Pack Fit

11/21/2024

🎙️ Exciting Announcement! 🎙️

Thrilled to share that I’m launching a brand-new podcast in the new year called "The Human End of the Leash"! 🐾✨

This podcast will do a deep into one of the most influential, yet under-spoken to, ingredients in canine behavior, and will cover everything outlined in the upcoming book ... and then some!

(All pre-orders can be made here: https://www.packfit.net/books-and-ebooks)

It's, yet, another medium to....

Connect 🤝
Share 💬
Inspire 🌟
Educate 📖
and
Empower 💪

Stay tuned for more updates and sneak peeks, and I hope you'll join me on this exciting journey!

www.packfit.net

11/20/2024

Understanding Canine Behavior: A Holistic Approach 🐾

Behavior is incredibly complex with many contributing ingredients and moving parts.

I recently joined a chat with a few other trainers with diverse training approaches and backgrounds, and an openness to learning and understanding each other's perspectives (such a beautiful thing!).

I thought I'd share what I shared on that thread regarding "behavior"...

I don't really label the approach I take to working with people and their dogs. If I had to, it’d be "holistic" because I work primarily with behavior, which is incredibly complex and has many ingredients contributing to, influencing, and impacting it.

Key Ingredients Often Overlooked:

1) The Human End of the Leash: The information being shared by the dog's human/s daily—most of which they’re not even aware of.

2) Energy: It's not woo-woo; it's real, influential stuff. Strong energy and soft energy combinations between the dog and human—mentally soft and strong; ex. a soft energy human or dog with a stronger energy human or dog; many problems arise when there are major energy gaps between the two.

3) State of Mind: The level of excitement, arousal, and intensity. Even aggression and reactivity are overly aroused, overly excited, intense states of mind—just not so good shades of it.

and

4) Unmet and Unfulfilled Needs: This can be broken into four categories: basic, essential, individual, and breed-specific.

Trauma and Behavior

Trauma is also a factor, and I just created a masterclass around this (I have several masterclasses in my digital academy, the PackFit Academy).

Both humans and dogs are hardwired for connection, but trauma rewires us for DISconnection and PROtection, which is also reflected in behavior. So the focus must be on restoring what was lost.

Relationship Dynamics

Relationship and how the dog perceives their human plays another role. What does their human represent to them? Stress? Anxiety? Frustration? Impatience? Instability? Inconsistency?
I go over this more in my upcoming book, "The Human End of the Leash: Dog Training's Missing Link"

Energy of the Dog

The "energy" of the **individual dog** also comes into play. Is the dog a soft energy dog (more passive and softer in nature)? If so, a little bit goes a long way with these guys, and a simple "No" with a low vocal inflection, pitch, and tone may be sufficient.

If the dog is a stronger energy dog (stronger in will, more assertive, more confident, pushes and tests boundaries, more self-certain), addressing any not-so-desirable choices, states of mind, and behaviors will be different—and may involve "corrections."

Effective "Corrections"

No "correction" will be effective unless it matches the intensity level at which the behavior is being practiced, and "corrections" come in different forms. The key is to **find which form the individual dog responds to.** What one dog considers "unsavory" and displeasurable, another dog could give two hoots about.

Learning and State of Mind

Learning how to read body language, understanding the dog's existing associations that can "trigger" arousal/excitement, etc., is key. This is where the state of mind also factors in.

I explain "state of mind" to clients using a scale from 0 to 10 (graphic attached). 0 is where the dog is cool, calm, and collected. **Responses** (as opposed to **reactions**) to stimuli happen here.

When the dog starts creeping up the scale heading towards 9 and 10 ("no man's land"—the highest level of escalation and where it’s impossible to reach them at that point), there's an area I call "the window of opportunity". It's our chance to notice rising states of mind and address them, **de-escalating** state of mind and bringing them back down to calm.

"Punishment" and Learning

When it comes to "punishment", I define it differently. I define it as creating a level of discomfort that's meaningful to the dog.

