Irwin Dog Training - Constant Canine Consulting: Behavior & Training

12/25/2025

12/24/2025

The holidays come with a lot of added experiences for our dogs. One of them is the realization that indoor trees are not fair game for marking like outdoor trees. Another is that even though the paper and bows are a lot of fun to shred, the boxes under the tree are not for dogs to play with. This can be a really difficult (and sorry grandma, puppy ate your slippers) distinction for dogs to make between what is and is not fair game for them to play with. Save yourself, and grandma's new slippers, by putting up a barrier between the dog and the presents.

12/09/2025

The holidays encourage us to gather 'round the tree, around tables of food, and with friends and family near and far. This can be a wonderful time of year for us as people, and an incredibly stressful one for our dogs.

Many dogs don't appreciate a house full of near-strangers. And the chaos of having the nephews, the nieces, the grandmas and grandpas all talking, laughing, playing, etc can be overwhelming for them. They don't understand the magic of the holiday season, but they do understand feeling like there is no routine, that their space has been invaded, and that they can't escape it. Give them opportunities to leave the chaos for a quiet room with a chew toy and the opportunity to nap undisturbed to decompress.

If you know your dog struggles with lots of humans, or new humans in general, think about sending them to a trusted sitter while the family is visiting, or during the party. Knowing what your dog struggles with regularly, don't expect them to adopt the Hallmark movie magic and suddenly be comfortable just because it's Christmas.

11/03/2025

I am out of town till Wednesday on family business. I will be responding to texts, messages and emails slowly but not consistently during this time. Thank you so much for your patience! Please enjoy the start of the Holiday season and remember to exercise your civil rights and vote on Tuesday!

10/13/2025

Sharing again to remind folks to vote for Irwin Dog Training to build up the ethical treatment of dogs in the Treasure Valley!

Vote once per day from October 6 through October 24.

10/08/2025

We've been nominated! Please vote to help promote the safe, ethical treatment of dogs, better understanding of their behavior and improving the relationships between dogs and their humans!

(Found under 'pet training' under the 'services' tab.)

Vote once per day from October 6 through October 24.

09/29/2025

There are going to be times when our dogs struggle to respond to cues they are otherwise familiar with. Sometimes it's due to distractions (such as an amazing smells in the environment, something to chase, a new friend etc.) Sometimes it's due to conflicting information (we have never practiced this skill in this environment.) And sometimes it's due to the dog not quite understanding what you're asking (we didn't quite ask the same way we have asked before with our cue, or body language.) This is a good time to remember to MOVE YOUR FEET. Changing where or how we are standing, or approaching the situation can change everything for our dog.

When in doubt; Move your feet.

09/11/2025

It's so easy to freeze when faced with an over reaction from our dog, or another dog even. But one of the best things we can do is to train ourselves to keep our feet moving. So many things become easier, smaller, or even non-problems when we just keep moving. Dory the fish was on to something. 😉

08/07/2025

One of my favorite days: judging the Owyhee County Fair dog show.

07/14/2025

When we take a walk with our dogs there are two options. We can make the walk about our needs, or we can make the walk about the dog. Choosing to prioritize your dog's experience on the walk leads to a better experience for you both. Stay present. Stay connected to what your dog is doing to help them, support them, and help you get out of your own head for a bit.

06/26/2025

CALL YOUR VET TODAY about getting medication to help with the holiday explosions. Dogs do well with the Bacon Party protocol but some need extra help to manage their anxiety during the intense rounds of explosives on the 4th of July (and surrounding weekends.) Getting your vet's sign off on medical help, or a renewal to a prescription now is a good idea so you don't have to rush last minute.

06/25/2025

PLEASE UPDATE YOUR PETS ID TAGS THIS WEEK. And double check their microchips are also current. The fireworks can start early (they certainly do in my neighborhood) and an up to date ID tag can help get a pet home who has panicked and bolted after a surprise firework home much faster!