Canine Behavior Counseling, LLC Owner, Judy Rapp Moore

08/28/2025

When’s the last time you slowed down long enough to watch a sunrise…or a sunset? 🌅

The photos below show Drake and Jade just chilling on the boat—but the truth is, all of us found a few quiet moments to breathe, reset, and just be.

Life moves fast. Don’t forget to pause and enjoy the view. 💛

08/26/2025

We spend so much time talking about building resilience in our dogs—but what about ourselves?

Yesterday while sailing, the forecast called for “patchy fog.” What we got was a thick, endless wall of it. In the past, that would have sent my heart racing—fog horn in one hand, light in the other, willing myself to stay calm.

But this time was different. I set the horn on deck and simply watched. Instead of fighting the fog, I let myself be in it. And to my surprise—it was peaceful.

At one point my husband looked at me and said, “Judy, you are becoming more resilient!” We chuckled together!

He was right. Sometimes resilience isn’t about charging through with force—it’s about softening, trusting, and finding calm in what once felt overwhelming, just like our dogs.

The horn you hear in this video is from Owl’s Head Lighthouse —maybe you’ve seen it?

08/15/2025

We all make mistakes sometimes, don’t we?

Well… I did!

When someone approaches our boat, Jade steps up with her usual alarm bark. That’s her way of setting a “rule” for the person approaching: I see you, and I’m in charge until my human says otherwise.

Normally, I handle it by saying, “Jade,” to get her attention, then I walk forward to greet the person. That signals to her, I’ve got this, no need to escalate. She’s not fearful—just doing her job—but I like to take that leadership role so she can relax.

This time? I messed up. Instead of stepping forward, my first move was… putting my hand in my pocket. 😬 Big mistake—Jade saw me! In her mind: “Oh! Bark = cookie!”

I quickly pulled my hand out, smiled, and said, “Good girl.” Then I greeted the person.

Why does this matter? Because if I had kept giving a treat right after barking, Jade might start barking more—louder, longer, and testing to see, “Does this also get me a cookie?” Not what I want.

Jade is smart (and a little sneaky), so I have to be smarter. The plan? Back to a calm voice, step forward, greet the person, and then let her greet them, where she often ends up soliciting some well-deserved petting. 🐾

Training isn’t just about the dog—it’s about us having a plan of action and being consistent!

08/12/2025

Are you your dog’s person? 🐾
What does that mean to you?

In our home, it’s clear where the bonds lie—Jade is my girl, but Drake is completely Robert’s boy. Their relationship has blossomed over the years, especially after Robert retired.

For Drake, having Robert as “his” person means constant companionship—Robert chats with him while moving around the house and even now on our boat. Robert had never experienced a dog choosing him before, and watching their connection grow has been beautiful.

Whether at home or on vacation, Drake knows his human is right there for him. 💙

If you are your dog’s person, remember—speak to them, touch them, and connect often. To your dog, you’re their whole world. 🐶❤️

08/03/2025

Once given to your dog-there is nothing you can do to reverse it.

08/01/2025

More photos of Drake and Jade from their calendar shoot! 🤩Huge thanks to photographers (c) M. Stone - Kimberly Grapski

07/28/2025

Dog parents please follow Odette Suter DVM to improve the health and well-being of your furry companions!

New peer-reviewed study by Washington & Kansas state University shows dogs treated with antibiotics were 3 times more likely to develop knee ligament tears (CCLD), and those given steroids were 3.5 times more likely, compared to dogs not given these medications.

"Results: 419 dogs (216 cases and 203 controls) were enrolled in this study. The odds of CCLD after systemic fluoroquinolone exposure was 3.00 times (CI 1.01-8.90) higher than odds of CCLD without fluoroquinolone exposure. The odds of CCLD after systemic glucocorticoid exposure was 3.51 times (CI 1.94-6.37)) higher than odds of CCLD without glucocorticoid exposure. Topical administration was not found to pose the same risk. Conclusions: These data suggest that administration of systemic fluoroquinolones or systemic glucocorticoids were identified as risk factors for the development of CCLD in Retriever breeds. Prospective studies are needed. Clinical Relevance: Although not all risk factors for CCLD can be mitigated, systemic fluoroquinolones and/or glucocorticoids should be used cautiously in Retriever breeds."

07/26/2025

Sailed into adventure this week with Drake and Jade! ⛵️🌊

We had steady 16-knot winds and 5–7 foot waves—definitely pushed our sailing skills (and nerves!) to new heights. 💪🌬️

After mooring in Boothbay, these two salty dogs celebrated with a refreshing swim and the ultimate reward: a nap, gently rocked by the breeze. 💤⚓️
Grateful for the thrill, these two brave pups and the naps!

07/20/2025

I’m a big fan of Duncan! He is very confident in new environments allowing him to go anywhere his owner chooses. Duncan warned up quickly to me and asked for petting in his head, neck and shoulders. When I touched his sacrum area, he showed signs of discomfort and snapped. Thanks to Dr. Paul Perreault , Duncan is feeling much better! Duncan melted in Paul’s hands as if to know he was being helped-such a smart and sensible pup!

Duncan loves to train for food or toys-he loves toys!

If you’re looking for a dog friendly pup, that can navigate trails with confidence plus one who chooses to lay on your lap everyday this is you guy!

07/10/2025

Does your dog like to smell along the road, sidewalk or even smell your guests? Fall opportunities here in Maine to meet your dogs needs AND have a blast with the members of the OTAC Club!

Next up at OTAC: August 24, 2025 AKC Tracking Dog (TD) Test in Somerville, Maine. Premium and Entry Form online at AKC events site, or e-mail [email protected] and we'll send it to you!
Need to get certified so you can enter? You need to do it by August 14 - let us know and we'll help you.
Why enter this test? gorgeous, lush green fields in the early morning - experienced tracklayers and two fabulous judges - if you want the best shot to get your TD, this is it!
Want success? Track with OTAC!
Photo from our August 2024 test - beautiful fields and great dog/handler teams. Huge success.

07/02/2025

Happy 6th Birthday to Drake & His Littermates! 🐾🎂

Can you believe our sweet, loyal, and slightly dramatic German Shepherd Drake is 6 years old today? Time flies when you're chasing sticks, protecting the yard from squirrels, and sneakily stealing your sister Jade’s squeaky balls! 😄

But beyond the fun and silliness, Drake has a truly special role. His self-assured nature and zen-like energy have helped countless reactive and anxious dogs learn how to trust again. As I work hard to control the set ups, to improve anxious dog’s social confidence, Drake serves as the calm, confident presence. He is my silent partner guiding troubled dogs into his state of calmness and confidence.

I am so proud of what Drake has taught me and how he’s become, not just a training partner, but a healing influence for so many dogs.

Here’s to many more years of zoomies, evenings on the couch, and supporting more dogs in need. 🐕💛

Big birthday howls go out to his amazing litter mates too — may your bowls be full, your naps uninterrupted, and your tails wagging all day long!

Drop a note if you love a Shepherd or just want to wish these birthday pups the best day ever! 🎈🎁