Suzanne Parker McMinnville Dog Trainer

06/20/2024

Batman would prefer to stay in bed and practice mindfulness.

Early each morning when we awake, he scoots up close to me and rolls on his back for “scritches and lovies time” ! First Batman, then it is Max’s turn. When I finish this morning ritual. The boys know it is time for me to close my eyes and be calm and quiet again. I begin my gratitude ritual. I am thankful for ________ , and it is a long list of everything I am thankful for. They are patient and still. Next I practice calm and peaceful manifestation and visualization. I always remember to try and go deep and feel what it is I am manifesting and visualize. Sometimes I feel the dogs move in closer to me and sometimes even nudge me, I take that as a sign that they feel it too.
Lastly, I go through and play a game of pac man with my body. I began this years ago, when going through chemotherapy for ovarian cancer, and I haven’t stopped this important daily “therapy”. I grew up in the eighties and loved playing the iconic video game, and so I created a game to help me devour the cancer cells or any other free floating possible “ghosts” that may or may not be inside my body. I also have Mr. and Mrs. PAC Man (me) leave a trail of white glowing light from the tip of my toes, to the top of my head to clear a path for a healthy body and mind. Again, closing with grateful for every day and my health.

Then I pop up brush my teeth, oil pull, pop my hair in a ponytail and fly downstairs to get coffee, feed the pups and prepare to help you awesome people and dogs!

06/20/2024

Batman would prefer to stay in bed and practice mindfulness.

Early each morning when we awake, he scoots up close to me and rolls on his back for “scritches and lovies time” ! First Batman, then it is Max’s turn. When I finish this morning ritual. The boys know it is time for me to close my eyes and be calm and quiet again. I begin my gratitude ritual. I am thankful for ________ , and it is a long list of everything I am thankful for. They are patient and still. Next I practice calm and peaceful manifestation and visualization. I always remember to try and go deep and feel what it is I am manifesting and visualize. Sometimes I feel the dogs move in closer to me and sometimes even nudge me, I take that as a sign that they feel it too.
Lastly, I go through and play a game of pac man with my body. I began this years ago, when going through chemotherapy for ovarian cancer, and I haven’t stopped this important daily “therapy”. I grew up in the eighties and loved playing the iconic video game, and so I created a game to help me devour the cancer cells or any other free floating possible “ghosts” that may or may not be inside my body. I also have Mr. and Mrs. PAC Man (me) leave a trail of white glowing light from the tip of my toes, to the top of my head to clear a path for a healthy body and mind. Again, closing with grateful for every day and my health.

Then I pop up brush my teeth, oil pull, pop my hair in a ponytail and fly downstairs to get coffee, feed the pups and prepare to help you awesome people and dogs!

06/20/2024

I have not personally used this fb group, but I know there are a lot of people that do. If you are waiting to get into your Vet office for an appointment, and are concerned and want answers, this may be a good option for you. Just remember that nothing concrete or positive can be determined without your Veterinary Office confirming through a physical examination and testing. There are way too many variables.

Ask Pet Vet Corner ℠ (ONLY APPROVED VETERINARIANS COMMENT) - only vets can respond!! I wish you guys the best ♥️🐾

I have also seen LOTS of fb groups online that are similar for dog training questions and behavioral issues. My advice is the same. Unless it is a very simple question and answer to a very common issue, I would be very careful taking advice for anyone that does not understand dog behavior, dog training Methodology, dog ethology, or have personally met and evaluated your dog. There are way too many variables in dog behavior, and dog truly effective dog training. Also you and or your family are a huge part of the equation, and consideration when it comes to dog training for you specifically. Some fb groups can be a great support and resource, but they never, ever will replace in person assistance and intervention.

06/20/2024

Congratulations 🍾🎉 Level 1 Obedience class graduated this evening.

06/20/2024

FUREINDS FOREVER!

06/19/2024

06/19/2024

Winston❤️

06/19/2024

Ohhhhh boy, these are all things I hear so often and now I know it must just be common in our industry.

My feeling to ALL of these things is WHY? 14 to 15 years to deal with any of these behaviors is a LONGGGGGGG TIME to shrug it off or give excuses.

No excuses! No exceptions! These things do not go away, they only get worse. Again, why?

