Alpine Dogs

11/06/2024

I get asked this question a lot, and the answer may surprise you!
Read this week's blog post to learn more.
https://alpinedogs.ca/2024/06/my_dog_has_separation_anxiety/

29/12/2023

22/12/2023

✨Wishing you all a happy holiday season ❄️

✨This is your reminder that it’s ok to take a break from your separation anxiety training during this hectic time of year. Rather than feel guilty or overwhelmed if you can’t fit in training sessions, don’t hesitate to plan on taking a break and resuming training when your routine gets back to normal. It might even be what’s best for your dog, especially if they are sensitive to changes in routine. You won’t undo all of your hard work by taking a break. Promise!

✨Enjoy your time with your dogs, family and friends, and I can’t wait to reconnect in 2024!

01/12/2023

29/11/2023

Friends who do do rescue/shelter work!
Please take a minute to fill out this survey if you can 🙏

I see you. The work that happens in shelters and rescue organizations is selfless. Caring for so many individual dogs, each with their own needs, is a labor of love, but it comes with heaps of stressors. Every bark takes its toll. I work with many shelters and rescues to support their efforts with d...

01/11/2023

If your dog struggles at home alone, know that there are things we can do to help.
While success will look different for everyone, and sometimes it requires adjusting and rethinking expectations, we can absolutely help these dogs.

Feel like you’ve tried everything and nothing is working? Comment below and I’ll send you a link to a webinar to help you understand why!

28/10/2023

26/10/2023

It's understandable that when we see a dog behaving in a way that we consider problematic or dangerous, we focus on ways to make that behavior stop.

The problem with focusing solely on the behavior of concern is that we forget to dig into the reasons behind that behavior.

All behavior happens for a reason - the good, the bad, and the ugly.

As a professional dog trainer, I am always amazed at how many behavioral "problems" can be solved by simply taking the time to meet the needs of the dog in front of us.
Dogs have a whole host of needs that must be met in order for them to feel satiated, and when they do not have appropriate outlets for these behaviors, they may start to seek other channels.

Let's take chewing, for example.
Chewing is normal, healthy, productive dog behavior.
Chewing is also a behavior that many guardians would view as problematic, so we try to "stop" it from happening.
If we attempt to prevent our dog from chewing, or are not providing enough legal outlets for chewing (dog toys, chew items, etc.), we are likely going to see our dog seeking outlets elsewhere (like the coffee table legs...)

Your dog chewing on a coffee table is a problem, and you may want to approach this from a training standpoint to teach the dog NOT to chew on furniture.
But if we take a moment to trace this back, the dog chewing on the coffee table is a direct result of the dog's needs failing to be met.
Chances are, if we meet the dogs needs by providing sufficient chewing outlets for them and incorporate some management to prevent access, the coffee table chewing will stop.

Sometimes, the problem behaviors can be easily 'solved' by simply providing our dog with the opportunity to fulfill a normal need or desire.
Sometimes our dogs make these "bad decisions" because they don't know how else to "scratch the itch."
If we are not taking the time to meet our dogs needs, they will find a way to meet those needs themselves - and not always in a way that we find acceptable.

We need to ensure that the dog's needs are being met before we focus on changing their behavior, or else we are doing our dog a disservice.

02/10/2023

What a wealth of great information in this post from Believe in Your Dog!
Be sure to give it a read!

12/07/2023

One question that often arises this time of year is whether we should continue training while on vacation.
In short, no.
Your dog is learning in the very specific context of your home environment. These skills you are building won't easily transfer to a new environment.
While on vacation, I recommend focusing solely on management, where you continue suspending absences and simply pausing training until you are back in your home environment.
Have questions? Ask below!

01/07/2023

Is your dog scared if fireworks?

Many of us in Canada & the US are dealing with fireworks this weekend.
If your dog struggles with fireworks, here are a few suggestions!

⭐️ Always comfort your dog- you CANNOT reinforce emotions like fear. Help your dog feel safe. Please never ignore your dog if they are scared.

⭐️If the fireworks are scheduled and you’ll know in advance they are happening, take your dog for a drive away from the action. This is the BEST management strategy for fireworks you know are happening.

⭐️ Ensure your dog is on leash when outside in case there is a suprise firework that goes off. So many dogs go missing this time of year. It’s heartbreaking and 100% avoidable!

⭐️ If your dog has experienced stress over the weekend due to fireworks, take a break from your home alone training. Wait for things to return to normal after the long weekend and resume training then. A few days off is not going to effect your training long term, promise!

21/06/2023

❤️

04/06/2023

"Every dog deserves the chance to show their human how amazing they can be." ~ Susan Garrett

31/05/2023

If your dog struggles with separation anxiety when left alone, I've got game-changing news for you! 🎉✨

Say goodbye to the endless cycle of picking up your keys, opening and closing the door, and spending hours on training. 🚪🔑✋ There is a better way to help your dog feel more at ease and reduce their stress levels. 🌟

🛑 You don't have to go through all that hassle anymore! 🛑 Instead, here's what you can do:

🎯 Plan on no more than one training session a day. Quality over quantity is the key! 🐾✨

🌴 Take two days off every single week. Let your dog relax and enjoy their downtime just like you do! 🌞🐕

🎈 Engage in fun activities with your dog. From exciting walks in the park to interactive playtime, create memorable moments that make them wag their tails with joy! 🌳🎾🐶

Remember: Less really is more!