Humans and dogs both learn through consequences, and there's nothing wrong with this. Turning the attention to what the dog will GAIN through making a certain choice, practicing a certain state of mind, or exhibiting a certain behavior is key. Is it attention? Affection? Meals? Treats? Getting let out of the crate? Getting leashed up for a walk? Getting up on the couch? Laying on the bed? If the dog is gaining anything *pleasurable*through practicing something, they're going to continue to practice this.

This is where understanding of the 4 quadrants come into play.

I want to preface this by saying there's a massive difference between "punishment" and abuse. Punishment is NOT abuse (though this is highly dependent on the human delivering it and their emotional state).

Much like with raising children, they come to the table with their different personalities, so our parenting styles need to differ from child to child.

The Four Quadrants

All four quadrants work together (see graphic). They're each other's opposite and support each other. Adding something meaningful ("comfortable" or "uncomfortable," "pleasurable" or "displeasurable") and taking it away is the crux of it. Positive punishment could mean a spray from a water bottle, a pop on the leash, using spatial pressure (very much a canine language), a clap of the hands, etc. If it creates discomfort or displeasure, it's "punishment" (this word REALLY needs to stop being demonized, as well as the people who apply it in responsible, respectful, and appropriate ways).

Every dog, especially the more sensitive ones, will respond differently, so training approaches need to vary from individual to individual and from human-dog pairing to human-dog pairing.

My background as a board-certified health and life coach plays a significant role in working with humans and their dogs' problematic behaviors. It's definitely not a one-size-fits-all approach.

Wanna' learn more? Check out our digital courses and masterclasses in the PackFit Academy! Here you'll gain access to **what's not typically being taught in standard training programs**--- and what these programs are **missing** when it comes to BEHAVIOR.🐶✨

www.packfit.net

11/19/2024

🐾 DO YOU HAVE AN OLDER DOG? 🐾

❄️The colder weather is here, and can have impact on your aging pup's mobility ❄️

- pressure changes and nerve sensitivity (cold weather can increase pressure on nerves, making joint pain worse, especially in sensitive or arthritic dogs),

- muscle tightening (low temp's can cause muscles to tighten around joints, leading to stiffness and discomfort),

- reduced blood flow (the cold can limit blood flow to joints, which means less oxygen and fewer nutrients reach the cartilage, making joint health harder to maintain), and

- thickened joint fluids (cold weather can thicken the fluid in joints, reducing lubrication and causing more friction and pain).

I never promote anything I don't personally use, love, and see the benefits of.

These chews are the real deal!!

I've been giving my oldies (who now include: 2 Huskies and Frank, "the Golden Weaner") these chews once a day for months now, and have seen major differences in their energy level and mobility.

They contain:

- high doses of glucosamine (2500mg),
- MSM (800mg), and
- chondroitin (300mg)- which help maintain joint health, reduce inflammation, and improve lubrication—perfect for these colder months when we see more joint issues arise.

They also enhance synovial fluid production, keeping joints lubricated and flexible.

PackFit's partnership with Wuffes makes it easier to give the gift of ease, support, and better mobility this holiday season... and they make perfect stocking stuffers!

Using this link, you can get up to 58% OFF any order, PLUS a free gift (score):

https://glnk.io/mzwj9/kimberly

The link will take you to a quick quiz for more customized support and to ensure you're getting exactly what your dog needs. 🐕

11/16/2024

11/09/2024

🐾 Heartfelt Conversations on Pet Loss & Grief Journey 🐾

I had the extraordinary pleasure of speaking with Erica Messer of the "Wolfie's Wish Pet Loss Pawdcast" about pet loss and the grief journey. This conversation was truly special.

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wolfies-wish-pet-loss-pawdcast-with-erica-messer/id1728316199?i=1000676277206

Erica reached out to me on LinkedIn about our upcoming release, "Pieces In Heaven," which led to some beautiful heart-to-heart conversations and an invitation to share on her podcast.

If you or someone you know has just experienced or is about to experience the loss of a beloved animal companion, this is a really great discussion.

