The Developing Canine Columbus Georgia

06/23/2026

Birdie and Hannah are almost ready to join the group classes! They've both come so far in understanding each other and the bond just grows deeper and deeper.

06/19/2026

Benny has become a terrific dog for Raegan but is a real clown for Sean. Today Sean learned what it takes for Benny to not see him as the substitute teacher. He's such a wonderful goof.

06/19/2026

Bentley's family report they are seeing some positive changes in his behavior after their first week. He's also not had an accident in the house since our lesson which is a big change from several per day. As they say, good owners great dogs.

06/19/2026

Met with Rachel, AJ and Ollie this evening to help Ollie handle the excitement of visitors coming over. 😀

06/14/2026

I was driving around downtown today and saw lots of folks walking dogs at 3:00. Please keep this in mind, the heat you feel at your height is not the same as what they feel being much closer to the heat rising from the street. A game of fetch or tug or hide and seek in house will be much more enjoyable and still help meet their mental and physical needs. Stay safe.

Traveling back from Cedartown, GA yesterday, after doing a home visit to try to place a foster dog, I saw something that concerned me. It’s heating up out there folks so very much time to take some precautions with your dogs. Please stay safe out there with your dog training practice sessions! Please share to remind your friends!! Thanks, Cyndy Douan, MHDL - owner at Georgia Dog Gym, LLC
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☀️ Summer Dog Training: Don’t Let Your Dog Become a Hot Dog! 🌭

As temperatures rise, dog owners need to remember that heat isn’t the only danger—humidity can be even worse. Dogs cool themselves primarily through panting, and when humidity is high, that cooling system becomes much less effective. A dog training in high humidity is essentially trying to cool itself while wearing a fur coat in a sauna.

When is it too hot?

• In the Deep South, start paying close attention once temperatures reach the mid-70s.
• If temperatures approach 80°F and humidity is elevated, it’s often time to move training indoors.
• Don’t focus on temperature alone. Always consider the heat index and your dog’s activity level.

DO:

• Train during early morning hours.
• Provide fresh water, shade, and frequent breaks.
• Keep sessions short and successful.
• Watch for excessive panting, drooling, weakness, bright red gums, or confusion.

DON’T:

• Train on hot pavement. If you can’t hold your hand on it for 7 seconds, it’s too hot for paws.
• Push through fatigue because “we’re almost done.”
• Assume athletic or working dogs are immune to heat stress.

Missing one training session won’t hurt your dog’s progress. Heat stroke can change—or end—a life in minutes.

Train smart. Respect the humidity. Keep those tails wagging safely.

06/12/2026

Lovely Luna was rescued from a puppy mill situation. She's terrified of leashes and being picked up. This week she walked around the yard dragging the 15ft line (she chewed the lightweight one) and picking her up has become less stressful on her. Her groomer reported she is much more comfortable with being groomed- as you can see she has a good grommer!
Her people want her to have a full life going on fun trips, baby steps in the right direction. She's getting there.

06/12/2026

Enjoying helping Rick raise Rita to be a well mannered, happy dog. First step teaching her to relax after all her mental and physical needs are met. She's on her way!

06/11/2026

Had a great second lesson with 7 year old Luna and Stephanie. She's showing signs of anxiety when Stephanie is away from the house. We're helping her learn to handle those feelings so she doesn't injure herself or become more destructive. Really nice dog!

06/07/2026

It's finally paddle board season so Naomi and Finely had swimming lessons. Both dogs went from hesitant and a bit fearful of the waves lapping the shoreline to confident and heading out to us on their own accord.

Ignoring the children and people nearby they were both so engaged in what we were doing as we redied them for the next fun to be had, paddle boarding!!! We went over the proper way to steady the board as they loaded, how to help them settle as we paddled, and how to wait until being given permission to dismount when the time came.

Sally and Paul are giving both these lucky dogs a full life of shared joys.

Contact me if you'd like to learn to be your dog's best friend!

06/04/2026

Gorgeous day to spend time with Mary Ellen, Max and Marley. We meet up monthly to give them all time to practice what they've learned at each lesson. Lots of people would not stay as dedicated to the training with that much time between lessons but not Mary Ellen. Each time we meet in just more and more impressed with what she accomplished with her busy household.