Panhandle Paws

02/12/2024

Dog book club coming soon at Four Seasons Books in Shepherdstown! Sign up now. We start in March and it’s going to be loads of fun learning how to read dogs. 🐕

Workshop with Cheyenne Smith of Panhandle Paws.

01/17/2024

Parallel passive calming activities for this clan!

There are so many benefits in this one simple mindfulness exercise!
🌟 All dogs massively benefiting from calm enrichment
🌟 Building disengagement from each other, eventually helping to make having resources around each other no big deal
🌟 Learning to respect each others space
🌟 Lowering the household stress level (for humans too!)

The biggest one for this fam — The little puppy can safely learn acceptable social signals from the calm adult doodle when she pushes boundaries and gets too close without it sending the shepherd into overdrive and attack mode. Notice the leash for safety ⛑️

I love recieving videos like this from clients!

01/10/2024

Safety first ☝️

Here we are working through resource guarding struggles with the German shepherd and I caught this beautiful calm moment on video.

All dogs happily employed and sharing space with no pressure of anyone stealing anything. It’s the small daily wins like this that add up to the big wins 🏆

12/09/2023

“Learning about dogs can be painful because it allows you to see all you’ve missed and know that you are still missing loads. The important thing is that we are always learning.” - Sarah Fisher, founder of Animal Centered Education

11/30/2023

Give your doggos an extra squeeze today.

Yesterday we said goodbye to Tidus. He had an inoperable a**l sac carcinoma that was diagnosed in February earlier this year.

🐕 June 3, 2013 - November 29, 2023 🐕

Tidus Hippopotamus was the best boy in the world. I only wish more people could’ve gotten to experience his fierce loyalness and love for family like we were able to but he was a sensitive boy. He will forever be our first baby and I can’t speak for Dominick but definitely my heart dog. He was there through my bachelors and master degrees and almost made it to the end of my PhD. I’m so happy he was able to meet L (even if he didn’t like him at first lol) and to see the bond they have been able to grow.

He inspired me to become a certified dog trainer and although I may have taught him a few things, he taught me so so much more. Most of all he taught me that all change is self change. I learned the best way to change undesirable behavior is through creating a safe space to process, understanding emotions behind the behavior, and being there to provide guidance rather than commands, fear, or force.

It’s now my mission to help other dogs and owners who do not want to resort to using force but feel there is no other way. There is another way 🥰

11/29/2023

I love useful practical tips like this!

11/08/2023

In case you needed a reason to smile today, here is Sage living her best life at daycare 😊

11/06/2023

🐕 Doggy Daycare Spotlight 🐕

As a trainer, I would not endorse a typical doggy daycare for many dogs but Happy Tails has worked hard to be different!! Find out one of the reasons below! ⬇️

What do you mean you haven’t signed your pup up for doggy daycare at Happy Tails yet?!? 🤨🧐

We get it! Dog daycares often get a bad rep - and unfortunately, many of them deserve that reputation. That’s why we are starting a new weekly series to explain what makes Happy Tails different and why your best furry friend’s happiness and comfort will *ALWAYS* be our top priority!

So let’s start this off with something we think may be the MOST important thing that makes Happy Tails different…

We are a fear and force free facility!

What exactly does this mean?
1. We do not use methods of training, etc. that would instill fear or be forceful in any way. You will NEVER see the use of e-collars, or other training devices that instill fear into a dog at Happy Tails. Instead, we use treats, physical affirmation like petting, and various other rewards for positive behavior or to move dogs from one area to another.
2. We have calming music and scents, as well as sound machines in our indoor spaces.
3. If a dog does need some assistance moving to another area, or in the event of multiple dogs needing to be separated, we use gentle slip leads to guide them where they need to be.
4. We play naked! Because collars, harnesses, etc. can be anxiety inducing and dangerous during play, as soon as a pup arrives at Happy Tails, we take everything off of them. Once they’re naked, they feel more calm and relaxed and are ready to join our pack!

Want to see if your pup may be a good fit for doggy daycare at Happy Tails?

Check out our website: www.playatHappyTails.com
Or give us a call: 304-410-3431

11/01/2023

🎃 2 paws on a pumpkin 🎃

Growing optimism, confidence, and focus with the trick of the day at Happy Tails Dog Daycare & Grooming Howl-o-ween event.

