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Sarah Knight Dog Training

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Kelowna, BC
Sarah Knight Dog Training

Born & raised in Kelowna BC - Sarah Knight has been working with dogs since 2009 professionally.

07/28/2024

A wise friend once said “It starts at the door…” when asked about impulse control in day to day life & sport. That gem of a sentence will never leave me 💎

Do you and your dog struggle with impulse control in real-life situations? What happens at your doorway, gate, or car when your dog is REALLY excited about going outside? What about when you're arriving at a hiking trail and about to open the crate in the car? Does your dog forget all their leash skills when you arrive at a hiking trail or beach? What happens when guests arrive and your dog is over-the-top excited to see them?

Teaching impulse control is more than just a training exercise; it’s a way of life that can be both life-saving and relationship-saving for your dog.

Here are some environments and situations where demonstrating impulse control and a calm frame of mind is essential.

💎 Remember, it’s not just about the actual physical behaviour but the dogs mindset & emotions behind it. 💎

1. Doorways:
No one wants to deal with the stress of dogs bolting out the door at every opportunity. Teaching your dog to wait calmly at the door can prevent dangerous situations like running into traffic. It also allows you to calmly leash and or allow house guests in.

2. Indoor Crates:
How dogs enter & exit crates in the home is so important. I want my dog to feel calm and happy about exiting their crate Vs all the emotions and feelings that come with an over aroused barging out the door exit.

3. Car Doors and Car Crates:
- The last thing you want when arriving at a destination such as a hiking trail, beach, or friend's house is a bunch of over-aroused dogs. We all have our “pet peeve thing” and this one is mine. Barking, whining, vocalizing upon arrival to locations results in a reattempt of arriving. It only takes once or twice for dogs to realize screaming in joy because we’ve arrived somewhere is a no fly zone. An inability to arrive / behave calmly makes it a training session and I put together a training plan to help my dog gain confidence in this area. If you let your dog rehearse vocializatiob and over arousal - guess what? They will get really good at exactly that. It also limits their fun. Many dog sports have no barking in car rules. Some hiking trail heads are in quiet neighborhoods etc.

4. Yard Gates:
If your dog rushes through yard gates, it can lead to dangerous situations like running into the street or getting into conflicts with other dogs.

✏️ Best Practices:
- Make impulse control more than a training drill. Make it a way of life.
- Use the Premack Principle when working on these skills.
- Rewards matter, but be careful what you’re accidentally or purposefully rewarding. Dogs are REALLY smart and can reverse shape us to reward a bunch of things we don’t mean to 😜
- If you’re unable to achieve the desired result in a situation, break it down into smaller pieces. It all starts at home long before being taken on the road.

Don’t get me wrong - my dogs live plenty of their life indulging in fun, non regulated fun. Life isn’t one big sit stay exercise. And everyone will focus on what is important to them. For example car manners is really important to me - however my bestie is fine with all sorts of sounds upon arriving to a location 😂 but her dogs demonstrate impulse control in ways that maybe I chose to not focus on. One thing I don’t overly stress about 100% of the time is completely J shaped loose leashes 🤷🏼‍♀️ but to other trainers - that is a must. There is no right /wrong way to tackle this. It’s just about exploring the dogs emotional mindset behind arousal inducing moments in day to day life. Just work on a little bit each day in simple real life ways.

Example today - the puppy featured below spent 2-5 minutes each time we parked working through her feelings of bursting through the crate door. We also tackled her paw slamming to make me open it faster 😂. By the fourth location arrival we had an automatic down being offered. No cookies, no cues - just problem solving. 💁🏼‍♀️

By teaching and reinforcing impulse control, you’re providing your dog with the tools they need to stay safe and calm in important real-life situations. This training is not just about obedience; it's about ensuring their well-being and making impulse control a way of life.

07/15/2024

🛝☀️ Just a heads up—I’ll be on vacation from July 17th to July 27th. During that time, I won’t be able to respond to emails or calls right away, but I’ll get back to you as soon as I can, or when I’m back.

I hope you and your dogs stay cool and comfortable in this summer heat!

Keep up the great work on your training plans.

