PUPPIES & SOCIALIZATION PART 2
🐾 Raising confident, well-adjusted guardian puppies starts with smart socialization!
Yesterday I took Oslo to a dog training session just as an observing dog. My awesome trainer. Suzanne allowed us to attend just so that Oslo could get used to being in the company of other dogs. 
The key is positive exposure from a safe distance - let's call it the "observe and reward" method.
Start by finding a quiet spot where your pup can watch other dogs play from afar. Let them process new sights and sounds at their own pace, rewarding calm behavior.
Gradually decrease distance as they show comfort. This is especially important for breeds like Mastiffs who need thoughtful socialization to become the steady guardians they're meant to be.
Remember: Quality over quantity!
Short, positive experiences are better than overwhelming situations. Your pup will thank you with balanced adult behavior.
Do you have any questions about how to socialize mastiffs or other guardian breeds? Comment below!
🐾🐶🐾
#DogTraining #PuppySocialization #MastiffLife #RaisingGuardianDogs #PuppyDevelopment
My puppy Oslo enjoying his homemade pre-Xmas frozen treat of sweet potatoes, banana, peanut butter and Greek yogurt in a @mywoof pupsicle ❤️🥰🐾 Great for teething pups, and keeping them occupied for a while :)#healthydogtreats #boerboelpuppy #mastiffsofig #enrichmentfordogs #holisticdoghealthcoach #petwellness #puppylife🐾
Yesterday we took part in a scent work trial competition with my dog Tofu, and we brought Oslo (my new puppy) along so he could meet people and be out in the big world.
It struck me what an amazing bonding experience scent work training is with your dog. You really have to be in tune with them, something often miss in today's "quick and easy" world.
The same goes for cooking for your dog.
When I started preparing fresh meals for my dogs, I never expected it would transform our relationship the way it has.
There's something profoundly beautiful about knowing exactly what goes into their bowl – lean proteins, vibrant vegetables, and wholesome grains, all carefully chosen to support their health. No preservatives, no mystery ingredients, just pure love in every bite.
The change in their energy is incredible – a shinier coat, brighter eyes that light up at mealtime, and an enthusiasm for life that makes my heart burst.
But it's more than just physical health. It's about the ritual we share.
Every time I chop and prepare their meal, they sit patiently by my feet, their tail gently wagging. Those soft brown(and grey!)eyes follow my every move, filled with trust and anticipation.
In these quiet moments, the bond between us deepens.
They know – they absolutely know – that every ingredient is chosen with care, every portion measured with love.
For those wondering if it's worth the extra time: the joy in their first excited sniff of a freshly prepared meal, the gentle nudge of appreciation against your leg, and knowing you're giving them the absolute best – it's priceless. ❤️
It's not just about feeding them; it's about nurturing their soul as much as their body.
To my fellow dog parents: consider taking this journey.
Your best friend deserves nothing less than your best, and trust me, the love you put into their bowl comes back to you tenfold. ❤️🐕
Don't know where to start? Grab my new e-book Canine Culinary Bliss which has over 16
Oslo’s first visit to a store
Today was Oslo’s first visit to a store – we went to the local pet store to get him a sweater because it’s freezing in New York right now.
Socializing puppies from the start is super important. Especially mastiffs, who, as guard dogs, tend to be naturally skeptical or reserved towards other humans other than their immediate family. The last thing you want is a shy mastiff!
Oslo did really well, although naturally a bit timid in the beginning, it’s important to give him the time needed to adjust, because he arrived from Indiana, where he was living in a very rural area compared to the urban scenario he will be living in with us with all the noises, situations, people and noises that come with that.
Imagine a creature coming from a different planet trying to get adjusted to their new home. That’s kind of what it’s like for puppies. You need to teach them everything and show compassion and have patience!
Are you a new puppy parent who are wondering how to best raise your new fur baby?
Check out my new holistic puppy wellness package in the comments that covers everything you need to know to raise a healthy, happy and well balanced puppy.
#holisticpuppywellness #newpuppyparents #mastiffpuppy #boerboel #nachoaveragedoghealthcoach
Welcome December! This month is filled with holiday parties, shopping, cleaning and decorating. You haven’t forgotten about your pets have you?That’s why Melissa of @calmingcreekhealing and I are throwing a very special virtual party for people and their pets on Sat Dec 14th - baking, cocktailing and talking all things “Holiday 101l for pets!IMPORTANT: today #cybermonday2024 Dec 2nd is the LAST day to claim $10 off the ticket price so don’t wait!🔗 to register in bio. Hope to see you there!!#holisticpetparty #holidaypartyforpets #letsmeetupvirtually #dogandcatloversunite #partyinyourPJS #holistichealthcare
So grateful to have been able to “set up shop” inside Stinging Nettle Apothecary in beautiful Catskill, NY today for an afternoon of chatting with customers about how they can use herbs for their dogs’ skin and joint issues!
