Canine State of Mind

Canine State of Mind Country dog boarding and in home training at it's best! Do you want your dog to be truly happy? Looking for a home away from home for your dog? ft.

Do you want to be able to better communicate with your canine companion? Where he can be outdoors in doggie paradise while you are away? AND get the specialized one on one attention they so deserve? At Canine State of Mind we offer short and long-term dog boarding vacations in the country at our farm in rural Jo Daviess county near Galena in northwest Illinois. We have built our property and our l

ife around making sure your dog has the most natural and safe environment possible. Here they can explore, play and enjoy the company of other dogs year round – inside and out. We provide transportation to and from Chicago several times per week. Our home facility consists of two 10,000 sq. dog gardens securely enclosed with premium 7' high fencing. It's doggy heaven 4 seasons a year! We also proudly offer cage-free boarding. Temperaments allowing, we will incorporate your dog into our pack at home. Call 312-505-7700 now to book your pups' stay with us!

Today, we celebrate the incredible heart and purpose behind the work of Sasha Armstrong—our founder, our leader, and the...
11/30/2024

Today, we celebrate the incredible heart and purpose behind the work of Sasha Armstrong—our founder, our leader, and the driving force behind this mission. It’s her birthday, and while she’d never make this about herself, we’re taking a moment to honor the impact she’s had on the lives of so many.

Sasha isn’t just a canine behaviorist; she’s pioneering a new way of understanding our bond with dogs. She reminds us that our bond with our animals isn’t about commands or control—it’s about connection. She’s here to guide us back to what we’ve forgotten: the sacred link between humans, animals, and the divine.

Sasha teaches that dogs don’t follow commands—they follow energy. And when we align with our own, everything shifts. It’s not training; it’s transformation.

On this special day, we honor Sasha’s unwavering commitment to leading a movement of reverence and respect. Her message is clear: now is the time to rise. To honor our animals as grand teachers. To reconnect with nature, the divine, and the deepest parts of ourselves. 🤍

Thank you to my incredibly talented friend .artist, who created this magnificent portrait of me.

This is the truth no one’s telling you 👇 (Save this post!)Most dog parents don’t realize how much their choices impact t...
11/29/2024

This is the truth no one’s telling you 👇 (Save this post!)

Most dog parents don’t realize how much their choices impact their dog’s health, longevity, and peace. Let’s break it down:

🐾 Kibble is often packed with low-quality fillers and preservatives—junk that slowly wears down your dog’s health.
🐾 Unnecessary vaccinations can put extra strain on their immune system, leading to long-term issues.

The result? Dogs with shorter lives, higher stress, and more health problems. But it doesn’t have to be this way.

When you step into your role as the leader of your pack, everything changes.
💡 You take ownership of their nutrition and health.
💡 You create a healthier environment where they can thrive.
💡 You build trust through intentional, species-appropriate care.

The shift starts with you. And I’m here to guide you every step of the way.

This week, get the tools you need:
✔️ 50% OFF my Embodied Alpha Masterclass (code: BLACKFRIDAY2024)
✔️ A FREE bonus Separation Anxiety Guide to help deepen your bond
✔️ The first 10 purchases unlock a live Q&A session with me!

✅ COMMENT: BONUS
I’ll send you everything you need to start transforming your relationship with your dog today.

Let’s give your dog the life they deserve. 🐾✨

Alpha leadership is more than a concept—it’s a way of being. 🤍The Embodied Alpha is a peaceful warrior, grounded in peac...
11/25/2024

Alpha leadership is more than a concept—it’s a way of being. 🤍

The Embodied Alpha is a peaceful warrior, grounded in peace and rooted in confidence. It’s about trusting your capacity to lead, guide, and hold space for your dog with strength and presence.

The greatest gift you can give your dog? Step into your Embodied Alpha role—a centered leader who brings peace and security to their life.

🧡 Our Black Friday Sale is LIVE! 🧡

🎁 Get 50% off the masterclass using code “BLACKFRIDAY2024”!

🌟 With EVERY purchase, you’ll receive a FREE Separation Anxiety Guide

🔥 LIMITED BONUS: The first 10 buyers will receive a 15-minute group Q&A with Sasha! This is your chance to gain personalized guidance and connect with a close-knit community of high-level individuals dedicated to excellence in the human-canine relationship.