Look forward to hearing all about your wins when I’m home!

Sarah
L to R
Seeya 🦄, Rylee 🤎, Mac 🍔, Meeko 🧡& Maisie💜

Mac & Maisie came over for a play date to say hi to their besties and I couldn’t resist this photo 🤭

07/09/2024

🥵 It is HOT out there! ☀️
🌞 Here are some of my “Stay Cool” best practices during this Heat Wave: 🌞

With the temperatures in mid/high 30’s, it’s very important to keep our dogs safe, comfortable, and also mentally stimulated & enriched.

Here are some of my best practices & tips to help you and your pups stay cool and chilled out this summer.

1. Early Morning or Late Evening Exercise & Training Sessions: Almost all of my dog’s exercise & training takes place during the cooler parts of the day to avoid the peak heat. This week I’ve exercised/trained the dogs and had them back home in AC by 9/10am. But even still - I have monitored the dogs while out and about. It was 32 by 10:20am today! Any evening yard training starts once our yard is back in shade and the sun is down.

**disclaimer - just because your dog is at a lake, creek, pond - doesn’t mean mid day is safe. Watch for water intoxication etc. There is too much of a good thing. (Even though my goldens would swim for hours if they could)

2. Hydration is Key: Always have fresh, cool water available for your dog! I bring water on hikes or ensure that our hikes involve creeks, ponds or lakes. I also use doggie pools & splash pads in our yard to help keep everyone cool & having fun!

3. Breaks - If I’m training at all 🥵 - I’m sure to find shady spots for training and take frequent breaks to prevent overheating. If I’m training - I’m focused on low exertion training that last 30-90 seconds.

4. Cool Gear - If I’m training I’m making sure my dogs are staying cool! I have cool coats, fans and Aluminet. But I’m just keeping it real here … I’m not training in this heat 🥵 I’m not built for high 30’s.

5. Avoid Hot Surfaces - Hot pavement can burn your dog’s paws. Stick to grass or dirt paths, or use protective booties.

6. Frozen Treats and Toys- I use Toppl’s and frozen food toys for a majority of meals during weather extremes. This helps keep my dogs mentally stimulated and pass time. Plus a nice frozen Toppl in this weather is perfect!

7. Trick Training (or rally, scent work, canine conditioning): Keep your dog’s mind sharp with indoor training sessions. Teach new tricks or reinforce old ones in the comfort of your air-conditioned home. This is when I really buckle down and focus on my canine conditioning programs or my trick training! Do you follow Lisa Petterson - Canine Fitness and Conditioning Coach? She has a bunch of great conditioning programs we do year round!

8. Interactive Toys: Use puzzle toys or treat-dispensing toys to keep your dog entertained and mentally stimulated while indoors.

9. Know the Signs of Heat Stroke: Keep an eye out for excessive panting, drooling, weakness, or confusion. If you notice any of these signs, seek veterinary help immediately.

Let’s keep our training/exercise sessions fun, cool, SHORT and enriching!

Stay safe, everyone! 🐾☀️

06/17/2024

🐶 Let’s talk about food toys such as Toppls, Kongs etc. Have you tried using Toppls and other frozen food toys?

I LOVE using them in my home - especially with puppies. These enrichment toys are fantastic for providing mental exercise and can even help curb some unwanted behaviors caused by boredom/over arousal etc. They are a common solution to the dreaded puppy witching hour 😂

Here are some of the benefits that I’m sure you already know… but just some reminders 🤓

1. Mental Stimulation: Food toys & puzzles challenge your dog to figure out how to get to the tasty meal/treat inside, providing a brain workout for your dog. My dogs often are ready for a content nap after a good frozen Toppl.

2. Extended Feeding Time: These breakfast Toppls took my dogs 50 minutes to work through this morning. Vs their normal. 2-5 minute bowl feed. Win win for me 💪🏼 …But also how great if you’re looking for a way to keep your dog busy while guests visit or you have work to catch up on in the evening.

3. Calming Effect: Licking and chewing are calming behaviours that can help to calm and settle your dog. I love using these in moments where puppies are struggling to control their arousal etc. (AKA witching hour 🧙‍♀️) These are also great for crate training etc!

