Calm Four Legged Followers

10/25/2024

As a member of the IACP, I was a little upset that I couldn't attend this year's conference as there were several speakers and people I would have loved to connect with or see.
Tom Davis definitely was one of them and what a great topic! Protecting your passion! ❤️
There is a lot of diversity out in the dog training world. I bet if you've looked into a dog trainer, you're quite overwhelmed with all the different techniques and which way you should go.
I totally get it! I really do.... It can feel very overwhelming and I understand that....
At the end of the day 99% of us dog trainers got into this profession because we truly love and care about dogs. Isn't our goal to keep dogs in their homes? Isn't it our goal to explain dogs to owners so they can communicate and live a happy life together? Aren't we supposed to be the advocates for dogs and maybe have tough conversations with their owners?
None of my goals include taking other dog trainers down because I don't agree with their techniques. That's where ego plays a huge role....
It should not matter if you're a positive only trainer or a balanced trainer as we all are contributing to the bigger picture!
Big shout out to all my clients that have found their ways to me! I know it's not an easy decision and I'm happy that all of them trust me to help them with their pups ❤️

10/06/2024

Rest in peace Gus! 💔

Today has been a very emotional day .... I received the news that Gus is no longer with us... For the past 6 years (almost 7) I have been doing a weekly outing for this boy.
In March 2018 my boss told me that this will be my first dog with serious behavioral issues (had several bites on people) that I get to work with. I remember being nervous because I would have to go in his house weekly to get him out.
Fast forward almost 7 years later and he has been the most amazing dog!
He taught me SO much! Not only when it comes to reading dogs but also, how thankful he was....
He was a dog that had to be managed for the rest of his life due to his behavioral issues. A lot of dogs like him don't get a home where they die of old age.... He did though! His owners adapted to that lifestyle and never had another bite. Huge shout-out to his owners!
Gus, THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart for teaching me SO much and for trusting me!
You were amazing in watching one of your household members grow up. You were patient when a new puppy called George was added to your pack. You were awesome when I had my own kid and had to bring him. You met many people when we were out and about. You were one of a kind!
I loved you as one of my own and I wish I would have known that last week was our last walk. I will forever be grateful and will forever remember you! Miss you already! 😢

10/01/2024

Please be aware that vets have seen an increase in the Parvo virus in dogs going around.
It can be deadly to some dogs, so please make sure to watch for signs of illness in your dog 🐕
Take them to the vet if you feel like something may be off.
Everyone stay safe 🥰🥰

08/26/2024

Happy National Dog Day ❤️

07/25/2024

These moments always fill my heart so much when training 🥰❤️

Send a message to learn more

07/08/2024

⭐ Training Tip Of The Week ⭐🐾

Did you know that your dog is supposed to actively rest for 16-18 hours per day?

As much as we emphasize training exercises and playtime with our furry friends, it's equally crucial to recognize the significance of rest and downtime in their routines. Here’s why integrating a rest routine is essential for effective dog training:

1. Mental and Physical Recovery:
Just like humans, dogs need adequate rest to recover from physical exertion and mental stimulation. Training sessions, walks, and playtime all stimulate their minds and bodies. Providing structured rest periods allows them to recharge, reducing the risk of burnout or exhaustion.

2. Consolidation of Learning:
Dogs process and internalize new commands and behaviors during rest periods. Sleep, in particular, aids in memory consolidation, helping them retain what they've learned during training sessions. This means that the lessons you teach during active training sessions are more likely to stick if followed by rest.

3. Behavioral Stability:
Dogs that are well-rested tend to exhibit better behavior. They are more attentive during training, less prone to distractions, and are generally more responsive to commands. A consistent rest routine can contribute significantly to behavioral stability and obedience.

4. Injury Prevention:
Overtraining can lead to physical strain and injuries in dogs, just as it can in humans. Rest periods allow their muscles and joints to recover, reducing the risk of strain or repetitive motion injuries.

5. Stress Reduction:
Dogs that have a structured routine, including adequate rest, tend to experience less stress and anxiety. Predictable rest periods provide them with a sense of security and stability, which is crucial for their overall well-being and behavior.

Keeping a dog in a hyper or active state of mind all day, creates a dog that will have a harder time settling down and may lead to behavioral challenges.

Need help incorporating a schedule? Reach out today for a free consultation!

07/06/2024

🐾🐶 Training Tips for Your Adorable Pup! 🐶🐾

Are you navigating the wonderful world of puppy parenthood? 🌟
Below are some essential tips to help you and your furry friend embark on a successful training journey:

1. Start Early: Begin training as soon as you bring your puppy home to establish good habits from the beginning.

2. Consistency is Key: Stick to a regular schedule for feeding, potty breaks, and training sessions to help your puppy learn faster.

