down4paws

06/26/2025

Dogs thrive when they know what’s okay and what’s not.
Inconsistent rules confuse them. Clear ones calm them.

A boundary can sound like:
✨ “We don’t bark at the window.”
✨ “We rest on our mat when guests arrive.”
✨ “We walk together, not dragging each other.”

Want to learn how to actually stick to these — even with chaos, kids, or distractions?

🎉 Join us this Sunday for the Free Loose Leash Walking Workshop

📅 June 29 | 🕛 12 PM EST | 💻 Live on Zoom
📲 DM me “WALK” or comment below, only 2 spots left!

06/24/2025

Still Struggling with Pulling on Leash?

Leash pulling isn’t just frustrating...it’s exhausting.
If you dread walks or your dog zones out the moment you clip the leash, this is for you.

🎉 I’m hosting a Free Online Workshop this Sunday:

Stop the Pulling: Loose Leash Walking Made Simple
📅 Sunday, June 29th, 2025
⏰ 12 PM EST
💻 Live on Zoom

You’ll learn:
✅ Why your dog pulls (even if they “know” what to do)
✅ How to reset leash communication
✅ The easiest way to start fresh, no yelling, no yanking

🎁 BONUS: You’ll get early access to the in person class on July 13 to turn the workshop into real world results.

🚨 Only 3 spots left DM me “WALK” or drop sign up!👇🏾
https://down4paws.com/loose-leash-walking-online-workshop/

06/23/2025

Just a friendly reminder...👇🏾

06/19/2025

Today is Juneteenth

For some, it is just another day on the calendar.
For me, it is about liberation in layers.

As a Black woman, a mom, and a dog trainer. I see freedom not just in laws but in how we live at home. How we treat each other, our dogs, how we listen, connect, and grow.

Here is the heart of it ❤️
On June 19, 1865, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed
Enslaved Black Americans in Texas were finally told they were free.

That date became a powerful symbol of delayed liberation
And eventually a holiday called Juneteenth

Juneteenth got its name because enslaved people in Texas often said June Nineteenth in our own way.

It was not because we could not say it. It was how we spoke.
It was our vernacular.

Our rhythm. Our voice. It was cultural.
It was real...And it stuck.

It spread. And now today stands as a symbol of freedom delayed but never denied.

That matters to me, because I know what it feels like to be overlooked, underestimated, and still rise. I know our dogs, especially the misunderstood ones, feel that too.

So the way I train is the way I live. I strive to teach calm over control, communication over commands , connection over correction. That is what freedom looks like at home.

Drop a paw 🐾 in comments, if you feel this or learned something new!



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06/17/2025

You don’t need to be a professional trainer to start creating a well behaved dog. In fact… you probably already are.

Think about it:

🤔You wake up and feed them around the same time every day.
🤔You take the same walk before or after work.
🤔 You wind down the same way at night.

👉🏾That’s training.
Your dog learns from repetition.
Every routine you keep teaches them what to expect and dogs feel safest when life is predictable.

This week, try picking one thing you’ll do at the same time every day:

⏰ Potty breaks
⏰ Meal times
⏰ Short training games or play
⏰ Morning cuddle sessions (yes, those count too)

💬 Tell me what you'll stick to this week..let's build calm, connected routines together.

06/15/2025

Happy Father’s Day to the dog dads holding it down 💙

You're the one tossing the ball, sneaking snacks under the table, or waking up early for the 6AM potty run.
But more than that, you're the steady energy your dog depends on.

Dogs feel everything.
Your energy. Your stress. Your calm.
And when you’re consistent, they’re calmer too.

💡 If your dog listens better to you than anyone else, it’s not favoritism, it’s feedback.
They trust what’s familiar. They trust what’s solid.

Today we’re giving a shout out to the dog dads who may not always ask for credit, but who SHOW UP every day with love, leadership, and patience.

You're the reason routines stick.
You're the calm in the chaos.
You’re holding it down, and we see you.

👇 Tag a dog dad who deserves some love today.
Let him know his consistency matters more than he thinks.

06/14/2025

06/11/2025

It’s 7AM, you haven’t had coffee yet,
and your dog’s already in full zoomie mode. 😅☕
Relatable? Because SAME.

If your mornings look like this too, drop a 🐶 in the comments.

Let’s survive Wednesday together, dog mama. 💜

06/11/2025

If your dog charges the door the second it opens, you’re not alone.

It’s one of the most common (and frustrating) behaviors I see. But more than that, it’s a safety issue.

Here’s how to stop it before it starts:👇🏾

1️⃣Use a Baby Gate or X-Pen:
Create a “pause zone” so your dog isn’t practicing door dashing all day.

💡Management matters. This helps you set the tone before training even begins.

2️⃣Teach a Threshold “Wait”:
Say “wait,” crack the door, and if they try to bolt, close it.

💡Repeat calmly, reward hesitation, and only release with “okay.” Practice makes pause.

3️⃣ Add Real-Life Distractions:

💡Have someone knock or ring the bell while you practice.
Start slow, reward focus, and don’t wait for chaos to train calm.

I’ve helped so many local families in Norwood and surrounding towns turn door chaos into calm routines. These 3 steps are your starting point. Was this helpful! 👇🏾

Save and share with a dog parent!👋🏾

05/26/2025

If your dog is extra wild today......👇🏾
you’re not alone.
More noise, more guests, more energy = more zoomies.

Here’s 3 quick things that help:👇🏾
• Set up a quiet decompression zone
• Save their best chew for when guests arrive
• Breathe. You’re doing great.

And today, we also pause to honor our heroes.
If you have a loved one who served,
drop their name or initials in the comments so we can all honor them too.🫡🎖

We see you. We thank them.
Let’s survive today together with gratitude and grace.🇺🇸

05/24/2025