Carl's Calm Canines

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Levittown, PA
Carl's Calm Canines

Dream of having a Calm Canine? Let me guide you down the right path.... My name is Carl Zive.
(27)

I am a Dog Behaviorist trained under the guidance of Linn Boyke at ZEN4K9S. Linn was an apprentice to Cesar Millan, “The Dog Whisperer”, and is the only one authorized to teach his philosophy and his beliefs. I will provide you with solutions to your dogs’ unwanted behaviors by teaching you Dog Psychology. Allow me to show you how proper Leadership and Exercise can help you obtain a happy, balanced Calm Canine.

07/11/2022

Met this gorgeous girl a few weeks ago. Her name is Freya. Her amazing Parents had a baby and Freya took on the role of “guard”. She was not allowing anyone near the baby except Mom and Dad. She was charging, growling and at times air snapping to provide a warning. Obviously, this can become confusing and concerning and is unacceptable. We had work to do. We fixed up her walk and drained some energy first. We had a Grandmother at the initial appointment. I had to apologize to her as I must have had her get up and approach the baby 40-50 times. We did it with safety as Freya was on leash. I needed Freya to see over and over and over that nothing bad was happening. At the initial appointment it took her a solid 2 hours to kind of give this up. We created a tether in the area for safety but close enough for her to see what was happening. The follow up was Saturday. Freya did amazing! We had Grandparents present. We started with some of the babies clothes (that had been recently worn) wrapped over a towel. She was fine. So, we got the baby and for the first time in almost 10 weeks…the Grandparents were able to hold and carry their beautiful Grandson. While Freya wore a leash she was free. You could see the absolute joy and relief in Freya as well as all the humans present. It was awesome! You got this Freya. ❤️

05/27/2022

Whatta face! I met this gorgeous girl Onyx a few weeks a go. She was being Fostered thru my friends at New Jersey Boxer Rescue. She was having reactivity issues with humans and dogs while on leash. She was not thrilled to meet me. Jumping, lunging and barking. I never felt threatened just seemed as though she wanted me to go away. I pulled a slip lead out of my pocket and tossed it in her direction. She immediately went to smell the leash and forgot about me. That’s when I took title to the leash and she was fine. We fixed up her walk and worked on some simple solutions to help with her reactivity. She did great! It’s always important if you have a leash reactive dog that your walk is on point without that stimulation. Word is…they are adopting her!! So very happy for you pretty girl. Happy life Onyx. ❤️

01/25/2022

Met this beautiful dog on Saturday. She is a Irish Setter and her name is Ruby. Just don’t see many Irish Setter’s anymore.. The breed was obtained partly as a running partner for Mom who has completed marathons. However, walking Ruby became a practice in frustration and she had not been walked in 3 months. She was labeled as skittish. I will share, when I arrived I looked in her direction and she ran to another room. We started with some gentle leash pressure just to communicate. We used a proper fitting martingale which helped and then tried a slip lead which also helped but didn’t get us where I wanted. I introduced the Halti. I placed it on her with leash and also used her collar via a separate leash. We slowly introduced the pressure of the new tool. Then…Mom was walking her perfectly and even jogged with her. The smile on Mom and Ruby’s face was priceless. We also taught Ruby the treadmill and began foundation work for the place command. I received a email yesterday that they have been walking and doing the treadmill daily. Sunday, the Family had 20 people at the house. Ruby was leashed until all arrived, just to prevent flight. Once all arrived the leash was removed and she calmly greeted everyone and then put herself in her bed to relax. So very very proud of you Ruby. ❤️

01/13/2022

When you show up to your appointment and meet 200lbs of dogs. You read the intake form that Panda is afraid of of older white men 🤔. Panda is a big Rotte girl. Her younger Brother, a ginormous lab mix (I believe part Bloodhound) were struggling with anxiety and hyper behavior. Kudos to my Client who was walking these dogs an hour a day. However, these beauties were being walked on a splitter and were leading their humans around town. Reportedly, dogs came back even more hyper. The walk was turning into practice of stimulation instead of relaxation. We slowed everything down starting inside…which is where the walk begins. They walked great! The information we provide can become part of their job. Thinking drains energy and can create a calm mind. These pics were after we walked. Panda asked me to tell her how pretty she was and Geronimo said I’ll catch ya later Uncle Carl.

