I am available for drop-in house sits. If you have upcoming travel plans and need someone to tend to your home, I am more than happy to help. I thoroughly enjoy these opportunities!
As Cabo and I played ball, we were interrupted by a mole. Cabo stopped, put his ball in his mouth, and watched. He never made a move. He stood there frozen for almost 15 minutes.
Well, we are ready for the rain. Ramona gets a digging pit for inside. The outside sand pit is closed for the Summer. It is time to dust off the enrichment toys and prepare for more inside play.
Achieving the Impossible: Jorja's Journey to Off-Leash Freedom
You have a dog, Jorja, full of exuberant energy, a powerhouse of a Boxer with a heart of gold. For almost two years, you and Jorja have dedicated yourselves to refining leash skills and mastering overall behavioral training. You have invested countless hours, patience, and perseverance into reaching an almost unimaginable goal—achieving "off-leash" walking status. It's a journey filled with ups and downs, but today, you stand victorious. This milestone is more than just a win; it's a testament to your unwavering dedication.
The Challenge
Training a large, energetic dog like Jorja is no small feat. Her powerful Boxer puppy energy can be challenging, and there were many days when you felt like giving up. Yet, each time you threw in the towel, you picked it back up, determined to start afresh the next day.
You committed to a training goal with your dog. You didn't rely on quick fixes or expect miracles overnight. You leaned into the training, heart, and soul because it's not just about "I" and "me" but about "we" and "us."
The Commitment
It takes dedication, consistency, and a willingness to step out of your comfort zone. It's about making those small, sometimes uncomfortable changes to achieve something greater.
Not everyone is willing to make those changes. Some guardians hesitate, unwilling to alter their routines or expectations. But you? You embraced the challenge. You committed to your dog's success and worked on it every single day. Because you understand that the more you practice, the better your bond and your dog's behavior will become.
The Victory
Today, you and Jorja have reached that coveted "off-leash" walking status. It's a moment of triumph, a reward for all those early mornings and late nights of training. And it's a journey that sets an example for new dog guardians everywhere.
By investing the time and showing dedication, you've not only improved Jorja's behavior but also str
Ramona the Brave
Ramona the Brave has grown up fast! She is just two and a half years old and sassy. She’s figured out all the enrichment toys, where to stash loose socks she “finds,” and how to disappear when it's time to put on her harness. She goes 100 mph, hits a wall, and is out. She gets up and does it all over again. What would life be like if there weren't any dogs? ❤️
Hunter is finally over the potty-training blues. He's on a schedule and working with house rules. We've started basic manners and polite walking. He's now testing the waters with his brother, the cat. I'm not sure if that's a good idea, Hunter. I'm keeping my fingers crossed. 😮
Do or Don’t Do
If you have seen 4 trainers yet nothing is getting better, what are you expecting the 5th, 6th, 7th ones to do?
Not every trainer is completely wrong. Sometimes, information is missing that requires more investigation (mostly unseen health issues), sometimes steps could be taken prior to others, and sometimes tweaks and adjustments are needed, but most basic information is right.
Trainers have shown you how to utilize better management.... "I just don't think that's fair really to crate her, tether her or contain her" (dog keeps biting visitors).
Trainers have shown you how to give meaning to the words you use to help your dog understand.... "Oh well I use this instead" (unconditioned words that aren't working because your dog has no idea what you're talking about).
Trainers have shown you how to get more value from using your dog’s food & toys.... "Oh well, we just like that she can eat when she wants & have toys whenever as well, so we just leave them out." (Devalues tools that are beneficial to your dog’s growth).
Trainers show you how to fairly modify your dog's behavior.... "Well, I don't feel comfortable doing that or carrying around food, always having her on a leash or using that tool." (Is what you're currently doing working? No. It's not.) "Well, we're just going to put her down."
Trainers are there to help you so you can help your dog. They can't make you do what needs to be done. You might want to do it because it's the best thing for you & your dog.
How about doing what your trainer told you to do the 1st time.
If you've worked with me, I’m sure you've heard me talk about sound prompts. When I came across this video, I thought it was a perfect example. By using a sound prompt, you create a unique sound that will get your dog's attention while preserving your dog's name and the cue you were working on. A sound prompt is a powerful tool. If you don't believe me, practice a sound prompt the next time your dog has a playdate or, when her nose is to the ground sniffing, or when she’s locked on a squirrel in the tree your standing by. Once you master the sound prompt, you will indeed be a true Jedi.