The last line in our upcoming release, "Pieces in Heaven," beautifully reminds us:

"For love never dies, only transforms... and is felt for all eternity." 🕊️

I hope this serves someone out there; and if you'd like to pre-order "Pieces in Heaven," you can do so here.... AND score free coloring pages!💖

https://www.packfit.net/books-and-ebooks

Podcast Episode · Wolfie's Wish Pet Loss Pawdcast with Erica Messer · 11/09/2024 · 37m

11/08/2024

A Few More Spreads Colored for "Pieces in Heaven" ✨

I've got to say, it's the most fulfilling, amazing feeling to watch this beautiful story come to life!

We're pushing to have the book published in time for Christmas delivery. 🎄

"Pieces in Heaven" is a warm hug for those navigating the pet loss and grief journey, and will answer young, inquiring questions such as:

- What is "death"?

- Where does (insert pet name here) go when he/she dies?

- Will I ever see (name) again?

- What's a "soul", and does (name) have one?

- What will (name) be doing while they're away?
..and more.

Pre-order your copy of this precious, beautifully illustrated story here and receive the coloring pages for free!

https://www.packfit.net/books-and-ebooks

Aaaaand: sign up for our newsletter to receive a free copy of "My Dog, My Buddha: The Sequel" AND MORE sneak peeks of the book, new spreads, the process, etc. 📬🐾

11/07/2024

We're now coloring the spreads as "Pieces In Heaven", and they'll all soon be done.

It's been such a joy watching this book come to life, and I hope it'll help ease the hearts of folks who've loved and lost everywhere.

We're **aiming** to have the book in production by the end of November, and distributed just in time for Christmas.

Pre-order "Pieces in Heaven" and "Little Todd Finds His Forever Home" here:

https://www.packfit.net/books-and-ebooks

11/06/2024

A New Vision for Dog Rescues

If you've been following me for some time, then you know I've dreamed of starting a rescue and rehab; and now something like this is needed more than ever.

My vision? A training and foster-based rescue that skips the traditional boarding and pull-for-rescue-beg-for-fosters approach.

Here’s the Plan:

👉Train Both Ends of the Leash: Equip dogs, fosters, and adopters with the knowledge and skills they need.

👉Foster Incentives: Treat fostering like the job it is, complete with an application process, screening, training, education, AND a stipend.

This model aims to set everyone up for success, encourage more (and the *right*) fosters, and ultimately save and enrich more lives.

The Challenge:

To make this a reality, we need proper funding and 501c3 status. Given the tough financial times, many people are struggling to care for their pets. This leads to more dogs being re-homed, abandoned, and shelters overflowing- causing euthanasia rates to spike (currently the highest they've been in years). I also don't have experience with navigating the non-profit landscape.

How You Can Help:

I'm seeking ideas and support to get this off the ground. If you have any suggestions, please comment, email, or dm me.

I'm also developing an educational program for rescues, fosters, and adopters at a discounted rate. Most are dog lovers, but not necessarily **dog understander-ers**... and I want to change this.

It's not enough to "save" a dog from the shelter or pull them in off the streets and call it "rescue." True rescue involves learning, equipping, and applying. Not doing so results in more bouncing around, returns, and instability and heartache all around.

Contact Me:

If you're interested or have inquiries, reach out at : [email protected].

Seeing the current state of dog rescues is heart-wrenching, not just in CA but nationwide. I’m determined to make a bigger impact, and I believe we can do it together. It takes a village, and together, we can make a difference!! 💗

www.packfit.net

11/06/2024

📚🐾 Meet Todd: The Brave Little Underdog Who Found His Forever Home! 🐾📚

The first book in the "Forever Home" series, "Little Todd Finds His Forever Home," is now up for pre-order! 📖✨ While you're there, you can pre-order your copy of "Pieces in Heaven," too!
To know Todd was to love him. 🐶💕

Based on a true story, "Little Todd Finds His Forever Home" follows this brave, quirky little dog on his unforgettable journey from forgotten to forever.