08/03/2021

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU! 🙏 I wanted to share how touched and overwhelmed we were by all the love and support we received for our Coconut Head. To those I reached out to share the news. To those that responded with pictures or texts after my post. To all those that had so many wonderful things to say in their comments from the post. We have received many cards. We received food, not just food but steaks! We received an amazing picture with Coco and 9 other dogs at the training house in an amazing frame. We received a Cube Crystal 3D Photo with a light that is so life like…it’s very special.
However, I wanted to point out this piece of art above. A few months ago a new trainer was brought in at Your Dog and You. Her name is Ronnie Hughes. I had the opportunity to work with her a few times. She is excellent with dogs and humans. Apparently, she has multiple talents! She handed me this piece of amazing art.. Ronnie never met Coco but she sure did a unbelievable job in capturing her. Ronnie, thank you so much it’s just amazing and we love it. Ronnie is .moo.dog or contact me if you would like her to capture your pet.
Many have asked about Shea. I know she is my reflection and I have done my best to not have my moments around her. I think she is doing very well. Coconut Head’s presence was so great…it makes her departure very large. Every day is a bit better.
Thanks again to everyone! ❤️

07/19/2021

💔
This just wasn’t supposed to happen.. I truly thought you were immortal Coconut Head. However, over the last year I have watched your seemingly non-stop energy slow down. It was 12 years a go and I showed up to pick up a surrender case. I walked in to find a highly energized unique looking dog. At one point I said, I’m going to take her for a walk. My description, tie a rope to a Hyena and try and walk it. After your hopeful adopter fell through, you never left my side. I did my best to “manage” your behaviors those first few years. Then the opportunity for the Training House presented itself. It was at that time you showed me and sooo many people and pups just how special you were. You still displayed behaviors and moments in time that flabbergasted me and frustrated me so much, I questioned my own abilities as a dog trainer. However, when dogs started showing up you became a caring and confident leader of other dogs. I watched you help Jameson, AJ then Izzy and the beat went on and on for 5 years. My friend, you reminded me so much of myself as a kid. Always getting in trouble and acting inappropriate at times. Like me, you never wanted to be told about the great party…you wanted to tell others about the party. Although unlike myself but, something I truly grew to love and admire, you chased after life and good times with such a zest and the energy of a Tasmanian Devil. Coco, over the last few months we spent every evening on the floor. I told you how beautiful you were, how much you were loved and just how proud I was of the dog you had become. I reminded you just how many people and pups you touched. You would look at me with those beautiful eyes and lick my face. We were caught off guard a week ago when you had a seizure. This was followed by more. We needed to stop your suffering. You were an amazing younger Sister to Zoey and older Sister to Shea. Shea watched over you like a hawk. Coconut Head, you were funny, goofy, mischievous, hell raiser and beautiful. You were loved to pieces! Your departure hurts. However, we are at peace knowing you are as well. Thank you Coconut Head! We LOVE you and you were a…LEGEND!

07/09/2021

*ROCK STAR ALERT* The dogs name is Avocado. 😊 He was adopted earlier this year. He became overly protective of this amazing adorable girl. My goal was to get her more involved in the primal needs of Avocado. She began feeding him via running her hands thru his kibble before she presented it. This put her scent on his food. This can help a dog know “who” is providing survival. We also needed to have her walk with him. We incorporated the 2 leash approach. Lastly, at the initial appointment I noted a gate that did not seem normal. I had Christine take a look and she confirmed my suspicion. At only 2yo he was diagnosed with severe hip dysplasia. It was indeed a piece of the puzzle as he was not feeling well. He is now being treated for that and is doing great! It’s important especially when some behaviors may present themselves seemingly out of no where, that we get our dogs checked out medically.

