Sensitive Dog

06/19/2024

✨Every dog is a teacher.✨This little dude reminds us that dog parks can be overstimulating and potentially dangerous, especially for smaller dogs. Toby, for example, can get amped up and sometimes chases and nips at the heels of other dogs. Our main concern isn’t Toby’s behavior, as he listens when other dogs ask him to stop, but rather whether the other dogs will communicate with Toby to stop in a safe and appropriate way. If your dog exhibits challenging behaviors at dog parks, consider both the environment and the other dogs present as factors.

06/19/2024

✨Every dog is a teacher.✨Ophelia reminds us that digestive health and physical wellness can impact a dog’s behavior (among other things). Ophie is a healthy girl who eats decent food, but she would feel even better if she lost a little weight. Part of our conversation today included helping this girl feel excellent in her body, as well as working with her mind! We love seeing dogs transform when eating a diet that nourishes the body (and mind!) You’re gorgeous, Ophelia! See you again soon!

06/12/2024

Meet Otis! He’s the whole package! Handsome? ✅ Sweet? ✅ Sense of humor? ✅ Territorial? 😬✅

This boy has been in his new home for three months now, and as he’s been settling in to his wonderful new family, he’s showing some territorial behavior that his humans want to make sure stays at a manageable level.

Otis stole our heart with his today, and we’re so grateful to assist in ushering this boy through the rest of adolescence and into adulthood. We ♥️ you, Otis! 😍

06/12/2024

✨Every dog is a teacher.✨ Beans and Oliver remind us that some dogs only get along with certain types of dogs, and not others, and that’s OK.👌Beans has a hard time with dogs who are too high energy and “all over you”, and so her brother Oliver is a match made in heaven because he’s chill and doesn’t bug her too much. 😇 Just like humans, dogs can be selective about who they like to spend time with, and they shouldn’t be coaxed into socializing when it’s not a good fit. We’re so glad you two have each other, Beans and Oliver! You’re adorable! ♥️♥️

06/12/2024

✨Every dog is a teacher.✨ Billie reminds us that when you’ve got it, you’ve got it.

And she’s got it. 💅🏼

Billie and her humans rocked their initial session at Sensitive Dog!

06/12/2024

💜Can you tell this boy is an adolescent? Handsome Gigio reminds us adolescence is a season of life for humans and dogs alike that can mean challenges with impulse control and inconsistent responses to environment. This guy is full of energy and loved learning, and his parents loved watching him think and process! You’re a good boy, Gigio! Can’t wait to see you again!

06/12/2024

✨Every bull terrier is a teacher. 😆 These cuties remind us that clear leadership from humans helps take pressure off of dog-dog dynamics in homes with multiple dogs. Dogs are our dependents, and therefore it is healthy and good for our dogs to feel our strength of presence in a way that makes them feel safe and secure in the world and with one another.

06/05/2024

✨Big boy Lincoln came to Sensitive Dog today to learn spatial boundaries with guests and also how to listen on-leash. He and his humans learned a ton and did great with training! Lincoln reminds us that dogs tend to LOVE to be engaged in a way that challenges their intellect and this boy is no exception! He’s been craving mental challenge and we’re so proud of him! 🏆

06/05/2024

✨Every dog is a teacher.✨ Soulful Theo reminds us that dogs are angels. At Sensitive Dog we have met countless dogs who help their humans in all sorts of profound ways. We’d like to thank Theo for this opportunity to express our gratitude to dogs for being the best co-pilots on this crazy planet! Dogs are the best! 😇💜

06/04/2024

✨Every dog is a teacher.✨ Arlo reminds us that praise can have different tones to it, depending on the context of expectation. Did your dog not do something that they shouldn’t do in the first place (i.e. not jump on you when you walked in the door?), then praise with an calm, expectant tone: “Good off”, you’re doing what you should be doing. OR - did your dog just find the hidden tin in a game of “search”? Then praise with the tone of: “You are the smartest, most amazing dog ever and I’m so proud of you!” Context matters! Thank you, Arlo, for this sophisticated teaching, you brilliant boy!

06/01/2024

05/31/2024

✨ Sweet Mabel was found tied to a tree in Texas and adopted by a wonderful family in Seattle. She came to Sensitive Dog for help with anxiety when her humans travel. Even though she stays with family members whom she loves, she has a hard time coping - especially during longer trips. We’re so proud of how well Mabel did today and are excited to hear about her progress learning to be more calm and relaxed when her humans leave town. We know you’re going to rock this, Mabel! 🙌🏼 Get it, girl!

05/30/2024

✨Every wiener dog is a teacher. 😜 Louie and his humans came to Sensitive Dog with some controlling behaviors that are unpleasant for his humans! He reminds us that sometimes all it takes is knowing how to communicate in a way that the dog understands… as a dog… and when that happens, the dog’s behavior improves simply because now they actually understand what we want! You’re a good and very handsome boy Louie! Thanks for bringing your humans to see us tonight! 🌭

05/29/2024

💜 Frank is soon going to be a big brother to a human baby! Today at Sensitive Dog we worked with his humans on baby-prep skills like teaching Frank to give space while sitting on the couch (during future feedings). You’re going to be a great big bro, little Frank! 😍

05/29/2024

This adorable girl ROCKED her first leash training session at Sensitive Dog! With her new skills, she had the confidence and poise to walk right past a big dog. Go Shorty! (…it’s your birthday…) 😜”. ✨Every dog is a teacher.✨ Shorty reminds us not to assume how a dog will respond to a new training approach based on past challenges. Be present and let the dog show you their process and capabilities. 😇

05/27/2024

This 8 year old gal has the best sense of humor! She really works those ears, too! Min and her Dad came to Sensitive dog because Min lunges at other dogs if they get too close, when she is on-leash. She and her Dad did great with leash training and she started to learn how to control her impulses and energy when other dogs are near. Good girl, Min! You’re a ⭐️!

