The WoofPack

Relationship Based Dog Training and Socialization.

01/29/2025

What an incredible weekend of learning, playing and exploring with the team!!!

I firmly believe in the quote “When you stop learning, you stop growing”. Always learning is one of my life mantras and this obviously applies to dog training and all things WoofPack. We owe it to every single person who invests their time, money and trust in us to continue our education as dog trainers and handlers and to always be learning better ways to do things. This weekend we learned from some of the greats. We are so grateful to and for all the knowledge and wisdom they shared with us this weekend!!

We not only got specific advice to help work through some issues with our own dogs but we also got some incredible and in depth knowledge and understanding of new ways we can help every single dog we train. I hope to carry the motivation and excitement I left this weekend with through every single day of my dog training career.

Debbie and I got some great feedback on how to get her spooky barking fully under control and on our play. (Check out the video for a good laugh-ft the WP team’s reactions 😂). Rumor and Kayla were coached to finally get some good play in a room full of distractions, which is something they have struggled with. Seeing the smile on Kayla’s face as Rumor launched herself at her toy was everything! And lastly, Eden and Clem tackled their biggest challenge as a team so far and they ABSOLUTELY CRUSHED IT. Saying I was proud of that team would be a wild understatement. (And shout out to Hannah for surviving 6 days with us and still enjoying our company 😂).

We ended our weekend with a trip to the St. Louis zoo where we got to see Ginger the baby orangutan(if anyone knows any reputable orangutan breeders- let a girl know😂😂). This weekend was exactly what our team needed and we are coming back as a better and stronger version of The WoofPack!! 🫶🏼💪🏽🐾

01/27/2025

Peep is now 6 weeks post op from her surgery on her elbows. (In case you missed it, Peep had a fragmented medial coronoid process in her right leg and a fissured one in her left leg which they broke off and removed). We’re not even halfway to the end point yet but Peep is making tremendous progress in her recovery!

This road has been so hard for many reasons. But thanks to our training-the limited activity, physical therapy and vet visits have not been a source of difficulty. Peep has been an absolute rockstar through it all. I hate that Peep has to go through this after having 2 separate TPLO’s in the past few years but let me tell you something- I’m grateful that she’s the one that I have to tackle this with. Peeps physical and mental resilience is truly unrivaled. Every single thing I have asked her to do in her recovery, she has given 200% (in typical Peep fashion)!! I say jump, she says how high, how long, how fast!! She’s truly a magnificent creature in that way.

The hard parts have been the unknown. From months of not knowing what exactly was wrong with her to the now months of slow recovery, waiting to find out what Peeps future holds (as far as allowed activities long term). I dream of getting her back out on the agility field. I dream of balls to the wall games of tug. I dream of looking at her in the eyes and giving her permission to do all out, but tucked, psycho zoomies.

But my worst nightmare would be causing her more pain, more injuries, and breaking down her already compromised physical structure(highlighting the importance of good genetics which physically- Peep has horrible genes 😅). She could be cleared to do it all but right now we just don’t know. And that sits with me everyday!!

I’ll prepare for my heart to be broken and to be told that everyone’s favorite agility hippo can’t run anymore while also hoping to be cleared to hit that start line with her again and see her run those little leggies off! But until then, we will continue to chip away at her physical therapy and limit her activity as much as necessary❤️

01/23/2025

Just a friendly reminder to our WoofPack fam that we will be closed for ALL services starting tomorrow (Thursday 1/23) until next Tuesday (1/28). We will reopening on Wednesday 1/29!

See you all next week!!

01/14/2025

Somehow time has slipped through my fingers and this black muzzled, bad, biting pup has turned into a 7 year old salt speckled muzzle, mature agility superstar.

Happy Birthday Bimini cricket. I love you so much…despite you pushing me to my wits end and making me question every life decision that led me to adopting you. There was no mistake when the universe paired you with me. You’re the worst Bin-dog there ever was but the best Bindi I could ever ask for!!

TLDR: don’t give up on the dog that’s making you cry and pull your hair out. Work for the miracle, it will come!!!

