Make the Crate Inviting

• Comfort and Toys: Line the crate with safe bedding and durable toys. Offer high-value, long-lasting enrichment chews (like stuffed Kongs) exclusively inside the crate. (A word of caution, if you dog is unsupervised, be careful not to leave them with treats that could break off and become choking hazards.

• Meal Association: Feed all meals inside the crate, gradually moving the bowl to the back. Gently close the door during the meal, opening it immediately after your pup has finished eating and when you dog is calm.

• Treat Discovery: Toss high-value treats into the crate when the puppy isn’t looking to reinforce positive feelings.
• Play and Cuddle: Wherever the crate is located, spend time playing and cuddling near it. Throw toys in the crate so puppy can enter and leave with low pressure and fun.

• Avoid Punishment: Never use the crate as a penalty; this creates fear.

• Systematic Training: Use lures (treats/toys) to encourage entry. Start with the door open, then close it for just 1 to 5 seconds. Gradually increase the duration.

• Ignore Whining: Wait for a moment of silence before opening the door. We want calmness (a moment of settling) when we open the door.

• Practice Separation: Start by staying nearby – follow the no look, no talk, no touch rule. Then briefly step out of sight. Keep returns and releases calm. Use a calm, slow voice.

• House-Training Aid: The crate is invaluable when properly used, because dogs instinctively avoid soiling their sleeping area.

• Immediate Potty Breaks: Always take the puppy out immediately before crating and immediately after releasing them.

• Calm Exit: Only open the door once the puppy is calm and settles to reinforce relaxation.
• Stay Consistent: Don’t let puppy sleep with you in bed as it can cause backsliding.

Call a professional dog trainer or behavior specialist if crate training is disrupting your health, your pup demonstrates excessive separation anxiety, or crate training simply is not progressing for you.

At Kasten’s Dog Training, we remain committed to helping you and your dog build a strong, positive relationship through practical training. Visit our website or contact us today to learn more about our services so we can assist you in reaching your training goals!

The post Crate Training Your Dog, Three Essential Tips appeared first on Kasten's Dog Training.

So Why Do They Lick? 

Dogs lick to show affection, communicate, explore their environment, or even to calm themselves. While occasional licking is normal, excessive licking in dogs may point to an underlying behavioral or medical issue. This guide explores the most common reasons behind dog licking behavior and when it may be time to seek professional help.

In most cases, licking is a behavioral habit rather than a medical concern. Dogs may lick themselves, furniture, other surfaces, or their owners.

Common behavioral reasons include:

• Boredom – Stress, or anxiety. Licking can release nervous energy.

• Self-soothing – Similar to how repetitive actions calm people, licking can comfort dogs.

• Affection – A “hello lick” is often a sign of love.

• Habit – Once established, licking can become routine.
• “Grooming” lick – Usually after sniffing your skin for a few moments.
• Exploration – Puppies use their tongues to investigate new things.

• Taste – Dogs may enjoy the salty taste of human skin.

• “Please Stop” lick – Falls within the context of being touched in a way a dog might find aversive; may be asking you politely to stop touching them.

If your dog’s licking leads to hot spots, hair loss, or skin irritation:

• Redirect their focus with toys, chews, or interactive games.

• Provide mental stimulation through training or puzzle feeders.

• Use positive reinforcement. Reward your dog when they stop licking on command (e.g., “Leave it”).

While less common, excessive licking can also signal an underlying medical issue. If your dog suddenly starts licking more than usual, or if the behavior is paired with skin changes, consult your veterinarian.

Possible medical causes include:

•  Allergies – Itchy skin or paws often lead to persistent licking.

• Infections – Bacterial, fungal, or parasitic infections can cause irritation.

• Pain – Dogs may lick sore joints or injuries, much like humans rub an aching muscle.

• Gastrointestinal issues – Some dogs lick unusual surfaces when experiencing nausea or stomach discomfort.

If you notice excessive licking in dogs that results in skin damage, or if the behavior seems sudden and unusual, it’s best to consult a veterinarian. A professional can determine whether the cause is behavioral, medical, or a combination of both.

