Just a Leash Dog Training

03/26/2024

Everyone meet Mack! Mack is looking for a new home. His current owner has had some unbelievably hard obstacles thrown her way and understandably so, has decided to rehome Mack.
Mack is an almost 8 month old puppy who is neutered and all caught up on his vaccines. He is also up to date with his flea, tick, and heartworm preventative. If you guessed his breed combination to be German Shepherd and Border Collie, then you would be correct!
I have personally worked with Mack and although I haven't worked with him on leash training, I can attest that he is truly a very well behaved 8 month old pup. He is potty trained, kennel trained, and knows basic commands such as "come", "sit", and "down". He is currently working on his excitement jumping and the command "off".
So far, Mack has done great with socializing with other dogs. He would do well with another pup who has a lot of energy to play. He currently does not have a fenced in yard, and is used to going for walks to go potty. A fenced in yard would be the best security, however he would be happy either way.
His first birthday is on August 2nd and he would love to spend it with a loving family who understands the needs of his breed combination.
If you are interested in giving him a home, please reach out. If you are not, that's okay, too. But, please share this post so Mack has a better chance at finding his happy home.
Although his current owner is a client of mine, she will remain anonymous unless she chooses otherwise. Please refrain from using emojis that reflect your distaste in the idea of rehoming a dog. I'd also like to kindly ask to keep all negative comments to yourself or they will be removed. Rehoming a dog is already such a tough process.

If you are interested in adopting a dog, but feel Mack is not a great fit for your lifestyle, please reach out to your local animal shelter. There are so many dogs (and other animals) that would LOVE to have a warm, safe, and loving home.

Below, I have attached a few shelters from all over the Charlotte area. There are many other shelters and recues out there to choose from as well.

The Humane Society of Charlotte
1348 Parker Dr, Charlotte, NC 28208

Piedmont Animal Rescue
228 E Waterlynn Rd, Mooresville, NC 28117

Humane Society of Concord and Greater Cabarrus County
2010 Wilshire Ct SW, Concord, NC 28025

Gaston County Animal Care and Enforcement
1491 Business Park Ct, Gastonia, NC 28052

CMPD Animal Care and Control
8315 Byrum Dr, Charlotte, NC 28217

Cornelius Animal Shelter
19110 Meridian St, Cornelius, NC 28031

Humane Society of York County
19110 Meridian St, Cornelius, NC 28031

Humane Society of Union County
4015 Waxhaw Hwy, Monroe, NC 28112

Can't commit to adopting a dog? Fostering is another way you can help with low commitment. Generally, the rescues facility covers all of the costs of the dogs needs such as food, vet bills, etc.. The only thing you supply is a warm home and heart.
If you can't foster, that's also okay. Not everyone is in a position to add more responsibility in their lives and you shouldn't feel guilty for that.
I'd like to ask you to consider a donation to a shelter of your choosing. Even as little as $5 dollars can make a difference. In 2021, it was reported that Charlotte's population was 879,709. If each person could donate $5, over $4 million would go to shelters across the Charlotte area.
I know things have been tough for everyone financially. Times have been hard and not everyone has an extra $5 to spare. If you cannot donate time or money, please don't feel guilty. But I do ask you to consider sharing the post. When you see a rescue or foster group post on your feed, think about the impact that those three seconds you took to share the post could make on that dogs life. The three seconds you took to share the post could potentially help that dog find the home it has been waiting for and it was all because of you!
However you choose to help, please know that whether it was adopting, fostering, donating, or sharing a post, you contributed to saving a dogs life and that is such a selfless act and I want to thank YOU! ❤️

02/08/2024

How often are you supposed to trim your dogs nails?
- Every 3 days?
- Every 3 weeks?
- Every 3 months?
The answer is every 3 weeks for the average dog. Some dogs nails grow faster and others, slower. But, 3 weeks is a good practice.
Your dogs nails have a blood supply in them, called "quicks." These are painful if cut and cause a lot of bleeding. Unlike humans fingers and nails, a dogs quick will continue to get longer to help support the nail and keep it strong. This is so dogs can get better grip in the ground without their nails breaking. If the quick gets too long, your dogs nails are harder to trim back. If you notice your dogs nails are too long, trim every week or two. This will help the quick to recede over time. This process does take awhile to accomplish. The other option, which is very painful and costly, is having your vet put your dog under anesthesia and trimming your dogs nails to an appropriate length. This will require pain medication after, as well.
Now, you know! Every 3 weeks is the best amount of time between trims.

