Bob Minchella's dog owner counseling

03/24/2025

03/20/2025

😮

The chemicals used in standard flea treatments are polluting waterways and having a drastic effect on wildlife like killing songbird chicks🪺.

"Research at the University of Sussex has found that pesticides used in regular flea treatments are in 98% of English rivers, often at levels far higher than those deemed safe.

Some of this is from treated dogs swimming, but much goes down the drain from households, (eg from shampooing dogs, washing bedding, stroking and washing hands) and then enters rivers, according to Dave Goulson, professor of biology at Sussex, who co-authored the study and supervised the research.

Recent research also found that 100% of blue tit🐦 and great tit nests🪹 are contaminated with pesticides💦 from pet flea treatment, as the birds collect fur from dogs and cats to insulate their nests. The study, funded by the charity Songbird Survival, found that nestling mortality is associated with higher levels of the pesticides.

[...] If spot-on products are considered the only appropriate form of treatment, you should brush your pet indoors or in a sheltered area where you can gather the hair afterwards and dispose of it in a sealed bag.

'What we don’t want is the hair blowing away and birds collecting it up as nesting material. I think a lot of us have probably thought that was kind of quite a nice thing for birds to do but clearly it really isn’t if the hair is contaminated with chemicals,' said Millineaux.

It is also important to take care of packaging material, particularly from spot-on products. 'I’ve heard horror stories of people washing out the little containers, which obviously do contaminate water,' added Millineaux.

'What we want to be doing is not washing them out but disposing them of them in something like a seal bag and following any manufacturers guidelines.'

Washing is discouraged for several days after treatments, owing to the risk of product getting into waterways. " - Guardian

03/20/2025

03/20/2025

Absolute yes!

If your dog🐕🩼 is limping, moving more slowly, or having trouble getting up, you might assume it’s just arthritis. But what if the real issue is muscle-related—specifically tight fascia and trigger points that are causing your dog pain and limiting their movements?

Today on The Inside Scoop, Dr. Laurie McCauley, a Board-Certified Veterinarian specializing in Canine Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation, will join us to discuss how fascia (the connective tissue surrounding muscles and joints) can lead to stiffness and discomfort, restricting your dog's movement. She’ll also explain how trigger👉🏼 points (muscle knots) form from overuse or stress, contributing to joint pain, and offer tips on how you can help ease your pet’s discomfort at home.

We’ll be covering: ⚡️ How fascia and trigger points impact your dog’s mobility ⚡️ Why joint pain could be more than just arthritis ⚡️ Simple ways to improve movement with massage and exercises at home ⚡️ Supplements like Boswellia, Green Lipped Mussel, UC-II, and more to support mobility

Tune in today at 12 PM ET to learn how to help your dog feel more comfortable and move with ease. We hope to see you there!

Comment SCOOPERS and we’ll message you the link to join Inside Scoop, a Planet Paws monthly subscription group. Watch our weekly Live podcast post get access to over 5 years of content including: past live podcasts, interviews, ebook downloads, and ask your questions in our members-only Q&As!

03/20/2025

Yeeuup!

03/20/2025

The Comparison Trap: Why Your Dog's Progress Is Their Own

We've all been there.

You're at the park and see someone working with their dog - perfect heel, flawless recall, calm around distractions - while you're still celebrating that your reactive dog looked at another dog from really far away without barking today.

Or maybe you're scrolling through social media, watching training videos where dogs seem to master complex behaviors in minutes, while you've been working on a simple "sit stay" for weeks.

And suddenly, that little voice creeps in: "Why isn't my dog progressing like that? What am I doing wrong?"

Welcome to the comparison trap - and it's time to break free.

Here's the truth: Every dog's journey is fundamentally unique.

That "perfect" dog at the park?
You have no idea what their background is.
Maybe they've been training for years.
Maybe they were the calmest and most laid-back puppy from the litter.
Maybe they just came back from a recall training seminar or intensive workshop.
Maybe you're catching them on their best day ever, while you're working through a training challenge with your own dog.

