Paws Up VT

05/02/2024

Vermont folks, here’s a great therapy dog prep class!

Does your dog want to be a therapy dog?

Well, we’ve got a course for that! This 6-week course gives dogs and handlers the necessary skills for not only passing the test, but also for working successfully as a therapy dog team. The course is taught by Deb, who has been a therapy dog handler since the mid-1990s, has had 6 therapy dog partners over the years, and has directed a large therapy dog certification and training program since 2005.

Read more about it: https://www.goldstardog.com/therapy-dog-academy-1

UPCOMING CLASS!!!
ST ALBANS: Tuesdays, June 4—July 9, 7:15pm

For a comprehensive list of all our classes, along with convenient registration links, please visit our website: https://www.goldstardog.com/register

04/27/2024

Hey San Francisco, I’m back and ready to help you with your dog walking and training needs! And Vermont, I’m still available to you for virtual training so don’t be shy…email me to set up your sessions!

Stay tuned for location of group training classes or send me an email to get on my mailing list. 😎

03/21/2024

Dear San Francisco, I am now booking private training sessions beginning at the end of April. I can do private coaching with you and your dog in your home, at a park, or day training with just your dog. Please email me to book sessions. I look forward to working with all of you soon!
-Llyr

03/09/2024

Hello everyone, this is an announcement to let you folks know that I am moving back to San Francisco this summer in May! I will be happy to help with dog training and walking needs so please do message me to start scheduling sessions. I am sad to leave the community that I have built in Vermont but it is time for me to go back home.

I would like to thank Central Vermont Humane Society for the opportunity to reach so many people and dogs through classes. I also want to thank Fetch the Leash in Burlington for the opportunity to help with their day training program when I first moved to VT. These two opportunities have helped me grow as a trainer to meet different needs of dog and humans in more rural settings. I will still be able to offer virtual training for Vermont folks!

I am excited to return to the city setting to help dogs and people thrive in chaotic and urban environments. ;)

I can help you and your dog with things such as:

-Loose leash walking
-Recall (coming when called)
-Basic Obedience

Other specialities for behavior modification include but are not limited to:

- Leash reactivity
- "Stranger Danger"
- Resource guarding
- Inter-household aggression
- Cat and dog peaceful cohabitation

I will be offering private training, classes (eventually), and day training/private walks and substitute dog walking for group dog walkers.

Message to book me! ;) Can't wait to be back by the Bay!

01/07/2024

Would you like to learn how to help your dog feel comfortable wearing a muzzle? Join us over Zoom for a super fun tutorial! Class will be held on Thursday evenings from 5:30-6:30 for 4 weeks. Please click the link in the bio to head to the website for registration.

12/20/2023

One of the ways to assess the welfare of dogs trained using different types of training methods is to look at cognitive bias, or whether the dog is optimistic or pessimistic. This study by Casey et al 2021 finds "We demonstrated that dogs appear to show a more pessimistic cognitive bias where trainers report using two or more aversive training methods, and this has important implications for the kind of advice given to dog owners by veterinary surgeons, breeders, behaviourists or trainers, particularly for new owners or those acquiring a puppy." This is just one of many studies that shows it's important to stick to reward-based dog training methods.
Read the full paper here: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-021-97743-0

10/18/2023

We’ve had such a fun summer and fall! The pups and I are ready for winter and playtime in the snow! We’ve had some newbies join the crew: Cosmo (Doodle), Gracie (Golden), Max (Malamute) and Mayla (Golden). Thanks for always keeping me on my toes and making me smile 😊

09/27/2023

Really great opportunity to learn more about dog body language!

Free workshop on understanding dog communication! This Friday in Essex!

Is a yawn always just a yawn? Why does a dog shake off even when it’s not wet? Why is a growl a good thing? Is a tail wag always friendly?

This popular, long-running dog communication and safety lecture is a multi-media extravaganza of fun where the audience also gets to test their "dog reading" skills. We’ll demystify dog communication, reveal some common dog-human misunderstandings, and explore how we can all live safely and happily together.

At the end of the presentation, the audience engages in several fun, interactive exercises to practice reading dog body language.

**This is for humans only. Please leave your dogs at home.**

September 29, 6:00-7:30pm (Essex Junction)
Sponsored by Brownell Library
Location: 6 Lincoln St Essex Junction, VT 05452
Cost: FREE
Registration: Not required

09/02/2023

We’ve been having a great summer…not ready for it to be over yet! I’m so grateful for my wonderful clients and the ability to spend my days outside with these perfect furry pals!

08/28/2023

Vermonters! Come take a class with me at CVHS!

Has a puppy or dog recently joined your life? Get them started on the right foot, with training classes at CVHS!! You will be amazed how much easier your life can be, when you know how to safely, effectively, and joyfully train your companion! Our trainers are certified, with many years of experience training dogs based on the science of how dogs learn (not out-dated, debunked methods misrepresented on TV and social media). Build a lasting bond of trust and respect; you'll never regret it!
Find our upcoming schedule here: https://centralvermonthumane.org/upcoming-class-schedules/
email [email protected] with any questions, or your registration form.