📅 Sale ends Nov 30! Comment “BONUS” to claim your spot and start the transformation.

Most ‘aggressive’ dogs aren’t aggressive at all—they’re stressed, overwhelmed, and misunderstood. After 20+ years of tra...
11/22/2024

Most ‘aggressive’ dogs aren’t aggressive at all—they’re stressed, overwhelmed, and misunderstood.

After 20+ years of transforming these behaviors, I’ve packed my best strategies into a guide to help you turn stress and anxiety into connection. Comment ‘TRANSFORM’ to get it now. 🤍

Does your dog follow you everywhere, pull on the leash, or bark when you leave? These behaviors aren’t just random—they’...
11/14/2024

Does your dog follow you everywhere, pull on the leash, or bark when you leave? These behaviors aren’t just random—they’re rooted in a lack of trust.

And until that trust is built, the cycle of stress, anxiety, and frustration continues—for both of you.

Let’s be clear: commands won’t fix it. Treats won’t fix it. Your dog doesn’t need another trainer—they need YOU to step up as the leader they’re desperately searching for.

When you embody that alpha energy, your dog finally feels secure. They stop reacting out of stress and start respecting the boundaries you’ve set. No more chewing the furniture. No more aggressive outbursts. No more anxiety-driven behaviors.

I’ve put 25+ years of experience into ‘The Path to Peace’ guide, where you learn to step into this leadership, earn your dog’s trust, and eliminate these behaviors for good.

It’s time to stop managing symptoms and start healing the root cause.

Comment ‘BREAKTHROUGH’, and I’ll send you the guide that will transform your relationship and restore peace—for both you and your dog.

Your dog isn’t “crazy”—they’re stressed, and no amount of commands or treats will fix it. 👇 [Comment LEADER for the path...
11/13/2024

Your dog isn’t “crazy”—they’re stressed, and no amount of commands or treats will fix it. 👇

[Comment LEADER for the path to a stress-free bond with your dog!]

Imagine being bombarded by constant stress signals—sounds, mixed cues, overwhelming environments—day in and day out, with no relief. That’s your dog’s reality. And it’s why “fixing” behavior in the moment never works.

Your dog’s experience mirrors ours: hidden stress, ingrained anxieties, generational baggage. We carry it, they carry it – but unlike us, they have no choice or outlet.

Real change starts when you stop “managing” behavior and start dissolving the stress driving it.

A stress-free, balanced dog needs:
🌟 Consistency

🌟 Peaceful energy

🌟 Clear signals

🌟 A supportive environment

When you start clearing out the noise, minimizing the daily triggers, and creating a stable foundation, everything changes.

Peace starts from the inside out.

Are you ready to make this shift for both of you? Drop “LEADER” below, and I’ll send you a masterclass that’s already transforming the lives of dogs and their humans. 🐕 ✨

👉 True relief of your dog’s anxiety begins with YOU.When searching for a way to relieve your dog’s anxiety, you’re proba...
10/24/2024

👉 True relief of your dog’s anxiety begins with YOU.

When searching for a way to relieve your dog’s anxiety, you’re probably frustrated that nothing you do seems to help.

❌ That’s because traditional “training” tactics or harmful medications do NOT get to the root of why your dog is stressed or anxious in the first place.

Dogs are highly sensitive to our emotions. Every single person I work with tells me, often right from the start, that they sense their dog is feeding off their own emotional traumas, anxiety, and nervous energy. Our dogs live so closely with us that they absorb our emotional states, becoming direct recipients of our inner turmoil.

We are in an era where emotional dysregulation and nervous system imbalances are at an all-time high. And our dogs? They feel every bit of it.

If you truly want to heal your dog’s anxiety, it starts with healing yourself. 🫶 We MUST release the guilt, shame, and instability we carry and step into a place of empowerment. When we face our own emotions, we automatically begin to see a shift in our dog’s behavior—without needing to focus on “fixing” them.

Your canine companion cannot feel safe if you’re not the centered and grounded pack leader they need. When you embody the Alpha leadership role, your dog no longer feels the need to be in charge. They can finally relax, knowing that you have everything taken care of.

✨ Ready for a breakthrough? Comment “BREAKTHROUGH” below to access The Path to Peace guide and start transforming your dog’s anxiety—and your own. 🐾

Dealing with excessive barking? Here’s how to stop it 👇   Your dog isn’t barking for no reason... they’re trying to tell...
10/08/2024

Dealing with excessive barking? Here’s how to stop it 👇

Your dog isn’t barking for no reason... they’re trying to tell you something important!

