Whole Dog Training and Behavior

15/10/2024

Back from the 2024 Aggression In Dogs Conference in Scottsdale this weekend with a fresh new dose of inspiration and some great ideas I can't wait to implement into my private training practice and my work at the animal shelter.

Aside from an already packed guest list of speakers that included renowned trainers like Emma Parsons and shelter pros like Laurie Lawless--both of whom could not have been more engaging, inspiring and informative--there were a couple surprise guests that left me feeling like the universe is definitely conspiring in my favor.

First up was Janis Bradley, who's book Dog's Bite But Balloons and Slippers Are More Dangerous I just happen to be reading right now. We even got to share a ride back to the airport with her yesterday. She shared with us how she is interested in anthropomorphism as the next thing in dog behavior with its power to help build greater empathy in humans.

And the second surprise guest of the day was Dr. Sheila Segurson from Maddie's Fund whose talk, Trauma In Dogs and Animal Shelters, was so compassionate and relevant. Our shelter contracts with Dr. Segurson for behavior support so it was such a pleasant surprise to learn that she would be filling in for a speaker who was unable to make the conference and to get to hear her talk and meet her in person.

Lastly, giant thanks to Kerri M Cpdt-ka for encouraging me to attend and being my buddy for the weekend. I feel pretty lucky to have another dog trainer friend that's idea of a good time also includes spending vacation nerding out on behavior.

11/01/2024

Such an important message.

We can all man handle a pet and take chances on their emotional health and our personal safety. But that get-it-done-at-any-cost attitude is not a proper measure of competence or capability.

Choose your animal care professionals wisely.

The pet professionals in your life should always be advocating for your animals. ❤️

28/06/2023

Four Paw Sports Center, where I teach manners classes, will be hosting a drop-in open house on July 4th from noon to 5pm. Most of our training team will be on staff to show you how confidence-boosting and fun dog sports can be and to help tire your pup out and provide some enrichment prior to the booms and pops of the Independence Day festivities. We will also be giving talks and sharing advice on ways to keep your pups safe and home on the 4th and ways to support them through their fears and sensitivity to noise. Please join us!

The Fourth of July can be very hard for some dogs. Fireworks can be frightening, and we have some great ideas!​

Join us on July 4, anytime between 12:00 and 5:00 to give your dog some exercise (tire them out physically), learn about dog sports (tire them out mentally), and learn how different sports and activities can help them throughout the year!

We will also be having a short talk every hour about how to work with your dog to overcome concerns about loud sounds.

The $15 fee for this event covers up to 90 minutes at our facility.

Visit our website now to pre-purchase your pass for this event!

16/05/2023

Hey dog lovers! It would mean the world to me if you would make a donation to my PAWSwalk fundraising page!! PAWSwalk is PAWS's annual campaign to raise money for Cat City, the Companion Animal Shelter and the Wildlife Center so we can continue to provide much needed care to cats, dogs, bears, bobcats, birds and beyond!

Will you join me in doing amazing things for animals? (And a couple bonus points for making me look good at my new job, lol)

09/04/2023

My man Kujo is making killer strides.
Kujo and his humans just welcomed his first human baby sister into the world and we have been working on some behaviors to make him a great big brother.
Kujo resource guards and his highest value item to guard has become his baby sister’s pacifier—which he will also eat, if given the chance.
We have been slowly building up to Kujo being able to calmly observe and disengage from his favorite forbidden items and just look at him totally ignoring the binky in the glass bowl behind him.
Me and his humans are so proud of the progress he made today!

09/03/2023

Proud Puppy Start ‘Em Right grad, Leo and his final play sesh in the six-week series.

02/03/2023

Purchased this weekend seminar at the KPA Ranch with Ken Ramirez and Susan G. Friedman on coaching clients. I was so bummed I missed the opportunity to register for her last Ranch seminar before it sold out that I made sure to jump on this one. August can't come soon enough!

Built by Karen Pryor Clicker Training

29/01/2023

I'm up early watching the training team at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo work with hippos and lemurs on voluntary medical behavior as part of Clicker Expo Live 2023. LOVE this conference!

31/12/2022

We’ve come a long way with Plucky’s anxiety around bath time. She was a trooper today. Lick mats and liver paste help, but so does the thoughtful set up at Rub-A-Dub dog wash where dogs have ample space and visual barriers from each other, safe tubs with moveable slip leads and mats to keep pets on solid footing, head huggers for the pups and ear protection for us humans too, and extremely helpful and attentive staff. Such a nice facility, 10/10.

24/12/2022

Not all dogs are right for the job.

19/09/2022

What a treat it was to attend the great Ken Ramirez’s seminar, Handling Problem Behaviors and Mistakes: Humans and Animals, this past weekend. He brought his A game. So much food for thought and so much take away. I will definitely be a better trainer for the knowledge gained and I will definitely be making my way back to the Ranch for more. Just phenomenal.

05/09/2022