🍖 If you’ve been around the dog community for any length of time you’ve seen gourmet kongs, toppls and food toys. AND If you’ve been around me for any length of time you likely know I’m no Instagram dog owner. (I’m just jealous of all the Instagram worthy food you/recipe) Sometimes I get overwhelmed by all the options and then just don’t use food toys at all 🤦🏼‍♀️

My best advice: Keep It simple enough that you do it! A basic recipe is better than not doing it at all.

Step 1- Stuff with Food: Fill the Toppl with your dog’s favorite treats, kibble, or a mixture of wet and dry food. I made these last night and while they aren’t “pretty” they were awesome!

My Toppls consisted of :
🥗 Base Layer was Sojo’s blend rehydrated with water. Pro tip: Sojos is 20% off at Homes Alive Pets this month.
🥓 Mid-Layer was Stella & Chewys wet dog food
🥩 Top Layer was kibble pre soaked in goats milk.
I also added their fish oil, h**p oil, supplements etc. And I topped with chicken heart.

Step 2- Freeze It: Pop it in the freezer for a few hours. The cold treat will last longer and provide a refreshing challenge.

Step 3- Supervise and Enjoy: Give it to your dog and watch them enjoy the fun!

🐾 Other fun fillings you may want to try:
🥩 Your dogs raw meal puck
🍗 Freeze Dried Raw Food Rehydrated
🥄 Yogurt
🥜 Peanut butter (xylitol-free)
🐟 Sardines
🎃 Pumpkin
🍌 Dog safe mashed fruits & veggies

But again…. Don’t over complicate it to the point where you do nothing 😉 Just fill & freeze! Making a weeks worth at a time is even more time efficient!

Because I know someone will say it if I don’t … yes I know that enrichment activities don’t replace exercise or training. I am highly aware that dogs need their needs met in many other ways. BUT this is an easy, great way you can provide enrichment and mental stimulation for your dog! AND your dog will thank you 😘

What’s your favourite easy, frozen food toy life hack ?

Happy training! 🐾

WEST PAW

04/24/2024

🌻 Being part of the solution to those with reactive, anxious, dogs in training. 🌻

Today as I walked my dogs I began to approach a man with his dog. I could hear him reassuring his dog so I pulled mine off the trail a good 6-10’ and went to let him pass. You could visibly see the relief as he realized I wouldn’t have to pass him on the trail and that I had control of my dogs. As he passed, he thanked me for understanding and explained that his dog is very worried about dogs. (Sure enough his dog lit up loud as he passed us).

This isn’t an abnormal experience in my day to day walks with my own personal dogs. People thank me ALL the time when I give extra space or help them advocate for their dog. I’ve had folks get emotional because I stepped off the trail so they could work their pattern games as I’ve passed. You can see the relief in their eyes. And more specifically their dog’s body language.

Owning a reactive, worried, anxious dog is hard. It’s a very lonely feeling. It is months or years of work before it begins to feel like it’s a manageable situation. And it feels somewhat like no one is in your corner. It feels alone. It also is filled with embarrassing and frustrating emotions.

Everywhere you walk - you run into off leash dogs or dogs that come rushing in and aren’t under control. “It’s ok he’s friendly” are words that make your heart rate spike. Sometimes just getting from point A to B in daily life is exhausting. And one off leash dog that rushes in can set back weeks of hard work. Passing on leash dogs can be just as hard as the over zealous dog hits the end of their 6’ leash to “say hi”.

…And YES it is the owner of the reactive, worried, anxious dog’s responsibility to keep their dog safe. Yes, it is their responsibility to advocate and work on their dogs emotional response to triggers. Yes - it is not “the worlds problem” that their dog struggles.

BUT - if we all worked together as a community to show support. (Heck this shouldn’t even be considered being extra supportive- it should just be normal day to day behaviour) we can make the community a better place for all of our dogs.

What if we always leashed our dogs or put them into a controlled position to pass?

What if we didn’t let our dogs hit the end of the 6’ leash on the trail as we pass someone struggling ?

