Patty's Pack

06/24/2024

As much as people “love” dogs, I feel they are one of the most under appreciated animals we interact with.

04/13/2024

04/05/2024

You set the tone for the vibe in your home.
Leaving it up to the dogs is a very risky game to play - and one that sets them up to fail.

Please remember, as much as I too love a dog to “dog”, I also know this is not a world for dogs. This is a human world. Many many human constructs and rules, limitations, and societal boundaries. They don’t know that. Letting my dog just have all the freedoms and do all the things does not set them up for success in this crazy human world. Establishing the right mindset starts at home.
The vibe set in the home is absolutely key.

- Pictured: Winnie ❤️ (background: Max)

04/05/2024

This boy ❤️
The bestest boy ❤️
Moo

04/01/2024

A big -stretch kinda week is about to start!
S p r i n g B r e a k Boarding 🌸

03/28/2024

P a c k A d v e n t u r e s 2024

We start in just over a week!
I am excited! It’s a beautiful opportunity to teach healthy social skills, have fun with confidence building activities, and enjoy dogs being dogs. A fun season ahead!

There are just a couple of spots left!
Message me directly (574)323-4598 to schedule.

- Pictured:
Winnie 😂
Brody
Leto

03/28/2024

“Yes!!!”

- Pictured: Winnie 🏆

03/26/2024

We are living in a world that paints a certain picture when it comes to dogs and training. Highlight reels of successes, journeys and wins.

Though I love the inspiration this sometimes provides, this also has a very isolating effect for those who face another extremely painful reality.

Dogs are living beings. There is a delicate balance to their thriving in this world. They can have physical, mental, emotional and neurological issues just as we do. Yet these issues aren’t rationalized away. The dog will respond based off of how they feel. That’s it. That simple. There are times that these issues come together, and it is a wall hit by the most dedicated of dog owners.

When we hear of backyard breeding or puppy mills, I don’t think it’s really understood the ramifications of that industry. To those who have picked up the pieces, work hard every day to hang on to their dog, or those experiencing the difficulties of horrendous genetic health issues… they know. They know well what that industry is doing. False promises and lies set everyone up to fail, and it doesn’t care.

I sat with my clients yesterday as they let their beautiful boy finally rest. Their pain, their heartbreak, their what-if’s, haunt me. His beauty, potential, goofiness and strength haunt me as well. They did everything they could do to support their boy. There was a wall they would never overcome.

I wish I could comfort those who have been in this position. To let them know they’re not alone. To remind them that this is a reality no one wants to talk about- fear of judgement from others leads that shame. It’s a reality that isn’t popular on social media, that keyboard warriors throw empty words at, that people who have not been through anything close to this have opinions about. Those who have stood in the mud, they don’t judge. They feel your pain. They know. There’s so much love, understanding and support there.

Please please please ❤️
Please seek out education when you’re choosing a dog, hire a trainer early on who focuses on teaching you about the animal in front of you, …and know that it’s not all up to you.

03/25/2024

We love our girls, however:
They are not best friends.
They are competitive with each other, have very distinct personalities, similar genetic quirks and a bully mentality at times. Helping them thrive - both together and with the rest of the family - has taken full commitment by Jeff and I. It is a thing of beauty to see this moment right here ❤️
Side note: We didn’t choose to get siblings. I am so glad they’re with us, but both girls landed here cause they were out of options. Like I mentioned, similar genetic quirks. I do not recommend adopting or (even responsibly) purchasing siblings.
- Pictured: Katie & Ebony

03/22/2024

With “training” dogs there’s often so much focus on cues, it drowns out the focus on state-of-mind. To me, that mindset is top priority. When we have that, then cues are far easier to build and reinforce.

- Pictured: Brody☀️

03/19/2024

I was NOT feeling this cold, wet weather today.
These guys made gettin out there so worth it ❤️

03/18/2024

Every day there is opportunity to make a beautiful memory with your dog. One that may be what stays with you always.
This life is just too precious to take it all too seriously.
Go have some fun together!

❤️ Ray

03/11/2024

M a n a g e m e n t:

There are dogs you manage. This is a balance found that works for the realities of your life and the life of the dog. There’s nothing wrong with it. It’s an honest conversation to have when you’re thinking about hiring a trainer. A professional can help you find that balance.

Modifying behavior, changing the choices your dog is making along with how they feel, is no small task. This requires time, commitment and consistency on your part. Also, there are some behaviors that maybe won’t change. Depending on what those are, and what your lifestyle needs, this is also where management may come in to play.

It’s Ok to manage with your dog.
If you’re happy, your dog is fulfilled and happy… then… choose what works best for your life together.

- Pictured: my boy Max

03/11/2024

One of THE most important details often missed when working with dogs.

- Beautiful work 🙌

02/28/2024

Spring … is that you?

02/27/2024

I’m taking some time after all that has taken place this past year. I’m regrouping, honing in on some skills, learning some new, and will be spending my days adventuring with the dogs.

During this time (April through November) I will not be accepting new clients. However, I will continue to support my existing clients in every way possible.

P A C K A D V E N T U R E S:

There are a limited number of spaces to join in on the fun!
Sign up is now for existing and former Pack clients!

