Pack Fit

Training dogs. Empowering people. Changing lives. TM
(Words are mine...not AI) Pack Fit was born out of necessity. You see, I, too, had a "problem dog". A mission.
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Lobo was his name, and- little did I know- he would become one of my greatest teachers and alter the trajectory of my entire course of life. After thousands of dollars spent, the inability of a number of different "trainers" to help, much stress and anxiety, misunderstanding of him and his behaviors (https://packfit.net/lobos-story/), and a grim ending to our story, I set out to learn everything I

could about dog psychology, behavior, communication, and how to create and nurture balance and relationship so no one else had to live this reality again. Lobo still very much lives on through each client I work with and everything I do today. Pack Fit specializes in behavioral prevention and modification (e.g. aggression, social anxiety, separation anxiety, fear, nervousness, destructiveness, leash pulling, leash reactivity, nuisance barking, bullying, "selective hearing", containment phobia, etc), and you can learn more about us here:

www.packfit.net

We have 3 books out for purchase, as well as 5 online courses:

My Dog, My Buddha (Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and all other major outlets)

The Zen of Dog Training: Behavioral Impact Series (eBook: https://payhip.com/PackFit)

Puppyhood: What to Expect When Expecting (Canine Edition)

Online Courses (K9 Essentials, What to Feed Your Dog... and Why, Training the Whole Dog, Nosework for the Home Dog, and My Dog, My Buddha- expanded version of the book)

http://packfit.thinkific.com

PackFit is truly more than a business. It's a working message. And a movement.

08/29/2024

Here's the cover for our second children's book, "Little Todd finds his Forever Home." It's the first of our "Forever Home" series.

The cover folds out- so the dogs (Tucker and Raiyna) we see here on the left side will actually be on the back cover, and what we see on the right will be on the front cover.

Love how these are turning out, and am so very thankful for these incredibly talented illustrators to help bring the stories to life!

There are more children's books to come... the "Mini Pack Leaders in Training" series, "Where's the Silver Lining?" (teaching children how to reframe perceived struggles, obstacles, and hardships), and others.

("The Human End of the Leash: Dog Training's Missing Link" is still in the works, and coming along beautifully)

Join the newsletter for more insider info and updates (sign up through the website: www.packfit.net)!

08/28/2024

a few nights before levi passed, i had a very clear dream... which became the premise for my first children's book, "pieces in heaven." this beautiful story seemed to just pour out of me, and was written in a matter of days.

the book is now in the process of illustration, along with another children's book I wrote - which is, too, in the process of illustration.

i'll be sharing more detailed updates via the packfit newsletter, which you can sign up for on the website (www.packfit.net).

may the spirits of these incredibly special dogs and all that they were live on, and continue touching the lives of others in the most beautiful of ways.

xoxo,

k.

08/28/2024

Pre-order is now open for our newest Masterclass, "Training the Traumatized Dog."

I'm INCREDIBLY excited about this one as canine trauma, how to help a dog truly *heal*, what tactics to employ in order to do so, etc. are simply not talked about in the training world.

NO ONE is exempt from trauma (dogs included). It's simply part of the "life" experience- and there are various levels of this.

Canine trauma is more prevalent now than ever, and we-the-people really don't understand how to recognize it, handle it, or help a dog navigate or heal from it.

Dogs are constantly mislabeled, misjudged, and misunderstood because of it, and our general lack of awareness, skill, and know-how is resulting in countless dogs:

- being re-homed,

- returned to shelters or rescue groups,

- being abandoned,

- left outside to live their lives in the yard,

- left in crates and kennels all-the-live-long-day,

- isolated to different parts of the house,

- living much smaller lives,

- being drugged and medicated (.....grrrrrrrr),
..and so on.

This masterclass will set everyone up with *digestible* pieces of what-you-need-to-know info about canine trauma, as well as applicable how-to's, tips, n' tactics on how to best help a dog navigate and process it.... and heal.

The official launch date is September 30th.

Until then, enjoy 15% off ***for the next 48 hours only***, and the Intro and Pre-Masterclass Prep Work!

https://packfit.thinkific.com

15% off code: k9trauma15

08/26/2024

I said (absolutely) YES. 💛

08/25/2024

"Aggression" is one of the most misunderstood, misinterpreted, and mishandled behavioral phenomenons in dogs (yes, even by a number of trainers).

