Force Free Cain9’s

03/22/2024

When we punish dogs for growling, we aren't helping them feel better about whatever it is that is threatening them. Instead, we are teaching to stop letting us know when they feel unsafe.

The result? A dog who stops giving us warning signs and "bites out of the blue."

And, that's how we create dangerous dogs.

03/07/2024

It can be so hard when the dogs in your house dont get along. I want you to know I admire your commitment to your animals and I see you doing your best 💚

12/24/2023

12/24/2023

Pet sitting with Wanda and Tucker 🥰

12/04/2023

We all have some in built survival instincts, that can become so strong they are overwhelming. Sometimes they keep us safe and sometimes they are extreme and turn into phobias where we feel like we are in serious danger when we aren’t.

It makes sense for animals to exhibit more caution. They have had more predators and dangers for longer. They go through fear periods to support their independent periods in order to keep them safe.

To be held by someone and loose choice can already create panic. Then to add something they are unsure of must just be overwhelming.

It might feel like we can help a fear by showing them everything is okay, by applying pressure. But this can damage the relationship and leave your dog or puppy no choice but to lash out.
Instead offer space, choice and an escape route. As if the lead were never there.

For choice and control builds confidence, and tolerance to stress, as well as showing them they have our support when they need it.

12/04/2023

SENTIENT - NOT STUBBORN!!!

When animals just want to do animal things, it's not because they're stubborn, it's because they actually are animals! Not humans, not robots, ANIMALS!

11/28/2023

frederick/boonsboro maryland area!!

agility dog sports with Dynamic Dog Sports LLC

11/27/2023

In Dr. Susan Friedman's words, behavior doesn't "flow like a fountain" without the need for outcomes. Behavior is "a tool to produce consequences." (This is backed by sixty-plus years of unequivocal scientific evidence!) A mountain of evidence from decades of research has demonstrated that positive reinforcement – i.e., rewards – makes relationships better and never worse.

11/25/2023

Even if you love dogs, not all dogs want your hands on them. In fact, the vast majority of dogs do not want a stranger to grope them, especially without asking THEM.

Even if the dog is familiar to you, ALWAYS ask and wait for consent. Better yet, let them ask you for cuddles!

When you are interacting, watch their body language and stop periodically to check that any interaction is still consensual.

Always respect every dog's personal space. Avoid leaning over or crowding them and avoid restraining them (hugs). *Hugs and kisses are a human thing, not a dog thing.

This doesn't mean you can never cuddle, spoon, have familiar dogs in your lap, etc., but they should always FULLY KNOW they have the ability to walk away, move away and not feel trapped. And it should be their choice.

Don't know the dog? Then just admire from afar. Many dogs are uncomfortable interacting with strangers and that's completely fine!

Amazing art by: on Instagram.

11/17/2023

ferdinand!! looking for a home ❤️

11/17/2023

adorable pups looking for homes in the DMV area!!

11/17/2023

THEORY THURSDAY - canine olfaction
The Pulse Study "At the heart of the walk" from several years ago showed us that dogs sniff more on a long lead compared to a short lead.
https://www.dogfieldstudy.com/en/study/pulse-study-at-the-heart-of-the-walk

And sniffing is, of course, so important to dogs. As this article outlines, processing odour actually helps them process what they see, something that has so far been only found in dogs.
https://www.sciencenews.org/article/dog-smell-new-nose-brain-connection

So many reasons to let them sniff :)

11/15/2023

fear is an EMOTION, not a BEHAVIOR!!

this goes for dogs, humans and other animals!

❤️

Support your pet in their time of need. They depend on you!

11/14/2023

please trim your dogs nails. this is abuse!!

11/08/2023

HELP WANTED - MUST HAVE CRIMINAL RECORD.

Villalobos Rescue Center has just put together a new program under my "90 Day Felon" label.

We are looking for those recently released from prison, who cannot find work but want to stay on the right path. And we get it, many of your loved ones live out of state (from our main location) and do not want to uproot and move. So here's what we can offer.

We can offer 90 days' worth of employment and will pay you/them a weekly salary plus a cash bonus for every 30 days they make it as a good employee. If you/they can only work for 30 days, then we'll take it. But we are willing to give ex-felons (men or women) up to 90 days' worth of income to work around some amazing dogs.

We will pay for your travel to and from our locations whether in Louisiana or West Virginia.

We can offer free room/board.

If you have someone who might be interested, have them email me at: [email protected] (Work at Villalobos Rescue Center)

11/08/2023

Calling all pet lovers: 'tis the season for sharing. Before we break out all the holiday foods find out which ones are appropriate to stuff in your pet's KONG. Join us on November 7, 2023, at 4 pm (MST) as the APCC's very own Dr. Renee Tourdot presents - Safe Foods to Share: What to Stuff in Your KONG. Sign-up is FREE - come join us: https://bit.ly/47aNLqo

11/08/2023

ANY GOAL in behaviour modification is never going to be as easy as just plodding a straight line from A to B.

EVERY GOAL takes time, as you rollercoaster ride up and down, loving the highs and feeling the lows.

ALL GOALS need to be managed in terms of expectations. Don't expect an easy ride!

THE JOURNEY IS MESSY.

Don't give up because chances are, the moment you do, you are already half way there. And what a shame that is to waste that progress 🐾💜