10/06/2023

Upping our catch skills. Bear was getting some extra attention to help him feel at home during his first day at daycare. Louie was being the best office supervisor 🏆

09/29/2023

Daycare is beginning to fill up with lots of happy tails 🐶

Sign your pup up today for a meet & greet. The staff are fully dedicated to your dog’s emotional and physical well being while at daycare. Their main goal is to help your dog feel safe and valued while giving them the opportunity to be enriched playing with their friends.

🥰🥰

💦 It was warm enough for some water play today and the pups LOVED it!! 💦

We just opened up more meet & greet days on our calendar ~ If you haven’t signed your pup up for daycare, now’s your chance!

Visit our website for more information: www.playathappytails.com

09/19/2023

Making new friends at daycare in a safe space 🫶

See comments for more 🐶🐶👯‍♂️

09/08/2023

Look for opening day announcement on Monday!

🐶 Happy Friday, friends 🐶

We’re prancing into the weekend like our new furriend Toby pranced all over our play yard yesterday! 🤩

We are getting SO CLOSE to opening our doors ~ stay tuned for an opening day announcement on Monday!!!!!

Be sure to schedule your pup’s Meet & Greet NOW ⬇️

www.playathappytails.com

08/22/2023

LOVE THIS.

If you're wondering what type of dog trainer I am, I hope this can give you a little bit of an idea.

Suzanne is a popular behaviorist and dog trainer who I look up to and admire and I often take what I learn from her and integrate it into my own plans for helping humans and their dogs live better, happier, less stressful lives together. This post is everything socialization should be. 🥰

There is such joy in taking a puppy out into the world when there is no fear, only curiosity. No hysteria or over the top arousal, just interest in exploration. The temperament trait of self-modulation permits learning and relaxation, even in unfamiliar places. Being in the Think & Learn Zone makes it effortless for River to apply all she knows anywhere we go.

Open heart, open mind, and deeply connected, baby River fills my eyes, my heart, my soul. All of the hard work that we put into raising each litter using my Enriched Puppy Protocol pays off in countless ways, and not just for each pup's loving family. It pays off for the puppy and the adult dog that puppy will become.

More to come on how I balance River's lovely qualities with the chaos that the real world can throw our way, and how I help her be successful, connected and capable, wherever we may be. She's not perfect and neither am I. But we keep opting for the highest quality connection and experience we can achieve in any moment--and it surely does feel wonderful!

08/22/2023

Fun-filled, enriching, and relaxing days ahead for your pup. Sign up for your meet & greet to see if this is something your dog would enjoy so you are ready for the opening next month. We can't wait to spoil your pup, set them up for success, and help them grow in a supervised environment where they can feel safe and comfortable away from home 🐾

08/18/2023

Doggy daycare is coming to Martinsburg this September!

Make sure your pup is ready to play on opening day ... Schedule your Meet & Greet NOW!

www.playathappytails.com

08/15/2023

I haven’t posted much lately because I’ve been busy on a project and here it is… I’ve partnered with Happy Tails Dog Daycare & Grooming!

This isn’t your average doggie daycare! It’s your dog’s home away from home where they will be catered to physically, mentally, and emotionally 🏡

I am preparing and teaching staff how to have a multi dog household where all dogs are happy, safe and calm while ensuring each individual dog will be fulfilled and have enriching days away from home. The staff are truly dedicated to creating a safe space where your dog can come and not only hang out but where they can grow their minds and personalities 🧠

If you’re not sure if your dog would be a good fit for a daycare setting, I’d be happy to have a chat and get you set up for a meet and greet.

🐶🐾Coming Soon!🐾🐶

We are thrilled to announce Martinsburg’s only dog daycare that offers your fur baby a day away from home that is well-balanced and individually tailored for their unique needs.

At Happy Tails, we utilize a rotation of engaging open play, stimulating exercise, cozy calming stations, enrichment activities, optional training walks, and healthy snacks to ensure long lives and better behavior for your pup.

Check out our website for more information and to schedule a Meet & Greet today!

www.playathappytails.com

Happy Tails to you! 🫶🏻

06/30/2023

You CAN teach old dogs new tricks!

