Rocket Dog Academy

02/14/2025

Roses are red, violets are blue, a well-trained pup is the best gift for you! ❤️🐾

This Valentine’s, show your pup some love with training that strengthens your bond and builds their confidence. At Rocket Dog Academy, we help turn rowdy rockets into well-mannered co-pilots! 🚀🐶

Whether they’re learning the basics or leveling up their skills, a little training goes a long way. Because a pup that listens, loves, and learns with you? That’s the real Valentine’s win. ❤️🐕

📍 Book a session today!
🔗 https://www.optimumdog.net/contact-7

02/14/2025

Reza, Moose and Meg say pack walks are fun but also they are safe....why? Buddies system of course and good training!

🚨 National Pet Theft Awareness Day is February 14th! 🚨

Keeping your pup safe is more important than ever. Training isn’t just about good behavior—it can also protect your dog from being stolen. Well-trained dogs are more responsive, less likely to wander off, and easier to manage in emergencies.

Here are essential safety tips:
🐾 Invest in GPS trackers & microchips.
🐾 Be aware of your surroundings—watch for suspicious behavior.
🐾 Don’t share how much your dog cost.
🐾 Switch up walking routes to avoid patterns.
🐾 Never leave your dog unattended in unsecured yards.
🐾 Install cameras at home for extra security.
🐾 Never underestimate how bold thieves can be.

💡 Celebrate Pet Theft Awareness Day with RocketDog Academy!
For Sweet February, get 25% off night lights & ID QR code tags to help keep your pup visible and safe. Plus, sign up for our training classes and give your dog the skills to stay secure.

Let’s keep your furry best friend safe! ❤️

02/13/2025

100%!! If your dog has been prescribed behavior management drugs like Prozac, read this! It is not the solution. We have known this gorgeous years, that clarity with structural management is the way forward for dogs. Spread the word! Drugs don't replace training,real world training! Book now for your 30 Min Behavioral Session for $50, spread the word, training is sweet success!

For years, fluoxetine (Prozac) has been pushed as the answer to behavioral problems in dogs. Veterinary behaviorists and force-free advocates love to cite “science-backed” studies to justify long-term medication use. But here’s a big problem, most of these studies are flawed, biased, and rely almost entirely on owner-reported data.
Take, for example, the 2009 study on fluoxetine for compulsive disorders in dogs (Irimajiri et al., J Am Vet Med Assoc). It claimed fluoxetine helped, yet the only improvement came from owners’ OPINIONS, not actual behavioral measurements. When researchers looked at objective data the dogs’ actual behavior logs they found NO SIGNIFICANT difference between the medicated and placebo groups. But guess which result gets cited?🤫
How about the 2007 study on fluoxetine for separation anxiety (Simpson et al., Veterinary Therapeutics). The conclusion? Fluoxetine was effective … but only when paired with a structured behavior modification plan. And yet, thousands of dogs are medicated without any meaningful training, as if a pill can replace actual learning.
Sad reality is that Dogs are being drugged, not rehabilitated.
Ask any serious trainer what happens when they get a dog that’s been on fluoxetine for years. They take the dog off the meds, implement a sound training plan, and SHOCKINGLY the dog improves.
Not because fluoxetine “worked,” but because the dog finally got what it needed: clarity and proper training.
Yet, the AVSAB keeps pushing these medications while dismissing legitimate training as “aversive” or “outdated.” They’d rather chemically suppress behavior than actually address it.
The real question isn’t whether fluoxetine has some effect but why so many dogs improve when you REMOVE the drug and train them properly?!!!
Behavioral change comes from learning, not sedation. It’s time to stop pretending otherwise.
I know I am not the only one noticing that dogs on fluoxetine don’t get better - they just get dull.
The dog isn’t learning or adapting, just becoming more passive.
This can actuallY DELAY proper rehabilitation, because the dog’s emotions and responses are chemically suppressed rather than modified through learning.
Thinking about making a solo podcast to talk about the dog I have in training right now, one of the many that end up euthanized after YEARS of being on SSRI’s and the pandemic of prescribing psychotropics like flea medication

