In Good Faith Dog Training

Getting creative with to build confidence, challenge mentally, and build trust on this chilly evening. I came home later than expected for work and didn't want to face the wind, so I brought the bottle deposit bucket over to play a game. Oscar still needs to work on his confidence using plastic bottles and a few cans for noise, a landry basket for confined space, and part of Oscars dinner. First, I created an association the laundry basket. Then I added the bottles and dropped the food in the basket. Then we moved to asking for him to put paws in. Within an hour he was hopping right in! Way to go Oscar Mayer

Poseodon update: This big guy got adopted to a lovely Rottie-loving couple this weekend. I wasn't posting/looking because I was smitten. I don't have a place to call home yet, so I resolved to be open to the best fit for him. Other applications came through, but they weren't the fit. Then last weekend, an awesome couple with another dog, a big fenced backyard, and a big Sy shaped hole in their heart came up. I knew it. I cried over it, but I knew it. This was his family. They weren't in NJ, but rather midway between my parents(where he stayed) and the shelter in DE. They were the ones. It was meant to be. I'm happy for Poseidon. He truly deserves the best, and his new owner derserves the love of a great dog like Sy. I did what's best for him. 🖤 I never thought my heart could be ready, but Poseidon "Sy" helped open me to the idea that loving a dog could happen again. I got my life a little more in order with him. He got me back outside. He helped me put my phone down and be present. He was smart, funny, and so loving. Thanks to South Jersey Regional Animal Shelter for putting out a call for him. I will miss his soft stare, stoic energy, and the way he let me hug his belly. I may miss him too for the rest of my life and never regret having him. Ps - While Poseidon came with his name, we defaulted to Sy for ease. I don't name dogs after things. The names happen, and then I'm curious what they mean. The name Sy has some.Hebrew origins. "the one who hears everything" - Perfect for his stoic nature 🖤

South Jersey Regional Animal Shelter adoptable Poseidon

Adoptable Durk is a long time resident at South Jersey Regional Animal Shelter. I spent some time with him last month working on understanding leash manners, offering attention, and keeping all fours on the floor. He was surprisingly polite for a big guy. He's a staff and volunteer favorite. Described as "A LOVER! He is a big boi but very aware of his size & gentle as can be." You catch a glimpse of that in the video as he comes up for affection. He is a quick learner, knows how to sit, and will walk nicely with you. He's been pretty great about the little people petting him. Good with other dogs. Durk could really use a place. Reach out to adopt or foster 💙 https://www.petfinder.com/dog/durk-70158037/nj/vineland/south-jersey-regional-animal-shelter-nj44/

Spent a little time at South Jersey Regional Animal Shelter last weekend. This little cutie is Pirate Pete. Pete is a pint-sized ball of fun. Being in the shelter, it's hard to get good leash manners, so we worked on getting him to offer me his attention. I reward him for simply giving me his attention, even if for a second. Because he quickly got that, I started waiting for him to offer a sit and his attention. With that, I was able to start luring him to walk on my side and finally take a few steps together. Pete was very quick to pick it up and was happy to engage in whatever game I'd play with him. Pirate Pete would be a great dog to help get you outside and exploring.

Snooty has been a pleasure to host over the holiday. As my time with him runs down, I want to remind all that he is available through South Jersey Regional Animal Shelter. He will be back in Vineland and ready for adoption on 11/27. Very quickly, Snooty learned potty training, house rules, calming down when getting over aroused, crate training, and staying calm in the company of other dogs. He has be remarkable with my family's 7lb female dog. He's very gentle and calm around her. While we are taking it incredibly slow(no play yet & no food/toys), they have lived in harmony the past 4 days. He does not watch her or stare everytime she moves(which she does plenty). Given his response outside to the neighborhood cats, I wouldn't place him with cats. But I cnever know that. He is not food motivated, but would likely try to walk on water for some praise and affection. Once he's bonding with you, he listens incredibly well. He's really sensitive to "punishment". He likes to learn what you want, but would do best with given structure and direction. Follow through is how you build trust with Snooty. Always do what you say you'll do. On-leash he can pull, but he's been adapting to the rules on leash. Much of my work is founded on rewarding him for offering attention. That makes the person on the end of the leash a bit more valuable. Likes: Cuddles Hot dogs Being told he's a good boy Fluffy beds Dislikes: Vegetables Being left out Cold floors He's been described as "a gentle giant who loves affection" "really good listener who is incredibly loyal" "loves to be loved on" Please consider Snooty for foster or adoption.

