Hand in Paw

09/25/2024

Like many dogs, Radish can be quite impulsive when it comes to food, often trying to sn**ch treats right from my hands! 🐾 He’s been learning to leave food alone unless cued to take it, which has been a game changer. This has slowed him down and saved my fingers! Leave it can be a life saving skill, teaching a dog to avoid potentially harmful or toxic objects in our environment. I am excited to watch him continue to progress and refine this skill.

09/19/2024

Last year I wrote a post about 3 more reasons to use reward-based dog training methods, based on some newer research. It's still worth a read. And if you want to know more about dog training methods, you'll find plenty of posts to browse on my blog. There is no reason to use aversive methods. https://www.companionanimalpsychology.com/2023/09/3-more-reasons-why-its-better-to-use.html

09/15/2024

💕🐶This is our Sunday Shelter Dog Showcase! 🐶💕

This week I spent a lot of time doing some kennel decompression for these amazing pups and many more!

Gris, Radish, and Fern are all available for adoption at Shiawassee Humane Society!

09/13/2024

🖤🐾When it comes to training, there’s no room for superstition this Friday the 13th. Let's break a few myths:

🧛‍♂️ Myth #1: A Dog Needs to Know Who’s Boss
Reality: Training based on "dominance" is outdated! Dogs thrive on trust and consistency not fear or intimidation.

🎃 Myth #2: A Dog Should Be Punished for Bad Behavior
Reality: Punishment can create fear, anxiety, and damage your relationship. Positive reinforcement is far more effective in encouraging good behavior and building trust.

🕷️ Myth #3: Training is Only Needed for Problematic Dogs
Reality: All dogs benefit from training! It can help them build confidence, strengthen their bond with you, and prevents future problems.

💀 Myth #4: Dogs Naturally Know How to Behave Around Kids
Reality: Not all dogs are comfortable around children. Supervision, socialization, and training are essential for safe, positive interactions.

Ready to turn some bad luck into great training? 🐶🍀Reach out to schedule a consultation and make Friday the 13th lucky for you and your pup! 🐕✨

09/12/2024

We don't always need to ask our dogs to do something to reinforce good behavior. Our dogs make great choices on their own everyday — we just need to notice them.

Whenever your dog makes a good choice, reward them. By doing this, they will naturally start to repeat that behavior without being asked.

Instead of focusing on "training" a behavior, focus on cultivating good behavior by reinforcing good choices!

09/11/2024

Playgroups are a fantastic way for shelters to reduce stress in their dogs. 🐶💕

Did you know that playgroups can help reduce stress, improve social skills, and give dogs the chance to stretch their legs and just be themselves? Many dogs in shelters are mislabeled as "dog aggressive" due to frustration from being in kennels, but in reality, they can thrive when given the opportunity to safely play with other dogs.

Shelters should carefully test and monitor all dogs in playgroups to ensure a safe and positive experience for everyone involved. The results? Happier, healthier dogs who are more likely to find loving homes! 🏡

09/09/2024

✨ Wembley Update ✨

Little Wembley spent his first day with us mostly in one spot, quietly observing his new surroundings. To avoid overwhelming him, we kept him separate from our other dogs.

By the second day, he was still very hesitant, so we decided to bring in one of our confident dogs to model some pro-social behavior. Wembley immediately showed interest! Encouraged by this, we introduced them, hoping it would help him gain the confidence to explore.

And it worked! Wembley started making quick progress — he began walking around comfortably, exploring his environment, recovering quickly from small startles, and even engaging with us!

Next step, we'll be introducing Wembley to a collar and leash to prepare him for his future forever home. 🏡

09/07/2024

Early socialization for puppies is crucial when raising a puppy. Positive exposures to as many new sights, sounds, and smells within the first three months of a dog's life will greatly impact their confidence as an adult. Without proper socialization during this critical period, puppies may become fearful, anxious, or aggressive in unfamiliar situations.

