Masterful Mutts Doggy Dojo

11/28/2025

Hope everyone had a great and safe thanksgiving!

11/21/2025

With it getting closer and closer to the holidays it’s very important to remember that think before you go out and add a dog(any animal really) to your family as a gift if you aren’t going to provide it with the bare basic needs( training, proper nutrition, mental and physical stimulation) there’s a lot that goes into owning a dog and when you can’t meet those basic needs, then the dog suffers, eventually ends up at the shelter where they normally don’t get to a new family and end up in the shelters back freezer. I know harsh but it’s very important to see the possible future put come for that animal you are thinking of bringing home. Altering isn’t the issue that is causing our shelters and rescues to be over whelmed it’s irresponsible owners. Our beloved Demodog Aleu who’s helped show owners that with work their dogs too can be wonderful companions and not headaches, but she didn’t have the best start, I was her 4th owner by the time she was barely 6 months old. She was a nightmare, would panic anytime we would try and get her in the car cause at that point she associated the car with that she was going to be dumped somewhere else. Her growth was stunted due to poor nutrition as well as her coat condition was horrible. Her last home didn’t want her anymore cause she kept escaping and was chained to a short tie where she would be all day till her owners came back then she would come inside all happy to see them and they would kick her back outside to be tied up again cause she was too hyper. Yet she’s not like that at all now, even when we got her she rarely demonstrated the behaviors that got her dumped at our doorstep, you know why? We met her basic needs. Gave her enrichment both physical and mental. Provided her with a proper diet that met her needs as a carnivore. And now she’s what everyone hopes to get in a dog. Both my partner and I would also work long hrs too and were there days when we were tired yes and you know what she was fine cause on the days I wasn’t or had off I would tend to her needs first as dogs are no different from children, reason most couples get a dog as a surrogate when they are thinking of starting a family first, but the difference is a dog relies on you for everything not just till it becomes a adult and moves out to start their life no they are like having a permanent toddler. If you are not ready for that then reconsider about bringing that pup or dog home. And for the love of god research breeds that fit your lifestyle and don’t buy from a byb(backyard breeder) majority of those shelter dogs you see come from bybs. Always check with your local rescues and shelters first but if you don’t find a fit look into a ethical breeder then, you can find these by looking up the breed you wants parent club, simply search *insert breed of America club (every actual breed has one(doodles aren’t a breed avoid any doodles they all are from bybs and are not hypoallergenic or the other bs myths made up about them) each parent club has a breeders referral list of approved breeders by state, the parent clubs take the bettering and preservation of their breed seriously and to get on that list takes alot compared to AKC. Regardless of were you go to get your pup just make sure you are ready for a commitment of 8-15 yrs, dogs have a short life and they should know it with a loving family and not left in a small cell scared and alone hoping to see you and get to go back home. Our mission is still the same and we will continue to support dogs and their families on staying together especially for the holidays. If you or anyone you know is interested in getting their dog trained please contact us for more information on classes we have.

11/14/2025

Let’s talk about something that is considered controversial when it shouldn’t be and why our mission is to bring people and their dogs closer together, I’m talking about Modern Training and why it’s one sided and tends to only put the dogs “feelings” first and foremost while ignoring the needs of the person or handler. Modern Science ' based training only considers the dog.
You can't say No to the dog!
You can't hurt it's feelings!
You can apply any pressure whatsoever to the dog cause it’s unfair and cruel.
You can't use certain equipment because it's also cruel. It’s all about the dog. However if you don't help the human you can't help the dog. A dog with no human is without medical care, a dog without a home, a dog thats hungry and at risk of death. In some cases a dog without a human can result in a dog being stuck in a kennel for years or in more recent years life now. All cause according to these modern trainers you need to put the dog’s feelings first and if you don’t you’re cruel. But the dog doesn't care about the its owners feelings, not when it's biting them or knocking them down, or dragging them across the yard and down the street. These types of trainers don’t take into consideration the human aspect, and only focuses on the dog aspect, doing everything and going way out of the way to make sure the dog has no discomfort even majority of the time making the owner’s life more uncomfortable then it has to be and cause of that the dog ends up without a home and especially around unfortunately left to fend for itself do to being dumped in the desert or mountains cause every where is full, shelters, and rescues. And no one wants a dog that is hard to handle regardless of if you post “Free to good home”. Modern style training isn’t a one size fits all despite its advertising, while some dogs are successful with this approach others aren’t and these trainers instead of taking into consideration what’s best for the dog so it can stay with it’s family will double down on that this type of training is the only way and if you ask about a different type of training or trying training tools that are considered “Balance Training” tools they will tell you anything aversive has fallouts and will make your dog 100 times worse. Which is not true at all, cause myself as well as other balanced trainers have a long list of clients that have or had aggressive or completely out of control dogs that they went to trainers who were modern or force free which didn’t help them at all but after taking sessions using balanced training methoods and tools are living a more comfortable and care free life and the dog is able to have the same cause both have found balance and structure. Now using any training tools incorrectly will have fallouts yes most definitely but true trainers will always make sure to teach the owner and make sure they understand 100% know how to use any training tools correctly same with fitting them properly too. Balance training is not evil or cruel, what is, is choosing to ignore what will help the owner out most, I’ve seen modern trainers have elderly people use gentle leaders or harnesses on their dogs when the dog doesn’t know how to walk properly and is much stronger than them, then telling them to stop and either wait for the dog to come back to their side or turn around and walk the opposite direction if it starts pulling. Yet how can they do that when the dog is over powering them. I’ve said it many times before when it comes to dog training you have to be real, and put the safety and wellbeing of the owner first especially when they are older. I’d rather that person have full control over their dog then the other way around which usually ends with one or both injured. If their safety means having them use a properly fitted Herm Sprenger prong collar that gives them more control over the dog so they can actually work on leash etiquette then so be it. Cause in the end our job is not just to make the dogs life as comfortable as possible, its to help bring balance to the lives of both owner and the dog as this makes sure the dog can stay with its family and not end up wondering the streets or stuck in a kennel for the rest of its short life. Now some will look at this picture and think how cruel and sad cause these dogs have Ecollars on but myself and others will look at this and think how free and happy those dogs are because of its training it can truly enjoy life along side its owner enjoying freedoms not all dogs get to have or experience. Now if you know or you yourself believe our Balanced Style of training could help you and your dog please contact us today so you can start enjoying life to the fullest along side your dog, cause at the end of the day a dog just wants to be with you ☺️

