ADOPT Training for A Sound Beginning

07/31/2024

Positive Reinforcement is amazing ❤️

07/31/2024

When choosing a dog trainer, or any pet pro really, check their credentials and education. Do they have continuing education credits? Education matters. Stay curious!

07/31/2024

This is such a unique opportunity! Be sure to grab your spot before they’re gone!

Looking for something COOL to do in the HOT month of August?
TLC for the Body and Soul ONE-DAY workshop in Naperville
o Thursday 8/22 at 10am
https://adoptpetshelter.dogbizpro.com/Public/Registration/Index.aspx?schedule=123
o Friday 8/30 at 7pm
https://adoptpetshelter.dogbizpro.com/Public/Registration/Index.aspx?schedule=124

07/25/2024

🤩CONGRATS POM-POM🤩

Pomegranate was adopted from ARF - Animal Rescue Foundation and referred to us by her vet at VCA Boulder Terrace Animal Hospital. Poor Pom Pom spent her early days in a leg cast after she broke her leg 😞 Her vet knew how important it is to get her into a positive reinforcement class where she can catch up on her socialization and start making positive associations with the world.
Congratulations Pomegranate!!!

07/25/2024

⭐️CONGRATULATIONS LIZZIE⭐️

Lizzie graduated Basic Obedience!!! Lizzie's pawrents learned how to manage her environment to set her up for success while she's young and still learning manners. Keep up the great work!

07/24/2024

⭐️GRAD CONGRATS TO OLLIE⭐️
Ollie started in our Basic Obedience class and although he was able to finish the class, he needed a class more focused on behavioral modification due to his fears of the world. His family worked very hard before they started Building Blocks and Ollie came into class a whole new dog! He was so excited to be back and ready to tackle all the triggers! He has even accepted the garbage truck, his ultimate kryptonite!🚛

07/23/2024

Our training center would not have been possible without Chris, THANK YOU and HAPPY 15th ANNIVERSARY!!!🥳

07/23/2024

🎓CONGRATS GRAD🎓
Dakota joined Building Blocks as a foster through Anderson Humane in South Elgin to learn how to handle all of life's scary things and she graduated ADOPTED by her foster mom and so confident to take on the world!
We can't wait to see you in the next class, smart girl!

07/16/2024

WHY SHOCK COLLAR USE IS INHUMANE AND DOES NOT SAVE LIVES

“While we recognize both managing and training a dog can be frustrating at times, there is always a better way to deal with a situation than using electric shock”.
Dr. Fiia Jokela Chicagoland Veterinary Behavior Consultants

Noted veterinary behaviorist Dr. Karen Overall says this about the use of electrical shock for training animals:

“To understand people’s willingness to shock their dogs and cats (and sometimes horses), one important association needs to be acknowledged: people reach for tools such as shock when they feel helpless to address their pet’s behavioral concerns and when they feel that this is the only way that they can keep their pet safe and alive.

Unfortunately, companies that make and market shock collars prey on these concerns, claiming that their products keep pets safe and save lives. There is no published evidence to support these claims, but there is now considerable evidence published in the peer-reviewed literature that refutes them.

Anyone considering the use of shock for behavioral problems — whether it is a remote/ bark activated shock collar, a remote controlled collar, an invisible fence, or a device such as a S**t Mat that shocks anyone who touches it— should know:
1. The use of shock is not treatment for pets with behavioral concerns.
2. The use of shock is not a way forward.
3. The use of shock does not bring dogs back from the brink of euthanasia; instead, it may send them there.
4. Such adversarial techniques have negative consequences that are dismissed/ ignored by those promoting these techniques”

POSITION STATEMENT ON THE USE OF SHOCK COLLARS IN ANIMAL TRAINING – The Pet Professional Guild “No Pain, No Force, No Fear”
https://www.petprofessionalguild.com/resource/the-use-of-shock-position-statement/

07/13/2024

🎓GRAD CONGRATS TO OUR SHELTER DOGS🎓
🐾Topaz completed Basic Obedience class. She is an obedience rockstar!
🐾Lincoln completed Building Blocks of Behavior. He has made HUGE strides in self regulating his emotions!

THANK YOU SO MUCH TO THE DEDICATED VOLUNTEERS, Hallie and Bob, for bringing these dogs to class every week AND visiting them at the shelter throughout the week to practice skills and most importantly, give them a break from the kennel!

07/12/2024

Training is simple but not easy. Take breaks as needed and keep it fun!

07/11/2024

Though it may seem like a fun thing for kids, dogs are NOT meant to sit on. EVER!!! Please do not ever encourage a child to sit or step up on a dog. This can cause pain, fear and conflict. All can increase the chances of a dog bite.

Is your dog “tolerating” what is happening in a situation? Or is the dog really telling them they're uncomfortable and want this to stop? We encourage families to observe their dog's body language so that they can understand what their dog is telling them.

How do I know what to look for if they’re uncomfortable?
❗Half moon eyes, your dog is leaning their body away from what is going on,
❗Yawning when they aren’t tired
❗lip licking

There are many body language signals that dogs display to us if they are uncomfortable, and even if they are enjoying something. Dogs use their bodies to communicate discomfort, stress and joy. Maybe they are happy and content and come over to you while you are holding your baby and get some pets, or they are happily wagging their tail with a loose body.