The root cause of excessive barking = STRESS and ANXIETY. 💥

If you haven’t effectively communicated that you’re the pack leader, your dog thinks THEY have to take charge and lead. So now, your dog is on high alert, stressed, and anxious about being responsible for the pack’s survival.

Cue the excessive barking anytime they sense potential threats such as people or other animals approaching, loud noises, or when left alone.

So, what should you do when your dog is barking and won’t stop?

❌ Don’t yell or raise your voice.

If you do, now you’re barking, too! When both you and your dog are “barking” (alerting the pack to a potential threat), who’s responding to that threat, and who’s in charge? This is confusing for your dog, to say the least!

Let’s make one thing clear: dogs don’t speak English. They don’t understand the meaning of your words. They rely on us to communicate with them through our body language and energy. This is how they receive information from us on how to act and show up in the pack.

✅ Instead, begin by shifting your energy.

It’s your job to be the leader for your dog, and that begins with your energy (which your dog can read like an X-ray). When you’re relaxed and centered—your dog will respond to your energy and feel reassured as you step into the pack leadership role.

Over time, you’ll begin to change your dog’s relationship to triggers, stressors, and perceived dangers. This is ALL possible by shifting into a new mindset and transforming your own behavior to ease your dog’s anxiety.

If you want to learn the incredible proprietary technique I use for excessive barking, this transformational protocol is outlined in my masterclass! Comment “LEADER” for the link. 🔗

No, seriously. Do you think your dog’s life will improve just because you control them? 🤔⁣This is the fundamental flaw i...
10/07/2024

No, seriously. Do you think your dog’s life will improve just because you control them? 🤔

This is the fundamental flaw in so much of what we’ve been taught about canine behavior… that control equals harmony, and dominance means respect. ⁣

But control is not the foundation of a peaceful relationship.⁣

Think about it this way: If someone demanded your respect by micromanaging your every move, how would you feel? Stressed? Anxious? Avoidant? dismissive? Our dogs feel the same way. When we try to control them through force, fear, or rigid schedules, we only create anxiety and tension—for both of us. ⁣

Instead, what our dogs need is guidance, boundaries, and understanding—not commands.⁣

Trust and respect don’t come from demanding compliance; they come from meeting your dog where they are, learning to read their cues, and embodying the kind of energy that invites them to harmonize with you naturally. 🧡⁣

Those old, outdated methods have never worked for us or our dogs. It’s time to create an environment where they feel safe, understood, supported and honored—where trust is built through peaceful guidance, not control. ✨

Ready to lead with compassion and respect? Comment “LEADER” below to learn more about embodying true leadership with your dog. Share with me below how this shows up for you and your Dog.

If you’re relying on obedience training, this one’s for you. ↓  👉 No matter which way you look at it, traditional obedie...
10/02/2024

If you’re relying on obedience training, this one’s for you. ↓

👉 No matter which way you look at it, traditional obedience training is all about control.

Whether you’re using a negative or positive reinforcement, NEITHER address your dog’s deeper emotional needs. 🐺

Obedience training with negative reinforcement is flat-out abuse that only creates stressed-out, confused, and anxious dogs (no dog deserves this treatment!).

So, what about positive reinforcement training?
  
While this comes from a place of good intentions, it still never reaches the underlying cause of the behaviors.  

🤍 Instead, we must focus on understanding each dog’s physical, psychological, and emotional needs and HOW we can meet them. 

Comment ALPHA, and I’ll send you a link to my Embodied Alpha Masterclass, where you’ll learn exactly what to do for life-changing shifts to happen between you and your dog. All you need is one hour per week to become the leader your dog needs.  ✨

What does ‘Dog Shaman’ mean to me? It’s not just a title—it’s a big part of who I am. It’s a title I didn’t choose; it f...
09/26/2024

What does ‘Dog Shaman’ mean to me? It’s not just a title—it’s a big part of who I am.

It’s a title I didn’t choose; it found me after years of deep spiritual work and a journey that’s been more challenging than I could ever describe. Being a shaman isn’t about trends or labels nor is it something you choose—it’s about profound connection to spirit, to self, and to animals.

