Beautiful Day Dogs

09/21/2024

-October 15 for pups ages 8 - 20 weeks at start of class.
What's the difference between our class and many other puppy classes?
We lean heavily into socialization during this critical time in your puppy's developmental period. Your puppy's brain is primed for learning during this period, and it is time for them to have a chance to get comfortable with social interactions, new environments, sounds, common sights and objects they will encounter as they mature. In this class, we coach you on dog body language and how to assess your pup's level of confidence and comfort with engaging in the world, and teach strategies for introductions whether you have a feisty or timid puppy. We learn how to assess whether your pup is giving consent and is willing to engage, what to do when your pup is not engaging in polite interactions, and how to build your dog's confidence as they navigate the world.
Though we do start a bit of basic manners training, our focus is on the bigger picture - how dogs learn, how to prevent problem behaviors before they become habits, and how to effectively manage puppy antics during this critical time. Build your bond with your puppy and teach them that learning is fun in this 4 week class.

Ready to get engaged and start your pup's big life adventure?
Sign up here!
https://BeautifulDayDogsTrainingandBehavior.as.me/?appointmentType=68280711

09/20/2024

Lots of fun and progress in tonight’s Good Dog Manners class! These teen dogs are learning to focus on their humans even when there are other dogs and plenty of environmental distractions. Great dogs and great people!

09/18/2024

Is your perfect puppy hitting the terrible teen stage? Adolescence is an uncomfortable time for dogs, and can be frustrating for both dogs and their people. Our day training options provides energetic teens with opportunities for exercise and appropriate social interactions with other dogs, basic manners training, and rest and relaxation sessions to help them manage their impulsive behavior. We use positive reinforcement to ensure that dogs enjoy training. No force, compulsion, fear, or painful tools used. Call us at (828) 343-6393 to speak with board certified professional trainer Shannon Morrow about our training options, or check us out online at: https://beautifuldaydogs.com

09/15/2024

Did you know that all of the dog-friendly pups who take private lessons or come to group classes at Beautiful Day Dogs can participate in our Saturday group socials? We have openings for small dogs at 10am and our teen group meets at 11:30am!
Contact us to sign-up!

09/15/2024

Our Perfect Puppy Social and Manners class is starting soon! Dates: Tuesdays 6:00pm September 24-October 15 for pups ages 8 - 20 weeks at start of class.
What's the difference between our class and many other puppy classes?
We lean heavily into socialization during this critical time in your puppy's developmental period. Your puppy's brain is primed for learning during this period, and it is time for them to have a chance to get comfortable with social interactions, new environments, sounds, common sights and objects they will encounter as they mature. In this class, we coach you on dog body language and how to assess your pup's level of confidence and comfort with engaging in the world, and teach strategies for introductions whether you have a feisty or timid puppy. We learn how to assess whether your pup is giving consent and is willing to engage, what to do when your pup is not engaging in polite interactions, and how to build your dog's confidence as they navigate the world.
Though we do start a bit of basic manners training, our focus is on the bigger picture - how dogs learn, how to prevent problem behaviors before they become habits, and how to effectively manage puppy antics during this critical time. Build your bond with your puppy and teach them that learning is fun in this 4 week class.

All puppies must be up to date on vaccinations on your vet's recommended schedule (boosters appropriate for their age) and must be on heartworm and flea/tick prevention.
Ready to get engaged and start your pup's big life adventure?
Sign up here!
https://BeautifulDayDogsTrainingandBehavior.as.me/?appointmentType=68280711

Beautiful Day Dogs provides training, dog walking, and pet sitting in Morganton, NC and online.

09/14/2024

I am writing in response to a dog training study that is circulating on the web -"Comparison of the Efficacy and Welfare of Different Training Methods in Stopping Chasing Behavior in Dogs". A well-known, highly regarded sport dog trainer is touting this study as proof that shocking dogs is the only way to prevent them from chasing prey animals. I am extremely disappointed in the study, its authors, and the methods and materials used. Link to the study at the foot of this post.

What is particularly troubling is that two researchers from the University of Arizona chose this well-known e-collar trainer to design both the e-collar training protocol and the positive reinforcement protocol. While I have always disagreed with this trainer's use of shock collars, I initially believed he was a well-rounded professional who understood both positive reinforcement and punitive measures. However, after examining the methods used for the positive reinforcement group, I now realize that he lacks a fundamental understanding of how to apply positive reinforcement effectively. His approach was inadequate, as are his claims regarding his expertise in this area.

