Such a Great Dog

03/22/2024

While it is possible to train a reactive dog to heel, it dog remains uncomfortable in the situation. It is far better to address the fear and/or anxiety that cause the reactivity.

Dogs are highly social and intelligent animals that have complex emotions and can experience the world in much the same way as humans.

Treating dogs as sentient beings, rather than just property or objects, means acknowledging their emotional experiences and treating them with kindness, respect, and dignity.

When looking for support with our dogs mental health and behavior we need to be as discerning as we would be for our own therapy.

Your next dog professional should be more concerned about how your dog is feeling than their obedience.

Do not settle for anything less.

To work with us visit www.rplusdogs.com

We focus on how your dog is healing, not heeling.

Because
Art by

03/22/2024

While it is possible to require a reactive dog to stay at heel, it is not helping that dog's emotional state. If we work on healing the emotional part, the reason for the reactivity diminishes.

Dogs are highly social and intelligent animals that have complex emotions and can experience the world in much the same way as humans.

Treating dogs as sentient beings, rather than just property or objects, means acknowledging their emotional experiences and treating them with kindness, respect, and dignity.

When looking for support with our dogs mental health and behavior we need to be as discerning as we would be for our own therapy.

Your next dog professional should be more concerned about how your dog is feeling than their obedience.

Do not settle for anything less.

To work with us visit www.rplusdogs.com

We focus on how your dog is healing, not heeling.

Because
Art by

08/05/2023

Here's a really great article about playing tug with your dog. It used to be thought that playing tug caused aggression, but read on to understand how much your dog loves this game and how the two of you can safely play it.

By giving a puppy an appropriate toy to tug with, we are saving our clothes from rips and tears by those sharp little teeth, and our tender skin as well. Plus, we are affording our puppy the opportunity to engage in very normal doggie behavior.

07/06/2023

If your pet slips past you when you open the door, will they be returned to you? You can increase your chances by making sure they are microchipped and that your information is up-to-date with the company that provides the service. Also, a collar and tags will be the first thing someone who finds your pet will look for - be sure to have them on your pet.

07/04/2023

Happy 4th of July! Here are some tips to keep your fur babies safe.

07/04/2023

Keep your fur babies safe this 4th!!

06/27/2023

Right?!?!? Tell us about how your dog makes the world better.

Dogs make the world a better place.

06/26/2023

Proud trainer moment:
Rocket and I went out for a potty break, only to find that the Terrible Cat had killed a bunny and left it there. Rocket was the first to spot it, but when I told him to leave it he simply walked away. I'm telling you, I have Such a Great Dog!

06/22/2023

July 4th will be here soon. Please microchip your animals now, as well as making sure they have tags on their collars. Fireworks are very frightening to most animals and many get lost on the 4th. Please keep your fur babies safe inside that night.

06/06/2023

Two weeks ago Sal was so afraid of cars that she would lie down on the grass rather than approach a parked vehicle. Look at her today!! I'm so proud of the progress we've made. Soon she'll be riding like a boss!

06/04/2023

Taking long walks with puppies isn't a good idea. Read on to find out why.

This is something everyone should see. This xray is of a 2 week old puppy.

When you get your 8/10 week old puppies, please keep this image in mind. Their bones do not even touch yet. They plod around so cutely with big floppy paws and wobbly movement because their joints are entirely made up of muscle, tendons, ligaments with skin covering. Nothing is fitting tightly together or has a true socket yet.

When you run them excessively or don't restrict their exercise to stop them from overdoing it during this period you don't give them a chance to grow properly. Every big jump or excited bouncing run causes impacts between the bones. In reasonable amounts this is not problematic and is the normal wear and tear that every animal will engage in.

But when you're letting puppy jump up and down off the lounge or bed, take them for long walks/hikes, you are damaging that forming joint. When you let the puppy scramble on tile with no traction you are damaging the joint.

You only get the chance to grow them once. A well built body is something that comes from excellent breeding and a great upbringing-BOTH, not just one.

Once grown - around 12-18 months depending on their breed, you will have the rest of their life to spend playing and engaging in higher impact exercise. So keep it calm while they're still little baby puppies and give the gift that can only be given once.

05/18/2023

"If you think about it, dogs are actually amazingly tolerant and patient with people even when their attempts to communicate through their body language, that they’re really uncomfortable, are completely ignored or not understood. "

RAISING DOG FRIENDLY CHILDREN
Teach children to be dog friendly before teaching dogs to be child friendly

I’m often asked - “How can I make my dog more child friendly?”

