Affinity Dog Training, Inc.

11/14/2024

Hard to read this without tears in my eyes.

What is a Heart Dog?
A Heart Dog is not just a beloved pet; it’s a once-in-a-lifetime kind of love. It’s that four-legged friend who wiggles their way into the deepest chambers of your heart, leaving an imprint that time cannot fade. This bond is profound, built on a foundation of trust, understanding, and an unspoken language that only the two of you share.
The term has its roots in the profound connection between humans and dogs. It encapsulates the idea that some dogs don’t just occupy a space in our lives, they take residence in our hearts.
Each furry companion brings their own brand of joy, love, and companionship. While a Heart Dog holds a special place, all dogs are special, and it’s crucial not to compare or hold others to the same standard. All animals are different, so if you already have a Heart Dog, or have lost one, it is so important to recognize that there’s no need to try and replace or replicate that bond. Just honour it and respect it and love your other animals with your whole heart!

The Adored Beast Apothecary 🐶

Credit to unknown artist
Art sourced via Pinterest

11/06/2024

Rainy day activity for the Dogs! All my dogs had a blast hunting and foraging for hidden (and not so hidden) treats! Twist found the towel most challenging! My favorite was the snuffle box filled with balls.

10/31/2024

Taking pre-registration for ANOTHER Puppy/Young dog class at Animal House Veterinary Hospital for mid November! Class sizes very limited to insure individualized attention! PM me, call 630 762 9271 or email me at [email protected] for more information or to get you and your pup pre-registered!

10/30/2024

Going, going, gone! Puppy/young dog beginner class starting the beginning of November at Animal House Veterinary Hospital in St. Charles is filled! I can't wait to start!

I am Currently taking names for a session to begin midmonth! Don't miss out! Call or email me for more information or to pre-register!

10/26/2024

Great news! I will be back teaching puppy and young dog classes at Animal House Veterinary Hospital in St. Charles! Small class sizes using reinforcement based training starting early November! Private and customized training available as well! Reach out via messenger or call 630 762 9271 or email [email protected] for more information or to register! I can't wait to hear from you!

10/24/2024

Yes!!! This!!

I love this so much.
Our dogs ask us questions constantly in their efforts to be right and do what we've asked. The best we can do is build their confidence every chance we get.

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10/19/2024

Young Dog beginner classes coming soon to Animal House Veterinary Hospital in St. Charles!!! Class sizes kept small to insure individualized attention! PM me or email me at [email protected] or call 630 762 9271 to register or for more information!

10/02/2024

Woo Hoo! I am back! Back to training our beloved pet dogs to be amazing companions. Not only am I offering private training in your home or field trips, but I now have a class offering again! Puppy and Young dog classes, 6 months and under. Thursday afternoons from 3:45 to 4:50pm beginning October 10 and ending November 21. Class sizes are very limited to insure individual attention! So secure your spot now! Email [email protected], call 6307629271 or PM me to get details and sign up!

09/28/2024

I was honored and privileged to be the Feature Friday Local Business!

Thanks for trusting us as your experts in all things local and, of course, buying and selling your home! Today, we are highlighting Affinity Dog Training, In...

09/18/2024

Does your dog dislike having their front toenails trimmed? Or maybe you are nervous about clipping them, maybe they are black and you fear “quicking” them! Then this inexpensive scratchboard with a treat box may be the answer for you! Na’vi learned this in a short session and shows her enthusiasm for doing her own nails in this short video! Good girl Na’vi!

09/08/2024

If you are in the area treat yourself to a bouquet of these beauties! They last a long time too!!

🌻 **Gatto’s Petal Pickup is Open Today!** 🌻

Stop by our flower stand **today from 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM** to grab your fresh, locally grown bouquets! 🌸💐 With fall quickly approaching, this is one of the **last weekends of the season** to enjoy our beautiful blooms.

Come visit us at 7N015 Homeward Glen Drive, Campton Hills, pick up a bouquet, and support local! Perfect for brightening up your home or gifting to someone special. ✨

🌼 **Prices starting at $10**
🌻 **Self-serve, easy pickup**
💳 **Accepting cash, Zelle, and Venmo**

See you soon at Gatto’s Petal Pickup! 🌸 Don’t forget to follow and tag us on Facebook and Instagram!

09/06/2024

Owners of young dogs please read! Such important information!