05/24/2024

✨Every dog is a teacher.✨ Lilah reminds us that if your dog gets mouthy and overly amped during play, try engaging them in activities that promote thoughtfulness and focus, rather than engaging them in adrenaline-producing activities like flirt poles and tug.

Dogs truly are capable of learning to de-escalate, but they need to be shown alternatives. Often, people think that when their dogs are amped up, they must help them discharge the energy with a different but equally activating activity. This is a commonly perpetuated myth, so don’t feel bad if you’ve done this with your dog! At Sensitive Dog, we teach parents to be calm and grounded when their dogs escalate and engage them in activities that require focus.

This pup was a stray before entering a shelter and is now learning to relax and exhibit good manners in her new, wonderful home. 💕 You’re a good girl, Lilah. You’ve got this!

05/24/2024

✨Remembering and giving thanks to all who have served.✨

05/24/2024

W😃W!

05/22/2024

💕Gigi and parents came to Sensitive Dog because she is a little nervous around one of her humans. Gigi’s been in her new home for a few months, and although she has warmed up a bit to her dad, she’s still apprehensive.

Gigi reminds us that one of the most powerful ways to connect with dogs is through work. When there is fear, our favorite method is scent training, as it directly counters fear while engaging the brain and anchoring both dog and human in a shared task.

When a dog is fearful, just giving treats often isn’t enough to change their mind. We aim to engage their body, mind, and spirit on a deeper level to help them shed their fear and blossom. 🌸 Gigi - “You go, girl!”

05/22/2024

✨Every dog is a teacher.✨ Yuzu’s parents came to Sensitive Dog because Yuzu had been very reactive and barking a lot. When we worked with Yuzu on leash, we noticed he wasn’t barking at specific things as most dogs do. When we peeled back the layers of this behavior, we learned that Yuzu’s humans had been told to respond to his barking in ways that reinforced it over time. They were told to give him treats, affection, and play games in response to his barking. All things Yuzu really enjoyed, so he barked, more!

Yuzu reminds us that it is easy to unintentionally reinforce undesirable behaviors and to be mindful about the timing of our rewards. ✨Treats, encouragement, and play are all important in training and communication with dogs, but timing is everything.✨

We are so glad we had the opportunity to clarify these things for Yuzu’s sweet parents so they can help their boy be calmer and quieter!

05/14/2024

😍 Cutie pie Remi was picked up stray in CA and brought to WA for adoption. He’s been with his new family for four months and he LOVES them! He loves his humans and his two dog sisters. Remi is a little insecure about being with his pack, so we worked on ways to help this sensitive boy relax and settle in. The process can take time, but there are definitely ways to facilitate the adjustment! Good boy Remi! Thank you for coming to Sensitive Dog for help! You have a wonderful family and you’re home to stay! 🥰

05/14/2024

✨Every dog is a teacher!✨ Ro-Chata reminds us that raising a young dog involves communication and education, as well as having a healthy social dynamic. We want dogs to view their humans as the “parent(s)” in the relationship, so dogs feel secure and supported in this uncertain world. “Chata” is a lucky girl and has nice human parents who are committed to learning how to help her be the best version of herself that she can be.

05/14/2024

Tangie came to Sensitive Dog for help with feeling more comfortable out in the world. This beauty lives in a dense urban environment, and she’s sensitive to sounds and stimulation. Tangie’s humans learned some skills around helping their girl have an easier time living around the hustle and bustle of Seattle. Good girl, Tangie. You’re doing a great job! 🥇♥️

05/13/2024

This little cowdog of ours is growing so fast! She’s reminding us of all the joys and challenges that come with raising a pup. Something we teach all the time but it’s been 16 years since we’ve raised our OWN cattle dog pup! More to come about our puppy journey with Tansy.

05/12/2024

Happy Mother’s Day!

05/06/2024

🚗 Luna came to Sensitive Dog to learn how to walk on leash without lunging and barking at cars driving by. She made such excellent progress in her first session. We are looking forward to hearing about all her progress in our follow up session!

05/06/2024

✨Every dog is a teacher.✨ Stanley reminds us that dogs can change over time, as they age. This boy has become increasingly more anxious as he’s gotten older, and it’s been hard to get him to go for walks, something he used to really enjoy. We look at all factors of a dog’s life that can impact behavior, and it’s our holistic approach that helps us help dogs and their humans in such a meaningful way. This is a special boy and we’re so glad Stanley and his Mama came to see us.

05/05/2024

Tansy’s big sister Lulu came for a visit today. It’s a cowdog & coffee kind of Sunday here at Sensitive Dog.