Apex Canine Behavior & Training

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Apex Canine Behavior & Training

Seren Maxwell NH 🐾
|| In-Person & Virtual Services Available ||

Offering Training & Behavior Services For ▪️Reactivity ▪️Fear ▪️Aggression ▪️& More

12/30/2025

A Quick Bear Update 🐻

It’s been a little quiet here lately. I’ll share more about that separately, but for now I wanted to give everyone an update on Bear.

When Bear arrived, his world was very small - he spent the first 10 months of his life living in an outdoor kennel with no exposure to the outside world. Since his arrival in mid-September, our initial focus was on getting him medically stabilized. He was over 30 pounds underweight from chronic underfeeding, had double ear infections, hair loss and crusted ears, internal parasites, and had never received proper vaccines, preventatives, or veterinary care.
During that time we also focused on building predictability and establishing routines so he could begin to feel safe.

Now that he is feeling better we’ve started expanding his world. Below are some highlights of what we’ve been learning and experiencing so far (this is by no means an exhaustive list).

Learning:
• Life exists beyond the kennel and humans can be safe and consistent
• Walking on a leash, through doorways, and inside buildings
• Sleeping indoors, using blankets, and settling in a home
• Regular meals, proper nutrition, grooming, veterinary care, and potty training
• Wearing jackets, sweaters, and a harness
• Getting into a car and getting in and out independently

Firsts:
• Walking into the vet on his own
• Sniffspots and new environments
• Snow (huge fan) and “snow plow watching”
• An agility “jump” (walking over it)
• A puppuccino, a donut, and movie night (Toy Story)
• Playing fetch & tug.
• His first birthday and first Christmas

Bear is a very different dog than when he arrived, but we still have a long way to go. It’s critical that we move intentionally and thoughtfully through this process and not rush things, especially during this fragile stage. Predictability matters for him, so we go at his pace, always.

To his credit, Bear never shown any indications of aggression or reactivity (even when we had to put him in some compromising situations out of necessity). Bear tends to respond with FREEZE (trying to make himself disappear) or occasionally FLIGHT (only IF there’s a safe spot or person/me accessible). He is just a sensitive puppy learning how to feel safe in a world he never knew existed until now. Helping him find his courage and slowly expand his world has been incredibly healing for me too.

As always, I’m donating all of my time and professional services to Bear’s care. Supporting a case like his comes with ongoing costs, including medical follow-ups, food (we are almost out of food), supplements, and planning ahead for insurance, neuter, microchip, and gastropexy. If you’d like to help support Bear’s rehabilitation, you can do so by sharing our content, purchasing items directly from his wishlist, or making a donation via Venmo. Every bit of support, financial or otherwise, truly helps.

Thank you to everyone who has supported Bear along the way and helped make this possible.

Ps. We also have a few packages here for Bear that we’ll be opening soon and sharing videos of. I’ve been a bit behind on posting and intentionally stepped back from social media while focusing on day-to-day operations and making sure Bear’s needs were prioritized, but more updates are coming.

➡️ Amazon Wish List: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3N4U8PG96I2EK?ref_=wl_share

➡️ Venmo: https://www.venmo.com/u/apexcaninebehavior

“Saving one dog will not change the world, but surely for that one dog, the world will change forever.” 🖤

12/29/2025

Woody 🖤 February 2016 - December 2025 🖤

Woody-Bear, Woodman, Curly Wurly….

Woody was one of Brenden’s parents’ dogs, but I loved him as my own. Before Brenden and I moved into our new place, I stayed with his parents for a while and became very close with both of their dogs, Woody and Coach. Woody was one of those one-in-a-million dogs. He was just a simple guy, happy to be involved in whatever was happening. I’ve said many times over the past few years that if the world were filled with Woodys, there would be very little need for behavior services. The average family doesn’t need an intense high drive dog, they need a Woody (an easy, uncomplicated, friendly/social dog who just wants to be loved).

