Whole Dog University, LLC

06/18/2024

I have Miss Baylee with me the next 2 weeks for some obedience training and behavioral modification work. Today is her 2nd and so far so good. She is picking up quickly on the heel and some other commands and she is learning to not just do the first impulsive thing that comes to mind…thinking about what I want her to do. Pleased with her progress after a couple days.

She and Madison have gotten acquainted and played a little bit today. I tried to get them to stay put next to each other but Baylee hasn’t yet developed enough duration in her commands to be still long enough for a picture.

Madison is hanging in there at 10+! Grateful to still have her with me given the joint and back discomfort she appears to deal with daily. Slowing down quite a bit. Good to see she felt like playing a little bit today.

06/18/2024

This is a post my nephew’s wife (Kristi) posted about their almost 4 yr old lab, Dakota. Walking her had become very unpleasant and at times untenable. They are new to our area so they reached out for some help. Here is what she shared:

“A few weeks ago I took Dakota for a walk, she pulled so much on her leash I came home extremely frustrated and not wanting to walk her anymore…. Fast forward to today, same walk, same distractions, different dog. She didn’t pull, walked by my side and sat at every intersection. I am so thankful for Sean’s Aunt Ruth Haugan with Whole Dog University, LLC and her training. We spent about 90 minutes with her a week and a half ago and we have a different dog. Not only does she not pull anymore but her tail wags the entire walk!!”

05/30/2024

Learning how to “just be” is an important life skill for all dogs, especially young energetic dogs. Your dog does not need to constantly be doing something or require constant stimulation.

Teaching a dog to calmly lay down and just “hang out” or “just be” is as important for puppies and dogs as play, exercise and mental stimulation is. Constant stimulation is not beneficial and frequent or prolonged over-stimulation, particularly when a young puppy, will set a dog up for all kinds of behavioral issues later.

JoJo is practicing her “just be” this afternoon for a few minutes (giving me time to post this). In fact, you can teach your dog that if ON A LEASH, if you sit down, they should lay down. That is a great relaxation exercise. However, do make sure you are meeting your dog’s exercise, play, and appropriate mental stimulation needs…this will make “just being” a bit easier for the dog.

Time to get back to work, training Miss JoJo on her obedience skills…..

05/29/2024

This week I have JoJo (an 11 month old GSD) in for some obedience emotional regulation training. She is such a sweet girl…she just can get a little too excited sometimes which leads to jumping up and darting at things (lacks good impulse control) but she is very smart and likes to train… I think loves the mental challenge of that. A very quick learner, I think we’ll be able to get her to improve on controlling her emotions a little better so she can make better choice and listen to direction more easily. Enjoying working with her already and it’s not quite the end of her 2nd day!

I had to post both these pics…the one where her head is really turned I said to her just as I was about to snap the pic-“say hi!” and she cocked her head…so cute!

05/16/2024

I’ve been hearing some very good things about 5 Strands allergy testing for pets. I know some of you have expressed concerns about your dog having allergies or intolerances so I thought I would pass long a link for you so you could learn more about it. The Pet Food and Environmental test seems to be the “go to” one.

If you are ready to gain personalized insights on how your body is interacting with current dietary habits and lifestyle patterns, then this holistic assessment is for you. Give us 5Strands of hair and we’ll deliver personalized results within 2 weeks that help identify the items contributing to t...

05/14/2024

Say hi!👋 to Miss Kalen who started her Residential Day-Training program yesterday. She is a 5 month old *Bern*Mtn*. Dog*. Her people have done a fantastic job socializing her up to this point so she is quite comfortable in different surroundings although naturally, of course, she misses her people during the day.

Note: because spammers are hitting your comments below, I’m going to modify her breed name in the commentary above in addition to trying to block the spammers as quickly as I catch them. I’m sorry about that…yes, it’s very annoying and inconsiderate.

05/12/2024

Happy Mother’s Day to all the Mom’s and dog-Mom’s in the WDU family!! Enjoy your special day!

05/01/2024

2024 continues to fly by…I can’t believe it is May 1 already!

I’m not good about keeping up with social media posting but rest assured each and every one of these folks pictured here who finished up programs in March and April I am very proud of what they have done with their dogs. They have proved their dedication and commitment to their dogs (whether that be young puppies or older pups and adult dogs) through the consistent work they have put in with them whether that be in the Early Puppy Development Program, Into or Comprehensive Basic Obedience Training programs or Residential Day Training Obedience Programs.

