Tails & Tales: Stories and Advice for Dog Owners

If your dog has endless energy, struggles when left alone, or gets into things they shouldn’t, you’re not alone. Many dog owners in Elk River, Otsego, Zimmerman, Milaca, and the Cambridge area start asking the same question: Would dog daycare actually help my dog? The answer depends on your dog’s personality, energy level, and daily…

Bringing home a new puppy is exciting—but it can also feel overwhelming. One of the most common questions we hear from dog owners across Elk River, Otsego, Rogers, Maple Grove, Zimmerman, and the surrounding North Metro area is: “What should I actually be teaching my puppy right now?” The truth is, timing matters. Puppies go…

One of the most common questions we hear from dog owners across Elk River, Otsego, Rogers, Maple Grove, Zimmerman, and the surrounding North Metro area is: “What should I actually be teaching my puppy right now?” The truth is, timing matters. Puppies go through fast development stages, and knowing what to focus on each month…

Canine Good Citizen Advanced (CGCA) at Country Pup Kennel If your dog has already earned their Canine Good Citizen (CGC) title—or has strong obedience skills—then it may be time for the next level: Canine Good Citizen Advanced (CGCA). At Country Pup Kennel (CPK), we love helping dogs and owners build on their foundation and develop real-world skills that create…

Socialization at Country Pup Kennel (CPK): What It Actually Means (It’s Not Just Playing!)  When most people hear the word socialization, they picture dogs running around together, wrestling, chasing, and having fun. While play can be part of it, true socialization is much more than that. At Country Pup Kennel, we focus on helping dogs feel confident, calm, and comfortable…

Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Program at Country Pup Kennel At Country Pup Kennel (CPK), we believe that good training creates confident dogs and happier households. One of the best programs available for building solid manners and obedience is the AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) program. CGC is more than just basic obedience—it’s a title that…

When you board your dog, you want to know they’re not only safe and cared for—but also staying in a clean, healthy environment. At Country Pup Kennel, cleanliness is one of our top priorities. We take pride in maintaining a facility that is fresh, sanitized, and comfortable for every dog that stays with us. One of…

One of the most common questions dog owners ask is: “How often should I bathe my dog?” The truth is—there isn’t one perfect answer. Some dogs need frequent baths, while others only need one once in a while. At Country Pup Kennel, we want to help you keep your pup clean, comfortable, and healthy without overdoing…

When people think of dog boarding, they often picture a safe place where their pet can stay while they’re away. While safety and comfort are extremely important, there’s another key part of a great boarding experience that often gets overlooked—socialization. At Country Pup Kennel, we believe socialization is one of the best ways to help dogs…

Preparing Your Dog for Their First Boarding Stay at Country Pup Kennel Boarding your dog for the first time can feel like a big step—for both you and your pup! At Country Pup Kennel, we want every dog’s stay to be safe, comfortable, and stress-free. A little preparation ahead of time can make a huge…

How Is Your Dog Treated While Grooming? When you drop your dog off for dog grooming, you’re trusting someone with more than just a haircut—you’re trusting them with your pet’s comfort, safety, and emotional well-being. At Country Pup Kennel, we believe grooming should be a positive experience, not a stressful one. Here’s what truly matters…

Dog Sports & Competition Training Dog sports are one of the best ways to channel your dog’s energy, drive, and intelligence into something healthy, productive, and fun. At Country Pup Kennel, our Dog Sports & Competition Training programs help dogs and handlers build skills, confidence, and teamwork—whether you’re training for fun or aiming to compete.…

Natural & Hypoallergenic Dog Shampoos – What You Need to Know When it comes to grooming your dog, choosing the right shampoo is one of the most important decisions you can make. Just like humans, dogs can have sensitive skin, allergies, or reactions to harsh ingredients. At Country Pup Kennel, we always aim to use…

Service dogs perform life-changing work. At Country Pup Kennel, our Service Dog Training programs focus on creating reliable, stable, and highly trained dogs that can assist their handlers safely and effectively in everyday life. This training requires time, consistency, and a strong foundation built on clear communication and trust. What Is Service Dog Training? Service…

When you drop your dog off for grooming, you’re trusting someone with more than your pet’s appearance—you’re trusting them with their health, safety, and comfort. A clean dog grooming shop isn’t just nice to look at; it’s essential for preventing illness, injury, and unnecessary stress. At Country Pup Kennel, cleanliness is one of our top priorities. Whether…

Dog Behavior issues can be frustrating, stressful, and sometimes overwhelming—but they are often changeable with the right approach. At Country Pup Kennel, our Dog Behavior Modification programs focus on understanding why behaviors happen and creating safe, effective plans to help dogs learn calmer, more appropriate responses. Behavior modification isn’t about quick fixes. It’s about long-term…

Booking a grooming appointment isn’t just about getting your dog clean—it’s about choosing a groomer who understands your pet’s needs, keeps them safe, and helps them look and feel their best. Whether you have a puppy visiting the groomer for the first time or a dog with special grooming requirements, asking the right questions can…

Obedience training is the foundation of a well-behaved, confident dog. At Country Pup Kennel, our obedience training programs are designed to meet dogs where they are—whether they’re just starting out or ready for advanced, real-world reliability. From basic manners to advanced control, we focus on clear communication, consistency, and results that last. Why Obedience Training…

Dog grooming isn’t just about keeping your pup looking cute (though that’s definitely a bonus). It’s a crucial part of responsible pet care that supports your dog’s health, comfort, and overall happiness. From brushing and bathing to nail trimming and ear cleaning, grooming plays a bigger role in your dog’s life than many pet owners…

Leaving your dog behind while you travel can be stressful—but choosing a dog boarding facility with 24-hour staff supervision can make all the difference. Around-the-clock care ensures your dog is never alone, providing constant supervision, comfort, and immediate attention whenever it’s needed. What Is 24-Hour Dog Boarding? Dog boarding with 24-hour staff means trained caregivers are on-site…

At Country Pup Kennel, we believe aggression and protection dog training should be rooted in control, confidence, and safety—not fear or force. Dogs with behavioral challenges or protective instincts need structured, professional guidance to ensure they become calm, reliable, and obedient companions both at home and in public. Understanding Dog Aggression Aggression in dogs often comes…

Understanding the Difference Between Trainers and True Behavior Experts The term “behaviorist” gets used a lot in the dog training world, but what does it really mean? For many professionals, a true behaviorist holds advanced education in animal behavior or veterinary behavioral science — a level of training that goes far beyond basic obedience work.…