It's Not the Dog

It's Not the Dog Training, coaching, and workshops to empower dog owners All proceeds go to animal rescue organizations so that they can help more animals in need.

We are a small community of committed volunteers and dog advocates who provide educational workshops about dog behavior and dog training. We get paid by listening to the heartwarming stories of families who create a happy and harmonious relationship with their canine companions.

Training your dog can be a rewarding experience that strengthens your bond and helps create a well-behaved companion. Wh...
09/20/2024

Training your dog can be a rewarding experience that strengthens your bond and helps create a well-behaved companion. Whether you’re a new dog owner or looking to refine your pup’s skills, these essential tips can make all the difference:

1. Consistency is Key: Dogs thrive on routine and clear expectations. Establish consistent commands and routines to help your dog learn effectively. Consistent training sessions also build a sense of security and understanding.

2. Positive Reinforcement Works Wonders: Use treats, praise, and playtime as rewards for good behavior. Positive reinforcement motivates your dog to repeat desired actions and strengthens your bond. Avoid negative reinforcement, which can create fear and anxiety.

3. Keep Training Sessions Short and Fun: Dogs have short attention spans, so keep training sessions brief (10-15 minutes) and engaging. Incorporate games and play to make learning enjoyable and prevent boredom.

4. Patience Pays Off: Training takes time and patience. Be prepared for setbacks and remember that progress might be gradual. Stay calm and encouraging, and your dog will respond positively.

5. Socialization is Crucial: Expose your dog to different environments, people, and other animals to help them develop good social skills. Proper socialization reduces fear and aggression and promotes a well-adjusted pet.

6. Seek Professional Help if Needed: If you’re facing challenges or specific behavioral issues, consider consulting a professional dog trainer. They can provide personalized guidance and techniques to address your dog’s unique needs.

Training your dog can lead to a happier, healthier, and more harmonious relationship. What are your favorite training tips or experiences? Share them with us below!

The monks of New Skete beautifully remind us that "there is no limit to the change, growth, and maturity that a human be...
09/06/2024

The monks of New Skete beautifully remind us that "there is no limit to the change, growth, and maturity that a human being can undergo; the wonder is that, in its own way, the same is true of the dog. Dogs can always grow in learning and responsiveness, in attentiveness and bonding, significantly broadening the parameters of what most of us think is possible from a relationship."

In Dog-Gone Leadership, we hold up the mirror and ask participants to reflect on their relationship with their dogs and how those insights can serve them in the workplace and other areas of life. We can’t expect our dogs to change and grow if we remain stagnant, just as we can’t expect our teams to be more engaged and develop if we’re not willing to take the first step ourselves. Growth is a shared journey—whether with our dogs or our teams.

Are the financial responsibilities of owning a dog overwhelming? Does your pup refuse to walk in the rain or bark nonsto...
09/02/2024

Are the financial responsibilities of owning a dog overwhelming? Does your pup refuse to walk in the rain or bark nonstop at delivery drivers? If any of these sound familiar, you’re not alone. Join us tomorrow, Tuesday, September 3rd, at 11:30 AM ET for our "Dog Owner Support Group" on Zoom. where we will answer these and more questions.

This free session is perfect for connecting with fellow dog owners. Bring your questions and get the support you need from a community dedicated to creating a harmonious life with their dogs.

Sign up here: https://irisgrimm.com/events/dogs

It's Labor Day weekend, and I’ve noticed quite a few new puppies popping up in my feed! If you're among those who recent...
08/30/2024

It's Labor Day weekend, and I’ve noticed quite a few new puppies popping up in my feed! If you're among those who recently brought home a dog, this extended weekend is the perfect time to start building a strong foundation. Check out this article with 13 essential puppy training tips to get you started. Enjoy the extra time with your new companion and make the most of it with some productive training!

Learn how to train a puppy to go potty outside, love his crate, and be an all-around well-mannered dog.

Ready to elevate your team's performance and leadership? Discover how the experience of dogs can create a lasting impact...
08/29/2024

Ready to elevate your team's performance and leadership?
Discover how the experience of dogs can create a lasting impact in your organization with our Dog-Gone Leadership program!

