Heather Pope Dog Training at the Wagology Institute

12/01/2025

This is Jasper. He's a two year old poodle who was used for breeding for most of his young life. He was not an inside dog. He was kept in an outdoor kennel until he was adopted about six months ago.

He is so scared. He has been with us for almost three weeks, and we are only on day 4 or 5 of our typical training protocol. I'm working WITH him instead of forcing him to do WHAT I WANT. Whatever behavior he offers, I name it, and we work on that. This dog will not offer or lure into a sit for anything...however, he started offering a down, so I named it and we have been practicing that. For wait at doorways, I allow him to stand because that is where he is comfortable. I'm okay with that as long as he waits until I call him through the threshold.

What you see here is me about in tears because this was such a HUGE breakthrough for him! He went into a down without much help from me. You will see a couple of reps where I help him by gently guiding him with leash pressure.

What I want you to notice is how calm and quiet I am, that I only say the verbal cue one time, and that I give him time to think. This helps him build confidence and trust.

While we are nowhere close to where we need to be, this is miles from where we started. Baby steps are still steps in the right direction.

Work the dog in front of you. They are as different as you and I. ❤️

11/27/2025

Hey guys...just a friendly reminder of what is safe for your dogs this Thanksgiving. Enjoy your day and keep your pups safe! ❤️

Thanksgiving brings lots of delicious food to the table, but not all of it is safe for our pups. Before you share a holiday treat with your dog, make sure it’s something that won’t harm their health. Here are some safe choices — and some foods to keep far away from their bowl:

✔️ SAFE for dogs (plain only):
• Carrots
• Sweet potatoes
• Green beans
• Apples (no seeds or core)
• Turkey (no skin, fat, or bones)
• Rice
• Pumpkin
• Broccoli
• Cranberries

❌ NOT SAFE for dogs:
• Ham
• Chocolate
• Onions
• Garlic
• Raisins or grapes
• Raw potatoes
• Pie filling
• Stuffing
• Corn on the cob
• Nuts

Happy Thanksgiving from Chicagoland Dog Rescue — keep the feast safe and dog-friendly! 🧡🐾

11/27/2025

Happy Thanksgiving, from all of our gobblers to all of yours! 🦃🙏☺️

11/26/2025

It's been a hot minute since I have posted graduation photos. And I apologize to all of you who have been patiently waiting. It's been a heck of a few months.

But please help us congratulate Penny, Lucy, Athena, and Frannie for rocking their board and train go-home sessions!!! ❤️

11/05/2025

We just did our follow-up with Penny, the Corso who came into her board and train with no confidence and looking for exit strategies wherever she could find one.

Holy cow....I could not be more pleased with her progress. I heard her bark when we knocked on the door, then by the time the door was opened, she was in a sit/stay. We were able to come in, she was calm and relaxed, and just did awesome!

We have missed this girl so much. Awesome job, Penny and family!!! ❤️❤️❤️

11/04/2025

Please help us welcome Trooper to the family!

We have had two Corso board and train dogs come in yesterday and today. Both are nervous, fearful, and anxious. Not what we want to see, especially with this breed.

But you know what? We are here to rebuild that confidence! We love the challenging dogs just as much as the easy-going pups. The dogs who challenge us only make us better, and get our mental wheels turning. We have no choice but to think outside the box.

This is my wheelhouse. This is what I live for. ❤️❤️❤️

11/04/2025

Please help us welcome Athena to our board and train program!

Athena is a very smart girl, but her confidence was non-existent. She was terrified of everything. It always breaks my heart to see that. But, our job is to build those dogs back up. Give them new tools and allow them to make good choices. We are about two weeks into the board and train, and she is a different dog. We absolutely love to watch the transition these dog are capable of making. ❤️❤️❤️

10/30/2025

Oh my goodness. Look at this good boy!!! I took Buster to the square with some friends today, and he did fantastic!!!

Guys, this gorgeous boy is still up for adoption, and looking for the perfect home. He's been training with us for months! I am willing to give a few free sessions to whoever chooses to love this boy as much as we do. We have put a lot of work into building his confidence, and the results showed today.

If you give him a chance, he will be the best adventure buddy you will ever have! ❤️

A Freedom Journey

10/21/2025

If you've been through any of my training, you've heard me talk about how awesome dogs are at sensing changes in our blood pressure, hormone levels, breathing patterns, heart rates, body tension, and so much more. Again, this is why they make amazing service animals.

Stick with me; this is a long story.

I have a very fresh, personal example of this that I would like to share.

As many of you know, I'm in GA taking care of my mom. She just moved to in-home hospice care, so I'm sleeping on the couch in the living room where her hospital bed is so I can hear when she needs me. I brought Phoenix with me as my travel partner and for some emotional support. Phoenix has been sleeping on a bed on the floor next to me.

The past two nights, she has awakened me by gently laying her muzzle over my neck. Not nudging me, just gentle, calm pressure. The first night I thought she just needed some attention. But last night, I was having a super intense dream. One where it was about to get very gory and lots of people, including myself were about to die. Just as my dream was coming to that point, I felt her gently place her muzzle over my neck again. She woke me up from a horrific nightmare. Why? How did she know?

Let's analyze a bit. It took me a minute to realize exactly what happened, but here we go...

1. My breathing pattern changed.
2. My heart rate increased.
3. My blood pressure spiked.
4. My cortisol (stress hormone) increased.
5. My adrenaline (fight or flight hormone) spiked.
6. My muscles tensed in preparation (in my dream) to fight.

She sensed all of this and tried to comfort me and bring me back to baseline! How stinking cool is that?!!!

This is why I tell you all to pay attention to how you are interacting with your dogs. Pay attention to your mood, your stress levels, and your energy. They feel all of it. ❤️

10/16/2025

Just letting you all know that I have to make an emergency trip to GA. My mom is in the hospital and not doing well.

Dave and Terry will be taking care of the board and train pups and private sessions that are scheduled while I'm gone.

Please reach out if you have any questions or concerns; I will get back to you as soon as possible. You can also reach Dave and Terry at 931-505-8818.

Thank you for understanding, and much love to you all. ❤️

10/13/2025

Look who I had the pleasure of visiting today!

Mr. Tater Tot!!! Oh my goodness, the love was mutual! I have missed this little nugget so much, and mom is doing a fantastic job maintaining what he learned with us!!!

Awesome job, and GOOOO TEAM!!! 👏👏👏😉❤️

I mean seriously, just look at the spunky attitude! Spicy little Tot! 🤣🤣🤣🔥🔥🔥