Tip: I prefer nail clippers over grinders. The grinders often make loud sounds and scare the dogs more.

Photo Credit: Tractive

01/21/2024

With so many dogs, we get asked how often we have to vacuum. And truthfully, it's once a day, sometimes twice. There's a lot of hair and dirt that comes into our house.
Bissell has always been my favorite when it comes to vacuums. We have tried so many different vacuums (seriously more than 10 different types), and the Bissell Surface Sense is my favorite.
It can automatically tell the difference between a carpeted area vs a hard floor and turns on and off the brush roller. This vacuum also has a super long plug in cord and hose. The best part is the suction. This thing pulls hair into it from over 12 inches away.
If for some reason it gets a clog, it is so, so easy to disassemble.
I dont think I will ever own another one. This is by far the best investment we have made for our house.

I was not sponsored to say any of this. Bissell will likely not even notice this post, but as a dog parent, I feel it is my responsibility to share what works for our crazy household. ❤️

01/08/2024

Bring in the New Year with new savings! You read that right! If you book before January 31, 2024, the 7 Day Program is only $600 instead of the normal $800!
Help your dog conquer their New Years resolution of being trained! 😉

This sale is only for new bookings only.

11/27/2023

Christmas is a popular time for puppies to be gifted. Why not complete the gift with an in-home training package?

There are only 6 spots available currently. Message me for more information on how to book!

Don't have a puppy, but are interested in training? Shoot me a message! I have additional packages available.

*To qualify for a puppy package, your dogs must be 12 months or younger.*

10/29/2023

Only a few days left to secure this discounted rate. I currently have my books open for 2024 and I have customers booked for April, June, July, and September already. As of November 1st, prices will go back to their normal rates.
(7 Day Program is $825 and the 14 Day Program is $1400 outside of this sale.)
Message me to book! ❤️

https://www.facebook.com/100063640266758/posts/809695357828466/?sfnsn=mo

Stay and Train SALE! The holiday season is upon us!

This is when;
- people get puppies,
- family comes over and you realize your pup still has some work to do.

If you feel like your dog needs help, shoot me a message!

MORE INFORMATION BELOW ⬇️

The Stay and Train is a personalized plan that can cover any of the following:
- obedience,
- potty training,
- kennel training,
- behavioral work,
- leash training,
- socialization training.

* No treats are used for training to ensure your dog is listening to YOU and NOT the treat. This helps the training last long term!
* In-home environment which allows your dog to feel his/her most comfortable and we can accomplish more training!
* Drop-off/pick-up is included to help make the most of your time and ensure your dog is not worried about you leaving them
* Regular updates and pictures through the app
* One client scheduled at a time to ensure the most one on one interaction
* One full session (one hour) when the training is over, followed by lifetime support

All you need the week of:
• food dish
• food
• leash
• crate/Kennel
• proof of up to date vaccines (Rabies, DHLPP, Bordetella required. Influenza is optional.)

Still interested? Send me a message and let's chat!

AND if you have made it this far, if you book by October the 13th, you'll receive 20% off your next Boarding with us! 🎉

How do you know if you're dog is eligible?
Your dog must be:
- Up to date on vaccines at least 48 hours prior the the visit.
- Friendly with dogs.
- Friendly with children.
- Puppies must have their final round of DHLPP to get started.

10/14/2023

3 spots remaining for the rest of 2023!

Thank you to all that have booked already! ❤️

Stay and Train SALE! The holiday season is upon us!

This is when;
- people get puppies,
- family comes over and you realize your pup still has some work to do.

If you feel like your dog needs help, shoot me a message!

MORE INFORMATION BELOW ⬇️

The Stay and Train is a personalized plan that can cover any of the following:
- obedience,
- potty training,
- kennel training,
- behavioral work,
- leash training,
- socialization training.

