Harmony Forum

You’ve probably noticed that when your puppy gets on the trail of a smell, or finds something new or interesting to sniff in the yard, everything else fades into the background. Ears up, body forward, unbreakable focus... that’s the puppy in work mode. And its one of the healthiest, most satisfying things you can invite into their day.

More Than Just Play: What Scentwork Does for Puppies

We often think about puppy energy in terms of walking or running or tugging on the leash, but physical exercise is only half of the story. A young dog’s brain is constantly processing new information — sights, sounds, surfaces, people, animals, and most importantly, smells. That sensory exploration isn’t just cute; it’s fundamental to how dogs learn and regulate themselves.

Here’s why scentwork benefits puppies on every level:

1. It Mentally Exhausts Them Better Than Physical Exercise Alone

Everyone warns you about puppies. Nobody prepares you for adolescence.

You survived the biting, the crate training, the sleepless nights. Just when your puppy seemed like they were getting it together, something shifted. They stopped listening. They started barking more. Jumping again. Pulling harder. Acting… feral?

You didn’t do anything wrong. You’ve just entered the adolescent phase.

So, what is adolescence in dogs?

Canine adolescence typically begins around 5 to 6 months of age, depending on breed and individual development, and may last well into the second year.

The Stuff No One Warned You About

You brought home your puppy and the first day was magic. That new puppy smell, those little paws and toe beans, the way they collapsed into your lap like they were meant to be there. Exhausted from the day’s travel, the puppy falls fast asleep once you get home, and you find yourself thinking, “This puppy is so easy!”

By day three, you haven’t slept, your hands are covered in tiny teeth marks, and you’ve cried in the bathroom twice while Googling, “Did I make a mistake getting a puppy?”

This isn’t unusual. In fact, it’s so painfully common that it has a name: the “Puppy Blues.”

I have the same conversation with new puppy parents multiple times each week. Most are feeling some combination of guilt, panic, and total overwhelm. They’re convinced they’re doing everything wrong, they’re exhausted, and—depending on how long…

Bringing a new puppy into your home is an exciting and transformative experience. As much as we focus on providing the basics—feeding, housing, and training—one of the most important aspects of raising a well-adjusted dog is establishing a solid emotional bond from the start. Early interactions are critical in setting the foundation for a trusting, positive relationship with your puppy. The way you connect with your puppy during these early weeks has a lasting impact on their behavior, confidence, and emotional development.

Why Early Bonding Matters

Just like human babies, puppies are born with a highly sensitive nature. Their brains are in a rapid phase of development, which means that every interaction they have in their first few months shapes their future behaviors and emotional well-being. Establishing a strong bond early on helps a puppy feel safe, secure, and connected to you—creating a relationship that lasts a lifetime.

The Role…

The holidays are here, which means one thing: food. Glorious, delicious, everywhere-you-turn, food. While we humans load up our plates and maybe even squeeze into those stretchy pants, it’s easy to forget about the four-legged family member giving you that “but I’m starving” look from under the table. But before you toss them a scrap out of guilt—or to stop the whining—let’s talk about what’s safe for dogs to eat and what can land you in the vet’s office faster than you can say "leftovers."

The Big No-Nos

You’d think this list would be short. Spoiler alert: it’s not.

• Turkey Bones & Skin While your dog might be eyeing that turkey leg like it’s their life’s mission, cooked bones are a choking hazard and can splinter into sharp shards. As for the skin? It’s packed with spices, fat, and potential for pancreatitis.

• Onions, Garlic, and Allium Anything These aren’t just…

As our dogs grow, they move through distinct developmental stages, each with unique learning opportunities and behavioral changes. Knowing what to expect as your puppy matures can help you support them, manage common challenges, and make the most of their critical learning periods. Let’s take a closer look at these key milestones and ways you can best support your dog through each stage.

Neonatal Period (Birth to 2 Weeks)

What’s Happening During the neonatal period, puppies are entirely dependent on their mother for warmth, nutrition, and hygiene. Their senses of touch and smell are active, but they are otherwise unresponsive to their environment.

Your Role At this stage, puppies rely on their breeder or foster caregivers, as they’re still with their mother and littermates. Handling should be gentle and minimal, as this early exposure to touch lays a foundation for human bonding and socialization later on (Lindsay, 2000).

Transitional Period…

When it comes to training, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure! Start training these important skills before the stress of the holidays sets in!

The holiday season is just around the corner, and for many families, this means a house full of guests, festive decorations, and bustling activities. While we humans look forward to these joyous events, they can sometimes be overwhelming for our dogs. New faces, different routines, and lots of excitement can leave your pup feeling anxious or overly energetic.

The good news? With a little preparation, your dog can be the well-mannered, calm companion that makes holiday gatherings enjoyable for everyone. Here are 10 key skills your dog should have in time for the holidays, along with some tips on how to start practicing now!

Polite Greetings

Dogs naturally get excited when someone comes to the door. However, greeting guests by jumping or…

Training your dog to follow commands and develop good manners is a rewarding experience, but it requires the right tools and techniques to achieve lasting success. One of the most effective methods used in positive reinforcement training is a technique known as luring. Whether you're working with a brand-new puppy or an adult dog, luring can be an excellent way to teach new behaviors while keeping training fun and engaging for both you and your dog.

In this blog post, we'll dive into what luring is, how it fits into positive reinforcement training, and how you can use it to teach your dog new skills while building a strong, trusting relationship.

What is Luring in Dog Training?

Luring is a technique in which a treat or toy is used to guide your dog into performing a desired behavior. The treat acts as a "lure" to encourage the dog to follow your…

As a dog owner, you want the best for your furry family member. Whether it’s mastering basic commands, developing good manners, or addressing behavior concerns, finding an effective training method is key to ensuring a happy and healthy relationship with your dog. Among the various training techniques available today, positive reinforcement training stands out as a humane, science-backed approach that not only teaches your dog skills but also builds their confidence, emotional stability, and long-term success as a well-adjusted family member.

In this article, we’ll explore what positive reinforcement training is, the science behind it, and how it helps create confident, well-trained, and emotionally stable dogs.

What is Positive Reinforcement Training?

Positive reinforcement training is a method where desirable behaviors are rewarded to encourage the dog to repeat those behaviors in the future. The focus is on rewarding good behavior rather than punishing bad behavior. The reward can be anything that…