07/01/2021

Dog training vs connecting with a dog. My goal is always to connect with the dog. Upon entry, I was told she is going to try and dominate you, she did try… I calmly reached into my bag and grabbed a slip lead. Once on I casually increased a little pressure until she stopped..then released the pressure. It was like she said thank you. I walked her over and sat down and she decided to lay down. I was informed of lots of outward behavior. Unable to walk her, exploding at everything she see’s.. I was told trash trucks were her nemesis. We put a martingale on her and..nothing. Belle is a mix of Pit and English Bulldog..hence her adorable tail and teef. She walked very well. I believe relief was provided to Belle. For that..she seemingly couldn’t get enough of me. Dogs mirror humans or humans mirror dogs… I took some selfies with her at the initial and noted later, how in tune she was with me. We had the follow up this week. No jumping upon entry. I went over and sat down and she sat down next to me. We still have work to do but she is off to great start. How pretty is she??? 😍 Love you Belle!

05/10/2021

What a present I had last week...Strutter!! That present came with a lesson. While I am so incredibly proud of this boy and his Mom for how far he has come, we had a brief set back. In any process, there will be set backs. The goal or plan is not to stay back or fall way back. Unlike prior visits, this time he stayed away from the girls, did not eat with them or stay in the bedroom with us. I realized the last visit (about 6 months a go) upon departure, Strutter got the zoomies. Coco decided to be dog cop and said, slow down..that energy caused Strutter to growl. Well, Shea stepped forward and vocalized with a firm No. I did take Shea and Strutter for a walk after that but, his association to that event lingered and I saw the avoidance. How do we get this magic back...basics! We migrated together. Then, with time things began to change. I found Strutter and Shea waiting for Trish to come home. Then he began to eat with the girls and finally I found them hanging and laying together. We even went to work together at Aunt Christine’s. The last pic is the wonderful smile I had been waiting for all week. This came after a romp in the yard with the girls. As I learned many years a go it doesn’t matter where you start but, how you finish is more important. I love you Strutter!!! 🐾❤️.

04/30/2021

Oh Roman...😍. I had the pleasure of working with handsome stud and his wonderful human. At the initial appointment I met a dog who was very sure of himself. He was resource guarding everything and biting his Dad too often. The biting also started when taking his leash off. My Clients focus was, what to do when Roman bit him. My focus was how to prevent a bite. Like many, Roman was totally in control. He ate whenever he wanted. He walked in front of Dad and lived on elevated areas. As this began to happen, Dad became very hesitant around his own dog. When you have a dog in control who will use its mouth and a uncertain human...it’s a recipe for a bite. I did the follow up at their place. The change was dramatic. Roman is no longer allowed on furniture or beds. Dad put into practice how to walk him properly. He now had “meal time”. I watched as Dad prepared some food. Roman sat and patiently waited. When eye contact was made, Dad released him to eat. I watched as Dad played with him and when Dad said “drop it“ he did time and time again. Roman was so much more relaxed and happy. Control is a lot of responsibility. Many times it’s just a relief to the dog to just let it go.. Great job Roman and Dad! 👏

02/05/2021

My friend Clutch asked if this picture made his head look big... I told him it was proportionate to his 185lb frame. I met Clutch and Siri recently. They are just gorgeous and are actually show dogs. Mom & Dad wanted to do some work with them as the show ring will be ending soon. We introduced the Halti..and off we went. Their last hurdle was their behavior with the tv. They would bark and charge the tv every time a dog would be on the screen. They just loved the State Farm commercials. The night before I got there, they reported having to put them away so they could watch a movie. After putting in some work and creating a few rules...these beauties calmly watched Marley and Me. It’s been a week and the pups have received rave reviews since! Reportedly, they are calmly watching tv with Mom & Dad. Way to go Puppers and Mom & Dad.

12/23/2020

HAPPY GOTCHA DAY SHEA! 🎉 Hard to believe it’s been 5 years since you came home. You are truly one of the most loving dogs I have ever met. Your work with other dogs is amazing. I am so thankful and grateful you are mine. I always love it when you smile.

12/21/2020

How handsome is this dude? Beyond his amazing appearance, he also has a great name...Chunk. This silly handsome 9mo boy needs to relax. He has been running thru life like a frat boy. As seems to be a constant, we needed to slow things down. The walk used to be an adventure which included chasing after animals, pulling and sniffing. This excitement tended to carry over when seeing friends, dogs and humans. We are now walking calmly next to Dad. We are working on calmly going thru thresholds as Dad takes back some control and ultimately brings this happy handsome boy to balance. You got this Chunk! That is some head tilt...

