Who's Your Doggie

07/07/2025

Comfort isn't just physical.
It's also emotional.
We can provide them with the coziest bed and the best food we can give them....but still not give them what they truly need.

Safety.

It is a fundamental need we all share and it can take many forms.

Being sheltered from too much noise and chaotic environments....that's one way we can give our dogs safety.
Routines bring security for many, but not all dogs.
For some, certain routines may cause anxiousness.

When dogs lack that feeling of safety and security, we need to look closer at how to support them through this.

Newly adopted dogs often feel deeply insecure in their new home.
We can help them settle by having a calmer home and limiting visitors who are bursting to see your new addition.

Cautionary note....
These can be shown for many reasons, not just when a dog feels unsafe.

Sometimes we need to look a little bit harder at why they feel the way they do.

06/23/2025

There is a way to build acceptance.
It starts outside of the home.
Two bits to this....and both of those areas can go very wrong.

Introducing a new dog into your own home.👈
Maybe you have just adopted and have concerns already because of other dogs that have entered your home.
It is a big deal for dogs and many won't take kindly to another dog just waltzing in, especially if they have never met them before.

Some have criticised these tried and true methods....that is ok.
You do you.
However, these are approaches that have worked, they are safe and they are not based on "individual highly social dogs" but looking at a much bigger picture.

Meeting a dog out and about?👈
Different again.
Try the 3 second "rule".
The meet and retreat is a great way to encourage everyone (dogs and humans alike) to read what is happening.

Do dogs "need" to meet all other dogs when out and about?
No.
They don't.
If you have a highly social dog....that may be difficult to hear.
You likely don't have the same challenges as others.
Your dog can easily socialise and read signals.
Others need a helping hand.

If you do struggle with helping your dog meet others....try this.
It also give dogs confidence.

Everyone can benefit from those little "I can do this" moments.

06/09/2025

They can't tell us...they SHOW us.
It can come out as being a "ratbag"....chewing, destroying (and yes that does include favourite items of ours too).
Stress in dogs is a weird one...it often comes out in ways we don't read as "stressed".

Those barks? They just heard a noise...or did they?
Running away when called? Just stubborn....is it or do they just need some peace and quiet?
Before we think they are just misbehaving....let's look a little deeper at what could be occurring and most importantly...why.

06/04/2025

06/03/2025

06/02/2025

How can you tell if it is an appeasement signal?
Is there suddenly something new around them or in their environment?
What is happening around them right now?
They can be such innocuous actions to us but can be a BIG sign that dogs can give.

Another clue❓

They are often shown in combination.
For example a dog may blink slowly and yawn.
They may scratch and turn away.
The lowering of the head can cause a posture change and curving of the body.

Individually they can be just everyday, ordinary behaviours....context is everything here.
Just because they show these doesn't necessarily mean something needs addressed, it just means we need to look a bit deeper at what that licking, nibbling or yawning may be trying to communicate.

(This isn't available yet but should be in the shop in the next week or so.)

05/29/2025

Sundowners in dogs that are aging can be hard for their owners to deal with. Fortunately, you can help your dog slow the progression of the disease.

05/28/2025

05/27/2025

Yes, you may have been told they’re dog or cat friendly…
That doesn’t mean they’re ready for your dog or cat ....yet.

This graphic is packed with ways to help a newly adopted dog settle in safely and calmly.

➡️ Keep their world small.
They’ve been through a huge change, and right now, less is more. A calm and contained environment helps reduce stress.

➡️ Skip the bath (for now).
Unless absolutely necessary, avoid grooming early on. Their scent and even the items they came with can be incredibly comforting.

⚠️ Too much freedom too soon can backfire.
They don’t know your boundaries yet...that the fence means “stay in,” or that the yard is “home.”
They might flee out of fear or confusion.

✅ Let them keep familiar items they arrived with.
Toys, bedding, even a worn rug ... these can be lifelines in a confusing new place.

Take your time.
Go slow.
This part matters more than most people realise.

05/14/2025

Breaking the Cycle of Aggression in Dogs

Aggression can become a learned behavior when a dog realizes it works. If growling makes a person back away or lunging keeps other dogs at a distance, the dog is more likely to repeat that behavior. Over time, aggression becomes their go-to strategy.

How to Break the Cycle:
✔️ Identify Causes – Understand what consistently leads to an aggressive response (e.g., guarding food, handling sensitivity, leash frustration).

✔️ Prevent Rehearsal – Every time aggression works, it strengthens the behavior. Use management tools like gates, leashes, and structured interactions to set the dog up for success, and most of all, advocate for the dog by understanding the root cause for their aggression.

✔️ Reinforce Alternative Behaviors – Reward desirable alternative responses when a trigger is presented at a level that doesn’t elicit the aggressive behavior. Teach disengagement, recall, and make positive associations so the dog learns better ways to cope and feel safer.

Aggression doesn’t disappear on its own, but with the right approach, we can help dogs feel safer and make better choices.

04/28/2025

04/19/2025

Happy Easter from OUR BUNNIES IN TRAINING!🐾🐰
Our pups are working hard in weekly training sessions, thanks to our amazing volunteers and a certified dog trainer who is donating his time. 💛

Our bunnies are doing a great job learning but they’re demanding payment in treats for more consistent performance. 🤣 🎓➡️🍖

Please donate training treats for their Easter baskets and help us motivate and educate our future good boys and girls! 😇💼
Please see our Amazon Wish List for Training Treats here:
https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/378TWQ8JD43UE?ref_=wl_share

As always, thank you for your Easter donations of goodies.

Kennel License #3443
PO BOX 129, Dillsburg, PA