Common misread and misinterpreted situations...

- assertive or strong energy puppies (often getting labeled as "aggressive"),

- submissive grinning (a tactic dogs use to diffuse the intensity of a situation, throw up a doggie peace sign, and convey the message, "I got no beef with you... let's share a plate of spaghetti and meatballs under a moonlit sky"),

- a wagging tail (repeat after me: A WAGGING TAIL DOES NOT MEAN A "HAPPY" OR "FRIENDLY" DOG! When a dog is escalating and rising in ***state of mind*** - a good or not-so-good shade of it - their tail is "wagging", though the nature of the wag is different),

- vocal or super mouthy play,
..to name a few.

The first year of any dog's life is a most critical and impressionable one for many, many reasons.

Many dogs **do not receive** what they need from us- as dog raisers and "parents"- within this first year.

There are more people than not "getting a dog", totally winging this dog thing, and hoping for the best. Many often enter into the relationship (and it is a relationship) with a *laundry list* of expectations of what they want their dog to be like. If and when the dog doesn't measure up? The dog is either banned to living life in the yard or in isolation somewhere in the house, re-homed, etc.

Dogs are, by nature, a social species of animal- as are humans.

Relationship, association, exposure, feeling safe and secure- in their own skin/ in their home/ in the world at large, etc- are big important things.

Many dogs have experienced a level of trauma prior to coming to us, which impacts their personal filters and "default" settings. This doesn't have to mean "physical abuse", it can also mean:

- abandonment,
- living in isolation,
- neglect,
- needs not being met,
- living with people who aren't providing any guidance or leadership,
- living with people who are anxiety ridden, reactive, emotionally unstable, and who maintain a certain level of tension in the home,
- not feeling understood by the people raising them,
- living in a chronic state of *feeling unsafe* under the care of the people they're living with, in the home, and in the world, in general.
..and so on.

Most dogs live with people who have little to no relevance to the dog. People who don't represent a source of energy they feel they can "lower their guard" and defenses when out in the world with them. Someone they feel who can handle whatever may come their way, and who has their back.

Oftentimes, there's an energy discrepancy between the dog and human (e.g. a stronger energy dog with a softer energy human or vice versa) that contributes to this, as well.

As well, what most people see as "aggression" is oftentimes a form of *self-advocacy*... especially in the case of the more sensitive dogs. These dogs tend to slide into a state of overwhelm and extreme discomfort when their personal and intimate space is encroached upon without pre-existing rapport or relationship (remember our post about the different levels of space and their importance? https://www.facebook.com/PackFit2014/posts/pfbid0tPKcpGmAVE9d9CUauhj32JLmh6o2FJR1fpBHadK8hvHnkqyEqzFbsK6nPbMsB3qkl ).

Unfortunately for dogs, they're cute, furry, and people want to touch and move in for "pets" (with little to no regard about how the dog feels about this).

If and when the dog doesn't have an **advocate** in their human, they feel the pressure of having to advocate for themselves. This is where we see a lot of bites that become labeled as aggression.

More often than not, AGGRESSION IS A RESPONSE.

There's a difference between a "vicious" dog, and an aggressive dog. Very, very few dogs are born vicious; and most aggression cases are simply RESPONSES to : their personal and intimate space being disrespected and invaded, not feeling safe or comfortable with the interactions being forced upon them, their warning signals being missed and/or ignored, *strong energy* dogs assuming the roles in the pack and household because the humans aren't and haven't, frustration building from unmet needs (essential, individual, breed-specific), etc.

Now, on the upside of things, once the dog uses his mouth - space is then yielded and returned, and relief and comfort is restored. Message received (whereas previous messages and warning signals were not, so the dog had to step up the message).

Dogs will continue to practice what works and whatever they're *GAINING* something through. If relief and space was gained, and using their mouth was the only thing that worked for them to get it.... guess what starts to be conditioned.

On the downside of this, someone gets bit, and the dog gets mislabeled, misjudged, and their world becomes exponentially smaller (less accesses, less socialization, less exposure, living more isolated lives) or they lose their homes, get bounced around with that "story" attached to them wherever they go like a bad stain .... or even euthanized because of this.