Comment below with your favorite way to spend quality time with your dog! 🐾👇✨

19/05/2023

🐾 Slow and steady wins the race in separation anxiety training! 🚀✋

Many of my wonderful clients often don't realize that they're inadvertently moving too quickly when tackling separation anxiety training on their own. ⏩⏰

But here's the secret: establishing a solid foundation for success starts with taking it slow. 🐢💪

Rushing the process can overwhelm our furry friends and impede their progress. Letting our dogs dictate the pace builds trust and reduces anxiety. 🌟🐾

Remember, it's a journey of patience and understanding. Together, we'll pave the way for a happier, more confident canine companion. 🐶❤️

20/04/2023

Reactivity is tough.

Sometimes it may think you’re not on the same team. But, I want you to remember this.

Even though you may not be where you want to be, you ARE a team.
You can’t work independently of each other.

Our dogs need our help, NOT a firm hand or a punitive approach.

There will be those out there that promise and guarantee results.
They will lead you to think you can “fix” your dog.

But, your dog isn’t a broken washing machine.

They are your best friend, family member and depend on us, as humans to help them in a humane and compassionate way.

Changing our perspective can greatly impact the relationships we have with dogs.

You may not be where you want to be yet, but you’re in it together.

20/04/2023

Look who did their very first side plop during home alone training!! 🥹

Winston has just moved into a new home, and after giving him a few weeks to settle in, we started back with an assessment.
I think it’s safe to say he gives his new digs 4 paws up! 🐾

Yay Team Winston 🎉🎉🎉

16/04/2023

Having a dog with separation anxiety is hard, and the journey to help them overcome it can feel isolating.
Don't go thru it alone.
Join our new support group to connect with other dog owners who get it.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/dogseparationanxietysupportgroup

13/04/2023

Take your dog on a walk.

Even on the days when you're too tired. Get up, and go anyways.
On the days when you don't have time, find a spare minute, and squeeze one in.

Walk somewhere new, even if it means getting in the car to get there.
Don't rush your dog when they stop to take in the sights and smells, even if it takes them what feels like an eternity to do so.

One day, sooner than you can imagine, these walks are going to slow down...stop completely.
Walks will become less frequent as your dog's body struggles to complete a task that once felt mundane and repetitive.

One day these walks will no longer be a burden, but a gift that you try desperately to cling onto, just a little bit longer.

One day you're going to wish that you'd taken more time to walk with your dog.
You're going to regret not going more places, or taking the time to stop and smell the flowers.

One day your dog is going to be too tired or too weak to go with you, and when that day comes, you will want to trade the world for just one more walk.

So, whenever you have the opportunity, please - take the walk.

11/04/2023

Often times humans become frustrated with “lack of progress”. However, progress is not “fixing” what we deem to be a problem. It is small, integral and sustainable progressions resulting in lasting change.

Small changes leading to larger changes for reactivity can be:
- less intense reactions
- recovery to baseline is faster
- easier to redirect after a reaction
- reduced frequency

Also, don’t discount:
- a dog more interested in you (yes, treats!)
- a more relaxed dog in general
- dog seems happier!
- increase in play behaviors
- more interested in taking food in settings they may not have previously

It really helps to journal. This puts into perspective the reality of your progress vs what our pesky brains lead us to believe sometimes.

11/04/2023

Sweet little Chili aced her reassessment tonight!
Go team Chili! 🎉

04/04/2023

Separation anxiety training can be such a roller coaster of emotions.
One day we are celebrating a big win, and then just a few days later, we might be dealing with a setback.
Here's the thing.
Progress is never linear.
Setbacks are normal, and as frustrating as they can be, they are also helpful. It's more information for us to work with to make necessary adjustments to help your dog succeed.

29/03/2023

Systematic desensitization- where we slowly expose dogs to being alone in a way that doesn't elicit a fear response.

Sounds simple, right?

While in theory, yes, it is simple, it's actually quite complex. So many variables need to be considered, including becoming an expert in your dog's signs of stress. Having a professional help guide the process in the early stages, especially, makes all the difference.

Each and every dog I work with is unique, and no two cases of separation anxiety look the same.

Taking an individualized approach to treating your dog's separation anxiety is key. No cookie cutter recipes in this treatment protocol.

Want to learn more? Reply "YES" below, and I'll send you a DM!

28/03/2023

Google separation anxiety and chances are you'll find every one of these things touted as cures for your dog's separation anxiety.

Don't fall victim to these examples of awful advice.

Separation anxiety is a panic disorder. It's not due to a lack of structure, poor obedience training, spiteful behaviour or too much affection.

Want to learn more about my treatment protocol as a CSAT, which is rooted in science and backed by solid data that highlights its effectiveness?

Book a FREE 30-minute discovery call with me today thru my website.

23/03/2023

Happy Puppy Day! Let’s see your puppy photos!

23/03/2023

Can you spot the sleeping pug? 🔍

We just wrapped up week three of training with little Gravy snoozing through his reassessment today ❤️

Hard to believe just three short weeks ago Gravy was racing to the door and trying to sneak out with his family if they tried to leave without him

Go team Gravy!