Meadow & Mates Dog Training

08/23/2024

Great post by my colleague, Jacqueline ❤️ 🐾

Let's start to normalize researching trainers and training methods. Two red flags to look for are trainers that aren't transparent about their methods and also guarantee you results within a certain amount of time. Nope. RUN in the other direction to your nearest R+ trainer. Your dog's well being depends on it ❤️🐾

💻Let’s talk about the information on the internet…

It’s a mixed bag. In a world of algorithms, sponsored websites, ads, popularity…it’s really easy to land on a page of information that simply has enough funding to take the lead.

When it comes to dog behavior this can literally be dangerous. There’s SO much information, most of it contradicting, and unfortunately combined with zero regulation of who is facilitating training (or authoring websites & videos)…much is left to “winging it”.

🧠Here’s my advice:

✅ If you have worked with a credentialed trainer in the past…even if it has been awhile…please please please reach out to them with your question before visiting Google. I can promise we would rather give you solid, science-backed answers than to hear you’ve been operating under “joe shmoe’s” silly advice for 6 months and making things worse…

✅ If you are seeking help, check the persons experience and credentials. They should at minimum have attended a class, course, or conference within the last YEAR. Those who have “been training for 20+ years” and are pushing the same advice they used when they started= 🚩

✅ Not all certifications are created equal. Look into the certification they took and what it required. Some are a multiple choice test, some require submission of full case studies and open answers that are graded by an entire body of experts. Many many certifications are simply “pay to play” and require NO testing of the learned skills and knowledge.

✅ “Behaviorists”. There are quite literally 3 ways to become one: a behavior-centric PhD program to become a CAAB, a masters program to become an ACAAB (thats what I’m doing!), or becoming a veterinarian and completing a board certification to be a veterinary behaviorist. Please be weary of people who easily call themselves a behaviorist.

💡 Please take the time to research before you use a technique or take advice from another person. Your dogs mental health and well being will thank you.

📸: good boi Oliver at our lesson this week!

07/24/2024

The dog training industry continues to lack regulation, allowing trainers to use outdated, abusive methods. These methods can be physically and emotionally harmful for dogs causing unnecessary stress and fear. It's important for dog owners to choose trainers who are qualified and use science-based, humane methods. Where can you go to access such trainers? Check out Humane Training Alliance!

So proud to have Meadow & Mates Dog Training listed and even more proud of the people that are backing this! It takes a village!

Also, in order to promote this website, donations have been a huge help in pushing this movement forward.

Finding the right trainer just got easier

07/19/2024

❗️Calling all past and present clients ❗️

Whether we have worked together for a week, months, or years, I would love to hear from you! One of the ways for more people to discover Meadow & Mates is through 5-star reviews 🤩

If you feel compelled to do so, please submit a review through the link below!
https://g.page/r/CegormCcInpmEBM/review

🐾❤️Thank you and happy training! 🐾❤️

07/09/2024

Did you know I'm not only a behavior consultant but also a Certified Canine Enrichment Technician? I launched a canine enrichment program over the last year that has been such a passion project for me ❤️‍🔥 The results I am seeing and hearing from clients is very heart-warming. When we take the time to learn more about our dogs and start to speak their language, is when doors start to open ❤️‍🔥

❤️‍🔥What is Meadow & Mates Canine Enrichment Program?
I offer in-home, one-on-one time with either your dog or your dog and you! Together, we will create a customized enrichment plan that caters to who your dog is as an individual and what they love to do! I bring along a kit of all kinds of enriching activities such as puzzle toys, flirt poles, obstacle course items, recyclables to shred, nosework games and more!

❤️‍🔥Why is enrichment so important to implement into my dog's routine?
Canine enrichment is incredibly important because it has a direct impact on a dog's overall happiness and well-being. Just like us, dogs thrive when they are mentally stimulated and have the opportunity to engage in activities that fulfill their natural instincts. By incorporating enrichment into a dog's daily routine, we can also help to prevent boredom, reduce stress and anxiety, and create a stronger bond.