For instance, his training method involved repeatedly saying "Banana" and dropping a treat in a bowl, followed by saying "Banana" when the dog crossed a boundary line, expecting the dog to turn around and return to the treat. The study did not assess the value of the food to the dog, nor did it offer any alternative reinforcers, such as an opportunity to play. The dogs were not shaped or trained to perform any specific behavior; it was merely assumed that saying "Banana" and dropping a treat would provide all the necessary information to the dog. For my marker training clients, this would be like clicking or saying “Yes” as a recall cue. However, saying "Banana" when the dog crossed the boundary would effectively be clicking for the boundary crossing, which is not the intended behavior. For my positive interrupter clients, we understand that shaping a behavior means teaching the dog in incremental steps that the interrupter sound signifies stopping what they are doing, turning towards us and returning to us.

The authors claim that there were no negative welfare impacts, EXCEPT FOR THE DOGS YELPING. All of the shocked dogs yelped; this cannot be overlooked. Meanwhile, the shock community contends that the yelps were merely startled responses and not indicative of pain, as the yelping ceased after the first day. However, my dogs do not yelp when startled. I have seen them yelp when they were frightened. I have seen them yelp when they were in pain.

Additionally, the study groups were very small, and two dogs from the shock group were removed because they did not respond to the shocks. Curiously, dogs from the positive reinforcement group were not removed for failing to respond to "Banana" and a treat, which seems inconsistent. While I'm relieved those two dogs were spared after enduring 20 shocks without altering their chasing behavior, it's hardly equitable.

In response to ethical concerns raised about the study, one of the authors claimed he wanted to explore the benefits of shock training since most dog owners do not hire trainers and often buy e-collars instead. Yet, rather than using “Joe off the street” to administer the shocks, the researchers enlisted the help of an experienced shock trainer, which contradicts their intent to investigate whether shocking would work for the average dog owner who does not seek assistance from a trainer.

The assumption that most people will not hire trainers or learn about positive training methods as a justification for exploring shock as the best alternative undermines the regard that I believe most people have for their dogs. It certainly diminishes welfare standards for dogs and other non-human animals.

Furthermore, while an experienced shock trainer was involved in training the shock group, there was no evidence of collaboration with a trainer who specializes solely in positive methods for designing the positive reinforcement protocols.

It almost seems as if everyone involved in this study wanted the positive reinforcement groups to fail. Training dogs to stop chasing prey is undoubtedly a challenge; my own dog, Leo, just successfully recalled from a deer after two months of consistent use of a positive interrupter. However, this success was only possible because I intervened early, before he was in a full sprint. We should not expect dogs to go from kindergarten to college in five days, yet that seems to be the expectation of this study's authors.

In conclusion, I offer training for those seeking alternatives to force, fear, and intimidation. I cherish the bond we share with our dogs and welcome everyone to Beautiful Day Dogs Training and Behavior.
A Dog's Emotional Cup illustration by Lili Chin.
https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/14/18/2632 #

09/12/2024

Welcome Baker to Beautiful Day Dogs training day camp! Mollie and Millie the Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are thrilled to have a new friend of their breed to frisk with!

09/10/2024

Morning mat practice! Such immense improvement since last week, when I had to stand in front of Mollie and Millie and provide very heavy reinforcement with food. We don’t use any force or compulsion (except leashes as needed) to teach dogs to stay in place. Instead, we have two people stationed on either side delivering low value treats (kibble) as needed to make the mat the most interesting place to be. This means rewarding BEFORE the dog gets up. Do dogs ever get up and leave the mat before we notice? Yes they do. Instead of reprimanding we ignore the behavior and continue reinforcing the dogs who are settled. The dogs learn that rewards happen only for staying in place and they eventually choose to relax in their spots. These dogs are learning to relax around other dogs even when the other dogs are receiving rewards. None of the dogs in this photo are food guarders - we’d take steps to prevent this if necessary.

09/09/2024

Looking for a reliable, trustworthy sitter or walker for your pets?

With so many choices, deciding who to reach out to can be overwhelming. We've compiled a list of questions that you can ask your potential sitter to be sure your pets will be in good hands.