And those social media videos?
They don't show the hours of practice, the failed attempts, or the specific circumstances that made that perfect take possible.

When we compare our dogs to others, we're rarely comparing equal situations.

Your dog comes with their own unique combination of genetics, early experiences, environment, and history. A Labrador from show lines raised in a perfect environment will react differently in new environments than a rescue mixed breed with an unknown past.
And that's okay! That's normal!

The problem is that comparison doesn't just make us feel bad - it actually undermines our training success.

When we focus on how our dogs "should" be progressing (based on other dogs), we miss the real progress happening right in front of us. We get frustrated faster. We lose patience. We might even give up on approaches that are actually working, just not at the speed we expected.

So how do we escape the comparison trap?

First, start tracking your dog's progress against their own past, not against other dogs. Take notes or videos of where you started versus where you are now.

Second, celebrate the micro-wins. Did your reactive dog look at a trigger and then back at you? That's huge! Did your anxious dog recover from a scare a little bit faster than last week? Amazing progress!

Third, remember that the timeline in dog training is measured in months and years, not days and weeks. Lasting behavioral change takes time.

Fourth, be selective about your social media consumption. If certain accounts make you feel inadequate about your training journey, it's okay to unfollow.

Finally, connect with trainers and communities that understand that each dog is an individual with their own unique path.

Your dog's journey doesn't need to look like anyone else's to be successful. The only fair comparison is to where your dog was last month.

Have you caught yourself in the comparison trap? What helped you shift your perspective?

Happy Training!

03/20/2025

YEEUUP!

5 Things You're NOT Failing At (Even If It Feels Like You Are)

Have you ever looked at your training journey with your dog and felt like you're just not measuring up? Like everyone else has it figured out, but you're somehow falling short?

I hear you. And today I want to tell you something important: You're doing so much better than
you think 💛
Let's talk about 5 things that might feel like failures but absolutely are not.

1️⃣ Using management tools is NOT a failure - it's smart training.

That muzzle on your reactive dog? That's not admitting defeat - that's being a responsible owner
who prioritizes safety.
Those baby gates keeping dogs separated? That's not giving up - that's preventing rehearsal of
unwanted behaviors while you work on a solution.
Those long-lines instead of off-leash time? That's not incompetence - that's understanding your
dog's current recall limitations.
Management isn't failure. It's the foundation that makes training possible.

2️⃣ Taking breaks from training doesn't mean you don't care.

Some days, you just don't have the energy for training sessions. Some weeks, life gets overwhelming, and dog training takes a backseat.
This doesn't make you uncommitted - it makes you human.
The best trainers know that consistency over time matters more than perfection in the moment.
A week off won't undo months of work, but burnout certainly might.

3️⃣ Having a dog who struggles doesn't mean you're a bad owner.

Your dog's reactivity, anxiety, or behavior challenges aren't a reflection of how much you care or how hard you're trying.
Dogs, like people, come with their own genetic tendencies, past experiences, and unique
personalities. Some dogs simply face bigger challenges than others - through no fault of their
owners.
The fact that you're seeking solutions already puts you miles ahead of many.

4️⃣ Feeling frustrated or overwhelmed doesn't diminish your efforts.

Ever lost your patience during a training session? Felt tears of frustration welling up during a particularly difficult walk? Wondered if you're even cut out for this?
Welcome to the club - a club that includes every dog trainer and dedicated owner I've ever met.
These feelings don't define your relationship with your dog. How you respond to these feelings
and continue showing up - that's what matters.

5️⃣ Needing help doesn't mean you've failed.

Reaching out to a trainer, joining an online course, or asking questions in forums isn't an admission of defeat - it's a sign of commitment.
The strongest dog owners I know are the ones who readily admit what they don't know and actively seek knowledge.
The struggling isn't the failing. Giving up would be failing - and you're here, still trying, still learning, still showing up for your dog.
And that, my friend, is the very definition of success!

