Paws With Me K9 Enrichment & Training

06/23/2024

Come on out and join us on July 17th at Fox Run Mall in Newington!

Send a message to learn more

06/21/2024

We've all struggled with our dog from time to time. When we bring a dog into our home, we have expectations and those expectations don't always play out as we had planned.

Maybe your dog reacts to something and you find it silly, or maybe annoying or frustraing. Maybe they behave a certain way at a certain time that doesn't make sense to you.

Our dogs are more than "just a pet", they are family, for most! They are living, breathing, emotional beings and they have basic needs just like we do.

Take a peek at this course (link in comments). It just might help answer some of your questions and can help you understand the dog in front of you and learn a little more about their L.E.G.S (learning, environment, genetics, self).

And right now, you can get 50% off by using code SUMMER24

06/19/2024

Do you have a high prey drive dog? Do they try to go after critters, whether it's a chipmunk, squirrel, bird, bunny...?

Have you heard of Simone Mueller? No? You should definitely check her out! She just did a webinar "Frustration to Fulfillment: Transforming your Dogs Prey Drive into a Powerful Bond" (here's a sneak peek at her course)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=56YTv_rji4A

My husband called me yesterday (he's at camp with the pups while I'm home). He said Brutus has a cut on his face. You can imagine my reaction! What the heck is going on over there while momma's away?????

A mouse had the audacity to try to cross through their dog pen.

SURPRISE! There were 2 dogs ready to pounce! And when the mouse didn't come back, Brutus decided he would go get it. Ok, Ruby wasn't innocent either, but she's driven in a more calm manner, she decided to try to dig her way under the fence to go get it. Mind you, there is a wire fence in the way with plywood on the other side so they can't see the street.

My husband said Brutus took a few steps back and RAMMED the fence, trying to push his way through to get that mouse. And of course, after doing that a few times, you're going to get hurt one way or another. Fence 1, Brutus 0 he scratched his face on the fence 🤦‍♀️

06/19/2024

Sharing life with a sensitive dog dog is hard! Here are some tips on how you can help when you see someone with a dog that is struggling!

I spend so much time working with people and their reactive or aggressive dogs, learning how to help them and work with them, but I also try to show people with NON reactive dogs learn how they can help them too. I have both kinds, dogs who take things too personally (like eye contact from 100 yards away - ahem, Aslan) and dogs who think everyone needs a hug and a slobber (ahem, Andy). I truly believe if we work together as a collaborative society of dog lovers we can help every dog live their best life. Here are some things I try to teach every human and dog team, and I’ve actually found these are good preventative tools too.

1. Stop letting your dog have on leash greetings with other dogs. Even if they are friendly. Teach your dog when they are on leash you are the best thing they can focus on! This will minimize their conditioned excitement every time they see another dog and help them not pull, lunge or move towards a reactive dog who doesn’t want an interaction. Also, the more you do let your dog meet dogs on leash, the more frustrated and aroused your dog can get when they see them and then reactivity can develop. NO leash greetings all around is a much healthier way to teach your dog(s) that the world out there is great but you’re even better to focus on!

2. Silence your dogs tags. I started doing this a few years ago when we started camping. I realized that the jingling of my dogs tags walking was a huge trigger for many of the dogs in their campsite, and as a result, they would bark and scream profanity at my dogs walking. This made their walk stressful too. By minimizing the noise, I’ve greatly improved my dogs walks and I know I’ve also helped a lot of reactive dogs not get triggered for the umpteenth time that day.

3. Work on a bombproof recall. And then work on it some more. And then some more.

4. Only let your dog off leash in places that are allowed. Even if you think no one is there. Even if it’s just for a second. Just. Don’t. Do it. It’s not fair and it sets so many dogs and humans up to fail. Want a place to let your dog run? Look at Sniffspot.com

5. Respect muzzles, give me space vests, and people saying “no” It is super hard to take a reactive dog out in public and have confidence. The more we give space and respect the better these teams will do! Don’t make judgements or stare or insist on saying hello because you hope to be the exception. Just tell them they are doing a great job and keep going.

6. Don’t let your dog stare. This is a BIG one we work on in all our classes. We teach humans how to position their dogs so they don’t stare at other dogs. I work hard on teaching my dogs to not stare at other dogs on leash and you can too. This is more subtle than not leash greeting but it can be just as helpful. Teach your dog to acknowledge there’s a dog there, but then move on, or turn around and not face them. For many reactive dogs there is nothing more triggering than a goofy adolescent dog staring at them across the road. I swear they scream back “WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING AT?!”

7. Confine and safely manage your dog in the car. Dogs hanging out of windows, barking and lunging in the backseat, or moving back and forth in the car are problematic because 1. It’s not safe and 2. It’s teaching THEM terrible behavior and 3. It’s very stressful for reactive dogs trying to walk down the road. My dogs are crated in the car; or tethered or use a calming cap to reduce their own stress and the stress of dogs that may walk past.