John and I are professional pet care business owners who have dedicated the last 10 years to providing quality pet care and training for pets and their people. We have committed the families we serve by investing in ongoing pet care and training education. We carry liability insurance and are bonded. We are members of professional pet care and training organizations including Pet Sitters International, The Certification Council For Professional Dog Trainers, and the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants. We have completed Pet CPR and First Aid training. We invest in all of these in order to be sources of good information and help for our community, and to make sure that we are setting every animal we care for up for success.

A dedicated pet parent is likely to interview several professionals in order to make the best decision for their pets. Below are a list of questions we'd ask if we needed pet sitting or dog walking services:

1. Can the sitter provide proof of liability insurance? Insurance protects everyone. If your sitter or walker does not have insurance, are they prepared to pay for damages to your home or injuries to your pet that might occur while under their care?
2. Does the sitter have clear policies that ensure there are no misunderstandings regarding every aspect of service – from cancellation policies to whether dogs are walked off-leash. You need to know the answers to these types of questions before you leave for your trip.
3. What animal care training and experience does the sitter have? Sitters and walkers should have experience with the type of animal you have, and should have a clear understanding of animal body language and behavior. They should also be familiar with a variety of equipment like harnesses, leashes and collars, and be able to discern whether any of these items could potentially hurt the animal if used improperly.
4. Does the sitter have experience handling animals who experience anxiety when their families are not home? Will the sitter be able to recognize anxiety instead of labeling it misbehavior and punishing the animal for unruly behavior?
5. If the pet is not on best behavior, how will the sitter handle it?
6. Is the sitter a member of any professional organizations? Professional organizations provide a wealth of knowledge and resources to their members.
7. The sitter should provide you with a clear policy on what they will do in the event of a medical emergency. This should include whether they are able to provide transportation to the vet, and under what circumstances they will make the decision to head to the vet if you are not available for communication at that time. The sitter should also have Pet CPR/First Aid training.
8. Who will be available for emergency back-up if the sitter has car trouble or a medical emergency?
9. Can the sitter provide services at the time you need them? For example, if the sitter also has a job, can they come during lunch to let your dog out mid-day?
10. What services does the sitter provide? Is watering plants and bringing in the mail in included? Will they change the litter and clean the pet areas as needed? Will they scoop the yard?
11. If you have a special needs pet, be sure your sitter has experience administering medication or safely handling animals who have mobility issues.
12. Does the sitter have references or reviews?
13. Will the sitter post pictures of your pet on social media while you are on vacation? This is a big no-no. Any mention of your pets should only occur once you are home to prevent anyone from discovering that you are out of town.
Finally, watch interactions between your pets and the sitter. Does the sitter know how to handle greeting shy pets? Do the pets feel comfortable with the sitter? If not, what does the sitter suggest to ensure that the pets are comfortable with their sitter before you go away?
We are available for meet and greets at your convenience, and would love the opportunity to speak with you about your pet sitting and dog walking needs!
Sign up for your free meet and greet on the homepage of our site:
https://beautifuldaydogs.com
Or call/text (910) 431-5680
Serving the Morganton, NC area.

09/07/2024

Our fall class calendar is finally up! We have a great variety of classes and social play opportunities available. For our graduates of Level 1: great news - Level 2 starts in October! View the calendar and sign up at:
https://beautifuldaydogstrainingandbehavior.as.me/groupclasses

09/06/2024

Adolescence occurs between six months and 18 months of age—a time when guardians typically struggle the most with their dogs. Some guardians are so overwhelmed and underprepared for this developmental stage of their dog’s life, they choose to surrender the dog to a local shelter or rescue group. In a recent study published in the Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science found that the majority of the surrendered dogs (47.7 percent) ) were between 5 months and 3 years of age (M.D. Salman,John G. New, Jr.,Janet M. Scarlett,Philip H. Kass,Rebecca Ruch-Gallie &Suzanne Hetts, 2010)

The neurobiology of adolescence is fascinating, with some key events that alter both the structure and function of the brain.

During canine adolescence, changing s*x hormones effect the animals stress responses. Adolescent dogs have a decreased ability to process information they are receiving from the environment including the presence of dogs, vehicles, people, or really anything around them. They behave in ways that might feel frustrating or upsetting for the dog’s person.