* No treats are used for training to ensure your dog is listening to YOU and NOT the treat. This helps the training last long term!
* In-home environment which allows your dog to feel his/her most comfortable and we can accomplish more training!
* Drop-off/pick-up is included to help make the most of your time and ensure your dog is not worried about you leaving them
* Regular updates and pictures through the app
* One client scheduled at a time to ensure the most one on one interaction
* One full session (one hour) when the training is over, followed by lifetime support

All you need the week of:
• food dish
• food
• leash
• crate/Kennel
• proof of up to date vaccines (Rabies, DHLPP, Bordetella required. Influenza is optional.)

Still interested? Send me a message and let's chat!

AND if you have made it this far, if you book by October the 13th, you'll receive 20% off your next Boarding with us! 🎉

How do you know if you're dog is eligible?
Your dog must be:
- Up to date on vaccines at least 48 hours prior the the visit.
- Friendly with dogs.
- Friendly with children.
- Puppies must have their final round of DHLPP to get started.

10/06/2023

Stay and Train SALE! The holiday season is upon us!

This is when;
- people get puppies,
- family comes over and you realize your pup still has some work to do.

If you feel like your dog needs help, shoot me a message!

MORE INFORMATION BELOW ⬇️

The Stay and Train is a personalized plan that can cover any of the following:
- obedience,
- potty training,
- kennel training,
- behavioral work,
- leash training,
- socialization training.

* No treats are used for training to ensure your dog is listening to YOU and NOT the treat. This helps the training last long term!
* In-home environment which allows your dog to feel his/her most comfortable and we can accomplish more training!
* Drop-off/pick-up is included to help make the most of your time and ensure your dog is not worried about you leaving them
* Regular updates and pictures through the app
* One client scheduled at a time to ensure the most one on one interaction
* One full session (one hour) when the training is over, followed by lifetime support

All you need the week of:
• food dish
• food
• leash
• crate/Kennel
• proof of up to date vaccines (Rabies, DHLPP, Bordetella required. Influenza is optional.)

Still interested? Send me a message and let's chat!

AND if you have made it this far, if you book by October the 13th, you'll receive 20% off your next Boarding with us! 🎉

How do you know if you're dog is eligible?
Your dog must be:
- Up to date on vaccines at least 48 hours prior the the visit.
- Friendly with dogs.
- Friendly with children.
- Puppies must have their final round of DHLPP to get started.

08/09/2023

A whole year has gone by since I officially stopped my Stay and Train program and the messages have not stopped coming in.

I am pleased to say that STAY AND TRAINS are BACK! (Keep reading for information.)

I have had a lot of people request the Stay and Trains come back and it has killed me to have to say no. I have decided to bring the program back on, but at a much slower rate as I still want to be available for my family, but I also want to be able to help those who need it.

I will only be taking on one Stay and Train per month. This means I will book up quickly unfortunately, but it is needed to be able to maintain being present in my family.

I will still be doing regular boarding for all of my clients as well.

Message me for information on booking! ❤️

⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️

Information on Regular Boarding:
-$35/Calendar Day
-Up to date vaccines
-Frequent updates
-Drop off & Pick up between 7am-7pm.

Information on Stay and Trains:
-Boarding overnight during the program
-Training tailored to your dog
-Frequent updates
-Home environment
-Pick up and drop off included
-One hour session w/ materials
-7 Day Program is $825 total
-14 Day Program is $1400 total
Types of training offered:
-Potty Training
-Leash Training
-Crate/Kennel Training
-Obedience Training
-Behavioral Training
Items Needed:
-Crate/Kennel
-Food Dish
-Food
-Leash
-Up to date vaccines
-Anything else you'd like to pack
Pick Up and Drop Off Times:
9am-4pm

07/28/2023

Hemlock Water Dropwort has been found on both Murlough and Millisle beaches, and it is vital that dog owners are aware of the dangers of this plant.

Also known as Dead Man's Fingers, or Poisonous Parsnip, the roots of this plant are extremely toxic to humans and animals, with deaths reported less than 20 minutes after the plant has been eaten by dogs.

One of the most dangerous indigenous plants of our country, the Hemlock Water Dropwort plants grow naturally in coastal areas and wetlands, and stormy conditions often expose the poisonous roots.

It is of utmost importance that dog owners, horse owners and parents do not allow their pets or children to come into contact with the roots.

