Roben Kennedy Pet Concierge & Training

04/30/2025

I couldn’t have written this any better! We all need to manage our dogs better. Most dogs are not trained well enough to be off leash. Seriously. (Very few have the recall skills required. It takes time, patience and relationship-building to gain a fabulous recall especially if they have high prey drive.)

Even if your dog does have fabulous off leash skills, it’s important to leash your dog when passing other dogs in small or questionable spaces. Dogs are still canines and have their own thoughts, feelings & instincts.

I have rewritten my post on off leash dog attacks, now that I have shared what happened to Splenda. I stayed quiet while we sorted it out, and also to make sure she healed properly, but had posted some of this recently when a client's dog was attacked by an off leash dog severely. I wish I could say that Splenda is the only one of my dogs who has been attacked by an off leash dog, but it has happened more times than I can count. This was the first time on my own property though. Paddington was attacked on a trail, Merlin was almost killed on a walk once, Aslan had it happen many times in public, and Andy even on our walks in the neighborhood. While some of them didn't experience physical harm like Splenda, a few of them did. And I am so grateful they had a group of safe, social dogs to come home to so it would balance out the experience. Not all dogs have that.

These kinds of events happen every day, everywhere. We hear about them, we’ve watched them, and some of us have been unfortunately on the receiving end of them. I cannot tell you how many dogs I see that are severely traumatized after events like this, as well as their people. Enough is enough. Something needs to change.

Why has our tolerance increased so much that the kinds of attacks have become normal? Why has it gotten to a point that people are genuinely scared to walk their dogs in public - and rightly so? Why are we so normalized to aggression and reactivity and these kinds of events? This is not about dogs, this is about us.

The amount of products now offered to “contain” dogs in invisible ways are astounding. We value the aesthetic of the look of our homes over the overall safety of the general public and other animals. We have become comfortable and complacent with half measures and feel that we are not responsible for anyone else but ourselves. We’re in an individualistic society versus a collectivist society and have forgotten the implications on trauma inflicted on other people and dogs because we cannot see beyond "what's best for me, and best for my own dog."

We need to do better, because this cannot continue at this pace. And, to be clear, I am not upset with the dogs that do this. It isn’t their fault. I also know that it’s very rare that people who have a dog that has done this are “okay” with it happening. They too suffer trauma and stress and fear after something like this. But then, why does it keep happening? Why do I spend all day on the phone triaging desperate people after events like this? I am a dog trainer, but I cannot perform miracles, undo trauma, or go door to door building fences or teaching leash etiquette. I am exhausted and heartbroken.

Manage your dog. Put up a fence. Keep them on leash in parks or on trails. Muzzle train them. Do not rely on electronics or store bought containment systems that often fail or are easily moved through if the intent is strong enough. Stop making excuses, stop passively supervising, stop thinking that your dog would or could never or just because your dog is friendly the rules don’t apply. Our society and environments have changed so rapidly that our dogs have not had a chance to keep up, and we need to give them security and safety to prevent them from behavior that may end up with them paying the ultimate price, and traumatizing people and other dogs in the process. Yes, training can help, but only if you are there ready to do it and perform it properly. If you aren’t, then the dog needs to be managed and contained properly. “Just for a second” can quickly turn into a nightmare.

Yes, you can carry protection like spray shield, a pop up umbrella, an extra slip leash. The thing that worked to get the dog to drop Splenda was me yelling and clapping. However, that sometimes isn't enough, I'm lucky it was in my case. But, I also beg the question, why are we normalizing having to have protection on us when we want to walk our leashed dog down the street? Or on our own property? Is that the real discussion we should be having? Or should it be to address the real problem.

Please leash your dog. Please contain your dog. Please do not assume this one time will be fine. There are SO MANY cost effective physical fences now, that require no digging AND are installed in half a day. There are PLENTY of options now to take your dog to run off leash safely without putting others at risk. Do better so our dogs can be better.

04/29/2025

Snake Bite Vaccines are no longer recommended!

Unfortunately, some vets will recommend the rattlesnake vaccine. Touted to “buy time” getting to an emergency clinic or even to ward off the envenomation, the rattlesnake vaccine is an often used but poorly supported treatment for dogs. There is no evidence to support the vaccine being effective...

04/25/2025

Is your dog driving you crazy or struggling with huge emotions? Want to become more exciting than a squirrel to your dog? Need help managing your toddler and the family dog? Or just require a pet sitter or dog walker that understands your dog’s unique personality?

Let me help you! My passion is canine behavior and teaching folks how to have fun while learning with their dog! My goal is to become a complete resource for my clients therefore keeping their pets!

As the only licensed Family Paws Educator in the region, we help create Dog Aware Generations by teaching families how to live more safely & happily with the family dog to reduce dog bites to babies and children. For dogs with big emotions, I am also a graduate of the Master Course Aggression In Dogs by Michael Shikashio— (recognized expert in canine aggression who uses a kind approach based in behavioral science.) I am honored to be one of the select few trainers with this education in Central California.

As a life long learner, continuing education is a regular part of my business and I am also fully insured. Many of my clients have been referred to me via their veterinarians and groomers and I have excellent references from many long term clients. Contact me to set up a free consultation!

