Hart 4 Paws Dog Training

09/30/2025

.The 3 PM Explosion

Every weekday at 3:00, a quiet house turns into a carnival. Kids burst through the door, backpacks fly, voices rise, and your dog launches into orbit—tail-whipping, pogo-sticking, happy-howling chaos. Joy meets mayhem in one big whoosh.

Here’s the truth: this isn’t “bad behavior.” It’s pressure leaving the system. Your dog has been counting minutes since the morning goodbyes. After a summer of constant side-by-side living, September separations hit hard. That afternoon blast? It’s pure relief—“My people came back!”

The jumping, spinning, and bark-singing are your dog’s love made visible. When we see it as emotional overflow instead of defiance, our response softens—and training gets easier. In my September newsletter I wrote about how September can be a hard month for a lot of dogs. If you did not, you did not receive and read my September newsletter I am happy to send it to you. It does not mean that we just accept it, but you may need some tips on how to help. That is what I’m here for.

09/17/2025

My September newsletter is out. You should have received in your inbox. If you are on my email list. If not shoot me a message with your email.It has the upcoming classes. It also has help adjusting your dog to slower life style after a busy summer. /tahoedogs

08/22/2025

Dog’s brains are so interesting. What is your guess why out of a the pile of rocks we went by on our walk she needed to sniff this one. -brain

07/25/2025

Pictures from Wild Blue Dog Camp🐶🐾. Here are some of my favorites. ❤️ 51 days until the next camp.

07/20/2025

🍦🎉 Happy National Ice Cream Day! 🎉🍦
Honestly, I think this should be every day—but officially, this holiday was declared by President Ronald Reagan in 1984! He designated the third Sunday in July as National Ice Cream Day to celebrate the joy, tradition, and the 90% of Americans who happily indulge in this sweet treat. ❤️🇺🇸

Whether your favorite is chocolate, vanilla, cookie dough, or something wild like lavender honey 🍯🌸, today’s the day to scoop, swirl, and savor. 🍧

🍨 What flavor are you celebrating with today?

06/28/2025

Now is the time to prepare. Many times unfortunately fireworks start before the Big Boom Day! 🎆🐾 6 Tips to Help Your Dog Through the 4th of July 🎆🐾

Fireworks may be fun for us—but they can be scary for our dogs. Here’s how to help your pup feel safe and calm this Independence Day:
1️⃣ Plan ahead – Don’t wait until the booms start! Have a game plan for your dog’s comfort and safety.
2️⃣ Create a quiet space – A cozy room with soft music or a white noise machine can help muffle the fireworks. You may even consider taking them somewhere else to visit or spending the night away from home.
3️⃣ Get them used to sound – In the days leading up, play soft firework sounds and reward calm behavior.
4️⃣ Long walk before dark – Burn off that extra energy with a solid walk or play session before the noise begins.
5️⃣ Distraction, not drama – Offer a chew, food puzzle, or stuffed Kong. Stay calm and don’t make a fuss—it helps them know there’s nothing to worry about.

6️⃣ Consult a professional – If your dog really struggles, talk to your vet or a trainer about calming strategies or support.

You’ve got this! Let’s make this a safe, low-stress holiday for your pup. ❤️🤍💙🐾

06/25/2025

Good information to have.

🚨🐾 Exciting News for Pet Lovers in Washoe County! 🐾🚨
Animal Services, in partnership with Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District, is making it easier than ever to help lost pets get home.
We’re thrilled to announce that we are expanding access to public microchip scanning stations. In addition to our current scanning stations located inside Pet Station stores across Washoe County, and Options Veterinary Care, you can now find scanning stations at every TMFPD station! These self-serve scanning stations are designed to help reunite pets with their families quickly and safely, no shelter visit is needed.

How It Works:
🔍 Found a pet? Head to a public microchip scanning station.
📖 Follow the simple instructions to scan and look up the chip.
📞 If a chip is found, contact the registry to help reunite the pet with their family.
🌐 To learn more about our microchip scanning stations and to view a map of the locations please visit: www.washoecounty.gov/animal/Services%20and%20Resources/Microchip-stations.php
Let’s work together to bring lost pet’s home. 💖

06/24/2025

So, the other day on what was supposed to be a nice, quiet walk through our neighborhood…

I had just crossed the street with my two dogs when I looked ahead and saw a woman halfway down the block, holding a small dog in her arms and clearly distressed. A golden retriever was circling her, loose and excited.

Then I saw a Rottweiler come running up to join the fun.

At first, I thought the woman across the street calling them must be the owner — but no, just another passerby trying to help. Thankfully, the real owners were home… they just didn’t realize their dogs had gotten out.

I stopped right there. With both of my dogs, I knew better than to move any closer. I just watched, ready to step in if I had to, hoping things would de-escalate.

Luckily, no one was hurt.
It’s one of those moments that sticks with you.

I know many of you have been in that situation — or at the very least, worried about what you’d do if an off-leash dog came barreling your way. It’s unsettling, even when no one gets hurt.

Here are some of our favorite tools and tips to stay safe:

🍗 High-value dog treats

Not only to reinforce good behavior your dogs. Throwing treats away from you can distract the other dog.

☂️ The Magic Umbrella

A quick pop open can startle the oncoming dog, create space, and give you a barrier between their energy and yours.

🌼 Citronella Spray (like Spray Shield)

Great for interrupting pushy or overexcited dogs without causing lasting harm. It smells terrible to them — and that’s the point! You can use air horn or something similar but that is going to scare your dog also.

🔥 Pepper Spray (use with care!)

For truly threatening encounters. Only use if you feel your safety is at risk — and be aware of wind direction and local laws.

🧍‍♀️ Body Blocking + a Firm Voice

Step between your dog and the incoming one. Shorten your leash without pulling tight. A confident “NO” can sometimes stop a dog mid-run or even a “Sit”.

🚶‍♂️ Leave Calmly

Don’t run or panic. Walk away with purpose and regroup. Your dog takes their cue from you!

Getting your dog comfortable with the tools so they do not get scared and take off running which might encourage the other dog to chase.

We don’t carry these things because we expect the worst. We carry them so we can stay calm and confident, when the unexpected happens.

I would love to have you share any feedback or suggestions you may have.

Happy Walking!!🚶‍♀️🐕‍🦺

06/23/2025

ENJOY! Aussie puppy fun x 🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶I was going through some of my old videos. ❤️Little puppy sounds. These just make me so happy I could watch them all day long.🥰

06/20/2025

🌞🐾 Happy First Day of Summer!
We’re hitting the trails, chasing waves, and making a splash — because nothing says summer like salty kisses, muddy paws, and wagging tails or wiggling butts. My favorite time of the year. I am sure my dogs would agree.

Here’s to hikes, swims, paddle boarding, and camping with our favorite adventure buddies.
Let the dog days of summer begin! 🐶💦🌲🏖️

06/17/2025

On our walks, I always teach the dogs to stop and wait for safety. While a sit is ideal, I make exceptions for Kona due to his knee surgery. I've seen the dangers firsthand - a dog I know was hit while stepping off the curb. What rules do you have when walking your dog?

05/26/2025

Sterling, Nicki and I did a walk for Memorial Day in Remembrance of my brother’s teammates who were killed on August 6, 2011. I also had a chance to visit their graves in Arlington in December. If you have not had a chance to check out the Veterans Memorial at Sparks Marina check it out! They did an awesome job! ♥️🤍💙🇺🇸