Howdy, amazing Frederick community! Nicole here — your dedicated canine behavior consultant. At GRIT, our programs include a mix of 1:1 sessions, drop-in’s, and group classes.
The results aren’t just a polite companion 🐾; it’s a transformation for the lives of all involved.
Now we're thrilled to announce a new adventure: a 5-week GROUP CLASS focusing on the essential skill of Come When Called for Outdoor Adventures. This is an opportunity for teams to gain confidence, enjoy freedom, and ensure safety in any outdoor setting.
But, we need your help! We're searching for an outdoor space to host this transformative class.
The ideal location would be a versatile area that includes both an open field and wooded sections.
This space would serve as a training ground, starting with basic exercises in open field/grassy areas and progressing to more challenging scenarios among the trees.
Notes:
- It would be GREAT if the space is near or includes farmland with contained animals. This would provide an excellent opportunity to work with teams on gradually acclimate dogs to recall around various distractions (i.e. significantly improving their recall skills in diverse environments)
- Cannot have “free roaming” animals residing on the property that could enter the training space randomly. The class is going to need to work up to distractions so this would be too much of a distraction to start.
- Wooded areas will also be used for shade during class — so a space with only an open field would not work.
- Class will meet once per week for five consecutive weeks. I’m looking to get something scheduled for this topic class ASAP!
The class is open to clients enrolled in an ongoing training program, teams who have completed a class evaluation, or a graduate. This selective approach allows us to create a safe, tailored training experience that caters to each participant — and safety for the community involved.
If you know of (or own), a space that could be
Longer Clip of Intro to “Harness is Good”
While helping a dog learn to be comfortable with gear, I want to keep things as below “threshold” as I can.
When your dog is past a certain stress threshold, they can no longer think — however, some stress is good! We want to help them work through this. How can we do that though?
A big part requires not doing what they are fearful of you doing. Example: Zoe is scared of the harness being put onto her. If I put the harness on her at any point during this training session, I’m reinforcing that fear and teaching her to continue to expect this. Meaning we will get nowhere for behavior modification.
Instead, we break down the final behavior into much smaller pieces to work up to that goal. For this dog, lifting the harness is too much right now. We will quickly work up to conditioning that portion, but we start with the item on the ground instead.
This is from less than 5 minutes of training at the end of an hour long evaluation.
The critical part as we progress is not using this specific gear — or any new gear — with force. This doesn’t mean she can’t go for walks; it just means we’re using the “broken” gear for those moments to help her learn this new gear is special.
Questions? Drop a comment or send me a DM.
Check out the link in my bio to schedule a free discovery call! Happy Training! 🤠🐾
Summer starts in 80 DAYS my peeps. The warm weather adventures are on the way! Do you dream of FUN summer adventures, but leash walking, recall, and the art of doing nothing — are struggles for your canine companion? I can help!👋🤠Most clients see drastic changes with their dog’s behavior inside the home, within the first 7 - 10 days of applying techniques. However, it can take ~18 - 21 days for you to really start reaping rewards in more difficult settings. This means if training began TODAY - you’d likely start to see the dog choose more ideal behaviors (on their own 😎) somewhere around the first week of March. AKA - we’ve got time, but don’t waste it. Link to website ⬇️ https://gritdogtraining.com/ Curious to learn more about man’s best friend? 🐾 Follow @nikki_grit for more!#dogtrainersofinstagram #dogbehavior #dogtrainingadvice
I am a big advocate for owning your mistakes, being accountable, and choosing to do better. I refuse to waste time arguing with people who aren’t interested in learning. Y’all are so drunk off the suppression juice 🧃 — you’re unreachable at this point. I’m here for the ones who are curious. For the people who are questioning their current methods. The one’s who have a gut feeling, thinking: “this doesn’t feel right”— during certain training protocols. I’m waiting with open arms, ready to support — but only when you’re ready to learn. ❤️🩹Training is a commitment — I’m not lying to y’all when I say that. But food for thought… Can you tell me one relationship in your life that doesn’t require you showing up to do your part? If you’re not ready to challenge your mindset— that’s ok. I’ll be here - ready to help, when you’re willing to change. Curious to learn more about man’s best friend? 🐾 Follow @nikki_grit for more!#dogtrainersofinstagram #dogbehavior #dogtrainingadvice
This is for the “professionals” I see take advantage of dog guardians, who don’t know any better. I never judge a client for using tools that a professional told them to use. However, I will 100% judge the professionals that prey on clients who want help. Giving clients a collar that they have to rely on for the rest of the dog’s life — is not a solution. At least, not a humane one in my opinion. Note: I will add that there are a plethora of issues with trainers claiming to be 100% force free, then crank the dog with a front harness/head collar - or only hand feed; but that’s for another post. 😘 If you’re a #balancedtrainer who looks at the bigger picture — and don’t have the remote glued to your hand 24/7– this isn’t about you. 🕊️ Even when I was an ecollar trainer using the tool — it was understood that some POS trainers were amongst the group, who would use the collar much more harshly. #dogtrainersofinstagram #dogbehavior
Tired of the daily struggles with your dog?