The question really should be - “How can I make my child more dog friendly?”

Children don’t come with an inborn ability to know how to treat dogs. It’s up to us to teach them.

I’m amazed that there aren’t more dog bites considering how often I see children treating dogs like stuffed toys.

If you think about it, dogs are actually amazingly tolerant and patient with people even when their attempts to communicate through their body language, that they’re really uncomfortable, are completely ignored or not understood.

As parents, it’s an important responsibility to teach our children about how to respect and behave around dogs.

Always supervise children and dogs, even if a dog seems relaxed and friendly.

Here are some links to free, on-line resources if you’re looking for more information on how to keep children and dogs safe together -

https://kidsarounddogs.co.uk/pages/free-resources
https://www.familypaws.com/resources/
https://www.cooperandkids.com
https://www.gooddoginabox.com/top-20-ways-keep-kids-and-dogs-safe/
https://poochparenting.net/blog/

05/15/2023

This is so very important. Some dogs are social butterflies while others are more reserved. Be sure to speak up for your best friend.

There are so many people in the world who misunderstand dogs and expect them to behave in certain ways and to tolerate things that really aren't fair, such as interacting with any person who wants to make a fuss of them. I can understand that - I'd love to be able to fuss every dog I see, but not every dog wants to say hi, and I respect their wishes and those of their guardian. It's so important for us to understand our dogs, to be aware of what is going on around them, and to speak up for them so they are not put into a situation they really don't want to be in.

01/04/2023

January is the APDT's National Train Your Dog Month! Follow us as we share ways to increase your bond with your dog. Today you can learn ways to help your dog enjoy a visit to their veterinarian. Read here https://trainyourdogmonth.com/tips/lovevet/

01/02/2023

Our dogs benefit from training year round, but.... It's National Train Your Dog Month! I have time available for private training for those who are interested.

January is the APDT's National Train Your Dog Month! Follow us as we share ways to increase your bond with your dog. Learn more about the 25 uses for a dog to learn to SIT. https://trainyourdogmonth.com/tips/25UsesSit/

12/30/2022

No explanation needed.

12/09/2022

It's the most wonderful time of the year! Before you add a puppy to your family (or gift one to someone else) please consider the puppy's needs and whether or not you'll be able to manage them. One of those needs is chewing, and there will probably be mistakes while your puppy learns what is appropriate to chew on.

Tips for keeping your home, possessions, and self from being chewed to bits by your teething puppy.

11/15/2022

Many of you know that I am not a big dog park user. This is a quick read, but a good look at dog parks.

As a behavior consultant I can tell you that my colleagues and I discuss this very topic often. We have classes about dog parks at conferences!

11/05/2022

10/30/2022

09/24/2022

Happy International Rabbit Day!
Rabbits are so soft and so cute that sometimes I think I want one. So, I've looked up some information about caring for a rabbit. Some of it might surprise you. Did you know that rabbits can live to be 10-12 years old? We all know that rabbits are preyed upon in the wild, but do we think about the fact that, because of this, they aren't really fans of being picked up or held -- thanks, they'll keep those four feet on the ground so they can make a quick get away! They need lots of exercise, to be socialized, and can become aggressive as they mature at around 3-6 months. Wow! I don't think I'm up to providing for their needs.
Source: National Geographic

09/22/2022

Tricks are so much fun for our dogs to learn, and National Dog Day is a great time to teach some! What trick are you going to teach your dog? Send me some pics.

09/21/2022

What better time to start a training program with your dog than during National Dog Week? DM me or give me a call to discuss your needs. 301-687-2300. [email protected]

09/20/2022

What are you doing for National Dog Week?
Today, I'm going to make Clean Fingers Laynie's Tuna and Cheese treats. It's a simple four ingredients.
You'll need a cup of flour (you can easily make some oat flour,) 1/2 cup of grated cheese (smelly, sharp cheese is best,) a 5 oz can of tuna, and a large egg.

Save money and feed your dogs with these high quality homemade treats for your dogs! They are quick and easy to make with only 4 ingredients you probably already have on hand. Great to use as rewards while training your dogs.

09/19/2022

It's National Dog Week. Dogs take in the world through their noses, so how about going for a sniffari? You'll come home with one happy pooch!

09/18/2022

It's time to celebrate National Dog Week!
Our best friends need:
Food, water, shelter, exercise.
Clearly communicated expectations of how to live with their family who respects their species-specific needs.
A mentally stimulating environment.
Unsure how to meet these needs? Reach out to me and I'd be happy to help.