The connectivity between the frontal cortex (responsible for decision making) and amygdala (responsible for emotional processing) decreases, resulting in less behavioral control. We see increased risk taking and more sensitivity to fear.

So what does this mean? This could mean that what was once no big deal to the dog now feels scary; what was once easy to do is now stressful; what once made sense is now confusing. At times, the world can feel like ‘too much’ for the adolescent dog.

As your puppy undergoes this transition into adulthood their inner world is intense, even chaotic. Many pet owners experience an increase in undesirable behavior and find themselves becoming increasingly frustrated. In turn, our own frustration and impatience can cause us to act unpredictably. This adds to our puppy’s inner turmoil. When the inside and the outside are both unpredictable it can be difficult for our dogs to adjust.

If you have an adolescent dog, what can you do? You can give your dog the time and space to observe what is going on around them when on leash at a distance away from the activity when possible. You can give your dog long walks to sniff and explore in nature, giving their brain time to decompress. You can offer your dog a quiet space to sleep so that they can consolidate memories effectively. You can continue training various skills, breaking them down into easier steps that can be generously reinforced.

By understanding what our adolescent dog is experiencing we gain greater compassion and understanding. When we approach adolescence with patience we create a world that is predictable and gentle so our puppies grow up to be their best adult selves.

09/04/2024

What cue does your dog know best? Most dogs ace the Sit because they get asked to sit repeatedly throughout their lives in every situation and environment they are introduced to! Mollie and Millie are practicing Spot in a variety of environments with lots of obstacles and distractions - they’ve got this!

09/04/2024

All The Dogs Grooming & Training weren’t joking when they named their business. They have all the dogs they can fit in their home and a couple sweet kitties, too! We loved getting to know their crew while we took care of the whole gang this past week. We already miss Blaze, Duke, Brandy, Roxy, Lucille, Misty, and Negan but I know they are super excited to have the folks back home. Good dogs and good people at All the Dogs!

09/03/2024

Frankie’s Mom booked our private dog park and brought him out for a swim in our pool. Look at the little shark go! Pool will be closing soon so make your reservation soon! https://www.sniffspot.com/to/859oy

09/03/2024

Group mat practice at our day training camp today. Good work canine team. All training positive reinforcement based. No punishment, intimidation, fear or compulsion used to teach or change behavior.
We have 2 spaces open, the fall weather is perfect and we’d love to have your dog join us!
Call us at (910) 431-5680 to learn more or check our site out:
HTTPS://beautifuldaydogs.com

08/30/2024

Denali’s Mom reached out to us with hopes that Denali could become more comfortable around other dogs, people, and new places. Denali had a big day today meeting and playing with her new friends Leo and Jin Jin. Our day training camp might be a good fit for your shy or cautious dog too! Give us a call at (910) 431-5680 to learn more or check our training options out at https://beautifuldaydogs.com/training

08/26/2024

Happy National Dog Day to all of our Beautiful Day Dog friends and all of those we have not yet met!

08/23/2024

Doggy dinner party dance! What a fun little family. Pet sitting in your home is a fantastic and affordable option for multi-animal households. These pups enjoyed the comforts of home and the good company of their trusted pet sitters John and Shannon while their Mom was away. Call or text us at (910) 431-5680 or visit our website https//beautifuldaydogs.com to sign up for your meet and greet!

08/22/2024

The pups all enjoyed a private concert on their training break today.

08/20/2024

08/19/2024

SIGN UP NOW! Thursday August 22nd at 6:00 - Thursday September 26. Good Dog Manners class Level 1 starting soon! You and your dog will enhance your bond and super charge your communication skills in a class that is fun for people and their pups!
2 spots open.
Sign up at the link below or call/text Beautiful Day Dogs: (910) 431-5680
Our location: 2791 NC 181
Morganton NC. 28655

