Happy Kelpie Dog Bakery

12/27/2023

I had so much fun creating this gender reveal cake! And I’m so happy the clients were pleased.

02/16/2023

Love this philosophy for interacting with both people and pets!

We can't control the behavior of others. We can influence their choices, we can change or influence the environment, we can set up scenarios to strive for a more predictable outcome, but we can't ever have complete control.

That feels unsettling. Having feelings of control also ties to feelings of safety.

Control does also get in the way, though. Control removes agency and creativity. It minimizes critical thinking and the ability to build resilience. It also limits the possibility for an even better outcome - maybe one that we hadn't even thought of.

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Today, Katia charged at the glass slider door when she saw a squirrel run by. She barked and launched, startling both Bindi and me. I could have opted for a "training" approach, using redirection, removal, correction, etc. The goal of this approach would have been to control the situation to make me feel more comfortable, to bring back homeostasis and safety in the house, to have less noise, less startle, less concern for the squirrel or the glass window, etc.

But I didn't do that. Instead of control, I opted for curiosity and connection.

I asked from the couch, "what is it? Is something outside?". She looked at me and wagged her tail and looked back out the window to fixate on a specific spot. I walked over to her and repeated the questions. Same response. I looked out the window and realized out loud, "oh it's a squirrel." Then explained, "yeah, that's just a squirrel, it's ok." I took a deep calming breath, I kneeled down next to her, and we watched the squirrel together.

In this case, there was no more barking. She didn't escalate "over threshold". She just watched the squirrel bounce around the trees. She occasionally checked in with me, at which point I calmly praised her, but then looked back at the squirrel with her. Then she laid down. Then she rested her head on the floor. Then she walked away.

This entire interaction lasted maybe 2 minutes. For 2 minutes we connected and were curious together. For 2 minutes I decided to not control, not micromanage, not over analyze or over react. And it was lovely. I feel quite reinforced, and I'll try to do that again.

10/06/2022

This is so important to keep in mind - so often our dogs are having a hard time coping, but we fail to see it.

Jumpy/mouthy/grabby behavior is SO common in young dogs. Rather than seeing this as a "bad" "dominant" "stubborn" behavioral response, reframe it to "the dog is struggling to cope". When we realize that the dog isn't giving us a hard time, but HAVING a hard time, then we can help them instead of correct them.

09/25/2022

This is a great app to help you understand what is going on with your dog(s). I highly recommend it!

09/23/2022

Sometimes all our dogs need is reassurance that everything is ok.

Does your pup think it’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood? 🐶☀️

Mr. Rogers mastered the art of gently addressing the difficult situations children might find themselves in, and giving them good simple strategies to cope with those situations.📺

We can do this for our dogs too, as they have incredible receptive language abilities that are often under-utilized in our interactions, communications, relationships, and efforts to modify behavior.🗣️

Talk to your dog like Mr. Rogers to help them cope with new, unpredictable or triggering stimuli within their environment- similar to how you teach a young child about their entire world. You will be amazed at the results!🐾

Thank you to The Dog Door for introducing us to this hack!

09/13/2022

Trying to decide on a fall flavor - are you Team Pumpkin Spice or Team Apple Cinnamon? Let me know your thoughts!!

09/13/2022

We almost had to evacuate last week, and I was woefully unprepared. Working to remedy that this week!

It is National Disaster Preparedness Month - it is always a good idea to keep an emergency kit ready in case of a need to evacuate suddenly - having food, medicine, and other supplies like a first aid kit and extra blankets can be helpful. For smaller animals it may mean having a smaller cage ready as a portable habitat with battery operated temperature control. It is also good to have a print-out of your pets vaccine history on hand in case of a need to travel.

09/12/2022

This is your sign that it's...

Time to take the next step in your puppy's education!

In "Puppy 2", we will be using fun games, calming techniques, and clear communication, to continue to build on the polite manners and socialization introduced in Puppy Preschool.

We want you to have the tools to lay the foundation for a friendly, confident, and well-rounded adult dog!

Ready to learn some manners? Sign up for our new class starting September 20th!
https://wonderdogs.dogbizpro.com/Public/Registration/Index.aspx?schedule=4152

09/12/2022

Kelpies are famous for their ability to "back" the sheep - as shown in this video. They are also known for their incredible work ethic, and ability to figure out how to get things done. Just a few of the things I love about this amazing breed.

08/20/2022

We will be at this event with lots of delicious treats, hope to see you there!

08/14/2022

Blackberry picking was slow going this morning because my super cute foreman kept stopping me to demand a taste test. He had to make sure I was picking only the ripest berries. Stay tuned to see what yummy dog treat creations come next!

08/12/2022

07/27/2022

Taz votes for wild Blackberries for the flavor of the month for August! He was struggling to keep one eye on me and one eye on the berries, lest they disappear 😆😆

07/18/2022

Today’s baking will involve a lot of fruit! Taking advantage of Strawberry and Blueberry season while it lasts.

07/17/2022

Experimenting with new flavors today. Banana Oat cookies to go with the Blueberry Oat. Taz approves 100%.

07/08/2022

More happy customers!

07/02/2022

07/02/2022

07/02/2022

Banana Wheat Pupcakes ❤️

07/02/2022

Decorated Peanut Butter Bones

07/02/2022

Fresh Strawberry Donuts, hot out of the oven!

06/20/2022

06/20/2022