Wembley came to the shelter with three of his siblings. All of them are very under-socialized, extremely fearful, and shut down. I am fostering him before he begins the search for his forever home. 🏡

Today Wembley is still too nervous to move about my office comfortably and we will just be quietly decompressing. While I can't wait to see this little guy's personality unfold, I never want to rush a nervous dog into an interaction so he will be setting the pace.🐾

09/06/2024

I made a few posts about Dani from SHS and I am happy to report that she has been adopted after a long stay in the shelter!!! 🎉

ANNOUNCEMENT!!!!
Our sweet girl Dani got ADOPTED!!!

Dani was surrendered back in December of 2023, very shy and nervous, especially of new situations and people. Our behaviorist, Karlie, worked with her on building confidence and found that she ADORES other dogs!

On Tuesday this week, a very nice couple came in to visit with Dani, fell in love, brought their dog that they had just adopted from Ingham County Animal Control and Humane Society, and Dani and Earl (previously Mixed Vegetables) were INSTANT best friends!
We love love love! this story and how everything came together, so THANK YOU!! Thank you for choosing to adopt!

08/31/2024

Have a Great Weekend! 🌞

08/30/2024

Who could forget this handsome graduate from my April class? 🐾 Klaus has been on a roll, continuing his training with me while his mom works diligently to keep him at the top of his class! 🏅 Looking forward to spending my weekend with this star student! 🐕✨

08/05/2024

**Long-Term Shelter Resident**

Did you know shelter dogs sleep only half as much as regular pet dogs? This lack of rest can significantly impact their well-being and behavior, which is why the team Shiawassee Humane Society recently added "real life" rooms to their facility. These spaces simulate home areas where dogs can relax, engage one-on-one with humans, and meet potential adopters.

For Dani, who's been a resident since December, this new environment has been a game-changer. We're focusing on helping her build confidence and learn to relax. Today, Dani made a big step forward: she not only laid down but took a full nap during her "real life" time.

This progress is crucial for Dani’s behavior intervention and overall well-being.
Dani thrives with other dogs but she can be shy when meeting human strangers.

If you or someone you know is interested in adopting Dani, please connect with Shiawassee Humane Society!

I would love to continue her education post-adoption and support her transition into a forever home!

07/20/2024

I would say it's MORE normal to have a dog like this!

07/08/2024

🎉 Client Success Story Alert! 🎉

Meet Nova! 🐾 Nova was struggling with fear and frustration after a tough encounter with another dog. But look at her now! 🌟

She’s back to enjoying lunch outings with her amazing parents! 🥳

Is your dog reacting strongly to other dogs? Not sure what to do? I would love to help transform your dog's behavior! 🐶✨

Message me now or schedule a consult to get started! 📩🗓️ Let's make your dog's success story the next one!

07/02/2024

Get ready for the fourth and keep your dogs safe, calm, and inside!

06/21/2024

🐾🐶🦴🐕🐾

06/17/2024

🌞🐾 𝑯𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒘𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝑨𝒍𝒆𝒓𝒕: 𝑲𝒆𝒆𝒑 𝒀𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝑷𝒆𝒕𝒔 𝑺𝒂𝒇𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑪𝒐𝒐𝒍! 🐾

High temps can be dangerous and even deadly for our pets! Take extra care keeping them cool this week!

𝐇𝐲𝐝𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧!💧
Ensure fresh, cool water is always available.

𝐋𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐭 𝐎𝐮𝐭𝐝𝐨𝐨𝐫 𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞 ⏳🐕
Only take short, shaded walks early in the morning or late in the evening.

𝐍𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐏𝐞𝐭𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐬 🚗🔥
Even a few minutes can be deadly.

𝐊𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐤𝐞 ⚠️
Look for excessive panting, drooling, and lethargy. If these occur, move to a cool place and contact your vet.

𝐊𝐞𝐞𝐩 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐨𝐨𝐫𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐨𝐥 ❄️
Use fans or AC to keep the indoor temperature comfortable.

𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐨𝐨𝐫 𝐅𝐮𝐧 🏠🐾
Keep your pets entertained with puzzle toys, hide-and-seek, or teaching new tricks inside.

Share this to help keep our furry friends safe during the heatwave! 🌞❤️🐶🐱