https://beautifuldaydogstrainingandbehavior.as.me/?appointmentType=67015798

08/18/2024

Hi from Shannon Morrow, CPDT-KA. I am sharing a bit of info about my credentials. The field of dog training is completely unregulated. No certification or licensure is required. To further complicate things for consumers searching for qualified trainers, some schools and companies offer certifications for passing their courses. These range from highly respected dog training academies to companies offering 2 weeks courses to their future employees.
I earned my certification and the letters CPDT-KA (Certified Professional Dog Trainer - Knowledge Assessed) through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers. This is an independent board, not a school. The exam is created by leading experts in the field of dog training and is administered by third party testing company (I showed up, emptied my pockets and was scanned to be sure I had no cheating materials!).
To qualify to sit for the exam, I had to document 300 hours of hands-on training experience. There was no requirement that my education come from a specific course, book, or trainer. To pass the exam I demonstrated clear understanding of learning theory and it's practical application in the field of dog training.
I also signed an ethical agreement and am required to submit proof of continuing education hours every 3 years.
I was not required to take this exam to offer my services to the public. I chose to take the exam to provide peace of mind to my clients, to commit to the ethical practice of dog training, and to commit to keeping up on new developments in the field.
I love learning and sharing information that improves the lives of dogs and the people who love them. I am honored to be a CPDT-KA and see it as a commitment to professionalism in an industry I hope is some day unified and regulated as any profession should be.

08/17/2024

Congrats to the teams of Antionette/Frankie and Robin/Gracie for completing the Puppy Social and Manners class! Patti and Giselle couldn’t make it tonight for the ceremony, but they too added excellent puppy spirit to our group. We hope to see you all in future classes and social groups!

08/12/2024

Enrollment for the 6 week Good Dog Manners level 1 class is open! Class starts Thursday, August 22, 2024 at 6pm. I have 2 spots available and hope to meet you and your dog in class!

This is a fantastic 6 week class designed to promote clear communication with your dog, enabling you to teach your dog foundation behaviors that will set you both up for success on your training journey.

In this class, we'll cover the standard behaviors every dog needs to understand: Sit, Down, Stay, Come (when called), Drop (items from mouth), Leave It (don't touch that), and beginning tips on loose-leash walking. More importantly, you'll gain an understanding of how dogs learn so that you can more easily come up with training solutions to common unwanted behavior problems in your home.

Training builds engagement and a bond with your dog. It should be fun for both of you. This class will help you build your "currency" with your dog and help prepare you for taking your dog out into more distracting, exciting, and sometimes stressful environments.

Once you have completed Level 1, I offer a Level 2 class designed to promote relaxed behavior around people, other dogs, and more distracting environments. Level 1 is perfect for beginning behaviors in a low-stress, low-distraction environment limited to 3 dogs per class.

Class begins Thursday August 22, 2024 at 6pm. I have 2 spaces still available. If you have questions about whether this class is appropriate for you and your dog, feel free to reach out by email, text, or phone call.

Sign-up at the link below!
https://BeautifulDayDogsTrainingandBehavior.as.me/?appointmentType=67015798

08/08/2024

My favorite pic of the day. Sweet Chloe didn’t let the rainy day get her down.

08/07/2024

Denali came to check out our place today! Her Mom wants to make sure she has pleasant experiences in new places and with more people and other dogs. Denali has not been comfortable around other dogs so we took it slow and she was really great with her new friend Leo! We can’t wait to see her again. Yay Nali!

08/02/2024

Lots of fun in our Puppy Social and Manners class tonight!

06/25/2024

It’s 9 week old Romeo’s first day training date here and look what a good (and cute) boy he is doing a group settle!

06/23/2024

It's up and open for booking! We'll be adding more pics and more features as we go, but it's a great spot as is. Click the sniffspot link below to book time at Cody and Lovey's Legacy Park - they've crossed the bridge but would be happy knowing other dogs can enjoy this beautiful sniffspot. Worried about the heat? Don't - we have plenty of water features, including a great big pool for pups and their people!

Cody and Lovey's 1 Acre Legacy Park, Morganton, North Carolina - We bought this property for our dogs, and have invested heavily in creating an off-leash haven for them. We have 3 separately...

06/19/2024

A great testimonial from Teri Frazier! Thanks Teri!
“I cannot express in words how grateful I am to have Shannon and John taking care of my dogs and cats each work day! I was excited about having a new job, and anxiety ridden about being an hour away, which keeps me from home 12 hours a day. I would not have been able to accept this work opportunity without them! I trust my Own life with these two lovely people and so, that makes it a "no brainer" to trust them with my animals. They relieve my anxiety and HayLee, my dog, loves them both. When I leave I remind her "John or Shannon will be here for you today", and her ears perk and she wags her tail!!! I love that!!! You can't go wrong with these two folks. They know HayLee has allergy issues and is getting older, so they keep me informed about her state of health, which is very important to me!”