Please reach out to me today and let’s bring this summer to address this issues. Email is the best way to reach me and give me the information that I need in order to help you.

[email protected]

06/18/2024

Anyone have a dog that does this?
I can help you!!!!

06/17/2024

PUPPY and DOGGIE SCHOOL BEGINS SOON!!!!!

The Level 1 Obedience class begins every 5 weeks. Class is 4 weeks long, 1 hour every week plus an optional Yappy Hour after class for socialization with both the dogs and their people. Happy, well trained, confident and social puppies begin with this class!

When looking at obedience classes, look at the style and method of training that the trainer uses, as well as what is actually being taught in class. Does the style match your needs? Does the curriculum meet the things that are relevant for your dog to learn, at the time and stage they are at. Plus what options are available for helping you with socialization?

Below is what is covered in my 4 week class. I use positive reinforcement.

Week 1
Look at me (focus and impulse control building tool)
Paws up and OFF! (No jumping up on people or things)
Puppy Push-ups (stand, sit, down)
I will go over items in “My Puppy Mary Poppins Bag” full of suggested puppy items and their uses

Week 2 - Safety week
Leave it and out (don’t put that in your mouth)
OUT! (for when they already have it in their mouth)
Stay
Reliable Recall (come or here)
Recall on a 30 foot long line and with a high level of distractions

Week 3 - Structure and Exercise
On leash engagement exercises, Loose Leash walking.

Week 4
place and Settle cue
Review/Test and Graduation

Class is $175 total for this 4 week class. Puppies must have completed their Puppy Series vaccination prior to joining this class, proof of Vaccinations required prior to the first day of class. Typically 16 weeks is when they are complete. The class age is 16 weeks to adult dog.

To register: https://forms.gle/stGysA7t6usn4ZiF6

06/17/2024

PUPPY and DOGGIE SCHOOL BEGINS SOON!!!!!

The Level 1 Obedience class begins every 5 weeks. Class is 4 weeks long, 1 hour every week plus an optional Yappy Hour after class for socialization with both the dogs and their people. Happy, well trained, confident and social puppies begin with this class!

When looking at obedience classes, look at the style and method of training that the trainer uses, as well as what is actually being taught in class. Does the style match your needs? Does the curriculum meet the things that are relevant for your dog to learn, at the time and stage they are at. Plus what options are available for helping you with socialization?

Below is what is covered in my 4 week class. I use positive reinforcement.

Week 1
Look at me (focus and impulse control building tool)
Paws up and OFF! (No jumping up on people or things)
Puppy Push-ups (stand, sit, down)
I will go over items in "My Puppy Mary Poppins Bag" full of suggested puppy items and their uses

Week 2 - Safety week
Leave it and out (don’t put that in your mouth)
OUT! (for when they already have it in their mouth)
Stay
Reliable Recall (come or here)
Recall on a 30 foot long line and with a high level of distractions

Week 3 - Structure and Exercise
On leash engagement exercises, Loose Leash walking.

Week 4
place and Settle cue
Review/Test and Graduation

Class is $175 total for this 4 week class. Puppies must have completed their Puppy Series vaccination prior to joining this class, proof of Vaccinations required prior to the first day of class. Typically 16 weeks is when they are complete. The class age is 16 weeks to adult dog.

To register: https://forms.gle/stGysA7t6usn4ZiF6

06/17/2024

Reactive dog class in McMinnville yesterday early evening doing some confidence building exercises in and around each other. This was our final class. We had very few 30 second bark eruptions from a couple of dogs in the class, but overall they are able to work, approach and pass each other safely and calmly.

I have another class that will be beginning in a couple of weeks in McMinnville if anyone would like to join the class here they are Sunday evening from 5:30 to 6:30 PM. I also offer behavior modification and a one-on-one setting for this specific behavior, and you are welcome to contact me to schedule an appointment. I am in Lincoln City every Tuesday all day offering private appointments, and obedience level 1 and 2 group classes.

06/17/2024

Final class this evening for the Reactive Dog Class. They all put in so much work, and have come so far! I am beyond proud of every one of you. See you all at the Max Mutt Strut.