Adolescence occurs between six months and 18 months of age—a time when guardians typically struggle the most with their dogs. Some guardians are so overwhelmed and underprepared for this developmental stage of their dog’s life, they choose to surrender the dog to a local shelter or rescue group. In a recent study published in the Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science found that the majority of the surrendered dogs (47.7 percent) ) were between 5 months and 3 years of age (M.D. Salman,John G. New, Jr.,Janet M. Scarlett,Philip H. Kass,Rebecca Ruch-Gallie &Suzanne Hetts, 2010)

The neurobiology of adolescence is fascinating, with some key events that alter both the structure and function of the brain.

During canine adolescence, changing s*x hormones effect the animals stress responses. Adolescent dogs have a decreased ability to process information they are receiving from the environment including the presence of dogs, vehicles, people, or really anything around them. They behave in ways that might feel frustrating or upsetting for the dog’s person.

The connectivity between the frontal cortex (responsible for decision making) and amygdala (responsible for emotional processing) decreases, resulting in less behavioral control. We see increased risk taking and more sensitivity to fear.

So what does this mean? This could mean that what was once no big deal to the dog now feels scary; what was once easy to do is now stressful; what once made sense is now confusing. At times, the world can feel like ‘too much’ for the adolescent dog.

As your puppy undergoes this transition into adulthood their inner world is intense, even chaotic. Many pet owners experience an increase in undesirable behavior and find themselves becoming increasingly frustrated. In turn, our own frustration and impatience can cause us to act unpredictably. This adds to our puppy’s inner turmoil. When the inside and the outside are both unpredictable it can be difficult for our dogs to adjust.

If you have an adolescent dog, what can you do? You can give your dog the time and space to observe what is going on around them when on leash at a distance away from the activity when possible. You can give your dog long walks to sniff and explore in nature, giving their brain time to decompress. You can offer your dog a quiet space to sleep so that they can consolidate memories effectively. You can continue training various skills, breaking them down into easier steps that can be generously reinforced.

By understanding what our adolescent dog is experiencing we gain greater compassion and understanding. When we approach adolescence with patience we create a world that is predictable and gentle so our puppies grow up to be their best adult selves.

08/27/2024

If you are looking for that special someone that you can really rely on when you need them to walk or care for your pet (not just dogs!) reach out to Christy at Tails 'N Trails! She won't let you down!

08/23/2024

YES!!! This! What is your dog trying to tell you? Is your dog counter-surfing because they are bored? Curious? Hungry? Seeking attention? Needing to fill a foraging need? Hasn't been taught what TO DO in the kitchen when the food is around?

Behaviour = Communication.

There is a tendency to put behaviour into one of two categories: 'good' or 'bad', labels which move us away from the realisation that we need to understand the 'why' of the behaviour.

The truth is that there is no 'good' or 'bad' behaviour. It is all simply behaviour. It is something that tells us about how the dog feels in that moment.

The 'good' behaviours, the ones we like, generally mean that the dog is happy, relaxed, joyful, excited, and these are occurring in a context that we humans like.

The 'bad' behaviours will see the dog doing things we don't like, such as barking a lot, pulling on the lead, growling, etc. These we can find problematic, and we will often want those behaviours to stop.

The most important thing we can do is look at the situation and try to work out why the behaviour is happening. Is the dog barking and/or growling because something is making them uncomfortable in that situation? Are they pulling on the lead because they haven't really been fully shown how to walk on a loose lead? Are they trying to run away from something that has scared them?

When we can understand the why, we can begin to understand what our dogs need in that situation and, if the behaviour is one that we find difficult and shows that the dog is struggling in a situation, we can find kind and gentle ways to make it easier on both of us.

06/20/2023

Agility People! I have one spot open starting the July session in my Masters/advanced 4pm class at Agility at the Farm on Thursdays at 4pm. Walk thru's begin at 3:50. While a masters course will be set, intermediate/Novice peeps are welcome! We just break out the skills! Class sizes are limited! Come join us and have some fun while you build your team!

12/27/2022

Hi All! Hope everyone had a lovely holiday!

I have a couple spots open in my intermediate/advanced classes at Agility at the Farm.

Usually there is a Masters Course and a Jumpers course nested. If you have all the obstacle skills and just want to work on Sequencing we can always break things down!

Thursday Mornings from 8:35 to 9:50am
Thursday early evening from 3:50pm - 5pm.

Students please feel free to share! Drop ins are welcome if there is space for a few extra $$.

Come join the fun!

12/03/2022

Hi All!

I have a couple spots open in my intermediate/advanced classes at the Farm.

Usually there is a Masters Course and a Jumpers course nested. If you have all the obstacle skills and just want to work on Sequencing we can always break things down!

Thursday Mornings from 8:35 to 9:50am and then again from 3:50pm - 5pm. Students please feel free to share! Drop ins are welcome if there is space for a few extra $$.

Come join the fun!