​​A detective from our local police department called me this week. 

He was investigating a report about several young boys in the area who vandalized a local school building. 

There was camera footage and some of the boys were identified. 

During the investigation, my son was named as one of the boys involved.

My heart sunk as I heard the news. 

My mind raced to figure out how this could happen. 

Not that my boy is perfect. 

I know he does dumb stuff - especially when he’s with his friends. 

I wondered if the officer was right - if it could have been my son, but I couldn’t figure out when he would have had the opportunity to get himself in so much trouble. 

I started asking the detective some questions and he told me the day and time of the vandalism. 

That’s when I told the officer that he had the wrong kid.

We discussed the camera footage and the reports, but it didn’t add up. 

I was with my son when the vandalism happened. 

I know exactly where he was during that time, and it wasn’t anywhere near the school. 

My son was playing in our backyard with his siblings. 

I know because I was watching them! 

I literally had my boys in sight during the time in question.

I explained that my son was with me when the incident occurred and then it dawned on me. 

I asked the officer if there was any way the other boy could have been the neighbor kid that happens to have the same name as my son. 

The officer wasn’t aware that there is a second boy with my son’s name in our neighborhood. 

He did a brief investigation while we were on the phone and found that it was likely the neighbor boy that had been named and not my son. 

That was a relief!

So, how does this relate to dog training?

Well, I find that a lot of issues can be eliminated if we keep a close eye on our dogs, especially when they are young. 

Young dogs are curious and full of energy. 

Sometimes, dogs make bad choices. 

We can’t correct those bad decisions if we don’t see them happen. 

Just as having my eyes on my son saved us a lot of trouble, keeping your eyes on your dog can save you a lot of trouble as well. 

As a dog trainer, I always recommend that when you are not watching your dog you should have him in a safe, confined space, such as a crate or a small room - preferably without carpet or anything that can be shredded or chewed. 

Crate training can save both you and your dog from a lot of trouble.

Do you need help keeping an eye on your dog?

Does he get into trouble when you are not looking?

We can help you.

The first step is to schedule your free, no obligation evaluation. Click here to schedule your evaluation online now.

You pick a day and time that works best for you. 

A trainer will meet with you and your dog (and anyone else that you would like involved in training) and go over some history, find out your training goals, and discuss training options. 

We can usually provide you with some free tips to help you start seeing immediate results. 

You can find out more about all our training options and get any questions you have answered.

There is no pressure or obligation to buy anything. 

Here is the link to schedule your free evaluation: https://www.cleverk9mi.com/schedule-evaluation-session.html

Happy Training!