TikTok-famous pet consultant Celine Tails shares how training, nutrition, and daily enrichment can transform your pet’s health and happiness.
What are some of the most common behavioral issues you see, and how can training help improve a pet’s quality of life?
Separation anxiety is one of the most common behavioral issues I encounter, particularly in breeds like Dobermans. Implementing proper crate training and establishing a consistent routine can make a tremendous difference. Structure gives dogs a sense of security, helps reduce anxiety, and promotes confidence. Training overall greatly enhances a pet’s quality of life by creating clear communication between dog and owner, setting expectations, and building trust.
Can you share how things like diet, exercise, and enrichment affect a dog’s ability to learn and retain training?
Diet, exercise, and enrichment are all vital to a dog’s learning and mental health. A nutritious, balanced diet fuels cognitive function and keeps energy levels stable, allowing for better focus during training. Regular exercise releases pent-up energy, making dogs more receptive and engaged. Mental enrichment through puzzles, training games, or scent work stimulates the mind, prevents boredom, and improves information retention. All together, these elements create the foundation for a well-rounded, trainable dog.
For pet parents who feel overwhelmed, what’s one simple training habit they can start today to build a better bond with their dog?
Start with just five minutes a day of intentional training. Focus on reinforcing one simple behavior, like “sit,” “down,” or “place.” Short, consistent sessions are easy to manage and help build momentum over time. I personally only train my dogs for about 15 minutes a day, broken into smaller sessions throughout different parts of the day. Dogs aren’t built to retain information for long periods, so keeping sessions brief is actually more effective. Not only do shorter sessions speed up learning, but they also help create positive, rewarding experiences that strengthen the bond between you and your dog.
What are some initiatives and projects you’re involved in that are aimed at supporting pet welfare or animal rescue efforts?
I actively foster dogs and volunteer at my local animal shelter when possible. I also contribute through donations to support rescue organizations and their efforts to provide care, rehabilitation, and rehoming services. Being involved in rescue work is deeply rewarding and allows me to give back to the pet community beyond my daily work with animals.
What role does nutrition play in the overall health and happiness of your pets, and how do you select the best diet for them?
Nutrition is absolutely foundational to a pet’s overall well-being. My dogs are on a rotational diet that includes a variety of foods from raw and home-cooked meals to gently cooked and high-quality kibble. I believe offering diverse, nutrient-rich foods strengthens their immune systems, supports gut health, and reduces the risk of chronic health issues. While investing in quality nutrition may seem costly at first, it ultimately saves money by minimizing vet visits and helps ensure a longer, healthier life for our pets.