Expect a heartwarming tale packed with:

Hope 🌟

Courage 💪

Kindness ❤️

Resilience 🌱

Acceptance 🤗

This beautifully illustrated story shows how even the toughest beginnings can lead to the most amazing endings. 🌈

Pre-order now and get the coloring pages for FREE! 🖍️🎨 The official release date will be announced soon.

✨ 10% of all proceeds go to "Chip's Legacy Fund," supporting rescue efforts, fosters, individuals helping abandoned dogs, and those who are struggling to afford training and behavioral help. 🐕💕

👉 Pre-order your copy here: ​

https://www.packfit.net/books-and-ebooks​

11/04/2024

Gussy's Gut- The Dog Microbiome Co.

This is a recent discovery, and I’m **in love.**

I don’t need to sing its praises, the ingredients speak for themselves.

Firstly, they’re **beyond clean**, with certified organic, biodynamic, and regeneratively farmed whole-food ingredients (!!!).

Secondly, check out the 19 ingredients in their daily formula:

Spinach
Kale
Parsley
Cabbage
Cauliflower
Broccoli
Beets
Cilantro
Dandelion
Grass-fed Goat Kefir
Wild Blueberries
Milk Thistle
Rosemary
Oregano
Turmeric
Artichoke
Decaffeinated Green Tea
Alfalfa
Kelp

… all of which are fermented for 2 weeks and freeze-dried to lock in nutrients and probiotics.

I’m a HUGE, and thankful, fan!

If you'd like to learn more and/or receive a discounted sample, here's the link:

gussysgut.pxf.io/nXkZ2M

11/02/2024

Times are unbelievably difficult for so many right now.

According to a recent poll....

- 65% of all Americans are considered middle-class,

- 40% of ALL Americans are unable to plan beyond their next paycheck,

- 46 % don't even have $500 tucked away in case of an emergency, and

- 15 - 20% of all pets turned into shelters is due to financial difficulties and housing issues.

Now, more than ever, our animal companions are finding themselves being...

- left behind in random locations and neighborhoods to fend for themselves (something they've never had to do and making them more vulnerable to natural predators),

- dropped off in the night drop and stress-filled animal shelters ("owner surrenders" being the first to be euthanized, and euthanasia rates surging to the highest they've been in the last 3 years),

- left behind in vacant homes,

- "re-homed" and bounced around (many finding themselves in bad hands),

- starving and neglected,
... and more.

Being able to continue caring for our animal companions and find appropriate housing along with them are major problems here in the U.S., and has only increased the stress we're all facing.

The middle class is deteriorating.

People are losing their livelihoods and homes.

Some are living out of their cars with their dogs - simply because they couldn't bear the idea of giving up or losing their fur-mily member (these are my people).

If you're looking into all you can do to keep your animal companion with you, I want to personally commend you for taking the steps to honor this commitment you've made.

Here is a collection of links to organizations who can help; but it's not just about receiving ... it's also about giving.

These are also organizations that need donations in order to continue doing their very important work. ***Legitimate***, ethical, law-abiding organizations.

I've seen many people on social apps such as : Nextdoor, Facebook, LinkedIn, etc. taking total advantage of others.

Acting as "rescues" and doing rescue work, without becoming legal entities and taking donations.

People adopting dogs from shelters (especially from "Clear the Shelter" and free adoption events), then "re-homing" them for a fee (despicable).

People backyard breeding and re-homing "oops" litters for fees.

It's disgusting behavior, and I certainly hope Karma is paying attention.

At any rate, here are links to help anyone who's struggling.

Anyone who loves their animal companions and wants to maintain their commitment to them.

In the links below, you'll find organizations that help with food, supplies, vet care, housing, et al.

I'm also including a link to the Renter's Profile I created to submit to potential landlords when I, myself, was trying to find a rental for myself and my pack of 4 dogs after selling my home. I turned it into a template, so others can personalize and use this themselves.

For emergency care, ask if your vet offers “care credit” or “scratch pay” (repayment plans). You can also inquire about a "reserve fund"--- some vets have a reserve fund their clients donate to so they can help other clients in need.

