Mutts of Merit, LLC.

09/14/2025

Here is a picture of my die hard dog moms. These ladies routinely woke early, hiked 3 or more miles, and never let the weather get them down. They had one goal....one desire...to spend quality time, working with their pup, every Sunday morning!

Thankfully the summer humidity is behind us now, so our next Tails to Trails willbe utilizing various segments of the Railsto Trails that are found in Undiana County!
🐾❤️🐾

09/14/2025

Nothing beats a good roll at Mutts of Merit in Motion when the weather is this perfect!

Join Sniffspot and make your reservation!
https://www.sniffspot.com/to/kvq4i
🐾❤️🐾

09/13/2025

Mutts of Merit, LLC. very own "Campus Canines" is ready to begin on Saturday, September 20, 2025 at 9am at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. This program will run for 5 consecutive weeks and help you learn to teach your dogs to walk stairs, work through a variety of distractions, and just be out with you and other dogs.

The song "Photograph" by Nickelback is very appropriate. You all know our dogs do not stay with us long and "goodbyes" come way too soon. Why not make memories and capture them in photographs. You will be embedded in a group of like minded individuals who love dogs and just want to spend time together.

Space is limited. Please text 724-717-3007 to reserve your spot. Dogs must wear harness and have 4 or 6 foot leashes without bungee.
🐾❤️🐾

09/13/2025

Got the opportunity to see Miss Phoenix the other day. This baby sure has blossomed into a beautiful young lady. When she was first rescued, she was insanely thin and had a terribly dry coat. Her behaviors were erratc and calm was not a word in her vocabulary.

Her parents took everything Mutts of Merit, LLC. taught them and applied it day in and day out. They gave her a regular diet of quality food and let the time pass. They did not have unrealistic expectations and were willing to put the work in. Now, they have this beautiful baby who is so full of life and vigor greeting them every day!
🐾❤️🐾

09/13/2025

Meet Athena! This pretty princess hails from out towards Philadelphia but currently resides here as her Mom attends Indiana University of Pennsylvania. One would think moving from a city to a rural town would be easy, but dogs can struggle with the culture shock as much as the humans do. No matter if you go from the city to the country or the country to the city, it is hard. Change is never easy.

For Athena, her parents concerns stem from her reactions to strangers. Now she is not barking, growling, or lunging, but she is panicking. She does not like when people run right up into her personal space and do that signature move of sticking their hand out.

Guys, REMEMBER, your hand smells nothing like you. It smells like everything you have touched, ate, whatever, but not you. Dogs do not like hands being shoved in their faces. If given a window and the dog is interested in you, they will all meet you the same. They will smell your feet, sniff your calves and knees, and maybe give a quick crotch sniff. We mess the whole thing up because we want to hurriedly offer a hand then quickly go to pet.

Currently, Athena just backs away, but people continue to move towards her very fast. My concern is if strangers keep doing this, one day she will respond by barking, lunging, and possibly even snapping. Why would this happen? Because all her communication meant to tell us she is uncomfortable is being ignored - at least by the strangers. Her parents see it but wanted to know how to help her so that she does not go to the extreme.

We covered cues like "get behind" so her parents can be the wall between her and the stranger as well as "middle" so Atgena can be nestled between her parents legs. Both maneuvers give her parents ample time to explain she is timid and needs to greet on her own. If the stranger can oblige, cool....if not, they do not get to meet the dog.

A little bit of respect goes a long way. I always let the dogs meet me on their own. Occasionally, I will meet one who is not ready to say hello....that is fine! By waiting until they are ready, the dogs almost always come around.

Please, be mindful when meeting dogs. Do not assume because "dogs like you" that all dogs will like you. Give the dog the opportunity to make the first move. This can help owners out more than they kniw because not all owners are as observant as Athena's parents. Some need their dog to bark, growl, or lunge before they ever listen. The problem with these owners is that often, they are the ones who get pi**ed at the dog, rely on force based tools, and punish the dog when the poor dog was trying to tell them all along!

If you need help better understanding your dog or working on greetings, please text 724-717-3007.
🐾❤️🐾

09/13/2025

Meet Angel! This newly rescued beauty queen has started the first chapter in her forever home. Despite only being there a few days, some of her behaviors are already becoming known. She is showing signs of separation anxiety. Even though she was adopted by a retiree who can virtually be home with her everyday or just take her with him, this is not reality. At some point, she will jave to be left alone for a doctor appointment, family event, something. As a result, we are starting her on activities to help her understand alone time.

I know some dogs are placed with folks based on retirement status or work from home gigs, but we have to remember, if we never leave them alone, when we are forced to, it can and will put the dog into crisis. That is why we are going to introduce Angel very slowly to time apart but incorporate it as a daily routine.