8. Offer to help. Ask the person what you can do to make it easier or help them? More space? Or moving back and forth? Or just continuing on your way. Some people struggle to find others with NON reactive dogs to practice with, so having help makes a big difference. Speak up if you see someone putting them down. Warn someone with an off leash dog that there’s a dog there that needs space. Help them the same at YOU would like it if it was you and your dog.

Reactive dogs are not broken: and they aren’t abnormal either. Reactivity honestly is now becoming more normal than NON reactive dogs, so we have to all work through this together. And it boils down to respect, understanding, courtesy and lots of reward based training.

We can do it gang.

-Helen St. Pierre

06/18/2024

10 Important Tips in Dealing with Extreme Heat

HUMANE RESCUE ALLIANCE ADVISES PET OWNERS TO BE AWARE OF THE FOLLOWING:

1. Keep your pets indoors when temperatures are extreme and in the shade when they are outdoors.

2. Walk your pets early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid the hottest part of the day.

3. Give pets plenty of water to avoid dehydration. Ensure the water stays cool and avoid using stainless steel bowls, which can become hot. When you walk your pet or take your pet outside, carry water with you.

4. Never leave your animals alone in a parked vehicle. Temperatures in cars can increase rapidly and become lethal.

5. Animals with short noses such as Bulldogs, Pugs, Boston Terriers and Persian cats, are especially vulnerable in the heat. Dogs and cats cool themselves by breathing through their mouths, but those with flat faces cannot cool as quickly and need extra attention.

6. If your pet is panting excessively, drooling, struggling to walk, is lethargic, or has bloody diarrhea or vomiting, know that that these are potentially signs of overheating.

7. Windows in the home that are open should have screens. Pets can fall out of open, unsecured windows.

8. Be careful with dogs on asphalt in the heat. Not only are their paws sensitive but because their bodies are closer to the asphalt, they can overheat more easily.

9. As always, if you think your pet is in distress due to the heat, call your veterinarian as soon as possible.

10. If you are hot, your pet is too!

Send a message to learn more

06/16/2024

I have had a week to sit on this and still struggle with what to say!

After completing the L.E.G.S Applied Ethology Family Dog Mediation course in November 2022, I was on a mission to not only help other guardians, but be the voice of the dog, helping others view their furry companions in a different light, one that puts more emphasis on the dog’s wellbeing and their L.E.G.S (L- learning, E - Environment, G - Genetics, S - Self) and less on our wants and expectations.

I am beyond excited to share that I am now a LICENSED Family Dog Mediator in Support Services (LFDM-SUPS)!

Thank you so much to those of you who have been here through all of this and been such a huge support for me. I am so very grateful for this opportunity!

I AM proud to be a part of this!

06/14/2024

This is absolutely incredible! The connection between these 2 is impeccable. And to have a dog that can drown out the crowd and be so relaxed, even more amazing!

What tricks/fun things can you and your dog do?

06/10/2024

I spent a weekend away with people that have become family!

We always have a lot planned, and one of those things was a pintwood derby. It was my first (and not the best showing), although it didn’t go as planned, I will be back for more, have some work to do this winter.

And of course, dogs. A sweet pup named Amy joined us for the weekend, a stroll around town, we found this guy just taking it all in on a rainy day. And a big handsome fella Axle stopped by this morning while we’re all planning on where we were headed on the way home.

What kind of fun did you have this weekend?

06/05/2024

Success story!!!

This handsome fella came in very nervous first class. He was too unsure of the environment to really enjoy himself.

2nd class, he came in just a little more confident, now that he was familiar with the environment and with an easier session, increased his confidence even more.

Over the next 2 weeks, we increased the difficulty and he did an amazing job overcoming obstacles.

From not wanting to go in the pool to going all in, he did a great job!

Interested in attending with your pup? Give me a ❤️ in the comments for more info!

06/03/2024

Have you been looking for somewhere to take your pup for some fun? Looking for a variety of options?

Head on over Canine Connection on Saturday to check it out!

Unfortunately I will be away, so you won’t get to see me, but you’ll get to see the space where our classes are held!

Ever dream of an indoor dog park where you can bring your pup on rainy days? A place where you and your pup can mingle with fellow dogs & dog enthusiasts? Perhaps work with a trainer, or rent a dog-friendly space to throw the ultimate party for your furry friend?

We offer all of that and MORE at Canine Connection!

Stop by our indoor center on June 8th from 10 AM - 2 PM
to learn more at our GRAND OPENING!
125 Water St., Unit 2A, Laconia, NH 03246

Tour our facility between 10 - 12, plus enjoy scent demos with our partner, Doggonit Training. Meet fellow dog lovers and partners/vendors Doggonit Training, 603 Paws, Baked with Love, LLC, Homeward Bound Professional Animal Care, LLC, Clearly Balanced Days, TrulyMindful Co., 3 Biddy's Pet Treats, Basil's Boutique Bandanas and Pet Sitting Services, LLC, Paws With Me K9 Enrichment & Training until 2 PM.

