The Diligent Dog

07/31/2024

New Group Class dates for both small (29lbs) breed dogs.

Dogs of all breeds over the age of 9 months are welcome to participate! Teach your pup the Five Core Cues - Sit, Down, Stay, Come, and Place - while also developing a comprehensive understanding of body language, conditioned relaxation, and other key factors that support lifelong successful habits for your dog. This course consists of a weekly 60-minute group training session for five (5) consecutive weeks.

More information including the enrollment form can be found at www.theDiligentDog.com under the Group Classes tab.

Small groups mean classes fill up fast so save your pup's spot today!

03/25/2024

Finn (the derpy Flat Coated Retriever who greets you with a hearty High Five on my landing page) was a perpetual black hole of snacks and all things snack-like.

Flat Coats are 66% more prone to this mutation. 😱

New research finds around a quarter of Labrador retriever dogs face a double-whammy of feeling hungry all the time and burning fewer calories due to a genetic

03/20/2024

* Bringing this post out of the vault, because it’s so important * 👇🏻

I think it’s common to think that when our dog is unruly, there is something wrong with them. 

Especially when we look around us and see perfectly behaved pups strolling happily down the street with their owners. 

But the truth is…

Everything your dog does is NORMAL. 

Chewing…

Digging…

Barking…

Pulling on the lead…

Lunging at other dogs or joggers…

Growling…

It’s all NORMAL. 

This is  a normal response for a predator (because that’s what dogs once were) that got plucked out of their natural environment and dropped onto your sofa. 

What’s not normal? 

Walking on a leash at a mind numbingly slow pace as you stare at your phone…

NOT chewing things, or mouthing you…

Holding a sit stay or a down stay as you chat to a friend…

NOT losing their mind around another dog. 

Sure selective breeding has curbed some of the more natural responses our dogs have…

But the truth is…

Your dog’s behavior is a NORMAL response to them trying to adapt to an environment that truthfully is NOT normal for them. 

So tell me…

What does that shift for you? 

Because your dog isn’t “Bad”. There’s nothing wrong with them. Everything they are doing is completely normal.

03/19/2024

Yep, you read the message on the image right - we’re going to talk about when NOT to utilise a muzzle. 👇

The thing is, I see people use muzzles to enable them to continue to put their dog in uncomfortable situations, with the belief that this is okay because at least the dog can’t bite..

For example:

👉 Muzzling around children when your dog finds the experience scary or confusing.

👉Muzzling when you have visitors when your dog feels uncomfortable or threatened.

👉 Muzzling but continuing to force your dog to have unwanted interactions with other dogs.

👉 Muzzling and restraining for nail trims, grooms or vet visits without additional cooperative care training.

Now I’m not saying you shouldn’t use a muzzle at all in these situations, because safety is paramount!

But, you should be utilising a muzzle ALONGSIDE behaviour modification and management.

To simply continue making your dog feel uncomfortable without considering their emotional well-being is not okay.

Ask yourself, am I muzzling my dog because I am about to do something I know they don’t like? And then ask, how could I make this easier for my dog moving forwards?

A muzzle alone is not enough if you aren’t also manipulating the environment, investing time in changing the way they feel or working through a training programme with a reputable trainer!

Share if you agree 💗

03/19/2024

Join Doggone Safe Today!
Help promote education initiatives for dog bite prevention and increased child safety around dogs.
https://www.petprofessionalguild.com/programs/doggone-safe/

03/19/2024

It’s Review Time! Why take your dog on a Sniffari?

Sniffing is a dog’s primary means of collecting information about the world around them. Detecting and processing smells is enriching and energy-intensive. The ability to sniff freely and investigate the environment has been correlated with increased optimism and lowered pulse rates. We have discovered that dogs’ nostrils can wiggle independently, and that specific nostrils are used to investigate specific smells. Dogs have retained the ability to identify the scents of large predators even when they never have contact with those predators.

