Sit Happens Dog Training

10/30/2025

Yesterday I got to spend time with Roxie! Roxie came into her dad’s life just a couple months ago as a shy rescue.. so it’s been very important to take things nice and slow while she figures out the world is not so scary.

Roxie and her dad are working on some confidence building (especially around putting on her harness), potty training (which she is doing amazing at now), and leash walking skills. After 3 sessions of just building some positive skills around the harness she was finally able to put it on ALL the way and walk around for awhile why she periodically got some treats and some praise to continue building those positive feelings.

10/26/2025

💔 Pet loss is still loss:

It’s been a year since I said goodbye to Bentley. Most days, I’m okay and I smile when I think of him. But some days still hit hard.

Last night I dreamed the family (Charlie, Moo, and the hubby too) was curled up in bed watching TV, like always. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Bentley by my dog training drawers, trying to sneak treats again (he was a mischievous little bu**er) He jumped on the bed and right into my arms for one of his special Bentley hugs… it felt so real. For a second, it felt like he came back to visit me. Then I woke up, and the heartbreak hit all over again.

Grief doesn’t have a timeline. It changes, but it never really goes away. 💔🐾

If you’re missing a pet today, please know you’re not alone. Pet loss is still loss and grieving is still important.

Here are some Washington State resources that can help:

https://mycommunity.wsvma.org/page/54

10/24/2025

🌧️ Rainy Day Training Inspiration ☔
Who says training has to stop when the rain rolls in?
Today’s forecast: cozy indoor sessions and calm, happy dogs!
Try a few five-minute games like “1-2-3 Treat,” “Find It,” or “Settle on a Mat” to burn mental energy and keep manners sharp while you both stay dry.

10/15/2025

No plans next Monday? Skip the cooking and dine out for a cause!

Join us at Tipsy Cow Burger Bars in Woodinville on Monday, October 20 from 4–9 PM.
10% of your meal will be donated to support the animals at Homeward Pet.

10/15/2025

Lots of snacks and training with Cere yesterday!!

10/14/2025

As a way to say thank you to my amazing clients, we put together Halloween trick-or-treat bags using treats made by The Barkery Unleashed. 🐾🎃 These are just a fun freebie to celebrate spooky season and show a little appreciation.

If you’d like to grab these treats for your own pup, you can find them at A Barkery Unleashed. The dogs absolutely love them! 🦴💛

10/12/2025

Moo has mastered this book 😆

🤣🤣

10/05/2025

Social media has been a hard thing to keep up with. We have some changes going on in our life that have been taking a lot of our time but I am going to try and be a little more active on posting. Here are a few new pics and reposted pics to make up for it!

10/04/2025

Our friends with Two Men And A Truck - Marysville, WA has selected Save-A-Mutt for their Movers for Mutts! 🐶🐱 They are collecting donations for our SAM foster dogs all month!

They urgently 🆘 need more Collection Box Hosts! If your business or organization can host a donation box for supplies 📦, you make a HUGE difference. Two Men will drop it off, you collect, and they will pick it up! If interested, email [email protected] today!

They are collecting Puppy Food (fav is ProPlan Puppy), new toys, soft treats for our senior dogs, canned pumpkin 🎃 gift cards to Amazon / local stores and more!! 🐾

09/27/2025

Got to train with this beautiful and shy pup today! She was the winner of our Reliable Recall basket at Bark in the Park which included two free training sessions with me working towards a reliable recall!

It took her a few minutes to be able to trust me but then she began picking things up so quickly! She is so smart!!

09/26/2025

🐾 How to Safely Do a Decompression Walk

A decompression walk is all about giving your dog freedom to move, sniff, and explore while still keeping safety in mind.

Pick the right spot
Choose a quiet, low-traffic area like a park, trail, or open field. Avoid busy sidewalks, off-leash dog areas, or overstimulating environments.

Use the right gear
A long line (15–30 ft) attached to a harness gives your dog safe freedom to roam. Avoid retractable leashes, since they can be unsafe and don’t offer steady control.

Let your dog set the pace
Follow your dog’s nose. The goal is not distance, it is giving them the chance to explore and decompress.

Watch your surroundings
Stay alert for wildlife, other dogs, or potential hazards. Be ready to shorten the line if needed.

Stay relaxed
This is not structured training time. Keep your voice and body language calm and let your dog enjoy being a dog.

⚠️ Important: If your dog has reactivity, choose locations where you are unlikely to run into triggers, or give them extra space to stay under threshold.

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09/24/2025

🐾🌿 Have you taken your dog on a Sniffari?

A “Sniffari” is like a safari for your dog’s nose! Instead of focusing on miles walked or strict training, a sniffari is all about letting your pup explore the world at their own pace. Long lines, grassy fields, trails, or even a slow stroll through the neighborhood can become an adventure when your dog gets to stop, sniff, and investigate.

Why sniffaris are so powerful:
👃 Sniffing lowers stress and promotes calmness
🧠 Engages your dog’s brain and builds confidence
🐶 Creates a happier, more fulfilled pup

So next time you head out, try slowing down and letting your dog lead with their nose—you might be surprised at how relaxed and content they are afterward!

💬 Have you ever gone on a sniffari with your dog? Tell us their favorite thing to sniff!