11/27/2020

Happy Gotcha Day!! My dear Coconut Head, we have been together for 11 years! I’m not sure how that happened but, apparently it has... You have helped countless dogs. Our walks may be limited to 20-25 minutes these days but, our quiet snuggle time is extra special. ☺️❤️

11/24/2020

Go big or go home! Met this handsome Big Boy recently. Landis is 3yo and was adopted 👏 this summer. Mom was having some difficulty controlling him. A halti certainly seemed to do the trick. We went from fearing to walk to walking all over town. Check out Landis crushing the place command! Oh Landis..❤️.

11/01/2020

Felt like old times... STRUTTER!! I got to spend some quality time with one of my all time favorite dogs. A dog I almost called...mine, until his most amazing and patient Mom found him. You got to come to work with me and take naps and hang out with the girls. You didn’t even mind when Coconut Head snuggled (or smashed) on top of you. You finally got to meet Aunt Christine. I so enjoyed every minute of our time together. Can’t wait to see you again. Love ya buddy!

10/14/2020

Make yourself comfortable Maci! 🤣 I met this adorable girl recently. Our focus that day was with her Brother Rocky. He is a big boy who is mixed with quite a few breeds. We just needed to slow things down. As I saw Maci staring at the chair, I began to ask, is she gonna jump in the chair? Next thing I knew she was sitting in the chair looking at me. I thoroughly enjoyed the laugh. Maci is 9yo and still has plenty of s***k! You go girl! ❤️

09/16/2020

Oh gosh ❤️! This is Pebbles a 6mo Boxer. This young adorable girl had some health issues which prevented her from getting some early basic training. She is feeling better and showing her spirit. Reportedly, things are better as the whole Family has gotten involved to provide this cutie with what she needs. Team work makes the dream work. 😉

08/18/2020

I got to see my friend Diante recently for his follow up. While a picture is just a moment in time..I don’t believe this picture could have been captured at his initial appointment. Diante suffered from a case of uncertainty and lack of confidence. Walking him was a struggle, he wouldn’t eat his food, he wouldn’t jump in the car. He walked around the Training Studio timid, almost anticipating the next sound that would startle him. Honestly, I felt sad for him because it’s a terrible way to go thru life. His wonderful Family did a awesome job with him. The change in his behavior was very dramatic. I watched as this boy floated next to his humans on a loose leash. He eats all of his food at meal time. We needed to review communication regarding getting him in the car but, within moments he was back to jumping in the car for his Family. They are also putting him on the treadmill. Guiding our dogs thru our lives, and providing consistent structured exercise can truly help a dog relax. I am so grateful to his Family and so very happy for this silly, fun handsome dog. Enjoy your life Diante! ❤️

08/06/2020

Hi Rico! This boy certainly gets the Best Dressed Award! He wore a bow tie for our appointment. Rico was there to work on some young pup issues. At last check, we are making some progress in some areas and still working on some issues. Look forward to seeing him for his follow up. You handsome devil you...❤️🐾

08/03/2020

Ohhh Cleo 😍!! Look deep into my eyes.. Had the pleasure of finally meeting this beauty. I met Mom last year when she accompanied one of her Clients at the training studio. Mom aka Maria is a major animal advocate and has a huge heart. Maria and Family took in Cleo as a Foster...and failed 👏🤣. Cleo had a back leg amputated after being hit by a car. That is when Maria took her in ☺️. She needed time to heal before she could be spayed. Cleo has a issue with other animals. However, quite often we are providing or allowing a animal to practice the very behavior(s) we are trying to stop. There is no fault here. We can’t make mistakes if we don’t know. Cleo took her job of patrolling very seriously. Reportedly, when she went outside, she had to check all her critter spots before..going to the bathroom. After reviewing and practicing the walk, we introduced this beautiful tri-pod to the treadmill. After draining some energy I had Aunt Christine bring Shea in on leash. Shea was her absolute chill self who literally was closing her eyes while standing. This certainly allowed Cleo to relax and she did not react. I’ve checked in and Cleo reportedly is much more relaxed. Maria reports...”the treadmill is a game changer”. We are working on creating some balance and mastering the walk before the re-introduction of stimulation. I’m not sure Cleo knows she has 3 legs. She moves around quite well. 😊