04/22/2025

"I think dogs are the most amazing creatures; they give unconditional love. For me, they are the role model for being alive." - Gilda Radner

04/19/2025

04/17/2025

The Role of SSRIs in Canine Behavior Management

Last week, I was disgusted to see a local behaviourist share a post that implied that there is no way medication like SSRI, ie Fluoxetine, can help with multiple problems like anxiety, separation anxiety, OCD, among other conditions. It was basically shaming owners who use medications for their dog.

The post was wildly misleading (it couldn't even explain how SSRIs work), hateful and judgmental, and worse still, their followers liked the post.

How and why SSRIs are used.

When behavioral challenges arise, we often explore training, enrichment, and routine adjustments. But sometimes, despite our best efforts, our dogs need a little extra support—and that's where medications like SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) can be game-changers.

If your veterinarian has recommended an SSRI like fluoxetine for your dog's anxiety, reactivity, or compulsive behaviors, please know: it's okay. There's absolutely no shame in it, and it doesn't mean you've failed as an owner.

Here's why needing an SSRI is perfectly acceptable for your dog:

1. It addresses a Biological Imbalance: Just like humans, dogs can experience chemical imbalances in their brains that contribute to behavioral issues. SSRIs help regulate serotonin, a crucial neurotransmitter that plays a significant role in mood, anxiety, and impulse control. Think of it as providing the necessary support to help their brain function more effectively.

2. It Can Significantly Improve Their Quality of Life: Imagine living with constant anxiety or being driven by overwhelming compulsions. These situations are stressful and can severely impact a dog's well-being. SSRIs can help reduce these intense feelings, allowing your dog to feel calmer, more secure, and ultimately happier.

3. It Often Makes Training More Effective: When a dog is constantly in a state of high anxiety, learning new behaviors through training can be incredibly difficult. By reducing their overall anxiety levels, SSRIs can create a "window of opportunity" where your dog is more receptive to training and behavior modification techniques. Medication can help them reach a state where they can better process and respond to what you're trying to teach them.

4. It's Not a "Quick Fix" or a Replacement for Good Management: SSRIs are typically used in conjunction with behavior modification, environmental enrichment, and consistent routines. They are a valuable tool in a comprehensive treatment plan, not a standalone solution.

5. Veterinarians Recommend It Based on Scientific Evidence: Just like with human medicine, the use of SSRIs in veterinary medicine is based on research and clinical experience. Veterinarians prescribe these medications because they have been shown to be effective in managing certain behavioral conditions.

6. You're Prioritizing Your Dog's Well-being: Using medication when recommended shows immense care and dedication to your dog's happiness and comfort. You're acknowledging their struggles and seeking the best possible outcome for them.

Think of it this way: If your dog had a physical ailment causing them pain, you wouldn't hesitate to seek veterinary care and administer prescribed medication.

Behavioral issues are just as real and can cause just as much suffering. Treating them with appropriate tools, including medication when necessary, is a responsible and loving choice.

So, if your dog needs an SSRI, hold your head high. You are doing what's best for your dog, helping them live a calmer, happier, and more fulfilling life. You are a wonderful dog parent for recognising their needs and seeking the right support.

04/12/2025

This is FABULOUS! I bet the parrot can train the dog now too!!

04/08/2025

Important information on spaying a dog and the proper time to do so for the health of the dog.

Monday Medical Corner:

Ovariohysterectomy, popularly known as ‘spaying’, is commonly performed on female dogs as a means of sterilization and to reduce risk of certain diseases including mammary tumors and pyometra (uterine infection). Recent evidence suggests that delaying this procedure until the dog is more mature (at ~18-24 months of age) offers behavioral, orthopedic, and other health benefits.

Dogs’ reproductive cycle is different than that of humans’. A dog’s estrous cycle includes multiple stages. The best known phase is proestrus/estrus or when the dog is in “heat.” This is the phase where the dog ovulates and can become pregnant if she is bred. This phase lasts about 3 weeks on average. The dog then enters diestrus – the phase of pregnancy. What is interesting about dogs is that the hormonal profile in diestrus is the same whether the dog is actually pregnant or not. During this phase, estrogen declines and progesterone rises (secreted from a structure called the corpus luteum [CL]). Progesterone is the hormone that maintains pregnancy. Diestrus in dogs lasts about 2 months – the average duration of gestation when the dog is pregnant. At the end of diestrus, the CL essentially dissolves or becomes inactive and progesterone levels drop. If the dog is pregnant, this change is part of the process that triggers the birth of the puppies and onset of lactation and maternal behavior.

After diestrus, the dog enters anestrus which is a period of hormonal quiescence. In the dog this lasts on average about 6 months as the typical complete estrous cycle in dogs is about 7-9 months long.

If a dog is spayed during diestrus, the precipitous drop in progesterone can mimic whelping and trigger the onset of maternal behavior – including maternal aggression. Since the dog does not have puppies, dogs may begin to guard other objects and show aggression toward humans or other animals. In rare cases, this aggression has persisted long term.