We have used sniff-related research to determine that dogs can identify the scent of a familiar person in their absence, and that the dog-human bond is strongly reinforced in dogs’ brains. Dogs can detect drugs, explosives, changes in emotions, and changes in human cell metabolism during illness like cancer and diabetes, and are currently being trained to see if they can identify Covid-19.

Rather than marching your dog along at a brisk pace on every walk, try some walks (or portions of walks) where you let your dog sniff freely. It can be enriching not only to them, but to you as well. Watch how your dog catches a scent in the air or on the ground, and the zany path they take following the scent. Watch to see what catches your dog’s attention enough to sniff deeply and intensely. See if you can notice your dog switching nostrils to sniff a specific smell, and if you can see their nostrils wiggle. Take a moment to ponder and appreciate the similarities and differences between the way we vision-focused humans perceive our world and the way smell-focused dogs do. At the end of the day, for both man and man’s best friend, a big breath in and a big exhale makes us all feel better.

03/13/2024

03/13/2024

🐾🐕💜 ATTENTION AUSTIN AREA PUPPY OWNERS!

This is a stellar opportunity to work with an exceptional trainer who will provide you and your puppy with invaluable skills for life.

This is a class you don't want to miss!

Puppy socialization checklist! If you have a new puppy you have to make every day count on introducing them to new people, dogs, objects, and situations. All the while making sure they're having a GOOD experience in order to grow up confident around these things. Best Puppy class is a great way to stay on track with your puppy's socialization and puppy manners!

Sign up for Best Puppy class beginning next Thursday on my website (link in comments)

03/07/2024

Use the code at checkout to redeem this FREE course!

As all of those who follow the southend trainers page jump on to my page to give me abuse, it's worth pointing out that the ONLY reason my video went viral is because hundreds of qualified educated competent dog trainers agreed with me and wanted their dog owning followers to be aware of the potential damage you can cause to your sticking your puppy in a crate and letting them cry it out.
If you are a fan of his, and jumping on my page because he has 'rallied the troops' my only message is that we have all been in a position that we strongly believed x was true, only to later in life realise that maybe you were mislead.

I am going to make my Understanding Pet Dogs course free for the next 48 hours for those who are open to learning more about training without using pain, fear or intimidation.
Just go to free courses available for those who are willing to educate themselves, just input the code knowbetterdobetter at check out.
https://www.nancicreedon.co.uk/product/single-course-flash-sale-understanding-pet-dogs

03/06/2024

Finding time to train your dog can be a tall order for many owners with a full-time work schedule. If only there were a program out there bringing your trainer into your home to help offset your work load...

Look no further - Day Tutoring is the program for you!

Check out https://www.thediligentdog.com/daytutoring for more info.

02/13/2024

Sweet Monty has recently begun our Dayschool @ Dogtopia program on Mondays and is already making huge strides for his 2nd day! This is a training option provided to daycare pups attending

Give the fine folks at the front desk a jingle or reach out directly here for more information on enrolling in our Monday Dayschool program!

02/08/2024

This adorable little pistol is Rory and she is a superstar! 🤩 After a solid ramp up in our Smart Start Puppy program, she had her first day of Dayschool and had a fabulous time. Highest marks!

Thanks to her new pal (Homer) she came right out of her shell and hit the ground running. We are super excited to have Rory join our Dayschool group!

Check out www.theDiligentDog.com for more information on enrolling your pup in a training program today!

01/02/2024

Looking for a quick way to jumpstart your dog's training goals this year??

Come out to Dogtopia West near FM1488 for one of our Workshops! We provide one-time Solo Sessions on topics that include conditioned relaxation, cooperative leash skills, and prep sessions to review for the AKC Canine Good Citizen test.

(NEXT UP - Intro to Retrievers coming soon!)

Our next solo workshop series will be Saturday 01.20.24 - sign up with a friend or for all 3 sessions to receive deeper discounts!

Sign up at https://form.jotform.com/232635011486048

Happy training!

