Angie's
dog blog

After working with thousands of dogs and their humans, I’ve seen just about everything… The struggles, the breakthroughs, and the everyday moments that make it all worth it. This blog is where I share what I’ve learned along the way to help you understand, learn, and train your dog with confidence.

Angie Saunders Angie Saunders

rules and Boundaries

Rules and boundaries in the home aren’t about being “strict.” They’re about providing clarity. Your dog needs to know what’s expected, what’s allowed, and what’s not. When you set those lines consistently, you give your dog something priceless: security.

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Angie Saunders Angie Saunders

Possession in dogs! its all mine

All dogs have some degree of resource guarding — it’s hardwired into survival.
From the beginning of time, dogs (and their ancestors) have had to compete for food, shelter, and mates. In today’s world, that instinct shows up as possession aggression — when a dog guards food, toys, people, or even spaces.

How much your dog guards depends on their personality, early experiences, genetics, and how you respond when it happens.

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Angie Saunders Angie Saunders

Drag the Leash

One of the most overlooked training tools isn’t new—it’s your leash.
Dragging a leash indoors gives you calm control, better communication, and helps prevent problem behaviors before they start. Whether it’s stopping a puppy from playing “catch me if you can” or managing an adult dog that ignores commands, the leash becomes an extension of you—quiet, clear, and effective.

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Angie Saunders Angie Saunders

When punishment backfires.

One of the biggest mistakes I see dog owners make is trying to punish behaviors that come from fear, stress, or frustration.
It might look like “bad behavior,” but in reality, the dog is reacting to get away from something that feels uncomfortable or scary.

That’s what’s called negative reinforcement — when a dog does something that helps them avoid or stop something unpleasant.
The tricky part? If we add punishment on top of that, we often make the behavior stronger, not weaker.

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Angie Saunders Angie Saunders

Dog is actually a language!

n today’s world, dogs are everywhere. If your neighbor doesn’t have one, the person across the road probably has five.

Yet even though we share homes, sidewalks, and parks, dogs are an entirely different species.
They don’t speak with words — they speak with bodyenergy, and movement.

“Thinking we know what a dog is saying, when we actually don’t, is why people are frustrated and why they get bit.”

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Angie Saunders Angie Saunders

Dogs Communicate Through Body Language

Dogs may not speak our language, but they’re communicating all the time.
Every tail wag, ear flick, or head turn tells a story — if you know how to read it.

Understanding dog body language isn’t just about curiosity. It’s about safety, respect, and better communication.
Misreading a signal can lead to fear, conflict, or even a bite. Reading it right helps you respond calmly and confidently.

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Not A Toaster Not A Toaster

How to Help Your Dog Feel Comfortable Being Handled

Teaching your dog to relax during grooming, nail trims, or vet visits begins with calm, consistent handling. Discover how to build trust through touch and create stress-free routines that improve both your dog’s comfort and confidence.

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