So, why do dogs lick? The answer depends on context. Occasional licking is usually harmless and even affectionate. But when licking becomes excessive, compulsive, or damaging, it’s time to take action. For behavioral licking, focus on redirection, enrichment, and training. For medical concerns, seek veterinary guidance. By understanding dog licking behavior, you can better support your pet’s health, happiness, and overall well-being.

At Kasten’s Dog Training, we remain committed to helping you and your dog build a strong, positive relationship through practical training. Visit our website or contact us today to learn more about our services so we can assist you in reaching your training goals!

The post Why Do Dogs Lick? Understanding Dog Licking Behavior appeared first on Kasten's Dog Training.

Why Leadership Matters

Dogs are social animals, wired for structure, safety, and predictable cues. Leadership is clarity. And, leadership is not dominance, it’s a relationship. When you calmly lead with consistency, your dog relaxes, follows willingly, and becomes the steady companion you want them to be. Thus, leadership creates security; insecurity creates rules-testing and unwanted behavior.

Things Your Dog Wants You to Know; Leading with a Dog’s Perspective

1. We are dogs, not people. Despite human names, we interpret the world through scent, movement, tone, and environment rather than human concepts.

2. Leadership matters more than cookies, hugs, kisses, and cuddles. Really! We appreciate the cookies and cuddles, but what truly matters to us is having a leader to follow.

3. Love comes when leadership happens. Unconditional love is mutual, and leadership transforms that love into a relationship.

4. Respect our nature and come down to our level. Interact through body language, consistent routines, and clear signals that align with canine instincts.

5. Leadership creates calm followers. The more you convey steady leadership, the more secure and compliant we become within the boundaries you set.

6. Change your actions to change our reactions. We don’t understand ethical rules; we respond to how you behave and what you reinforce.

7. If you don’t lead, we will. If you do not lead, we will assume it and carry a burden we weren’t meant to bear.

8. Timing is everything. Ignoring a behavior or responding too late (2 seconds) signals that the behavior is acceptable.

9. Inconsistency confuses us. Mixed messages create anxiety and frustration; consistency creates clarity and trust, and then obedience.

10. When you provide leadership, I begin to trust you and obey!

Contact Us Today!

At Kasten’s Dog Training, we remain committed to helping you and your dog build a strong, positive relationship through practical training. Visit our website or contact us today to learn more about our services so we can assist you in reaching your training goals!

The post Dog’s Perspective of Leadership appeared first on Kasten's Dog Training.

So What Causes a Dog to Not Come When Called?

There are a few reasons this happens.

First, lack of consistency and reward. When you call your dog to come, praise him each and every time he comes. Make a big deal about him coming. It doesn’t have to be a treat. It can be your affection and praise.  But you can use treats if you like; just don’t over do it. By consistently rewarding, your dog will come to you without a second thought. Even if you never taught your dog obedience in other areas, he would still come to you if you are his respected and loved leader. You should become his biggest reward.

Another reason is a lack of trust. Have you ever called your dog to you and then punished him for something he did previously? If he is smart, he sure isn’t going to risk punishment by coming to you the next time. Never punish your dog after he comes to you.

Lack of obedience training is another major cause. Most dogs are not leash trained consistently. If your dog doesn’t listen well on-leash, or in an isolated room without distractions, there is no reason to expect him to come when he is off-leash. If your dog is obedience trained, you have to practice recall as much as anything else. I tell my clients not to expect consistent off-leash results until their dog will obey them consistently on-leash.

How Do You Get Your Dog to Come When Called?

So, how do we correct these problems? You start from the very beginning and learn the right way to do the come command. Make the effort to build a trusting relationship with your dog, be patient. Results will come, but they will not happen overnight.  One good way to start – call your dog five times throughout the day while inside the house. When your dog arrives to you, mark this wanted behavior with, “Yes.” Reward, then walk away, continue with your tasks.  The reward can be treat, talk, or touch/affection. When you go into a new environment, say your dog’s name. Reward him each time he looks at you, giving you his attention. Again, do this five times.