12/27/2023

🐶 JANUARY PUPPY CLASS 🐶

This 4-week group class provides a blend of puppy behavior coaching with basic manners and cues, as well as structured group playtime with size and age appropriate puppies. In this course, we will cover topics such as:

• Cognitive growth & development stages
• Constructive environmental exposure
• Introduction to the 5 Core Cues
• House training practices
• Healthy play behaviors
• Brain games & tricks
• ...and much more!

Sign up at https://form.jotform.com/232635011486048

12/13/2023

My heart is overflowing with gratitude for this amazing (and handmade!) gesture by Flint and his momma. Their presence has been such a BLESSING in our lives, and as the temps continue to drop, I can't wait to curl up in my lovely blanket with a hot mug of cocoa.

While his momma looped each knot by hand, Flint did the hard work of quality control, as seen in his thorough inspection. Check out the nifty Santa ornamanent she also made, along with last year's pawprint ornament!

Many thanks to Flint, Catherine, and John for such thoughtful gifts. ❤️💚❤️💚❤️

12/07/2023

THUMBS UP THURSDAY 👍
(part two)

Have you seen the price of chew toys these days? Few things are more frustrating than shelling out big $$$ and watching it disappear in minutes. Here is a yummy, cost-effective alternative for your pup!

All you will need is:
🔸️ Bell peppers
🔸️ Peanut butter (NO xylitol!)
🔸️ Filler such as blueberries, raspberries, peas, or green beans

🔹️ Start by slicing the top off of the bell pepper. Leave as much side wall as possible.

🔹️ Discard the core and seeds.

🔹️Fill the bottom of your bell pepper bowl with a layer of peanut butter.

🔹️ Insert your filler (in this series, inserts are frozen yogurt with raspberries and blueberries)

🔹️Cover filler with another layer of peanut butter (optional toppings for garnish)

🔹️ Freeze before giving to your pup.

🔹️ Use as a daily enrichment treat or as a yummy coping tool for anxious pups.

This treat will undoubtedly win you a big THUMBS UP! from your dog. Bell peppers, blueberries, and raspberries are loaded with healthy nutrients that support overall wellness.

An excellent alternative to peanut butter? YOGURT!

www.theDiligentDog.com

12/07/2023

👍 THUMBS UP THURSDAY 👍
(part one)

Looking for a new healthy treat for your pup? Tired of going through countless chew toys that end in confetti glittering around your home? Check out this healthy alternative!

All you will need is:
🔸️ Chicken stock (low sodium)
🔸️ Carrots

🔹️ Start by bringing a pot of low sodium chicken stock to a boil.

🔹️ Clean and peel (optional) several large carrots - or small carrots for small breeds.

🔹️Place carrots in pot and boil until tender.

🔹️ Store in freezer.

🔹️ Use as a daily enrichment treat, or as a yummy coping tool for anxious pups.

This treat will undoubtedly win you a big THUMBS UP! from your dog. Carrots are loaded with healthy nutrients that support eye health and overall wellness.

In the event of chicken allergies, swap chicken stock for beef stock.

11/27/2023

Today’s the day! You’ve adopted a rescued ex street dog and you can’t wait to get her home and introduce her to your family, friends and neighbours. Before you do, just stop for one moment and think of things from your dog’s point of view.

If you’ve adopted an ex street dog this might be the first time she’s ever had to enter a house. It’s very common for ex street dogs to be wary of entering narrow doorways, and simple things like changes in floor surfaces (rugs, laminate, carpet) or a wobbly paving slab can be challenging for your newly adopted dog.

Take a quick look at the photo. Break things down and you can see there’s a lot for your dog to consider and navigate before she’s even set a paw inside your house!
Your dog’s previous experience of being indoors might have involved a worrying visit to a vet clinic or a frightening overcrowded dog pound.

The clang of your metal gate might remind her of a scary dog trap, the shape of your nice shiny railings might invoke memories of being brutally captured with a catch pole.
Whilst living on the streets she had good reason to be hyper vigilant of anything new or unusual in her environment. Many ex street dogs have experienced significant prior abuse and trauma.