Although we've only seen this reported at only these two locations so far this year ,it is expected that the Poisonous Parsnip will be found at various other locations in the next few days.

If your pet eats even the smallest amount of this plant, seek veterinary attention immediately. We recommend keeping dogs on leads, if it is not possible to avoid the area, especially if they tend to pick up and chew things they find when out on walks.

Credit: Pet Connection

06/01/2023

Fireworks, for many dogs, is terrifying. Fireworks tend to happen on or around Juneteenth (June 19th), July 4th, and New Years Eve. They may happen a few weeks before or even after the holidays.
As dog owners, the most important thing you can do to help you dog, is to be prepared.
While we have many wonderful vets in the area, the vets only have so many open appointments between now and those dates. Additionally, if your dog needs medication, they may only have so much medication before you may need to go to your local pharmacy or order from an online pharmacy (which could take a week or two to receive.)

Waiting until the week before will do NO ONE any good. So call your vet today to make an appointment. Not sure how much your appointment might cost? Ask them to give you a quote if you need to save up for it.

Over the next few weeks, I will be putting out a large number of posts regarding Fireworks and the effects they have on dogs and what you can do to help them.

Call your vet, today! ❤️🤍💙

05/31/2023

We just wanted to share something that one of our clients brought in. This is why we always advise to be extremely cautious when purchasing products online for your pets.

This person ordered what they thought was Simparica Trio. The picture on the website looked just like the legitimate product. What the owner actually received is in the second picture. He also mentioned that he tracked his package and it shipped from China.

We brought this to the attention of our Simparica Trio representative and he advised us that this is not a legit product and it should absolutely not be given to any pets.

If you find a product at a super-cheap price, there is a reason for it. 😕

This was from South Mill Veterinary Clinic. I unfortunately wasn't able to share it to this page, so I copy and pasted everything.

05/29/2023

❤🤍💙

05/14/2023

Happy Mothers Day to all of the mothers out there!

05/13/2023

Dog mom's, today is your day!
Celebrate your hard work, dedication, and unconditional love! 🐶

05/10/2023

Dog Photo Contest!

*Click on the photo for full details.*

Post your dogs picture in the comments and the person with the most likes on their photo comment wins a free 3 night, 4 day boarding!

Like and share the post with your friends to get their help!

**Contest Cut Off Date: May 23, 2023**

05/05/2023

Supporting small, local businesses not only helps your neighbors, but it helps to keep your neighborhood full of diversity!
Keep your neighborhood beautiful by supporting local, small businesses!

Drop your small business info in the comments!


#

04/27/2023

I, unapologetically, spend a lot on dog toys every month. It's too hard not to, ya know?
So while I do still go out and get toys for the pups, I LOVE getting my BarkBox subscription each month. And even more, my dogs love it too! We get packages delivered all the time, and they ALWAYS know which one is the one for them.

I'll put my link below for you to sign up, but for now let me tell you about it if you haven't heard.
•You can choose the size of toys you want based off of the size dog you have.
•You can list allergies that your puppers may have.
•You can do the superchewer box for the dogs that need extra tough toys.
•You can add toys and treats to each box if you want before they ship it.
•They have the most adorable themed boxes!
•They are affordable! Our box is $35 each month unless we add more to it!

Pictured was our box this month for April!

If you haven't tried it and are curious, use my code and you will get DOUBLE THE GOODIES!

https://share.barkbox.com/x/9QwYqm

04/20/2023

Show me your silliest pup photos!

This is how Duke likes to lay... with a smile! 😊

04/19/2023

If you like to travel to the beach with your pup, this one's for you!

A lot of people LOVE bringing their dog to the beach! The new environment gets them excited and brings joy to everyone. However, there are some dangers to keep an eye out for;

🏖 The biggest is assuming your dog can swim. A lot of people think that all dogs are born to swim. This is not the case. In fact, I had to train our Chocolate Lab, Odin, to swim and he was bred for water retrieval tasks!

🏖 Next up comes strong tides and big waves. We all have been out in the water and all of a sudden knocked off of our feet a little when a big wave comes crashing in. Your dog may be a great swimmer, but they can still get swept under very easily.