Congratulations to each and every one of you!! I’ve enjoyed working with you and your dog and look forward to hearing great reports on how they are doing!

04/03/2024

With just 5 days until the April 8 Total Solar Eclipse being visible in in our area in Ohio, a few tips to keep your dogs calm and safe:

The eclipse is not in itself dangerous for your dog BUT the sudden darkness in the middle of the afternoon can create some anxiety for them.

*Keep them inside during the eclipse as a precaution due to the change in the environment and/or your reaction to the event possibly causing distress for them.
*Maintain a normal routine that day.
*If you won’t be home during that afternoon for whatever reason, leave some lights on in your home before you leave so the sudden darkness during the day doesn’t cause distress when home alone (particularly if you are usually home from work before dark). Leave the T.V. on.
*Keep your pets in a familiar surroundings to prevent anxiety.

03/24/2024

If you were tagged in a post / comment by a Tricia Gustafson, that is a spammer who has NOTHING TO DO with Whole Dog University. Do not click on her link. She has been blocked from this page. I apologize that I didn’t see / catch this sooner.

If I ever sell any WDU merchandise, I personally will notify you.

03/23/2024

Something to think about when it comes to your dog’s behavior. There is a lot more to it sometimes than you may realize.

02/29/2024

This cute little fella is Copper (a 5 month old miniature Rottweiler), who is here for a 2 week residential day-training program.

He is a puppy school graduate and now is back for some basic obedience training, ongoing socialization and helping him overcome his uneasiness around unfamiliar dogs and people.

He’s getting the hang of things little by little each day. Already I am seeing an improvement in his reaction to unfamiliar dogs and people but we have a ways yet to go.

I’ll keep you updated as we go along.

02/29/2024

It’s been a busy couple of months to kick off the new year at Whole Dog University with several completing their puppy program and others finishing basic obedience training programs plus others finishing behavioral plus basic obedience training programs.

Congratulations to all of these dedicated dog owners who have made the effort and put in quite a bit of work to help their dogs become the best version of themselves they can be! It’s a team effort! I’ve thoroughly enjoyed having the privilege of working with and helping each and every of these dogs and their humans in this part of their journey!

(More details in coming days about each one but wanted to get these posted before another day passes).

02/22/2024

12:55 pm Update: AT&T has been able to fix the outage problem so my phone is back up and going again. Hope yours is as well!

Original Post:
Goodness! As the saying goes, if it’s not one thing, it’s another! Now my phone line has gone down (again).

If you are trying to reach us, please send a message through this page. If I have wifi, I can check messages there. I’ll update when things are back in order.

02/21/2024

Update: Problem identified and corrected. We are back online.

The Whole Dog University website is having technical difficulties and is down at the moment. If you are needing information while this is being addressed, please call 513-267-5390 or message me here. Thank you!

02/18/2024

There is a lot many can learn from watching this video. This is NOT responsible dog ownership or proper child safety around dogs. Dogs are not toys or stuffed animals to be played with in the same manner. They are living beings — and a completely different species than us with different likes / dislikes than us. (Lesson #1)

Lesson #2: Please watch all the physical warning signs (captioned for you to learn from) this dog displays to say “I am very uncomfortable or afraid, please stop.” (Yet they go ignored!) Learn to read a dog’s body language - it could save you or your child from a lot of pain (and save your dog’s life as they are often the one’s who pay with their life if their warranted warning signals are repeatedly ignored until they feel they no choice to defend themselves).

02/15/2024

At 3:05 pm this afternoon I kissed this sweet, faithful companion goodbye and his heart beat for the last time.

Skip was just a little more than couple months short of his estimated 16th birthday. He wandered up to the farm of some friends in late winter of 2010 just outside of Tupelo, MS. Thankfully someone was there despite the farm place being for sale at the time. They cared for him as they tried to find a permanent home for him. They were unsuccessful in the time they had before no one would be there anymore as they now were living out of state so they approached me to take him and continue to find a new home for him. 5 months later, Skip officially became a foster failure; he found his forever home — with me. ❤️

Skip was a timid, low confidence and fearful dog at the time. He had clearly not been socialized very much and there was evidence of likely prior abuse. Through the years he grew in his confidence, helped me in my dog training business and in 13+ years he rarely ever missed a day of work. He loved to go with me and when younger, liked to demonstrate his obedience skills for clients. He struggled with fear of people initially and overcame that. Later he battled fear aggression of other dogs after a vicious potentially deadly attack on him while we were on a walk in late 2010 and some other minor attacks by other neighborhood dogs who picked up on his timidity and saw him as target.

