This is Aztec who is a therapy dog and we were back at it this past Tuesday at Robey elementary to read with the kiddos . Aztec had no issue with jumping into my SUV when we left our home , however after our session he tried several times to “load up” which is his cue to jump into the back . He put the brakes on each time as he neared the bumper , needless to say lifting a 97 lb pup was almost impossible but I managed and and I’m sure it was comical to watch . I knew it was time to teach him how to go
Here is a quick video of me teaching him how to go up and down the ramp as he navigates the feel of the ramp under his paws , he hesitated once right before I ended the video and quickly recovered . Aztec is willing to try new and sometimes scary things because he trusts me knows I’ll keep him safe and he can tell me no when he doesn’t want to do something .
Our relationship is based on trust , cooperation , safety and so much love and appreciation of who he is as a Labrador mix , this is what I teach my clients so they can have an amazing relationship with their dog , who wants a relationship like that ? 🥰
Aztec mail trim
This is a quick video showing y’all how I trim my dogs nails , disregard the haggard look , I’m suffering from allergies big time , also I like to keep to real with no filters or editing 😊
Baxter
Congrats to Baxter who graduated today ! Huge accomplishment facing his fears about using a doggie door . This sensitive pup has some real issues with putting his head through small spaces so we slowly worked on gaining his confidence by setting up two chairs and a trash bag cut in slits so he could walk through the garbage bag and got used to things touching his head. So not only did he overcome his fears, but he also learned his manners so it was a win-win for Baxter and his very happy mama.
When I’m working with fearful dogs, nervous dogs or even dogs that lack confidence I never push them. I give them the opportunity to opt out when they need it and it’s a slow and steady process . Many times when owners call me they want quick fixes and sometimes it’s an easy solution other times it’s a trial and error process .
Dogs need to feel safe in order to foster learning , in Baxter’s case, it was just patience and lots of reinforcement to encourage him to go through that door on his own which he did way to go Baxter!
Scruggs sniffy walk
Meet Scruggs , this handsome 2 yr old GSD was originally purchased to be a service dog . He was previously trained by another trainer who chose to use a shock collar and prong collar to control him , so unnecessary . His owner watched how I worked with her dads dog and decided she wanted Scruggs to be a pet companion instead.
This was our first sniffy walk and he had a ball , he had the freedom to sniff and just have fun ! His owner repeatedly told me “ I’ve never seen him so happy “
Meet your dog’s needs before you ask them to meet yours , a dog doesn’t have to be in a heel position on a walk , the walk is for them , let them enjoy it .
Aztec
Meet a happy dog named Aztec , this amazing pup was rescued from the border near Nogales at 4 months , he is now 7 years old 💖in this video he is nodding his head to the word “ agree” , I taught him this and many other tricks and manners . We have an incredible bond because I did the following :
Made him feel safe , treated him with kindness , gave him choice , agency , freedom to be who he is, I cared about his feelings and provided for every need . I
made sure my communication was clear and consistent so he could understand what I wanted .
I NEVER used punishment as a correction , no prong collar , choke chain, shock collar , leash pops ever !
When you hire me as your trainer I will treat your dog like my own ,, and I will teach you the same I taught them 💖
Baxter is a sweet Adolescent pup that I am working with who is not confident and very scared to go through a doggie door that was recently installed . Interestingly enough he was visiting a friend and went through their DD with no issue , now in his home it’s a different story .
We have been using hotdogs to encourage him to put his head through one flap , the other is taped up , he struggles with things touching the top of his head and down his back. So thankfully I have a wonderful network of trainers that I ran this case by and it was suggested to use a garbage bag and cut into stripes so he will push his head through . Tight spaces also concern him , so I have a few challenges to navigate with this nugget . One step at a time . Many people would just push the dog through the doggie door , I don’t work that way , I want the dog to be confident and comfortable based on their choice. The dogs welfare come first . Stay tuned to see how he does .
#familydogmediation