Again, I highlight the fact that dogs will practice what works; and, since this method works (space almost always given, especially in the case of people)- it can become a self-reinforcing thing and will be practiced **the longer the dog has to advocate for themselves.**

As with any given behavior, aggression is multi-layered and could be born of a great number of things:

- health or medical issue / imbalance,
- pain or discomfort,
- self protection and preservation,
- feeling unsafe and unsupported,
- lack of human advocacy (as "pet parents", this is our job, social responsibility, and parental responsibility to them),
- trauma,
- energy discrepancy and imbalance between dog and human (strong and soft),
- attempt to avoid further conflict or circumstantial escalation,
- fear or anxiety,
- frustration build up (from one or more of their instinctual,
individual, and/or breed-specific needs not being met or
provided for),
- prey drive (often misinterpreted as aggression, and every dog will have a different level of this),
- s*x drive,
- maternal protection,..and so on.

Dogs are ALWAYS in communication with us, and do so via body language, posture, and vocalization. There's also an emotional component feeding behavior that, oftentimes, doesn't get spoken to and folks don't get educated on.

The problem with dogs is that the great majority of the human population caring for them simply doesn't understand them. They're winging this dog raising thing.

We don't understand dogs as dogs, how to communicate with them effectively, or how to read and interpret what *they* are saying.

The more signals and messaging gets missed, un-tended to, etc., the faster a dog may go from Point A to Z, skipping all the other signals in between (e.g. "hello... I don't feel so good about this.... um, hey- I'm really uncomfortable here... HEY... I'M REALLY UNCOMFORTABLE HERE...." messaging to "YOU WON'T LISTEN TO ME, I'M GOING TO HAVE TO MAKE YOU").

Unless one is blessed with a super soft energy, marshmallow type of dog with the tolerance of an angel and whose personal motto is "love, peace, and chicken grease," this can lead to just a big ol' mess (oftentimes the dog bearing the brunt of this).

Aggression can be a form of communication, a manner of expression, reflective of an internal condition, reflective of an internal or external conflict, or a response, so it behooves us to understand the signs.

Bites can happen in a split second, and can also be the final blow of something that's been building over time (through repeated offenses - like children being permitted to use the family dog as their personal jungle gym).

As with any behavior, its treatment is highly dependent upon its cause.

www.packfit.net

---------

If you're struggling with your dog's behavior, please check out our behavioral masterclasses in the PackFit Academy. You - and your dog - don't have to live a life of discomfort, hardship, and in fear.

- PackFit's Behavioral Masterclass,

- Training the Strong Energy Dog,

- Training the Aggressive Dog,

- Walk Like A Boss,
..and more.

Valuable information that can be acquired from the comfort of your own home.

https://packfit.thinkific.com

08/21/2024

Not only is space of great importance in the canine world, but so is body positioning.

Above, below, to the side, in front, in back…. all hold different meanings and convey different messages in the kingdom of Dog.

Understanding this will greatly improve your ability to communicate, relate, and advocate. Of course, we’ve got to pay attention to context; but this is a great place to start off…

Above and over = “I’m above you”, a more authoritative position.

Below and lower = “I’m beneath you”, a more submissive position.

Turned to the side = “I’m not a threat”, a more respectful position.

Eye level or down on the same level = pay attention to context here. A more assertive, overly confident, stronger energy dog up on the couch or bed at eye level | on the same level with us may convey the message “we’re equals” and/or “this is my couch, my bed, and I’m entitled to this” (removing furniture privileges is usually recommended when relationship discrepancies and behavioral challenges are in play), but a human lowering themselves to get down on the same level as the dog also can be perceived as “I’m not a threat”, as well. *Context matters greatly here*. We've got to know the dog in question, ourselves, and have a strong understanding of what we both bring to the table. Pay close attention to the dog's body language and how the dog is feeling in the moment.

Moving on....

Behind = “I’m following your lead."

In front = “I’m taking the lead." When it comes to the front position, it's not just about “who’s leading who” here as much as it is *what* is leading. When a dog is in the front position, whatever that individual dog has going on will be amplified (insecurity, fear, assertiveness, nervousness, anxiety, etc.). The front position is a very empowering position, as is the above position.

Understanding these concepts will greatly enhance the quality of your walks, exchanges, relations, and interactions.

Not understanding this will add to, highlight, and even create relationship discrepancies, blurred lines, and behavioral struggles.

www.packfit.net

08/20/2024

I'm always on the lookout for products that are health-conscious, ethical in practice, and actually do what they say they do-- for my own dogs and for you, too.