07/31/2020

This is my friend Luka. He is 7mo and his issues were uncertainty and fear. At times, if he was being pushed past his comfort zone he would assert himself by getting jumpy and mouthy. This primarily happened on walks. However, he was very concerned by people coming in, having his paws touched, walking past the washer/dryer and jumping in the car. I went to their place for the initial appointment. He barked when I entered and I turned sideways. He then realized..something smelled like a dog..it was me or at least my shoes. Once he relaxed, I sat down. I did not pet him or talk to him or look at him. Once leashed, I saw how sensitive he was. The slightest amount of pressure made him move. I helped him understand, pressure just meant I wanted something. I then moved toward the washer/dryer. His brain said...run! I stood still and as he relaxed I moved closer to the washer/dryer. After a few try’s..he was following me over and sitting. We apparently went for his longest walk at the complex. He walked great with just the simplest guidance. As I began to gain some trust and earn some respect..we just kept going. The pride in this dogs face as he started jumping in the car was priceless. We ended with filing a few nails with a thick emory board. Mom was able to do everything I did with Luka. It was a great day for this good looking boy. I can’t wait to see him again. 🤗

07/30/2020

Oh Mogley! I’ve said it before but, Boxers make me smile and laugh. Mogley was no exception. We needed to help this boy out with some reactivity, bathroom habits, a need to follow us everywhere and some excitement. We introduced him to the treadmill and some new rules. You got this Mogley.

07/28/2020

Ringo needed a little assistance in relaxing. This adorable 8mo Shepherd mix is full of energy. He was becoming reactive on leash toward dogs. He also had a barking relationship with his human Brother. We fixed up his walk and slowed everything down for all. We put a few plans in place so these Brothers from different Mothers can live in harmony. He met Shea, and while he needed some pointers in how to play, he is not aggressive.

07/24/2020

Oh Beau...😍! Had the pleasure of meeting this beauty last week. Beau is a gorgeous 4yo 95lb Coonhound. Although...when my friends at New Jersey Boxer Rescue took in a pregnant Boxer 4 years a go..I don’t believe they were expecting to meet Beau or all his look alike siblings! Yup, Beau’s Dad is a Coonhound and Mom is a Boxer. 🤔 The Rescue of course found homes for all the pups. Beau was handed a rough diagnosis of Wobblers disease. We needed to help Beau walk calmly on a harness lead as we have to take all the pressure of his neck. We also taught him the treadmill utilizing a harness. Beau and his Mom Nancy did very well. We are all rooting for you Beau! Best wishes handsome.

07/21/2020

Hello Penny! This lil cutie showed up for a session. She has had some issues at the Vet and can be reactive on leash. She also needed some manners at the door. Penny attends daycare from time to time. This cute, tough little 11lb dog made Shea say...I’m sorry 😳. I had Shea with me and when Shea sniffed her butt, I saw Penny really tuck her backside down. Then Shea was sniffing her but, Shea’s head was over Penny’s body. Penny made some screeching sound and moved forward. My sensitive gal Shea moved away.. She seemingly felt so sad she made Penny uncomfortable. We ended it on a positive note. It was sight watching this 11lb cutie back up my 65lb dog. See you soon Penny.

07/17/2020

Gobi(L) and Bentley(R) live together and are best Buds. Bentley is 9mo and recently adopted. Bentley gets concerned by men and new situations. Bentley follows Gobi everywhere but, Gobi likes to hunt in the backyard and Bentley is now following this act. This was how they burned off energy. There was no structured walks happening. I didn’t try and meet Bentley, I let him meet me. There was some barking but it was truly uncertainty. Once again, we needed to slow everything down. I asked for eye contact before going out or in a door. I asked for eye contact before allowing them off the treadmill. We took the eye contact to the Jeep, where they now needed to be relaxed and ask permission to enter. They walked well but, these two get upset when separated. I thought walking them together may become competitive. I was thrilled to be wrong because together, they walked as one. 😊 We have some work to do with these two but it was a great start. So stinking cute!