06/16/2024

On-leash reactivity is when a dog exhibits fearful behaviors when presented with whatever stimuli triggers this extreme on-leash response. It is characterized by pulling, barking, lunging, growling, air snapping, or even biting. Sometimes it is also an overexcited state of mind that has created a reaction to pull the owner to greet dogs on leash that may not necessarily want to be greeted. The dog may become aggressive when the dog is restrained by a leash, confined to a small space, or otherwise feels trapped.

This class is for those that suffer in this, often frustrated and alone. It is confusing, embarrassing, and it can change so much of the life, and the relationship between the dog and owner. This class will meet 1 x a week, for 1 hour, over 4 weekends. Our classes will be held on Sunday late afternoons. We will also have a REACTIVE DOG SUPPORT GROUP, where we will offer a structured pack walk every other month or more from Spring to Fall. This will help to keep the training relevant and practice, and help to keep everyone working together, moving forward in the right direction. This will be your support team and tribe!

To register please click this link:
https://forms.gle/PKRHhXPnVzAYuQrk8

06/16/2024

ATTENTION ALL MY PUPPY OWNERS!!!

I also love wearing a hands free leash attached to the puppy or dog, so that everywhere I am, they go, and they learn. Plus I learn their schedule so clearly by practicing this. I know what time they have to p*e, p**p, play, eat and nap. So that way I know how and when to allow play, training and engagement opportunities. I can also regulate their schedule to better flow with mine.

Ps. He is talking about a reset default baseline, it doesn’t mean they are forever only in those places.

06/15/2024

Local supporting local is the way to go! I love , and Dustin and Maryfrances are the best!

I spent the afternoon enjoying a great meal with a friend and fellow dog lover and we both talked about how important friends and support in life are! Then I saw my business postcards lined up like this as I exited the establishment and smiled HUGE. Thank you.

06/15/2024

If you own a dog, you may be lucky enough to have them be a part of your life and family for up to 14 or even 15 years. That is a long life to share and suffer through or ignore any unwanted behaviors. All it takes making the call, making the changes and committing to stick to them.

I offer basic obedience training classes, obedience training in a 1 on 1 environment, Canine Good Citizen class and test, reactive dog training, life socialization, 1 on 1 behavioral modification for behaviors such as separation anxiety, resource guarding, bitting, nipping, jumping up onto people, no pulling on leash, fear aggression, low confidence in social situations, door dashing dogs, barking dogs, fence fighting, and so much more! These are the most common behavioral issues that I can help you with. This my passion and my life’s work. Please contact me to schedule our first appointment and get started on helping you and your dog.

06/15/2024

When the German Shepard puppy you are training LOVES the coffee wood stick you recommended, and he gives you that look of “IT’S MINE!” But you trained him last week to LEAVE IT, so he does! Yes, Yes, Yes!

Rocky I love you sweet boy❤️

06/13/2024

VERY LONG STORY - I apologize in advance, but Max is really the dog that opened my eyes to REACTIVE DOGS. He is the reason that I have an understanding and passion for helping you and your dog.

Not all of you know the story about Max, I know some of you do, but I think it’s important for you all to know that I have been there in your shoes with this amazing boy!

Max was in a high kill shelter in Orange County, Ca. I lived in Southern California, and had a successful business where I physically ran 8 to 10 miles a day on trails with 14 dogs. I had a huge network of people that loved dogs that followed me, and when I saw the picture of Max on a Facebook post I knew I had to circulate him and see if I could find a home or rescue to save him. I shared him for a month everyday pleading for someone to get this 8 month old boy. Then on the 32nd day of sharing him across my network of people, I saw that his was going to be PTS at noon the following day!!!!!!! I almost physically got sick when I saw it. I sent it out again pleading with my contacts to get him. I tried to sleep that night, and I couldn’t. At 6 Am a friend of mine text me that she would pull him for me, she had a rescue and so we drove to the city of Orange and snagged him as soon as the doors opened. I’m going to fast forward………he became my dog, he was a love but shy and not trusting of humans, he was in fight it flight and so I moved slowly, cautiously and carefully. It took about a month and he was soon attached to me, loved my Mom and a Morgan and my other 2 dogs. He was also wonderful with other dogs when they came into our home. But if I took him on leash anywhere, or in the car he was a different dog, a scary dog. I mean Dr. Jekkl was tame compared to Max.