A handful of months ago, I was looking for joint support supplements and stumbled upon a company called Wuffes.

After some research, I decided to try out their products. It wasn't long after I started seeing excellent results in the oldies- especially in their energy and mobility.

Around this time, I'd started a "Trusted Partners" page on the PackFit website (https://www.packfit.net/trusted-partners) to serve as a healthy living resource for you all (for both ends of the leash); some offer a special discount for the PackFit community, and Wuffes is one of them.

If you want to try any of their products, get your first order at **50% OFF** .... plus a free gift... using this link: https://glnk.io/mzwj9/kimberly

Here's a closer look at what's in the joint chews....

08/19/2024

While I will always rescue (there are way too many wonderful dogs - and dogs who've simply had bad cards dealt to them- in need), I will always have an American Indian Dog. They've long been my breed of choice, and there's only one breeder (in southern Oregon).

I'm reaching out to the PackFit community on behalf of a very special dog named C**t. He's a stunning 6 year old American Indian Dog in need of a dedicated, committed home (he looks like Ronin but with charcoal gray--- breathtaking fella').

I don't have the full backstory yet, but this guy hasn't had the kind of life he deserves. He was pulled by the breeder from an abusive home at some point, and has been living in Alaska in a sled dog kennel.

I was just contacted by the owner asking if I could work with him and find him a wonderful home. She said they would sponsor transport for him wherever he needed to go.

She said: "He has all the positive Indian Dog qualities of being smart, silly, and intuitive. He's good with other dogs and cats. He ski and bike jours."

She also mentioned he can be "strong willed" and "stubborn" (personally, my *favorite* dogs to work with-- so much that I have a few courses dedicated to just these guys), and "can be reactive/ defensive when he's with someone new that's asking him to do something he doesn't want to do. Once he's comfortable and respects them, he's fine" (again, my favorite kind of dog to work with... these types of dogs are the most fantastic teachers).

Now, if I still had my home in DC - I'd one billion percent be snatching this guy up and working with him. Alas, I'm not in a position to do that right now.

SO. I'm sharing his plight with the PackFit community.

We're not just looking for a home for him. We're looking for someone who's willing to learn alongside him and invest their time, energy, and attention in helping him thrive, heal, and recover *with direction and guidance* from me. In my experience, this is a special kind of person and can be quite difficult to find.

We will be heavily screening, of course, and only considering serious inquiries.

Don't worry, C**t. We got you.

08/14/2024

It's beyond **shocking** how often dogs are "getting loose" and being found (if they're lucky) here in California. BEYOND. Shocking.

Yes, "accidents" do happen and mistakes occur; but the great majority of these cases have to do with people leaving their dogs unsupervised in yards and out in the open- making them more vulnerable to theft (which is happening **a lot** nowadays), predatory wildlife, etc., not altering or sterilizing (s*x drive is a *very* powerful, primal drive in dogs; females will leave to search for a mate, and males can scent a female in heat from miles away), not teaching them boundaries around gateways, doorways, garage doors, and all other thresholds (to include the car door), and so on.

If you use a gardener, keep a sign on the inside of the fence reminding them to fully close and latch gate door when the job is done.

Hope these tips help prevent more dogs from getting loose, and more people from missing and worrying about them.

08/12/2024

Some of you may or may not know I have a newsletter. I've, admittedly, been pretty sporadic with it- only sending out news when there was an announcement to be made; but I'm gearing up to be a more consistent with it.

There are some really exciting things coming down the pike - a few things I've kept under wraps- and other things I'll only be sharing through the newsletter, so I do hope you'll join us.

Some of you may be aware of another book I wrote called: My Dog, My Buddha. It was translated in German, and has touched the hearts and minds of folks all over the world.

A few years after its release, I wrote its sister book: My Dog, My Buddha: The Sequel.

Who's read it?

For a limited time, we're offering a **free** digital copy of the book for those who join the PackFit newsletter. That's right... f-f-f-f-free.

Head over to the website and wait for the invitation to pop up: https://www.packfit.net

After going through a publisher for the first book and noticing small oversights (...like fingernails down a chalkboard), I set out to create something far better and of much better quality.

We had a proofreading and editing team, book and layout designer, photographer extraordinaire (), got premium paper and premium ink... all to create a high quality, life-enriching, perspective-enhancing reading **experience** for you.

