Waggin' Tails Dog Obedience

08/21/2025

Life is best shared with a big sister.

07/27/2025

We now have another choice for our mobile grooming needs. Give Scott a call to see if he's a good fit for you and your pup!

07/23/2025

"So much of what we call “dog training” is really about relationships—how we listen, how we respond, how we co-exist across species.

Dogs are not just learning what we want. They are feeling us. Tracking our tension, our breath, our patterns. And we are doing the same with them—whether we realize it or not.

As mammals, we share the same basic needs: safety, belonging, choice, connection, regulation, rest. Our nervous systems speak a common language, beneath the words.

When a dog pauses, turns away, or sniffs the ground, they may be saying, “I need a moment.”
When they lean in to contact or soften their gaze, they may be saying, “I feel safe here.”

If we slow down enough to notice, our dogs become mirrors, co-regulators, and even teachers. They help us find our way back to grounded presence—not through force, but through relationship.

Understanding behavior means looking beyond obedience or what dogs can do for you.

It means asking:

What does this being need right now?

What is their body telling us?

And what is mine telling me in return?

This is not just about dogs.
It’s about remembering we are alive—together."

Grisha Stewart

06/27/2025

Dogs that display aggressive behavior toward people entering the home—despite remaining calm outside—are often exhibiting a form of resource guarding. They perceive the house and its inhabitants as their possessions, leading to protective reactions when someone arrives. In their view, visitors are perceived as intruders rather than friends, prompting the dog to defend what they believe is theirs.

This behavior frequently arises in households where dogs are granted unrestricted access and few boundaries. Well-meaning owners may hesitate to enforce rules, fearing they might be too harsh or unkind. However, dogs thrive on structure and clarity—they need to understand their role within the household and what is expected of them. Without proper leadership, many dogs assume the role of protector, a role they are not naturally equipped to handle.

Misinterpreting kindness and permissiveness as weakness, dogs may feel compelled to step into a leadership position when they sense a lack of consistent guidance. This often results in them controlling who is welcome in the home and who is not.

The most effective approach for managing such behavior is for the owner to establish themselves as a confident leader. Clearly communicate rules and boundaries, reassuring the dog that they do not need to take on the responsibility of safeguarding the household. By doing so, the dog can relax and relinquish the role of decision-maker, leading to a more harmonious home environment.

06/14/2025

Hi Neighbors! Stuff is flying out the door at my Transition Sale, but there's still soooo much to choose from! I'll be here 6/15, 6/21 & 6/22...10a - 3p. Furnishings (two gorgeous desks, filing cabinets, pantries, storeage benches, dining chairs, and room dividers), dog-themed art, microwave, cleaning equipment, decor, plants, and a whole bunch of incredibly low-priced stuff for your dogs. Located 2 doors down from Village Bagel. Come on by or call 970-331-7570 for more information.

06/01/2025

Hi Neighbors! I'm having a Transitional Sale at my Edwards studio, 6/14 & 6/15 and 6/21 & 6/22. 10a - 3p. Furnishings, art, appliances, decor, plants, and a whole bunch of stuff for your dogs. Call 970-331-7570 for more information, please.

04/25/2025

Please help Graham get home. He's the absolute best and sweetest boy, but super scared.

04/18/2025

04/15/2025

National Dog Bite Prevention week.

03/31/2025

Minimize command repetition. When you continuously repeat commands without compliance from your dog, your authority diminishes. This increases the chances for your dog to ignore you, weakening your position and causing you to sound nagging. Over time, the dog may learn to tune you out. Instead, focus on delivering clear commands and reinforcing positive behaviors to strengthen your authority effectively.

03/01/2025

Daisy had sooooo much fun learning today!!

02/27/2025

Most dog bites do not "happen out of the blue" or "without warning." They are often preceded by subtle warning signs, such as yawning, lip licking, and turning away, all of which indicate the dog's discomfort. Recognizing and respecting these cues can help prevent stress and conflict in your dog, ultimately keeping them and others safe.