Woody was a professional snuggler who loved his scratchies. During the time I was there, he developed a habit of coming down the hallway to check in on me, something he’d never done before. The bedroom door wasn’t easy to open with the carpet, and Woody was such a gentle soul that instead of pushing it, he’d just stand there and wait for someone to notice him.

So, naturally, l immediately set to work teaching him how to open the door…

We started with lots of encouragement to nudge it little by little, and before long, he was confidently pushing it open in one big shove barging in like the Kool-Aid Man (which was even more comical given the fact he was basically a freight train of a dog). Coach benefited too, of course.

Woody would make a point to come in and say good morning every day, and he always made sure to check in at night before going to bed, too. We joked that it was for the cookies (I did keep a stash of special ones for him and Coach), but most of the time he just came in for love.

I taught both boys some new things like targeting, paw, spin, twist, and introduced them to scent work games as well. Much to everyone’s surprise, Woody ended up being the star when it came to scentwork. If food was involved, he was locked in. “No cookie left behind.”

I had many nicknames for him: Woody-Bear, Curly Wurly (for the curls on his head), and Speed Bump - because he loved to lay right in the middle of the living room/kitchen/mudroom/hallway intersection. I know part of it was because the floor was cool, but I also think he liked being able to keep tabs on all his humans.

Woody was often the first to greet me when I arrived, and Brenden’s parents would laugh at how he’d make the effort to get himself up just to say hello. And if he didn’t hear me come in? The thump thump thump of his tail on the wood floor when he realized I was there made my entire day.

He was just so happy to exist, and to be loved. He was a gem of a dog, and as I reminded him often, I’m sort of an expert when it comes to certifying good boys.

Unfortunately, his body started to fail him this year, and he began having seizures. While I knew the end was coming, the timing was unexpected. Unfortunately Brenden and I weren’t able to get there in time to say goodbye - so I suppose this post will have to serve as my last message to one of the sweetest boys I’ve ever known.

I used to tell him every day, “Did anyone tell you how handsome you are today? Did they remind you that you’re the goodest boy?”

I hope he knows. Thanks for everything Mr. Woody-Bear, we had a wonderful time, didn’t we?

11/06/2025

Just putting some feelers out there… I’m tentatively looking to hire a part-time employee. Immediate needs are admin type work (emails - scheduling - social media - newsletters etc). Open to the possibility of extending that to asst. trainer role (ACBT focuses heavily on behavior cases). Now that I’ve been established in the new location and building out a client base here for a bit, things are expanding beyond what I can manage solo. Interested candidates please email [email protected] and we can discuss further.

11/04/2025

Just had to share this moment with you guys…

Bear cuddled for the very first time! 🥹

I’ve been in need of a more comfortable spot to hang out in the kennel that allows me to recline as needed (critical when you’re managing a medical condition like POTS). I just picked up this little cheap floor lounge chair for the kennel and this is my first time putting it to use… It didn’t take Bear very long to start figuring out how the whole snuggle session thing works. In hindsight, I probably should have gotten the two piece lounge chair set - cause we are definitley going to need a bigger boat lol

10/30/2025

🐾 Bear Update 🐾

Bear had another big day yesterday and we have so much to celebrate! 💛

First, a huge thank you to Noah for donating the green-lipped mussel supplement from Bear’s wish list, and to our anonymous donor who sent a bag of his food. These donations came at the perfect time and are helping me keep Bear on track with his nutritional and joint support plan.

🐻 Progress Update:

Bear had another vet appointment yesterday and is now officially up to date on all of his vaccines! Unfortunately, his f***l test did still come back positive for internal parasites, so we’ll be doing another round of treatment. In the three weeks since his last appointment he has gained 14 pounds, bringing him up to 90 lbs now. By my estimate, that’s nearly 25 lbs gained since he first arrived here. His ear infections are now completely clear and the black crusting and hair loss on his ears have fully healed/the hair has grown back beautifully. His energy levels and confidence have improved dramatically too, and I’m starting to see more of his goofy personality.

