In Tune Dog Training

Jumping into the weekend like…..trying to figure it out but enthusiastically. #intunedogtraining #rewardbaseddogtraining #forcefreetraining #trainwithoutpain #snackleadernotpackleader #pug #doodle #bayareadogs #sanjose #weekendvibes

Grief has been one the hardest things I’ve been through. In March I decided to get back into what started it all, shelter/rescue volunteering. Giving back to the community really fills my cup! Here are just a few of the dogs at @sccanimalservices I am at the shelter 1-2 days a week and happy to match you for foster or adoption. Thank you to those of you have reached out, commented, on previous posts about Petunia and Petey. Know that I’ve read and felt all your support (even if don’t respond). #intunedogtraining #adoptionsaveslives #fosteradogsavealife #bayareadogs #gsd #labrador #husky #pitbull #adoptable

Force free training can look quite boring as we train under threshold (not purposefully triggering the pup). No magic or razzle dazzle, just careful exposure to scary stimuli and following thought-out training plans. BUT, if you have a jumpy dog at home or one that doesn’t love being reached for, these videos of @elliebelly_thedoodle might make your heart flutter. Thank you to her parents for trusting the process! #intunedogtraining #sanjosedogs #bayareadogs #doodlepuppy #puppytraining #puppysocialization #forcefreetraining #rewardbasedtraining #trainwithoutpain #snackleadernotpackleader

What’s cuter than a puppy? A puppy in a t-shirt rolling in the grass. Dio is learning to enjoy this sensation on his body. #intunedogtraining #sanjosedogs #bayareadogs #staffordshirebullterrier #puppytraining #puppysocialization #rewardbasedtraining #forcefreedogtraining #treatleadernotpackleader #trainwithoutpain

Two dogs Pug and GSD. Both reactive to cars, people, and other dogs. Both don’t enjoy riding in the car. Both doing great with pretty much the same training plans. All dogs learn the same way, no dogs need a heavier hand. We train with lots of love and food, no force or intimidation. #gsd #pug #sanjosedogtraining #intunedogtraining #forcefreedogtraining #rewardbasedtraining #bayareadogs #treatleadernotpackleader #trainwithoutpain

Don’t forget to water your pup today and take some time for your self care as well! Rafa is boarding with me while his parents on enjoying a week getaway. #gsd #germanshepherd #intunedogtraining #sanjosedogtraining #bayareadogs #rewardbaseddogtraining #forcefreedogtraining

Appreciation post! So what’s the big deal with two dogs hanging out on the couch with their people? Well a few months ago Snackie and Brock’s people contacted me about housemate aggression. Too many details to get into but we started with blurry triggers, this made it difficult to start a training plan. What we could do immediately was implement enrichment, management, and opportunistic counterconditioning protocols. We also stopped all punishment including anything the dogs found aversive. There were little successes a long the way, some “bad” days, and this happened yesterday! Their mom Yajaira shared that training seemed impossible but she was determined not to rehome them. “Im a social worker working in early intervention with infants and toddlers. And I have done so much research on trauma and trauma informed work. Your approach helped me connect what I have learned to be true for people to the dogs.” Thanks Yajaira and Justin for trusting the process. I know it’s not easy to happy talk and give treats when dogs are showing aggression. I appreciate you! In our last few sessions, we have figured out the trigger and will be working on a “lap guarding” training protocol. This will enable us to have a bit more confidence and comfort when the dogs are interacting. #intunedogtraining #forcefreedogtraining #rewardbasedtraining #counterconditioning #snackleadernotpackleader #frenchbulldog #sanjosedogtraining #trainwithoutpain #bayareadogs

Puppy Playgroups are enrolling now for drop in sessions every Sundays! Puppy Preschool starts 9/11, also on Sundays after Playgroup. Classes are kept small (4-6 dogs) and playmates are carefully selected to ensure your puppy can build their confidence and their boundaries are heard (before situations escalate). Preschool with In Tune focuses on prevention of fear/aggression and helping you implement enrichment & management to stop, prevent, and redirect unwanted (normal) behaviors. Sign up on my website 🐶 #intunedogtraining #puppyplay #puppysocialization #rewardbasedtraining #forcefreedogtraining #prevention #bayareadogsofinstagram #sanjosedogtraining #doubledoodle #goldenretriever #goldendoodlesofinstagram

