Dog Training Newbie

Devene Godau, CPDT-KA

Devene obtained a BA in Journalism from Michigan State University and spent several years working in marketing. However, when she adopted her first greyhound (who came with some behavior challenges), she began researching ways to modify her problem behavior and found help with a local dog trainer. She became a volunteer assistant to learn more, and eventually started teaching classes and conducting private lessons. She currently trains puppies full-time to become scent detection dogs. Devene lives in Michigan with her husband and kids, as well as 4 dogs, 2 cats and a tortoise.

What to Look for in an Online Dog Training Class

Since the COVID-19 pandemic inspired many dog trainers to take their course offerings online,  we have seen an explosion of online dog training classes. With so many options at your fingertips, choosing the right online training program can be overwhelming – there are online courses available to every dog owner, from new puppy owners to […]

What to Look for in an Online Dog Training Class Read More »

Beginner’s Guide to Scent Work: Train Your Dog to Use Their Nose

If you are new to dog training, you may think scent training your dog is too advanced. Most people associate scenting exercises with working dogs such as police K9s and explosive detection dogs. But for our dogs, nothing is more natural than using their nose to discover their world.  Dogs possess 100-300 million sensory receptors

Beginner’s Guide to Scent Work: Train Your Dog to Use Their Nose Read More »

Ask the Trainer: 10 Common Dog Training Questions Answered

Whether you need help with puppy training or just aren’t sure of the next steps to take in your dog’s obedience training, you need guidance. And while some people may advise you to “just Google it,” we urge you to use caution when choosing your resources! The truth is that, oftentimes, turning to the internet

Ask the Trainer: 10 Common Dog Training Questions Answered Read More »

Ask a Trainer: Common Potty Training Issues

If you’ve already gone through our Guide to Puppy Potty Training and followed the program to the letter, but your dog still keeps peeing in the house, you may be experiencing a potty training roadblock. There are many reasons a dog might potty in the house, and today we’re going to cover some of the most

Ask a Trainer: Common Potty Training Issues Read More »

Guide To Puppy Potty Training for Dog Training Newbies

If you’ve just brought home a new puppy, you may be wondering when you should start potty training. The answer is that puppy potty training can and should start right away! When it comes to puppy potty training, one of the most important things to remember is that they can’t hold their tiny little bladders

Guide To Puppy Potty Training for Dog Training Newbies Read More »

Dog Training For Aggressive Dogs

If your dog has recently started showing aggressive tendencies, it’s essential to correct these issues immediately. And the best place to start? Investing in a scientifically-sound training program that specializes in training for aggressive dogs.  As we learned in our first installment of this behavior series, the best way to modify your pup’s less-than-desirable behaviors

Dog Training For Aggressive Dogs Read More »

How to Identify Aggressive and Dominant Behavior

Does the thought of training a dog who has been labeled “aggressive” or “dominant” make you feel stressed out, fearful, or anxious? First things first – take a deep breath and relax.  At Dog Training Newbie, we understand firsthand how difficult it can be to work with aggressive and dominant behavior, and we are here to

How to Identify Aggressive and Dominant Behavior Read More »

The Truth About 4 Common Dog Training Myths

As a new pet owner unaware of dog training myths, you may feel overwhelmed by the abundance of information available on the topic of dog training. With just one web search for “dog training”, you’re presented with countless articles, videos, and opinions – many of which contradict each other, leaving you feeling lost. But fear not

The Truth About 4 Common Dog Training Myths Read More »