You've tried training obedience commands to manage the reactivity and aggression… but the problems persist.
You're not alone - many pet parents share your journey, filled with frustration, hopelessness, and sometimes anger.
Know that there is HOPE.
At GRIT Dog Training, my mission is to turn your dreams of a peaceful relationship with your dog into reality.
I help you navigate and comprehend your dog's behavior, ensuring you can finally have those peaceful walks and serene moments at home.
Our custom transformation programs are designed specifically for dogs displaying fearful, reactive, or aggressive behaviors.
We don't believe in 'one size fits all'.
Your dog is unique and so is our approach.
Imagine a day when you don't have to worry about your dog's behavior but simply enjoy their company.
I’m here to make that happen.
Think it's time to end the struggle and start the transformation journey?
Here’s 9 ways I helped change Rocket & Stella:
1️⃣ Influence in the home: exiting the door to outside only when told “free” can be life saving!
2️⃣ Manners in high distraction scenarios: lunging, growling, and barking used to be a constant struggle when their owners would go in public. I taught them behaviors to do instead and to cope!
3️⃣ Relaxation outside the home: the art of just relaxing at the campsite!
4️⃣ Polite leash manners (walking together!)
5️⃣ Public Manners: behaving impeccably at pet friendly stores like home depot
6️⃣ Conquering car anxiety: with traveling for 4-8 hrs a frequent thing in their lives, Rocket needed help learning how to cope on trips
7️⃣ Mastery of Crate/Containment Training: the clients could previously never have alone time
8️⃣ Overcoming car reactivity: the dogs used to react to humans and dogs, while in the car. This made it impossible to go anywhere and pick up orders without a display from Rocket and Stella.
9️⃣ Recal
Today was attempt number 2 at me getting Bailey out of her kennel, and it was again super successful! Watch the full YouTube video to see her engage/connect with me — for the first time for an extended time — outside of her kennel!#dogtraining #behaviormodification #shelterdog #positivereinforcement
Witness the remarkable journey of Suki, a spirited young golden doodle after a 7 day board & transform program! The jumping & mouthing you see at the start of the clip was an everyday scenario. As you can imagine this was very frustrating for her owners’ to manage. But in just seven days, their story took an incredible turn. During her time with me, Suki discovered the power of respecting personal space and coping when getting amped up. Suki’s transformation was nothing short of extraordinary. This is another case that shows with love, professional guidance, and GRIT even the most spirited souls can find their balance. #dogtraining #dogtrainer #positivereinforcement #behaviormodification
🌧️ Rainy Day Fun for Your Furry Friend! 🐾When the rain pours, it's time to get creative with your pup's exercise routine! 🌧️💡 Give their active mind a workout while indoors using a fantastic tool called a snuffle mat. 🐶💭A snuffle mat is like a fun puzzle for your doggo! Sprinkle their favorite treats or kibble onto the mat, and let the sniffing adventure begin! As your pup hunts for every morsel hidden within the mat's nooks and crannies, their brain gets an incredible workout, tiring them out both mentally and physically. 🧠💪This indoor activity engages your dog's natural foraging instincts, stimulates their senses, and keeps boredom at bay. 🌟🐕 Plus, it's an excellent way to provide mental stimulation for high-energy breeds! ⚡️🏃♂️So, next time the raindrops fall, whip out the snuffle mat and watch your furry friend have a blast while staying mentally sharp! 🌧️❤️🐾 Research study on canine olfactory system: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8388720/. #RainyDayFun #SnuffleMatMagic #SmartPuppyExercises
Here’s 3 free resources every dog owner should know about: 1️⃣ Dogfoodadvisor.com. You can sign up for life saving dog food recall alerts. It will message you anytime there’s a recall in the US or Canada!2️⃣ The Facebook group: Pet Vet CornerYou can use this group to ask questions of vets and get their perspective. Only approved veterinarians are allowed to comment on posts!! 3️⃣ Bring Fido app. This is a free database of dog friendly hotels, restaurants, activities, and even services like vet offices, and groomers! Take advantage of these free resources to ensure your companion receives the love, care, and attention they deserve! 📚❤️🐾 #DogOwnerResources #LearnAndGrow#dogslife #dogtraining #doglove #gooddog #k9 #dogtrainingtips #puppylove
Did you know that you can create a slow feeder bowl just by using two bowls that you already have? You’ll need one larger bowl and one slightly smaller. Flip the smaller bowl upside down and place it inside the larger bowl. Fill the little opening you’ve created with your dogs food! ***Note: I’ve also done this with two stainless steel regular dog bowls of two different sizes!#dogslife #dogtraining #doglove #gooddog #k9 #dogtrainingtips
Understanding Behavior Changes in Our Furry Friends! 🌟👇🏼
As they transition from adorable pups to adolescents, they may start exhibiting new behavior challenges.
