Okanagan Heavenly Dog

10/03/2025

10/01/2025

This!! 👇👇

“For puppies, every second of their socialization window is like sand in an hourglass. The sooner we can get them into homes and safe experiences, the better.”
- Dr. Meghan Herron

At the Aggression in Dogs Conference, Dr. Meghan Herron reminded us that timing matters. The socialization period is short, and every experience counts. Positive, safe exposure during this window can set a foundation for resilience, while missed opportunities can leave dogs more vulnerable to fear and aggression later in life.

It is not about overwhelming puppies with everything at once. It is about thoughtful introductions to people, places, and environments that teach them the world is safe.

The hourglass is always running. What we do with that time can change the trajectory of a dog’s entire life.

09/27/2025

Holy, just finished up Aggression in Dogs Master Course- my goodness was it ever extensive!

I'm so grateful to have more knowledge about these difficult cases and how to navigate them with my clients.

https://www.okheavenlydog.com/about.html

Pic of "aggressive" dogs below... 🤣

09/06/2025

Izzy is demonstrating how to practice "windshield wiper". It's a counter conditioning technique that works , plus dogs love it!

08/19/2025

Kona's doing so well in the Board and Train program! ❤️🐩

Is it a good fit for your dog?

https://f.mtr.cool/cqdhpsdzaj

08/17/2025

Nell has come SO far with her new pawrents in regards to her confidence!

Sometimes dogs that don't get adequate socialization as puppies can really struggle. Nell has an unknown socialization history, but she showed a bit of apprehension and was quite shy when I first met her. Her owners have put in a tonne of time and effort into her training and well-being. They've provided consistency and a safe place for Nell to thrive!

I am so happy for her, and I'm thrilled with her parents for giving Nell such a great environment to flourish.

08/13/2025

Is a board and train program for you? ❤️🦮

https://www.okheavenlydog.com/board-and-train.html

Thx I Heart Canine PR for the great class!

08/08/2025

I love seeing my clients out and about on walks ❤️ Starla's feeling was mutual I think!

Seeing my clients happy, well trained and loving life is one of the most rewarding things in the world 🥰

06/23/2025

Bandit apparently has Cocker spaniel in him (7% lol). I know they're hunting dogs but are they retrievers? 🤔

06/09/2025

Did you all know the best possible time frame to socialize your puppy is between 6 to 12 weeks old?!

This proves to be a problem for most pup parents and breeders, since baby puppies of this age range aren't fully vaccinated until after 16 weeks of age.

Our Puppy Start Right Preschool classes provide a sterile and safe environment for puppies to socialize. Please also reach out if you have any questions about safe socialization with new puppies. There is always a risk of disease, and as I personally learned the hard way, there are also severe behaviour problems that can occur from inadequate or poor socialization. There is a happy medium- what we call "safe socliazation" which is positive exposure in controlled environments until puppy has reached a safe age.

Check out what the Amercian Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior says about the topic:
https://avsab.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Puppy_Socialization_Position_Statement_Download_-_10-3-14.pdf

Check us out at www.okheavenlydog.com

06/06/2025

I received the most lovely compliment the other day from my recent graduates Deanna and Shane with their dog Sadie

05/24/2025

"Are you sure you didn't split that treat in half?"🤔

Churro is taking part in our Day Training program, where I take a pup for 1hr+ per day and work with them and then bring them back home. Your dog gets to learn appropriate behaviours during the day so their parent comes home from work to a tired, well behaved dog🥰