11/01/2025

Having trouble figuring out if your dog needs or is ready for training or dont know which type of training would be most beneficial or appropriate for you and your dog then have a look through the following
Puppy Basics (Under 6 months)
• ☐ My puppy hasn’t learned their name yet.
• ☐ My puppy doesn’t respond to basic cues like sit, come, or stay.
• ☐ My puppy nips or bites during play.
• ☐ My puppy chews furniture, shoes, or household items.
• ☐ My puppy isn’t house-trained or still has frequent accidents.
• ☐ My puppy jumps on people or furniture without permission.
• ☐ My puppy has trouble walking nicely on a leash.
• ☐ My puppy gets easily distracted in new environments.

If you checked 3+ boxes:
Your puppy would benefit from a Foundations / Puppy Obedience Class (focus on socialization, name recognition, basic commands, leash manners, crate training).

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Adolescent or Adult Dog (6+ months)
• ☐ My dog doesn’t come when called—especially outdoors or when distracted.
• ☐ My dog pulls hard on the leash or lunges at people/dogs.
• ☐ My dog ignores me when I give commands.
• ☐ My dog jumps on guests or people.
• ☐ My dog guards food, toys, or space.
• ☐ My dog barks excessively at sounds, people, or other dogs.
• ☐ My dog is fearful or anxious in new environments.
• ☐ My dog doesn’t settle or focus during walks or training sessions.

If you checked 3–5 boxes:
Your dog may need an Intermediate / Manners & Focus Program (distraction-proofing, impulse control, leash reactivity, recall work).

If you checked 6+ boxes:
A Custom Behavior or Advanced Training Plan may be needed (focus on behavior modification, confidence building, and handler consistency).

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Advanced or Specific Goals
• ☐ I want my dog to earn a Canine Good Citizen title.
• ☐ I want to do off-leash obedience.
• ☐ I want to train for therapy, service, or sport.
• ☐ I want to strengthen reliability in high-distraction environments.

If any of these apply:
Consider Advanced Obedience or Specialty Training

10/18/2025

The Adoptathon is happening today at Petsense. Come on out and take a look at the animals looking for their furever homes. Spoobell Rescue will be there with some of their senior dogs as well as some young dogs ☺️

09/20/2025

Want a dog that’s calm and comfortable in any normal situation, then contact us today to sign your pup up for our Fall sessions for beginners and Intermediate obedience classes ☺️

09/01/2025

Concerned about initiating puppy training or walking your puppy before completing their vaccination series? This is a significant concern for many owners when they acquire a new puppy, but research from the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB) has found that puppies participating in socialization classes were not at a higher risk of contracting canine parvovirus (CPV) infection than vaccinated puppies that did not attend such classes. The AVSAB recommends that pet owners begin taking their puppies on public outings and walks as early as one week after their initial vaccinations, typically around eight weeks of age. According to the AVSAB, the first three months of a puppy's life are crucial for proper socialization. Puppies that are deprived of socialization opportunities until their vaccination series is complete will have a limited window for socialization, often resulting in behavioral problems that pose a greater threat to their well-being than the minimal risk of contracting an illness.

08/16/2025

PSA just because your dog is a rescue and is hand shy, or nervous does not mean they were necessarily abused in their past.

08/13/2025

New study’s show that vaccines last longer then first thought, this is the new recommended shots and when. Over vaxing pets can lead to a lot of health problems including compromising their immune system.

August is National Vaccine Month… but here’s the truth: over-vaccination can do more harm than good.

💉 Too many shots can overload your pet’s immune system, with smaller dogs feeling it even harder. This can trigger long-term problems—skin issues, autoimmune disease, digestive trouble, and in cats, even cancer at the injection site.

📌 My rule? Protect them, but don’t overdo it. Read my safe, minimal protocol here: https://veterinarysecrets.com/national-vaccine-month-beware-of-the-hidden-risks/

08/08/2025

Recently I’ve had a few cases with dogs biting or snapping at kids, and in all of them the kid was either messing with the dogs face while it was resting, and or sitting/laying on it. Dogs are not jungle gyms or toys for your children. If you let your kids do this it’s not if but when the dog decides it has enough and if you let them do this with a puppy you are setting that pup up for failure. Teach your children how to be respectful and gentle with animals.

08/07/2025

You know what all these dogs have in common? They all came to us either cause of reactivity, or unwanted behaviors, and with patience and practice these dogs and owners are living a much easier life. Contact us today to enroll your pup in obedience training