If your team members are dog owners or simply love a good dog story, this unique approach could be the game-changer your organization needs. By incorporating personal stories and real-life challenges from your team’s experiences with their dogs, we help uncover essential leadership skills that translate seamlessly to the workplace.

Here’s how it works: Through a short survey, team members share behaviors and issues they’re facing with their dogs at home. We then offer tailored suggestions, insights, and stories to address those challenges—highlighting leadership lessons that are just as effective in the office. It's an innovative way to tackle both home and work challenges simultaneously!

If you’re looking for a program that’s creative, meaningful, and impactful (not to mention fun!), Dog-Gone Leadership is for you. From workshops to webinars, our customizable programs are designed to inspire, engage, and boost productivity.

Let’s harness the power of Dog-Gone Leadership together! DM me to explore a program that fits your company's growth needs.

Dogs don’t speak our language, but they communicate with us every day through their behavior. In fact, behavior is one o...
08/28/2024

Dogs don’t speak our language, but they communicate with us every day through their behavior. In fact, behavior is one of the most honest forms of communication—whether for us humans or our furry companions. I’ve always believed that to truly understand someone, you should not only listen to their words but also pay close attention to their actions. And when it comes to dogs, their behavior never lies.

When your dog acts out, is confused, displays aggressive traits, becomes destructive, or is slow to respond, they’re trying to tell you something. The challenge is learning to listen and respond effectively. Here are three ways you can make changes based on your dog’s behavior:

1. Adjust Your Routine: Sometimes, a shift in your routine can make all the difference. Perhaps your dog needs more exercise to burn off excess energy. Maybe they need a job or some mental stimulation. Or it could be that the kids are too loud, and your dog needs a quiet, safe space to retreat when things get too rambunctious. Listening to what your dog is telling you can lead to small changes that have a big impact.

2. Commit to More Training: Dogs often act out because they don’t understand what we expect from them. It’s surprising how few commands many dogs know beyond their name, “sit,” and “treat.” Without a solid vocabulary, it’s hard to redirect unwanted behavior. The good news is that training doesn’t require more time—just more intention. Make the most of the time you already spend with your dog by reinforcing the behaviors you want to see more of.

3. When All of These Fail, Consider Rehoming When Necessary: In some cases, despite your best efforts and ruling out medical issues, your home may not be the right fit for your dog. I’ve seen dogs develop anxiety or destructive behaviors in one home, only to thrive again when returned to a foster family or another home. It’s as if the dog is saying, “This isn’t the place for me.” If this happens, forcing a dog to stay can be unfair to both you and the dog.

Rehoming isn’t always about giving up—it’s about finding the right environment where the dog can thrive. The process may take time, and you might face criticism from others. But if you’ve done everything you can and are ensuring your dog goes to a trusted home, you can feel at peace with this decision. Rescue organizations and professionals can help guide you through this difficult choice to ensure the best outcome for everyone.

If your dog’s behavior is puzzling, disruptive, or causing stress, don’t navigate it alone. Join us for our Dog Owner Support Group on Tuesday, September 2, at 11:30 a.m. ET. It's just an hour, free, and on Zoom—so no travel time needed. Click here to register!
Bring your questions and your experiences. Together, we’ll share insights, offer support, and learn from one another.

Happy National Dog Day!Discover how dogs, especially shelter dogs, can shape us into better leaders by watching my TEDx ...
08/26/2024

Happy National Dog Day!
Discover how dogs, especially shelter dogs, can shape us into better leaders by watching my TEDx talk, "Dogs Make Us Better Leaders."
Drawing from my experiences with my own dogs and the many I've fostered, I share powerful insights into the leadership lessons they’ve taught me. This talk offers a fresh perspective on leadership—one that’s grounded in empathy, adaptability, and personal growth.
Watch the talk and engage in the conversation about how dogs can help shape us into the leaders we want to be.

Discover the secrets of effective leadership in Iris' captivating TEDx speech on how dogs enhance our skills. Unlock a world of dog knowledge and elevate your leadership today.

