Is Your Dog Giving You A Hard Time? Or Is Your New Puppy More Than You Bargained For?
Whether your current pup has developed into a difficult roommate or your new one is more of a handful than you expected, training can feel daunting if you don’t know where to start. That’s where we come in – we offer expert at-home training for dogs and puppies in the Waco area.
Our focus is on building confidence in your dog and giving you the tools for success. We want to help you create a happy, healthy, and well-mannered companion that will make your family proud. Training your dog doesn’t have to be hard or frustrating – let us show you how easy and fun it can be!
Read on to find the perfect at-home training program for you!
What Our Confident Clients Are Saying
My shelter dog, Maggie, and I have learned so much thanks to Mike and Lisa. They taught me how to deal with behaviors like fence aggression which is no longer an issue!
~ Marilyn M.
My experience with The Confident Hound gave me the confidence and skills needed to become the best dog owner I could be.
~ Claire O.
The Confident Hound has done so much for our dog! He has come a long way from the over-the-top barking pup to a friend-to-everyone goofy Golden.
~ Anne L.
Follow Us On Social Media!
🐾 How I Fit Training Into Daily Life 🐾
I was talking to my husband in his office, when our dog Ace started barking at landscapers he could see through this window. I acknowledged what he saw and thanked him for doing such a good job of protecting us from the threat of leaf blowers.
Ace didn`t move on as easily as he normally does, so I decided to take advantage of this training opportunity. I found the nearest treat jar and skipped looking for a clicker - my verbal marker of "Yes" will do fine. I opened the shudders for a better view and started playing one of my favorite training games - Look At That! This game is my go-to for improving a dog`s feelings about sights and sounds that bother them.
We probably only did 3-5 repetitions of the game before my husband had to take a work call, and that`s totally fine! A few small moments each day is better than nothing. By simply adopting this mindset, it`ll feel so much easier to get started. As someone with ADHD, I truly understand that struggle.
Once I ended the mini-session, I closed the shudders to prevent additional barking and led Ace away for some pets and scritches. Then he took a nap!
Setting aside a few minutes each day to proactively work on your training goals is still the best course of action. But little moments like this are also great for bringing you closer to your goals!
#theconfidenthound #dogtrainingadvice #dogtraining101 #dogmoms #puppytrainingtips #dogbehavior #atomichabits #wacotexas #wacotx #wacotown #dogsofwaco
My son and I had a wonderful time at the Read To A Dog event last week! Here we are enjoying a good book with our puppy pal, Sal ❤️
You can read more about it in the @petcirclewaco newsletter: https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/TXWACO/bulletins/3d7ed62
Thank you to the East Library and Pet Circle Regional Animal Center for organizing - we`re looking forward to the next one!
🍂🍁 Here are some must-do fall enrichment activities for your pup — because loving this season isn’t just for people! 🎃🐾
Jumping in a pile of leaves – Nothing screams fall like your dog diving headfirst into a pile of crunchy leaves. Bonus points for capturing those mid-jump pics! 🍁📸
Attend fall dog-friendly events – From pup parades to dog costume contests, there are plenty of fall events to show off your dog`s autumn style (pumpkin bandana, anyone?). 🎃🐶
Visit an apple orchard or pumpkin patch – Dogs and pumpkins are a fall match made in heaven. Your pup will love exploring the scents, sights, and maybe even snagging a fresh apple snack. 🍏🐕
Host a fall photoshoot – Grab your pup, some flannel, and a pumpkin! Keep the session short so your furry model stays engaged and ready to show off that classic ‘fall vibe’. 🍂📷
Go on a coffee date – You get your pumpkin spice latte, and your dog gets a pupcup. It’s the ultimate fall coffee date—just make sure your pup knows it’s their turn to treat! ☕🐶
Looking for more enrichment ideas? Check out our Enrichment Guide. Comment "enrichment" and we`ll send you a link!
#theconfidenthound #wacotx #wacotexas #wacotown #dogsofwaco #autumnvibes #fallactivities
I know your feed is probably full right now of election chatter and Black Friday ads, so here’s a little palate cleanser to brighten your day! 🐶✨
I hope these pawsitive vibes from my senior pup give you a reason to smile today! 😊🐾
#theconfidenthound #rescuedogsofinsta #wacotexas #wacotx #wacotown #dogsofwaco #dogsoftexas
🎃👻 Got a stranger danger dog who isn`t a fan of Halloween visitors? Here are some tips to help them stay calm when trick-or-treaters come knocking:
🔸Create A Safe Space – Set up a cozy, quiet room where your dog can retreat, away from the doorbell and spooky sounds. 🛋️🧸
🔸Use White Noise Or Calming Music – Drown out the doorbell and chatter with soothing sounds or white noise. 🎶
🔸Give Them Something To Do – Keep them busy with a puzzle toy or chew during peak trick-or-treating hours. 🧩🍖
🔸Practice Ahead Of Time – Do some mock doorbell practice with treats so your dog can associate the sound with something positive. 🍬🐕
🔸Costume Caution – Keep costumes simple or skip them altogether if they stress your dog out—let them rock their natural look! 🐾👑
Remember, Halloween is all about fun! It shouldn`t be stressful for your pup OR you.
#theconfidenthound #notricksjusttreats #reactivedog #fearfuldog #anxiousdog #nervousdog #howloween #wacotexas #wacotx #wacotown #dogsofwaco #dogsoftexas
👻🎃💀 Is Your Dog Scared Of Halloween Lawn Decor? Call The Dog Trainer! 🐾😂
As Halloween approaches, it’s the perfect opportunity to take your dog to a local store that sells decorations and practice gradually introducing them to spooky sights and sounds! Here’s how to make the outing enjoyable for both of you:
Start Slow: Begin with a walk around the store to help your dog acclimate to the bustling environment before diving into the Halloween section.
Gradual Exposure: When you reach the Halloween decor, take your time. Let your dog explore one decoration at a time, focusing on the less intimidating items first.
Use Treats for Encouragement: Reward your pup with treats and praise whenever they show curiosity or approach a decoration. This helps create positive associations with new experiences.
Stay Calm and Confident: Your dog can pick up on your energy, so keep a relaxed demeanor to help them feel secure in this new setting.
Keep Visits Short and Sweet: Limit your time in the store to avoid overwhelming your dog. A brief visit can help build their confidence without the stress.
This adventure not only prepares your dog for the Halloween festivities ahead but also strengthens your bond through shared experiences. Happy exploring! 🐾✨ What tips do you have for helping your dog adapt to new environments? Share your thoughts below!
#theconfidenthound #reactivedog #fearfuldog #anxiousdog #nervousdog #howloween #wacotexas #wacotx #wacotown #dogsofwaco #dogsoftexas