The Proficient Pup - Dog Training & Massage

12/18/2023

Training this little pup on some platforms. He is ready to get swoll! 😄

05/12/2023

As the weather warms, snakes become more active and we are more likely to encounter them when we are out with our pups. The belief that humans need to use shock to "teach" dogs to stay away from rattlesnakes is false and antiquated. Shocking dogs does not equate to saving their lives, and can, in fact, increase the likelihood they seek out an interaction with a rattlesnake that results in a bite. 😕

04/10/2023

Hi friends! Hopefully, you have received and enjoyed my latest newsletter. If not, you can sign up at my website. I just had my site redesigned, so if you have not seen it lately, you can take a peek here! 😊

San Diego private dog training and puppy training to help you with your dog's behavior issues. Experience canine massage for your buddy.

12/09/2022

I worked with this handsome gentleman today. He experiences high arousal on walks and is showing some serious skill in this pic. I interpret his ability to jump up on the rock, offer a sit, and focus on me as indicators that he is feeling confident and secure (we never know what dogs are truly feeling; we can just try to read their behavior), even on a street corner that he typically approaches with high energy. What a superstar! 😍⭐️🥳

09/01/2022

Hi, all! Just wanted to share that I will be on Live from The Ranch today at 12pm Pacific as the KPA Spotlight. 😊 My spot is at 12:45pm, but it would be great if you can join for the whole thing! You can use the link below to find the Zoom link and learn more about Live From the Ranch, as well. 🌈⭐️

Built by Karen Pryor Clicker Training

07/27/2022

Although I don’t love what humans have done to this breed, I love working with this little cutie. He has really progressed in several sessions and really enjoys the training. Yay!! 💕🥰💕🥰💕

07/10/2022

Here's a great webinar coming up that may interest you! "During this 60 minute webinar, certified behavior consultant Nancy Tucker will discuss living with, loving, and training dogs who exhibit undesirable behaviors, like barking at passers-by. Nancy will discuss the concept of the 'good enough dog' and finding empathy and joy for both you and your canine companion." Go to the link to sign up! 😊

Nancy will discuss the concept of the "good enough dog" and finding empathy and joy for both you and your canine companion.

06/11/2022

Hello! Posting again about this great webinar coming up that is part of the HDTA webinar series. This month's presenter is Lori Stevens, who will be divulging all the secrets of keeping our doggies fit physically and emotionally (OK, not *all* the secrets, and they are not really secrets, but I am confident you may not have heard of them before)! Future webinar presenters include: Nancy Tucker, Terrie Hayward, Mara Velez, Tabitha Kucera, and Allie Bender and Emily Strong. All monies go towards education and financial aid to help people avoid having to surrender their pets. The webinar will be recorded if you can't make it live. Sign up before June 14th and pay only $26!

Learn about the basics of keeping your canine companion in great shape with Lori Stevens a certified canine fitness specialist. Lori can help you understand easy-to-implement strategies for building strength and balance for all life stages.

05/23/2022

Interested in a free webinar about how rattlesnake avoidance training works without the use of shock? Well, here it is. It's tomorrow (Tuesday) at 4pm and it's gonna be good! I hope to see you there! Bring questions! 🐕🚶‍♀️🐍

It’s “Snake season” in SD!! Join us Tuesday (5/24) at 4pm for a webinar on how to protect your pet from rattle snakes! Register here: https://loom.ly/Aqgi1YE 🐍🐾

FACE is partnering with Lynn Webb (The Proficient Pup) for a free webinar on Humane Rattlesnake Avoidance! This all-ages event emphasizes respecting wildlife and our pets at the same time! 💛

05/09/2022

Great webinar coming up this week on cat communication (I love cats, too). Here's where to sign up: https://www.humanedogtrainingadvocates.com/event-details/feline-communication-basics-of-feline-behavior-with-dot-baisly-ccbc

In this hour-long webinar, you will learn about the basics of feline behavior from certified cat behavior consultant, Dot Baisly. Improve your relationship with your feline companion by learning more about what they are trying to tell you.

03/30/2022

Interested in understanding more about your pups' body language? This webinar (only $25!) will give you useful information that will greatly benefit your communication with your furry friends. Watch it with your doggies - you'll see! 🐶😊💕https://www.humanedogtrainingadvocates.com/webinars

03/19/2022

She loves to sleep in the window to catch the morning sun. 💕💕💕

11/10/2021

Interested in Rattlesnake Avoidance Training for your pup? I’m teaching this workshop in February! Here’s the link to sign up! https://training.marinhumane.org/oh-behave/events/seminars-events 🐍🐶😎

11/10/2021

Interested in Rattlesnake Avoidance Training for your pup? I’m teaching this workshop in February! Here’s the link to sign up! https://training.marinhumane.org/oh-behave/events/seminars-events

09/26/2021

Terrific infographic about how to achieve success when training safe alone time for your pup. It's all about increasing comfort and decreasing stress. 💕

If you're looking for information about how to set up your dog or puppy for successful alone time, check out this infographic the talented Doggie Drawings by Lili Chin helped me bring to life with her wonderful illustrations!!

