealtime with the right bowl mat for your setup.

Scratch Square for Dogs — A unique enrichment tool that satisfies your dog’s natural scratching instinct.

Dog Bath Systems & Hydrobaths — Make bath time easier with the right bathing system for your home.

 

🧮 Free Dog Tools

Try Our Free Dog Food Calculator — Find out exactly how much to feed your dog based on their weight, age, and activity level.

 

⭐ Take the Lead in Your Dog’s Training

Become the calm, confident leader your dog naturally wants to follow — without force, frustration, or outdated methods.

Every great relationship starts with leadership. Not dominance. Not yelling. Just clarity, consistency, and connection. If you’re tired of feeling like your dog is calling the shots, this is where everything changes.

🧱 The Three Pillars of Modern Dog Leadership

These pillars blend time-tested structure with modern enrichment and humane training.

Pillar 1 — Physical Structure: Calm the Body First. Most behavior problems start with excess energy and no direction. Leadership begins with structured walks, purposeful movement, controlled transitions at doors and greetings, and predictable daily patterns. A structured walk is your number one leadership tool.

Pillar 2 — Mental Fulfillment: Calm the Mind Next. A tired dog isn’t a quiet dog. A fulfilled dog is. That’s where brain games come in — snuffle mats, puzzle toys, scent work, the “Find It” game, and other focus-building activities.

Pillar 3 — Emotional Energy: Your Dog Follows Your State of Mind. Dogs don’t follow commands — they follow energy. Your dog needs you to be calm under pressure, confident through chaos, consistent with expectations, and patient. When you regulate your energy, your dog naturally regulates theirs.

⏱️ Your 10-Minute Daily Leadership Routine

A simple routine anyone can follow: start with a 5–10 minute structured walk (not a “sniff-fest” — a calm, focused walk). Then do 3–5 minutes of a brain game or enrichment activity. Finish with 1–2 minutes of a calm leadership moment — practice settling, eye contact, and rewarding calm instead of chaos. Do this daily and watch behaviors change faster than you thought possible.

❌ Common Mistakes Most Dog Owners Make

What Owners Do	What to Do Instead
Reward excitement instead of calm	Wait for calm behavior before giving attention or treats
Overuse commands (“Sit… sit… SIT!”)	Say it once, then guide — learn why dogs tune out
Give affection at the wrong time	Affection reinforces whatever state your dog is in — time it right
Confuse the dog with inconsistent rules	Get the whole household on the same page — avoid these 3 habit traps
Think physical exercise is enough	Add mental stimulation — it’s the missing piece
React emotionally to barking or pulling	Stay calm — here’s how to handle barking

🔄 Old-School Training vs. Leadership-Based Training

Old-School Training	Leadership-Based Training
Focus on commands	Focus on emotional state
Yelling, reacting	Calm guidance
Punishment-heavy	Structure + enrichment
Owner follows dog’s energy	Dog follows your energy
Treats or force only	Fulfillment + clarity + connection

You don’t need to dominate your dog. You need to lead them.

 

💬 Real Stories. Real Transformation.

“My dog actually listens now. I stopped yelling, started leading, and everything changed. He looks to me before reacting. I finally feel in control.” — Sarah T., Golden Retriever Owner

“Our walks went from chaotic to peaceful in a week. The structured walk + brain games combo is magic.” — Jordan M., Pit Mix Owner

 

Ready to become the leader your dog needs? Start with our free brain games guide or dive into reactive dog training today.