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

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. 🐾

09/28/2025

🎉 A big thank you to Terry for her generous donation to support Bear’s recovery! 🐾

Her contribution allowed us to purchase Cosequin Joint Health Supplement and Nutri-Cal Nutritional Supplement for Bear.

These are critical additions to his rehabilitation plan. Because Bear is a giant breed puppy who has suffered from chronic underfeeding, his developing bones, joints, and growth plates are at high risk. Cosequin provides glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, and Omega-3s to help protect his joints, support cartilage, and promote healthy growth as his body catches up. Nutri-Cal is a high-calorie supplement rich in vitamins, minerals, and omegas that will give him an extra nutritional boost while we slowly increase his food intake. Together, these supplements will help safeguard his long-term structural health and provide the building blocks his body desperately needs right now.

❇️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.❇️

Our priority items at this time are:

1️⃣ Trupanion Insurance ($99.41/month) ($1,192.92/year)

2️⃣ Interceptor Plus - Hrtwrm & Intestinal Parasites ($148.78/12 month supply)

3️⃣ Seresto Collar - Flea/Tick ($59.98/8 month supply)

4️⃣ 2 additional bags of Cosequin joint supplement as he will need to be taking 3 chews a day for the first 6 weeks - then 2 a day after that.

➡️ 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.” 🖤

09/27/2025

🎉 A big thank you to Katie for our first donation for Bear! 🐻

Your generous donation allowed us to purchase a bag of Diamond Naturals Large Breed Puppy food. 🐾

Right now we are slowly increasing his food intake, as he is significantly underweight for his breed/age/size - his bloodwork also confirmed chronic malnutrition/underfeeding. This is especially dangerous for a giant breed puppy because their growth process is very different from that of small or medium breeds. Malnutrition during their first 18-24 months of life can lead to permanent structural problems (bowed legs, hip and elbow dysplasia, stunted growth plates etc), that cannot be corrected later. Getting him switched over to an appropriate formula for giant breed puppies is critically important. We will also be looking to add in some supplements to help support healthy gut microbiome and add other micronutrients.

➡️ If you would 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.

Our priority items at this time are:

1️⃣ Trupanion Insurance ($99.41/month) ($1,192.92/year)

2️⃣ Interceptor Plus - Hrtwrm & Intestinal Parasites ($148.78/12 month supply)

3️⃣ Seresto Collar - Flea/Tick ($59.98/8 month supply)

4️⃣ SleepyPod Crash Tested Car Harness - Bear is too big to be crated in my car. As soon as he is medically cleared and out of quarantine, we will be traveling a lot as part of his behavior rehabilitation & socialization. This harness will allow us to do that safely.

5️⃣ Neuter & Gastropexy (approx: $1,000 - $1,500)

➡️ 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.” 🖤

09/27/2025

Just had to share this little clip from last night:

This baby dog is unbelievably smart. I would be impressed with any dog who understood they needed to pick up their leash and move it out of the way in this situation… but this puppy had never been on a leash before last week. For him to have the forethought to pick it up before retreating back into the kennel to lay down so it wouldn’t get tangled, shows an incredible degree of both intelligence and spatial awareness. We have a long road ahead of us, but I’m excited to see where that journey takes us - I definitely think he will be a great candidate for trick dog/detection work etc. 🐾

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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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