❤️‍🔥What kind of activities do you offer?
Activities that cater to breed/species typical behaviors such as chasing, chewing, shredding, foraging, sniffing, digging, etc. I focus on letting your dog...dog. But! on items and environments where it's safe and acceptable to do so 😁

❤️‍🔥Yep, I'm in! Where can I sign up?
Head on over to my website and submit an inquiry! Link in bio! ⬆️

‼️Servicing in-home around Metro Detroit and virtual consults! In-home availability is now limited for Summer/Fall 2024! ‼️

Stay enriched ✌️

05/08/2024

I can't even begin to form the right amount of words on how grateful I am to have been introduced to the world of Kim Brophey. I want to shout and cry about how excited I am to bring this knowledge to my clients and how it's going to change the lives of so many dogs.

So happy and proud to be a part of this movement and to now call myself a Certified Family Dog Mediator!

03/16/2024

March Favorites!

1. High Tail Hikes BioThane Long Lines: My go-to leashes each and every day! I currently have their 15 ft and 20 ft leashes. These leashes are made from biothane which are water-proof, anti-microbial (stinky/germ-free!) and easy to clean. Give your dog the ultimate sniffy walk with these long lines! Use my code "meadowandmates" for 10% off!

2. Bow Wow Labs Bully Stick Holder: I can confirm this holder, holds up against 100+ lb. excessive chewers. I love the piece of mind this holder gives me as it keeps the chew and last bit tightly secured.

3. Woof Pupsicle: This toy is long-lasting, durable, and a secure alternative to many other chew toys. It is also easy to clean and leaves less of a mess (it even has drool holes).

4. Recyclables!: A super cheap way to keep your dog enriched! Your cardboard recyclables allow your pup to engage in some natural behaviors like shredding and foraging.

Check out my website for more of my favorite products!

03/14/2024

"I need you to train my dog."
"My dog needs training."
"Do you think my dog is trainable?"

While a professional dog trainer can provide valuable guidance and expertise, it's essential for you to take an active role in your dog's training because you are the one who will be living with and interacting with your dog on a daily basis. Your involvement helps reinforce the training techniques, builds trust between you and your dog, and ensures consistency in behaviors across different situations and environments.

At the end of the day, it's you that takes the wheel. My goal is to empower you with the confidence and desire to keep with it.

Happy training ❤️🐾

03/04/2024

I know I speak for not only myself but for my force free, reward-based colleagues when I say, we are tired. We are tired of an unregulated industry where incompetency continues to rear it's ugly head. We are tired of undoing all the harm that has been done by trainers that continue to use outdated methods.

I'm a "crossover" trainer meaning I once used corrections, prong collars, shock collars, used language like "alpha" and "pack leader". I had zero credentials and my only education was learning "hands on". I was guided to believe that it was the only way and I knew no different. I am so thankful for those that educated me and brought me to the right side of training. I'm hoping one day, they will be too.

So, this is an effort to continue to educate dog owners of the importance of choosing a force free, positive trainer. Start to do more research and ask more questions of your potential trainer. Your dog's well being and future depends on it ❤️ Ok, rant over.

01/30/2024

I blame Disney.

Yes, dogs are capable of some incredible things but you can't expect more out of them than the amount of time your family is willing to put in to them. Otherwise, no, they won't be able to do your dry-cleaning or the dishes 😉

12/23/2023

Have a wonderful and safe holiday season! Remember to be gentle on yourselves as well as your dogs! Situations that you may view as mistakes are learning experiences that give us the gift to know better and do better in the future ❤️

Cheers to a new year full of strengthening your relationship with yourself and your dogs! ❤️🎄☃️

12/10/2023

How to choose the best dog trainer for you and your dog, including the methods and qualifications to look for.

12/08/2023

Yes, I get to work with dogs a lot but the majority of what we do as trainers is working with the people. If we can't inspire, support and meet dog guardians where they are at, the training won't be as effective.

Continuing education in dog behavior is one of my priorities but learning how to better communicate the how and why to my clients, comes first. I take great pride in the trusting relationships I have built with both dogs and humans.

Thank you to my past and current clients! I have and continue to learn so much from you!

On that note, if you are a past or current client and feel compelled to write a review, I would greatly appreciate it!

Cassie 🐶🐾
https://g.page/r/CegormCcInpmEBM/review