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Author: Caitlin Crittenden

Caitlin Crittenden is owner and head trainer of Life Dog Training. She has studied dog training for nearly 20 years and has helped dogs of all ages learn basic obedience commands, intermediate commands and off-leash commands. She has also helped dogs prepare for service, therapy and emotional support work. Plus, she has taught nearly 100 different tricks, ranging from “play dead” to “bring the food bowl to me.” Caitlin is certified through the SIRIUS Dog Trainer Academy and is a member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT). She and her husband live in Georgia with their Border Collie, Mack, and their Curly-Coated Retriever, River.
  • Behaviors and Training
Open post

5 Basic Commands Every Dog Should Know (And How to Teach Them)

By Caitlin CrittendenOct 25, 2021October 26, 2021

To ensure your dog is a good citizen, there are minimum commands your dog should know. Here are some of the most important ones.

  • Behaviors and Training
Open post Photo of a really cute puppy with a tennis ball in their mouth

Preventing Aggressive Behavior in Your Dog Starts With You

By Caitlin CrittendenJul 20, 2020July 19, 2020

Although genetics can be a factor, aggressive behavior in a dog is often better managed, decreased or even avoided with proper training. Here’s how.

  • Behaviors and Training
Open post Photo of an older Labrador Retriever looking up while lying down

Games for Senior Dogs: 7 Fun Ways to Get Your Older Dog Moving

By Caitlin CrittendenJun 15, 2020February 22, 2022

Who says old dogs don’t have a good time? Try these stimulating games to get your senior pup moving around and having fun.

  • Behaviors and Training
Open post

Why Does My Dog Always Follow Me?

By Caitlin CrittendenMar 9, 2020May 15, 2020

You may wonder why your dog always follows you everywhere around the house. Here are some possible reasons (plus what you can do about it).

  • Behaviors and Training
Open post What tricks can I train my dog?

What Tricks Can I Train My Dog? (12 Fun Dog Tricks to Try Next.)

By Caitlin CrittendenFeb 1, 2020April 25, 2020

This expert guide features step-by-step instructions for a dozen different tricks you can teach your dog.

  • Behaviors and Training
Open post How to Teach Your Puppy to Climb the Stairs

How to Teach Your Puppy to Climb the Stairs

By Caitlin CrittendenJan 13, 2020April 4, 2022

Stairs can be tricky for puppies. Here’s how to teach your puppy to climb the stairs — plus, how to troubleshoot when the training isn’t working.

  • Behaviors and Training
Open post Essential puppy training tips

10 Essential Puppy Training Tips You Need to Know

By Caitlin CrittendenOct 28, 2019April 4, 2022

Training a young puppy can be frustrating. Help your new pet — and yourself — through the growing pains with these essential puppy training tips.

  • Behaviors and Training
Open post How to Teach Dog Hand Signals

How to Teach Your Dog Hand Signals

By Caitlin CrittendenSep 30, 2019April 4, 2022

Surprisingly, hand signals are often just as easy to teach as verbal commands. Here’s our expert guide to teaching your dog hand signals.

  • Behaviors and Training
Open post How to establish leadership over a dog

How to Establish Leadership Over a Dog (Without Being a Meanie Pants)

By Caitlin CrittendenAug 28, 2019April 4, 2022

Want training success with your dog? First you need to establish leadership. Here’s how to do that while earning your dog’s trust and respect.

  • Behaviors and Training
Open post Warning signs that a dog is about to bite

12 Warning Signs That a Dog May Bite

By Caitlin CrittendenJul 29, 2019May 15, 2020

A strange dog startles you. You ask yourself, “Is this dog friendly? Will the dog bite?” Here are the warning signs you should know.

  • Behaviors and Training
Open post Are these dogs fighting or playing?

Are These Dogs Fighting or Playing? (Here’s How to Tell, and Stop a Fight.)

By Caitlin CrittendenJun 24, 2019April 20, 2020

Playtime is an important part of a dog’s well-being. There are times, however, when we all want to know, “Are these dogs fighting or playing?”

  • Behaviors and Training
Open post How to Teach a Puppy to Lie Down on Command

How to Teach a Puppy to Lie Down on Command

By Caitlin CrittendenMay 27, 2019April 20, 2020

Knowing how to teach “down” will become one of the most useful tools in your training arsenal. Here are some step-by-step instructions.

  • Behaviors and Training
Open post Puppy Training Classes

When Should You Start Puppy Training Classes?

By Caitlin CrittendenApr 29, 2019May 15, 2020

The “socialization window” for puppies is crucial, and it’s not very long. So get started with puppy training classes right after the first DHPP vaccine.

  • Behaviors and Training
Open post how to teach a dog the out command

How to Teach a Dog the “Out” Command

By Caitlin CrittendenMar 25, 2019April 20, 2020

There are a number of benefits that make this command worth teaching. Here’s an expert guide to training your dog to obey when you say, “Out.”

  • Behaviors and Training
Open post

How to Train a Dog to Stay Off the Couch: An Expert Guide

By Caitlin CrittendenFeb 25, 2019April 5, 2022

This 4-part expert guide will help you keep your furniture free of fur.

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