With my help, he overcame that and learned that in this world there are good dogs and bad dogs…and he could eventually feel confident enough to greet / interact with the good ones. He became an expert at reading the good ones and bad ones…it was pretty amazing to see.

That last couple of years have been full of health challenges for him but he kept persevering. In December I was told he likely wouldn’t make it to January 1 due to how poor his labs were but Skip wasn’t ready to go… he “kept on trucking” and we learned to adapt to his increased medical needs. This morning his Congestive Heart Failure was no longer able to be managed and it was apparent today would be the day he would leave us. Thankfully he only struggled mildly for a brief time. His last moments were sheer pleasure - spent gobbling up a plate of pcs of a Hershey’s chocolate bar, pcs of sugar cookies and King cake crumbles. A few minutes later he fell asleep and then he slipped away with me at his side.

Rest in peace my dear boy… my second boy dog and first non-large breed dog ever. Our hearts are broken and the house (especially the kitchen) and training center will never be the same. We will miss you terribly sweet boy. Say hi to Shiloh, Laddie, Kiki, and Grandpa (Dad) for me. You were faithful to the very end! Thank you for being such a blessing!

02/08/2024

2/8/24 UPDATE: Phone fixed; back in business!

ALERT: Having phone issues and my carrier’s office won’t be open until 10 am Thursday 2/8/24 to begin to find out what’s wrong with the phone and get it taken care of. Only way to reach me in the meantime will be through email at [email protected] or via private message on this page until then.

Thank you for your patience.

01/24/2024

For those with young puppies or newly adopted dogs who are in the “tethering” stage of training, this is a chew-proof leash you may want to check out. This may be just the solution to solve your problem of the leash being chewed up by the pup or new dog who isn’t used to being on-leash in the house or who finds the leash an attractive chew toy.

01/17/2024

Are you struggling to keep your dog exercised (physically or mentally) during this prolonged cold snap? (and for SW Ohio once this is over, at the moment we have 7 straight days of rain forecasted for next week). You aren’t alone!

Instead of walks or play outside, here are a few ideas:

1) Work on their obedience training skills and if you need to kick it up a notch, try marking with “yes” and then playing with them as a reward - a brief game of tug or fetch between repetitions. Train+play in rapid succession for 20 minutes; a little longer if they have the endurance.

2. Bump up your training challenge by giving commands from a seated position then progress from laying down or try it with your back turned to them (give your training a different look to them). Of course, if you haven’t been consistent with your training or use of commands, you may have to start with reviewing those and then progress slowly to a different “look” as you give your commands. Can use their kibble for rewards instead of just feeding from the bowl.

3. Teach them tricks (use either a clicker or verbal marker “yes!” and treats).

4. Play hide and seek with your dog in the house (have them search for you and you reward them with food and affection when they find you). Here is a link if you aren’t sure how to teach your dog this. https://littledogtips.com/hide-seek-will-blow-dogs-mind/

5. Play find the toy… if they know the name of a favorite toy, smear a tiny dab from your fingertip of vanilla extract on that toy (gives it a unique scent). Play with them with that toy as usual. Next, remove them to a bathroom or bedroom and shut the door… then quickly go hide that toy. (At first, hide it in plain sight to make it easy and a quick reward). Then let them out of the place you had them and tell them (excited voice) to find their toy (whatever name they know it by)…at first you may have walk into the room where it is and once they find it, mark with an enthusiastic “yes!” and reward with a tasty treat. Do it again but in a different spot. Slowly / progressively make the hide a little more challenging but make sure early on that they have several successful hunts and then increase the challenge. Start in the same room and then gradually expand your search area (maybe adjacent room) but the key is for them to use their natural scenting and hunting abilities to find it. Be sure to make your rewarding an “event” to make it more fun for your dog.

6. Create an obstacle (or agility type) course inside with chairs, larger potted plants to weave around, exercise platforms to climb on or maybe make a makeshift tunnel by a blanket draped over some chairs. You could use a hula hoop and teach them how to jump through it… starting with it at the floor level and gradually increasing the height by an inch at a time up to a max height of 8” (taller is okay for adult dogs).

