Helping Howls Training
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Helping you train your dream dog through expert training in real-world environments 🐶
09/19/2026
Service dogs don’t have one breed, one look, one size, or one origin.
Dogs in our program come from all kinds of paths. Some are rescues. Some were purpose bred for conformation and service work. Some are well-bred“off breeds.” Some may even come from less than ideal breeding situations.
What they have in common are the traits that give them the potential to succeed as service dogs.
When choosing a future prospect, we absolutely believe in stacking the odds in your favor. But many people come to us with a dog they already own and love. Our job is to evaluate the dog in front of us, meet the team where they are, and help them move forward when that dog has what it takes.
There is no single picture of what a service dog has to look like. 🐕🦺
Interested in working with us? Reach out or explore our website: https://helpinghowls.com/contact
09/19/2026
Our teams did amazing! Thank you Richmond International Airport (RIC) for allowing our teams to come out and get this wonderful experience. We never want the first time they do something to be the time they HAVE to do it.
That's why these experiences matter so much.
The dogs get the chance to get used to this environment, generalize their training skills, and practice task work. That way when they do the real thing, the handler isn't worried about their dog being successful...they're able to fully rely on their dog to assist them just like they've trained to do.
Successful service dogs get to be dogs, too.
They need time to sniff, play, explore, rest, and enjoy life outside of work.
They need days off, enrichment, exercise, and hobbies that have nothing to do with service work.
A successful service dog isn’t working every moment of every day. Protecting their long-term career means meeting their needs first.
The service dog comes second.
Want help building a successful, balanced service dog? Helping Howls offers training in Richmond, Northern Virginia, and virtually. Send us a message or visit the link in our bio to get started. 🐾
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tags/keywords
service dog foundations
real-world service dog training
public access preparation
foundation skills for service dogs
raise and train service dogs
service dog programs
owner-trained service dogs
Positive service dog training
owner trained service dogs
Let's get dizzy! (Not Really)
Now that we've worked on our positions stationary, let's build value for the position during movement!
Here's how to play:
- Walk a variable* about of steps in a straight line
- When your dog is in position at some point for a *variable amount of time, mark
- Now as your grabbing the treat, drop your shoulder closest to your dog
- Turn while walking in a curved line 180° the opposite way
- Reward your dog when you have finished turning but are still walking
- Repeat
Tips:
• * variable is going to depend on where your dog is at. First time playing this? Only take a few steps and keep the maintaining of the position short. Did your dog struggle when you went further? Go a bit shorter this rep.
• Play our other position games FIRST for best results. They are the videos posted just before this one!
• As your dog gets better with the pattern, increase the distance you walk/the time they maintain position. However, don't consistently go further each rep as some dogs will begin to get frustrated as the reward takes longer and longer to get (aka sometimes take some shorter reps)
• Give your dog a break! Walking nicely on leash is BORING and mentally strenuous before it becomes a habit. This is also a great way to use Premack Principle for dogs wanting to go sniff.
Keep in mind this is just the way WE circle walk. There are lots of ways to play and this game can get even more complex!
Not sure where you're at in your leash walking journey or need help with other areas of training? We can help! Send us a DM or click our link in bio to get started today 😁
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tags/keywords
service dog foundations
real-world service dog training
public access preparation
foundation skills for service dogs
raise and train service dogs
service dog programs
owner-trained service dogs
ethical service dog training
owner trained service dogs
11/30/2023
Why do Service Dog Trainers HATE Off-Breeds?
Well...they don't (or at least I don't)
As a handler who had a successful off-breed & rescue as a service dog for about 7 years, I know first hand off-breeds can be service dogs.
However, just because it CAN be done, doesn't mean it's the good/ideal option for every handler. This is why trainers often recommend the Terrific Two which tend to be a good fit for majority of disabilities & lifestyles.
At the end of the day, it's about weighing all options, pros, cons, etc. I personally went from an off-breed & rescue to a well-bred labrador after weighing everything out.
Why did you choose your breed?
11/26/2023
Consider this: Can your dog do what you're asking?
This may seem silly or nonsensical, but it's an important question when a dog isn't listening. Let me use an example:
I asked Obsidian to sit, and he wouldn't. Before this he was disengaged, sniffing, and overall not acting like himself in public. So, I asked if he had to go the bathroom which he replied he did. Immediately going outside in grass he had liquid diarrhea. He felt he COULD NOT sit without potentially pottying in the store.
Now, imagine if I instead simply collar corrected or used some other aversive method (which I would do none of)...that could potentially harm both our relationship & the items in public.
Listen to your dog & give both you and your dog grace!
Has your dog ever "been bad" when it was actually a health issue? Let me know in the comments.
08/02/2023
Service Dogs & Air Travel: An In-Depth Guide to Flying
Saturday, August 26, 2023 at 6:00pm EST
Cost:
Current Clients- $30
Service Dog Handlers: $50
All others- $60
Spot are limited. Sign-ups end August 25 at Midnight.
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This seminar is designed for service dog teams and teams in training who are preparing air travel, or for teams that have flown in the past but had difficulty. This is not a dog training class.
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Everything you need to know from training and packing, to paperwork and arranging additional accommodation with airlines. This course provides training outlines and detailed lists to help you feel ready to tackle your first flight and any potential hiccups.
This course provides a detailed walk-through of everything you can expect to encounter and how to navigate your first flight experience. We cover every little detail so you'll be prepared to take on your first flying experience with confidence.
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To sign-up comment below, DM us, or contact us via our website. Feel free to ask any questions below!
05/26/2023
After having Ralph for about 5 months, it was time for him to go in for advanced training. Today we parted ways until his (hopeful) future graduation.
Volunteering my knowledge & skills is important to me, which is why I am dedicated to raising service dogs for local non-profit orgs.
This is why, upon dropping off Ralph...we picked up service dog in training Aiden! He'll be staying with us for a month until he's ready for advanced training - and then we'll start the cycle again 💗
Click here to claim your Sponsored Listing.
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Midlothian
Midlothian, VA
23112
Opening Hours
| Monday | 9:30am - 5:30pm |
| Tuesday | 9:30am - 5:30pm |
| Wednesday | 9:30am - 5:30pm |
| Thursday | 9:30am - 5:30pm |
| Friday | 9:30am - 5:30pm |
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