Off The Leash Academy

02/22/2024

My travels to NYC and Vermont with Macallen proved that when someone asks you if you want to go somewhere, you should always say yes! The world has so much to offer.

11/19/2023

10/21/2023

A past client started a cool business for cremation jewelry. Check her site out!

Southern Chic Keepsakes

09/26/2023

Heard something today I figured I’d share; “Play with your pets everyday because they are your best friend for a short time, but you are their best friend for their entire life”~unknown
Love my guys and girls here and past, and feel blessed that I get to spend almost every single day with them.

07/26/2023

Still available and needing a forever home. She’s such a sweet dog if you’re the right person and don’t have other dogs. Great with cats and has lived with children. She’s manageable in the right hands! Would love to see Riley find her spot!

07/25/2023

**EDIT: ADOPTED!!** NAPLES, FL: Brownie is a beautiful big dog weighing around 78 pounds. He's been up for adoption for over a year, and his shelter tells us a big part of this is due to the fact that bigger dogs have a harder time getting adopted in their area. Brownie has been to many public events and does well with all people and dogs of all sizes. In the home, Brownie coexists with other dogs but just doesn't like sharing his dog bed with them. (Hey, if we're honest, we all have something we hold on to a little tightly.) We want to expand Brownie's exposure to more potential adopters and we need your help getting the word out there. PLEASE SHARE!

Collier County Domestic Animal Services writes, "Brownie came to the shelter last year when his owner surrendered him due to housing issues. Sadly, this sweet 9-year-old has now spent more than a year at the shelter waiting for a new home.

Brownie is a staff favorite and considered a gentle giant by volunteers. Brownie is so good natured that he often attends public events as the shelter’s doggy ambassador and where he easily mingles with people and other dogs. Brownie walks nicely on leash, rides well in a car, and proved to be house broken during foster sleepovers. We know from his fosters that Brownie would do best in a home without cats and is particular about having his own bed, the one thing he does not care to share with other dogs.

Brownie was heartworm positive but has been treated and cleared. He had a large gingival mass which was removed along with several teeth.

Out of state adoptions are allowed but adopters must arrange their own transport."

To adopt Brownie, please email [email protected] with questions or to apply!

01/03/2023

Dog thought: Your dog will never wake up one day and decide, todays the day I’m gonna be a great dog from here on out.

We as the owner make this decision for them, and it’s much easier to decide this day one of ownership, rather than say day number 2,190 (that’s 6 years old for those counting)

Before you bring in this new member of the family, think very hard on how you want that relationship to look. We only get a few opportunities to make a first impression.

Secret in dog training, is anything is possible. We just have to want the outcome and work to get there.

Here to help as always! HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Booking up quick, if your thinking you may want to get your pup into school, message or call me to set up a consultation.

12/30/2022

Available for Rehoming: Riley 3 year old Border Collie.

***Needs to be the ONLY dog!***
Not really debatable, as she is not friendly to many dogs, she could live with another dog but EXPERIENCED HANDLER would be REQUIRED!

Ok with cats and Ok with kids to a degree, Control with this girl is important.

Riley is a special girl that needs a special person. Riley does great when the situation is controlled and structure exists. She could be great at many things if the new owner also has a desire for said things: Agility, Fly ball, heck even some herding isn’t out of the question. I’ve taken her into public and she’s done well, my wife and I also have a really good relationship with her. She’s very smart and very sweet with her people, strangers she can be uncomfortable but could get thru her fears with some help. I would hate to see such a sweet fun dog put down for troubles outside of her control. I’ve met aggressive dogs and she’s not that. Fear can sometimes look like aggression but when trust exists and like I said controls are in place she’s pretty easy. If you’re interested in meeting Riley please feel free to reach out to me directly.

I may be interested in putting her into a 2 month training regiment at no cost to you, would just need a commitment to her and a meeting with my wife and I and Riley to see if it’s a good fit. Preferable Border Collie/ Herding dog experience is desired. No other dogs and a stable home are also required at this time. Facebook is not good about videos but I will post videos to the comments.

Please feel free to share, spread the word! Would love to see Riley flourish in a new life, she deserves it! We do love her very much! She’s been in our lives for a few years and it’s my duty to see she gets a forever home! Thanks for reading!

12/27/2022

Not a day goes by that I don’t think about him, Puppa woulda been 14. Happy Birthday Sarge! Miss his help, I miss his daily retrieve game, I miss his nudges, I miss his loyalty, and most of all I just miss him!

