Training Articles / #MaTTT

The Importance of Enrichment A mentally engaged dog is a happier, more balanced companion. Enrichment isn’t a luxury; it’s a daily need. Just as physical exercise helps maintain your dog’s body, mental stimulation supports their overall well-being. Without it, boredom...

Let’s start with the classic: “Dogs can smell fear.” This phrase often gets tossed around as both a warning and a compliment—“Don’t be scared or the dog will know!” But scientifically speaking, the answer is more nuanced. Dogs have an incredibly acute sense of smell....

Dog breath is so common it’s become a joke, but there’s nothing funny about what it can mean. Dental health in dogs is one of the most overlooked aspects of care, and unfortunately, it’s not just about bad breath or losing a few teeth. When left unaddressed, dental...

We’ve all had that moment—your dog is staring at you, energy buzzing, and you’re out of ideas. You already did the walk. You tossed the toy. You’ve got the puzzle feeder somewhere, but the dog figured it out in 10 seconds last time and it hasn’t felt worth it since....

The human-dog bond is one of the oldest and most unique partnerships in history. This article explores how that relationship evolved through mutual benefit and biological adaptation—from early domestication to shared emotional cues, scent-based communication, and even genetic changes that allow dogs to thrive on human diets.

Tail wags can mean a lot more than just joy. A fast, loose wag often signals excitement or friendliness, but a slow, low wag might indicate uncertainty. A stiff tail can be a warning, and a tucked tail generally shows fear. Tail communication depends on speed, height,...

When I was 14 years old, in the heart of a Detroit suburb, I found a stray German Shepherd mix wandering the streets. This wasn’t unusual for our area. Stray dogs were often left to their own fate, and I’d taken it upon myself to become an unofficial one-person...

Lend a Paw (LAP) was officially established in June 2025, but its roots reach back to early 2024 when a small group of dog trainers and community advocates came together with a shared mission: to change lives through the power of the human-canine bond. Now operating...

For anyone planning a road trip with their dog, preparation isn’t just about packing treats and leashes—it’s about helping your dog adjust to the unpredictable environments that come with travel. The good news? You don’t have to go far to start that process. Local...

When it comes to dog training and enrichment, most people think of long walks, ball-chasing, or advanced obedience drills. But one of the most impactful tools for building a calm, focused, and confident dog? Tiny movements done with purpose. Movement puzzles for dogs...