From testing boundaries to independence-seeking, it’s crucial to be patient and provide consistent training. 🎓🐕
By understanding their developmental needs and providing guidance, we can help them navigate this transformative stage and build a stronger bond. 🤝💕
Follow GRIT Dog Training for more! 🤓❤️🔥
My number 1 reason for advising against punishment based training?
It focuses on suppressing behaviors through punishment, rather than promoting behaviors through rewards.
Since suppressing behaviors is the main focus, it may not address the underlying cause of the problem.
When the root cause isn’t addressed, you may “fix” one behavior— just to see a new behavior issue arise quickly!
Why do dogs pull when walking in a collar? 👇🏼
1. A single point of contact can only limit the distance of travel and has a tiny influence on the dogs entire body movement. This can cause a “fish on a line” effect where the dog moves towards an object of interest or away from the handler holding the leash, then back and forth.
2. The 2nd reason is due to Physics — the collar placement on most dogs means added pressure (I.e. tension on the leash) will add more weight onto the forefront of the body. This triggers the opposition reflex — shifting a dog further out of balance, causing more pulling!
Did you know that jerking on the collar can cause hypothyroidism, ear and eye conditions, and even paw licking or foreleg lameness?!
Teaching your dog how to ✨properly✨ walk in a harness can take pressure off their neck, and help to avoid the above mentioned issues!
#dogslife #dogtraining #doglove #gooddog #k9 #dogtrainingtips
My main focus during the 1st lesson is to learn what your goals are with your dog.I always say, “tell me about your dream scenario with your dog. If I could give you the perfect moment with them— what would that look like?”This helps me to develop a plan, and manage client expectations. While also helping you figure out what you’re starting this journey for.A custom dashboard allows a client to:1. Access training info all on one app! 2. Communicate with me in between lessons. 3. Receive feedback in between lessons by uploading clips practicing exercises!Interested in learning more? Send an email to [email protected] or a DM 🐾 #dogtraining #doglover #behaviormodification #unleashyourgritdawg
100% of the time when I reflect back on the prison I used to live in with my dog when I used an ecollar — I become overwhelmed with emotions.
Years ago, my dog being off leash without a shock collar on would give me so much anxiety, I just wouldn’t do it. Or if the collar died while we were out in public — *gasp* — how would we communicate?
3+ years later and we’re living the most beautiful, fullest life— not because of relying on a tool, but because I’ve committed to developing a solid relationship with my dog.
Enjoy this video of Vici - with no aversives needed — full on sprinting to me.
Cosmo is soooo smart! In one drop-in visit he figured out the cue “find it”. This cue has been conditioned to mean “start sniffing the grass”. Why is this an important cue for a reactive dog? Because sniffing the ground is a calming signal. We know calming signals have a few functions - 1 is to tell other dogs they’re not a threat and aren’t trying to engage and the other is to allow the dog to cope in a stressful scenario. This is so helpful for a dog like Cosmo because I can see him starting to reach his threshold, say the cue “find it” - he immediately gets to cope while also telling the other dog “hey dude I’m not trying to talk to you”. Which leads to what you see in this clip with Cosmo! So excited to see everything click for him 🔥🫶 #unleashyourgritdawg #atxdogs #positivereinforcementtraining #dogtraining
Today was the 1st day I trained any of the dogs at our local shelter. I realized quickly the first thing that needed to happen was: teaching the dogs a verbal marker that indicated “I love what you’re doing! Great job!”. The second item to address was how the dogs were exiting/entering the kennels. I only got around to taking 4 out of 15 dogs out of their kennels to conduct an initial evaluation. But in between evals, I would work in 5-10 min increments with all the dogs in their kennels on having 4 paws on the ground and no barking.After 4 rounds of 5-10 min spread out throughout 2 hours, the dogs in the shelter were so quiet. This was with other volunteers walking around too!Looking forward to continuing initial evaluations this Thursday 🫶😊 #atxdogs #shelterdog #unleashyourgritdawg #dogtraining
Did you know that we create custom dashboards for clients in our training programs? These dashboards have a variety of features that are beneficial to our clients. But my personal favorite is the ability to communicate with their trainer in-between lessons!🎉🥳 Benefits of dashboard: 1. Easy & fun to use! 2. Access all homework and instructions in one place! 3. Receive feedback in between training lessons! Interested in learning more? Contact us via — Email: [email protected] OR — Phone: 3016394860 #unleashyourgritdawg #atxdogs #dogtraining
Why you should never pull your dog's leash when in front of a trigger!!
In this video I talk about a technique that involves stroking the leash.
You can see in the first part of the clip when I added tension and pull, it triggers him pulling and reacting! Then later I use the stroking technique, and I'm able to get him to move without triggering a reaction.
This is because instead of pulling, I am sending vibrations down the leash to send a signal that means "let's go".
Interested in learning more? Contact us via DM, email: [email protected], or call: 3016394860!