While you are getting to know each other, please take extra care to take things slowly. Don’t expect too much of her, too soon. Ask Aunt Marg to come visit in a few weeks, when your dog has had time to explore your home, to trust you, gain confidence and feel safe. The neighbours and their kids might be super excited to meet your new family member but introductions can wait a while.

If the rescue group you’ve adopted your dog from has advised you to initially avoid taking your dog to the local park and busy main roads please respect their advice.

Even if you’ve previously cared for a dog, please ensure you learn all you can about canine body language so you can be aware of how your dog is feeling.

If you are patient in these early days, weeks and months you will set your dog up for success and give her a positive and gentle introduction to her wonderful new life.

©️ Caring for Rescued ex Street Dogs 2017

11/27/2023

🐾 What our clients have to say🐾

It is always such a pleasure having the opportunity to work with your pups!

11/15/2023

The first career fair for York Jr High was a massive success! Sooo many talented professionals and the students, siblings, and parents had wonderful questions about becoming a dog trainer. It was a lovely event and I am already looking forward to the next one!

Many thanks again to York Jr High for inviting me back to participate.

11/15/2023

Many thanks again to York Jr High for inviting me back to participate in their very first career fair.

So many talented professionals under one roof and speaking with all of the students, siblings, and parents was such a pleasure.

Super excited for the next event!

10/26/2023

TBT circa 2017

This was at the start of Finn's task training when he was really getting into helping with the laundry. Because he was the bestest boy. 💜

10/15/2023

⛄️❄️☃️ GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE ☃️❄️⛄️

As the holidays approach, we are now offering gift certificates as a way to "treat" the pup parents in your life. Gift certificates are applicable towards all of our services, such as:

• Private Training Sessions
• In-Home Tutoring
• DaySchool & Daycare
• Group Classes
• Virtual Sessions
• Lodge n' Learn
• Stay n' Study
• ...and more!

Holiday gatherings bring guests and frivolity. Some dogs thrive as the life of the party! Other pups prefer some peace among the hustle and bustle. We provide a low-energy homestyle setting that offers pups their own comfy spot to rest and relax between playtimes.

Let us keep your pup happy and content while you prep for party, friends, playtime this holiday season!

We max at only 6 dogs per day and spots are filling fast. Reach out at www.theDiligentDog.com for more information on our gift certificates, and to secure your pup's cozy holiday getaway! 🐾❄️☃️

10/10/2023

GOOD NEWS EVERYONE! (pt. 2)

Does your dog delight in dragging you down the driveway? Is your superpup aspiring to ski the slalom that is your neighborhood? This is the perfect bite-size course that will launch your cooperative walking program at home!

Come out to Dogtopia West near FM1488 for a Solo Session on Cooperative Leash Skills! In this Solo Session, we cover topics such as:

🐾 Loose-leash specific exercises
🐾 Reinforcing cooperative walking skills
🐾 Disengaging from visual triggers
🐾 ...and more!

Our next Cooperative Walking Skills/Solo Session will be Monday 10.23
Sign up at https://form.jotform.com/232635011486048

Happy training!

10/08/2023

GOOD NEWS EVERYONE!

Excitement is an understatement as we announce the relaunch of the Puppy Socials program with out next Social to be held at 7pm Thursday 10/26! Teaming up with Dogtopia West, together we are providing invaluable exposure and experience for owners throughout Conroe, Willis, The Woodlands, Montgomery, and Magnolia!

This one-time group class provides a blend of puppy behavior coaching with basic manners and cues, as well as structured group playtime with size and age appropriate puppies. In this course, we will cover topics such as:

• Cognitive growth & development stages
• Constructive environmental exposure
• Introduction to the 5 Core Cues
• House training plans
• Healthy play behaviors
• Brain games & tricks
• ...and much more!

$30 per puppy or $50 per 2 puppies
Train with a friend and save! $$$

Sign up at https://form.jotform.com/232635011486048

09/08/2023

In an ongoing effort to provide the most current and up-to-date information when working with your dogs, it is an exciting privilege to share the completion of the following courses in canine cognition. It is such a thrill seeing the advancement of wellbeing for all dogs as a result of these emerging scientific discoveries. When we know better, we do better!

