Cooperation Canine Positive Behavior Change for Dogs and Their People

08/22/2024

We were worried Gravy wasn’t going to love Lemon, but as it turns out, he makes the perfect big body pillow. 🍋

08/15/2024

We want to take some time over our next few posts to honor Basil and all that she brought to those who were lucky enough to have met her.

To know Basil was to love Basil. She had a way about her where she would make you feel so special. She loved with all of her heart. She was the cuddliest, sweetest, most loving nugget who was a fan of her stuffy fwends and an even bigger fan of her brother and sister.

Seriously, this girl was the definition of unconditional love. She taught us so much. We should all take a lesson out of Basil’s book. The world is a little less brighter without you in it, Basie.

07/27/2024

It is with the deepest sadness and heart sick pain that I’m writing to all who may not have heard.

On Wednesday, June 24th, Basil died. She was in surgery for a tooth extraction. They found something in her jaw that was unidentified. She also had a full course of antibiotics before the surgery and her bloodwork was absolutely normal.

During the procedure, her heart just stopped. They did everything they could - administered meds, did CPR - and they could not revive her. Based on all of the above, they think a blood clot was the cause.

For everyone seeing this who knew Basil and I, I don’t have to say anything more about what this is like. Anyone who met Basil, even once, knew what a tremendous soul she was. Wonderfully intelligent, optimistic about life, and an energy that filled her house with so much light, laughter, and amusement.

She and I were deeply connected on a level that I have never experienced before and may not again. I could fill this post with all the Basil-isms, her habits, and behaviors and it still would not do her justice.

I loved her more than anything and in a way that was unique. We moved through this world as one. No matter how down I was she picked me right back up with a few wags of her little nubbin. She looked deeply into my eyes and touched my soul every single day.

I miss her so desperately and I know that living with her and losing her way too soon has changed me. Right now, I am walking around just trying to get through the day. Just trying to integrate this loss and somehow manage the unthinkable - Basil is gone and I will never do the things that we did together ever again.

Right now, I am broken into too many pieces to count.

Basil - January 26, 2017 - June 24, 2024
Squeak that toy, wiggle that bum, run like the wind.

07/27/2024

It is with the deepest sadness and heart-sick pain that I’m writing to all who may not have heard.

On Wednesday, June 24th, Basil died. She was in surgery for a tooth extraction. They found something in her jaw that was unidentified. She also had a full course of antibiotics before the surgery and her bloodwork was absolutely normal.

During the procedure, her heart just stopped. They did everything they could - administered meds, did CPR - and they could not revive her. Based on all of the above, they think a blood clot was the cause.

For everyone seeing this who knew Basil and I, I don’t have to say anything more about what this is like. Anyone who met Basil, even once, knew what a tremendous soul she was. Wonderfully intelligent, optimistic about life, and an energy that filled her house with so much light, laughter, and amusement.

She and I were deeply connected on a level that I have never experienced before and may not again. I could fill this post with all the Basil-isms, her habits, and behaviors and it still would not do her justice.

I loved her more than anything and in a way that was unique. We moved through this world as one. No matter how down I was she picked me right back up with a few wags of her little nubbin. She looked deeply into my eyes and touched my soul every single day.

I miss her so desperately and I know that living with her and losing her way too soon has changed me. Right now, I am walking around just trying to get through the day. Just trying to integrate this loss and somehow manage the unthinkable - Basil is gone and I will never do the things that we did together ever again.

Right now, I am broken into too many pieces to count.

Basil - January 26, 2017 - June 24, 2024
Squeak that toy, wiggle that bum, run like the wind.

07/24/2024

We have TWO events with adoptable dogs on the docket this week!

Join us Thursday, July 25th from 6pm to 8pm at Wakefield RiverFire🔥 in downtown Wakefield, RI! We will have an adoptable dog or two and some awesome volunteers set up along the Saugatucket River.

And then on Sunday, July 28th, SOS retail is hosting an Ice Cream Social 🍦 from 1pm to 3pm and plan on having as many local adoptable dogs as we can get. We are expecting new arrivals this weekend (puppies!!) and are hoping to have at least a few there if you’re in need of a puppy fix.

To see who is available for adoption and to learn more, visit https://sosarl.org/available-dogs/.

07/23/2024

No! This is one of the most inefficient cues for your pup.

Simply saying “no” provides your dog with no information on what they did wrong and how they can improve. Repeated use without giving an alternate behavior can lead to frustration and your dog tuning you out completely.🐾🙉

Instead, guide them through what you want them to do with clear cues and positive reinforcement. It’s more effective and is easier for everyone!