If you read The Sequel, gain(ed) something, and enjoy what was put together for you, **please** share your thoughts and leave a review on Amazon (https://a.co/d/1ySsl5E). You'll receive my eternal gratitude 💖and a discount code for 25% off any digital product of your choosing....

- the Dog Walking Meditations Album,

- ebooks (What to Feed Your Dog...and Why, Walk Like A Boss, Puppyhood: What To Expect When Expecting, the Zen of Dog Training),

- Masterclasses (Blending, Training the Aggressive Dog, Training the Strong Energy Dog, the Behavioral Masterclass),

- Challenges (Walk Like a Boss 10 Day, the Confidence Challenge), and

- digital courses (Walk Like A Boss, Nosework for the Home Dog, K9 Essentials, etc).

www.packfit.net

08/11/2024

We live in a world of dog lovers, but not necessarily dog understander-ers.

We're responsible for dogs becoming dogs in the first place, and or lack of awareness and understanding of them comes with their own set of risks.... for us and them. Sadly, they're usually the ones who end up paying the price for our misunderstanding in many ways (e.g. living in isolation, mislabeling and misjudgment, re-homed or left behind in a shelter... even losing their lives).

Learning how to read and interpret canine body language is first and foremost. Dogs express themselves this way, so understanding how the dog is feeling in that moment through reading body language is an important skill to develop. Our K9 Essentials digital course, and any of the Masterclasses, will assist in this (https://packfit.thinkific.com).

Here is a bite-sized list of dog tips for people....like it, share it, and *add to the list* through commenting!

08/10/2024

Meet Frank.

Frank has a huge personality, is one of the funniest dogs I've worked with, and ... is just full of himself! He's the sole proprietor (and lone employee) of the "house fly removal squad." Aside from his mad fly-catching skills, Frank's also the poster child of *possibility* when the right ingredients are applied and consistently exercised.

You see, Frank is a former client and was struggling with some pretty severe aggression. He'd been living with people who didn't understand him as a highly sensitive, back-of-the-pack; and, as a highly sensitive dog, was also quite sensitive about other dogs and people he didn't have **existing rapport or relationship with** coming into his personal and intimate space (see our previous post about the different levels of space).

Unfortunately for Frank, he's ridiculously cute and everyone wants to touch him; which sent him into a state of overwhelm and, therefore, defense drive (search the PackFit page for "defense drive" for more info). He didn't have an advocate in his humans, so he felt the pressure of having to advocate for himself.

Now, dogs typically want to avoid conflict, and I'm sure Frank was initially giving off all the cues and signals conveying his discomfort. Sadly, they went unrecognized and unrealized (as most folks don't understand how to read their dogs or interpret body language and behavior), so Frank was forced to step up his message... which was successful 100% of the time. And, as we know, dogs will continue to practice whatever they're gaining something through. In this case, it was comfort and relief. So, using his mouth gave him exactly what he'd been asking for: space and relief from the discomfort of "space invaders". This became a self-reinforcing behavior.

On top of some rather unhealthy attachments that were unknowingly developed and nurtured by his former human, the additional emotional weight Frank ended up having to take on and carry also became quite overwhelming for him. This only amplified everything else he had going on (insecurity, frustration, anxiety, being "alone in the world" and not having an advocate, having to lead his human in a world he didn't instinctually understand, etc.). Frank became his human's "ultra protector". A job he took very seriously.

Franklin's needs as a dog, and also as the individual he was/is, weren't being met. Of course, this wasn't intentional... it rarely is. We simply don't know what we don't know (hence why PackFit exists today).

His human had us come out for an evaluation with the intention of signing him up for boarding school. They'd recently moved across the country, and his human partnered up in a new relationship here in town with a new dog.... so, lots of changes 🙂

Frank's aggression had become the worst it's been. The woman in the relationship was terrified of him, and they were torn between "training" and giving him up. They opted for training, and- although he was making great strides even just a week in- eventually decided it was too risky to keep him because they wanted to start a family. She just didn't have the faith that Frank could maintain this change.

Frank had been thriving through all the structure he was experiencing here. He had guidance and instructions. He was being equipped with how to cope more effectively with how he felt, and also had the security of knowing I had his back. He had an advocate in me, and soon began to realize he didn't have to worry about his safety with me by his side.