02/12/2025

💙NOAH - MALE - AVAILABLE

✔️DACHSHUND MIX
✔️1 YR OLD
✔️15 LBS
✔️NEUTERED
✔️DHPP/BORDETELLA/RABIES vaccines
✔️MICROCHIPPED
✔️FLEA/TICK/DEWORMER
(treated as needed)
✔️Trupanion Special Offer
(no waiting period)

$575 Adoption Fee

‼️COME TO MEET HIM‼️
🎉OPEN EVERY THURSDAY THRU SUNDAY 🎉
Are You My Human? Rescue Lounge
1307 Cornwall Ave, Bellingham WA

BOOK YOUR VISIT ONLINE
WWW.AREYOUMYHUMANDOGRESCUE.COM

✅ MEDIUM ENERGY
✅ DOG/CAT FRIENDLY
✅ KID/PEOPLE SOCIAL
✅ STARTED ON BASICS

PERSONALITY TRAITS:
🐾 GENTLE & FRIENDLY
🐾 SWEET & AFFECTIONATE
🐾 SMART & PLAYFUL

SUITABLE FAMILY & HOME:
🏠 MOST LIFESTYLES
🏠 MOST EXPERIENCE LEVELS
🏠 MOST HOME TYPES

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
‼️ATTENTION POTENTIAL ADOPTERS ‼️
****CANADIAN ADOPTERS WELCOME****

❓WHERE, WHEN & HOW TO MEET OUR RESCUE PUPS❓
MEET OUR “RESCUE LOUNGE” PUPS: Most of our available pups will be available to meet Tuesday thru Sunday at the Are You My Human? Rescue Lounge located at 1307 Cornwall Ave, Bellingham WA. Make sure to plan a visit Tuesday thru Saturday in order to optimize your potential to adopt the pup you are interested in, especially if the pup is one of our “popular” pups, ie small or fluffy.

WALK-INS WELCOME- limited to available space.
Guarantee your spot on the day/time you’d like to visit by scheduling online at: WWW.AREYOUMYHUMANDOGRESCUE.COM
1307 Cornwall Ave, Bellingham WA

MEET OUR “NON RESCUE LOUNGE” PUPS: All applications submitted for our pups that will NOT be available to meet at the “Rescue Lounge” will be contacted within 2-5 days by a volunteer to schedule a time & place for a meet and greet.

❓HOW & WHEN TO SUBMIT AN APPLICATION❓
Please make sure to answer each question honestly and with as much detail as you can provide. You can apply any time after the pup has been posted on FB and/or Instagram as available. Applications are not considered complete until the potential adopter has met the pup they are applying for. If the potential adopter applies BEFORE they have met the pup that they are interested in adopting then they must complete the final step of their application by reaching out to BWC Rescue via text, email or Instagram/FB messenger.

‼️RENTERS & APPLICANTS UNDER 21 YR OLDS‼️
— All Renters must provide an ESA letter or Landlord Approval letter or a copy of your lease stating you are allowed the Rescue Pup. Email one or more of these documents to [email protected] to complete your application.
— Any applicants that are under 21 yrs old that do not personally own their homes must provide 3 personal references including one reference from a professional in the pet industry such as a groomer, vet, boarder, trainer etc. your references can email us or text or leave a voicemail via (360)540-1637 & [email protected]

✅FINALIZING ADOPTION & TAKING RESCUE PUP HOME✅
Every Sunday our Adoption Coordinator evaluates each application completed, if there are multiple applications for the same pup they will make the hard choice of the best “who for who” match based on the individual needs of the adoptable pup. Potential adopters that have been matched with a pup will be contacted between 8am -2pm on Sunday. Applications submitted after 2pm on a Sunday will be “rolled” over to the following Sunday. All potential adopters should be prepared to finalize and take home their rescue pup at 5pm on the Sunday of the week in which their application was received by BWC Rescue. It is possible to make other arrangements later in the week, but it can be difficult to coordinate our volunteers’ schedules.