In my car he would bark incessantly, and so loud it drove me crazy. I tried all kinds of training techniques and nothing stopped this behavior. I had a Honda Element, and it had a dog barrier in between the front seats and the cargo area. When I pulled up to take him for a trail run at a local area, he used his teeth to pull the barrier down and when I stopped to park he jumped over the barrier and out my front window- he ran straight at 2 dogs that were coming off the trail with their owners and I thought Oh 💩he’s going to to attack them, but before I even opened my car door, he did a full stop, and turned back around to run back to me. He was NUTTY and SCARY!!!!

I started to try and work on walking him on leash only in our neighborhood and not ever take him in the car. It was AWFUL. The lunging, barking, teeth barred and aggressive on leash behavior was perplexing, upsetting and frustrating. He was fantastic with multiple dogs at our home. I’d have 6 to 8 dogs over to play and stay on a regular basis. He was sweet, appropriate in his play, in his manners, just wonderful. But attach a leash or put him in the car and WATCH OUT. Ohhhh and one more fun thing he did, he broke through a large plate glass window, in the front of our home. A Fed ex guy was trying to deliver a package, and come into our courtyard when I wasn’t home. We locked the gate and set up an alternate area so that no one could come in the front gate. Not idea and or smart in case of an emergency, but I needed to protect anyone coming through that gate, from him. I knew I had my hands full and began to work with him diligently and tried all of the latest behavior modification methods and tools available at that time. I felt like it was hit or miss. Then at month 3 of Max becoming our dog I got diagnosed with ovarian cancer and was given maybe 6 months to a year. I went through surgery and began 6 months of chemo. My other 2 dogs stayed away from me. They would check on me, but I think they knew to stay away from the chemo. Max on the other hand didn’t leave my side. He layed next to me, he walked me to the bathroom, he sat outside the shower, he walked glued to me anywhere and everywhere I went. He even slept above my bald head, keeping my head warm at night. It was incredible. We bonded even more deeply through this process, but I didn’t allow him to guard me or become protective and weird. Fast forward……chemo completed, I am on a walker when done, but determined to LIVE AND REBUILD MY BODY AND HEALTH. I do that and feel good, and strangely learned a lot about my life and health, and so I began making changes. Part of that change was to sell my business to the 2 amazing ladies that worked for me, and get the heck outta California! I move to Mac. I don’t have to work to pay bills for a little while so I can continue to heal. Covid hits and people get dogs, I start to go back to my roots and love of training and began to teach classes, and I am Happy! I start to take other training courses from other trainers that I admire and respect and want to learn from. I work harder than ever to help my lovely Max, all the while expanding my knowledge and capabilities in dogs training. Then I sign up for the course that changes everything. I get immersed in learning the Jentle Method and Max is there with me to learn for 4 days - 5 hours a day! It was grueling and tears were shed for at least the first day. The first day was the realization of what I had done to contribute to his reactivity. I cried because it wasn’t clear to me before and really it should have been, but I felt I had failed him, I failed us. The 2nd day I had tears because I saw progress and I saw him changing in front of my eyes, and attached to me with 12 other dogs and people around us. The rest of the days spent learning were challenging and beautiful all rolled into one. It was the best thing I have done in all of my years of training. Fast forward again…….I have been using the Jentle method and working daily with Max for a year now, and he is now able to come to my classes and help me teach basic obedience to other dogs and people. Fast forward 2 years and now he and I are working privately to help others that suffer with this stressful and debilitating behavior. He and I help maybe 60 people and their dogs, but I want to help more people and try to offer a class to help more people in a shorter timeframe, less money and use a more intensive training process called flooding to expose our dogs to their triggers in a controlled environment, using the method. Plus we have a support group, of others struggling with the same issues that can relate and cheer you on!

So this where you have met us. This is a journey, and I am glad you are here to learn and receive the support you need and deserve. Whenever you get frustrated, want to give up or even cry, please remember Max’s journey❤️.

To sign up for the next class:
https://forms.gle/PKRHhXPnVzAYuQrk8

06/13/2024

I have a lot of people wanting and needing service dog training.
I recommend Samantha for Service Dog Training.

Her email is: [email protected]

Her phone number is: 559-832-0975