He was watching and observing the other dogs in my pack ~ how they responded to and interacted with guests and visitors. He'd found new friends in the Mini Pack Leaders, and we were heavily chipping away at all the residual, pent up energy he came to the table with. Energy that wasn't sufficiently getting depleted on a daily and consistent basis, and had compounded over time (which greatly impacted his state of mind and behavior).

His people wanted to give him to rescue.... but I knew the likelihood of him getting bounced around, all that instability, more "space invaders" *because he's just so stinkin' cute!", etc. would cause regression (which would not end well for him). He'd already made so much progress, and I really wanted to set him up for continued success. Who he was underneath the "aggression" (which is a *response*) had begun shining through.... a fun, spunky, incredibly silly little dude. So, I offered to continue working with him and hang onto him until I found a suitable match..... which was 5 years ago. ; )

Finding suitable matches for dogs is so important. And this isn't to say that initial mismatches can't or won't work.... I actually fully believe in them; because dogs will always challenge us in ways that benefit us. Behavior is also a form of feedback, and dogs are honest and authentic creatures. Oftentimes "mismatches" are actually the most perfectly matched dogs for us, when we're 100% committed to our own personal development (becoming the source of energy, information, and leadership the dog needs and will be looking to), stepping up, following through and staying accountable, etc.

Now, is Frank "perfect"? Well, yes actually. He's "imperfectly perfect", as we all are. "Aggression" is no longer his m.o. or go-to-response.

Franklin's come such a loooooong way, and did find "his other human"..... in Steve. The two are the funniest little duo. Steve, a career fireman and "a big dog guy".... and his teeny tiny little wiener dog.

As we always say, "behavior is a manner of expression"; and cannot be rehabilitated **if the ingredients that created and nurtured it go unchanged.** Given the *complexity* of behavior, this often happens; even despite many training programs. This is why a *holistic* (meaning "whole picture") approach is necessary to addressing it.

Lucky for this guy, the ingredients that needed changing changed. And he's still around to tell the tale and reap the benefits of it ... ❤

www.packfit.net

08/09/2024

Folks:

The private group for the "Blending" Masterclass was somehow h*cked, and a number of you received and accepted invitations to it.

I'm not sure how this occurred, but - after a loooot of digging- I was finally able to figure out how to delete the group and start again. This time, the group is private and hidden.

None of the private groups for the Masterclasses or the digital courses will ever send out notifications, as they're- specifically- for those who are enrolled only; so please disregard if this ever occurs.

To those who received invites and accepted, my apologies for any confusion!

Big Love,

K.

08/06/2024

It's the last day to get 25% off our newest Masterclass... "Blending".

Learn the secrets behind how I've successfully blended various dogs with behavioral issues with my own pack and in my own home over the years... *without any issue*.... and how we recently permanently blended with my boyfriend's pack.

Unskilled, unknowledgeable, and unsuccessful blending practices is one of the most common reasons dogs are returned to shelters, rescues, and unfairly judged and labeled. Their lives forever altered because of *our* lack of information, understanding, and know-how.

This masterclass is perfect for you if you...

➡️are thinking about adding a new dog or pup to your existing pack,

➡️are considering becoming a foster parent or are an existing foster parent to pups in need (**THANK YOU**),

➡️operate a rescue and want to enroll existing fosters (please contact me for bulk discount),

➡️are a professional looking to add to your existing toolbox, and/or

➡️have an existing crew who may struggle with one another's presence.

For the next **48 hours only**, get a pre-launch discount of 25% off the full price and get started on the prep work!

The full masterclass officially launches this Friday, August 9th, at 12 pm PST.

https://packfit.thinkific.com

25% Off Discount Code: preblend25

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Videos

We live in a world of dog lovers, but not necessarily dog understander-ers. We're responsible for dogs becoming dogs in the first place, and or lack of awareness and understanding of them comes with their own set of risks.... for us and them. Sadly, they're usually the ones who end up paying the price for our misunderstanding in many ways (e.g. living in isolation, mislabeling and misjudgment, re-homed or left behind in a shelter... even losing their lives). Learning how to read and interpret canine body language is first and foremost. Dogs express themselves this way, so understanding how the dog is feeling in that moment through reading body language is an important skill to develop. Our K9 Essentials digital course, and any of the Masterclasses, will assist in this (https://packfit.thinkific.com). Here is a bite-sized list of dog tips for people....like it, share it, and *add to the list* through commenting! #dogtraining #dogbehavior #PACKFIT #behaviorisinformation #themoreyouknow #dogtrainingforpeople #thehumanendoftheleash

Josh is an old soul, has great energy, and had such a way with dogs. Hard to believe he used to be afraid of them.