A nice slow morning following a busy afternoon. Snooty and I worked on rewarding his attention, walking on leash, developing a division of attention, and his personal favorite, learning to use his nose rather than his eyes. We took it really slow, but so far, he is really eager to figure out what is expected of him. He is a really soft dog, so a good owner for him would provide a lot of structure upfront...meaning- take the guessing out of it for him and just show him what you want. His tolerance for frustration is limited (likely product of shelter environment and lots of change). That shows up as over arousal when he is confused - jumping, zooming, and head butts. So take it slow and in short spurts to keep it fun. When he messes it up, don't be upset. He just needs a calm reminder or guidance with the leash. When he gets it, affection is his favorite reward. I have the luxury of time right now. If I had work/school in the morning, I'd definitely be using his meal time to help with this, but that would make it harder to see what he needs.

Titan 🧡

It's been hard to write the words, so it's taken a little while. Titan is gone 💔 After 8 years, 10 months, and 14 days, 6 houses, 4 states of laughter, love, and joy, Titan has left my world. I have lost, my best friend, my home, my heart, my partner, and my center. I am sad, scared, angry, and struggling with regrets. He was the most remarkable part of my life, and I am thankful to have shared that with any of you. I need space, patience, and time. As one friend stated...this is the cost of the love of a good dog I know he touched many lives other than mine. I appreciate your sympathy, but instead of flowers or cards, please donate to South Jersey Regional Animal Shelter. They need your help. One day, I'll want to find another love of a dog, and I want to find another meathead in need of a place to stay. SJRAS and Jess helped Titan be his best foster brother self when we could. Let's help them in his memory.

Presley takes NOLA

We made it NOLA, for a quick, overnight trip. I had a wonderful time exploring the french quarter (after a quick inspection it was no place for nervous Nelly), watching the sixers game in a locals bar, finding a sweet local band jammin, sitting on the steps watching the Mississippi, and making friends. Book NOLA helped make Presley's trip GREAT with their awesome Dog Yard attached to our apartment!!! He let it rip this morning after our morning walk....Y'all wanna go to NOLA with a dog? I've got the perfect spot. It's got a yard!!! 👀👀👀

Temporary Foster: Odie

If you want your dog to trust you, you must first be trustworthy. Just like humans, trust is earned. It takes consistency, clarity, and patience. We must show up for them and have their back. We provide clear and consistent boundaries of our resources and space. We give the room to make errors and the opportunity to fix it. We do this while taking it really slow and steady. Little Odie doesn’t trust me. That’s ok. Well take it nice and slow. Clarify and reclarify. This time we work on unfixed boundaries. Thanks to the South Jersey Regional Animal Shelter team for finding a way to help this little guy and his mom while she recovers!

Update: Awww y’all. He’s not up for adoption. He’s a temporary foster. He’s just distrustful of me walking around him because I’m new. We are both learning. But love y’all for trying to help. New routine...adjusting to spatial pressure without getting defensive. Finally taking food 🙌🏼🙌🏼

Happy New Year to my IGF friends and family. ❤️ Looking back at 2020, I want to give the world's biggest "Thank You" to my clients who despite a global pandemic found ways to support Titan, me, and my business. I'm not entirely sure I'll ever be able to properly express my gratitude for the opportunity to continue my business. I thought this past spring that I might just fold this up. Pack it in and call it quits. I thought there were too many things I couldn't overcome. My amazing clients and friends kept asking how I was going to continue. Y'all challenged me to find new ways to do it when I thought I couldnt...as cheesy as that sounds (I know 🤦🏻‍♀️). Because of y'all, I found ways to continue walks and sessions at parks, zoom calls, backyards, masked meetings, and lots of pet sitting. Thank you to each and everyone of you for saving me from me. Thank you for finding something in me to challenge me to show up. I hope we all find some peace and much prosperity this year. I am dedicating myself to betteringy skills and honing in on play as a rehab for the many dogs I get to meet. I hope to see new faces along the way, but those that kept me going this year, I will forever be grateful for YOU.