Kyla's Pawtastic Dog Training LLC

09/02/2025

The goal of every training session is to remain sub-threshold- where your dog isn't going over the threshold (lunging, barking, growling). But what about the subtle stress, fear, overarousal signals?

Something very simple like reaching towards your dog or the way you position your body (standing in front of them versus on the side) - can be in fact very stressful for them. Every dog is an individual, and will become fearful, stressed, overaroused or in place of emotional conflict due to what they've learned, their experiences and how they perceive the world.

During dog training, we need to watch for these subtle signals and listen what your dog is communicating.
If your dog show any of these signals- stop training, take a break, do a scatter feed (toss some treats on the ground) to end the session on a good note, then try again later so that your dog remains sub-threshold.

08/31/2025

Good read

08/31/2025

Equipment serves appropriate purposes when used as safety nets and training aids rather than primary communication systems. A properly fitted harness can keep a dog safe while the handler develops better orchestration skills. A long line can provide freedom for exploration while maintaining security during recall training.

The distinction lies in whether the equipment supplements developing skills or replaces them entirely. Tools that enhance communication support partnership development. Equipment that substitutes for communication prevents it from growing.

The problem isn't with the equipment itself—it's with the relationship between tools and training. When equipment becomes a substitute for communication rather than a support for it, dependency develops that actually prevents genuine partnership from emerging.

Are you finding yourself depending more on tools or relationship?

More on the blog:
➡ https://suzanneclothier.com/equipment-dependence-tools-replace-relationship/

08/29/2025

It’s been an exhausting day, and it’s too hot to walk the dogs. I needed something fun they’d enjoy, and since they love boxes and paper, I got creative. I ripped up all the unnecessary mail, tossed it into a box with some treats, and let them use their noses to sniff everything out. End result—happy dogs!

08/29/2025

https://yappily.co.uk/dog-enrichment-explained-how-to-keep-your-dog-happy-calm-fulfilled-with-shay-kelly/?fbclid=IwZnRzaAMd0AZleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHuilmlmZ4BitTpLzcsUCAEYJEcPXvVMXlnwTLorYR3U1oTDWbSRr9QxsR1av_aem_b_lWxPvROVyV67GJhHsazA

Dog enrichment explained! Expert Shay Kelly shares why enrichment is essential, 5 types every dog needs & easy, budget-friendly ideas for happier dogs.

08/29/2025

08/10/2025

08/10/2025

Just Because the Trigger Is Gone… Doesn’t Mean Your Dog Is “Over It”

When a dog experiences arousal, whether it's from stress, excitement, anxiety, or fear, their body goes through a chemical and hormonal shift. Think adrenaline, cortisol, and other stress hormones flooding their system.

Now here’s the key point:
Even after the trigger is gone, the person, the dog, the noise, or situation, those chemicals don’t just vanish.

Some dogs appear to “bounce back” quickly on the outside, but inside, their nervous system is still flooded. That internal arousal can take time to settle.Some dogs take minutes, some take hours, days or even longer to fully decompress.

So what does this mean in real life?

A dog may seem calm after a stressful moment but still be on edge, prone to reactivity, hypervigilance, frustration or shutdown.

It’s not just about removing the trigger, it’s about respecting the recovery process.