The Proper Pup

The Proper Pup One-on-one private training sessions, Puppy Proofing, K9Fit classes, AKC Canine Good Citizen evaluations. Closed on Sundays

Where’s Dean the Dachshund? 😁🥰😁
07/07/2025

Where’s Dean the Dachshund? 😁🥰😁

Working with Deacon on his recent “interest” in the opposite s*x. 😁🥰🐶 Deacon is almost ready for THE surgery but he has ...
07/07/2025

Working with Deacon on his recent “interest” in the opposite s*x. 😁🥰🐶 Deacon is almost ready for THE surgery but he has started trying to get the attention of lady dogs by barking at them. Not the right way to say hello Deac! So, I brought my Roxy girl out to do a little “socialization” training.

When introducing two dogs from different packs, it is always best to reward calm and gradual exposure while not allowing the excited dog into the calm dog’s bubble too quickly. This isn’t necessarily a matter of safety but more about respect. Dogs who are strangers to each other, unlike the common misconception, do NOT need to meet nose-to-nose (or nose to tail) to “smell” each other. Deacon, in fact, smelled her from the parking lot! 😁 The lesson for him came when he saw her pass by with calm, non-reactive, energy… We started at a distance and gradually closed the gap between the two dogs. Once Deacon was giving quiet focused attention to Cliff, we were able to drop leashes and start doing some obedience work in close proximity. Like everything we do in training, this is a gradual process where we reward the behavior we want until it sticks! Deacon did so great at this exercise and Roxy loved her bonus walk in the park! Do you have a dog reactive dog? I can help with that!

Hey Proper Puppers! Here’s my annual reminder about 4th of July fireworks! 1. Give your dog access to a crate. They see ...
07/03/2025

Hey Proper Puppers! Here’s my annual reminder about 4th of July fireworks! 1. Give your dog access to a crate. They see it as a safe little den where they can escape the bombs exploding overhead. 2. Have more than 1 form of ID on your dog at a time. Tags, microchip, AirTag, info written on a piece of duct tape attached to the collar. If they are fearful they might slip the collar and run… make sure that there is a way to identify your dog even without tags! Also current photos on hand that can be passed around if your dog goes missing! 3. DO NOT assume that your dog is okay with fireworks and let them out during the explosive hours A dog who has never reacted before MIGHT react this time. Keep a leash and/or long leash, when outside, on your dog at all times during fireworks. Even if they have a great recall… they may not be able to hear you calling. A leash, especially a long leash, gives you a better chance of catching a nervous dog. I hope everyone has a great Independence Day! Take care of your puppers and be aware that your festivities may not hit the same with your doggo.

Week 2 of AKC STAR Puppy class for Dean the handsome Dachshund! We went to Lowes and worked on a loose leash heel, long ...
07/01/2025

Week 2 of AKC STAR Puppy class for Dean the handsome Dachshund! We went to Lowes and worked on a loose leash heel, long sits and downs, and formal recall. 🩷 I think he really likes the outdoor furniture section. Five 🐾 🐾🐾🐾🐾

Sweet Jack the service dog needed a refresher. All service dogs feel the pressures of our anxieties. Whether they’re wor...
07/01/2025

Sweet Jack the service dog needed a refresher. All service dogs feel the pressures of our anxieties. Whether they’re working to find cadavers, sniffing explosives, or being an emotional support to their human… dogs are the MOST empathetic beings on earth. Jack was feeling some major changes in his life and shutting down a little. I came in to remind Jack’s mom to give him a little light-hearted play. I think we could all remember to play a little more… we met at the Walker Co. public library and showed Jack that kids passing by weren’t a concern. He did such a great job tuning into his handler! We have to remember that reward is where dogs learn AND if you’re not having fun in training, your pup isn’t either. Do you need a little help enhancing your dog’s play?! I can help with that! DM me for more!

06/21/2025

Today Dean learned a lesson in patience. He loves to bolt out the garage door as soon as it’s open and give a hearty “Howdy” to the big wide world. I’m sure we can all see where this might be problematic. So my solution was to give Dean’s mom, Courtney, a “watch and wait” command. If your dog is a bolt and run kind of canine, they need to know that watching you is going to be more rewarding than an entire world of smelly delights just outside the door. Here Courtney is using her voice alone, no leash control, to keep Dean in the garage until she releases him. Pretty spectacular performance from this little guy! This is an advanced command that a lot of dogs never learn in their basic puppy obedience classes but here we are… week 1 of AKC STAR Puppy classes, and he’s doing it! The advantage of booking me, a one-on-one private trainer, is this… I won’t limit your dog to the basics. If your dog is ready, so am I! Are you interested in unlocking your dog’s full potential? I can help with that! DM me for more info.

Dean the Dachshund gets mislabeled all the time. He wanted me to tell you he is long-haired/wire-haired dachshund that i...
06/21/2025

Dean the Dachshund gets mislabeled all the time. He wanted me to tell you he is long-haired/wire-haired dachshund that is pure handsomeness and 100% Good Boy. Did I mention how much I love my job? 🥰😍🐶

06/17/2025

Working with service dog Deacon is always a lot of fun. He’s so great and loves to play along. He’s also always as excited to see me, and really anyone 😁, as I am to see him. Problem is he gets so excited that he sometimes jumps up… so how do we make that go away? We practice a “see me” (or watch me) command. This command encourages your dog to focus on you instead of the very interesting characters coming through the door. 🤣 No pets or lovins for the very adorable dog until all four are on the floor and he’s calm. Have you played some educational games with your dog today? If you haven’t, I can help with that! Cliff Howard

This is SO scary! I’ll go one further and say, don’t let your kid do this to any breed of dog, even when they’re not gro...
06/17/2025

This is SO scary! I’ll go one further and say, don’t let your kid do this to any breed of dog, even when they’re not growling! Stop it!

Service Dog Deacon being handsome as usual. 🩷
06/17/2025

Service Dog Deacon being handsome as usual. 🩷

Moe the Doodle is a special case. He has a lot of fear aggression. He is fearful of strangers and reacts when he feels u...
06/17/2025

Moe the Doodle is a special case. He has a lot of fear aggression. He is fearful of strangers and reacts when he feels uncertain. A lot of my clients come to me wanting to know the “why” behind their dog’s behaviors and Moe’s people are no different. The thing is… we will probably never know exactly why. But what I do know is that fearful dogs have developed a strategy to protect themselves. When they give every signal to people that they are afraid, and people don’t respect those boundaries, they take matters into their own hands. Something made Moe, before he came to his new home, decide that it was better to strike first. The beautiful news is that his people are committed to showing him that he is safe, protected, and loved.

The treatment plan for Moe, and all fearful aggressive dogs, is this… correct the fearful reaction and reward the quiet, calm, attention. This isn’t a quick fix. But with time, patience, and love, it’s completely doable.

Another note is this… muzzles are NOT a punishment. Muzzles are a tool to protect both dog and people. A tool to give aggressive dogs a second chance at living a balanced life. Moe, like all dogs, is seeking that balance. Moe’s people truly love him and want that balance for him too.

If you’re interested in helping a highly reactive dog in your life, reach out to me. I can help with that…

06/11/2025

Being able to trust your dog to stay put while you’re shopping is such an invaluable skill. Week 5 of AKC STAR Puppy classes for Cayde and he’s already showing an advanced level of trust and discipline. I love watching this special boy work! 🩷🐾

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