3. Patience and Persistence: Training takes time, so be patient with your puppy and stay consistent with your training efforts.

4. Socialization Matters: Introduce your puppy to new people, animals, and environments early on to help them grow into a well-adjusted adult dog.

5. Keep Training Sessions Short: Puppies have short attention spans, so aim for several short training sessions throughout the day rather than one long session.

6. Redirect Bad Behavior: Instead of scolding, redirect your puppy's attention to a more appropriate behavior and reward that.

Remember, every puppy learns at their own pace, so celebrate progress and enjoy the journey together! 🐾💖

Follow and like my page for more tips 😁

07/04/2024

🇺🇸 HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!!!
See below tips for today and how to keep your furry friend safe!

🎆 Keep them indoors: Loud fireworks can scare dogs. Keep them in a safe, quiet room. If they are crate trained, keep them in their crate.

🚪 Secure exits: Ensure gates and doors are closed to prevent escape. When opening doors to go outside, check if your dog is secured.

🎶 Background noise: Play calming music or use white noise to drown out fireworks.

🐾 ID tags & microchips: Make sure your dog has updated ID tags and is microchipped.

🐕‍🦺 Potty breaks: Attach a leash to your dog for potty breaks.

💊 Medication: Extremely anxious dogs may need medication to help reduce the stress. Talk to your veterinarian about more information.

🐕 Exercise: Give your dog plenty of physical and mental exercise before guests arrive.

Let's make sure all our furry friends have a stress-free day!
Be safe everyone and Happy 4th of July! 🐾❤️

07/02/2024

🐾🐕 Does your furry friend react strongly to certain triggers, making walks or interactions stressful? 🐾 Understanding and supporting reactive dogs is crucial for their well-being and your peace of mind. 🐾

🔹 Reactive behavior can stem from fear, anxiety, or past experiences, and it's important to approach it with patience and empathy.
🔹 Recognizing triggers and creating a safe, controlled environment can help manage reactive responses and gradually work towards positive change.
🔹 Seeking guidance from professional trainers or behaviorists can provide valuable strategies and support tailored to your dog's specific needs.

🐾🐾 Remember, every dog is unique, and with the right approach and understanding, you can help your reactive companion feel more secure and confident in the world around them. Together, we can make a difference! 🐾🐕❤️

Follow and like my page for more tips 😁🙏


🐾🐕🏡

07/01/2024

Looking to improve your furry friend's behavior and create a harmonious relationship with your dog? 🐕🏡
Training and structure are key! 🌟

🔹 Consistent training helps your dog understand boundaries and expectations, leading to a well-behaved and happy pup.
🔹 Establishing a routine and providing structure in their daily life can reduce anxiety and increase their sense of security.
🔹 Positive reinforcement techniques can strengthen the bond between you and your dog while encouraging good behavior.

🐾🐾 Whether it's mastering basic commands or addressing specific behavioral issues, investing time and effort in training and providing a structured environment can make a world of difference for both you and your beloved pet! 🐾❤️

🐾🐕🏡

06/27/2024

🐾 **Benefits of Crate Training for Your Pup!** 🐾

🏡 **Safety & Security:** A crate provides a safe and secure space for your dog when you're not around, reducing the risk of accidents or getting into harmful items.

💤 **Rest & Relaxation:** Crates offer a cozy den-like environment where your dog can rest, relax, and have a place of their own to retreat to.

🚗 **Travel Convenience:** Crate-trained dogs are often more comfortable during travel, whether it's a short trip to the vet or a longer journey.

🐶 **Behavior Management:** Crate training can help with housebreaking, preventing destructive behavior, and establishing boundaries within the home.

👩‍🏫 **Training Aid:** It can aid in training your pup to be more independent, calm, and well-behaved in various situations.

🐾 **Emergency Preparedness:** In case of emergencies or natural disasters, a crate-trained dog may be easier to manage and keep safe. Especially when your dog may get lost or needs to stay at the vet, your dog will be crated.

🌟 **Overall Wellness:** When used correctly, crate training can contribute to your dog's mental and emotional well-being by providing a sense of structure and routine.

🐕 **Remember, crate training is a valuable tool that, when implemented properly, can provide numerous benefits for both you and your canine companion!** 🐕

If you need professional help with crate training, feel free to reach out!