Sometimes owners just need a strong foundation established by working with a professional trainer. They can help you speed up the process of getting your dog to come when called considerably.

Contact Us Today!

At Kasten’s Dog Training, we are committed to helping you and your dog build a strong, positive relationship through practical training. Visit our website or contact us today to learn more about our services so we can assist you in reaching your training goals!

The post My Dog Won’t Come When Called appeared first on Kasten's Dog Training.

Tail Wagging: It’s Not Always Happiness

Most people assume that a wagging tail means a happy dog, but that’s not always true. The position, speed, and movement of the tail reveal different emotions. A tail held high and wagging in quick motions often signifies excitement or alertness, while a slow wag at a lower angle can indicate uncertainty or nervousness. A tucked tail, on the other hand, is a clear sign of fear or submission.

Pay attention to how your dog holds its tail in different environments. This will help you identify when your dog is feeling comfortable and when it may need reassurance.

Ears: The Ultimate Mood Indicator

Dogs’ ears can tell you a lot about how they’re feeling. In canine body language, upright ears usually indicate alertness or curiosity, while ears pinned back against the head often suggest fear, anxiety, or submission. Relaxed ears that fall naturally indicate your dog is calm and at ease.

Some breeds have naturally floppy or erect ears, but observing slight movements can still provide clues. For instance, even floppy-eared dogs can pin their ears back when stressed or point them forward when interested.

Eyes: Windows to Your Dog’s Emotions

Your dog’s eyes are a significant indicator of their emotional state. Relaxed, soft eyes typically show that a dog feels calm and content, while wide-open, round eyes can signal surprise, fear, or alertness. Prolonged direct eye contact can be interpreted as a challenge or threat, especially between unfamiliar dogs.

Conversely, if your dog looks away or avoids eye contact, it may be trying to defuse a situation, signal submission, or avoid conflict. Recognizing these subtleties can help you prevent or mitigate any tension.

Body Posture: Confidence vs. Submission

A dog’s overall body posture is one of the clearest ways to read its mood. A dog standing tall with a straight spine and balanced weight distribution is likely feeling confident and secure. If a dog lowers its body, tucks its tail, or rolls onto its back, it is showing submission, vulnerability, or fear.

When a dog feels threatened, its posture may become stiff and rigid, with hackles raised (the hair along its back), signaling that it is uncomfortable and may act defensively. On the other hand, a loose, wiggly body with a wagging tail usually indicates excitement or happiness.

Vocalizations: Not Just Barking

Dogs communicate vocally through more than just barking. Your dog expresses themselves by growing, whining, howling, and even sighing. Growling isn’t always aggression; it can also be a sign of discomfort, playfulness, or a warning. Often, whining indicates a need for attention or distress, while howling can be a response to environmental sounds or an attempt to communicate.

Listening closely to the tone, pitch, and context of these vocalizations can help you interpret what your dog is trying to tell you.

How to Respond to Your Dog’s Signals

Understanding canine body language is only half the equation. Knowing how to respond to their signals is equally essential. If your dog shows signs of stress, anxiety, or fear, creating a safe space for them is vital. Reassure them with calm behavior, and avoid forcing them into situations that make them uncomfortable. On the other hand, if your dog is relaxed and playful, engaging with them through games or activities can strengthen your bond and keep them stimulated.

Reading your dog’s body language helps you become a more attentive and responsive owner. By observing their tail, ears, eyes, and overall posture, you can better understand what they’re communicating at any given moment. At Kasten’s Dog Training, we emphasize the importance of understanding canine behavior to create stronger, happier relationships between dogs and their owners. Being in tune with your dog’s signals allows you to anticipate their needs, ultimately making you and your dog more confident and comfortable in various environments.

Contact Us Today!

At Kasten’s Dog Training, we are committed to helping you and your dog build a strong, positive relationship through practical training. Visit our website or contact us today to learn more about our services so we can assist you in reaching your training goals!

The post Understanding Canine Body Language: What Your Dog is Telling You appeared first on Kasten's Dog Training.