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Training doesn’t fall apart because dogs are stubborn or unmotivated. More often, it breaks down when handlers are inconsistent, unpredictable, or unclear under pressure. After
Learn how leash handling, timing, and space affect dog behavior. Improve communication and reduce stress through clearer handling skills.
Behavior doesn’t happen in isolation. Every choice your dog makes is influenced by their emotional state, environment, past experiences, and the information they’re receiving from you.
Long before your dog processes a word, they are already responding to you. Your posture, movement, breathing, and tension tell your dog more than any verbal cue ever will.
Starting the New Year with your dog is about building reliable routines, setting realistic expectations, and strengthening the relationship—not just teaching obedience.
The holiday whirlwind is over — the guests are gone, decorations are coming down, and routines are slowly returning.
If your dog seems extra tired, unusually edgy, or a little “off,” you’re not imagining it.
AI can be an incredible tool for learning about dog behavior—but it can’t replace a skilled human trainer. Discover how AI supports modern dog training, why hands-on experience still matters, and how a holistic approach to welfare helps you and your dog thrive together.
The holidays are coming — and so is the chaos. The good news? Your dog doesn’t have to be part of the madness. With a little preparation now, you can enjoy the season with a calm, happy pup
Choosing the right dog breed for your family isn’t just about looks — it’s about lifestyle, personality, and genetics. Using the L.E.G.S. Model (Learning, Environment, Genetics, and Self), you can better understand what makes each breed tick and find a perfect match for your home.
Thinking about getting a puppy or adding another dog? Learn how to tell if your family is ready — from kids and schedules to training and time commitments.
Build bold, confident dogs through consistent training and real-world success. At Next Step K9 Center in Purcell, we help dogs and handlers across Norman, Blanchard, and Noble grow trust, clarity, and confidence—one skill at a time.
Halloween can be a lot of fun for us humans — costumes, decorations, candy everywhere — but for our dogs, it can feel a little confusing or even scary. Between the doorbell ringing nonstop, strangers in strange outfits, and candy all over the place, it’s no wonder some dogs struggle with the spooky season!
Dogs learn through repetition, patterns, and predictable outcomes.
Duration – How long your dog can hold a behavior
Distance – How far away you can be while your dog performs it
Distraction – How well your dog can perform despite environmental challenges
Start small, build gradually, and celebrate success at every step.
Ever feel like your dog is training you instead of the other way around? You’re not alone. Dog training can be a joy, but it can also feel frustrating when progress stalls. The truth is, most owners don’t struggle because they’re “bad trainers” — they just fall into a few common traps without realizing it.
Environment: More Than Just a Yard When we think about a dog’s environment, most people picture the house and backyard. But a dog’s environment is so
