Helping Hounds Dog Training

11/09/2023

You do doesn't need to say hi to dogs or people...

EVEN TO BE SOCIALIZED! 👏👏👏

Some dogs might not have the same level of sociability as others, and that's perfectly acceptable.

Each dog has a unique personality, and much like people, they have their own preferences for social interaction. It's important to recognise and respect these differences.

A dog who seems more reserved or less inclined to engage with strangers isn't necessarily unfriendly or ill-tempered; they may simply prefer a more solitary environment or choose to interact primarily with their familiar companions.

When you encounter a dog whose interest in socialising isn't immediately evident, it's courteous to give them space.

Forcing interaction can be overwhelming and uncomfortable for them. By respecting their preference to keep to themselves, you demonstrate understanding and kindness towards their individual temperament.

Recognising and honouring each dog's personality not only contributes to their sense of security but also fosters a more respectful and trusting relationship between humans and dogs.

07/02/2023

Welcome Mochi to the Helping Hounds Dog Training!

She rocked her day training today and was well behaved, especially, for a sweet 4 month old golden.

Check out our Instagram versus reality on the last picture. She was uber excited to have a piece of watermelon for her pretty patient sit.

**NOW OFFERING** day training out of my home.
Work on LLW (loose lessh walking), counter surfing, settling, rules with furniture, play, potty training, and so much more!
DM for details to get your pup on the right paw.

07/02/2023

Start prepping for your pets now.
Treat every night until 2 days after the fourth of July, like the fourth of July, because people are going to get fireworks, and then are going to shoot them off (YES I am ranking to you Judy in the quiet cul-de-sac in town) When you least expect it and you don't want to be scrambling then.

Great for anxious pups that you already know of, great for brand new puppies, so they don't become anxious, great for everyone, cuz you never know when the firework is just too close.

Things to think about...

choose that they really like
Kongs stuffed with peanut butter or their meals for them to mentally exhaust themselves throughout the day
Noise-canceling music
Bring them into the closet rather than being on a room that's in on an exterior wall of your house

Don't I repeat DONT take them to the fireworks display!!! Leave them at home where they are comfortable. Leave the TV on for themand leave the overhead lights on so they can't see the flashesof lights.

Have a question or need more creative ideas? 💡

Need an urgent consult to see how to best set up or help your pup
Get with me. Virtual and in person appointments filling fast!

07/29/2022

07/03/2022

https://www.facebook.com/57800002/posts/10101126004455419/?sfnsn=mo

06/10/2022

They don't have to suffer!

05/19/2022

Got a new puppy? You don't have to go at this alone. Let me help you learn to read your pup and help them be the best they can be.

This is a good illustration of puppy socialization needs, shared from Good as Gold Training, but I would also add that all of the listed exposure and experience needs to feel *safe* for the puppy. If s/he is nervous, tentative, or fearful the fear should be handled by backing off a little and reintroducing very slowly and with lots of praise, food and patience. Sometimes, for the sake of "socialization", owners push their puppies too far and too fast, and it can backfire. Good socialization requires that we "read" our puppies and help them feel safe as they navigate the sounds, textures, people and animals in their new world.

05/19/2022

Walks are looking a bit different over here now.

How are walks going for you?

05/14/2022

How can you help?!

We're going to be really honest with you, things feel very overwhelming and scary right now. This picture shows all the crates lining our hallways, filled with dogs with no kennel to go to. The world has changed and continues to change, and we're facing never before seen levels of issues that are stacking up on top of each other.

LESS HUMANPOWER
The pandemic imploded everything, including our volunteer, foster, and staffing numbers. We've been trying to build the numbers back up, but the nationwide hiring difficulties has made it even harder to get staff onboard. Less staff means less resources to devote to expanding volunteer and foster programming.

MORE ANIMALS
More and more people are losing their homes because of eviction, rent increases, and job loss. It's getting harder to find an affordable place that will accept animals regardless of breed or size. People are facing the heartbreaking decision between a roof over their own head and keeping a beloved pet.