🏖 Salt is a known trait of the ocean waters, but too much salt can cause salt poisoning to your dog and can cause serious health issues. To avoid your furry friend drinking too much salt water, bring PLENTY of fresh water and keep it readily available during your play time.

🏖 Some beaches have a tendency to have more dead fish along the shoreline than others. Keep a close eye on what's lying around to avoid your dog eating a dead fish that could contain deadly toxins or at best, make them super sick the rest of your vacation.

🏖 Seaweed has been shown to have wonderful vitamins for people and dogs. However, dried up seaweed on the beach can swell up in your dogs stomach and intestines and cause an obstruction only an emergency vet would be able to help with.

🏖 Palm oil is incredibly dangerous for dogs and unfortunately has a strong likelihood of being present on beaches. If swallowed, it can cause a lot of vomiting and diarrhea leading to possible dehydration.

🏖 It is well-known that where there's water, there's likely fishermen. And where there's fishermen, there's fish hooks. Keep an eye out for them, but I dont think I need to elaborate much on this topic.

🏖 Foreign objects are a sad truth to today's oceans and unfortunately dogs are prone with the urge to fulfill a temptation. As stated above, keep a look out and make sure your dog doesn't have access to any objects that you did not bring for your dog.

🏖 Speaking of eating. We have all seen a video or two of puppies licking sand for the first time and instantly regretting it. What if I told you that there are some dogs that don't care about taste and will just eat things to eat them? That's right. They will just eat sand for the fun of it. But it's not so fun later when they have a sand impactment that now needs taken care of at a vet hospital. As cute as it may be to watch and giggle, avoid letting your dog eat sand.

🏖 Since we are on the topic of sand... You know how you see lots of warnings during hot days to not let your dog walk on hot pavement? The same goes for the sand. If you can't leave your bare feet on the hot sand (or pavement) for more than 10 seconds, then it is too hot for your dogs. Trust me, you don't want to have to carry them around everywhere because they have bloody paw pads. Not to mention the amount of care and time it takes to heal those paws.

🏖 When your hear burning or stinging pain, the word 'Jellyfish' may come to mind. Some parts of the ocean are more prone to them and just like you, your dog can get a severe sting from one of them. And note, that if your dog experiences trauma at the beach, it is highly likely they will never want to experience the beach with you again.

🏖 Just like us, dogs can get overheated and can easily become overexerted. Beach time is a lot of fun, but at short intervals. I generally don't even have my most active dogs at the beach for longer than 30 minutes at a time.
🏖 And lastly, it may come as a surprise to you, but be cautious of sunburn. Yes, you read that right. Even dogs with long hair can get it. Be sure to keep your dog out of long exposure to the sun to avoid them having the terrible experience of a sun burn.

A few extra tips;
-never use a retractable leash at the beach. Apart from all of the other reasons I hate them, sand can build up in the stopping mechanism and it can break or malfunction.

-always bring plenty of water

-bring lots of dog waste bags

-check the local beach laws on if the permit dogs or not. Some allow them during certain seasons/times/days/etc.

👋 I hope everyone enjoyed their Spring Break! We just got back from our vacation so I apologize that there wasn't much movement on the page.

04/09/2023

04/07/2023

First question; is your dog digging?

Second question; is your dog a working dog?

Why did I ask the second question? Because working breeds are the most common to dig.

What are working breeds and what makes them more likely to dig than other breeds? Working breeds are breeds that were bred or purposed for heavy jobs such guarding livestock, police dogs, search and rescue, and hunters. They have a higher than average drive to have some sort of task each day. Working breeds that don't get a task, tend to become bored easily, and then try to stimulate their brain by finding a job for themselves... digging for treasure.

How do I stop the digging? The easy answer is give them a job. But it's more complicated than that. Working breeds need a daily job. This means every day. Not just on your days off. They need a high amount of mental stimulation Sunday-Sunday. Not to mention the amount of physical exercise as well.
The first step is to establish some sort of job. Don't live on a farm? Not a problem. Grab a leash, hook it on your dogs collar, and work with them at home with their basic commands. (Come, sit, down, shake, etc.) Do this for 15-60 minutes each day. When your dog starts getting tired, listen, and be done for the day.

