Masterful Mutts Doggy Dojo

03/07/2025

As the 4th of July approaches fast, here’s a PSA to help keep our dogs safe.
1: Do not let your dog outside off leash even if you have a fence keep your dog leashed as most dogs can easily clear a 6ft fence when they need to.
2: using doggy earplugs or doggy ear protection helps a bunch, if you don’t have anywhere that sells them cotton balls work too(just don’t shove to far down the ear canal)
3: Play fire work sounds to help desensitize your dog to the sound itself, start by playing it low then increase the volume. Doing this helps your dog understand that the sound isn’t something to get overly worked up about.

Each year durning this time 1,000s of pets get lost or killed cause of fire works being set off. By following these suggestions you can make sure your pet stays safe durning this time. May you all have a wonderful and safe 4th tomorrow 😄

22/06/2025

Dog parks are a double edged sword, while they can be a great place for your dog to burn energy it can also be a very dangerous place as well. Always use your best judgement when using one.

Dog Parks? Hard Pass.

What’s the big deal with dog parks—and are trainers just overreacting?

Dogs are social creatures. Most enjoy the company of familiar, well-matched dogs. So in theory, dog parks should be a great place for them to connect and burn energy, right?

Unfortunately, that’s rarely the case.

Here’s why:

Often dogs at dog parks are strangers to each other. Meeting unknown dogs typically triggers an adrenaline spike—heightened arousal that can quickly tip into tension or conflict. Repeated exposure to this dynamic conditions a dog to associate social interaction with overstimulation. In many cases, this is where reactivity begins - often observed as frustration on lead.

Safe and healthy introductions require structure. Wide open spaces, minimal training, and a lack of handler control (think: can a dog recall off other dogs?) make dog parks a high risk environment for incidents.

Add to that the fact that dogs all have different social styles—some are boisterous, others are timid —and appropriate pairings become nearly impossible. The goal of any interaction should be to promote calm, appropriate social behaviour. It’s hard to do that in a chaotic, uncontrolled setting.

A better approach?
Find a dog your dog pairs well with and meet in a calm, safe environment or consider a structured daycare program run by qualified trainers who can supervise and manage play appropriately. Lastly, we acknowledge there are some well managed park environments where regulars meet and manage the space/social interaction well. These are rare though.

15/06/2025

One of our clients is now confidently walking her two dogs, a skill she was unable to master prior to taking our classes. Would you like to walk your dog without issues or learn how to walk multiple dogs? Take advantage of our summer deals on our Leash Etiquette course today, featuring six classes for only $350.00.

30/05/2025

Wanting to teach your pup how to behave around others or in a public setting, then contact us about our Out and About obedience class. Your dog will learn how to conduct themselves around others animals as well as people. Call today to book your session ☺️

03/05/2025

End of life is never easy, especially when it comes to our pets. Tho when it does happen I highly recommend PCS Crematory located over on Mayflower Rd. We used them a few yrs ago when our demo dog lost his battle with cancer. They were very helpful and kind durning the whole process, as well as affordable and as of recently we had to say goodbye to a beloved cat. They offer resin artwork and jewelry containing your furbabies ashes as a way to help memorialized and remember them better. Heres what they made for us with Millies ashes 🥹 If you have a cremated pet that you’d like to have a resin or jewelry made with their ashes just give them a call, I had commissioned a resin dog mold and necklace from Ryders ashes that came out very well

27/04/2025

Cali has achieved remarkable progress and graduated with distinction. Her owners have demonstrated exceptional dedication to her training. Congratulations Cali 😃

24/04/2025

The dog park in Ruidoso just added some agility equipment thanks to a local Eagle Scout who designed and installed it. Aleu had a blast and helped the other dogs learn how to use the equipment. It was our first time going to this park and it was so nice. If you are in the area with your dog I highly recommend checking it out there’s a small dog side and large dog side separated.

06/04/2025

Help Aleu!

🚨URGENT: We need your votes TODAY! 🚨

Our local champion Aleu is competing in the National Championship round of Pooch Playoffs, but we're falling behind with only 1% of votes!

Every vote means we are closer to more funding for Otero County Animal Shelter and our furry friends in need!

How to Support:
⭐️1. Visit: onceuponatimephotography.net/vote-pooch-playoffs
⭐️2. Find Aleu's photo
⭐️3. Cast your vote (you can vote once every 24 hours!)

Voting ends TONIGHT! Let's show the nation what Alamogordo's pet-loving community can do! Share this post with everyone you know - every vote counts!

Together, we can help more shelter pets find their forever homes!