We also hit some big behavior milestones yesterday as well:

🐾 Bear walked into the vet’s office on his own and only needed to be carried a short distance down a narrow hallway…. And the biggest achievement of the day was when he walked out of the building entirely on his own without needing be carried at all (including through a packed lobby with at least 8-10 people inside). Everyone was super helpful and honored our request to ignore him as he walked by, which made a huge difference. This sweet brave boy trusted me enough to follow me all the way out to the car AND he even got into the car all on his own for the first time too! The staff were so touched seeing how far he’s come already, and they couldn’t believe how much healthier and brighter he looks compared to his last visit.

Right now, our biggest needs for Bear are:

▪️Food – he’s eating 8 cups a day and we’re down to the last bag.

▪️Adaptil Diffuser Refills – we’ll run out in about one to two weeks.

▪️Funding - Will need to raise funds to start his Trupanion health insurance policy ($1,200 annually), cover the next round of deworming and subsequent f***l testing to make sure he is clear, and also to cover purchasing his monthly preventatives.

My immediate fundraising goal at this time is $1,000 to help cover these costs. I’m considering setting up a GoFundMe if people would prefer donating through that platform (though they do take a percentage), but donations can also be made directly through Venmo for now.

As always, I’m donating all of my time and professional services, which would typically cost around $7,500 (month). Bear deserves this chance and every bit of support (financial or otherwise) helps me continue giving him that chance and allows me to focus on supporting his behavior needs.

My “not so little” Bear has already come so far in such a short time, and I’m beyond honored that he’s chosen me as his safe space. Watching him start to trust, relax, and move through the world a little more confidently each day has been incredibly rewarding. Thank you to everyone who has helped support us along the way.

❇️If you’d like to help support Bear’s rehabilitation, you can do so by sharing our content, purchasing items directly off of his wish list, or making a donation via Venmo.❇️

➡️ Amazon Wish List: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3N4U8PG96I2EK?ref_=wl_share

➡️ Venmo: https://www.venmo.com/u/apexcaninebehavior

“Saving one dog will not change the world, but surely for that one dog, the world will change forever.” 🖤

10/22/2025

🎉 A big thank you to Nick for the donation of wish list items for Bear! 🎉

The sweater will help keep him warm during our chilly weather sessions, he has already been shivering on colder mornings. As he continues to gain healthy weight his tolerance will improve, but until then, keeping his body warm means keeping his learning threshold steady so he can remain calm and comfortable.

The reflective vest is a key safety item for nighttime and off-property work. Visibility is critical for a dog like Bear, and now he’ll be easy to spot from a distance. (For the record, I have never had a dog vest this big in my life 😂)

These gifts directly supports Bear’s training, comfort, and safety and we are so grateful.

🐾🖤🐾

Still Needed for Bear:

We are continuing to gather supplies and raise funds while he works through his long-term behavior and recovery plan. The biggest current goal is funding his health insurance, and I’m still gratefully accepting support toward that.

I’m also looking for recommendations for sturdy dog vehicle stairs so we can start teaching Bear to safely self-load into the car.

❇️If you’d like to help support Bear’s rehabilitation, you can do so by sharing our content, purchasing items directly off of his wish list, or making a donation via Venmo.❇️

➡️ Amazon Wish List: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3N4U8PG96I2EK?ref_=wl_share

➡️ Venmo: https://www.venmo.com/u/apexcaninebehavior

“Saving one dog will not change the world, but surely for that one dog, the world will change forever.” 🖤

10/13/2025

🎉 Thank you Lisa for your Venmo donation! 🐾

Your donation allowed us to purchase much needed cleaning supplies for the kennel including
Zorbent powder (to help make cleaning up accidents easier), extra re-usable mop heads (so we don’t run out between laundry loads), and nitrile gloves. These supplies were much needed and greatly appreciated. Every donation helps ease the financial burden and allows me to focus on supporting Bear’s physical/medical/behavioral needs. 🐾