Levi and baby Ronin

jasmine teaching Levi a new trick. touch the red ball at the end of the stick. her cuing, body language, timing, etc. became so on point. was so proud of her.

Josh walks the entire pack- was a big day

So, let’s break down what’s in a message. Like behavior, communication is complex; with a lot of elements and nuances. If we want a message to land a certain way, it's not just about the sender, but also the receiver. In this case, dogs. Communication with dogs goes way above and beyond anything verbal... and especially above and beyond treats. If words and treats are all you're throwing at your dog, there's much to learn, Padawan! (besides... it makes no sense to keep speaking French when your dog speaks Mandarin) Becoming aware of communication's key players is essential to teaching and learning, as well as fostering clarity, trust, and understanding. These key players include: - vocal inflection, pitch, and tone, - eye contact, - facial expression, - posture, - body language, - state of mind and energy, - collar and leash type, - the language of the leash, - timing, - perceptions, - spatial sensitivity and pressure (the language of space), - verbal directives (obedience and marker words). Each convey a certain message, will add to or diminish it, and will also be received in various ways. When communicating with our dogs, it's important we align these things as much as possible. Most people are sending mixed cues and messaging, making it quite difficult for a dog to connect the dots. Most times, the "wrong" dots are being connected due to our own lack of awareness and understanding; leaving many dogs utterly confused ... then blamed for their behavior. Aside from being complex, behavior is information; as well as a type of response, communication, form of feedback, and reflective of so, so much. One of the key components in PackFit's 5 Pillars of Dog Training is "Communication." Teaching the human end of the leash how to "receive"... how to read dogs and understand the many ways *they* communicate, as well as how to "send" and communicate with them. We go over this in greater detail in "Chapter 3: Learning to Speak" in our newest book, "The

(sound on) Here we are again. This is the time where more cats and dogs go missing than any other time of the year. They (as well as other wildlife) get spooked and run into the roadways- getting hit by oncoming vehicles, and euthanasia rates in shelters jack up to create more space. Many people will drag their dogs along with them to July 4th festivities without an understanding of how their dogs will react to the chaos and noise. Note well: **this is stressful and not enjoyable for most dogs.** There's a 30-60% increase in lost pets each year between July 4th and 6th. 1 in 5 dogs will go missing. If you have a dog who struggles with fireworks, here are some things you can do to help ease the stress. 1. Keep your pets INSIDE. Perhaps even in a safe, escape-proof room or crate. If your dog is not crate-trained, now is NOT the time to do it. Proper crate training requires conditioning. Instead, leave **the option** of a having a crate (with nice, cozy bedding) to go into-- leaving the door open. I always give dogs crates that are larger than what's recommended. They should be able to stand up and have, at least, a few inches of space in between the top of their head and the top of the crate; and should also be able to lay down and spread/ stretch out. 2. Make sure your dog is wearing ID tags & is microchipped. 3. Close the blinds/ shades / curtains. 4. Consider staying home. Your presence will be comforting. 5. Play calming music or Dog TV in background. 6. Offer a healthy distraction. If you've been following us for a while, then you're aware of the dangers of rawhides. Do. Not. Feed. These. To. Your. Dogs. (Here's a great video by Mr. Rodney Habib : https://youtu.be/Oc265q0ZRss?si=iW6M5CfBjUuacBUl). Instead, opt for : - grass fed bully (longer lasting) or gullet sticks, - a problem solving game, - snuffle mat, and/or - stuff a Kong, fully freeze it, then feed! Use the chart below to create your own Kong stuffing. Choose one base and 2 - 3 ad

Eternal thanks to Joey's PAW, K9 Carts, and the Paw Prosper team. May Levi enjoy his remaining moments and days with us to the fullest <3 www.packfit.net https://www.joeyspaw.org https://pawprosper.com #caninehealth #seniordogsrock #seniordogs #ethicalbusiness #goodhumans #MissionPossible #levistrong #PACKFIT #neversaynever #hesstillgoing #grateful #dogwellness