You can do this.

We can do this.

Please share this post to help others in need.

www.packfit.net

10/30/2024

Humans and dogs are both a relationship and socially oriented species of animal. And as a relationship and socially oriented species of animal, we're set up and hard-wired for bonding and connection.

Trauma impacts us both in very similar ways.

It's not the event, situation, or circumstance that's the trauma; not what happens outside of us.

It's what happens INSIDE of us as a result of what happens on the outside. The disruption it causes, the rewiring... how the event, situation, or circumstance is internalized.

Trauma rewires us for DISconnection and PROtection.

We become untrusting, hyper-vigilant, skeptical, anxious, more fearful, more reactive, and our defense drive kicks into higher gear out of protection.

Why?

Because trauma disintegrates what we once felt we had.

SAFETY.

Emotional safety.

Physical safety.

Relational safety.

Social safety.

Environmental safety.
....SAFETY.

We build tactics - which become behaviors - around what keeps us safe and comfortable. These coping mechanisms typically hit on 3 points:

1) return to "safety" (even if this is not "good" for us but is what's most familiar and more "known"),

2) emotional and physical protection, and

3) return to a level of comfort and relieve any discomfort (i.e. silencing, shutting down, numbing, suppressing, avoiding uncomfortable feelings).

With people, this will look like a lot of things: "people pleasing", self isolation, addictive behaviors (gaming, smoking, food, drugs, etc.), perfectionism, eating disorders, aggression and "off-loading", OCD, bullying, etc.

With dogs, quite similar: extreme appeasing behaviors, making themselves smaller and trying to make themselves invisible, bullying, aggression, OCD behaviors, etc.

We also develop tactics around what will give us a sense of certainty...why? Because "certainty" also means safety. We can prepare, preempt, and prevent.

Lastly, we build behaviors around what will provide some level of "gain" and assurance.... manipulative behaviors.

Now, although this is a masterclass about canine trauma- I've been saying "we" and "us" a lot because this is also a truth for humans.

Dogs don't really get the luxury of choice when it comes to who they end up with, the kind of care they'll receive, or what kind of life they're going to live.

Sadly, for them, their quality of life is 100% dependent upon us.

The choices we make, what kind of food (or food-like product) they eat, how clean their water is-- if they have any, how much exercise they get, whether or not they are taught and equipped with what they need to know, how safe they feel.... and so on.

If you want to learn more, sign up for the "Training the Traumatized Dog" class now. The 25% discount code expires tomorrow, Oct. 31st!

You'll learn:

- what "canine trauma" is,

- the different types of canine trauma,

- the impact of trauma,

- recognizing the signs of canine trauma, and

- how to help dogs heal from trauma.

You can find the class here: https://packfit.thinkific.com

25% off discount code: Trauma25

See you in there!

www.packfit.net

10/27/2024

WHAT ELEMENT IS MY DOG? 🔥 💦 🪵 ⚙️ 🌎
Is your dog The Caregiver. The Spiritual Teacher! or maybe The Party Dog?

✅ Identify your dog’s element and pair them with our recommended Constitution Diet through our free quiz on our website: https://ow.ly/fI4m50TPVSF

We’re here to demystify and simplify feeding your dog on the holistic principles of TCVM or Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine. In TCVM, there is a profile each dog has under the model of Five Elements. These Five Elements provide a framework which aids one in making food choices for their pets that will be most beneficial to them at a given time.

Our Gently Cooked Dr. Judy Morgan’s Five Constitution Diets are symbolically represented as Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water. Each diet has a distinct set of carefully selected ingredients, addressing areas of health in the body and to certain organs.

📍 As a guideline: Feed based upon purpose, your dog’s constitution, season, or rotate in any diet: we always recommend diversification of nutritional profiles.

🤓 📕 Learn more about our TCVM diets: https://ow.ly/VI3E50TPVSG

10/26/2024

The impact of canine trauma ranges in severity, and *accurately* identifying it in dogs can be quite difficult, as it often gets overshadowed by other behaviors and misinterpreted by people.