It can add enrichment to your dog’s day if it’s something they enjoy and can help keep their brain in tip top shape 🧠

Here is a snippet of Tidus learning to wrap around things for fun and fitness.

06/26/2023

Visitor update!!

7 years without visitors, 3 years since we started games based training, and 1 year since starting Control Unleashed plus all the other techniques I’m not currently getting certified in but still try to learn as much as possible (ie free work, ttouch massage, grounding, etc) and LOOK! 👀

Tidus is coping with visitors (hence the yelling in the basement 😂) without running around the house barking and hunting them. He did better than that though. Once he settled down after the yell, he ate dinner and is now sleeping soundly.

Training is so much deeper than teaching your dog to sit and stay. 🥰

06/17/2023

Moose graduated our Introduction to Control Unleashed class today 🎉

By the end of the 6 weeks, he was ignoring distractions like no big deal and working off leash/on a long line like a champ. His CU exercises are even helping him learn to ignore the cats at home. Way to go Moose and Mary!

05/20/2023

⭐️ Star Student ⭐️

Benzee had some BIG feelings when his new baby brother, Beef (bottom of pic), came home last weekend but with a simple plan and dedicated humans he has been learning how to manage his emotions and this is where they are after a week!

He is learning to make good choices like walk away on his own when he’s had enough 👏👏👏 Look at those soft eyes 💓Way to go Benz!

Check out my story today to see some of his progress!

05/16/2023

Sometimes training looks like front porch sitting reading a good book while your dog can safely process the environment from afar 👏

04/27/2023

Hi!

Register below if you are interested in the last spot.

https://doggiedashboard.com/.../d692281100f15d.../new_client

04/26/2023

04/26/2023

There is 1 spot left for the Intro to Control Unleashed group class starting next Saturday, May 6. The cost is $125 and it runs for 6 weeks from 2-3:30 PM outdoors at Bunker Hill Presbyterian Church. Please register below if you would like to join us!

https://doggiedashboard.com/users/d692281100f15d572de2/new_client

Once you register and if there is still a spot available, I will email over class waivers to sign and an invoice where you can submit payment. In the meantime, please reach out if you have any questions or would like more information.

04/17/2023

So true!

04/10/2023

Maybe you’ve heard these before:

“You’re too soft on your dog!”

“Your dog thinks you’re a walking doormat!”

“Toughen up! Or your dog won’t rEsPeCt you.” (Or the more misogynistic version: “Man up!”)

Let’s erase those statements and remind ourselves that they’re bullsh*t.

I love ’s post about the embedded misogyny, ableism, and racism in the calling of people “soft” and “weak” when they are engaging in kind and loving actions towards another being in their care. Because that’s what it is.

Behavioural concerns in dogs do not stem from us being “soft” and kind to them. Most of it in fact stems from:

- The fallout of punishment
- The lack of choice and control
- The lack of opportunity to engage in natural behaviours
- Unmet needs
- Feeling unsafe and insecure
- Being in pain

By being “soft”, we get to help our dogs feel safe with us, trust us, find us reinforcing to be around, and be able to express themselves with us so we can learn what they need and help them out more effectively.

We get the wonderful opportunity to grow and collaborate with our dogs, not as “leader” and “subordinate”, but as a team that understands each other. We don’t need “respect” from them, they have literally no idea what that construct even means!

As humans, we could do with more softness too, including on ourselves, in a capitalist world that can be incredibly punishing and coercive. Perhaps as we continue to be “soft” on our dogs, we will get to realise the benefits of soft on ourselves too and recognise how much we deserve softness.

Being “soft” in the world of punishment culture as the norm is a brave and powerful act too. And it’s a choice to NOT make the world around us worse by participating in the abusive treatment of other beings. It’s a choice to say “I will care for my dog and myself through loving, soft actions so we can feel safe together.”.

This entire world need more softness. We can be that much needed starting point.


ID: The background picture is of a person with long, light coloured hair sitting with a fluffy cream coloured dog who is leaning happily against them. The text says “Be unapologetically soft to your dog and to yourself.” The word “unapologetically” is stylised to look like it’s inserted between the words “be” and “soft”.