I’m constantly working on being more active on socials. Here’s snippet of a session from yesterday. We still have a ways to go but to say we were so excited with Buzz’s comfort and eagerness is an understatement! #intunedogtraining #campbellcalifornia #losgatoscreekpark #sanjosedogtraining #reactivedog #forcefreedogtraining #rewardbasedtraining #dauchshund #doxie #bayareadogs #bayareadogsofinstagram

A short clip from my first FB live last week. I discussed how to set your dog up for success when you have guests during this holiday season, as well as if you’re traveling with your dog. Plus New Years, how to best approach fireworks and safety. 2 more clips in the comments :) Link to the full video: https://youtu.be/au7f2yzR9Ic

One of the most valuable things you can learn is how to check consent during dog play. This will allow you to test your doggy body language observations. Consent tests will also prevent dogs from getting overwhelmed and into arguments (negative associations). To perform a consent test, you’ll move the dog playing on top away, then observe the other dog. When the bottom player comes back to re-engage with play, we know both dogs are consenting. Here you’ll see Chaos and Mochi having a grand time. For the purpose of practice, Chaos is moved away and Mochi comes right back for more! Consent is always changing (check often), earlier in this play session Mochi walked away several times. If we didn’t intervene, things could have escalated. He and Chaos are not perfectly matched in play (yet), hence Chaos being on leash. Puppy Playgroup is every Sunday at noon for dogs 5 mos and younger. You can register on my website: InTuneDogTraining.com DISCLAIMER: Do not mix on leash and off leash dogs unless supervised by a qualified trainer. #intunedogtraining #puppyplaygroup #consentmatters #puppysocialization #sanjosedogtraining #bayareadogs #doodle #rhodesianridgeback

I have a soft spot for chihuahuas so here’s video of Buster. Check out his happy feet when he jumps 🥺 Did you know that as a reward based dog trainer I use negative punishment (P-) when training pups? In animal leaning terms P- is the removal of a stimulus to decrease a behavior. It’s a misconception that (some) force free dog trainers don’t use punishment. We just don’t use anything that causes the dog discomfort (aversives). There are obvious aversives like choking and shocking a dog. And less obvious ones that vary from dog to dog. Can you spot my use of P-? Hint: I’m trying to reduce jumping. It’s not exactly easy to tell, but what did I do to reduce the jumping? NOTE: This exercise would have been aversive to Buster just 30 mins earlier. Because he was still warming up to me. #intunedogtraining #scienceovershock #animallearningtheory #chiweenie #puppysocialization #sanjosedogs #bayareadogs #sanjosedogtraining #rewardbasedtraining #forcefreetraining #operantconditioning

Just as I was getting back into my work groove following a self care hiatus, Petunia fell extremely ill. She is the reason I got into training and my whole world. She was unable to walk, potty, eat or drink on her own, and would not tolerate me leaving the room. After many trips to the ER and visits to specialists from Sac to Santa Cruz, we’ve narrowed it down to a few possible diagnoses. Her prognosis is still unknown, but I am hopeful. After 3 weeks of care, with the help from friends and family, Petunia is well enough for me to get back to work. I want to thank all my clients that have been so patient and understanding with my ever changing schedule. Puppy Playgroups, Preschool, basic manners, and private training are up and running!! Visit my website for my information: Intunedogtraining.com P.S. This is a not so gentle reminder to get pet insurance!!!! I have Embrace which I have no complaints about and I’ve heard good things about Nationwide. #intunedogtraining #sanjosedogtraining #bayareadogs #rewardbasedtraining #forcefreetraining #puppytraining #staffordshirebullterrier #tripod #heartdog #takesavillage #basicmanners #separationanxiety #behaviormodification