What if we stepped off the trail or gave extra space when we saw it needed ?

What if instead of comments like “yikes, you have your hands full” we said “good for you on trying to work through this” or asked them if they are working with a trainer & offered the name of a trainer you knew ? It’s scary the # of folks that respond with a sharp comment to “sorry we don’t say hi” with comments about how the owner is clearly the problem or if the dog can’t say hi they shouldn’t be out in public. I personally get these comments when I sit day train dogs off on the side, or am playing pattern games or advocate for space. So if I’m getting the comments - my clients are too.

What if we as a dog community all played a part in the solution? What if we supported those struggling ? What if we encouraged those doing the hard work ? And what if we empowered those feeling alone that there is help available.

Finally what if instead of viewing our walks through a lens of entitlement (my dog is fine, my dog is friendly, my dog this & my dog that) we tried viewing our walks through a lens of compassion and empathy for others on their journey?

Just my early morning two cents. And a photo of Meeko for the Meeko fans as he is the true embodiment of kind 🧡

03/31/2024

🌸🩷 Happy Easter 🌸🩷
Hopefully the Easter Bunny brought you rest, special treats and special memories this Easter.
Mac & Maisie (two on the left) are pretty sure auntie has gone mad 😂. My 3 are much more used to my shenanigans. Happy Easter Friends.

02/13/2024

📸 Is your dog a sit-stay superstar at home but seem to forget everything once you step outside? Enjoy this outtake of a group “stay” gone “wrong” on one of our adventures this weekend. 🫣 (yes even my dog was naughty 😂 what do you expect when you name your dog “Seeya 👋🏼”) …But Don't worry, with a little patience and practice, you can transfer this essential skill to any environment.

1. Solidify the Basics. Before venturing into public spaces, ensure your dog has mastered the sit-stay skill in various areas of your home with minimal distractions. Don’t forget areas like your driveway, yard and street.

2. Gradual Exposure. Start by introducing your dog to low-distraction public environments, such as quiet parks or empty sidewalks. Reinforce the sit-stay skill in these settings. Remember that success builds success - so aim for a 90% success rate. My dogs highly recommend string cheese 🧀

3. Increase Distractions. Slowly expose your dog to increasingly distracting environments, such as parks with more foot traffic or outdoor coffee shops etc. Use high-value treats or toys to maintain focus and reward successful sit-stays.

4. Consistency is Key. Be consistent with your training cues and expectations across different environments. Practice sit-stays regularly, reinforcing good behavior and gently correcting any lapses. Remember to reward in position, and avoid rewarding any resets. Use your release cue & party before beginning again.

5. Be Patient. Remember, learning takes time, and every dog progresses at their own pace. Stay patient, stay consistent, and celebrate each small victory along the way.

Do you have fun sit stay photos to share? Post them here! 📸

Also I laughed when every dog was sporting a Hurtta from our friends at Homes Alive Pets 😂 . Even the husky is in hurtta!

01/12/2024

❄️⚠️ Extreme Cold Warnings & Extreme Temperatures have taken over most of Canada 🇨🇦 Here are some temperature safe & stimulating enrichment ideas to prevent you and your dog from going crazy during this cold snap.

As the cold weather sets in for the next week or so, it's important to find safe activities to keep your dog mentally & physically entertained. Both Ry & Seeya love the snow & are troopers when it comes to colder temps. However Meeko is most thankful for heat, cozy dog beds, boots and chewies 😆

❄️ 1. Training Sessions. 📚
This is a great time to work on some of your trick training or to teach a new trick! Seeya is working on learning her “hold” There are tons of amazing free trick resources on the Do More With Your Dog Website. This is also a great time to work on different indoor skills like food impulse control games, door manners, go-to/stay on your bed, verbal cues, your “stay”, grooming/handling skills etc. Training is my favourite go to when it’s cold out as it checks the mental stimulation box!