***PACKAGES 📦: If you sent an Amazon wish list item recently, please know it did arrive safely! I have a few boxes that arrived over the weekend that I still need to open. I will be posting thank you notes for those items as I get to them.***

❇️If you’d like to help support Bear’s rehabilitation, you can do so by sharing our content, purchasing items directly off of his wish list, or making a donation via Venmo.❇️

➡️ Amazon Wish List: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3N4U8PG96I2EK?ref_=wl_share

➡️ Venmo: https://www.venmo.com/u/apexcaninebehavior

“Saving one dog will not change the world, but surely for that one dog, the world will change forever.” 🖤

10/13/2025

Back in January of this year I accepted my first board & train. That booking allowed me to make the conversions to the kennel building that were needed to make it functional (this was separate from the second kennel that was built later on). That booking was scheduled for mid-August. Within an hour of that dog going home I had agreed to take on Bear, who arrived to me less than 6 hours after her departure.

Within a couple weeks of Bear arriving, he was subsequently surrendered to me. Many of you already know the details and circumstances around that (if not, you can read more about it in the posts prior to this one). I was not expecting to take on another dog into my care at the moment, but if a dog is in need, I will always do whatever I can to ensure they have a safe place to land.

Bear has incredibly time intensive support needs, both for behavior and physically/medically. He has had chronic GI issues since his arrival that have resulted in me spending the majority of my day running back and forth to get him to the bathroom. Unfortunately, through no fault of his own, he has often struggled to make it outside which has also led to extensive cleaning of the kennel as well.

When I’m not actively on the road or in sessions, I am typically out in the kennel with him in cycles of every half hour/hour from morning until late into the evening. If im being fully transparent, this has also taken a toll on me physically, and I have been struggling to manage my POTS & Autoimmune symptoms. Things like house chores, messages, and administrative items, have had to take a backseat priority wise for the moment. To put it plainly, I am feeling a bit overwhelmed.

I am not unfamiliar with being in this space. Outside of my own experiences with it, I am often in the position of coaching others through it too. Taking in a new animal, especially if they have unique support needs, is a massive disruption to our routine. The mind is programmed to avoid those deviations from normalcy and predictability. Fortunately, I have done this enough times to know that, as they say, “this too shall pass”.

We speak often of the “rule of 3” in the context of adopting a new dog.

3 days to get their bearings, 3 weeks to develop a routine, 3 months to really settle in.

What is not spoken about nearly as much, is the impact to the human half of the equation. That rule applies just as much to us during this process too. It doesn’t matter if you’re a first time dog owner, or if you do this professionally, we are human. The same grace that we give to the animals in need during their transition, we also need to give to ourselves, too.

I remember when I first brought Pavarotti home - he had canine dysfunctional disorder, which shares many similarities with autism spectrum disorder in humans. I was not aware of that prior to his arrival, and the realization of the level of support he was going to need was paralyzing. I distinctly recall about two weeks after his arrival having that feeling of “oh my gosh, what have I done?”…

Pav was not an easy dog to live with. He struggled with compulsive behaviors and vocal stims that would last hours in the beginning. If he was overstimulated he would have a meltdown, not enough, and he would engage in stimulation seeking behaviors. He was rigid about his routines, and any deviation from that would result in complaints filed with management expeditiously… He was a PITA.

…But, if you ask me now would I do it all again? The answer is unequivocally, yes. I loved that boy beyond measure, and the lessons he taught me have positioned me to help so many others.

These feelings are part of the journey, and right now, this part of the journey is heavy and demanding… but it won’t stay that way forever.

In time, things will settle down. We will find our new normal, and this will be something to laugh about…eventually. Sharing all of this requires a degree of vulnerability that I’m not particularly comfortable with, but I think it is important to speak about. If you’re reading this and you can relate to any of what I’ve shared, please know:

You are not alone, you are human, it will get easier, and it’s okay to ask for help.