I know the word ‘shaman’ can trigger confusion or even anger. Some people react out of fear, insecurity, or wounds they haven’t yet addressed.

I’ve had people go out of their way to attack me, but I’ve come to see these moments as reflections of their own disconnection from self and spirit.

Here’s the truth: the Dog Shaman movement is not about me—it’s about healing, for both animals and humans.

It’s about ending suffering by helping us all reconnect to who we really are, to our spirit, and to the world around us. And as I step more into this work, I see how much darkness it can illuminate.

But for every challenge and attack, I see more clearly the work to be done here. I’m here for this. I’m here to lead this movement with authenticity and compassion, no matter who it triggers.

To those who feel threatened or confused, I see you. I’m so happy you’re here. And I understand that the truth can be hard to face. But this work is bigger than all of us. We’re here to create real change, and together, we’ll transform the world.

PSA: Your stress is hurting your dog too.     Your dog will mirror your mood. 🪞     You can’t expect your dog to be emot...
09/25/2024

PSA: Your stress is hurting your dog too.

Your dog will mirror your mood. 🪞

You can’t expect your dog to be emotionally regulated if you’re not.

If you notice your dog excessively barking or acting out, this is always rooted in stress, anxiety, and uncertainty.

Taking charge of your own emotional regulation is the first step to mastering a successful and centered energy.

Turn inward and take responsibility and accountability for your emotions through stress management, self reflection & deep healing.

A harmonious environment for both of you results in a well-adjusted, content dog.

Let’s break the cycle of stress – human and canine alike.

Comment ALPHA for my masterclass on transforming your relationship with your dog, and I’ll DM you a link. 🤍

Think being an alpha means dominating your dog? Think again!  Embodying the alpha role is NEVER about being the dictator...
09/20/2024

Think being an alpha means dominating your dog? Think again!

Embodying the alpha role is NEVER about being the dictator or aggressor. 

It’s NOT about imposing your will to gain a false sense of respect and control. 

An alpha leader is:

🌟 Centered
🌟 Aligned
🌟 Self-controlled
🌟 Peaceful

When you step into the alpha leader role for your canine companion, you align your energy and build your own blueprint for connection.

👉 Let go of everything you thought you knew about dogs.

Every training class, gadget, and gimmick you tried that brought unsatisfactory results.  

Create a harmonious, stress-free bond with your dog and join the movement that connects us back to our dogs in a heart-centered way. 🤍

Ready to step up as an alpha leader for your dog? 🐕 ✨ Comment LEADER and I’ll send you my masterclass, which has transformed the lives of thousands of dog parents.

Understanding and honoring our dogs starts with respecting their boundaries. 🤍Meet Nashoba, my German Shepherd puppy (al...
09/11/2024

Understanding and honoring our dogs starts with respecting their boundaries. 🤍

Meet Nashoba, my German Shepherd puppy (all grown up now 🥹).

From the day I brought him home, I paid close attention to his needs and how he communicated them to me—just as I do with all dogs.

Nashoba, like all dogs, values personal space and made it clear from the start that he wasn’t too interested in human-centric affection.

Naturally, I respected his requests, which allowed our bond to develop over time.

🤍 This was yet another one of the many lessons each individual dog teaches me—how to meet them exactly where they need to be met without my selfish human desires getting in the way.

Truly and authentically loving our dogs means setting aside our personal agendas and considering what they’re experiencing in each moment. In those subtle interactions, giving them space and freedom to be themselves is key. Less is more.

👉 The journey to understanding our dogs is about their needs, not ours.

Dogs are our greatest teachers, and it’s about time we learn how to listen.

Let’s revolutionize how we connect with our dogs. 🐕 My book “Peaceful Dog Mastery” dives into how heart-centered connections lead to a harmonious relationship with your canine. 📖 Comment ‘BOOK’ to grab your copy!

Humans are confusing the living hell out of their dogs. Why? Because we don’t understand ourselves—and that means we can...
09/05/2024

Humans are confusing the living hell out of their dogs. Why? Because we don’t understand ourselves—and that means we can’t possibly understand them.

It’s time to face the truth: The way we interact with our dogs is doing more harm than good. Enough with the humanization!!

Enough with thinking “training” will fix everything.

We assume we know what they’re feeling, what they need—but we don’t. And because of this, we’re causing serious damage.