LESS ADOPTIONS
That also means less and less people are coming through our doors looking for a new family member. We understand and appreciate that people are thoughtfully deciding that adopting isn't a good financial decision right now! But we're having trouble adopting out even our easiest to place pets.

MORE LONGSTAYS
At a recent conference, our staff learned that the average length of stay for a medium/large dog in US shelters has doubled. We currently have 34 dogs housed here at the shelter who have been with us for over 6 months. Many are looking for that "unicorn" home - low traffic with no kids and no other pets - which can take a long time to find. Longer stays lead to more kennel stress, causing frantic behavior which can be off-putting to adopters and fosters.

LESS FOSTERS
Unfortunately we're also seeing a decline in people fostering. At this time of year, kittens barely touch the kennel before a foster snaps them up. However, even these are taking longer to find fosters. We also have tons of wonderful people who would like to help but have full households or lifestyles that don't fit many of our medium/large dogs' needs.

MORE FOCUS ON SURVIVAL THAN THRIVING
We have so many ideas and dreams, but our staff and resources often have to be reactive rather than proactive just to keep our heads above water. When we only have a third of the normal number of animal care staff working on Sundays, they and our amazing volunteers do the best they can but it often isn't the level of care they want to provide.

LESS TRANSFERS
Our partners are also seeing declines in adoptions and increases in animals needing help, which means they're full and unable to pull animals from us.

THE BOTTOM LINE
The US is experiencing a shelter crisis regarding medium/large dogs right now. "Unprecedented times" is a phrase we use often, but there truly is no better way to describe what we're all facing.

We're not giving up. We will continue to chip away at each issue and search for solutions. Our dedicated staff and volunteers continue to come in and face these challenges day after day because of their passion and love for the animals in our care.

How can you help?

VOLUNTEER: bit.ly/volunteeraac

FOSTER: bit.ly/fosteraac

ADOPT: bit.ly/AdoptAAC

REACH OUT FOR HELP: If you need pet food or other supplies, please email [email protected]

REUNITE: bit.ly/lostfoundaac

04/11/2022

It's . Tag us in a photo of your furry (or not so furry) friend. 💙

04/08/2022

Out for a walk with Freya enjoying the beautiful Texas weather.

What are some skills your dog's need to have a good walk?

She's been working hard and we are finally starting to see the payout.

From her Mom this week:
"Omgoodness! Freya was so good on our walk this morning! I stopped to talk to the mailman & she was great! No lunging, barking, nothing! She just quietly took her constant supply of treats. 😅"

Leave a comment with a skill your dog needs or praise for Team Freya.

Need a team to work on walks or something else? DM me

03/23/2022

It's National Puppy Day. Post a pic of your pup!

Here is my Huey when I first had him.

03/15/2022

Got a new baby?

- establish a routine
- use a food dispenser or food puzzles to prevent boredom
- teach cues for space AND allowing cuddles near baby (this should ideally be started BEFORE baby comes)
- desensitization needs to happen for lots of things with a new baby-toy sounds, walking with a stroller, seeing toddlers walk, etc (this can also be started before baby arrives)

Need more help or have questions? Feel free to PM me.

Photo description: A baby boy in a green onsie is being held and looking up at the camera. A pug is cuddled up close as if to support the arm holding baby.

Thanks to for the picture and congratulations on their sweet baby boy.

12/31/2021

My New Year's resolution is to spend more quality time with Huey. He is is 15 and slowing down each day. He deserves undivided attention every day and sometimes I forget in the hustle of everyday life.

What's your New Year's resolution?

12/29/2021

We want to see your cute pup.

Tag in your photo.

12/29/2021

Do you have 2 emergency vet numbers programmed in your phone?

Always give a call on your way in!

This makes sure they are able to take you.

It can also save you from the trip in if there are at home remedies.

Don't rely on Google.