Have you noticed how your dog seems to pick up on your emotions? Dogs have an incredible sensitivity to our feelings and...
05/04/2024

Have you noticed how your dog seems to pick up on your emotions? Dogs have an incredible sensitivity to our feelings and well-being, often reacting to changes in our behavior and energy levels in ways we might not even realize.

Let me share a personal story with you. Many years ago, my husband and I fostered Gracie, a sweet elderly Pitbull. After just a few months of fostering, we knew she was meant to be a part of our family. However, during those early days, tensions ran high one evening as my husband and I had a disagreement. As we argued, Gracie circled us anxiously, barking incessantly. Later that night, as I was already in bed and Gracie was on her bed by my side, she suddenly began growling at my husband as he walked by her. She had never done that before.

It was a wake-up call for us. We realized that Gracie's behavior mirrored our own emotional state. As I always like to say, "when dogs exhibit troubling behavior, it's not because they want to give us a hard time, but because they're having a hard time." It became clear that we needed to reassess our own behavior and emotional well-being to positively influence Gracie's state of mind.

This Tuesday, May 7th, at 11:30 am ET, I invite you to join us for our next "Dog Owner Support Group" meeting, where we'll discuss various topics that will serve participants. Our community is a welcoming space for dog owners to come together, share experiences, offer support, and learn from one another.

Whether you're facing behavioral challenges or simply want to deepen your understanding of harmonious living with your dog, our support group provides a platform to ask questions, exchange ideas, and grow as responsible dog owners.

Mark your calendars, bring your questions, and get ready to connect with fellow dog lovers. Together, let's create a supportive community where both humans and dogs thrive.

It's understandable if the thought of adopting a shelter dog doesn't immediately spark excitement. After all, some peopl...
04/30/2024

It's understandable if the thought of adopting a shelter dog doesn't immediately spark excitement. After all, some people assume these dogs come with a history of issues, having been surrendered, neglected, or abandoned.

However, let's look at the facts: the primary reasons for relinquishing dogs reported by guardians are typically related to human circumstances, such as housing issues, personal challenges, or financial constraints. In fact, only 10% of cases involve dog behavior as a contributing factor.

Despite the potentially traumatizing experience of making it through the shelter system, there are compelling reasons why shelter dogs can become the most wonderful companions you've ever had:

1. They know when you save them: Dogs may not pay mortgages, but they possess an innate sense of gratitude. When you rescue a shelter dog, there is a special bond that forms—they somehow understand that you've given them a second chance at life.

2. Mature personalities: While puppies are undeniably adorable, adopting an adult dog means their personality is already established. You'll know their energy level, temperament, and quirks from the start, making it easier to find the perfect match for your lifestyle.

3. Opportunities for growth: Training and socializing a puppy is a unique experience, but adopting an adult dog presents its own learning curve. You might need to work on unlearning certain habits or adjusting their socialization, which provides valuable insights into life and leadership lessons. This journey of growth isn't just about teaching your dogs—it's also about embracing the lessons they teach you. As the dog-gone leadership coach, I've seen firsthand how these experiences mirror the challenges and growth opportunities we encounter in leadership roles, making them invaluable lessons for both personal and professional development. After all, it's a shared journey of continuous learning and growth, enriching the bond between you and your four-legged companion.

Today is National Adopt A Shelter Pet Day! If you're considering adding a canine companion, I encourage you to visit a shelter this week. Who knows, in rescuing a dog, you might just find that they rescue you right back.

Today is National Lost Dog Awareness Day. According to the American Humane Association, over 10 million dogs and cats ar...
04/23/2024

Today is National Lost Dog Awareness Day. According to the American Humane Association, over 10 million dogs and cats are lost or stolen in the U.S. every year. That means, one in three pets will become lost at some point during their life. Wow, that number surprised me because it is so high.

But then again, over 3 million dogs end up at animal control every year and only 710,000 dogs are reunited with their owners.

I don’t know about you, but if one of my dogs got lost for an unknown reason, I would have long days and nights ahead of me. It is something that I can’t imagine.

