Dogs ‘N Action - DNA

09/28/2025

Safe socialization is imperative

“For puppies, every second of their socialization window is like sand in an hourglass. The sooner we can get them into homes and safe experiences, the better.”
- Dr. Meghan Herron

At the Aggression in Dogs Conference, Dr. Meghan Herron reminded us that timing matters. The socialization period is short, and every experience counts. Positive, safe exposure during this window can set a foundation for resilience, while missed opportunities can leave dogs more vulnerable to fear and aggression later in life.

It is not about overwhelming puppies with everything at once. It is about thoughtful introductions to people, places, and environments that teach them the world is safe.

The hourglass is always running. What we do with that time can change the trajectory of a dog’s entire life.

09/27/2025

Because I will always care about dogs and dog behavior I will continue to share resources.

What does “arousal” have to do with aggressive behaviors in dogs? In some cases, arousal can be the catalyst for an intense, aggressive response, and can be directed at something a dog may not even be focused on. We may also see cases where a dog in a highly aroused state “spills over” into ...

09/27/2025

Remember when your dog is struggling it’s never out of spite or anger or dominance, it’s always about struggles your dog is having in the environment. Trigger stacking is true for dogs and humans. We’ve all had a really bad day. We awoke late, got in trouble for being late, the computer glitched and you lost your presentation due in 3 hours, you have to start again. The day finally ends and someone has dinged your brand new car. When you finally get home you yell at your spouse or sit down and cry, because you had a really crappy day. Your dog can also have really bad days. It may start with a stranger on a walk, then the doorbell, then a thunderstorm. Your dog can’t vocally yell at you or sit down and cry, but a number of behaviors may be equal to your yelling at your partner or having a good cry. All are stress relievers. To be the best for our dogs we should always listen without blame so the next time we can help before our dog has a meltdown.

“Cumulative pressure, when there are multiple sources stacking at once, can actually make things harder for the dog than the trigger itself.” - Bobbie Bhambree

In her presentation at the Aggression in Dogs Conference, Bobbie Bhambree reminded us that it is not always the obvious trigger that overwhelms a dog.

Sometimes it is the accumulation of little pressures, the noise, the movement, the environment, the expectations, all piling on until the dog simply cannot cope.

Recognizing pressure is just as important as recognizing triggers. When we account for the full load a dog is carrying, we can set them up to succeed, not fail.

09/27/2025

Chirag Patel is one of my favorites.

“Follow the data, not the story. That is how we avoid getting stuck in assumptions and start helping dogs more effectively.” Chirag Patel

At the Aggression in Dogs Conference, Chirag Patel challenged us to look beyond surface level interpretations of behavior. It is easy to create stories. A yawn means stress. A bark means fear. A lunge means aggression. But stories can trap us.
Data frees us. When we study the contingencies, the cues, the environment, and the consequences, we see the patterns that actually matter. We can build training plans that are precise, ethical, and effective.

The invitation is clear: less guessing, more observing. Less assumption, more analysis. Because when we follow the data, we make better choices for dogs and the people who love them.

09/26/2025

Never let a loud dog in a shelter deter you. You are very likely the most exciting thing they’ve seen all day.

“Some of your loudest dogs are going to be your helper dogs.” - Trish McMillan

In her talk at the Aggression in Dogs Conference, Trish McMillan challenged us to look beyond first impressions. The dogs who lunge and bark behind kennel doors are often not “problem dogs” at all. They are desperate for connection, for play, and for a chance to show who they really are.

Given the right opportunities, these same dogs can become the helpers, the teachers, and the bridges for others who are struggling.

It is a reminder that behavior is communication, and that every dog deserves to be seen for more than their noise.

07/01/2025

🐾 Free Microchips at Midland Animal Services! 🐾
📍 1200 N. Fairgrounds Rd, Midland, TX
📞 432-685-7420

Protect your pet and increase their chances of getting home safely—get them microchipped for free!

🕐 Hours for Microchipping:
✅ Monday, Tuesday, Thursday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
— Stop by and check in at the front desk.

✅ Wednesday:
— Microchipping is available, but the shelter is closed to the public.
— Please call 432-685-7420 when you arrive to let staff know you’re there for microchipping.

No appointment needed—just drop in!

07/01/2025

It’s a scary time of year. These are some great tips for noise phobic dogs.

06/30/2025

As the 4th of July approaches, Heres an idea, take some tape and write your name and phone number on there and put it around your pets collar. Every year so many dogs and cats are scared away from their homes by fireworks. This might be a good way to help locate them. Along with writing the number always remember to keep an identification tag on the collar as well!

06/24/2025

❤️❤️❤️

06/04/2025

Beautifully said!!

Sometimes we need to do what’s necessary to keep our dogs healthy or safe. But handling, training, connection to the lead should be done without exerting the power we have over an animal when we have the choice.

Just because something is smaller, weaker or thinks differently to us, doesn’t mean we should use that to our advantage. Because the more gentleness you can practice, the greatest power you really have.