Lovey Dovey Dog Training LLC

08/17/2024

Look out for these!

My dogs have encountered them in our pasture 😢

Cheatgrass is an invasive grass species of grass in the US found on the west coast. It's seeds can cause great harm to dogs.

07/24/2024

If this sounds like your dog, you may be dealing with leash reactivity. Leash reactivity can be emotionally draining for both you and your dog. 😭

To start, I recommend reframing from walking your dog. This is not a long-term plan, but a management strategy to help your dog while she builds other skills to cope with her environment. Prevention is the best medicine. 👍💊

A good next step is flight training. Flight training is used to empower your dog in the environment. Rather than engage in aggressive behaviors your dog learns to retreat in the presence of their trigger.

Next is counter-conditioning your pup to her trigger. This aims to change the underlying emotion behind the behavior. This works by pairing something positive (such as food) with the scary trigger. 🦴🦴🦴

Creating distance between your dog and their trigger will help lower the intensity of their reaction.

A spider right in front of your face is going to elicit a much greater response than a spider across the room. The same is true for your dog when she encounters her trigger. 🕷🕷🕷

Follow along for more helpful tips! Or share with a friend who needs this information!😄

07/23/2024

Does this sound like your pooch? 😭

Check out today's column in The (Seneca) Journal titled "Part 2: Don't walk the dog!".

I cover several strategies to help those of you experiencing leash reactivity with your dog. If you missed today's paper come back tomorrow for a breakdown of everything I covered!

Happy reading 😘

07/17/2024

Just a friendly reminder:

It’s not about all the new things we can purchase for our pups on Amazon Prime Day.

Our dogs are only interested in a couple of things: feeling loved, having a full belly, and being able to engage in species specific behaviors aka the ability to dog (a verb)!

07/12/2024

Chris Benon of Clemson,

Thank you for taking the time to write a response to my dog training column, “Tail Waggin’ Tales”. Your kind words are very much appreciated. I look forward to bringing you more insights on dog behavior & training.

Chris has inspired me to write a “Part 2” to my column titled “Don’t walk the dog!” that appeared in The Journal on June 9th. I’ll be covering more strategies to help you & your pet overcome leash reactivity.

Ask & you shall receive 🤗🔮🧞‍♂️

The dog days of summer got you down? Both physically & mentally/emotionally? You will find inspiration when you need it the most. Chris, thank you for this blessing 🥹

07/09/2024

"Don't walk the dog!" is featured in The (Seneca) Journal.

Reactivity is the number one reason I ask folks to refrain from walking their pooch. Your dog may be experiencing reactivity if she barks, growls, or lunges on a leash.

A reactive dog displays these behaviors out of context. For example, you would expect your pup to have an emotional reaction if an intruder were to enter your home. However, the same behavior is not warranted when seeing another dog on the sidewalk.

Management for reactivity is a huge part of the treatment plan. The goal is to prevent your dog from rehearsing the behavior when possible. Practice makes perfect!

Not going on walks is not meant to be a long-term goal, but the first part of the treatment plan.

Does this sound like your dog? Is your pup displaying aggressive behaviors in the presence of other dogs, people, etc.?

07/08/2024

Any guesses on what other breed Doak is mixed with?!

Laura Clay correctly guessed that he is part Boykin spaniel.

Comment with your guess!

Saturday night trivia!

Alright dog lovers, can you name this mix breed?!

Both parents are in the sporting group. I’ll give you a hint, this boy is tenacious in the field, but he also settles nicely at home, making him a great family pet. Comment with your answer!

Doak is one of my boarders this week ❤️.

07/07/2024

Saturday night trivia!

Alright dog lovers, can you name this mix breed?!

Both parents are in the sporting group. I’ll give you a hint, this boy is tenacious in the field, but he also settles nicely at home, making him a great family pet. Comment with your answer!

Doak is one of my boarders this week ❤️.

07/05/2024

Ruff night?!

A few things you can do to help your dog recover from a stressful event:

1. Set your pup up so that they are able to get the rest they need. Adult dogs need 16+ hours of sleep per day. Puppies need closer to 20+ hours of sleep. You may need to seclude them to an area of the house that is quieter if they are having trouble settling on their own.

2. Licking, chewing, and sniffing are great stress reducing exercises. You can hide treats around the house for your pup to find, offer a Lickimat, or beef marrow bones. With the release of dopamine your pup is more likely to fall right into a nice nap.

3. Give your pup approximately 48 hours to recover. They may need longer depending on how bad their reaction was. This means avoiding other stressful events since your pup is already feeling vulnerable.

4. Seek help from a professional. This could be your veterinarian or a qualified trainer. I promise, we want to be on this journey with you ❤️. Use the observations gathered from this year (of your pets behavior) to help you plan for next year. Unfortunately, noise phobias only tend to get worse causing a greater reaction each time the event occurs.

5. Lastly, hold space to show your dog some grace & empathy during this difficult time. They’re not trying to give you a hard time - they’re having a hard time.

This is Addy offering me a supporting paw 💕. Each time she repositioned she would offer her paw again 🥰.