Recognizing how your dog uses their body to communicate is an important way to build and strengthen bonds. Looking for more information? Join us on July 18 at 7pm ET/4pm PT for Dogs & Toddlers webinar taught be a licensed Family Paws Parent Educator! This is perfect for those whose baby's who are becoming more mobile (crawling, walking and all those exciting milestones!). We have some wonderful ways to safely include your family dog in this journey. Sign upbit.ly/registerdogstoddlers

07/11/2024

Last night we had our drop in focus class: Walks Like A Dream. This is a favorite among not just our clients but instructors as well!
We love that our alumni come back to touch up on specific skills. It’s so rewarding to see the progress the pups and their parents have made since being in a class series.
Next week our focus class is Polite Greetings, can’t wait to see our super jumpy, excited pups leaving class with all 4s on the ground!🐾

07/10/2024

🎓CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR FEISTY FIDO GRADS🎓

🐾Maverick was adopted from DuPage County Animal Services and worked with our A Sound Beginning Program in home division. He needed practice in a controlled environment with distractions so he came to our Feisty Fido class!

🐾Luci was adopted from our very own A.D.O.P.T. Pet Shelter and although she already knows her obedience skills, she needed help with handling the distraction of other dogs.

🐾Jade was adopted from Cache Creek Rescue and she also came to us to learn how to handle the distractions of other dogs!

07/08/2024

Basic Obedience class is covers all the beginner obedience skills like sit, down, come, and stay in an environment where the dogs are set up for success from the start. We use visual barriers and as the dogs learn skills week by week, the visual barriers decrease and add distractions at a pace your dog can handle! Sign Up Now!

Does your dog still have puppy manners? Join us this Thursday at 5 PM- our Basic Obedience class still has openings!

https://adoptpetshelter.dogbizpro.com/Public/Registration/Index.aspx

07/08/2024

🎓BIG CONGRATS to little Tulip!🎓
Tulip heard about us from her wonderful vet at Danada Veterinary Hospital and came to Puppy Class to teach her humans about all things puppy! She is such a smart little pup!!!

Our next puppy class starts THIS Thursday July 11th at 6:15pm and there is only 1 spot remaining!!!

07/03/2024

🎓CONGRATULATIONS EMBER🎓
Ember was referred to us by Mindful Methods Companion Coaching so she could socialize around other puppies in class! She absolutely excelled 🙌

07/03/2024

Keep your pets safe!!!

We are seeing an alarming increase in LOST PETS!

Just in the first couple days of July, CACC has received 95 intakes, with 62 being dogs!

The July 4th holiday often leads to lost pets due to fireworks and doors left open during celebrations. To help reunite families and avoid overcrowding, we want to remind everyone:

** Be Responsible:**

Secure your pets! Fireworks are scary, and anxious dogs can jump fences or escape yards. 🆔 Microchip & Tag Them Up: Ensure your pet's microchip information is current and their tags are securely fastened.

** Lost a Pet? Check Here First:**

We'll be OPEN ALL DAY on July 4th for adoptions and for lost pets to be claimed.

Don't delay! The sooner you claim your lost pet, the sooner another can find their forever home.

Help Us Reunite Families This July 4th!
Spread the word! Share this post and help us keep pets safe this holiday.

07/03/2024

🎓Grad Congrats to Barbie!🎓
Barbie completed our Puppy Class where she practiced her basic obedience skills with other puppies around and learned how to play with puppies that are not as big as her!

07/02/2024

🎓Congratulations CHICA!!!🎓
Chica was adopted from A.D.O.P.T. Pet Shelter and completed Basic Obedience Class! She also won "most tail wags" in class 🥰

07/02/2024

🎓Big Congrats to Freddy!🎓
Freddy was adopted from Animal House Shelter and had first day jitters when he came to Basic Obedience Class. Very quickly he began to realize how fun this whole "school" thing really is and came out of his shell to show his true puppy-like personality. We love watching dogs gain confidence week by week and truly enjoy themselves in class!!

07/02/2024

🎓TONKA from A.D.O.P.T. Pet Shelter graduated Basic Obedience Class!!! Not only did Tonka get super lucky and score a foster home, but they also brought him to class. And guess what!? Tonka's foster parents bonded so much with him in class that they decided to foster fail and keep Tonka FURever! ❤️🐾

07/02/2024

🎓Grad congrats go out to LEO for graduating from our Basic Obedience Class! Leo absolutely loved coming to class and showing off his little dance moves. Leo is already signed up for the next class to continue all the fun!

06/27/2024

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn everything about socializing your new puppy!

NEW! PUPPY Play for Life!
July 31st at 1pm Naperville, we're offering a one-day socialization class JUST FOR PUPS!
https://adoptpetshelter.dogbizpro.com/Public/Registration/Index.aspx?schedule=112
What will be covered in this class?
❤️ How to do on-leash meets-n-greets with other pups
❤️How to assess behavior before letting them off-leash and determining if they make a good match
❤️Learn to read body language during puppy play to know if your pup is becoming overly-aroused or worried and asking to end the play
❤️Meeting new people, exploring new places, hearing unfamiliar sounds, and learning what to do if anything causes them worry or concern, are all experiences that are part of proper socialization.
BONUS: You will go home with a socialization packet designed to support and guide you further! ONLY $35