Isn’t Stinging Nettle Apothecary ‘s shop gorgeous?! And so many amazing products, for both humans and now - canines!
Make sure to stop in or check out their website (they ship!)… looking forward to continued collaborations with this wonderful establishment.
Thank you Pat and Charles for welcoming me today! 🙏🌱💚🐾
#herbalistlife #canineherbalism #holisticpethealthcoach #nachoaveragedoghealthcoach #catskillny #supportsmallbusinessowners #caninehealth
Nacho
I’ve been dreading this day for months, and now it’s finally here.
Today is the 1st anniversary of my baby Nacho’s passing, Halloween of 2023.
My favorite holiday turned into a nightmare. I have been thinking of what to write about this day, and how I feel, but it all feels so impossible, so overwhelming and so incredibly heartbreaking.
As I have been trying to process my grief and focus on how beautiful life can be, his untimely and shocking death is a constant reminder of how ruthless life can be too, and how devastating it can be if you allow your heart to burst open and be blessed with meeting a being so pure, so loving and so incredibly life-changing.
As I’ve shared many times before, equally heartbreaking are people’s well-meaning but not always well-received sentiments that ‘I have my memories’, that ‘time heals all wounds’ and perhaps the trivialization of losing a dog, versus if I had actually lost a human child . One day I will get “over” it and things will go back to “normal”.
But things will never be back to normal, not now after 1 year, not after 10 years or if I’m blessed to live that long, decades later. Because my boy was so special and made such an indescribable impact on my life, he keeps ripping my heart open again and again, when I am reminded that he is no longer here in the flesh.
As I write this and tears are streaming down my face, I’m wondering if the ruthless pain will ever stop, if I’ll ever feel different.
Something happened when I met Nacho. He was an angel sent to me just as I had already experienced an indescribable loss when my puppy Miso died in front of me in a choking accident.
Nacho’s purpose on this earth was to save me from jumping off the nearest bridge not knowing what to do with myself, and it evolved into what he has shown me today: my life’s purpose of helping other pet parents who love their dogs (and cats) as much as I love my own animal companions.
He made me see t
I’ve been dreading this day for months, and now it’s finally here.
Today is the 1st anniversary of my baby Nacho’s passing, Halloween of 2023. My favorite holiday turned into a nightmare. I have been thinking of what to write about this day, and how I feel, but it all feels so impossible, so overwhelming and so incredibly heartbreaking.
As I have been trying to process my grief and focus on how beautiful life can be, his untimely and shocking death is a constant reminder of how ruthless life can be too, and how devastating it can be if you allow your heart to burst open and be blessed with meeting a being so pure, so loving and so incredibly life-changing.
As I’ve shared many times before, equally heartbreaking are people’s well-meaning but not always well-received sentiments that ‘I have my memories’, that ‘time heals all wounds’ and perhaps the trivialization of losing a dog, versus if I had actually lost a human child . One day I will get “over” it and things will go back to “normal”.
But things will never be back to normal, not now after 1 year, not after 10 years or if I’m blessed to live that long, decades later.
Because my boy was so special and made such an indescribable impact on my life, he keeps ripping my heart open again and again, when I am reminded that he is no longer here in the flesh.
As I write this and tears are streaming down my face, I’m wondering if the ruthless pain will ever stop, if I’ll ever feel different.
Something happened when I met Nacho. He was an angel sent to me just as I had already experienced an indescribable loss when my puppy Miso died in front of me in a choking accident.
Nacho’s purpose on this earth was to save me from jumping off the nearest bridge not knowing what to do with myself, and it evolved into what he has shown me today: my life’s purpose of helping other pet parents who love their dogs (and cats) as much as I love my own animal companions.
He made me see th
In store demo
Setting up for my first demo at Lilly's Natural Pet Store! 🐾🐶🐕
Teaching attendees how to make simple, nutritious treats for their dogs using fresh, whole ingredients plus high quality products from companies like @omaspride @carna4_pet and @greenjujukitchen and using the wonderful trays from @mywoof !
So much goodness here for your best friend!
Stay tuned for our next event scheduled for Saturday, November 16th!! 🐾🐶🐩🍏🥦🥕🍠
#caninenutritionist #holisticpethealth #homemadedogtreats #supportsmallbusinessowners #naturalpetfood #lillysnaturalpetstore #nachoaveragedoghealthcoach
Variety!!
One of the biggest, most common mistakes I see pet parents make.... not adding a VARIETY of food in their dog's diet!
Variety is the spice of life... also for our best doggie friends!
Tune in to listen to my quick thoughts on the subject
🙂 #caninenutritionist #caninechef #Holisticpethealthcoach #petwellness #dogsdeservethebest
