Big news — same heart, stronger direction.

Building Bonds Dog Training is now Forging Bonds Dog Training.

While our name has changed, our mission hasn’t –  to help owners build calm, reliable bonds with their dogs through clear communication, structure, and connection.

Choosing the right puppy is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a dog owner—and the step that most people rush through during the excitement of the holidays. A great match supports your lifestyle, energy level, training goals, and family dynamic. A poor match can lead to stress, frustration, and long-term behavior issues.

Before bringing home a holiday puppy, ask yourself whether the Christmas season is the right moment. Puppies need consistency, a calm environment, and strong leadership from day one.

Here’s some factors to consider.

Many dog owners struggle with the same challenge: How do you help your dog calm down after play or a walk? High-energy activities often leave dogs overstimulated, making it difficult for them to settle. Instead of hoping your dog will self-regulate, you can actively teach them how to transition from excitement to relaxation.

Helping your dog learn calmness is one of the most important skills you can teach. Just like children, dogs need guidance to develop self-regulation. Calm behavior doesn’t happen by accident—it’s supported through routines, structure, and especially the right kind of exercise.

If you're struggling with a dog that jumps on visitors, the best approach isn’t correction after the jump—it’s preventing the behavior before it happens. One of the most effective ways to stop a dog from jumping on guests is by using the “place” command. This simple yet powerful training tool teaches your dog to stay in a specific spot (like a mat or bed) and remain calm as guests arrive. Setting clear boundaries like this reinforces calm behavior and prevents overexcitement at the door—one of the most common jumping triggers in dogs.

If you're wondering how to stop your dog from jumping on you or guests, you're not alone. Jumping is one of the most common dog behavior problems, especially in high-energy or young dogs. The good news? The solution begins with you—your energy, your leadership, and the environment you create at home.

We talk a lot about calmness and confidence. Why? Because these two qualities are absolutely essential for effective dog leadership and training.

Dogs are incredibly sensitive to energy. They won’t follow an unstable or emotionally reactive leader. Whether you're showing anger, frustration, nervousness, fake enthusiasm, or aggression — your dog will sense that inconsistency. You might be able to get short bursts of obedience through treats or commands (we call this bribery), but you won’t build true trust, respect, or a deep desire to follow.

At Building Bonds Dog Training, we believe that successful obedience training starts long before you teach your dog a command. It begins with you—specifically, your energy, emotions, and attitude.

On this solemn anniversary of September 11, Building Bonds Dog Training honors and remembers the courageous individuals—both human and canine—who played vital roles in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks.

At the heart of effective dog training lies one essential element: the relationship between you and your dog. True training success begins not with commands or treats, but with understanding—understanding your dog’s instincts, psychology, and unique motivations, and responding to them in a way that builds trust and respect.