Sisu Canines

02/11/2025

Check out our favorite groomer/boarding facility! Both my pups love going to see her and always come out smelling AMAZING!

🐾Boarding // ✂️🐶Furologist
Grooming Rehabilitation & Training
🥰Calm Love & Happy Dogs🥰
The City of Rice Lake, MN (Duluth)

02/09/2025

Hey fellow dog lovers! 🐶

I wanted to share a bit about my journey with Arya, my wonderful female Border Collie, and our experiences with her reactivity. Reactive dogs often get a bad rap, but it's important to understand where they're coming from and how we can support them.

Arya is a bright, loving dog with a heart of gold. However, she sometimes reacts strongly to other dogs, people, or certain situations. This isn't because she's "bad" or "aggressive"—it's often a response to fear, anxiety, or past experiences. Reactivity is her way of saying, "I'm not comfortable with this."

I wish people could see the side of Arya that I do. She's a cuddle bug who loves to play and is so willing to learn. Her joyful spirit, loving nature, and eagerness to please make her an absolute delight to be around.

Sometimes, it breaks my heart how Arya always has to be on the defense. I feel bad about how the world appears to her, and it's tough knowing she often feels the need to protect herself. There are moments when she needs tough love, but there are also times when she needs me to have the knowledge to protect her and remove her from an uncomfortable situation.

It's easy to feel frustrated or embarrassed when your dog reacts, but it's crucial to approach these moments with empathy and patience. Arya has taught me that every bark, lunge, or growl is a form of communication. She's telling me she needs help to feel safe and secure.

Through positive reinforcement, gradual desensitization, and building trust, we've made significant progress. It's a journey filled with small victories and occasional setbacks, but every step forward is worth celebrating. Arya's resilience and spirit inspire me every day.

Let's remember that reactive dogs aren't trying to be difficult—they're navigating a world that can sometimes be overwhelming. By understanding and supporting them, we can help them feel more confident and secure.

As a professional dog trainer, I've had the privilege of working with reactive dogs, helping them and their owners navigate these challenges. If you have a reactive dog, I'd love to connect and work with you to create a customized training plan that suits your dog's unique needs. Together, we can help your furry friend feel more confident and secure.

If you have a reactive dog, know that you're not alone. Share your experiences, tips, and stories in the comments below. Let's create a community of support and understanding for our furry friends. ❤️

02/02/2025

Play hard, train harder... get out and enjoy the snow!

01/25/2025

Check out what Sandor and I will be up to this coming Friday! What an amazing opportunity and I couldn't be more excited!

Registration for the Functional Postural Assessment & Canine Massage workshop with Maddy Turner is now open!

Registration link: https://forms.gle/japMcdnsaapS3svP9

Date: Friday, January 31, 2025
Time: 9 AM - 4 PM CT
Location: Twin Cities Obedience Training Club (TCOTC)
Workshop costs are:
* MAC Member: $145 working | $35 audit
* Non-Member: $165 working | $55 audit

A couple of important notes:
* Working spots are limited to 8 participants. Auditing spots are unlimited.
* MAC members will receive priority registration through Monday, December 9.
* If there is enough interest during registration, there is the possibility of offering a second workshop day.

01/24/2025

Thankful for two pups that know how to relax when I'm sick. They either play together gently or lay next to me. This isn't just luck. You can teach your dog these cues, contact me today and get a lesson plan scheduled!

01/18/2025

Come see us today at Warrior Brewing Company!

01/18/2025

Arya and I started scent work together! Sandor wasn't interested but he hung out for moral support!
This is a fantastic way to mentally stimulate Arya while we wait for that leg to get stronger and stronger!

01/14/2025

Just because we help you train, doesn't mean we are done learning. Training is an every day event. You and your dogs journey is a life time commitment!

Sandor and I love going to agility class and we're so happy to be back at it after winter break. 😁

01/13/2025

How do I know I'm doing this training thing right?

I got Arya in August of last year and it is safe to say... she was an absolute menace with food. She would scarf it down fast and pester Sandor as he enjoys to eat slowly. He doesn't always eat right away either so I had to be pretty clever with my distraction methods when dealing with Arya looking to steal his meal.

Fast forward to present day...
Arya has calmed down a LOT when it comes to food. She's not perfect by any means (she still eats rather fast even with a slow feeder.) but she's has come so far. She waits patiently with Sandor as I scoop food into both dishes. They both look to me for their release word and calmly go to their respective dish.

Now to tonight...
I fed both dogs and then went out to shovel snow. I came inside to this picture. Arya ate her food. Sandor ate about half and decided to leave the rest for later. Arya didn't even think about touching Sandor’s food.

Training takes time! Nothing happens over night but you will surely see progress if you are patient and put in the work!

Sisu canines is a fear free, reward positive trainer.

01/08/2025

When you look good, you train good!
Sandor and Arya got some TLC today thanks to WillowCreek Boarding & Australian Shepherds!

We all need an amazing groomer so check her out!
My dogs love going to see her. ❤️

01/07/2025

There is no greater joy, in my opinion, then seeing your dog being able to run free and enjoy life!

Want to see your dog able to have the ultimate amount of freedom? Let me help you! Contact me today!

01/07/2025

Come see me at Warrior Brewing Company on the 18th for some free goodies you won't want to miss!

12/28/2024

🥳🥳🥳🥳

12/27/2024

Holidays got you tired, full, and happy... and a little lazy? Interactive toys are great for keeping pups busy, mentally stimulated, and happy. This rolling toy dispenses treats through a tiny hole as the dog noses it around the floor. Make sure to supervisor your dogs still and ensure that your pups don't have any food aggressions if you intend for them to share the toy.
Enjoy!

12/25/2024

🎄❄️ Merry Christmas from our family to yours! ❄️🎄