07/22/2024

Meet Charlie Schnauz! Charlie is a pup available for adoption from Save One Soul Animal Rescue League who’s taking advantage of our Great Big Behavior Giveaway!

: We’ve partnered with UnShelter Me to give 50 shelter/rescue or foster dogs FREE behavioral support with a 90-minute 1:1 session.

Interested in grabbing a voucher for a shelter or rescue dog? Email [email protected] to get started!

07/18/2024

Training challenges are a great example that not all stress in dogs is bad stress. They can actually lead to positive learning moments! ✨

Breaking challenges up into simple steps can help your dog solve them and build resilience, but beware of too many difficult steps since your pup’s stress levels can rise from not being able to solve the problem and earn a reinforcer resulting in whining, barking, or even walking away.

Physical signs that may indicate your dog is reaching difficult-to-manage stress are:
🐾 Licking lips
🐾 Panting
🐾 Brows furrowed, ears to the side
🐾 Acting sleepy or yawning
🐾 Suddenly won’t eat

Keep a look out for any signs and gradually increasing the difficulty of training to keep stress levels in a healthy range!🐕🩵
For more notes on stress, check out our blog: https://www.cooperationcanine.com/single-post/some-notes-on-stress

07/17/2024

Bringing home a new furry friend?
Our transition support counseling is here to help! From prep sessions before you get your pup to post adoption visits, we want to ensure a smooth transition for everyone.🏡🐶

Seeking professional guidance can help provide your rescue dog with what they need to succeed. Let's build your relationship together✅🤝

For more information on adoption transition support, checkout: https://www.cooperationcanine.com/adoption-transition-support

07/15/2024

Join us NEXT Saturday, July 20th from 12pm to 2pm at PetSmart located at 1275 Bald Hill Road for our next adoption event.

We have great local dogs, including this handsome boy Quil, who can’t wait to meet their forever families!

To see who is currently available for adoption, visit the link in our bio. And want to get the process started? Submit your SOS application TODAY - link in bio with more info.

07/12/2024

Who says fetch is only for dogs?! 🐱

07/09/2024

Did you know that not all stress is bad stress? It can also play a role in your dog’s learning. 🧠📈
�When facing a problem, dogs learn by receiving feedback from the choices they make. If the problem is solved, the positive outcome will allow the dog to adapt.

Lets look at an example:
Imagine your pup is relaxing in the sun but it’s starting to get hot. They’ll begin to pant which helps to lower body temperature back to a normal level. The stress was resolved, and now your dog has learned for the future.

If the dog gets hot again and panting isn’t enough, the increased stress will lead them to get water or find a shady spot.

But what if there is no water or shade? The stress can become too much, putting your dog’s health at risk.

While stress can help dogs learn, it’s important that we ensure it stays within a healthy range.🐾💜
Learn more in our blog: https://www.cooperationcanine.com/single-post/some-notes-on-stress

07/08/2024

We were so excited to host a pawrade this weekend with and for and Double Birthday Bash! It was a great time full of alllll the sniffs. 🐾🎉

                 

07/02/2024

🐶💜

07/01/2024

06/27/2024

When life gives you FREE behavior support, grab it! 🤩

We’re partnering with for the GREAT BIG BEHAVIOR GIVEAWAY, which means FIFTY shelter/rescue or foster dogs will receive FREE 90-minute behavior support sessions. Perfect for behavior training, training tips, and expert coaching.🐶🐾

All we ask is for you to pick a dog the work will be attached to and redeem your voucher within 12 months of the issue date.

*10-voucher limit per shelter or rescue

Reach out to [email protected] to grab yours! 🎟️😆

06/26/2024

The puppy stage may be full of precious moments, but don’t let this seemingly easy time distract you from training your puppy during the most important developmental stage in their life.

How we can help:

Puppy Primer: A single 1.5 hour educational session that covers milestones, socialization, bite inhibition, fear management, and training tips.📚

Kit and Kaboodle: Whether you’re a first time puppy parent or just need a refresher, this package includes a puppy primer along with 3-follow up sessions for training and behavior work.🎓

Puppy Pack (under 5 months): In-home training tailored to adapt class skills and work on specific behaviors in your home environment. 🏡🐕

Puppies can start socialization as early as 7-8 weeks as long as they are date on vaccines and deworming, so start early for the best results.

The puppy stage is nothing short of adorable, but don’t let the cuteness lull you into a false sense of security. Together we can set your puppy up for success!👏✅

Click the link to learn more: https://www.cooperationcanine.com/puppies-socialization

puppysocialization

06/25/2024

🐾🧡

06/24/2024

Did you know!? Some behaviors are influenced by factors long before you meet your puppy like maternal care and neonatal experiences. These factors can significantly impact your puppy’s behavior later in life and some emotional impacts may not even show up until adolescence.

