Tug Dogs

08/22/2024

Fun with friends, old and new 💓

08/22/2024

Akuma has been experiencing many new things during his training stay, including going through a drive through 👍

08/22/2024

Rey has been patiently waiting for Miss Belle to warm up to her. She was so excited to win over her new little friend this morning 🥰

08/21/2024

Playing bitey face while also acting as a chin rest...Rey is really campaigning hard for the next employee of the month award!

08/21/2024

Lots of friends having fun 🎉

08/20/2024

Rey says it's only fair that she gets to use Roxy as a dog pillow today 😆

08/20/2024

Happy pups enjoying field time with friends 🌱

08/20/2024

💦🥳 pool party alert 💦🥳

08/19/2024

Akuma says puppy Ruby is a lot of fun but he's ready to be tagged out 🤪😆

08/19/2024

When I scheduled older lab puppy Ruby for her daycare evaluation I wondered if she would be able to hang with Akuma's level of party.

10 minutes into her arrival, I'm now wondering if he can keep up with her 🥳

I see two tired pups in my future!

08/19/2024

Roxy takes the concept of a dog bed very literally 💓

08/19/2024

Meet Marchesa and her sister Oona!

Marchesa will be arriving mid-September for a board and train with Trainer Erin to work on her reactivity to dogs.

In addition to Marchesa’s reactivity, the sisters are struggling in their relationship with each other. Marchesa is fairly new to the family and, fortunately for them, as soon as their dad realized there was an issue, he reached out to us! We immediately created a custom program to address the family situation.

Our first step was to put in place structured management (the environment and interactions) to prevent the sisters from having additional disagreements, so that we could start the process of rebuilding their sense of safety. Feeling (and being!) safe will be critical as we work toward re-integration. This is not easy, and dad is doing a fantastic job.

Today, Trainer Rebecca worked with the family on exercises to strengthen each of the girl’s relationship with dad as well as foundational exercises for reactivity for Marchesa as she prepares for her stay with Trainer Erin. Everyone was a total superstar! ⭐️🕶️😍

Stay tuned for updates as the Tug Dogs Team helps this dedicated dad navigate a complex situation!

08/19/2024

Finally the human has ended her class about reactive dogs with Tattered Paws And Golden Hearts Rescue A Golden Retriever Rescue. And she can get back to the more important things like tossing our toys for a pool party 🥳 💦

08/18/2024

3 years ago today this little turkey was out working on her positive socialization 🥰

08/17/2024

Did you know that when you're a really good boy and pass by people and pups without reacting, the universe might leave a child's stuffed unicorn toy in the middle of the walking path for you to discover??

08/17/2024

As a trainer who specializes in working with anxious dogs, nobody wishes that trauma could be quickly and easily erased more than I do.

But that's just not the way it works.

Situations that cause intense fear are hardwired into our nervous systems to help keep us alive. Our brains don't easily forget those scary memories.

So for very sensitive guy Benjie the boxer, our Ultimate Program where we can work step by step at the pace that is comfortable for him has been ideal.

First we had to begin with getting Benjie comfortable being in a new space away from home. He came to the field and quickly we saw him letting his guard down and acting silly.

Next he needed to build a trusting relationship with me the trainer. I spent time avoiding coming into his bubble, tossing treats and proving to Benjie that I would not hurt him. I slowly worked up to being able to enter the gate to share space with him on the field. Over time Benjie has come to trust and accept my presence.

We are now working on his experience of being around and seeing dogs. At first, Benjie had to be FAR away and could only handle seeing Rey is she quietly held a down.

But with gentle, repeated exposure Benjie has worked his way closer and has even started to participate in parallel walking.

These steps are huge for a anxious guy like Benjie. He is learning to predict the world is safe. He is learning to accept guidance from his person. And he is learning he can cope with big feelings without hitting the panic button.

I am so proud of Team Benjie's progress and patience 💓

-Trainer Erin

08/17/2024

The more Akuma settles in and his anxiety dissipates, the more we are seeing a wild party animal emerge. Akuma doesn't care if friends want to party with him, he is happy to run right over and demand that everyone join in his fun.

For pups who enjoy rough and tumble play, this is a great fit. But for others, we are helping Akuma learn that he must listen to what friends have to say and respect their desicion to turn down his play invitation. This extends to his interactions with us humans too!

For a dog who missed out on a lot of social interactions, this is a hard but important life lesson that helps them avoid future conflict.

08/16/2024

Today has been a big day for Miss Donna as she finally worked up the courage to try getting on the pool step 💦

08/16/2024

Akuma showing off his silly side 🤪

08/16/2024

Park puppies Rey and Roxy are getting their adventure on and learning to feel safe in new places 🐾

08/16/2024

Akuma enjoyed his first doggy hike where he got to sniff, explore, and learn about trail manners.

Trainer enjoyed that, unlike 2 weeks ago when he arrived, Akuma can now pass by people and dogs without losing his cool. Sure makes adventuring a lot more fun for dog and person!

08/16/2024

Roxy is dusting off her patio dining skills and meeting with friends during her training time 🐾

08/15/2024

We ❤️ littles day!

08/15/2024

Roxy has returned and has wasted no time jumping into a fun game of bitey face with Rey 🥳

08/14/2024

😆

08/14/2024

Wednesday wiggles in full effect 🎉

08/14/2024

Handsome man Akuma is loving his training adventures! After being isolated in a backyard, the world is very new to this guy.

So Trainer Erin is acting as Akuma's guide, helping him navigate feelings of excitement, frustration, and stress as he explores new places.

She helps him choose to turn away when he is overwhelmed instead of lunging to the end of the leash and barking. She sets him up for success but choosing appropriate environments to expose him to. And she plays games with treats that help strengthen Akuma's good behavior.

With this training, Akuma is improving every day and is showing us just what a social and cooperative guy he can be ❤️🐾

08/13/2024

There is one word that people most commonly use to describe Rey when meeting her put and about. Can you guess what it is?

08/13/2024

08/13/2024

Pool & field fun with friends ❤️🐾