01/02/2025

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE WOOFPACKS FAVORITE FRENCHIE!!!

We love you so so so much Eglantyne. Thank you for bringing us so much joy, sass and stubbornness. We would smother you with hugs and kisses but we know how embarrassed you’d be 😂 6. Years. Old. Time please slow down!!

Enjoy some Bday pics of Tyne over the years…and the last picture of a baby Egg🥹🥰❤️

12/25/2024

Merry Christmas from our pack to yours!!🎄

We got these pictures done before we had to say goodbye to Scrappi. While I’m so grateful that she was included this year, it’s a painful reminder of how much I miss her. Our first Christmas in 8 years without her. And I know next years Christmas pictures, without her, will be even more painful.

Luckily, I am surrounded by 8 other incredible dogs and so much love to get me through. I’m hugging them extra tight this Christmas (sorry Sheldon😂).

On a lighter note, scroll to the last photo to see a fit throwing human puppy😂

11/28/2024

Happy Thanksgiving from The WoofPack team (that I am thankful for today and every single day🥰).

I am immensely grateful for my team, my clients, and this unbelievable WoofPack community. Not a day goes by that I don’t reflect on my gratitude for all of you but today, I am especially grateful and thankful. 🧡💛🤎

And as always, I am very thankful for for tolerating our shenanigans and pose ideas during our photo shoots 😂

11/17/2024

Nellie’s “Find the One” adoption event is tomorrow🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳 (Sunday, 11/17) at from 12-2!!!! There will be adoptable dogs(from ), puppies, a photo booth, and of course the infamous Nellie!!!

We are so excited for this event and the collaboration between us, and . We look forward to seeing you all there🤗🤗

11/09/2024

‼️RARE OPPORTUNITY ALERT‼️

We have one spot for a board and train open for 12/16/24-1/6/25!!! If you’ve been considering getting your dog some training, here is your chance! This board and train is especially perfect if you have a busy holiday season or have a lot of travel planned for the holidays. You can rest easy knowing your dog is in a safe home environment for their stay while also getting the training they need.

Our board and trains teach basic obedience(sit, down, stay, place, come), crate training, neutrality/calm training, leash skills and can be tailored to additional skills that your dog may need to work on (including but not limited too-reactivity, fear, anxiety, and working on dog-dog social skills).

We don’t offer board and trains regularly, so don’t miss this incredible opportunity 🤗 Message or email us ([email protected]) if you are interested or would like more information. A virtual or in person consult will be done prior to the stay.

11/05/2024

Dream Team🤩

The WoofPack team is here to be your people. We will support you through every step of the training, bring you results and make the process something you can feel good about.

The WoofPack has grown in many ways over the past few years and one of my proudest accomplishments is this team. Kayla, Eden, Hannah and I all bring tremendous skill, work ethic and individual strengths to the table; making The WoofPack team solid and well rounded. This is the team you want to be relying on to train your dog. Hands down, no question. How do I know this? Because they are phenomenal dog trainers but even more importantly, they are good people with remarkable character.

10/17/2024

For Nellie’s 1st Birthday, she is hosting a dog adoption event! Come check out some adoptable buddies and “Find the ONE”. Also come meet/hang out with Nellie and help her celebrate her birthday!! Adoptable dogs from will be there to meet!

What: Dog Adoption Event ()
Where:
When: Sunday November 17th from 12pm-2pm

Mark your calendars, Nellie would love to see you all there!!

10/08/2024

Yesterday we made a supply drop to some hard hit areas in WNC.

As we entered the mountain area, I could feel the hurt in the air. The pain was palpable. The destruction was apocalyptic. But there was also so much help. I saw convoys of disaster relief teams, trucks and trailers full of supplies, and utility vehicles driving to the towns in need. There were so many signs for places to get free supplies and aid. The hurt was strong but so was the help and even more importantly, the hope.

We delivered a van full of animal supplies to , a suv full of livestock feed to a local farm who was sorting it to be distributed to farms in need, and a handful of human supplies to a local church. These people are struggling but there were so many smiles and hugs going around.