Be kind to your Vet. They have been working hard all through the pandemic.

https://www.ctvsh.com/austin-area-vets-emergenciesminor-emergencies?fbclid=IwAR2zsjFiuHRldN5TVgxWYQea_aGysB7M88oS-F2IWJ1lrV9s1JZkebQTc8w

12/28/2021

5 things to waste money -> buy this instead

× Potty pads -> crate

× Rawhide -> variety of toys

× Retractable leash -> 6ft leash

× Buckle collar -> martingale

× Back clip harness -> front clip harness

See why below:

*A crate gives your puppy a safe place to be. Great for potty training and preventing inappropriate chewing.

* A variety of toys prevents boredom and keeps your puppy entertained.

* A 6ft leash sets your puppy up for success for good leash walking skills instead of teaching them to pull like a retractable does. Plus, retractable leashes can be very dangerous and cause burns and entanglement for you or your dog.

* A martingale collar provides a safe way to grab your puppy if they ever get out and prevents them from slipping their collar when fitted properly.

* A front clip harness keeps your puppy from pulling on leash instead of turning them into a sled dog.

Need recommendations on products to buy for a new dog in your life?! Just ask.

12/24/2021

Christmas came early for Winston. He got a cousin playmate. Isn't it fun having family blood or not to spend the holidays with?

Who are you spending the weekend with? Tell us your plans.

Check out our stories for a video of them playing together so well ❤💚❤

12/21/2021

What's your go to for your pup?

I like
*the Wobbler
* Chew Ball
*training treats from or

Need some more ideas? DM me!

10/23/2021

🪄🪄Engage-Disengage Game 🪄🪄

If you don't know what I'm talking about, I probably haven't trained your dog- what are you waiting for?!

If you know what I am talking about, it may still be a skill your mastering. That's ok. I can help

If I would give you a high five for a great skill you have with this CONGRATS! It ain't easy, but it CAN make your life EASY. This is the MAGIC trick in my book.

Congrats Nancy and Logan for mastering this skill today during our lesson. We practiced with hotdogs 🌭 and pecans 🌳 as a distraction.

-or-treat

09/22/2021

Today is the 1st day of fall. Although we may welcome these cooler temperatures, this change in weather can get your puppy FrIsKy. Here are some tips to help:

* Variety is a spice of life and will keep your puppy from getting bored with toys
* Do a little prep work - have some toys or mental enrichment items available and ready so that when your puppy gets into a frenzy you've got these to redirect effectively
* Make sure to have different textures and types of toys available. Note the options in the background of this video
* Also rotating through your toys and only having acess to 3 to 5 available at a time will help keep your pup interested and prevent the Christmas morning syndrome

Can't you just watch puppies play all day?!

Don't forget to give them naptime. Those are just as important as play time. Let me know if you have any questions in the comments.

See the comments for a link to these toys

09/21/2021

Getting ready for sleep and I wanna know...

How does your dog sleep?!

Did you know that an ADULT dog will sleep 12 to 14 hours?!

Depending on their age a puppy can sleep anywhere from 18 to 20 hours a day. Thank goodness!! But tell me why those 4 to 6 hours feel like they last forever! Especially in the teething phase.

Tag a new dog parent loosing sleep below. They probably feel like parents of a newborn and need support during a challenging time. Good thing puppies are cute huh?!

09/19/2021

This!

05/21/2021

Birdie goes on a loose leash walk

04/16/2021

Maybe you want to:
-teach a new puppy to lie down
-have your old dog learn new tricks
-stop your dog from jumping on people
-volunteer for a read with kids program with your dog

Here are some of the reasons why I have have helped people train their dogs over my 10 years.

Oh and believe it or not. They are still teaching me everyday.

03/27/2021

Excuse my poor video, but it shows all the important parts anyway.

Coco and Rusty have been working hard on:
*listening to cues more consistently
*settling
*decreasing their barking and excitement

Can you see the wheels turning? How about the good choices they make on the own? You know what I see? Thier 👀!
Eye contact is such a vital skill for a dog to learn.

Way to go boys!

03/06/2021

It's Friday so I'll start now. Each week I'll hopefully bring you a laugh or a smile to get you into the weekend.

Drop what kind of pup you have in the comments and I'll show you your pups cartoon. Don't forget to tell me if the description is true or false! Can't wait to hear.

Original artist:

http://little-tunny.tumblr.com/