Shoot me a text if you are interested and we will review details.

(574) 323-4598

https://www.pattyspack.com/pack-adventures

This is gonna be fun!

02/27/2024

Over here getting back on track doing what I love!
Some changes ahead…
Stay tuned!

02/04/2024

My days typically are dogs, planning, driving, clients, more dogs ☺️ and being on the go.

Right now, it’s here. With my Mom.
It’s week 2, going on week 3 as of Monday. This has been a rough recovery to say the least. She is dealing with a neurological syndrome that can occur as a result of her surgery. The horrible pain leads to other complications, and we even had a scary event this past Tuesday where she went back to the ICU after.

Now we are on the rehab floor. This tough cookie earned her spot here despite all the things. It’s not easy to be accepted into this program. I’m grateful because she is still extremely fragile and they are taking excellent care of all her needs.

I want to thank so many for their prayers and support. I especially want to thank my clients. You have been incredibly patient and understanding as I navigate this. I get awesome updates, and I love to see you continuing to work and do all the things with your pups. We will meet again soon, and keep those videos coming.

02/01/2024

Excellent post!

Let’s set the scene. This may become a bit sensitive for some, and I apologise in advance.

You’re out somewhere. You might be at a restaurant, a bar, a public park on a sunny day enjoying the sunshine with your family. It may be that you’re on your way home from work or trying to catch the bus. You’re just minding your own business.

Suddenly, a person comes straight up to you. They give you anxiety. What is this person going to do? I don’t know! The person is walking with a friend and the friend sees you’re a bit anxious and calls out to you saying “Don’t stress, she/he’s all good!’’ But they keep approaching you. And when they finally reach you they randomly hug you. Touch you. Walk circles around you. Start talking to you. Don’t let you leave.

What would you call that? Harassment? Assault in severe cases?
How would this make you feel?

Now, after the initial shock you find your courage and you ask the person to go away. Leave you alone. But the person doesn’t stop and instead touches your arm or your hair. “Oh come on, we’re alright. I’m not doing anything bad I’m friendly! Just let me be around you.’’You get upset and might push the person. Shout at them. If you’re a bit more of an assertive person you might punch them. Who knows.
Then the person and the friend get upset. Well? WHY are you here then? What are you doing in this public space if you don’t like being around other people? You have no business to be here, minding your own business in this park with your family without allowing me to sit with you, play with you, touch you, talk to you. Actually, you know what you should do? You should be more social! You should go more often to random groups of people.

_______
Do you see what I did there?
If you thought any of the above situation is not okay (and I sure as heck hope you do), then why do we think it’s okay to let dogs run up to strange dogs and say ‘It’s okay he’s friendly’?

What we do in the dog world is the exact opposite what we should be doing. We label the harassed dog as aggressive and the harassing dog as the victim.

Dogs have emotions. They have feelings. They have their own characters and personalities. There are many, many dogs that are not interested in making new friends or being with dogs they don’t know they can trust.

And sure, some dogs love playing with other dogs. Those are the extraverted dogs. Just like we have people that LOVE hugging or love making new friends even as adults, but to be honest.. how many of those people do you know? I think if you put it into a % its lower than the people that rather just are with their select group of people and be left alone by random strangers in public spaces.

So don’t assume the dog your dog is running towards on the beach, is willing to play with your dog. Being in a public space means you need to have your dog under effective control. And if you can’t call your dog back, it should be on a long line until you can.

——-

In case you’re interested.. after quite a few requests I made a video version of this blog as well.

Your dog is NOT friendly, he's harassing others
https://youtu.be/YlWf02MHKCo

01/25/2024

Currently my Mom is in the hospital, recovering from a Lobectomy done this past Monday. This is where they remove a lobe of the lung -in her case, to remove cancer. It has been an extremely rough week for her (and for me). Every day, all day, I am at the hospital. Thank God for and Memorial Hospital. They have been incredible!

I can’t thank my clients, friends and family, enough for all of your support, prayers and love. Also, thank you for your patience as I navigate this.

What about the dogs?
I don’t do any of this alone. I have an amazing partner and husband who knows how to step in and support the pups at home. Sure it’s not big outings right now, but I come home and their needs have been fully met. He knows my love-language, and I am so grateful to him for this!

❤️

01/19/2024

Now, this is our kind of winter ❄️

01/14/2024

The Midwest is getting hit with some brutal cold temps.

Certainly it is very important to “check those boxes” for your dog no matter the temps. And you may have to get a little creative right now.

BUT…

I want to also say… it is Ok if your dog gets a bit bored. It’s Ok if they get some extra nap time in right now, or their day is super simple as we wait this out. If your dog is struggling to settle, that may be something to work on (ie working “place”) and practicing the art of doing nothing. ☺️ Cause that is what life is sometimes & it’s good for everyone.