Since there is no benefit to spaying a dog during diestrus, we recommend that dogs be spayed during anestrus to prevent this possible complication.

04/06/2025

A VERY special Congratulations to Bruno!

It’s difficult to explain how incredibly FAR Bruno—who was found in a field— and his family have come since we first met! Bruno was a *very* worried & scared boy that jumped & barked at anything or anyone who moved, including me AND my training bag! 😁 (He had even nipped family members due to fear.) His family worried that no one aside them would *ever* be able interact safely with Bruno.

We worked together to tackle Bruno’s
big emotions by creating positive associations and using training games that build confidence while teaching important life skills at the same time. His family has also worked hard learning canine body language, which gave Bruno a “voice”, greatly reducing his need to react with any aggression.

NOW, Bruno is MUCH more confident, LOVES learning new things and meets visitors to their home with a wagging tail! Bruno is also well on his way to potentially become a valued Emotional Support Animal for one amazing family member! AND Bruno’s RECALL is AMAZING!

Bruno is still learning to be less reactive & worried about the world *OUTSIDE* his home, but with his family’s dedication and love, there’s no doubt that Bruno will continue to succeed! Upward & onward from here and WAY TO GO TEAM BRUNO!!!

03/31/2025

YET another viral post claiming fetch is emotionally damaging.

All the old dramatic claims plus a few new ones: It spikes dopamine! It floods cortisol! It hijacks the predatory sequence!

It leaves dogs stuck in fight-or-flight! It causes reactivity!
It might even ruin their immune system!

And "science says so"...apparently.

SERIOUSLY?!?!

Naturally if you mention a few brain chemicals and scatter in primal-sounding language, anything sounds dangerous. And science-y

But I’m telling you: the science just isn’t there.

So here we go, unpacking it all. Again. 🙄

CLAIM:
Because fetch mimics the predatory sequence but doesn’t “complete” it, dogs are left frustrated and stuck.

REALITY:
By that logic, tug, flirt poles, and squeaky toys should all be emotionally damaging.

Even when your dog hunts out a sock but doesn’t get to digest it, your dog should be broken if we follow this logic.

But they’re not stuck. Or damaged. Or confused. They’re seeking satisfaction.

Fetch doesn't need to complete the prey sequence to be satisfying. And dogs get that (shame some trainers don't).

CLAIM:
Fetch spikes dopamine and cortisol - so it must be harmful.

REALITY:
Yes, hormones are involved. Because fetch is exciting.

Dopamine = anticipation. Not addiction.

Cortisol rises with arousal - just like when your dog trains, plays, or sees a squirrel.

Or heck, cortisol even spikes when your dog gets off his bed in the morning.

Let’s stop panicking about hormones! Hormones are biology, not pathology.

Arousal isn’t the problem. Recovery is.

And by far the majority of dogs recover just fine. Drink, flop, nap, done.

CLAIM:
Fetch keeps dogs in “fight or flight” and fries their nervous system.

REALITY:
Nope. Most dogs zoom around and then crash like nothing happened.

That’s regulation. That’s how the system’s meant to work.

Yes, some dogs struggle. But that’s not fetch’s fault - if these dogs didn’t obsess over a ball it would be a light, a shadow, a cat.

They need help, yes, but don’t blame fetch.

Don’t let edge cases become blanket rules.

CLAIM:
Fetch causes burnout, reactivity, poor sleep, gut issues…

REALITY:
Oof. That’s a lot to blame on a tennis ball.

Where’s the data?
Because it’s not in the journals - it’s just in the fear-mongering.

If a dog’s struggling, let’s look at their whole life, not their favourite toy.

CLAIM:
If you think fetch is safe, you need to prove it.

REALITY:
Sorry. But that’s not how science works.

The burden of proof isn’t on the person doing the normal, everyday thing. It’s on the person claiming it causes harm.

Fetch is common. It’s widely used. It’s enjoyed by millions of dogs.

If you want to say it’s dangerous? Fine.
But back that up.

***

No, fetch isn’t perfect. It’s not for every dog.
Yes - you can probably overdo it.

And yes, it needs to be done safely to avoid repetitive strain or physical injury. But that’s doable - I even play fetch with my 15 year old dog.

BUT for most dogs, when fetch is used thoughtfully?

It’s not trauma. It’s not obsession. It’s not emotional sabotage.

It’s a game.

If your dog loves it and brings you the ball with that look?

Seriously - throw the ball.

Tell me below, does your dog love to play fetch? Do you ever feel guilty about that?

03/19/2025

A lot to learn from in this short video: Fun way to teach rear end awareness, improving balance and a work out for different muscles. And a bonus idea for a great, inexpensive platform for big dogs!

But the biggest takeaway??! Analyzing WHY something does NOT go the way we expected during a lesson is sometimes MORE important than celebrating small successes. Dora wasn’t being “stubborn,” she was dealing with pain!

Thank you & kudos to The Dog Lady for being willing to share this & the struggles she has with her personal dogs as a professional trainer. And healing thoughts being sent to Dora!

(Side note: dogs aren’t “stubborn”— they typically just do not understand what we’re asking of them in that moment)

03/15/2025