Nicolas Angione is the founder and head dog trainer at Hope Gables Canine, based in Fairfield County, CT. Inspired by his own dog's reactive journey and rehabilitation, he left his career behind to become a dog trainer. After years of shadowing other dog trainers in the industry, he started his own practice, which has successfully helped hundreds of dog owners, both domestic and abroad, regain peace and harmony with their dogs. Many of these success stories, dog training tips, and more can be found on their Instagram and YouTube pages.
Anxiety-Free Dog Park Alternatives
Dog parks: they're a source of much discussion and varying opinions within the dog-owning community. While we won't weigh in on whether or not dog parks are the right choice for every dog, we do want to offer valuable alternatives if you've concluded...
Dog Tips
Why Tail Wagging Does Not Equal Happiness
Have you ever encountered a dog wagging his or her tail only to see them become reactive or aggressive? That’s because not all tail wagging signals that a dog is happy or excited. Some tail wagging is actually a red flag for what’s about to occur, and...
Dog Tips
Why Growth Isn’t Always Comfortable for Dogs
Every dog owner has felt this before: You introduce a new challenge. Your dog looks uncertain at first. And you panic. You worry that you’ve pushed too far. But what if, instead of removing them from the moment, you showed them that they’re capable...
Dog Tips
You’re Allowed to Have Off Days in Training
Just like with gym routines, rest matters, and dogs need it too. When we’re working through behavior issues, it’s easy to fixate on getting there as quickly as possible. What we often miss is that dogs need time to slow down and process what they’re...
Dog Tips
Your Dog is (Most Likely) Not Dominating You
Ever been told your dog is “dominating you” or that you need to exert dominance over them for them to listen reliably? While it can sound convincing, it's probably not true. It’s Likely a Lack of Clear Expectations Dogs learn by outcomes. The door...
Dog Tips
Your Dog Is Overstimulated (Not Under-Exercised): Why Calm Exposure Should Be a Priority in 2026
Let’s make this the year you stop guilting yourself (or letting others guilt you) into thinking that you’re not exercising your dog enough and that this is the core reason for their “bad behavior.” Let’s break it down Exercise and Behavior Are Not One...
Dog Tips
Your Dog Doesn’t Need More Commands in 2026. They Need More Clarity.
If you’re entering the new year with a dog that is exhibiting behaviors that you’ve exhausted every effort to solve but can’t seem to affect lasting change, it could be because the fix doesn’t come from more commands. It comes from setting clear...
Dog Tips
Why Your Dog Acts Differently With Each Family Member (And How to Fix It)
As a dog trainer, one of the most frequently mentioned pain points I hear from clients struggling with their dog at home is this, and I quote: “My dog listens better to [insert family member’s name] than me…” Let’s unpack why that happens, and then go...
Dog Tips
Your Energetic Breed is Not The Problem (And Neither Are You)
Guilt tends to creep in when you realize the breed you chose may have been more than you bargained for but here’s why you don’t have to struggle much longer Your Dog’s Nervous System Just Needs a Reset While energetic breeds (Australian Shepherds,...
Dog Tips
Dogs Not Getting Along? A Holiday Training Guide
Anxiety tends to increase around the holidays, but for dog parents, this is especially true. Perhaps you’ve caught yourself muttering the below to yourself on your way to a family gathering: “What if my dog doesn’t get along with my Aunt’s dog?” “What...
Dog Tips
Traveling for The Holidays? How to Prepare Your Dog for Boarding or a Pet Sitter
Preparing your dog before a trip, whether they’ll be staying in a new environment, with unfamiliar people, or at a boarding facility, can make all the difference. Instead of being thrown suddenly into the mix, a bit of preparation helps your dog adapt...
Dog Tips
Newborn on the Way? Here’s How to Help Your Dog Adjust
Anxieties can tend to swirl when a big life change is impending, and a newborn on the way is no exception. Here are 3 recommendations to make the process as smooth as possible for you and your dog ⬇️ 1. Establish Clear Boundaries Babies and young...
Lifestyle
