Happy Hounds Hideaway

09/12/2025

For families with children, this is valuable information to keep in mind.
Many dog bites can be prevented simply by paying close attention to a dog’s body language. Please remember to advocate for your dog—too often, dogs are surrendered after incidents with children that could have been avoided. Teaching children proper boundaries not only protects them, but also keeps your dog safe and secure.

09/07/2025

Had amazing walk with these two
Welcome to the happy hounds family Asher and Mia

09/05/2025

This clinic is an incredible opportunity to help reduce overpopulation and keep pets healthier and safer.
If you were ever considering getting involved, now is the time!

Happy Hounds Hideaway and i will be there all weekend - if you wanna car pool, let me know!

Let’s work together for healthier pets and stronger communities!


Canadian Animal Task Force

09/02/2025

This weekend I did two big hikes. One with hades and one with Zeus

Here are a few reasons why spending time with your dogs individually is important

Builds a Stronger Bond

One-on-one time lets your dog focus on you without competition from other pets. This deepens trust, affection, and your overall relationship.

Better Training & Focus

Training is more effective when it’s just you and your dog. They can concentrate without distractions, making it easier to teach commands, manners, and boundaries.

Reduces Stress & Anxiety

Some dogs get overwhelmed in a group setting. Solo time gives them space to relax, gain confidence, and feel secure with you.

Meets Individual Needs

Every dog has a different personality, energy level, and set of challenges. Individual time ensures each one gets the type of exercise, enrichment, or calm they personally need.

Encourages Independence & Confidence

Dogs that only do things in a pack can become overly dependent on one another. Solo experiences help them grow into more confident, well-rounded dogs.

08/22/2025

Off leash training and recall

Off-leash training in the woods gives your dog freedom while keeping them, you, wildlife, and other people safe. It turns outdoor adventures into a positive, enriching experience rather than a risky one.

Proper recall can save your dog’s life, give them more freedom, and make your time together outdoors safer, calmer, and more enjoyable.

08/19/2025

Please take a moment to read this!!

I have a deep love for rescue work and have been fortunate to meet so many incredible people over the past three years. While it can be both mentally and physically demanding, the experience is truly rewarding. I’ve welcomed countless amazing dogs into my home, dedicating hours, days, weeks, and sometimes even months to prepare them for their forever families. Despite the challenges, I wouldn’t change this journey for anything.

So next time you have a minute, think about stopping into your local shelter and offering a helping hand.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1EQvES6sS7/?mibextid=wwXIfr

If you're thinking of getting into animal rescue, here's something you need to know:

You need to build armor, not just for the hard work, but for the people.

You’ll need more than compassion. You’ll need resilience. You’ll need to remind yourself daily why you started, because the world will test you.

People will cheer you on when you post a happy rescue story. But when you say no, because your rescue is full, your funds are low, or your team is exhausted, those same voices will criticize you.

They’ll forget the animals you saved and focus on the one you couldn’t take.

Don’t let it change your heart.

Some people will praise your care, your process, your kindness, until they want to surrender a pet, and you ask questions or try to help them work through it. Suddenly, you’re the worst person for them.

That’s part of the job.

You’ll lose relationships. Some friends won’t understand why you fight for animal rights. Others will be cold to you when you’re being too dramatic for them after spending the night with a dying rescue.

Let them go.

People will call you every hour, message you at 2am, expect you to be available around the clock. And when you finally pause to breathe, they’ll say you’re fake, you don’t care.

It’ll sting, but keep breathing anyway.

Other rescuers will criticize how you operate, even if they’ve never set foot in your rescue. Some will help. Others will just talk.

Focus on the work, not the noise.

You’ll see things you can’t unsee. You’ll witness cruelty. And sometimes, no matter how fast you get there or how much you spend, you’ll still lose the animal.

Those are the nights you’ll sit and cry alone, and no one knows that.

But even in that pain, you’ll keep going.
Because despite all of it, the judgment, the burnout, the loss, the work matters.