7. Feed out of a puzzle feeder like a KONG Wobble, Starmark Bob-a-Lot, Paw5 rock-n-bowl or a Buster Cube or even a sniffle mat instead of a regular bowl.

Be creative… there are lots things you can do to keep your dog mentally stimulated and tired while you wait for better weather.

Make the best of it and have fun!!

01/15/2024

What do you do for a herding dog with no “flock” to herd? You teach them tricks and work together doing things they enjoy in an acceptable way.

01/14/2024

This is a dual post. This beautiful Golden Retriever is Gabby…an incredibly sweet and smart 5 month old who is with me for 3 weeks for a residential day-training program.

Our primary focus during her stay is to improve upon some typical puppy behaviors, obedience training and ongoing socialization as the long term aspiration for her is to become a service dog for her owner with significant health issues. She is doing great so far…this picture is from a recent outing downtown Lebanon. She is looking a bit pensive here because as a dog living in the country, being this close to traffic (and unfamiliar surroundings) was a bit concerning for her but with repeated exposure and positive experiences she will get more comfortable.

UNFORTUNATELY, as we have walked in some different neighborhoods (just to get her used to different sights and sounds), downtown and even at Rural King (local store like TSC) we have encountered dog after dog who with either significant reactivity (barking, growling and lunging toward her) in addition to territorial aggression behavior towards us just at the sight of us.

Ive been doing this for 13 years in 2 different states. I have never seen the frequency and degree of reactivity in dogs as I have in the past 10 days. It’s shocking and honestly with a young dog like Gabby who hasn’t had a bunch of exposure to other dogs yet at her age , particularly in public spaces, now has her quite apprehensive when we are going out to work on her obedience skills and socialization. She has met and interacted with some other safe dogs at my facility and done well…she has been corrected by some dogs if her play or interaction is too pushy (she accepts that correction appropriately). My hope is to find places this week to take her where she will not continue to encounter other dogs and if she does, they won’t lunge and bark at her in a threatening manner.

So…here is the second part of this post…. If you have a reactive dog, 1) the answer is not more attempts at socialization for a dog who is already insecure or fearful of other dogs (or people or both) - so don’t take them to places, especially places of business, where you will encounter their triggers — that only makes the problem worse for your dog. 2) understand that you are potentially adversely impacting other dogs, especially puppies who your dog threatens. 3) Your dog’s nervous system is already primed for becoming highly aroused - being triggered by fear of “x” combined with a loss of freedom of movement (on a leash) which leads to these highly adrenalized outbursts being rehearsed over and over. Every time it happens it further conditions the brain and nervous system to respond in this way…in other words it becomes a conditioned habit.

Until you can get it successfully addressed so it occurs less frequently or not at all, it is in your dog’s, yours and other’s best interest if you walk your dog in places where you are unlikely to encounter their trigger(s). Yes that means walks at times of days and locations that you are less likely to encounter dogs / people. If this is simply not possible, at a minimum, you must take action upon seeing another dog or person to create as much space as possible and get your dog’s attention on something else other than their trigger BEFORE they have a chance to react. For sure it means don’t take them into or in close proximity to retail establishments!

If your dog has territorial aggression issues, when they begin to bark and charge the fence or on a tie-out, it is your responsibility to immediately stop this behavior in the moment - don’t let them go on and on getting more and more worked up in that moment which may lead to your dog escaping your property and attacking another dog. (Take them inside if you cannot stop them any other way). I’ve talked to people often who have been attacked by dogs on a walk who left their owner’s property to attack them. The threat of attack is frightening to owners and dogs. Do you realize you are creating problems for neighbors who now are uncomfortable walking their dogs in their own neighborhood because your dog is terrorizing them? Yes, many dogs may start to bark to alert that someone is approaching their territory (pretty normal) but they should stop the moment you tell them to. This is not the same as defensive aggressive barking. If your dog does that kind of behavior, they should not be left outside unattended.

**There is an epidemic of behavioral problems in dogs these days and it is getting worse. Trainers across the country are seeing it and people are experiencing it first hand.