09/18/2021

I’m working with this little sweet pea to help her feel better around other doggies. She is super excited about cheese and turkey dogs so I think we are off to a good start!

09/01/2021

I was interviewed for an article. Please read and share. Help spread awareness that Rattlesnake Avoidance can be trained without shock. 🐍

Rattlesnake avoidance training, based in positive reinforcement methods, can help keep you and your dog safe in rattlesnake country.

07/24/2021

I love training with this little cutie. I mean, look at that smile! We are working through some fear issues and she is progressing every day!

06/30/2021

Thank you to the incomparable for creating this infographic for The Proficient Pup! There is a choice in how to train a dog to move away from a rattlesnake or any other potentially dangerous situation. One arguably causes irreperable harm to dogs and snakes, and the other builds trust and confidence in both dogs and humans! Which would you prefer to choose, if you could?

06/12/2021

I recently received a review from a client who hired me to train Rattlesnake Avoidance to their pup and wanted to share it: “I wasn't sure what to expect, I wanted to try a process other than a shock collar or using a live snake. My puppy was out of hand when we started, when training was done she will now leave anything I ask her to walk away from. I actually caught a Rattlesnake in my yard recently and put the training to the test. She looked at it, I gave the command, and she came right to me. Then we tried again and she looked at it and without any command, she walked away. I feel like she is very close to where I hoped for, but its up to me now to continue. Both of us got trained🤣”

06/08/2021

I love training with these three buddies. Their mom has worked with them a lot to help them be the great dogs they are! And we are still working towards bigger goals! Hooray for fun and happy training!

06/03/2021

I was training this little dude on a warm day and he said it was time for a break. And yes, I scritched those juicy legs. 😄🥰😍

05/28/2021

Doing my Rattlesnake Avoidance Training at people’s homes often takes me right into rattlesnake habitat. People think shock is needed to keep dogs away from rattlers, but the reality is that shock does not teach a dog how to assess threats, and it can increase 1) the likelihood of your dog going after a rattlesnake and 2) reactivity and fear, in general. Rattlesnake Avoidance can be trained without shock.

05/09/2021

💕💕 Bo Obama 💕💕

05/02/2021

The local news did a little story on the Rattlesnake Avoidance Trianing class that the San Diego Humane Society is offering. I am teaching this class twice in May. One class starts tomorrow, May 3, and the other class starts on May 22. You can sign up at the San Diego Humane website! 🐍

Sound cues are key.

05/02/2021

My Excellent in Emergencies online class starts this Thursday at 530pm through San Diego Humane. It's for people with cats or dogs who want to be prepared when an emergency hits. I recently received this review from a happy client 😊:

"I wanted to let you know that your class has been absolutely invaluable in the past few weeks. Kitty Pi was diagnosed with kidney disease and stones and had to be hospitalized last Sunday. We had no problem getting her into her carrier.

At the ER vet, however, she was not happy with the loud dogs and had to be sedated. The vet asked, dubiously, “Can you medicate this cat?” (We replied,) “Oh I think we can.”

We applied your methods and have been able to keep her pretty happy at medication time. The ability to medicate them saves their lives. Thanks!"

Hooray!! 😊 If you are interested in this class, you can go to the SDHS website and sign up: https://www.sdhumane.org/behavior-and-training/pet-training-classes/?fbclid=IwAR1Aw4QC6Rrtt6TDxjB68s7MUpl9qulvPc3m0DBzPbmcbjXn8TwXx2uFQSM

Our training classes for dogs and cats of all ages range from the basics to unique specialty courses to address all your training needs. With more than 40 different class options, we have something for every pet!

05/01/2021

If you are interested in Rattlesnake Avoidance for your pup, I am teaching this online/in-person class that starts next week! Only 2 spots left! 🐍

San Diego is heating up, so it's important to learn about the snakes we share space with! Our Rattlesnake Avoidance class is designed to teach you about local snakes, how you can your dogs can avoid them and safe responses to use if you see or hear them. You'll practice positive reinforcement training with our instructor online, then join us along with your pup for two in-person classes in Escondido. Space is limited, so register for this hands-on class, starting Monday, May 3, at sdhumane.org/trainingclasses.

(No live snakes will be used in this class.)

04/11/2021

It’s National Pet Day! Let’s see some photo of your pets! Mammals, birds, reptiles, insects all welcome! Here’s one of mine: 🥰

03/22/2021

Excited for this new little client who’s going to learn all of the great things about being a puppy!

03/14/2021

One of my doggie clients would like to remind all the people and dogs to stop and smell the flowers. 🌺🌸🌼 Photo by Kathie Mosher.