Check out our Cooperative Care services for adolescent and adult dogs: https://www.cooperationcanine.com/cooperative-care

06/21/2024

Winnie is working on learning that going potty outside - and not on Mom’s rugs - is what’s going to get her the best treats. She’s not entirely convinced yet, but we’ll get there!

                 

06/20/2024

What’s better than behavior support? FREE behavior support!🤩

Thanks to and the GREAT BIG BEHAVIOR GIVEAWAY, we are excited to offer FREE 90-minute behavior support sessions to FIFTY dogs!

Whether you’re interested in an adoptability assessment, behavior training, or expert coaching, make sure to pick a dog the work will be attached to and redeem your voucher within 12 months of the issue date.

*10-voucher limit per shelter or rescue

Reach out to [email protected] to grab yours! ✨🎟️✨

06/19/2024

🧡🩵💜

06/18/2024

Stress is not just for humans! 🐶🐾

In dogs, stress is a demand resulting from a change in the environment requiring a dog to respond.

But did you know that not all stress is bad stress? Here’s some types of stress your furry friend could experience👇

1. Eustress - The good kind! Whether it’s a new toy or fun game, good stress will help your dog solve the problem, experience a positive outcome, regulate their emotional states with success🎾💪

2. Tolerable Stress - More emotional and physical resources are needed. When meeting a new person, if your puppy is a little unsure but can approach at a pace they are comfortable with and make contact when ready, they will learn that their behavior can impact their environment. That postive outcome will help them successfully return to their emotional and physical baseline. If they can’t, they become distressed🆘

3. Distress (Toxic Stress) - The bad stuff. This is stress that your dog cannot resolve when facing a physically or emotionally threatening situation. It’s important to avoid this kind of stress to ensure they stay happy and healthy🚫😬

Stress is all around us, so it’s important to know the difference to help your dog navigate their emotions. Head to our blog to learn more: https://www.cooperationcanine.com/single-post/some-notes-on-stress

06/12/2024

We are just a few days away from Super Dog Adoption Day so let’s get you in tip top shape to adopt!

If you’re wondering what you should bring with you so you’re in the best shape to be screened by our rescues and adopt, you’ll want to click the link below to head over our FAQ page where it goes into detail about what youll need.

Click here ➡️ https://www.alwaysadopt.com/faq

This page goes over:

-Vet history for current or previously owned pets
-Documents needed based on living situation(rentals, condos, etc.)
-Personal references
-Bringing your current dog(s) with you and what to expect.

All of these are important to read up on so head over to that link and take a look!

See you SATURDAY!🐶

06/11/2024

Imagine if you could receive FREE behavior support?! Thanks to , it’s possible with the GREAT BIG BEHAVIOR GIVEAWAY!🥳

We’re so excited to offer shelters, rescues, fosters, and volunteers free behavior support for up to FIFTY dogs, each good for a 90-minute session to cover adoptability assessment, behavior training, or some expert coaching!

All we ask is that the work be attached to a specific dog and each voucher is redeemed within 12 months of the issue date. Oh, and please note there will be a 10-voucher limit per shelter or rescue.

Reach out to [email protected] to grab yours! 🎟️

06/09/2024

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to our amazing leader, Erika!

You’re an incredible dog mom, wife, daughter, sister, friend, behavioralist, (the list goes on).

Your team couldn’t be prouder of all of your accomplishments and cannot wait to see what this year has in store for you! We hope your day is full of CrossFit, vegan treats, and allllll the love from Basil, Butter, Gravy, and Eduardo! 🥳🎉🎂

06/07/2024

When it’s Friday and you’re so tired you can’t even make it to bed. 😴

                 

06/06/2024

Just want to take a moment to say CONGRATS to two of our incredible team members who have made some pretty big accomplishments recently!

🥳 Sam, our Life Skills & Manners Coach and Behavior Apprentice is now our Life Skills & Manners Coach and Behavior CONSULTANT with her new recognition as a Certified Behavioral Consultant Canine-Knowledge Assessed (CBCC-KA). She also is celebrating her 3rd year as a Certified Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA)!

🥳 , our Training and Behavior Apprentice is also celebrating her recent accomplishment of being recognized as a CPDT-KA as well!

We are the luckiest to have these two on the team, and if you and your pup are lucky enough to work with them, just know they are in the best hands!!

Congrats, Jocelyn and Sam!! 🎉🐾

                 

06/04/2024

A big THANK YOU to everyone who came to my presentation about adolescence with . It was a great night learning all about our growing furry friends. 🩵🐾