07/16/2020

This is Tank. He looks pretty relaxed in this picture. When he showed up, I watched as Mom put her “walking gloves” on and took title to a thick rope leash. I then watched as Tank dragged Mom around. Once inside, I switched him to a leather leash and a collar instead of his harness. Mom no longer needs gloves to walk him. Tank also has some resource guarding. However, he seemed to have no interest in “moving forward” and would just growl. Moving into his space and just waiting...he would move off the object. Tank was also a free feeder which we switched up to 15 minutes per meal. Look forward to seeing him for his follow up.

07/15/2020

Louie is a beautiful Great Pyrenees. He recently moved from Michigan to New Jersey. Louie has been having a hard time adjusting. I was told he went from having lots of areas to run to living in a Condo. As the “new kid” in town all the other dogs wondered who this big beautiful white dog is? Some even barked at him. This has caused Louie some concern and he has at times become reactive. However, when Aunt Christine brought Shea in...he didn’t seem to concerned. 😊 We provided some guidance to help Louie get back to balance.

Address

Levittown, PA
19056

Telephone

+19732247955

Website

http://www.calmcanines.com/

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Videos

Shall we dance... I always say, i feel lucky and fortunate to have found Shea (brown and white). She is such an amazing dog. She is a big help too me and so many other dogs. Here she is teaching Daisy @pitbullprideofde a few dance moves or....was she just after that bed 🤔. What do you think? #carlscalmcanines #shea #sheamoomoo #daisy #rescuedog #rescuedogsofinstagram #halfwayhounds #pitbull #pibble #pitbullsofinstagram #dogbehavior #dogpsychology #shallwedance #dogdance #dogdancing #lovedogs

I am reminded often that dogs are great teachers. I recently had Magic, a current member of Halfway Hounds @halfwayhounds He is a normal happy, goofy energetic pup. Magic is approximately 10 or 11 months old. Coconut Head will be 9 years old this year. Magic did well when he was with me but, given the opportunity he would climb on a dog during a pack walk. I wanted and needed to see if he understood boundaries and limitations from another dog. This is a portion of something I recorded. I re-recorded in slo mo to get a better look. I had to shorten the video but prior to what is seen, Magic is bouncing around in front of Coconut Head. She remained stoic. However, when Magic comes in with a higher energy and actually touches the dog bed...the lesson begins. This was all play but there is indeed a message. Thank you to my wonderful hairy assistant, Coconut Head! #carlscalmcanines #coco #coconuthead #magic #halfwayhounds #rescuedog #rescuedogsofinstagram #dogsteachingdogs #dogpsychology #dogbehavior #dogtraining #boundaries #limitations

In order to become calm, one must practice calm. Working on slowing everything down for Coco including the treadmill. #carlscalmcanines #coco #rescuedog #dogtraining #dogpsychology #dogbehavior #treadmilltime #mentalworkout

(Video 1 of 2) I recently met a dog aggressive dog. I teach who we are to the dog, the connection or "ASSOCIATION" between human and dog. Lots of things stimulate a dog and assist in its reaction. That stimuli can be objects, places, smells or us..... When a dog reacts, we try and communicate to the dog. Many times, the "message" gets lost. Suddenly, we become attached or part of the stimuli that causes the reaction. The Association can be physical and it can be mental. This is how this dog reacts when it sees dogs. This is a physical connection via the leash. With improper communication this behavior becomes....a predictable pattern.

Bentley (left) and Lola spent a few weeks at the training facility. One of their issues was walking. They were very challenged in this department. When I asked if they were walked together, the response was laughter. No one is laughing now..... Way to go Bentley, Lola and Mayte!!!

Shadow Pack Work..... In reality, dogs do come and stay and follow or "shadow" other dogs to learn the process.

While Max and Coconut Head enjoy a afternoon stroll on the treadmill together.... Scooby Doo patiently waits for her turn (on her new favorite little cot). Note her yawn, she is getting tired (calm...) and relaxing just being asked to sit. Always nice to mix in a little mental exercise. :-)