Shelter dogs may have underlying behaviors that caused them to be let loose or surrendered, but that does not mean they are a lost cause. That saying you cannot teach an old dog new tricks only applies to the two legged version! 😘 Upon bringing the new dog home, that is where you can help them immediately by setting up new life, new rules objectives. Obviously, go slow. Move only as fast as the dog can be successful.

The only kicker for this girl is despite coming out of a shelter, the poor baby was infested with fleas. 🤦‍♀️ I know, keep my comments to myself....psych...can't and won't. Look, rescue needs to be about the well-being of the dog, both mentally and physically. Please riddle me this....how in the hell does the dog come out of a shelter with fleas?! Of course the shelter professes to care so much about the animals despite every story about the dog being drastically different depending on what worker you asked.....then you have the fleas. Grr. As I see it, I am just grateful Angel is out of there because now she can get the care and consistency in her life she deserves.

🐾❤️🐾

09/13/2025

Despite being on pallative care and taking a boatload of medication (100mg Carprofen and 600mg Gabepentin) daily to manage his osteoarthritis pain, Memphis just got the results of his blood work - It was PERFECT! Hey, at least he has that going for him!

Structurally, he has a lot of thickening of his right new, arthritis galore on his front legs and now showing up as bubbles on both his front and back feet. The atrophy of his once glorious hiney has taken away his Nikki Minaj look, and he walks stiff as hell.

Thankfully, his little spirits are high. He fights through the pain like a trooper and does what he can. He tuckers out fast but is always game to try.

Every day I have this baby in my life is a complete blessing. He is a miracle and definitely someone who could never be replaced.
🐾❤️🐾

09/13/2025

When dogs in a walking group cannot seem to get along, I often decide to break out my ace - Memphis. I do not know what it is about this little guy, but he has prsence. Therecare very few dogs he does not like nor want to engage, so he is my tester.

Wrigley was getting a little flighty with German Shepherds after having an unleashed one run up on him then getting barked at on Friday nights, so we scheduled some time with Miss Epic as she is a GSD he responds beautifully with. We also wanted to help Daisy and Epic relax around each other so had Daisy show up.

Memphis, Wrigley, and Jett are easy going with dogs. These 3 musketeers often just do their thing if they feel tension coming from dogs. Their dismissal of the other dog's reaction basically creates an instant calming because the dogs see that getting worked up is not generating a response. Now, the guarded dog becomes inquisitive of the nonreacting dog. Before long, there is peep and butt smelling and everyone is happy!

Now we could not get Daisy and Epic to be "friends," but we were able to get them and keep them in close proximity where they were not actively seeking one another out to bark. They knew where the other was but could do their own thing. This is a HUGE step in the right direction and an amazing learning opportunity for both parents.

Guys, there is a lot to be said for mindset. Envision what you want your dog to do. Breathe. Now be ready to redirect if necessary, but do not approach a situation with failure in mind. The truth of the matter is easy to understand - your dog knows your thoughts. They feel your apprehension and will respond accordingly. Go slow. Tomorrow is another day. Focus on celebrating even the smallest victories. Before long, these little milestones create a whole new outcome.
🐾❤️🐾

09/13/2025

With comfort comes the willingness to take risks. Risks can have good and bad outcomes but growth happens when chances are taken. Boston was finally willing to take a chance. He now has TWO friends - Phoebe and Hamilton. He is curious about Wrigley, but as soon as Wrigley looks at him, Boston panics.

Guys, this is how it starts - baby steps. The first few dogs he meets will be slow, but as he sees more dogs are "safe," the easier it will be for him to be integrated with other dogs faster. Obviously, the temperaments of the dogs will matter. Boston might always be guarded to a dog who reacts whereas Memphis and Brooklyn can just walk away, but that just means he and I will continue to work on it. It is a journey.

Love your dog for who they are. Remember when you get unwanted behaviors, especially barking and lunging, it is often an indicator that your dog is having a HARD time. There is no reason to resort to usung tools like slip leads, choke chains, prong collars, or shock collars because all these tools do is suppress behaviors. If your dog is having a hard time, listen to them. Help them. If you do not know where to begin, text 724-717-3007, Mutts of Merit, LLC. is here to help!
🐾❤️🐾

09/13/2025

NOT POLITICAL - THIS IS AMERICAN

One could read this and think this has nothing to do with dogs, BUT our Nation's political health and mental health has a DIRECT IMPACT on our dogs. Our nation is on a slippery slope, divided to extremes.

We have become so desensitized to violence that it is just another daily occurrence. When we get frustrated as unheard voices, our dogs will pay the price. Our patience with them will lessen. Our desire to control what we can, ie. our dogs, will become more commonplace. There will be a normalization of rough handling and adding to the categorization of "us vs. them" that we see all around us.

Think I am crazy all you want, but I analyze everything. Everything, and I mean everything, is interrelated and connected. Sitting back and doing nothing is not an option. To keep democracy alive, we have to have a unified front. A voice. A standard. This is not a call for violence; it is a call to take a stand, put a line in the sand and not waiver from it. I have said, people have become to fearful of confrontations (which can be intellectual debates, exploring fact and fiction) that the many people live their lives like doormats.