So the next time you feel like you're not measuring up, remember: the fact that you care enough
to worry about failing is exactly why you're not failing at all.

What's something in your dog training journey that felt like failure at first but turned out to be progress
in disguise?

Happy Training!

03/10/2025

😂

portion

02/28/2025

😂

romantic

02/28/2025

"emergency" a collab with Furbo Pet Camera - Listen and talk to your pet even when you're away!

02/28/2025

😁

Your Dog's Reactivity Is Not a "Trust Issue"
I've been seeing something concerning lately - trainers telling owners that their dog's behavioral issues are simply because "the dog doesn't trust you enough."
This makes me frustrated. Not just because it's an oversimplification of "trust" as a solution, but because it's genuinely unfair to so many dedicated dog owners.
Let's talk about what "trust" between a dog and human actually means. In reality, it's more about predictability - can the dog anticipate how you'll respond in different situations? Does the dog have a history of safe, rewarding interactions with you? Are you consistent and kind in your approach?
Many of my students have built exactly this kind of relationship with their dogs. They've created secure, predictable environments. They provide enrichment, exercise, and positive training. They make sure their dogs' needs are met consistently. They spend quality time together every day. By any reasonable definition, their dogs "trust" them.
And yet - these same dogs might still lunge at other dogs on walks. Or pull on leash. Or struggle with recall.
Why? Because behavioral issues and relationship quality are two different things.
Telling someone their dog who doesn't yet have great skills "just doesn't trust them enough" is like telling parents their struggling student "just doesn't have a secure attachment." Those are completely separate issues! A child can have a wonderful relationship with their parents and still struggle with math.
I work with thousands of online students whose dogs are clearly bonded to them, clearly feel safe with them, and show all signs of "trust." .
But some of these same dogs still show intense reactive responses when they see another dog. Or still get overexcited and pull like a freight train when outside. Or still choose to chase squirrels rather than respond to recall.
I think part of why "trust" has become such a popular explanation is that it's conveniently vague. If I tell someone "your dog doesn't trust you," what exactly should they do with that information? It's impossible to measure or act on directly.
Compare that to specific training advice: "You should have three sub-threshold counter-conditioning sessions a week in carefully planned situations." That's something concrete an owner can implement and track progress on.
The reality is that specific issues need specific training approaches:
Reactivity needs systematic cc/ds protocols.
Leash pulling needs dedicated leash skills training.
Recall issues need structured practice with gradually increasing distractions.
These aren't solved by some mystical increase in "trust" - they're solved with targeted training for specific behaviors.
I see dog owners busting their butts every day to create beautiful, fulfilled lives for their dogs. These dogs are loved, cared for, and secure in their relationships - yet some still have specific behavioral challenges.
So if someone has told you that your dog's behavior problems are just because they "don't trust you enough" - and you've been working hard to be a good, consistent, caring owner - please know that's not fair to you or accurate about your dog.
Your dog can absolutely trust you AND still need specific training for specific behaviors.
Want to learn what ACTUALLY helps with reactivity? I'm hosting a FREE LIVE webinar next week on the specific techniques and training protocols that make a real difference (spoiler alert: it's not just "building more trust").
Comment "YES" below if you'd like to join, and I'll send you all the details.
Happy Training!

02/15/2025

Yeeuup.

A baby animal is a baby animal. They are still developing, figuring out their world and societal expectations.

They need to feel safe, being alone is scary, not knowing what’s happening from one moment to the next is scary.

We accept this in human children. We have a better understanding of what’s expected although we can never prepare. But do we go in with these expectations and anything that doesn’t meet them is a bonus.

With puppies we are surprised, feel like there’s something wrong and often question what is happening. If we all went in with the same idea that this is a life changing, challenging but very rewarding journey, we might see better choices when bringing home our pups.