Thank you all for all your donations, we are going to hold off on supply runs for now and wait for word on needs as the weeks progress and supplies dwindle. If you still want to donate, you can, we will get the supplies and monetary donations to those who need it most. I posted a call for help and you guys delivered. This WoofPack community is nothing short of amazing. You guys rock!!

Also huge shout out to Stephanie who runs (the rescue we partner with). She headed and planned all the donation runs and rescue missions. Yesterday was her birthday and she spent it delivering supplies to those in need. She is an angel walking amongst us and I’m beyond honored to know her and to be able to call her a friend. HAPPY BIRTHDAY STEPHANIE!!! 🥳

10/05/2024

Look at everything that has been donated in the past 24 hours alone 🥹 and we have raised $2000 in the past 24 hours for additional supplies.

This doesn’t include the van full of donated supplies(and $800 worth of purchased supplies from donations) that we delivered yesteday.

You guys are all amazing. I will continue to get these supplies to those who need it most and 🫶🏼

10/01/2024

With so much devastation in the mountains, I can’t help to think about all the dogs that are affected. Farm dogs, family dogs, shelter dogs, foster dogs… So in effort to try to help, WoofPack will be hosting a dog food drive. Any and all unopened dog food will be accepted. We will also happily take donations of beds, blankets, cat food, and cat litter.I have a giant 12 passenger van, LETS FILL IT UP. WP clients, we hope we don’t see you show up empty handed when we see you next 😉We are located in Cornelius, but we can possibly coordinate drop off locations in charlotte!!

09/12/2024

We will be closed for DayTraining on Friday September 20th. We will remain open for boarding!

If Friday is your normal scheduled day for DayTraining, please reach out to us to schedule a make up day!!

09/09/2024

WOOFPACK GROUP CLASS ENROLLMENT 🥳🥳

WoofPack1 and WoofPack 2 will be offered Sundays at 11am starting 10/6!

WoofPack 1 is for any WoofPack clients who have not taken a WP group class before. You will practice obedience and state of mind around other dogs while learning handling and new obedience skills!

WoofPack 2 is for any WoofPack clients who have taken a group class with us. This is to practice and learn more advanced obedience and handling skills!

These classes will be combined but each class will have its own trainer and curriculum! The classes are $200 for 6 weeks of classes and will take place at Nevin Park in Charlotte

Sign up before we fill up! Message me if you have any questions!

08/31/2024

Being a good dog owner means showing up for your dog the way they need you too not the way you want to.

Dog ownership looks different from person to person and from dog to dog. While we can definitely find so many similarities when looking at each dog, we also have to honor our dog’s individual needs. The hard part is when the dogs needs don’t align with what we, as owners, want.

That’s really where a true test of character comes in (at least in my opinion). As a dog trainer, it is not uncommon for me to be recommending a client do something that they would otherwise prefer to not have to do. This can range from asking a client to do a daily training session with their dog to following a crate schedule or the things people really struggle with which is implementing boundaries or limiting affection. I think that expressing how you feel about having to do these things is totally understandable and acceptable but refusing to do them is a whole other story.

Having a pack of 9 dogs of my own-a pack of varying personalities, needs and temperaments- I can relate to most everything that my clients are going through. I empathize and I understand. It’s not uncommon for me to put my therapist hat on (one of the most common hats us dog trainers wear) and to talk through the struggle and emotions with my clients. I get it. I really do. What I don’t get, what I don’t understand is when a client is not willing to do it. When I see a dog struggling so immensely and clearly the owner does too (hence why they called me in the first place) but they aren’t willing to do what their dog needs because it makes them as owners feel uncomfortable or is inconvenient to them.

In most cases, I’m not asking anyone to take drastic measures. I pride our training program on its ability to work with owners to make the changes that are needed as seamlessly as possible and to introduce new things/rules in easily digestible steps. Willingness is really all that’s needed. A willingness to look beyond yourself and make the changes your dog so desperately needs. To give them the structure and training they crave. They deserve it!!!

