The Proper Canine Co

“Dopamine is not about the pursuit of happiness, it is about the happiness of pursuit.” -Dr. Robert Sapolsky • This couldn’t be more true. Understanding the connection between anticipation, effort, and reward by focusing on timing and intensity is crucial. While dopamine isn’t the sole influencer in a dog’s behavior, it plays a significant role. A basic understanding of dopamine dynamics can greatly benefit any training as it impacts a dogs motivation and learning processes for better outcomes and stronger bonds🤙🏼🖤

It’s been a minute since I posted some Envy obedience and figured this was a good way to get into the holiday spirit ✨🎄🐾❤️

Since I shared a little bit of Envy’s sport obedience last week I figured I’d share a bit of her protection training. We are hoping to compete in PSA (Protection Sport Association) which dogs are trained highly in obedience and protection. We still have a lot to learn but so far she’s looking great and showing me that she really enjoys game. Check the last clip, she wouldn’t be bringing it back to the decoy if she wasn’t having fun with him 🤩🥰😈🖤 If you have any questions about PSA or anything we are doing in the video don’t hesitate to reach out! Education is key with dog sports, especially like this 🤓

Took little Evil Envy to Lowes to work on our sport obedience around distractions and she did great! I haven’t shared much of our stuff here because she is honestly still feral outside of this type of work 😅 She is doing well with her bite work and I like her slightly naughty so that’s why she hasn’t been seen too much 😂🖤

**ADOPTABLE DOG** Carson is just the sweetest boy and everyone who meets him falls in love with him. Myself included and if I wasn’t already at my limit for dogs, this handsome boy would be added to my pack for sure. 🐾🤍 All inquiries for Carson can be made through Friends of the Plymouth Pound - All Volunteer, Non-Profit Organization

Wrapping up an amazing first week of on-leash training with Blue and Ozzy! These pups have been rocking it! 😎 We’ve focused on engagement, impulse control, and of course mastering those essential commands. Take a peek at the incredible progress they both have made in such a short amount of time! We are so proud of these two! 🤩🐾🖤

Just a quick food luring session with my girl. It’s been a minute since I posted her so here’s a little update. We have just been living! As much as I want to dive deep into all that is bite sports, I also needed to remember that she’s just a puppy and needs to see and be out in the world just learning how to dog. So we have done just that, with the occasional food luring sessions mixed in because she’s adorable and enjoys it 😆🐾🖤

I hope you didn’t think we forgot about Elsa! She also did amazing on her field trip to Tractor Supply, there were a few scary noises but she recovered well and got lots of compliments. We are so proud of this sweet and slightly shy girl 🤩😍🐾💛

Throwback Thursday to Cerberus heel command transformation - this boy came in a strong puller and left with more impulse control and a nice loose leash heel 🙌🏼😎🐾🖤

Calvin took a field trip to Tractor Supply and it was a success. We focused on honing his loose leash walking skills, mastering distractions, and fine-tuning his impulse control. Calvin impressed us all by maintaining his composure amidst numerous distractions. He truly proved his good-boy status! 😎🐾🖤

🐾 Beat the Heat: Protecting Your Pup from Heat Stroke! 🌞 As summer sizzles, it’s crucial to keep your furry friend safe from heat stroke. Here’s what you need to know to ensure their well-being during hot weather: 🔥 Heat Stroke Warning Signs: Look out for excessive panting, drooling, rapid breathing, red or pale gums, dizziness, weakness, vomiting, or even collapse. These are all indicators that your dog might be suffering from heat stroke. ❗️ What to Do: If you suspect your dog has heat stroke, act swiftly! Move them to a cool, shaded area immediately. Wet their paws, ears, and belly with cool (not cold) water. Place a cool, damp towel on their body. Contact your vet right away for further guidance and professional assistance. 🌡️ Cooling Down is Crucial: After intense training or playtime in hot weather, it’s vital to help your dog cool down effectively. Meet Calvin, who nailed the “down stay” after our morning session! Cooling down prevents heat stroke and keeps them safe. But remember, don’t rush to offer water immediately. It can cause bloating. Instead, let them cool off in the shade before crating or putting them in the car or car crate. 🚗 Keeping Them Cool in Transit: If you’re on-the-go with your pup and the heat is on, take precautions. Before loading them into the car or car crate, make sure they’ve had ample time to cool down in the shade. Use sunshades or window shades to minimize direct sunlight. Portable fans are another great option. Bring water and a travel bowl for hydration during the journey. Consider taking frequent breaks to allow them to stretch their legs and cool off. 💦 Stay Hydrated, But Be Mindful: Hydration is crucial, but timing is everything. Avoid offering water immediately after intense exercise or in hot weather, as it can lead to bloating. Allow your dog to cool down first before providing them with water. This way, their body can regulate temperature more effectively. First video: Calvi

✨Engaging and Exposing Your Puppy: Building Confidence and Adaptability✨ Engagement and exposure training are vital for raising a well-rounded and confident puppy. Recently, we took Envy, our 12-week-old pup, to Plymouth Waterfront to work on engagement and introduce her to crowds and noises. We combined fun obedience exercises with giving her the freedom to explore and experience the world. Envy had a great time and did amazing on this trip! This highlights the significance of exposing puppies to various environments, sounds, and experiences. Such early socialization fosters confidence, reduces fear and anxiety, and promotes positive behavior. Remember, exposing your puppy to new places and stimuli is crucial for their development. 🐾

🇺🇸💥 Happy Fourth of July from our original good boy, Bodhi! Coincidentally the only one of three of my dogs who will tolerate a bandana or holiday themed headband/glasses. 😆💥🇺🇸 We hope our PK9 family has a SAFE & HAPPY fourth! ♥️🤍💙

Started the day off right with Envy working for her breakfast! Hand-feeding meals is a great way to engage your dog and strengthen your bond. It’s also a useful training tool that can be done at any age. By hand-feeding, we’re able to reinforce good behavior, build a bond, and most importantly have fun with our dog. 🐾🖤

Impulse control is on point for these two 🤩🎯🐰🐾💛

Just some good boy heeling from Rex who has already signed up for our off leash program and we are so excited to continue to work with him and his family! Keep your eyes peeled for this handsome boys return in the next few months! 😍🐾🖤

Rex goes to Tractor Supply 🤩 This 6 month old pup is a total rockstar! We focused on his engagement and impulse control around all different distractions and he did great! 10/10 good boy Rex 😎🐾🖤

Rex’s reward for being close to perfect on our walk was some free time around the bogs, sniffing every blade of grass and chewing all the sticks 😆 10/10 good boy for Mr. Rex today 🤩🐾💙

Throwing it back on this cold & rainy Thursday to baby Molly and her favorite training toy 🥺🐾🩷

Bodhi here to remind you on this sunny Monday that the sky raisins are still spicy and you should not try to eat them. 🚫🪰🚫😂 He’s fine, it just didn’t taste as good as he wanted it to🐾🖤