11/14/2022

“To have a well trained dog, you must also be a well trained owner.” ~someone smarter than I

10/08/2022

It is with great sadness that I received word this morning, one of our most beloved students and friend has passed away. Nero came to us many years ago. His family needed help taking care of him and it was our honor to do so. The most regal and fearless dog I’ve had the pleasure of working with. He may have been aloof and a tad selfish sometimes but he would lay down his life to protect his people. He was a lot of fun to hike and travel with. Rest easy Big! I will never forget him as he is the grand standard of what a Doberman can be! Love you Nero!

09/16/2022

Promo code Adam25 for 25% off your first order!

Buy Pana CBD and discover the natural benefits that works to improve your life. Buy One you Get One FREE on CBD OILs all month long.

08/11/2022

If you can’t make it to DAS, you may drop off items here with us and we will get them where they need to go.

Support Appreciated!

Looking for a place to rehome your new or gently used towels and blankets? Wondering what to do with your stack of newspapers?

We have once again depleted our supply, essential items we use on a daily basis. We would be so grateful to have your gently used or new towels and blankets, any size, as well as newspapers to help us care for the homeless animals of Collier County!

Collier County Domestic Animal Services
7610 Davis Blvd. Naples, FL 34104

We thank you so much for any and all support! ❤

03/28/2022

Will be covering my thoughts on medications soon, saw this come across and I know I have some clients out there that use this. Do your research and make the best decision for you and your pet, don’t just trust a veterinarians word.

FDA requires new warning on Apoquel label. See details at https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/drug-labels/animal-drug-safety-related-labeling-changes?fbclid=IwAR0pglOgqy_07mIVe-pfysmEquhtv0VP6GjugJYhqRS8Hokha1WqB018y1k

02/04/2022

***Rehoming Alert***

Luna is said to be between 5-10yr old Cattle Dog, think it’s closer to the 5. She came originally from a bad spot, where competition for food and resources were taught from a young age. At this point she is not trustworthy with other dogs and I would advise against unless there’s a desire to incorporate her into your pack. It’s possible, just would take some patience and hard work. She is good with cats and kids from what has been seen. She has not come through our training program but I’d be open to discussing it with the new owner. I’ve met her and she’s as sweet as they come. Current owner just doesn’t have to time to invest in her education. She’s 100% cow dog and certainly needs some help learning what her role is and a job to do. Which can be as easy as your partner. If interested please pm me to discuss.

(Message from current owner) Luna is a sweetheart with lots of love to give. She takes a little while to open up but once she does she will want to be in your lap to cuddle often. She really needs to be in a single dog home since she demands so much attention. She also has a ton of energy for both work and play. This sweet girl is up to date on all of her shots and she is spayed.

12/25/2021

Christmas photos! Some had fun, some were not pleased about the wardrobe. Merry Christmas!

12/25/2021

Merry Christmas everyone near and far! Enjoy your day!

Side topic: we live in an area where fireworks get shot off for even the slightest of events. Christmas Eve they were going off. As I woke today and checked the Facebook they’re are a lot of people angry about this. We have 14 dogs here with us this holiday season. Would you like to guess how many had problems last night with these fireworks? None. They all went out to the bathroom, and that’s it. I couldn’t imagine having to worry about a noise, that must be very stressful on the dog and human. I have no magic wand, but I do understand dogs very well. Some people think these problems can’t be solved or corrected. They can continue to think that all they wish, but I know differently.

You’re dogs don’t have to be afraid of anything! It makes me sad when I see a dog had a bad night because of a little noise, because I know it can be different. Anyway, just wanted to share with you that life doesn’t have to be that way.

Again Merry Christmas and my wish for all of you is peace and happiness in your lives and your dogs.

12/10/2021

We’ve had a few spots open up for January Boarding School. If interested please feel free to shoot me a text or email and we can get that set up. We are also now doing consultations for February. Have a wonderful rest of your year and of course a Merry Christmas!

10/05/2021

Thanks Mendota for allowing us the opportunity to be one of your highlights. The dogs and I really enjoyed it! Their leashes are the only ones we use, if you would like one let me know or visit www.Mendotapet.com

08/12/2021

Someone let me have a very smart little Aussie Doodle. This is Ringo and he’s about 5 months old. He has a decent grasp of the basic words so we’ve started to combine them. For such a young guy he’s showing me great things! He’s only been here 4-5 days. Nice job to his family for getting things started and I hope their as excited as I am for the future graduate!

06/30/2021

4th of July is a tough time for some dog owners. It doesn’t have to be though. It’s something you should be working on desensitizing well before the date but there are some things you can DO and NOT do to make your evening go a little better.