For me, the thing that gets me through is my “why”. I do it for the dogs, the voiceless, the ones who need me the most. I know that without my intervention, they could easily fall victim to their own behavior and their options are profoundly limited. Every milestone they reach reminds me of that “why”, and that keeps me going on the hard days.

For now, please bear with me (pun fully intended), as I catch up on things here. I also want to take a moment to once again thank all of the people who have donated and supported this mission. It has helped ease the financial burden so that I can focus my energy towards providing the care these dogs need (like Mowgli, and Jude, and now Bear). Lastly, if you are in need of support, please know my door is always open.

“Saving one dog will not change the world, but surely, for that one dog, the world will change forever.” 🖤

10/06/2025

🎉 A heartfelt thank you to Katie for her generous gift in loving memory of Donna & Keith McClain. 🐾

Their donation provided Bear with extra cozy blankets and a Seresto collar to keep him protected from fleas, ticks, and lice.

When Bear first arrived, he had never experienced blankets before. He was hesitant to even touch them at first, but that did not last long. He is now absolutely obsessed with his blankies, and I always make sure he has a few on hand. Having a healthy supply of blankets makes it much easier to rotate them regularly, keeping him comfortable, clean, and warm, while he continues to heal and grow.

❇️If you’d like to help support Bear’s rehabilitation, you can do so by sharing our content, purchasing items directly off of his wish list, or making a donation via Venmo.❇️

➡️ Amazon Wish List: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3N4U8PG96I2EK?ref_=wl_share

➡️ Venmo: https://www.venmo.com/u/apexcaninebehavior

“Saving one dog will not change the world, but surely for that one dog, the world will change forever.” 🖤

10/01/2025

🐻 Bear Progress Update:

Since his arrival we’ve been slowly and carefully increasing Bear’s calorie intake. With significantly underweight dogs, it’s important not to add too many calories too quickly. Sudden increases in food intake can actually overwhelm the digestive system, and even put them at risk for refeeding syndrome. Over the last couple weeks we have been focused on slow, steady, controlled weight gain. As you can see from his update photo, he’s already starting to fill out, and his energy levels have improved significantly.

We also just transitioned him over to a large breed puppy food to properly support his growth, along with adding in Cosequin for his joints and Nutri-Cal for added calories and nutrients. He’s also getting supportive supplements, including:

✨ Bragg’s Apple Cider Vinegar (for gut health and immune support).
🍄 Mushroom powder complex (to boost immune function and resilience).
🦪 Green-lipped mussel powder (natural anti-inflammatory for joint health).
🐟 Icelandic Salmon Oil (for skin, coat, brain health, and reducing inflammation).

He also just finished his course of treatment for his bilateral ear infections (both ears are now clear), and we’re also addressing his intestinal parasites. While parasites can cause weight loss, his bloodwork confirmed what his condition already suggested - Bear has been chronically underfed. The steady improvements we’re seeing with proper nutrition also support those findings as well.

On the emotional side…

Bear is starting to learn that people can be safe. He has decided that I am very much his “safe space”, but he’s also beginning to warm up to “the spare human” (Brenden) too…even offering him little tail nubbin wiggles and asking for scratches. 🥹

He absolutely loves his blankets and sleeps soundly through the night - I’ve been keeping it a little warmer than usual in the kennel due to him being underweight, which I think he appreciates. He is also adapting to our daily routine. I use cues like lights, radio, and our white noise machine to help him anticipate what’s coming next. That predictability has made things much easier and less stressful for him.

He now eats 3 to 4 smaller meals per day, and is doing well with trying out new enrichment toys. He is also now a certified “shop dog”, and has been keeping us company while we work on the racecar in the evenings (his only complaint is that I don’t have enough hands to keep scratching him nonstop).