What if I am too busy that day? That's okay. I understand more than anyone how hard it is to manage a job, a house, kids, and dogs. If there's a day you can't accomplish training, substitute training for some dog puzzles. You can get them online or head over to Dog Supplies Warehouse in Huntersville.

Bottom line, digging is a major sign your dog is bored and not getting the mental stimulation they need. Give them the effort they need and things will turn around after awhile.

Looking to purchase a working breed? Make sure you're up for the task. These dogs have high work ethic in their blood and won't retire until they are closer to 12 years old. That's 4,380 days of training you'll have to maintain to keep them satisfied and happy. If that's exactly what you're looking for, good luck and dog speed. 🐶

04/06/2023

Does your dog have trouble taking their medication? Let me help you and show you how we do it.

*Xylitol is poisonous to dogs. Please be sure to read all labels before giving your dog peanut butter.

03/23/2023

Let's talk kennels.

When you get a dog whether it is an adult or puppy, kennel or crate training is important for many reasons,

• To help with separation anxiety
• To keep themselves safe
• To keep your house from getting chewed on
• To help in potty training
• To help groomers contain your dogs when done
• To help vets contain your dog after surgery
• If your dog sitter needs your dog to be kenneled

What if I don't want to kennel train my dog?

All dogs should be kennel trained. However, once you have learned to trust your dog outside of the kennel, you can leave them out of the kennel at home. People who don't kennel train their dogs tend to have greater difficulty getting their dogs groomed, using a boarding facility or dog sitter, and your dog will likely have extra trauma if the vet needs to out them in a kennel after surgery or for overnight observation. This can cause your dog to become reactive and possibly bite your groomer, vet, or sitter.
Not all kennels or crates are made equal. To start with kennel training, I recommend using one that is similar to the picture. These are airline approved kennels as well so if you ever need to fly your dog somewhere, you're covered.

Kennels, like the ones pictured create more of a den-like experience for your dog. It is more enclosed making your dog feel like it is safe. A crate, which is a very open version of a kennel doesn't help your pup to feel secure. Most dogs prefer the kennel over the crate. They are more sturdy and more enclosed making them the best thing to use when starting out your kennel training journey.

What size should I get?

Start by measuring your dog while they are standing. You might need a second person to hold them so they don't wiggle. Measure from the tip of their ears to the floor, then from the tip of their nose to the tip of their tail. These are now the measurements you're looking for when purchasing your kennel. Likely no kennel will perfectly match your dogs measurements, but get as close as you can. It's better to size up a little than to size down. Your pup should be able to stand up completely and fully turn around comfortably.

To start your kennel training, place the kennel where you'd like to keep it from here on out. Place some treats or toys in there and keep the door open. Allow your dog to stroll in the kennel as they wish. Don't force them, but be on the lookout so when the go in you can praise them. Remember, let them take the lead on this.

If you'd like more information on kennel training, I have a document that is available for purchase for $10. Once you purchase it, it will be sent to your email and you can keep it for your current and future dogs.

Happy Training Everyone

03/19/2023

Did you nose the facts?

👃Dogs have up to 300 million olfactory receptors in their noses? Humans only have about 120 million.

👃A dog can wiggle its nostrils separately from one another while humans can not.

👃 Dogs are able to smell substances at one part per trillion. Basically one drop of liquid in a pool the size of 20 Olympic pools.

👃 Dogs' noses also function quite differently than our own. When we inhale, we smell and breathe through the same airways within our nose. When dogs inhale, a fold of tissue just inside their nostril helps to separate these two functions.

👃 When dogs exhale, the air comes out of the slits in the side of their nostrils. The exhaled air then circulates new air into their nose to breathe in new odors.

👃 Dogs have neophilia. A condition in which something or someone is attracted to new and interesting smells.

👃A dogs nose is as unique as our fingerprints are. No nose is exactly the same.

👃 Dogs can smell up to 40 feet below ground.

👃 Dogs can smell which way someone or something went by the ability to detect tiny reductions in the concentrations of odor molecules.

👃 The Hound Group of dogs has the best abilities to smell. The Working Group comes in quick to second place.

👃Dogs rank #4 in the best noses in the world. Following after elephants at #1, sharks in second, and bears being the third.

Did you nose any of those facts?