1. Quiet dark place for their appropriate crate, cover with blanket completely if needed.
2. Play music or background tones to help ease the sounds.
3. Can use vet meds but I’d rather go a little more natural. CBd and or melatonin have shown amazing results over the years. Also thunder jackets can sometimes help?
4. If you’re like me, you will be outside helping dogs focus on tasks and not the noise. This is how I desensitize and I am successful. We work our obedience while the fireworks are going off. I’m very careful and know what I’m doing so I don’t recommend you do this if it’s not something you’re comfortable with. I would say come by and let’s talk about this because we can get dogs over this. Easier than most would think.
5. Very important here…DO NOT under any circumstances hold your dog or console your dog during a fearful moment. This is only reenforcing the fear. Dogs are not children and we can not rationally explain why they shouldn’t fear fire works or loud noises. Dogs learn through yes and no moments and petting a shaking dog is rewarding the fear.
* Police dogs go through training to work through loud noises, many are selected at an early age as to not show fear of objects or sounds in general but you don’t see police dogs afraid of fireworks, they are trained not to be.
* Anything is possible in the dog world and you can erase fears. You just have to work on it. One step at a time. Be consistent!
6. I wouldn’t be taking them out to any parties or fireworks displays. You could but you need a strong communication and they need your 100% focus in that moment. There’s no watching fireworks on my end when we are out there. The dogs have my focus because that’s what they need. So it’s probably best they stay home and you with them just in case, unless you’re working on desensitizing and I’d still do that not around a ton of people/other distractions. Best to do one on one.

***Karma spins when she hears loud noises, she’s not afraid. She’s actually the opposite, excited. So when she comes out this weekend anytime we hear a loud noise we will focus on sitting, and placing, and heeling, as well as many other commands and tasks. All while the booms go off. It won’t be easy for her. However when we come out the other side, not only will she trust me a little more but should look to me more so the next time she hears a loud noise instead of spinning, my goal is that she sits instead. It can very much be a bonding moment. Sarge and I did the very same thing, and it was amazing not having to worry about him and noise.

Most importantly do your best always, owning a dog is not easy. When there’s fears and trust issues, it’s even more difficult. Dogs can be molded and changed, we just have to find what way they learn best and put it into action. Consistency, Control, and Communication are much appreciated by your dog. Any questions on this, feel free to reach out. Some people don’t think things can be changed, I assure you they can. You just have to want it!

06/27/2021

We said see ya later to our helper today. Ruth E Behre has been with us for the past year helping us do so many things. Staffing is one of my least enjoyable parts of owning a business and i know all to well that this industry tends to be a revolving door of people and dogs, but she helped us so much it’s going to be impossible to replace her level of dedication and care that she put in to every single day here. It’s hard finding good people and when you get one you want to hold on to them as long as you can. Life and adventure we’re calling her and we sadly came to terms with her leaving us.

From dog walks to cleaning and just about anything that needed done. She was always in a good mood even when she wasn’t having a good day. She was a joy to have around the dogs and certainly someone we didn’t want to see go. The dogs loved her very much and will miss the strolls and pets. You’re one of a kind Miss Ruthie and we will always be thankful to you for coming into our lives at a difficult time. You may not be aware but you saved us and while I don’t think I can ever thank you enough for that, I’m indebted to you always. Congrats on your big move and all the exciting things waiting for you on the east coast. Melissa and I as well as all the animals wish you the absolute very best! Hugs!! Drive safe! Come see us anytime!

06/11/2021

A few months ago I was contacted by The Children’s Dream Fund. They were inquiring about getting a dog for a special boy named Ethan. We graciously accepted the job and this is Skylar a Siberian Husky. She’s 💯 Husky in mind, body, and spirit. She was a handful from the go and made some really great progress and graduated last month. She’s owned by a wonderful family and the smile on Ethan’s face each time he saw her made me so happy. Giving Skylar clarity on expectations and then giving her family the ability to speak to her was my main goal. Skylar’s doing well and hanging out a lot with dad right now, as Ethan is back in the hospital. Kids in the hospital way to much, he and his family could certainly use your thoughts and prayers to get through this difficult time and to get him back home to his girl! Feel better buddy, Hugs to you all!

06/11/2021

Kylo a hound mix, came to us a very confused boy. He needed to figure out he was a dog and what his expectations were. He did figure it out but as you can see, does things a little differently than others. 100% Goofball!

06/11/2021

This show stopper is Ellie an Australian Shepherd. She was a wonderful student that I can never forget. She has a lovely mix of willingness to work and a sassy personality. She was a lot of fun to work with. Knowing her I’m sure she’s going to have a really good time, always! Miss ya kid!