**Please wait to apply until AFTER any vacations, commitments or schedule conflicts that will delay your ability to take the rescue pup home. We do not hold pups or accept deposits on current or future available pups.**

‼️ADOPTION APPLICATION‼️
https://forms.gle/ozPsSXSUxhKhJ3uB8

Please feel free to reach out to us via (360) 540-1637: If you are applying for a pup that is at the Are You My Human? Rescue Lounge and do not receive a response to your application by 2pm on the Sunday of the week you applied. OR if at any time after submitting an application you would like to confirm your application was received and complete. We do not mind a polite “squeaky wheel” at all and will respond as soon as spare time allows.💛

Reasons you may not receive a response to your application before 2pm on Sunday of the week you submitted your application:
🐾 You may have accidentally provided an incorrect phone number or incomplete information on the application.
🐾 Your application may have been delayed or may not have come thru on our end or our response to your application was sent to an incorrect number due to “big thumbs”. (Yay! Human Error & Technology😉)
🐾 We may have received multiple applications for the same pup you applied for, in which case we usually respond later in the evening or on Monday to let you know we had to make a tough choice.
🐾 You may have applied prior to visiting the pup/s you selected on your application and we are awaiting a message via email/text/FB/Instagram to confirm you have visited the pup/s and which pup/s you are most interested in after your visit so we can consider your application complete.
🐾 If you are under 21 yrs old and/or rent your home you must provide the requested documents (references if under 21 yrs old) , if we have not received these then we cannot consider your application complete until we have received them.
🐾 If we do not believe our rescue is the right rescue for your adoption needs and/or if you are not approved for adoption: it is rare & is usually due to negative interactions with our volunteers and/or the Rescue Lounge Staff, or if there are are needs or requirements specified by the applicant that we feel our rescue is not able to meet or if there are “Red Flags” on the application or with references.

02/09/2025

🐾Duncan🐾 Looking for your ride or die dog? Check out Duncan!

DOB: 8/1/2023
Weight: 74 Pounds
Energy level: Moderate
Overall drive: Moderate
Location: Freeland, WA

Duncan is your new best friend; in case you didn’t get that email he has already told everyone in the office. Imagine a 74-pound lap dog, if you let him that is exactly what he will be in your house! This boy is extremely smart and picks up new skills and talents quickly. Want to know more about Mr. Duncan? If Duncan was a human, his foster said that he would be an NFL player as he is big and athletic. He is the happiest when he is around his people but is still unsure that he knows that he is a rather large dog as he still thinks he is a small puppy or about the size of a Jack Russell Terrier. As for being social he loves playing with his brother Daytona and his foster siblings, and he really enjoys going for hikes/runs/walks at any time of the day. If you are down, he is down, Duncan is a ride-or-die type of best friend. During car rides, Duncan loves to look out the window as the world zooms by but will lay down and nap if the ride is a long one.

To read more on Duncan or fill out an application: https://www.woofproject.org/duncan

02/09/2025

As a cynologist, I have dedicated my life to understanding canine behavior, not just the surface-level actions we observe but the intricate neurological and genetic mechanisms that drive those behaviors. Every bark, every growl, every anxious glance stems from a complex interplay of brain structures

02/09/2025

🎉 What a night to remember at Smooches & Pooches! 🎉

We had an amazing turnout at Rocket Dog Academy with Happy Tails Happy Homes and we couldn’t be more thrilled! Over 25 pups conquered the sniff course, prizes were won, and tasty treats were shared—by both dogs and humans! 🐶🍪

A huge thank you to everyone who came out to support a great cause, meet adorable puppies, and make this event so special. Our community of friends and clients truly makes our work the best! ❤️

📸 Looking for more event photos? Let us know!

💋 Kissing Booth Photos are available through 2/15—don’t miss your chance for a smooch-tastic pic!

🎟️ Win a Red Kong Klimb Table! Our raffle runs until the end of the month! Earn tickets by:
🛍️ Shopping in our store
🐕 Signing up for a class
🏋️ Purchasing a training or gym package

Thanks again for being part of this incredible event! We appreciate you all! 🐾✨

02/06/2025

Come meet Honey and other Happy Tails Happy Homes pups Saturday here at our Smooches for Pooches Event!