❄️ 2. Puzzle Toys / DIY Puzzles/ Snuffle Mats 🧩
I just recently purchased my dogs a puzzle. (HomeSense has them for $15ish). They LOVE IT! You can also make your own puzzle toys by placing treats inside empty containers or wrapping them in towels. Treats rolled in towels etc. My favorite homemade puzzle is Chuck it balls in a muffin tin with cookies underneath. This challenges your dog's problem-solving skills and keeps them occupied. Remember to subtract these calories from their supper / breakfasts!

❄️ 3. Interactive food toys / frozen food toys. 🧀
This. This. This. I feed almost 100% of meals during cold snaps from interactive food toys or frozen food toys such as Kong of Topples. There are so many great frozen kong recipes or ways to prepare your dogs food in a frozen food toy. Frozen food toys take mealtime from 2 minutes to almost 45 minutes. Shhh I also cheat and tend to give more collagen style chews, water Buffalo cheek rolls, raw bones, various other favorite chews and bully sticks.

❄️ 4. Fitness & Conditioning 💪🏼
I realize for most of you I’m preaching to the choir. But I cannot say enough good things about working on your dogs fitness & conditioning. If you aren’t already in a fitness program - I highly recommend Lisa Petterson - Canine Fitness and Conditioning Coach. I love this because my dogs get physically exercised too! My dogs give Lisa 4 paws up.

❄️ 5. Hide and Seek/Nosework 🐾
Create a dog treasure hunt by hiding treats or toys around the house. This not only exercises their body but also stimulates their mind as they search for hidden goodies. If your dog plays in nosework - setting up indoor hides is another great activity.

❄️ 6. Rest 😴
Take this time to rest. Allow your dogs to recharge. Extra sleep and rest from our busy go go lives is so very important. This also allows their bodies to recover. Allowing dogs to have a full break from training, hiking, playing etc is very important both mentally & physically.

❄️7. Safe, Outdoor Exercise 🌲
If the temperatures and windchill allow - sneak in a quick 10-15 minute walk or play session! Toss some boots on your dog (if temps and your dog require them) as well as a coat and you’re set! My dogs are certainly much happier if we still sneak in a safe, outdoor walk. My dogs are happiest in their coats, and boots once we start hitting these temperatures. Every breed/dog is different- so as always do what is best & safe for your dog.

Stay warm and have fun with your dog. Hopefully by this time next week we all know a few more tricks, have better training skills, have learned a new game or two to play and are out hiking in the sun ☀️ Until then, happy training!

Drop your 🥶 best tips & tricks for keeping dogs happy and enriched during cold snaps below 👇🏼. What is the temperature where you are?

01/02/2024

😴 Do you schedule in rest & decompression days for your dogs? In my personal opinion, this is one of the most effective, misunderstood tools in our dog training tool boxes.

In the hustle and bustle of our lives, both humans and dogs could benefit greatly from more decompression days. These designated periods allow our dogs to unwind, process experiences, regulate stress levels and recharge. Decompression & Rest Days are ESPECIALLY important after behavioural modification training sessions, triggering events, stressful events or even “too much of a good thing” such as holidays or busy vacations. I rest my dogs for 72-84 hours after our vacations ☀️. I also give my dogs 48-72 hours decompression after a big event or a stressful incident if anything major happens. I cannot stress enough the value of rest and decompression for our dogs.

Decompression is also crucial in dog training as it provide a break from structured exercises, allowing the dog to absorb and consolidate what they've learned. It also allows the stress levels to rebalance and the nervous system an opportunity to settle. If we just continue to repeatedly expose, expose and re-expose stressful experiences (even if it’s fun, good stress such as a vacation or family visiting) we are stacking stress & triggers and this can lead to a problem. Now this is where us trainers start to nerd out about all that happens in the body & brain during repeated exposure & rest but I will save you the read 🤓.

So what is Decompression?

Decompression
The act or process of releasing from pressure.
A state of relief from pressure; a return to normalcy after a stressful period or situation.

Decompression days are essential to help our dogs lead confident, calmer livers. After the holidays it can help them return to a sense of normalcy. It's a time for them to rest, explore at their own pace, and simply be dogs without the added pressure of constant stimuli, training, sport etc.

During decompression, encourage activities that promote relaxation, such as leisurely walks, sniffing sessions, and quiet time in a familiar environment. Limiting high-energy activities and interactions provides an opportunity for mental and physical recovery.