So what can you do to minimize the chance that your dog gets lost and, in case it happens, your dog will get reunited quicker?

1. Provide a good home for your dog and make sure you are a good match. I know that sounds weird, right? But if you believe it or not, some people just don’t match well with their dog. I have seen dogs that were well-behaved in their foster home and they ended up becoming destructive or anxious at another home. But, as soon as the dog returned to the foster home, the dog turned back into a happy and normal dog. Energy match is important for dogs. So it is utterly important that your dog feels comfortable in your home and your presence.

2. Socializing your dog is very important in case he gets lost. I see many posts on Nextdoor Neighbor where people share that they are looking for their dogs. And then it says, “Milly is shy. So please don’t approach her.” Well, if a dog is afraid of people and surroundings, it will be very hard to help you catch your dog.

3. Make sure your dog has a collar with a name tag. A collar serves in different ways. First, we know that the dog belongs to someone. And that will make it easier to reunite the dog with an owner. Second, when a dog has a collar, it is also easier to grab the dog or hold the dog. Of course, if your dog is micro-chipped, that is another way for your dog to be reunited, but a collar makes it so much easier.

By creating a nurturing home environment, socializing our dogs, and ensuring they wear collars with ID tags, we're not just minimizing the risk of them getting lost – we're actively investing in their safety and well-being. Let's work together to keep our beloved pets safe and ensure that, if they ever do go astray, the path back home is swift and secure.

Does your dog sometimes leave you scratching your head with their quirky behavior, despite getting a clean bill of healt...
03/31/2024

Does your dog sometimes leave you scratching your head with their quirky behavior, despite getting a clean bill of health from the vet? Well, you're not alone! When our pups act up, it's usually not because they're trying to give us a hard time; they're just having a tough time themselves.

It's all too common for pet parents to feel overwhelmed by their dog's behavior, leading to frustration, confusion, and sometimes even surrendering. That's where our virtual Dog Owner Support Group meetings come in. Think of it as an encouraging gathering where we blend life coaching, dog training tips, peer support, and good old-fashioned idea sharing. And it is free to join.

Whether you're seeking answers to your own dog-related questions, eager to share your experience with fellow pet parents, or simply curious to learn more about dogs, we'd love to have you join us! Mark your calendars for this Tuesday, April 2nd, at 11:30 am ET, and register right away! 🐾

As we quickly approach springtime, it’s a perfect moment to reflect on the goals and ambitions we’ve been nurturing sinc...
03/14/2024

As we quickly approach springtime, it’s a perfect moment to reflect on the goals and ambitions we’ve been nurturing since the start of 2024. What have been your dreams for 2024? What goals have you been diligently pursuing? And where do you sense opportunities for growth and improvement in your life?

When discussing goals, it's essential to recognize that they extend beyond tangible achievements like increasing income, shedding pounds, or scaling a business. Equally significant are the quieter, more nuanced aspirations—such as cultivating inner peace, deepening relationships, and nurturing gratitude for life's blessings. These subtle goals are the essence that enriches our lives in ways that transcend mere accomplishments.

Dreams and goals are the seeds of our potential, but without a nurturing environment, they risk withering away. That's where systems come into play—they're the guardians of our dreams, the architects of our success. And they also allow our dogs to thrive and feel safe.

But what exactly are systems? Imagine them as the scaffolding that supports your dreams, the roadmap guiding you towards your goals. Systems are the infrastructure of progress, the framework upon which we build our aspirations.

Consider this: if you desire more vitality and energy in your daily life, you craft a system encompassing nutrition, exercise, and sleep. Perhaps you enlist the guidance of a health coach to fine-tune your system, ensuring maximum efficacy.
Similarly, if you seek to curb your dog's destructive tendencies, you implement a system to provide ample activity and stimulation.

Systems serve as our compass, keeping us on course even amidst life's unpredictable twists and turns. With a well-designed system in place, procrastination becomes a relic of the past. No longer do we rely on fleeting bursts of motivation; instead, we trust in the process, allowing it to propel us towards our desired outcomes.