When this happens, inaccurate stories develop (since the human brain doesn't like gaps or question marks, and will fill them in with concoctions of their own making), get attached to the dog like a bad stain they can't shake, and follow them wherever they go. I've seen this often in rescue, and many dogs suffer the fate from inaccurate human readings, perceptions, and interpretations.

Some trauma can be mistaken for characteristics, personality, or traits, and vice versa.

When it comes to behavior, it's never a "one size fits all" thing; and there are countless ingredients that contribute to, influence, and impact it.

Here are some things you need to remember about behavior and getting an *accurate read* on the dog in front of you.

Firstly, **behavior is information.**

It's a...

- form of expression,

- type of feedback,

- form of communication,

- level of reflection (mental energy, physical energy, emotional state, associations | beliefs | and perceptions),

- a type of response,

and

- reveals what's in excess, in balance, what's lacking... also what's completely missing.

I was in conversation with someone who got an evaluation for some dogs who'd been abandoned. The trainer had some letters behind her name; but, as most dog trainers are, her education was in obedience training. NOT behavioral training. And it showed.

I watched the video of one of her "evaluations." Treats were thrown all over the floor, there was a bowl of food on the ground, and I was watching her body language- as well as the dog's response to it. Red flags all around, and it was more than evident that behavioral evaluation was far above her level expertise.

She mislabeled the dogs she evaluated, even sentencing one to death (which, again, was a mislabel and a totally inaccurate behavioral reading). Lucky for the dogs- the person leading the charge knew better and sought a second opinion.

Please. If you're dealing with behavioral struggles with your dog, BE THEIR ADVOCATE -- and always, always seek second options.

Understand that obedience training does not and cannot resolve behavioral issues... it's like trying to help a child with depression or anxiety resolve it through taking geometry.

Some information for y'all... and a PSA.

Learn more about behavior, the energetic component in dog training, canine trauma (our newest masterclass, "Training the Traumatized Dog" will be available Nov. 1st), blending new dogs, etc. through contacting us personally (www.packfit.net) or our digital courses and masterclasses here: https://packfit.thinkific.com

10/23/2024

🌟✨ Looking for Early Reader Reviews 🌟✨

The bonds we share with our dogs and other animal friends are unparalleled. Navigating the emotional journey of saying goodbye to a beloved animal companion can be very, very tough... even debilitating. 💖

🌜 A few nights before the passing of my 14 year old dog, Levi, an idea came to me - very clearly- in a dream. The idea was this: when we love another deeply, we give them a piece of our heart. And when they pass, they take that piece of our heart with them-- returning it to us when we reunite with them on "the Other Side"... making us whole again. 💗

This idea carried me through, yet another, devastating loss; then, days later, was woven into a heart-warming tale about love, loss, and the beautiful bond that connects us for all eternity.

"Pieces in Heaven" is our debut children's book, for people of all ages, and we're looking for **early reader reviews**.

🐶 Be the First: get exclusive access to read "Pieces in Heaven" before its official release.

📖 Make an Impact: your feedback can shape the final touches of the book!

💬 Join a Community: connect with others who understand the emotional journey of love, loss, and grief.

🎁 Receive a gratitude gift for writing a short review on the book.

💌 Interested? 💌

To be part of our early reader team:

👉 Like this post and tell us about your cherished pet in the comments. Bonus: share a picture!

💌 DM us to express your interest and learn more about how you can receive your early copy.

🚀 Support the Journey: help bring this touching story to hard copy life by contributing to our production costs! All "donations" will receive a token of gratitude, and $40 and above will serve as "pre-orders" for signed and personalized copies of the actual book (plus other unique and exciting benefits for early supporters).

🔗 Support Production / Pre-Order Here: https://gofund.me/81575e92

Join us and be a part in making a difference. Each contribution brings us a step closer to healing hearts worldwide. 🌍💫💞

We look forward to sharing this precious story with you!

10/22/2024

Today at 11 PST (2 pm EST)!

Come with your questions and stories, and we look forward to spending some time with you