Some additional decompression activities are:
-Lick Mats/Bowls
-Slow, Long Line Sniffy Walks
-Frozen Food Toys
-Kibble Scatters (the no snow is a bonus for yard kibble scatters).
-Sleep and more sleep.

So, whether it's after an intensive training session, an accidental bad or hard experience, or a lively holiday celebration, prioritize decompression days. Your dog, and your relationship with your dog will thank you.

I’m back in office today and slowly catching up on all things 🥰 Expect a reply today or tomorrow if things came in over the holidays. Chat soon!

12/24/2023

🎄Merry Christmas from 3 goldens who all made the “nice” list… 🎅🏼❄️ (…or so Santa’s list says 💁🏼‍♀️)
I’m so incredibly thankful for all of your support & kindness in 2023. Thank you. Thank you.
❄️Hold your loved ones close this Holiday Season. (Being snuggled into a wreath photo is optional though 😅)
🩷Remember to be kind to yourself & kind to others.
🎄…And don’t forget to give your dog a Christmas cookie & snuggle too.

Thank you for trusting me to journey alongside of you in 2023.

12/17/2023

🐾❄️Let’s talk about Winter Coats & Dogs & my personal recommendations ❄️ 🐾
This is in no way sponsored 😅 (although should be 💁🏼‍♀️). I get asked about winter / fall coats often! So here is a brief post answering some of the most commonly received questions I’m asked.

🙋🏼‍♀️ Does my dog need a coat? And if so, at what temperature? Long answer made short - it depends.

✨It depends on the outdoor temperature and duration spent in the outdoor conditions.
✨It depends on the breed, age and ability to regulate temperature in each individual dog.
✨It depends on the purpose:use of the coat - are you car crating at events and classes? Or are you hiking off leash? Is there fresh snow? Is it raining? ✨I’ve found that each of my dogs are different in their needs of winter gear. Rylee runs warm and less is more with her. Meeko is much happier in a coat as he’s gotten older. Each dog and each scenario has a different answer.

🙋🏼‍♀️ What brand do you recommend?
Buckle in… I will say that the following considerations are most important to me…
❄️Function
❄️ Full Body Coverage & Range of Motion
❄️Water Resistant & Warmth
❄️ Does it look nice in photos?! 📸 (kidding not kidding )

🩷 My most recommended winter coat for the majority of scenarios is the Hurtta Expedition Parka (top left). It is my most commonly grabbed jacket for most adventures. It has great rear end coverage and nice shoulder mobility. It also has easy access to a harness. Rated for 0 through -25c

💜 I also love my Hurtta Extreme Warmers. (Top Right) I fully admit it’s overkill for most of our winter here in the Okanagan but when hiking in deep snow and -15/-20 it’s my must grab. Amazing coverage, a snood, and all the same reasons I love my Hurtta Expedition Parka. Rated for -5 through -30c.

🧡 My new favourite jacket is the Hurtta Drizzle or Monsoon (bottom left). It’s a glorified rain coat 🧥. I now own 3 😅🙋🏼‍♀️. I find for most spring, fall and above zero winter days - it does the job. Wind coverage, water / mud coverage and looks cute in photos.

🩷 For many, many, many years I was a die hard Chilly Dog Great White North user! (Middle right). They come in great colours! They are sleek and I love the material of the main jacket and most importantly to me they came in long & lean models. My dogs are hard to fit in hurtta at times because they are so long yet lean. An average dog Rylee’s length has an additional 15 lbs on them. Chilly dog fits them well! I wish they would add a harness access point as well as better rear end coverage. Oh and get rid of the fleece chest plate 😆. I despise burr picking, snow ball removing etc. I still grab these on cold, dry, leash style walks though. Plus you cannot beat their colours!!!

💜 Last but not least - the Pomppa (middle left).
The worlds prettiest colours and designs. Amazing shoulder range of motion and full body coverage. They aren’t sourced locally (thank God or I would own more….🙄) They also make rain coats etc. I love the one I own and it is somewhere between the Expedition Parka and Extreme Warmer for me.