Join us in the Canine Leadership Circle next Wednesday, March 20 at 11 am EDT, where we'll explore the transformative power of systems. Together, we'll brainstorm how to create, fine-tune, and implement systems tailored to your unique aspirations, providing the support and guidance needed to bring your 2024 ambitions to fruition. So register right now.

Remember, systems are the unsung heroes of our daily lives, quietly ensuring that everything runs smoothly like a well-oiled machine. So let's harness their power to unleash your full potential.

Life for many of us can be a whirlwind of busyness, making it tough to prioritize our dogs' needs and address their anno...
03/02/2024

Life for many of us can be a whirlwind of busyness, making it tough to prioritize our dogs' needs and address their annoying or mischievous behavior. Some actions may be just a nuisance, while others could pose serious risks.

Furthermore, managing our own life challenges can lead to heightened feelings of guilt and stress as we struggle to provide our dogs with the attention they require.

While their behavior may seem like an inconvenience we don’t have time for, and our schedule and life obligations seem unbending, these moments actually hold valuable lessons and opportunities for personal growth.

The Forever Your Dog Owner Support Group offers a space to slow down, exchange ideas with fellow dog owners, and gain fresh perspectives on handling such situations. By embracing them, we can essentially strengthen our bond with our dogs.

Whether you seek advice or wish to share your own experiences, I welcome you to join us at our upcoming meeting this Tuesday, March 5 at 11:30 am.

Space is limited to ensure that everyone feels heard and seen. So don’t delay and let's continue learning and growing together as dog owners!

The website of "Shelter Animals Count" tells the story about what is happening in animal shelters right now, & what’s ha...
02/26/2024

The website of "Shelter Animals Count" tells the story about what is happening in animal shelters right now, & what’s happened over the last near-decade.
It includes the:
-Highlighted stats from 2023
-2019-2023 report that was just released
-NEW dashboard sharing animal sheltering data from the past 8 years
-6.5M cats & dogs entered shelters in 2023
-4.8M were adopted
-680K (that were counted) were euthanized/lost/died in care

In 2023, Shelter Animals Count estimates 6.5 million cats and dogs entered shelters and rescues across America. 3.3 million cats 3.2 million dogs This marks a 0.2% increase from 2022, […]

Moving can be a significant challenge for pet owners, often leading to difficult decisions about the future of their fur...
02/23/2024

Moving can be a significant challenge for pet owners, often leading to difficult decisions about the future of their furry companions. The below website lists the most pet-friendly cities for renters, which uncovers a complex picture (based on 2022 renter survey). Despite efforts to accommodate pets, many cities still impose substantial fees on renters with pets, while breed restrictions further narrow the housing options available.

Understanding these challenges is key to addressing the issue of animal welfare. To curb the unnecessary euthanasia of shelter animals, it's vital to tackle housing opportunities for pet-owning families head-on.
https://vist.ly/369i9

Discover the perfect city for you and your pet. We've analyzed data to find top pet-friendly places with affordable rents, parks, and more.

Join us for a transformative journey into the Power of Being You! Discover how authenticity can deepen your connection w...
02/18/2024

Join us for a transformative journey into the Power of Being You! Discover how authenticity can deepen your connection with your dog and elevate your leadership in all aspects of life.

🗓️ Save the date: Wednesday, February 21 at 11 am ET for our FREE Canine Leadership Circle.
Dive into the wisdom of canine companionship and learn how it intersects with leadership in the human world. Whether you're seasoned or just starting your journey, this virtual event is for you!

Reserve your spot now at https://vist.ly/358qg

In a world where we often find ourselves contorting to meet the expectations of others, whether in our relationships wit...
02/15/2024

In a world where we often find ourselves contorting to meet the expectations of others, whether in our relationships with our dogs, romantic partners, or colleagues, the true power lies in being ourselves. Rather than bending over backward to please others, let's explore how nurturing meaningful connections begins with self-discovery and service.

