Wandering With Dogs

08/14/2024

I’ve been looking in to workouts for myself to become a better runner and I realized the culture of working out is somewhat similar to dog training. The pressure to know exactly how to do something and do it perfectly can get in the way of reaching your goals.

I avoided the gym because I knew I was going to look like I don’t know what I’m doing or like I don’t belong. I’m intimidated and even lack motivation because I want it to be perfect rather than valuing progress in any amount. It takes time and consistency to see results in the gym and dog training is the same.

If you want to reach your dog training goals, celebrate progress! Take notes on your training each week and I’m willing to bet you will see a big difference from week 1 to week 4 or 5. Perfectionism is easy to fall victim to with social media. Anyone can post the best rep of a session making it seem like that’s the norm. It’s not reality!

So stop thinking you need to go out and be perfect! Go out and train and seek professional help if you’re unsure. That’s what I’m doing with the gym! I’m meeting with a pro to get me started.

Progress over perfection!

08/13/2024

Harper had her second lesson last week and oh man is she a cool dog! We’ve been working on loose leash walking and dog reactivity. More sniffing on walks, building a bond through play and having clarity through cues has been impactful for her and her people. Her love of tug is strong so adding in a “drop” and a “get it” cue has been important in order to use it as reinforcement and relationship building. I can’t wait to see more progress throughout her journey! 👏

08/06/2024

Shelby was the goofiest girl and so full of love for her people! I had walked her for over 5 years and our bond was so strong. Having met her at the dog daycare I previously worked at, we knew each other for a very long time! She came from some of the worst conditions having been kept in a crate too small for her and the abuse she endured left her emaciated and almost hairless from urine burns. Thankfully she was rescued from that awful situation and she remained an optimistic, people loving girl! Her new family gave her the most incredible life and dedicated so much to her. I will miss pulling in the driveway to see her hop off the couch and then excitedly and not so patiently wait for me to come through the door 😆 She was such a sweet girl who made a huge impact on me. Love you, Shelby! Rest in peace with all of our beloved dogs who have passed on ❤️

07/26/2024

Couldn’t be prouder of these 2 and how far they’ve come! Both Marty and Maizie have struggled with big feelings towards other dogs when out on walks. Now they are able to walk together and be successful! I was able to walk right about to a garbage can that was only 15 feet from another dog and they both stayed chill 👏 Considering even being a full baseball field away was hard for both Marty and Maizie in different ways, I’d say that’s a massive change! Real change takes time but it’s worth it 😊

06/18/2024

Anyone else having a pool party to beat the heat? 🏖️

06/13/2024

Kali had her first lesson last night! We’re working on engagement, relationship building through play and some basic manners to help her navigate life with her humans. As you can see, she was loving this tug!

06/06/2024

To inquire or book training services you can go through the website! You will find information about my training services as well as the Training Inquiry Form here: https://www.wanderingwithdogs.ca/training

Those who go through the inquiry form will be responded to in the order they have been received, so make sure you go through the form first rather than emailing about training. I do not get to emails as quickly and you will be directed to fill out the inquiry form.

Please no DM’s through Facebook as it is riddled with spam messages at times and not the best platform for booking. Thank you so much for your understanding! I’m a one woman show and I worked hard on making the website so that things can be streamlined to save time. You all are the best! 🤗

06/03/2024

Helping people build better relationships with their dogs has been my passion for many years now. I’m excited to be taking on new training clients! Check out my new website for more info ⬇️

www.wanderingwithdogs.ca

📸 Lonely Wolf Productions

06/01/2024

Gordie the oh, so handsome Golden had his first lesson today! We’re working on relationship building, loose leash walking and dropping objects/toys. He was such a star today! ⭐️

05/28/2024

Duke, Mingus and Mace enjoying the mild temperatures! Very thankful for a break from the heat 😌

05/23/2024

Hot summer days call for the splash pad! 💦 ☀️

05/16/2024

Don’t shave your double coated dogs! 😊

Remember, as it gets hotter, double coated dogs need their coat to keep them cool. Please reconsider shaving your dog, and try the shedding treatment to help with that extra hair! :)

“This is a thermal image of a dog with a lion cut shave, the portion of its non-shaved body the head and chest is temped at 24°C, 75°F and the other shaved portion on its back is temped at 30°C, 86°F. The hair is present for several reasons, mainly for thermal regulation. ☀🌡Shaving a dog does NOT make it cooler and you're not helping them. Dogs who have dual coats (Golden Retrievers, Huskies, German Shepherds, Newfs, Border Collies, etc.) should not be shaved. You're risking ruining their coat, putting them at risk for a sunburn, and overheating.”

05/13/2024

Hanging out at the farm! Mace, Molly, Duke and Mingus ☀️

05/10/2024

Sunny day play dates are the best! ☀️

05/04/2024

I absolutely love spring! Getting lost in a woods where everywhere you look is green 🌿🍃🌱☘️

04/27/2024

Maizie loves posing for her pictures! 🌸

04/24/2024

Always have to prepare for a slobbery kiss from Mingus 🤣

04/23/2024

When you try to take a classy photo and your one friend just has to stick their tongue out 🙄🤣

04/19/2024

Marty is looking all fluffy again! He is such a sweet, chill dude 🥰

04/17/2024

Play date for Vaughn and Chiyo! Link also wandered around 😆

04/10/2024

Nova and her guardians have been crushing her training sessions! She was able to walk around Lakewood Park this past weekend. It’s a busy park at times but it has lots of space to give your dog the distance they need from other dogs while working on training. Her journey is just beginning but I’m super proud of her and guardians for working as a team! 👏

04/03/2024

Vaughn, Molly and Link on their walk! Yay for some sunshine today! ☀️

03/29/2024

Mace was behind me 🙈

03/12/2024

Molly, Roxy and Clyde soaking up the sunshine! ☀️

02/28/2024

Beau and Dixie almost blew away on their walk this afternoon! I could have had Golden Retriever kites 🪁🤣

02/26/2024

All about sniffing on walks 👏

Shake it…shake it off…

A recent study by two researchers in France looked at sniffing, pulse rate, and leash length on walks. Sixty-one dogs were taken on three separate walks, five minutes each walk, once with a 1.5m leash, once with a 5m leash, and once without a leash at all (walk order was randomized for each dog). Off-leash dogs sniffed the most, more than 3x as long as the dogs on short leashes. Dogs on long leashes spent nearly as much time as unleashed dogs sniffing, almost 3x as long as dogs on short leashes.

This study also found that sniffing resulted in lowered pulse rates, and the more intensely they sniffed, the more their pulse rates lowered. Pulse rate was also lowered when dogs “shook off” during walks on all leash lengths. The “shake off” behavior was often seen when the dog’s pulse rate was particularly high.

Read more about it below!

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1HX77kp2HBDiTxmq/?mibextid=Le6z7H

https://www.tuftsyourdog.com/everydaydogcare/giving-your-dog-time-to-sniff-on-walks-will-literally-soothe-his-heart/

What else can we learn about dogs from their walking behavior? Take your best friend on a Sniffari and see what you observe!

02/26/2024

Chiyo’s face when I tell him it’s Monday and the weekend is over. Although… Mondays mean agility night AND we have gorgeous weather for February so yay to a new week! 😁

02/22/2024

Maizie loves her walks and has made huge progress! Maizie feels unsure about strange dogs, especially if they bark and stare at her but with some work on desensitization and counter conditioning she’s come a long way! She can really relax and enjoy her walks 🥰 With the handling we’ve done, Maizie knows she can check in with me or even choose to continue on sniffing in the presence of a trigger and I’ll be there to support her. She’s such a sweet girl!