We hope to see you (and your pup) there!

Learn more about Canine Connection: https://www.canineconnectionnh.com/

05/31/2024

I’m so excited to be celebrating 1 year in business! I year ago today I was officially a business in NH! Paws With Me K9 Enrichment & Training was born.

1 year ago tomorrow, I opened the door to my own space where I remained for 7 months!

I am so grateful for all of you who have supported me both personally and professionally! Without your support and assistance I wouldn’t be where I am today!

I have so much more up my sleeve, so buckle up!

Cheers to 1 year 🎉🎉🎉

05/28/2024

When you’ve had so much fun over the long weekend, sometimes you just have to put yourself in a time out 🐶😴🥱

05/23/2024

I hope you have someone in your life that looks at you like this ❤️ (FYI- there was no food involved 😂)

05/20/2024

Happy National Rescue Dog Day!

Believe it or not, both pups are from TX but rescued by different rescues.

Show us your pups and let us know where they are from!

05/18/2024

I’m in love! My babies are headed to camp next weekend, can’t wait!

05/18/2024

This is what it's like for our dogs when an unleashed dog approaches!

05/16/2024

If you sign up for a 1:1 class and we find that your dog isn’t interested, we pivot! I’ll try just about anything to make sure your pup will engage and they have fun!

Take this sweet 8yr old man. His momma signed him up for Pupstacle Fun (he used to LOVE agility). She wanted to bring some fun into his life.

He wasn’t interested. I got on my hands and knees and was able to engage with him. His momma said he’s not really a fan of people, but we became fast friends! He actively participated in some of the activities and it just warmed my heart!

Class #2 was different. Less agility more sniffing.

He definitely had more fun during the 2nd class and I’m thinking class #3 is going to be even better!

At Paws With Me K9 it’s all about the dog!

If your pup needs some time with no other dogs or people, let’s connect and bring your dog some joy!

05/15/2024

I definitely remember thinking , as I was creating this business, am I really going to start this at this age? My answer? HELL YEAH! This is my purpose in life (ok, this is 1 of 2 purposes) but you better believe I'm going to do all I can to help other people that are in a similar situation as me, and help others understand their pups better so they can live a more fulfilling life together!

Life is short, you never know when your time will be, like Nike says, JUST DO IT!!!

05/12/2024

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY 🐾❤️🐕

05/11/2024

Momma had a late nite last nite, didn’t get home until after 10, sat up with pups until after 11. They were stellar this morning letting me sleep in until 930! That’s unheard of (especially someone who doesn’t normally sleep well)!

Now, sunshine, coffee, music and birds chirping. Life is good!

05/09/2024

1 day closer to the weekend!

05/07/2024

Miss Gracie completed her Pupstacle Fun class last nite and boy was she a star! She's just a baby at 8 mos old and she sure is smart! Gracie and her mom had soooo much fun! It was such a pleasure to work with this family in providing some problem solving skills and increasing her confidence in working with "strange" equipment.

No matter the size or the age, we work at the pace of you and your dog to make sure you are both comfortable and you both are having fun!

05/05/2024

There are myths and truths about owning dogs!

Myth - you have to walk them!

Truth - you need to provide enriching activities, but that doesn't mean a walk.

Myth - you have to buy all these toys to keep them busy

Truth - you have items in your home that are GREAT at keeping them busy!

And the fact is, we don't have to spend money, we don't have to take them here there and every where, just sitting with them in the yard, watching and listening can be a great activity.

Walking them in the yard, letting them sniff all the things, can be a great bonding activity!

Take them for a ride, stop and watch the world go by, stop and smell the flowers.

All they want, is your love and attention. It doesn't have to come at a great cost.

Dogs are so great at reminding us to focus on the present, to stop wishing away our perfect moments with them, for want of something more.
They are there to remind us to practice gratitude for all we have now, because they are so incredibly good at doing that themselves.

05/03/2024

https://www.facebook.com/reel/807090577989415

05/03/2024

Today is my birthday! I was spoiled at work. And sure, I could have gone out to dinner to celebrate, but my poor boy 😫

We’ve been awake since midnight, I think he has an ear infection. He woke me up with his head shaking. So we got up and had some peanut butter lick mats so I could try to put drops in his ears. He wasn’t having it. We went back to bed but we weren’t getting any sleep.

Thankfully, I was able to get some drops in before I left for work, but this momma was tired and needed to snuggle her boy.

Vet appt tomorrow morning, hopefully we can get him back in shape soon.

05/02/2024

Working from home today and I heard quite a ruckus downstairs! I had no idea what I was going to find when I came downstairs. What is HE getting into now? 😡

Imagine my surprise when I found him lying on the couch 😲

I actually wondered if someone had broken into the house 😂

You can imagine my surprise when I saw Ruby having a ball with this box! I love that she loves doing this, and even more grateful that she doesn’t eat it.