At the beginning of any new relationship, whether with a family dog or a romantic partner, it's easy to lose sight of ourselves amidst the desire to please others. We can feel inclined to loosen

Mark your calendars for the 𝗛𝗼𝗹𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗘𝗮𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗔𝗻𝘅𝗶𝗲𝘁𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗰𝘂𝗲 𝗗𝗼𝗴𝘀 𝘃𝗶𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲, happening from Feb ...
02/13/2024

Mark your calendars for the 𝗛𝗼𝗹𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗘𝗮𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗔𝗻𝘅𝗶𝗲𝘁𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗰𝘂𝗲 𝗗𝗼𝗴𝘀 𝘃𝗶𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲, happening from Feb 19-25, 2024. Whether you're already sharing your life with a dog or considering adoption, this event is tailor-made for you. We understand the concerns about caring for or welcoming an anxious dog into your home, and we're here to provide the support and tools you need. With 15 presenters, including myself, you'll gain insights into nurturing your dog's well-being and strengthening your bond.
During my talk, "Love Your Dog’s Future Self," I'll talk about the profound connection between our mindset and the dog's behavior, offering kind, holistic methods to build trust and resilience. Plus, you'll discover strategies from other experts to create a stress-free walk, address separation anxiety, and more. Remember, rescue dogs aren't "damaged goods" – they're resilient souls deserving of love and understanding. Join us at the conference to learn ideas about creating a brighter future together!
Sign up here: https://vist.ly/348kh
And don't forget to share this opportunity with friends and family who could benefit!

For virtual conference for dogs lovers hosted by Anke Herrmann

𝗝𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘀 𝘂𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗱𝗼𝗴 𝗼𝘄𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝘄𝗵𝗼 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗱𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮 𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗺𝗼𝗻𝗶𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗶...
02/03/2024

𝗝𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘀 𝘂𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗱𝗼𝗴 𝗼𝘄𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝘄𝗵𝗼 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗱𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮 𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗺𝗼𝗻𝗶𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝗱𝗼𝗴𝘀.
There are numerous dogs in shelters awaiting adoption, having ended up there due to various circumstances. Surveys have revealed that only a small percentage of dogs were relinquished due to behavioral issues, while the majority were given up due to lifestyle changes or other reasons.
We believe that no one adopts a dog with the intention of failing them. However, sometimes individuals may have limited perspectives and struggle to see all available options. That's why we are establishing a network of dog owners who are eager to learn, connect, and grow together. Our goal is to strengthen the bond with our dogs and create an environment where they can thrive.
If this resonates with you, we invite you to join our 45-minute meeting on Tuesday, February 6th at 11:30 am. Bring your questions and your love for dogs as we come together with like-minded individuals who share the same passion for supporting and nurturing our canine companions.
Sign up at https://irisgrimm.com/events/dosg
Please share this post if you have friends who could benefit from or would love to join our dog owner support group.

When people adopt dogs, dog training becomes a priority. And that is important. Because training a dog gives the dog sec...
05/02/2023

When people adopt dogs, dog training becomes a priority. And that is important. Because training a dog gives the dog security, builds the bond with the new family, and creates understanding, guidelines, and boundaries in their new homes. But dog training is not the only ingredient that is necessary to maintain a forever home for a dog. The other (and more important) part of the relationship is the responsibility and leadership development of the dog guardian. After all, too many dogs get returned to shelters because people abandoned their responsibilities in the relationship.
If we want to reduce the and the owner-surrender of pets, we have to elevate the consciousness and the leadership of people. One way I do that is through dog-gone leadership where I encourage dog owners to learn from and with their dogs to create a better life for themselves. After all, when we open our eyes to the gift that dogs bring to our world, and we transform our lives because of that, the love and commitment that we feel for the animal will only grow deeper.
Click below and listen to my conversation with Adrian Starks and Your Purposeful Life where we dive into the topic and extract meaningful lessons from our lives with dogs. Enjoy!

Episode: #123 Today's guest on Your Purposeful Life with Adrian Starks is Iris Grimm.Iris Grimm is a leadership coach, creator of Dog Gone Leadership, and ad...