- Behavior Adjustment Training at Shelters
- Stress and Anxiety in Dogs
- Evolution of BAT 3.0
- Social Skills BAT Intro

Behavior Adjustment Training (BAT) has been a game-changing approach in how we support our dogs. Since its inception, BAT has continued to evolve into a masterful program for teaching all dogs. BAT has been a core concept for our program from the start of 2012 and will forever be a handy tool for mitigating your dog's distress.

More courses are currently underway, with new goals in sight as we look ahead to 2024 - announcements for new training programs coming soon!

Providing biology-based canine behavior solutions
www.theDiligentDog.com

08/02/2023

CHILL OUT!

Homer is an excellent example of what it means to sit down with your dog and just chill out. This young dog didn't come by this idea all on his own, it took frequent and consistent days just like this. Part of the curriculum taught in all of our training programs hinges on conditioned relaxation.

What was once a repetitive training exercise to cultivate stillness has now become conditioned relaxation for Homer. When it's nearly time for his momma to scoop him up from Dayschool, we take a few minutes to settle in and chill out. The goal of Dayschool is not to exhaust your dog but to help them learn the benefits of relaxation alongside developing their Core Cues (while getting in some fun group playtime!)

Here's a neat exercise! On a low activity day, such as during the day when most people are at work and school, load up on high value treats and a comfy folding chair, then take your pup to your driveway (somewhere in the shade!) Sit down, heave a big, audible sigh for your pup to hear, and settle in to chill out. Don't tell your dog to do anything. If they choose to sit, give them a treat. If they choose to lay down, give them a treat. If they heave a big sigh, give them a treat. If they rest their head on the ground, give them a treat. The idea is to reinforce all visible displays of relaxation in your dog.

Want extra bonus points? "Yawn" and heave a big sigh at the end - this is a common canine calming signal. If your dog suddenly stops taking the treats, it's time to head back inside and try again later. This exercise should be no more than 10-15 minutes in total to prevent flooding your pup with too much, too soon.

Happy training!
www.theDiligentDog.com

Send a message to learn more

07/03/2023

Protect your pup this 4th of July holiday by staying prepared. Classical music has been proven to reduce anxiety and provides an effective neutral buffer for any noisy goings on.

03/08/2023

As a participant in our Stay n' Study program, Bruce is enjoying a break from shelter life and learning the ropes as a future companion. He took no time at all to settle in on his first day!

Bruce will be wrapping up his training period in April and it is crucial that we find him a foster or forever home by the end of his stay. Shelter life is hard for all dogs, and doubly so for sensitive pups like this guy.

Bruce is 18 months old, neutered, and heartworm negative. He would do best as the only pet in the home, where he can finally rest easy and decompress (preferrably in a sunny spot!) Contact Rosenberg Animal Control and Shelter for more information on fostering or adopting this sweet guy.

🐶💜🐾

03/07/2023

Today is National Be Heard Day for small business owners!

My name is Mallory Robinson, and I am a certified professional dog trainer and designated Shelter Behavior Affiliate with the IAABC. While my background of training experience includes a wide range varying from the show ring to field work, my true passion rests with behavioral welfare. Supporting shelters and rescues to promote adoptions and reduce return rates has been a guiding light in my 20-year career.

There are few joys greater than witnessing firsthand the harmony that comes with building cooperation skills and breaking communication barriers. That moment of 'eureka!' between dog and handler is nothing short of magical. It is what sets the tone for a lifetime of adventure together.

Several service options are available, including private in-home sessions, a limited capacity Dayschool, and remote instruction. I travel frequently throughout the Conroe/North Houston area, and my service area reaches as far out as Brenham. I also enjoy assisting facility owners in developing their own on-site training programs.

Please feel free to reach out directly at [email protected] or submit a request form at www.theDiligentDog.com for more information regarding available programs.

Happy trails and happy tails!
💜🐶🐕🐾💜

Mallory Robinson, SBA
The Diligent Dog