I know it does not help because trying to elicit support from politicians often gets you nowhere unless you are somehow connected to their personal interest group, but this is not how democracy was ever intended to work. That is why we MUST start supporting the greater good. Education is key. I say this all the time in dog training. It does not matter what political ideology you follow, your gender, your race, or creed, we can grow as one people, one Nation focused on life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Guys, learn from dogs. Take each day, each experience, as it is.

Read these articles closely. Do not look for what side is being supported because this is not a side thing...it is an American thing. We have to unify and perserve what values and morals we have left to save our morale.
🐾❤️🐾

Can America escape the spiral of political violence after Charlie Kirk’s killing?

09/13/2025

Many of you know the "Balanced" trainers rely on slip leads, choke chains, prong collars, and shock collars to "train" dogs who react to outside stimuli. Here yoi can see, despite missing 3 weeks because of medical restrictions, Boston and Joker are making amazing strides.

Trust me, I was grinning like the butcher's dog after this session. Both boys worked hard tonight. The volunteers all noticed their progress. Yes, thesexare just clips, but I am not editing the reactions out. Only one time did they bark, but both redirected effortlessly. The people in the pet industry who make snide comments that these are all hen picked clips just make remarks because they know they cannot replicate these results without force. Why do you think Joker's Mom comes the whole way from Altoona?!

Remember, there is no need to get upset with your dog because he reacts. Do not forget those behaviors are clear signs your dog is having a hard time. Do not make it harder for him by having the only person he loves on the other end of the leash getting mad at him. And despite what the other side tells you, those 'training tools' hurt.
🐾❤️🐾

09/11/2025

NEVER FORGET 9/11

For the last few days, I have been struggling with social media. I learned of the stabbing of Dr. Julie Gard Schnuelle, the stabbing of Ukrainian Refugee Iryna Zarutska, the Evergreen High School shooting, the beheading of Chandra Nagamallaiah, then the shooting of Charlie Kirk. All occurring around the time where 24 years ago, this Nation fell under attack, American soil stained with blood and rubble on September 11, 2001.

I wanted to post a Remembrance focusing on that day and the sense of unity, a coming together, that was fueled that day as we all stood together. American Pride was high. We were one. Honestly, it was the first time I ever remember it in my lifetime as hearts were heavy for the victims and a call for action was made.

Yet here we are, 24 years later, and the hate, disgust, and evil of the world is all coming from within our own borders.....to our own people by our own people. Why? I mean, I really should not be surprised with the extremists because many of you have seen just how far people will go if they want to defend hurting dogs with aversive tools. I am sorry, but only angry, miserable people can justify punishment as learning. But look in Homer City, rumor has it a school board member even boasted about the killing of Kirk. I guess it was not direct, but it was definitely implied. I do not get it.

I want to go back to September 11, 2001. A day I never wanted to live through again, but if it meant we could have unity and cohesion again, if we could go back to celebrating America on the radio, I would do it in a heartbeat.

I know some blame Trump and his policies for the unrest. Others condemn Biden to this day for his term. Honestly, I do not care who is in office, we are still Americans. Once, not so long ago, if a candidate you did not vote for was elected, people would complain about it, lick their wounds, and move on with life. We did not hate one another for it. Now, we live with hating and disrespecting our Commander in Chief because of the person and forget how Democracy works. We lose respect for the position because of our hate for the person holding office. Look, the person is just a person, but the position, you have to respect it for what it is worth.

Guys, we have to take a stand. I say this all the time. Principles matter. Integrity matters. Being an American is a blessing.

I will continue to stand up against what is wrong. I will continue to fight for legislation to help protect our animals. I will not be the onlookers on Zarutska's bus who did nothing, and I ask that you do the same. So many of the evils in the world continue to emerge because good hearted people sit idly by and do not want to make waves. They do not want confrontations. Sadly, if we let the status quo go as it has been, the violence will only get worse. In my world, I look at how many dogs are punished with slip leads, prongs, and shocks because it is a way of making the human element feel in control. Stop....find another way. Communicate clearly. Debates can occur without personal attacks, unfortunately, as soon as the opponent knows they have not a single argument left, they make personal attacks on your character and now think nothing about taking a life.

Let the Anniversary of 9/11 be a day of reckoning where we do stand up, together, as Americans. We take an active role in being better people, better guardians of animals. Do not let the memory of the 2,996 people who died 24 years ago be lost in the madness of today, nor the body count of all the soldiers whose lives were lost or forever altered from the conflicts that followed.

Let 9/11 be a reminder that tomorrow is not promised to any of us and that we can all do better today!

Photo Credit: USA TODAY
Article: https://www.usatoday.com/picture-gallery/news/nation/2013/09/11/remembering-four-911-hero-dogs/2801013/