Today is National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day – a day to raise awareness of the millions of animals that are sitting in shel...
04/30/2023

Today is National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day – a day to raise awareness of the millions of animals that are sitting in shelters waiting to get adopted. These animals don’t sit in shelters because they are “bad” or “unadoptable” but they sit in shelters because humans let them down. Humans missed their chance to take , care, provide proper and love them.
Unfortunately, Pit bull-type dogs are the breed that is most neglected, abandoned, hated, and abused. (I use the term Pit bull in this post; however, a Pit Bull isn’t a breed; it’s an umbrella term that most people use to refer to different types of dogs – the American Pit Bull Terrier, the American Staffordshire Terrier, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Bulldog, any mixes thereof, and any dog that vaguely resembles these dogs.) A study by the organization Animal People reports a 93% euthanasia rate for pit bulls and only one in 600 pits finding a forever home. When you go to a shelter here in Georgia, the high majority of dogs that you see there have a appearance. Many of them won't make it out alive.
Therefore, if you consider adopting a dog, either today or soon, please don’t walk by the Pit bull-type dogs. Look at them. Spend time with them. Have compassion for them. Adopt one. Teach him. Learn from him. Understand him. Love him. Make him an ambassador of the breed. And encourage other people to adopt one. That is one way, how we can stop the unnecessary euthanasia of dogs (and particularly this breed) in the near future – by adopting dogs from shelters, being responsible dog owners, and encouraging other people to adopt a dog from a shelter.

A few days ago I had a fun and engaging conversation with Adrian Starks on his Podcast "Your Purposeful Life." We talked...
04/27/2023

A few days ago I had a fun and engaging conversation with Adrian Starks on his Podcast "Your Purposeful Life." We talked about how
- dogs are great at teaching us about simplicity and patience
- adopting a dog from a shelter can be a great way to see beyond their and our baggage and help them manifest their potential
- taking responsibility for everything a dog does (or doesn't do) can give us the power to bring about change
- and more.
Click below to listen to the Podcast and share with us in the comment section what stood out for you. We hope you enjoy it.

Episode #123 is here and available on ALL podcast platforms‼️

www.yourpurposeful.life

Link in bio 👆

Today's guest on Your Purposeful Life with Adrian Starks is

Iris Grimm is a leadership coach, creator of Dog Gone Leadership, and advocate for dogs in shelters.

Join us on this episode as I speak with guest Iris Grimm as she shares her mission of reducing the number of dogs in animal shelters. With this purpose she gives suprising benefits to WHY dogs are not just good for our personal life but also for our career in leadership and team building.

Watch the full video of this episode on our YouTube channel available Saturday April 29th: https://youtube.com/

🛎⭐️Subscribe to our YouTube Channel to join our YPL community for tips, guest interviews, takeaways and more. We can’t wait to help you shape your purpose, your way! 👏⭐️⭐️

My TEDx talk “How dogs make us better leaders” is live on YouTube where I share examples and stories about how dogs enri...
04/26/2023

My TEDx talk “How dogs make us better leaders” is live on YouTube where I share examples and stories about how dogs enrich our lives. In particular, I talk about shelter dogs. They, just like us, come with their unique history and that makes it so meaningful to integrate them into our lives.
And when we adopt dogs with the intention of bringing out the best in them, the dogs will bring out the best in us.
𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐦𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐠𝐞, 𝐈 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐩𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐟𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐚𝐝𝐨𝐩𝐭 𝐝𝐨𝐠𝐬.
Therefore, I’d love your support in helping this talk reach more people! Here’s how.
1. Watch it, please. The video is 17 minutes long. I hope you find it engaging, and you will watch it until the end. Hence, YouTube grasps that the topic is appealing.

If you enjoy it, I would appreciate it if you could take it a step further and help me out by doing the following:

2. “Like” it and leave a short comment on the YouTube thread with anything that resonated. (It helps the algorithm so more people will see the talk.)

3. Share this link with friends, family, colleagues, neighbors, and dog owners who can relate or benefit. https://shorturl.at/doQ58
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5FTh_d9z5jM

Looking for a way to improve your leadership skills? Look no further than your canine friend! In her TEDx talk, "Dogs Make Us Better Leaders," Iris Grimm exp...

Address

Marietta, GA

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when It's Not the Dog posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Videos

Share

Category