This is a call to action. We need to stop, take a hard look at what we’re really saying to our dogs, and start communicating through their lens—not ours. It’s time to take responsibility and accountability for the unconscious signals we’re sending every day.

Your dog is trying their best with the mixed messages they’re receiving. Let’s stop the confusion and start leading with clarity and respect.

If this resonates, share it. It’s time to do better—for our dogs, and for ourselves. ❤️‍🔥🐺♾️

THE DETAILS 👇1️⃣ Stay in Your Lane. Focus more on your energy, thoughts, and way of being—your dog follows your lead.2️⃣...
09/03/2024

THE DETAILS 👇

1️⃣ Stay in Your Lane. Focus more on your energy, thoughts, and way of being—your dog follows your lead.

2️⃣ Let Go of Expectations. Create a clear vision of how you want to be and feel in the present moment. This creates the future.

3️⃣ Stay in the Present Moment. You & your dog will thrive when you’re fully present with yourself and with them.

4️⃣ Don’t Force Outcomes. Allow things to unfold naturally without imposing your will.

5️⃣ Engage on Your Terms. Keep interactions and direct engagement on YOUR terms.

6️⃣ Respect Their Space. Always honor your dog’s personal space.

7️⃣ Attune to Their Energy. Notice how your dog’s energy mirrors your own.

8️⃣ Keep Conversations Minimal. Less is more! Dogs speak the language of energy, not words.

9️⃣ Be Intentional and Mindful. Every action should be purposeful and thoughtful.

🔟 Keep Quiet. Let silence and your energy guide your leadership.

Bonus: Make success EASY - create an environment where it’s very easy for your dog to perform at their best.

To dive deeper, comment “CUES” and I’ll send you my free guide to mastering your dog’s cues and building a stronger bond. And don’t forget to save this post for when you need it! ❤️🐾

Jealousy is a human emotion, not a canine one. 🐺What we THINK is jealousy is actually your dog playing the role that you...
08/30/2024

Jealousy is a human emotion, not a canine one. 🐺

What we THINK is jealousy is actually your dog playing the role that you’ve unknowingly assigned to them.

We’ve inadvertently given our dogs the role of choice-maker and provider—the one who calls the shots. This forces them into a job description they were never meant to have.

When dogs believe they’re in charge, they feel they must be involved in everything. We label this behavior as “jealousy,” but it’s not.

👉 This is why it’s crucial to understand a dog’s psychology and delve into the raw energy and connection we share with our dogs to truly understand their behaviors.

Instead of seeking external solutions, we need to make an intentional shift to turn inward.

Want to learn how to make that shift? Comment “ALPHA” to uncover the answers within and connect with your dog. ✨

🚨 50% OFF the Masterclass Today ONLY! (Comment ‘LEADER’) 🚨Today, on National Dog Day, we celebrate the deep, timeless bo...
08/26/2024

🚨 50% OFF the Masterclass Today ONLY! (Comment ‘LEADER’) 🚨

Today, on National Dog Day, we celebrate the deep, timeless bond between humans and their canine companions. 🐾✨

But our dogs need more than just celebration—they need our leadership, calmness, and strength. To help you step into this vital role, I’m offering 50% off my Embodied Alpha Masterclass for the next 24 hours. This is your opportunity to cultivate a harmonious and respectful relationship with your dog.

Comment ‘LEADER’ for the link, or use code “halfoff” at checkout to grab your discount—today only!

Address

10198 S Crazy Hollow Road
Hanover, IL
61041

Telephone

+13125057700

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Country Boarding & Training

Do you want your dog to be truly happy? Do you want to be able to better communicate with your canine companion? Looking for a home away from home for your dog? Where he can be outdoors in doggie paradise while you are away? AND get the specialized one on one attention they so deserve? At Canine State of Mind we offer short and long-term dog boarding vacations in the country at our farm in rural Jo Daviess county near Galena in northwest Illinois. We have built our property and our life around making sure your dog has the most natural and safe environment possible. Here they can explore, play and enjoy the company of other dogs year round – inside and out. We provide transportation to and from Chicago several times per week. Our home facility consists of two 10,000 sq. ft. dog gardens securely enclosed with premium 7' high fencing. It's doggy heaven 4 seasons a year! We also proudly offer cage-free boarding. Temperaments allowing, we will incorporate your dog into our pack at home. Call 312-505-7700 now to book your pups' stay with us!


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