Legend Retrievers & Working Dogs

06/28/2025

06/26/2025

Service and therapy dogs are not tools, but partners!

Inclusive Language Matters: Therapy Animals Are Partners, Not Tools

At AAAIP, we believe that how we talk about therapy animals reflects how we treat them.

Therapy animals aren’t tools. They’re not “used": they’re included. They’re our partners in the important work of Animal-Assisted Intervention (AAI).

That shift in language reinforces our commitment to animal welfare and ethical, professional practice.

✅ They deserve respect
✅ They should enjoy the work
✅ Their well-being must come first

Let’s speak—and act—with intention.

Share this post to raise awareness about inclusive language in our field.

06/26/2025

Jolene says, I’ve got this down stay thing! 💪💪😎😎

06/26/2025

It was outing day for the puppers in board and train obedience ! Ford and Jolene got to test out their new skills in some more high stimuli environments. It’s easy enough to train in a field, at the park or in a neighborhood, but transitioning those skills into more active public places is what really makes this training usable to our clients when the dogs go home. 💗🐾

06/25/2025

We're making some changes! I am beginning the transition of moving over to a coaching software that allows me to stack and build lesson plans, gives clients a place to upload homework assignments, send out appointment reminders! I am super excited about this upgrade and have begun building the more advanced course content for it.
I am super excited to have just completed the E-Lesson and custom playlist for Calming Loop Training. This is the brain science behind Deep Pressure Therapy (DPT) and Light Touch Therapy, it can be used as the base for multiple service dog tasks, for people who want to partner with their dogs to work on their own stress, or who want to help their dogs work through fear or insecurities. Learn how you can harness it in your work with your own dog by contacting me today!!

06/23/2025

🧼 Mondays are my cleaning days, between scooping the p**p 💩 , cleaning out the pool 💦 , sweeping and mopping the kennel room 🧹 and all this on top of training… it makes for a long day! 🐕

But, the joy that the puppers experience splashing around in the pool, it sure makes my mondays worth it! I love these kiddos!!
💗💗 🧼 🧹 💦 💩 🐕

06/23/2025

First Day in Somatic Training! 🌿

Yesterday was my first full day of somatic class, and wow—I learned so much. These practices are all about tuning into the body, and I walked away feeling deeply relaxed, grounded, and more connected to myself than I’ve felt in a long time.

I’m so excited to begin integrating these tools into the work I do with my service dog training clients, especially those navigating nervous system dysregulation. There’s something truly powerful about learning to listen to the body and respond with gentleness.

Can’t wait to share more soon 💛

06/20/2025

06/20/2025

Roux did great on her first coffee shop outing! She said, it’s hot Mom!!

06/20/2025

✨ Did you know that certain sound frequencies can directly influence your nervous system? These tones don’t just “sound nice,” they interact with the brainstem, vagus nerve, and limbic system, helping your body shift into a more regulated, connected, and grounded state.

🧠 When paired with stillness, breath, and the presence of a well-trained dog, they become a powerful tool for co- regulation.
This is why I specialize in science-backed practices that combine canine-assisted support with nervous system education and somatic tools.

🥁 Introducing our very own playlist of relaxing tones specifically designed to help you and your dog move into neural coupling- a process by which you and your dog actually sink brain waves! 🧠

This soundtrack will be part of our deep pressure therapy training, and light touch therapy training. These are service dog tasks, but can also be used by therapy dogs, home help mates and pets to help calm and build a sense of safety. I’m particularly excited about using this method to support clients with Autism in building nervous system regulation skills.

Reach out to learn more about our coaching and training options! Virtual lessons available anywhere in the US!

06/18/2025

What is puppy handling? It’s a practice of putting a puppy on its back and gently holding it there until it relaxes that is often used in service and therapy dog training, but is relevant for all puppies.
But how does it work and why??

🧠 1. It Builds Nervous System Resilience- this activity introduces a mild, non-threatening form of stress. When the puppy learns that:
• The experience is safe,
• They’re not being forced or harmed,
• And they regain control by relaxing…

…this helps their nervous system build tolerance to novel situations and touch — making them less likely to overreact or become anxious later in life.

💞 2. Fosters Trust and Bonding

The key is timing and gentleness. If you release the puppy only when they relax, you’re teaching:
• Calmness brings freedom.
• Struggle doesn’t work — but calm gets you what you want.

This is a subtle way of reinforcing self-regulation and promoting trust in human hands, which is essential for grooming, vet visits, and everyday handling.

🧠 3. Introduces the Concept of Choice

Even though you’re initiating the handling, you’re letting the puppy choose when to end it by softening their body. That’s a form of free shaping — you’re rewarding the internal state of relaxation, not forcing an outcome.

This teaches them to think, not just react — making them more receptive and thoughtful learners.

🐾 4. Sets the Foundation for Cooperative Care

Dogs who are used to being handled calmly and gently — especially with techniques that reinforce relaxation — are much more likely to:
• Accept nail trims, brushing, and vet exams,
• Stay grounded in new environments,
• Trust their handler in moments of stress.

Stay tuned for more useful tips on raising well rounded puppies!

06/17/2025

Somebody got to go on an adventure today! We needed some more treats and Royx was getting a little stinky from playing in the pool 3 times a day with that Labrador triple coat!
So we headed to one of our favorite spots: The Shaggy Dog Market for a bath and blow dry!
Roux is looking and smelling beautiful.. hopefully she can keep out of the pool for a day or so… or maybe 24 hours… or maybe that’s an unrealistic goal.. 🤣🤣🤣🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️
🛁