08/16/2023

LOVE this!

07/14/2023

Yay for enrichment!

Enrichment on walks is a great way to provide mental and physical stimulation for your dog while also making walks more enjoyable for both you and your furry friend. Here are some ideas for enrichment on walks:

Sniffing: Allow your dog to stop and sniff interesting smells along your walk. Sniffing is a natural behaviour for dogs and can provide mental stimulation and enrichment.

Obstacle Course: Use natural elements in your environment, such as logs or rocks, to create an obstacle course for your dog to jump over or weave around. This will provide physical and mental stimulation.

Hide and Seek: Hide treats or toys along your walk and encourage your dog to find them. This will provide a fun and stimulating game while also reinforcing positive behaviours.

Change of Scenery: Vary your walking route and explore new areas with your dog. This will provide mental stimulation and new sights, sounds, and smells for your dog to investigate.

It is important to always prioritise your dog's safety during walks and to be aware of your surroundings.

05/31/2023

If you are in the area and have extra wet dog food, the shelter needs it!

Woof, woof! We have been VERY FULL with canine companions over the last few months, and it has depleted our stockpile of wet dog food. Can you help?
Not only do our dogs get dry dog food twice a day, they get some wet food, and we make our canine enrichment with it as well.
We would love any canned wet food donations our local community can help with!
Even better, our local suppliers One Stop Country Pet Supply, Guy's Farm and Yard, Montpelier Agway Farm and Garden carry wet food, so you can support CVHS and these great businesses!
Want to shop online and have it shipped? We have wishlist on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/POPY2NLCYIVB?ref_=wl_share

04/24/2023

Hi everyone, I appreciate your support by following us and our content. I wanted to take a moment to let you know I have changed my first name to Llyr (they/he). Please take note of this and support me by referring to me by my new name. Thank you!!

01/13/2023

12/29/2022

For those of you who have been asking in Vermont! Check out Gold Star Dog Training for Therapy Dog Prep and certification! Fetch the Leash in Burlington also offers these classes. 💗

Does your dog want to be a therapy dog?

Next session of Therapy Dog Academy class starts January 9 (Williston)!

This 6-week course gives dogs and handlers the necessary skills for not only passing the test, but also for working successfully as a therapy dog team. The course is taught by Deb, who has been a therapy dog handler since the mid-1990s, has had 6 therapy dog partners over the years, and has directed a large therapy dog certification and training program since 2005.

Read more about it: https://www.goldstardog.com/therapy-dog-academy-1

CLASSES STARTING SOON:
WILLISTON: Mondays, January 9—February 20, 7:30pm (no class 1/16)

FEES AND REGISTRATION: https://www.goldstardog.com/register

12/10/2022

Lots of classes coming up the next couple of months!

Wanna have fun, strengthen your relationship with your dog, learn some skills, and get through this crazy season?! Sign up for one of our training courses! There are still some openings in our courses, but they are filling up fast, and they are starting soon! Check out our website for all the information, and our schedules, then email [email protected] to sign up! (Know some folks who could use some help with their dog? Share this post!) (Picture is Bisquick in 2018, having fun while learning some valuable life skills) https://centralvermonthumane.org/dog-classes/

11/28/2022

A new program for socializing puppies in the nest brings big benefits, study shows.

10/08/2022

Oh and it wouldn’t be complete without a series of “who caught it the best?” 😝😭 I’m not sure who had more fun, me or the pups?!?

10/08/2022

10/08/2022

It was a lovely visit to the Bay with my old pack and some new pals too. Thanks for allowing me to care for these wonderful creatures. Until next time SF…

09/08/2022

Hiiiii! We just wanted to say HAPPY THURSDAY and aren’t we CUTE?!? 😝🤣

09/01/2022

Here are some pics of happy pups in the woods to brighten up your day! 🥰

08/10/2022

yes!!!

Emotions drive behavior. Why is a principle so important in dog training? There are many different ways that we can modify a dog's behavior. But if we are looking for a lasting solution that doesn't compromise the human-dog bond, we must focus on changing the dog's underlying emotion. If we change the underlying emotion, the desired behavior comes along for the ride!

The next time you consider punishing a behavior via the use of coercion, force, or intimidation, ask yourself these questions:

❓ Is there a way to change the environment, so my dog no longer needs to practice the undesired behavior? If they bark at the window, we can put up removable window film. If they guard their food bowl, can we feed them in a separate area with a safety measure?

❓ What is the function of my dog's behavior? Can we teach them a fun "let's go" game if they want to get further away from something? If they want to get closer to something, can we find ways to lower their arousal level so they can make good choices?

By understanding what is driving your dog's behavior and asking informed questions, we can develop creative solutions that keep your dog and you happy!