07/04/2024

Stay safe everyone!

07/02/2024

This is Yoshi. No, Yoshi is not a bad dog. He’s actually one of my favorite doggos 💕.

And no, he is not a malinois so no hate speech on his breed or his reaction to me entering his home! Only positive vibes here.

Over the next few days I’m going to be breaking down his body language. And I’m going to show you what I did to de-escalate this situation.

Do you know how to handle a situation like this? What would you do?

Share so others have the tools to handle a situation like this! Or to learn how to greet a dog in general!

Chances are, you could make a few improvements to keep yourself safe and help build confidence in the dogs you meet 🥰.

06/24/2024

🆓🆓🆓🆓

Not sure how to help your dog cope with July 4th fireworks?

I’ve got you!

I am offering you and your pup a FREE one-on-one (60-minute) consultation! I will come to your home to determine your pup’s best management strategy before July 4th.

All you have to do is send me an email with your location and availability. You must be within a 20-mile radius OR I can offer a free phone consultation.

Send me an email: [email protected]

Don’t wait! Availability is limited!

06/22/2024

Tehehe 😆 I couldn't help myself. Have a good weekend, friends 😘

06/20/2024

Still not sure how to help your dog cope with July 4th fireworks?

I've got you!

I am offering you and your pup a FREE one-on-one (60-minute) consultation! I will come to your home to determine your pup's best management strategy before July 4th.

All you have to do is send me an email with your location and availability. You must be within a 20-mile radius OR I can offer a free phone consultation.

Send me an email: [email protected]

Don't wait! Availability is limited!

06/19/2024

Friends, are you having a hard time advocating for your dog?

I have a step-by-step guide for you. Use this same guide when advocating for yourself, a family member, or a friend. You got this!

Like this post if you found this information helpful 💯💯

06/18/2024

We are only a few weeks out from July 4th!

For many of you, this is an emotionally exhausting time. Your dog is scared of the fireworks and you're left feeling lonely, discouraged, and helpless.

My thoughts go out to you 💛

What I recommend:

Schedule a time to meet with your veterinarian while you still can! Ask your veterinarian what pharmaceuticals they recommend to help your dog be more comfortable during the fireworks.

Nervous about talking to your vet? Check back tomorrow for a step-by-step guide so you can advocate for your dog! 💘

06/17/2024

Do you suspect your dog is scared of fireworks?

Here is what you need to look for!

1️⃣ Your dog tries to hide or escape during the loud booms. They may even try to run out the door to escape the loud noise.

2️⃣ Howling, whining, barking or other vocalizations are a sign of stress.

3️⃣ Nonstop pacing, panting, and salivating. It is easy to assume your dog is hot, but this is actually a sign your dog is feeling stressed!

4️⃣ Sudden elimination of bowels, a**l glands, or urination when your dog is otherwise house-trained.

5️⃣ Your dog is more clingy than normal. They are afraid to leave your side. They may show signs of separation distress during the fireworks.

My heart goes out to you 💘. Fourth of July is a challenging time for many of you and your fur babies. If you're not sure why your dog is acting the way they are I hope this serves as a reference.

Be on the lookout for tips to help you and your fur baby get through the fireworks.

06/13/2024

‼️I forgot to mention:

If you would like me to review a video of your dog(s) playing please DM me! I’ll be happy to give you full break down of their body language & what they’re trying to communicate 💯

In case you missed my column in The Journal, I have compiled my top tips to keep your dog safe.

1️⃣ Do the dogs appear to be mirroring each other? If one dog is on their back, does the other dog take turns on her back? If the dogs are in a game of chase, do the pups take turns chasing and being chased❓

2️⃣ When chasing each other you want to look for bouncy patterns of movement with curved body posture. Dogs who are preying move in straight lines to capture their prey - interrupt this type of chasing immediately❗️

3️⃣ Are the pups able to take a break? Ideally, you want both dogs to be able to walk away, sniff, get water, etc. If one pup is relentless, it is best to intervene before the behavior escalates.

4️⃣ Look for a "soft" eye. It is easy to miss, but dogs who are playing do not make direct eye contact. They tend to look to the side with their body curved, avoiding a confrontational stair.

5️⃣ Dogs are social on a scale - similar to humans. Your dog may not enjoy the company of other dogs and that's ok. Set them up for success so they have an enjoyable experience.

Did you find this helpful? Share with a friend so we can keep all playing pups safe this summer 💛💘

06/13/2024

In case you missed my column in The Journal, I have compiled my top tips to keep your dog safe.

1️⃣ Do the dogs appear to be mirroring each other? If one dog is on their back, does the other dog take turns on her back? If the dogs are in a game of chase, do the pups take turns chasing and being chased❓

2️⃣ When chasing each other you want to look for bouncy patterns of movement with curved body posture. Dogs who are preying move in straight lines to capture their prey - interrupt this type of chasing immediately❗️

3️⃣ Are the pups able to take a break? Ideally, you want both dogs to be able to walk away, sniff, get water, etc. If one pup is relentless, it is best to intervene before the behavior escalates.