06/27/2024

🐾🌟 Exciting News! 🌟🐾

Hey everyone! I am thrilled to announce that I am now offering virtual dog training sessions via Zoom! 🐶🖥️ Whether you have a new puppy in need of training or a dog with some behavior challenges, I am here to help you and your furry friend build a strong bond and create a harmonious relationship. 🐕💕

During our sessions, we will work on all of your goals and addressing specific behavior issues. All from the comfort of your own home! 🏡💻

If you're interested in learning more about my virtual dog training services or booking a session, feel free to send me a message or comment below. Let's work together to make your pup the best they can be! 🐾✨

06/22/2024

Perfectly explained as always!
All of my clients know about resources and how to control them 😁

06/21/2024

Absolutely agree! I have a child myself & two German Shepherds and we can only live peacefully together with rules & boundaries for everyone! 🙏❤️

Let's talk about this photo. It's cute, except it's not. I see a dog who cannot get up without telling the child to get off. How do you think a dog is going to do that?

The 7 Golden Toddler Dog Rules:
#1: If a dog walks away from you, you DO NOT FOLLOW.
#2: Always leave room for the dog to walk away from you.
---that right there is 90+% of dog bites eliminated---
#3: We do not climb on the dog.
#4: We do not grab or pull on the dog.
#5: We do not hit or throw anything at the dog.
#6: We do not touch the dog's food.
#7: We do not go into the dog's kennel.

I promise these are not overly difficult concepts for littles, nor will they rob a kid of their bond with the family dog. It will deepen that bond, while keeping everyone safe.

"Oh, it looks like Moose is walking away from you. She is saying she wants a break. Let's play with this instead!"

"It's Moose's dinner time! Let's give her space to enjoy her yummies."

"That is Moose's room(kennel) and only she is allowed to go in there."

"If Moose wanted a break, could she walk away from you right now? No she really couldn't. Let's move away from the play house. You can keep playing but now she can leave when she wants a break."

In conclusion, ***parent your child or your dog will do it for you, and you will not like how they do it.***

03/10/2024

Great experience to attend a workshop with Marc Goldberg, the CO author of the book "The Art of training your dog"!
Never stop learning 😁
Thank you Marc Goldberg and Heather Beck for having us and for all the knowledge you share with us! ❤️🙏🙏🙏

11/06/2023

Sharing some pictures of my shadow program at K9 lifeline in Utah! It's been a busy last few months and I'm barely getting to post but I went to further my education and got some more insight into opening a facility.
I attended a shadow program in 2018 and was able to do it on my own this time around in October 2023. Spent 4 full days around dogs, dogs and more dogs. Camels, Donkey and longhorn as well 😁
This was such an awesome experience this time around as I want to be able to run my own structured daycare. It's so important for dogs to socialize with each other!
Even got to walk a camel! 🤣 Body language and energy still applies to animals that huge! 😁
I learned way more than that and am so thankful for trainers like Heather that are so successful and humble at the same time! Sharing their knowledge and experience is gold!
I'm super excited to get this started in 2024 and help more people with their pups!
I have some more educational seminars coming up in December/January and am super excited to just keep learning more as I go 🥰

11/01/2023

Happy Halloween from us! 😁

10/21/2023

I'm back from vacation! It was a needed break in my home country Germany. Even though I was on vacation I had to help this dog Fanni. As you can see, she is wearing a calming cap. If you have ever heard of thundershirt and it helping dogs, this is the same concept just as a cap. It's supposed to help a dog calm down and use their nose more. Why you probably ask?
This girl was adopted and her history is that she was hit by a car and also was raised during COVID. She wasn't exposed to a lot of things as a puppy when it was important and she also was hit by a car that she luckily survived. Fanni completely loses it when she hears or sees a car and her owner has arthritis, which complicates things a lot for Fanni and her owner. The owner has worked with a different trainer who used a harness, treats and a lot of vocal queues, which resulted with the owner having a lot of pain in her hands due to the dog pulling. Due to the high value treats, her dog wouldn't eat for days almost up to a week and due to the constant vocal queues, the dog was even more excited and amped up to go on walks instead of focusing on her owner.
That kind of training may work for a lot of dogs, I support every trainer that truly wants to help dogs but sometimes it does not and creates more challenges than before
Fanni also has a hard time focusing on walks as a lot of things frighten her.
The sidekick leash and calming cap paired, make a perfect combo for both of them to work on creating confidence around cars and life in general.
This will be a long road for both of them to work on but the owner is SO dedicated, that I know this dream team will make it work!
Do you have a dog with any behavioral challenges? If so, hit me up and let's talk about a plan together 😁