Every life saved is a reason to continue.

Rescue is beautiful, heartbreaking, and unforgiving. But if you’re in it for the right reasons, you’ll find strength in the heartbreak and purpose in the pain.

Just don’t lose yourself in the process. ❤️

08/18/2025

When it’s walk time and you misplace your energy and 1 brain cell it gets you into trouble and mom needs to remind you to find calm before a walk. The power of placement training and practicing calm game changer!!!

08/15/2025

Let’s talk about thresholds and leave it and why these are important to teach your dog

THRESHOLDS

1. It builds emotional control
Dogs that know their thresholds learn how to regulate their excitement, frustration, or fear. Instead of lunging, barking, or bolting when they see another dog or stimulus, they can stay calm because they’ve practiced being under that “boiling point.”

2. It prevents problem behaviors before they start
Most reactivity, pulling, and impulsive behavior happens when a dog is already over their threshold. By teaching them to notice and respond to triggers before they get too close or too intense, you keep them in the thinking zone instead of the instinctive zone.

3. It creates trust between you and your dog
When you consistently respect your dog’s comfort level, they start to trust that you won’t force them into situations they can’t handle. That trust builds their confidence and willingness to follow your lead.

4. It makes life safer
A dog who respects thresholds won’t dart through doors, run into traffic, or explode toward another dog. They learn patience, waiting for permission before acting—even when tempted.

LEAVE IT

1. It can literally save their life
If your dog is about to grab dropped medication, chicken bones on the sidewalk, or toxic plants, “leave it” stops them before they swallow something dangerous.

2. It prevents resource guarding and bad habits
Dogs that don’t know “leave it” may try to claim objects or sn**ch things from counters, bags, or kids’ hands. The cue teaches them to disengage instead of compete.

3. It stops unwanted chasing or interactions
Whether it’s a squirrel, another dog, or a person holding food, “leave it” helps you control impulses and avoid situations that could end in injury, a fight, or a bad social encounter.

4. It builds impulse control and focus
“Leave it” isn’t just about objects—it’s a mental exercise in choosing you over temptation. Every time they listen, they strengthen their ability to pause and think.

5. It strengthens your leadership role
When your dog consistently listens to “leave it,” it reinforces that you make the decisions about what’s safe or okay. That trust carries over into other training and daily life.

6. It’s a gateway to better manners
From politely ignoring food on the coffee table to walking past other dogs without lunging, “leave it” sets the foundation for a dog who can behave calmly in busy environments.

these two things are key in creating a well rounded dog and a balanced home!

08/09/2025

Frozen kongs for the win!!!

08/09/2025

Time for a fire!!! These boys are enjoying the fire

08/08/2025

We are camping in a very busy campground in B.C.
kids riding bikes, dogs everywhere, wildlife!

Here are some key reasons why teaching your dog to be calm in busy places is so important:

1. Safety for your dog and others
A calm dog is less likely to dart into traffic, pull you into danger, or get tangled with people or other animals in a crowded space.

2. Reduced stress for your dog
Busy environments—full of noise, movement, and scents—can overwhelm dogs. Training them to remain calm helps lower anxiety and prevent overarousal.

3. Better communication and focus
When your dog can stay composed, they’re more likely to respond to your cues, even with distractions all around.

4. Positive public image for dogs
A relaxed, well-behaved dog makes it easier for people to welcome dogs in public spaces and supports a dog-friendly community.

5. Improved socialization
Learning to stay calm in stimulating environments helps your dog adapt to new places, people, and animals without feeling overwhelmed.

6. Preventing unwanted behaviors
Calmness training helps reduce barking, lunging, jumping, and leash pulling in stimulating environments.

7. Building trust between you and your dog
Your dog learns that you’ll keep them safe, and you gain confidence in handling them anywhere.

07/30/2025

With hot weather here again!!! Heat stroke is always a possibility in your pets. Also a reminder of pavement temperatures, need to protect there paws