4️⃣ Look for a "soft" eye. It is easy to miss, but dogs who are playing do not make direct eye contact. They tend to look to the side with their body curved, avoiding a confrontational stair.

5️⃣ Dogs are social on a scale - similar to humans. Your dog may not enjoy the company of other dogs and that's ok. Set them up for success so they have an enjoyable experience.

Did you find this helpful? Share with a friend so we can keep all playing pups safe this summer 💛💘

06/11/2024

Do you know the difference⁉️

Check out The Journal for my full article.

As always, thank you for your love and support 💛

06/10/2024

I’m thrilled with how these turned out 🤩.

Want to support my small business? Like, share, and follow -it’s free! 😜

Thank you all for your love & support 💛

06/08/2024

All dogs are good dogs!

At the same time, extra support with your dog's behavior can go a long way 🥰.

I like to think of behavior in terms of desirable and undesirable - not good or bad. This removes the moral dilemma we face when training our companions.

Remember:
☑ Your dog is doing the best he can with the training he has been given.
☑ Your dog is not out to get you or ruin your day.
☑ Behind every behavior is an emotion. What do you think your dog is feeling when they pull or leash? - Probably excitement to explore the world around them. What do you think your dog feels as they bark at another dog/person in the distance? Maybe concern or fear of the unknown. Maybe frustration because they want to interact but are restrained by their leash.

Happy training, friends!

06/05/2024

⚠️ You could be unintentionally harming your dog by using this one toy‼‼

Allowing your dog to chase a laser can be very dangerous for their behavioral health ⚠️

🚫 Your dog cannot catch the light emitted by the laser causing a lot of frustration
🚫 Light chasing can be generalized to other lights such as flashlights or shadows
🚫 Chasing lights or shadows is considered a canine compulsive disorder (CCD) or compulsive behavior disorder (CBD)
🚫The behavior can be observed out of context - making it a problem. The frustration and conflict of being unable to capture the light can cause a lot of stress.

❓What can you do instead❓
☑ Eliminate the use of a laser! Use a flirt pole instead to encourage natural prey behaviors - something your dog can catch!
☑ Do not reinforce your dog's behavior by laughing or giving your dog attention when they engage in the behavior. Instead, leave the room.
☑ Do not scold or punish your dog by hitting, alpha rolling, or giving leash corrections. This will add to their stress and only make the behavior worse.
☑Remove other chronic stressors from your dog's life.
☑ Manage the environment - try to eliminate sources of light or shadows that may be present in your dog's environment. Close the curtains!
☑ Teach an incompatible behavior. Your dog cannot be "on place" laying on their bed and chasing light at the same time.

💔 OCD behaviors can feel overwhelming. Over time you may feel emotionally drained by your pup's behavior. You are not alone. I am here to support you every step of the way.

🫶I know you are doing the best you can with the information you have. It may be time to hire a support team to help you and your pup during this challenging time.

06/04/2024

I wholeheartedly believe in this. 💯

And that sets me apart from other trainers. Other trainers may see results faster, but they do not consider the long-term effects of their methods.

Not only is it my goal to help you and your dog create desirable behavior changes, but ethics are always at the forefront of my mind. I am always guiding my client by asking important questions:

❓What is most humane?
❓What is most ethical?
❓Is this the least intrusive method?
❓What is least aversive to the dog?
❓Is this method fear-free?

Ask yourself: "Can I maintain the same behavior in a more humane or ethical way?"

Your answer is probably yes.

These are just a few of the questions I consider when guiding my clients. What else do you want to know about my training methods⁉

Share if you agree!

06/03/2024

Look out for these!

🚨 Xylitol: The 2nd Most Common Pet Poison 🚨

Xylitol is a low-glycemic sugar substitute found in many everyday products, and it's highly toxic to pets. ⚠️ From 2015 to 2020, xylitol poisoning cases in pets surged by 108% 📈, making xylitol the second most common pet poison, right behind chocolate.

🐕 In dogs, xylitol poisoning can cause a rapid drop in blood sugar, leading to loss of consciousness and seizures. High doses can trigger liver failure within hours or days. 💔

Head over to today’s free article (linked in the comments ⬇️) to learn more about the dangers of xylitol to pets.

05/31/2024

One of our favorite recreational chews for the Lovey Dovey dogs in our care 🙂

05/30/2024

Agency 💯

Below are my expert tips to provide your dog with choice.

1. Providing agency on walks
✔️ Allow your pup to choose which direction you go when on walks. When you come to a fork in the road allow your pup to lead the way.
✔️ Allow your pup enough time to sniff - this is how they interpret the world!
✔️ Use a long line to allow more freedom of movement. When you can allow your dog to go off-leash.

2. Providing choice with space
✔️ Provide a safe space in your home that your dog can access at all times. Let it be a sacred place that only your pup can access - not other pets or children.
✔️ Let your dog walk away when meeting strangers or during training.

3. Food
✔️ Provide your dog with a treat dispensing toy. Foraging is a natural behavior and your dog will learn that their behavior has a positive impact on the environment and they can receive reinforcement in the form of food.