Elizabeth Ingalls Dog Behavior and Training

04/22/2026

I love this approach as an alternative to the 3-3-3 rule. Many people gauge their dog's success when measured in these terms - and the truth is there is no rule for how long a dog might take to adjust. Let's allow our dogs to settle in the timeframe that feels best for them

My problem with the 3×3×3 rule

Not because it’s bad advice.
It’s memorable.
It helps people understand that adjustment takes time.

But those timelines are often taken far too literally.

Three days.
Three weeks.
Three months.

Dogs don’t follow a schedule like that.

Some adjust quickly.
Some take a very long time and some will circle back and go through all those stages more than once. All of this is normal.

What really matters is understanding that behaviour often shifts when a dog begins to feel safer.

Safety doesn’t have a timeline

That’s the key message here.

12/19/2025

*Perfection* Social maturity is normal and natural- not a problem to be solved- for humans and dogs.
And for my LGD folks out there- Social Maturity hits late- were talking 2-3+ years old...

09/04/2025

This is so cool! For any of my clients and friends: I know I sound like a broken record when I bring up the role pain can play in behavior- but I’ll keep saying it. Just because your dog isn’t crying or acutely lame- doesn’t always mean they are pain free.

This is a great option that you take advantage of, and then bring the results to your vet. Since it’s video analysis- you can take advantage of this service from anywre!!

From Another Approach:
“September is Pain Awareness Month we are timing our roll out to coincide AND offering a $50 discount for all of September!

It is a Pain Screen / Movement Analysis and while it can help any pet, I see it as being especially valuable for cats and dogs that are “difficult patients” OR for those especially frustrating times that we have all suspected pain but our client says “the vet didn’t find anything” on exam. Please consider passing this info along to your clients that might benefit.

If you refer a client to this service, be sure and ask them to include you when they fill out our intake form and ask them to give us permission to send a copy of the report to you as well as their GP veterinarian. A link to our landing page is below - much more information can be gleaned there!”

I’ll pop the link in the comments🐾

07/22/2025

Let’s talk about our senior dogs 👴👵
How old is/was your oldest dog?
What are some of your best tips for helping assist our seniors in their twilight years.

This is Darwin- he’s 13.5. And we walk almost every day. It’s a slow meandering one but he loves it. He still does about a 1/2 mile and then gets a ride home in his stroller 😍

🐾 Pain management- of your dog is a senior the odds are they are dealing with some discomfort. These dogs are notoriously stoic, so just because you don’t see big signs doesn’t mean it’s not there. Look for slight hesitations before or after movement, reluctance on stairs or uneven surfaces, noticing that they sit differently, or their feet don’t seem to get as much traction. If you see this- chat with the vet about how you can make them more comfortable. Without proper pain management- there is no way Darwin would be able to be as “active” as he is.

🐾 Stability: look for ways you can provide more stability in the environment. For is, this looks like lots of washable runners, ramps for the deck stairs and car. We an also used Dr Busby toe grips. Also a yoga mat to stand on at the vet (i recommend this for all clients but it especially important for seniors).

🐾 Support: a harness with a handle can be a game changer. Even just a steadying hand can help navigating unstable environments. We have a help em up harness that can also assist with back end support

🐾 Cognative enrichment and opportunities: let them smell! Those old noses need a bit more time to get all the info they need so be patient. Adjust activities for them so they can enjoy the things they love- softer chews for old jaws, easy to navigate lick mats or toppls. If they love water you might need to drive them to an easy to access flat area. What does your dog love and how can you find a way to let them enjoy it safely?

🐾 Emotional comfort and consistency: Navigating life changes such as vision or hearing loss can feel a little scary- what can you do to keep them safe? Always have ID on your senior dog. You never know when a gate could get left open and they can’t hear you calling them. Keep mealtimes and other daily events consistent- Darwin never cared when he was fed until his senior years but now deviations from schedule cause distress. Formerly neutral things might be a bit more scary- so be sure to notice this and provide comfort or adjustment as needed.

🐾 Health: things can change in a blink of an eye. Know your dogs baseline, check skin, coat, ears and teeth regularly. Keep up on vet recommended care and bloodwork. Adjust potty breaks (they often can’t hold it as long) and NEVER assume a change in behavior is stubbornness - always look into health 1st

I could go on an on. Can’t wait to see your seniors and for you to share your best senior dog tips.

