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Bringing home a new puppy is an exciting time filled with cuddles, play, and plenty of adorable moments. But alongside the joy often comes a common challenge: nipping and biting. While it can be frustrating and even painful, understanding why puppies nip and bite is the first step toward redirecting this natural behavior and teaching your puppy good manners. At Alan’s K9 Academy, we help puppy owners recognize the root causes of nipping so they can address it effectively and build a strong, positive relationship with their new furry family member.

We’ve all seen them—the dogs who trot through parks and stroll down sidewalks like they own the place, wagging happily at every stranger and bounding up to every dog with an open invitation to play. They’re calm, confident, and seem to thrive on social interaction. These dogs give off the impression that this is what all dogs should be like: outgoing, friendly, and endlessly tolerant. But here’s the truth—dogs like that are the exception, not the rule.

magine waking up every day in a world that feels unsafe. Loud sounds make you jump. Strangers feel threatening. Even a simple gesture like someone reaching toward you sends your body into panic. Now imagine you can’t tell anyone how you feel. For many dogs dealing with trauma, this is their reality. They can’t explain their fear, so they show it through behaviors that are often misunderstood—nervous glances, sudden reactivity, or even aggression. And when these signs are misread, they’re often labeled as “bad dogs” instead of what they really are: dogs asking for help. At Alan’s K9 Academy, we specialize in understanding the why behind behavior. In this guide, we’ll break down how trauma can impact dogs, how to recognize the signs, and most importantly, how to help them heal.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by your dog’s outbursts, lunging, or growling—and no trainer seems to have the right answer—you’re not alone. But here at Alan’s K9 Academy, we’ve developed a powerful, evidence-based approach that gives both you and your dog a clearer path forward: The Bubble Method. No gimmicks. No quick fixes. Just smart, humane, progressive training built around your dog’s emotional needs.

Walking your dog should be one of the most enjoyable parts of your day — a time to connect, exercise, and explore together. Yet, many dog owners find walks stressful due to pulling, lunging, or constant tugging on the leash. Loose-leash walking is the key to turning your daily strolls into calm, pleasant experiences for both you and your dog. At Alan’s K9 Academy, we focus on teaching loose-leash walking techniques that improve your dog’s behavior and make walks something you both look forward to.

Socialization isn’t just for puppies — it’s a vital part of a dog’s development and well-being throughout their life. Whether you have a young dog, an adolescent, or a mature canine, consistent exposure to new experiences helps build confidence, reduces anxiety, and encourages good behavior.

Training your dog doesn’t have to be all serious business. In fact, incorporating fun and games into training sessions can make learning more enjoyable, effective, and strengthen the bond between you and your furry friend. Dogs learn best when they’re engaged and motivated—and playful activities do just that!

Dog training is an incredible journey full of learning, growth, and bonding. But with so much information circulating—some of it misleading—it’s easy to get confused about the best way to train your dog. At Alan’s K9 Academy, we’re here to set the record straight by busting the most common dog training myths that might be holding you back from achieving the best results.

If your dog habitually charges through doors without hesitation, what might seem like a harmless quirk can actually lead to significant safety concerns and behavioral challenges. At first glance, rushing through doors may appear to be simple excitement, but this habit signals deeper issues that, if left unchecked, could impact your dog’s well-being and your training efforts.