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Cornelius, NC
28031

Website

http://TheWoofPackNC.com/

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Calm and Neutral states of minds is a huge focus at The WoofPack and our training programs. Without it, even the best obedience training can fail. Plus, meditation is good for all of us!! If you notice the unsettled or whining dogs, it’s because they are new to the pack. This kind of calm behavior is not learned overnight! Consistency and practice is the name of the game! Joining us and the other dogs will help teach them the WoofPack Way!

💥Dedication and consistency 👆🏼the big ingredients to having a well trained dog 🧠 a good trainer helps too 👀join our next group class if you need some accountability to stay consistent 🗣️ or reach out to us for some 1 on 1 training, so we can help!

🚨DOG FOOD DRIVE🚨

When you’ve been working on threshold manners with the dogs this month..and it is showing!!! Getting a whole pack of dogs to wait at a gate, with a simple “wait” command, is not easy. But after working with each of them one on one to solidify this behavior, it was a breeze!!!

No matter how eventful the adventure is, it’s always worth it and always a good time ☺️

Secret to success in dog training: practice consistently, change the picture(proof), and put in the reps. And I’m not just referring to training fancy agility things with your dog, this applies to it all, from the basics to more advanced concepts. So you practice with your dog going to place when the place bed is sitting next to the couch and you are pointing at it and standing by the door, and your dog nails it. Great! But does your dog actually fully understand the concept of place? Or just the context? Will your dog go to place when you walk in and your hands are full of groceries? Or what about with the added distraction of someone at the door? Or how about with you walking away from it to answer the door? We could get really crazy and MOVE the place bed outside and ask them to do it 🤪 Your dog needs to see different pictures, different scenarios, different movements by you, different locations. Can your dog sit while you’re facing them and holding your hand up? Probably! Now try turning your back to them…that’s a little more tricky, huh? People get frustrated when they say their dog “knows” something but won’t follow through. Or they insist the dog “knows” something and then I ask the dog to do it with slightly different body language and the dog struggles. Make sure your dog actually fully understands a command or behavior before you expect them to do it, consistently, in any situation. And don’t just practice once a month and expect that to be enough. Sure, that’s better than nothing but your dog isn’t realistically going to make steady progress in their understanding and clarity if you only do it every once and a while!!! Now grab some treats and get out there to train your dog 💪🏽🤗 #trainyourdog #dogtrainingtips #traindontcomplain #dogtraining #dogagility #runningcontactstraining

The new year is a perfect time for reflection. I looked back at where I was a year ago with my dogs and where I am now and asked myself, 1) did I reach my goals and 2) if not am I happy with the progress? Dog training takes time. Changing behavior takes practice. It can be overwhelming at times. But if you set a (realistic) goal, make a plan and dedicate time to it, good things will come. Shenzi’s leash reactivity/stranger danger was one of the things I really wanted to work on and I’d say we made incredible progress. Is this the end goal? No, we still have some improvements I would like to make but I am thrilled with her progress. To be able to see/walk by people with Shenzi not barking, being able to focus on me and being calm during it all is a huge improvement from where she was at. This took a year. A full year. So don’t give up on your dog too quickly, keep pushing, keep going. If you need some help to break down the steps to reach your goal, find a trainer (we’d love to help!). Take some time today to set some goals and intentions for this new year, for you and your dog!

2022 was a huge year for us. A year of growth, uncomfortability , setbacks, wins, lessons learned, connections gained and connections lost. And all of it led me to exactly where I am supposed to be. Thank you to all of you for supporting and following along with us. To our amazing clients, I get to work with some of the most dedicated and incredible people, we wouldn’t be here without you guys. My mentors and support systems, I know I way over use you guys and I’m grateful everyday for all the help and support you all have provided. The WoofPack isn’t a me thing, it’s a we thing. Now let’s see what fun adventures 2023 brings us, I am ready for it!!! ☺️

WoofPack Success Stories: Maya

I’m always so proud of this team and they are a great example of training the dog in front of you. Maya’s an incredible dog and through training, consistency and patience, her family now enjoys a wonderful and enjoyable life together. They travel to the mountains, walk through busy streets, have lunch on patios and much more. All things they didn’t think were possible before they worked with us. So grateful to have such a wonderful dog and family as a part of our pack 💙