03/30/2025

Join me in taking a moment to congratulate one of my mentees on passing her certification test! Kiana is officially a Certified Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA)

This test measures a broad range of knowledge and skills in ethology, learning theory, dog training technique, and instruction. Kiana is employed in animal sheltering. She has dedicated her life to increasing welfare for homeless dogs and helping rescue dogs thrive in their new homes. I’m so proud of all the work she does. The animal welfare community is lucky to have her. 🐾

03/14/2025

Y’all if you need a reminder that there are kind people in the world, this is it. Helen and her non profit Old Dogs Go To Helen takes in old, hospice, homeless dogs and gives them the very best days, weeks or months. It’s beautiful in a heartbreaking way and if you can support her mission by donating or just sharing- it would be appreciated. 🐾

Folks, we need help. We are at the bottom of the barrel financially right now and need help. We cannot take in or help any more old dogs until we are above water and it’s been an incredibly expensive and exhausting few months. Between diagnostics and end of life care and all the medications on top of overhead we are really struggling.

If you can’t donate - can you share our mission? Every penny goes towards the care of these discarded, surrendered or transferred senior hospice animals and giving them the best possible end of life they could ask for. It’s a labor of love and passion and we would do anything for them.

If youve done facebook fundraisers we only get those at the end of every month, in one lump sum.

Funds we can access immediately can come through PayPal on our site -

Www.olddogsgotohelen.com/donate

You can also mail any donations to

83 range road, Epsom, nh 03234

Thank you so much❤️
- Helen and Jake

02/27/2025

This is Phoenix at the vet today, looking worried. 😔 We're exploring some potential pain that might be affecting his behavior.

You can see his furrowed brow and big wide eyes, showing lots of concern, and yes, he's wearing a muzzle. Why? Because safety is paramount. Being muzzle-trained ensures everyone stays safe and comfortable.

We needed him to cooperate for an x-ray, and because we've built trust and trained him with the muzzle, he was able to get some of them done. We're so grateful to have a vet's office that allows Phoenix to go at his own pace and when he had enough- we stop. Whenever it is possible, I try to give him as much choice and agency as possible. It took years for him to feel safe at the vet (shout out to his girl Dr. Nutile and the rest of the staff Stafford Veterinary Center). So, even though he was worried- he was still willing to cooperate in his care.

Two very important things to remember:

1. Behavior changes can often be linked to underlying pain. Always consult your vet!

2. The time you put in to help your dog feel comfortable being handled and learning to trust you is priceless.

01/03/2025

Many of our breeds of dogs have had this sequence altered- parts of it being enhanced or reduced. What (if any) part of this sequence might have been selected for in your breed of dog?

We have played with the predatory sequence in our dogs to make certain parts more or less prominent, so they could perform certain jobs for us.
When we look at breed traits and which part of this sequence our dogs like to perform best, we can then look at ways to better fulfil them.

Full video of this just released in the comic membership. Find the link and special offer in my stories and bio.

12/27/2024

Happy 14th Birthday Darwin!!!

Last week my sweet boy celebrated his birthday with lots of snacks, a sniffy walk and lots of cuddles. Darwin is the dog everyone dreams of having- naturally kind, gentle, neutral in all situations and easy going and dedicated to his momma. It’s been a joy to have him in my life and I cherish every moment we get. If you happen to see him, he’ll still accepting birthday pets and snacks 🐾

11/15/2024

Are we asking the wrong questions when it comes to dogs?
Join me to watch "The Dog's Truth"

🗓️ Premiere Date: November 17th
⏰ Time: 7 PM EDT
📍 Where: YouTube

This isn’t just a video; it’s a movement. The L.E.G.S.® approach is revolutionizing how we see and support dogs, shifting the focus from “what can dogs do for us?” to “what do dogs need to thrive?” This engaging, accessible video distills the core concepts of Learning, Environment, Genetics, and Self into a must-watch experience for everyone who loves or works with dogs.

➡ Learn how to reframe “behavior problems” as natural responses to unmet needs.
➡ Discover how this science-backed model integrates seamlessly into every canine profession and home with a dog.

https://youtu.be/b9C_XRcbI_Q?si=8_ahnp3JQPrMPlO9

Note- Sunday is the premiere- but you can watch (for free!) anytime after that.

FULL PRO COURSE!https://kimbropheylegscourses.thinkific.com/courses/legs-applied-ethology-family-dog-mediation-professional-courseYOUR DOG is not broken, and...