02/05/2025

February Doggie Deals! Click here to read about all the savings and special events for your favorite pups!

Join Us This Saturday, Feb 8th

02/04/2025

This Saturday some paw-some fun!!

Join Us this Saturday at Rocket Dog Academy for a fun evening. Games, adoption event, and PUPPIES!! 🐾❤️

Saturday February 8th 4:30-7:30

02/01/2025

🎉 **SAVE BIG THIS FEBRUARY at Rocket Dog Academy!** 🎉

Love your dog? Show it by giving them the training they deserve! 🐾❤️ For the month of **February**, we’re offering **10% OFF** our **Stay & Train Good Dog Program**—the perfect opportunity to help your dog build positive behaviors and strengthen your bond. 🏆

✅ **10% OFF Stay & Train Program**
✅ Love, care, and professional training to help your dog thrive
✅ Focused, tailored approach to your dog’s needs

**Some limitations may apply** for certain behavioral issues, but don’t hesitate to **ask about our Sweetheart Deals** this month. We’ve got special discounts that you and your pup will love! 🎁🐶

✨ **Book Now and Save!** ✨
Don’t wait—this deal is too good to pass up! Let’s work together to help your dog become the best version of themselves. Book your $50 Discovery session today! 💖🐕

Formerly Optimum Dog, Rocket Dog Academy is a 12000 sq foot training and enrichment center for dogs. Offering a full menu of training services from puppies to adults and behavioral reform to obedience and dog sports - Rally, Agility and Nose Work

02/01/2025

💥 Smooches & Pooches: A Tail-Waggin' Training Bash! 💥
Happy Tails Happy Homes & Rocket Dog Academy Invite You and your Pooch!
Join us on February 8th from 4:30-7:30pm for a paws-itively fun evening at Rocket Dog Academy! We’ve got training, treats, adoptable dogs, and so much more to make your dog’s night! 🐾💕

Here’s what’s in store:

Trick Training Fun: Teach your pup some new tricks and sharpen up their skills in a fun, interactive session! 🎓🐶
Adoptable Pups with Happy Tails Happy Homes: Meet adoptable pups looking for their forever homes! 🏡
Sweets & Treats: Indulge in yummy dog-friendly treats and delicious sweets for the humans too! 🍪🐾
Kissing Booth Photo Op: Capture a moment of puppy love at our adorable kissing booth! 💋📸
Sniff Course Challenge: Put your dog’s nose to the test with a fun Sniff Course, complete with heartful prizes for the best sniffer! 👃🎉
- Door Prizes by Happy Tails Happy Homes
PLUS!
- People & Pup Treats
💖 10% Sweetheart Deals on training and store items to keep the fun going at home! 🛍️

Come for the tricks, stay for the treats, and leave with tons of love and memories! We can’t wait to see you and your dog there! 🐕💕

Formerly Optimum Dog, Rocket Dog Academy is a 12000 sq foot training and enrichment center for dogs. Offering a full menu of training services from puppies to adults and behavioral reform to obedience and dog sports - Rally, Agility and Nose Work

01/30/2025

🚀 **Introducing Rocket Dog Academy's New Gym Sessions!** 🐾

Get ready to take your dog’s fitness and mental stimulation to the next level! 💪 For just $20 per session, come train on our spacious, indoor floor with top-notch equipment including:

✅ Treadmills
✅ Klimb tables
✅ Cato boards
✅ Agility equipment
✅ FitPaws

Strengthen your dog’s body and mind while building an even stronger bond! 🐶❤️

✨ Each new pup gets a **Behavioral Meet** included as part of the sign-up (waived for dogs already in a training program).

Ditch the dog park! Stay dry, clean, and have a blast with your furry friend, no matter the weather. 🌧️☀️

🕓 **Flexible hours & self-booking available!**

Join us for a workout that’s fun for you *and* your dog. Let's get moving! 🚀🐕

01/30/2025

01/29/2025

5 reasons that investing time to teach your dog to come when called is the best thing you can do for them.

01/29/2025