One of them understands the assignment…
#wrappingpaper #giftwrap #dalmatian #holiday
Charlie, our future service dog superstar, got a front-row seat to watch some incredible older dog teams at work. It’s moments like these that prepare her for public access challenges and the art of staying neutral around other dogs. And wow—she nailed it! We can’t wait to see her growth continue when Puppy Day School starts in just 2 weeks. Here’s to big dreams and even bigger progress!
❔What does Puppy Day School help with? 🤔
Whether they are destined to be a service dog or just a confident companion, you’ll have a puppy who’s not just well-trained, but ready for anything:
- Easier walks and smoother vet visits 🏥
- A calmer, more confident presence at home 🏡
- Advanced foundational skills that make future training a breeze
So why wait? Let’s give your pup the head start they deserve in a daycare-style environment full of fun, learning, and playmates who’ll help them grow.
Ready to help your puppy take flight? 🚀
📅 Sign up now for our Service Puppy School starting December 16!
💌 DM us or email [email protected] to reserve your spot — spaces are limited!
This is their moment. Let’s make it count. 💖
#labrador #labpuppy #servicedogintraining #servicedogtrainer #sdit #puppy #labradorretriever #servicedog
🌲 Tails to Trails – Last Call for the Season! 🍁
If you’ve been meaning to join us on our inclusive trail walks, now’s the time! There’s only one month left to enjoy our community walks, where dogs of all kinds (yes, even our reactive friends!) can explore the outdoors in a supportive, non-judgmental space.
Whether you’re looking to build your dog’s confidence, practice positive reinforcement techniques, or just enjoy a beautiful walk with a like-minded community, Tails to Trails is here to help you make those connections. 🐾
If you’ve been saying, “I’ll join next time,” here’s your reminder: this is your chance before the season ends!
Ready to hit the trails? 🌳 Tap the link in bio to book your spot for the last few sessions of the season!
⬆️ Contact us or join on our website👩💻
#tailstotrails #outdoordoglife #reactivedog #hikingwithdogs #dogadventure
Who knew that small steps could help you stand tall?
On #worldmentalhealthday, I had the privilege of attending “United By Song,” an incredible event supporting @uwpei. Among four truly moving stories of coming back from what seems like rock bottom, one of the speakers shared her powerful mantra: “stand tall and always look up.” Her symbol was a giraffe, reminding her to rise above challenges.
This message hit close to home because my Great Dane is my personal reminder to stand tall. We got him during a difficult time in our lives, and he’s been through his own challenges as well. But every day, he brings us joy and serves as a constant reminder of patience, persistence, and adaptability—qualities that help build resilience.
When it feels overwhelming, it’s often because we’re trying to tackle everything at once. But sometimes, the simplest, smallest steps can make the biggest difference. Just like making one better choice each day, those moments add up.
So, whether it’s building a habit, practicing patience, or finding joy in the small wins, think small to stand tall.
And remember, your path to resilience doesn’t have to be perfect, it just has to start.
#StandTall #SmallStepsBigChanges #GreatDaneLife #BuildingResilience #MentalHealthAwareness #DogTrainerLife #GratitudeDaily #Adaptability
Poor Rylee was bouncing off the walls in shelter, as lovely as the entire team is this is an inherently stressful environment for dogs! The team was learning today how to build her resilience by creating more predictability in their interactions. She mostly jumps and mouths because of uncertainty and it’s such a “big deal” when she finally gets to come out of her kennel!
They had not been able to get a harness on her until today, 5 minutes after our session outside when I was able to help them understand how to manage hyper-arousal behaviours with good training. The mental stimulation from our session helped calm her mind and using more predictable body handling procedures helped this dog understand there was no need to thrash about.
Rylee is young and needs an adopter who loves training and learns how dogs learn; she is a really smart and adorable girl! She will learn life skills in a snap with someone willing to put the work in! And Humane Society staff have some new tools and big plans for teaching her as many skills as they can to impress her future family!
#canineneuroscience #dogtraining #positivereinforcement #shelterdog #shelterdogresilience #cutedoggos
Controversial opinion: we should train our dogs better….
And I don’t mean “obedience” and “compliance” above all. I mean truly, genuinely work with them. Understand them. You’re not just an owner, you’re a trainer.
You have capacity to do this. Just learn. Don’t listen to someone telling you your dog needs consequence so they understand what “not to do.”
It’s just outdated - and frankly, lazy.
#dogtrainingtips #dogmom #dogdad #dogsofinstagram #positivereinforcement #charlottetown #pei
Having a Dane is like having a bouncer watching your every move…
#greatdane #greatdanesofinstagram #bouncer #giantbreedpuppy #wecanthavenicethings
Sometimes the most classic, basic approaches still work! While we have so many other fancy pattern games, arousal regulation techniques, environmental accommodations, and plans for resilience conditioning… if you are starting from zero and something like this works for your dog to relax where they previously couldn’t - give it a try!
#resilience #controlunleashed #resiliencerainbow #cleanrun #reactivedog #adolescentdog
Great Danes are known for their calm demeanour…
But do you find your adolescent Dane bouncing off the walls? 🐾 During the first 2-3 years, these gentle giants are going through a whirlwind of hormonal changes, much like human teenagers. They’re growing into their massive size while navigating the complexities of adolescence.
Don’t worry, this phase doesn’t last forever! Armed with a good understanding of dog behaviour, patience, consistency, positive reinforcement dog training, and love, your energetic pup will mature into the mellow, affectionate companion Danes are famed for. 🌟
😡 And NO, they don’t need a heavy hand.
👉 Share a tip or story about your giant breed dog’s teenage years below!
#greatdanelife #puppytogiant #dogtrainingtips”#transitionperiod #socialmaturity #greatdane #greatdanesofinstagram #greatdanepuppy #giantbreed #adolescentdog #calmcompanion
Bonus stress if your reactive dog is already on high alert🐶‼️ You have exactly 0.3 seconds to bag that thing or 💩 sh*ts the literal fan. Anyone else struggle with stubborn poop bags while managing a high arousal dog?
#deactivedog #dogtraininglife #higharousaldogs #dogtrainertips #dogownerstruggles #dogtrainer #dogpoopbagproblems #reactivedogsolutions #managingreactivedogs #higharousaldogtraining
Proprioception in the Real World
Learned about proprioception in our class last night with Active Animal Rehabilitation and Fitness Inc. What do you think Monica?
#caninerehab #activeanimal #freework #nature #dogs #dalmatians
Practicing walk behinds and pass-by’s at our adorable Pupstreet Brew Dogs class tonight at @upstreetbrewing
3 big things to consider:
1️⃣ Does my dog get grumbly or spook when they see other dogs? Pull on leash toward dogs?
💡 Perhaps enlist a qualified trainer to help you learn strategies for these before attempting a patio visit.
2️⃣ Can they settle within 5 minutes of sitting down in a new environment? Can they settle again if they get disturbed by a friendly stranger?
💡 Practice relax on mat and bring your mat the first few visits (or forever!) to help your dog with the added context.
3️⃣ Can they handle lots of distraction and leash walking through tight spaces?
💡 Practice a hand target which can be one of the most strong behaviours, easy to perform and super clear for your dog to get through tough situations!
#brewdogs #positivereinforcement #dogsofinstagram #doodlelove #patiopups