Pair these coats with musher’s secret foot wax or sledding dog boots and you’re set!

I will include links for the coats in the comments.

I purchase my hurtta from Homes Alive Pets (first Tuesday of the month save 10%).

I purchase my chilly dog from Tail Blazers Kelowna. They have a great 20% off Christmas sale right now!!! I buy a new one almost every year during this sale.

You have to import Pomppa or can buy it from 4 My Merles Creations online.

… and that’s just winter coats 😅

Hope this helps! Share your coat photos and questions below.

Hurtta
Chilly Dogs Inc.
Pomppa Dogwear

12/14/2023

✨🎄❄️ Just a quick note to let you know that we will be closed for training from December 22-January 3rd but will reply to messages, emails and alternative communication during that time. May you find rest, peace and joy during this Holiday Season. ❄️✨🎄

11/30/2023

Let’s go back to a parking lot observation session with puppy Seeya 🥹 to remind you that ….✏️ Puppy socializing isn’t solely about a magical checklist of people to meet and dogs to introduce your puppy to. 📝

Socializing your puppy is about confident, safe exposures to all that life has to offer and helping them tackle it with joy, enthusiasm and confidence.

Socializing your puppy is about helping them see dogs, people etc. and making good choices, remaining neutral and comfortable. Forced interactions and overwhelming a puppy forces them to make poor life choices so they can feel safe.

Socialization looks like helping your puppy confidently navigate different floorings & textures under their feet. Socialization looks like taking your puppy into elevators and through automatic sliding doors. Socialization looks like taking your puppy through a car wash 🧽.

Socialization looks like taking your puppy to safely watch,from a comfortable distance, a construction site 🏗. Socialization looks like walking by or sitting & observing a school during daily pickup and watching children.

Socialization looks like learning how to confidently handle grooming, veterinary care, toenail trims, emergency holds etc.

Socialization looks like exposing your puppy to different sounds, different animals (farms, birds, cows, goats etc), and vehicles etc. It can look like taking your puppy for a ride in a wagon, smashing pop cans, playing in a tub of plastic bottles. Socialization can look like helping your puppy realize the puppy in the mirror is just them.

There is SO much more to socializing your puppy than dog parks, doggie day care, meeting 100 people, meeting 50 dogs and finding a human with an umbrella.

Socialization is about helping your puppy see the world through an appropriate, confidence filled lens. It is about helping your puppy learn that they can remain calm, polite and behave appropriately in a variety of situations. Proper socialization helps teach your puppy that you have their back and will protect and advocate for them.

Proper socialization helps your puppy become a well established adult dog. And after all…. That’s what we all want when we set out to socialize our puppies/young dogs.

Prioritize confidence.
Prioritize observations Vs interactions.
Prioritize experiences.

…and remember raising a puppy is hard work. You’re doing great. We all feel overwhelmed at times. You’re doing great.

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Meet Kylie the Kelpie 👋 Look at these RECALLS 💪 More on her soon but I wanted to talk about the IMPORTANCE of paying your dog for recalls. Kylie is a dog with excellent toy drive as you'll see in the video. So if toys are one of her MOST favourite things it makes sense to reward using her favourite "paycheck". 100% of Kylie's recalls looked THIS amazing today. Hard, Fast, Dynamic and they were rewarded with Fun, Dynamic Rewards both tugging and tossed toys. If you've ever hiked with me you'll know that I pay/reward for 100% of my recalls. And the FASTER, more Dynamic the recall - the higher the "paycheck." Dogs that hike with me are never allowed to approach people, dogs or wildlife so having a fast, enthusiastic recall is extremely important to me. And the fastest way to a snappy, dynamic recall? Make it worth their while. Everytime. It made my ENTIRE day when Mary handed me a toy in Kylie's bag. Kylie is super lucky to have a human that understands using the dogs greatest motivator as a reward. If you want help with your recall or your dog doesn't have the skills to safely go on or off leash hiking - let's connect. Dogs want & need adventures 💛 ... and let's be honest you do too. So let's make it enjoyable & safe for both you and your dog.