Aside from genetics (and perhaps a traumatic experience in their life), we have the greatest influence over our dog’s behavior! Accept that responsibility and rise to the occasion! If you can’t commit to being the leader / guide your dog needs, then do NOT get a dog! (That is not to say all reactivity is the fault of the current owner!!…things happen that sometimes don’t have an explanation or we can’t control). Your job is #1 to be your dog’s leader / “parent” / “coach” figure and (not squish or cuddle buddy which, if that sums up your relationship, you can end up creating emotional instability and insecurity in your dog) to guide and teach them how to live in this domesticated world —- including having and teaching rules and behavior boundaries and being consistent with them both. Affection is great and important but no more important than preparing, consistently teaching/ training from a young age how to behave properly in and outside your home.

Like it is with children, your home serves as a proxy for life outside your home. Every dog is 100% dependent on us humans to teach and train them from 8 weeks on how to live appropriately in this domesticated world. Unfortunately, many of us bring dogs into our homes that other humans have failed them in some way prior to us getting them and we inherit “baggage” in them we have no control over.

I cannot emphasize enough the critical importance of proper socialization of all kinds BEFORE 16 weeks of age. I don’t care what you have heard from someone elsewhere; don’t not isolate your puppy in your home until they finish their shots. Don’t be foolish and take them to dog parks or places where they have a highly likelihood of contacting diseases or viruses but there are ways to carefully socialize them safely… and I’m not talking about needing to play with other dogs or be petted by strangers (unfamiliar people to the dog) while on walks or out in a public setting. All you need to do is get them in proximity to people of all ages / races and around safe dogs to start (no direct contact or play required while that young) and to positively expose them to different sounds, objects, environments and experiences.

An under socialized puppy becomes a fearful puppy who matures into an adult - who then progresses from fearful to aggressive. Other tips:
1) never get a puppy younger than 8 weeks of age no matter what a breeder says.
2) Get a vet exam immediately upon getting your puppy and start their vaccination series.
3) enroll them in a puppy program well before they are 16 weeks old (obedience training IS NOT your priority before 16 weeks). You want a program that works on careful socialization (of all kinds) and confidence building. There are very few who do that (I have such a program). Box stores don’t but even doing something they have is better than nothing if it involves group classes.
Lastly, get help for your dog immediately if they are developing any problem behaviors. Do not wait…they only get worse and further entrenched.

01/13/2024

Final update: 1/27/24. Thank you for interest in adopting Samson. He found a new home in NW Ohio on a 100 acre horse farm. The owner (and I) appreciate all the interest and willingness to provide him a new forever home. I enjoyed working with him a great deal and believe he is going to do well with his new owners.

1/17/24 Update: Thank you for all your interest in this beautiful (and really great puppy) . There were a lot of people who potentially could have provided him a good home but at this time we believe we have found the “right fit” / home for him and things should be finalized in the next 10 days. If anything changes, I will follow up with those of you who have reached out directly. Again, many thanks to those who responded and those who shared the post.

OP:
8 month old beautiful black and tan male German Shepherd is in need of rehoming (not because of behavioral or health issues).

Dog is fully housebroken, UTD on all vaccines, has had regular vet care throughout and has been well cared for since 8 weeks of age including socialization, consistent exercise and training. He is obedience trained, gets along with other dogs and has lived with cats . He loves to go for long walks or go for a hike, play fetch and play with other friendly dogs (or would be fine as an only dog).

Ideal home /owner would have a fenced yard or acreage; would be someone who likes spending time with / hanging out with their dog when not working and is willing to provide the consistent leadership this breed needs, is able to commit to the daily exercise (walks + playing) and mentally challenging activities he needs (as necessary for the breed).

He is good with people and children middle school age and older (has not had much exposure to younger children up to this point). Expected to be 95-105 lbs at maturity.

If you are an active person or family who can meet the needs of a German Shepherd, this dog may be the perfect fit for you. If you are interested or know someone who might be, please message me here and I will connect you with the current owner.

(Photo below on left was taken at 5.5-6 months of age; on the right is at 7.5 months)

01/04/2024

01/01/2024

This is some very wise counsel from a professional who knows what they are talking about. Please keep a close eye on your dog’s behavior around children and please stop humanizing and romanticizing your dog. Watch, listen and learn. A child’s life (and your dog’s life) could depend on it.

▶️ Watch this reel https://www.facebook.com/share/r/eicNmG6UTvfDXpEX/?mibextid=Ev0aEO