I want to once again extend a huge thank you to everyone who has purchased items off his wishlist or donated, your generosity has directly made this progress possible for Bear. He still has a long road ahead, but he’s already showing us how resilient and brave he is. 🖤

“Saving one dog will not change the world, but surely for that one dog, the world will change forever.” 🐾

10/01/2025

🎉 A huge thank you to Donna for donating these items from Bear’s Amazon wish list to support his recovery! 🐾

I always keep Adaptil diffusers running in the kennel to help create a calmer, more comforting environment for the dogs. I was actually just about to run out of our last refill, so this came at the perfect time. The calming spray will also be a wonderful tool for traveling, since I can use it on his blanket, collar, or other familiar items to help reduce stress and give him extra comfort wherever we go. These donations make such a difference in supporting Bear’s journey, and I’m so grateful for the help.

❇️If you’d like to help support Bear’s rehabilitation, you can do so by sharing our content, purchasing items directly off of his wish list, or making a donation via Venmo.❇️

➡️ Amazon Wish List: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3N4U8PG96I2EK?ref_=wl_share

➡️ Venmo: https://www.venmo.com/u/apexcaninebehavior

“Saving one dog will not change the world, but surely for that one dog, the world will change forever.” 🖤

09/28/2025

It’s moments like this that remind me why I do this, especially on the hard days. Burnout in this industry is a very real concern, and it is something I have been struggling with personally, especially in recent months. I’ve always said dogs have a way of finding their way to me when they need me, but I think maybe they also know when I need them, too. 🐾

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http://www.apexcaninebehavior.com/

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Wonderpup Dog Training & Behavior Services

Wonderpup specializes in early puppy development and behavior modification for dogs. We offer in-home training and behavior services as well group classes. Whether you need help with foundation skills, recently acquired a new dog or puppy and need help getting them on the right track, or are struggling with behavioral challenges such as aggression/reactivity/anxiety, we are here to help! Visit our website to learn more about our programs!

About The Trainer: Seren has been working with a variety of species including horses, dogs, cats and rats, over the past thirteen years. Seren teaches group classes as well as private lessons for obedience, detection work, trick dog, and behavior. Seren specializes in early puppy development as well as behavior modification (reactivity, aggression, anxiety). Seren is also passionate about teaching cooperative care handling skills for Fear Free grooming and vet visits. She has successfully completed the Fear Free Animal Trainer Certification Program and is recognized as a Fear Free Professional. Seren is also a Professional Member of the APDT (Association of Professional Dog Trainers), a Professional Member of the Pet Professionals Guild, a supporting member of the IAABC (International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants), a Certified Trick Dog Instructor, Certified Stunt Dog Judge, Certified Canine Fitness Coach and an Official American Kennel Club Evaluator. She continues to attend online classes, seminars, and workshops, to stay up to date and informed with the most current and scientifically based training and tools. Seren trains in/competes in and has titled dogs in various sports including agility, nosework, trick dog, stunt dog, rally, and obedience. In March of 2018 Seren and her dog “Brembo The Wonderpup” traveled to Purina Farms in Missouri to attend the first ever National Stunt Dog Championship where they earned five titles in one weekend, and became the first team from NH (and Brembo the first of his breed) to obtain a Stunt Dog Champion Title. In her free time you can find Seren hiking, kayaking, or biking (usually with at least one dog in tow). She is an avid automotive enthusiast and also volunteers at a local wildlife center where she is training to become a Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator.

Training Philosophy: I believe the foundation of all training is in the relationship you build with your dog, training should be fun! My goal is to pass along skills to owners so they understand the “how” and the “why” of training. Well trained dogs who are polite citizens are dogs who get to enjoy a world that is that much bigger as we include them in our various daily activities. I encourage all dog owners to offer their dog the education they deserve about how to live in our world, and to build a stronger relationship together through training. My training program utilizes the most up to date and scientifically based training methods and tools using a positive reinforcement/force free training approach. Training is a journey, not a destination, and I can’t wait to be a part of yours!

“Training is everything and everything is training.” -Seren Maxwell"

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