March 22nd, 2025

Value

I talk a lot about providing value—to my dogs and to my clients.

I’m always looking for ways to improve, reinvent, or offer something that makes them better. But what does value really mean in dog training?

Value is what your dog deems important—the things that truly motivate them.

Freyja and Bella with a ball on May 16, 2024

For Emma, it’s watching sheep. Bella finds value in balls and anything that involves throwing. Rylee values her freedom more than anything else.

Figuring out what matters most to your dog—and how to use it effectively—is what training is all about.

Once you understand what makes your dog tick, training almost feels like cheating. Everything becomes easier, and the asks feel fairer because you know exactly what they want. You can use that to build engagement and reward them in ways that truly matter.

Training isn’t always about outsmarting your dog. Sometimes, it’s just about understanding their value.

Happy Training!

Addi and her dogs