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Videos

A moment with Daniel: working through fear . . . We went back by the hydrant several times and he was neutral. I marked and rewarded, and we moved on. #goodboy Daniel #wins #takethetime #lifeexperiences #dogtraining #pov #lifewithdogs #adoptme #puppy @projecthoperescue #lifestyle #lifewithdogs

#adoptme “Daniel” @projecthoperescue 10 months old and just the smartest, sweetest, most wonderful shepherd-mix boy. I enjoy every moment getting to know him and helping shape his mindset. He comes along on Pack Adventures, we have fun, and he is learning all the things. I had no idea how much I would enjoy this dog! ❤️ Please help me network him and let’s find him the best home. #lifewithdogs #adoptable #adoptorshopresponsibly #goodboy #newbestfriend #dogsareawesome #michigan #mypassion #dogtraining

Daniel is a 10 month old foster that a good friend of mine needed some help with. Our community came together and has sponsored his joining in on Pack Adventures. #thankyou This past Thursday was our first - everything 😄 Typically Adventure days are geared a different direction. However, I will absolutely make an exception for this awesome guy. Our initial focus was slowing that mind down. We also spent time getting to know one another through engagement and play, building the “yes” marker, and his not getting so over excited at the sight of dogs. He rocked it!! Daniel is available through @projecthoperescue He is so fun to work with, and a really great dog! I’m looking forward to our adventures ahead! #community #dogs #adoptme #packadventures #lifewithdogs #puppy #letsgo #staytuned #beautifulday #warrendunes #michigan #adoptorshopresponsibly

There are a few things that I want to say following this yesterday. 1. A w a r e n e s s: The dog you’re with is relying on you to be aware of what’s going on around you. They literally will look & check in to see if you’re present or are you focused elsewhere (ie on your phone, talking with someone else, etc) 2. A d v o c a t e: This was 1 of 3 people yesterday that moved in, without asking, to interact with the dogs. I kept it nice with each of them, but that’s cause they listened when I did. I’ll put my foot down when need be. I had to tell another guy yesterday, cause a firm “no” didn’t work, that Brody was not dog friendly. He is very dog friendly! However, it was the only way he’d stop letting his baying and stressed out hound come over to us. 3. R e a l i t y: This one is personal and for women. I’m an independent and strong willed person. I’m often out and about on my own. I’ve had to muscle through some “stuff”. I’m proud of this, actually. I’ve surprised myself many times. However, I had a quick reality check yesterday that I am still a single woman out here and this is how quick that could go bad. I don’t feel this man had ill-intentions. I feel he’s an odd duck that was concerned of my impression of him & his dogs arriving. However, it was certainly a moment. One that woke me up a bit. W h y h e c a m e o v e r: I saw him arrive with 3 dogs - 2 strong protective-breed dogs & a shepherd mix . They were hanging their heads fully out of the car, no collars or leashes and all 3 were eyeballing Winnie (who was coming out to potty). I listened to my gut. They could have maybe been the sweetest dogs, it doesn’t matter. If not, I would have had zero means to do anything in that moment. I did not get the sense he had any influence or control at that time. It’s not personal when I make a choice like this. It’s for the dogs in my care. #wait #patience There are key moments when you have dogs and want to have

A huge ask of each dog - to trust and to follow me through this very different experience. As I’ve mentioned before, we take all the time we need and only go as far as they show me they can go. They blow my mind every time! I’m so proud of every single dog this week!! Man, what a blast!! We have such a fun Pack Adventure season ahead yet. Yes, there will be more #paddleboarding ☺️ . . . #packadventures #thisisdogtraining #lifewithdogs #iknowtheycan #dogtraining #dogsareawesome #learnnewthings #trustfall #myhappyplace #eaglelake #michigan Dogs: Jackson - @tlietzan1965 Oscar - @chelle.belle9 Olive - @kristimoon Brody - @geoghegan_katie Winnie - @stacy.snyder4

#parkmanners After we’ve worked, rested, and are ready to let loose… we still want to make sure we consider others enjoying time with their dogs. You’ll notice dogs always have a drag line for if I need to recall while another dog or person passes. This is for everyone’s comfort. Space is a dogs love language! It’s gold to everyone enjoying the beautiful day. #springvibes #adventuretogether #respect #lifewithdogs #dogtraining #free #enjoy #didyouknow #dogs #understand #courtesy #takethetime #adogsworld #youcan

M o t I v a t i o n a.k.a Love Language It is essential to know your dog’s “love language” and what motivates them. . . . #relationshipgoals #lifewithdogs #thekey #paycheck #motivation #letsgo #likeafish #dogs #minpin #goodboy #dogtraining #myhappyplace - Videoed: my boy Max ❤️

The missing link: In dog training we teach a lot of structured information. Rules, boundaries and lessons that are very important. BUT, something so extremely important is your dog getting to be a ”dog” and let loose. Interestingly enough, if they don’t get to do this then you may see your training hit a bit of a wall. The majority of your time together can’t be hard tasks and work. Let’s integrate learning along with letting loose and having some fun. Depending on your dog, this can open up some really fun opportunities. Pictured here is Lucy walking with @sharing_life_familie and having just the best day Pictured second is Pachi with his Mom @nicodemus63 Then me with the crew on a fun Pack Adventure Day

The Pack Adventure Season is coming up & we are booking up quick! We start 4/8/2024 If you’re interested, please reach out and schedule asap. #pinchme ☺️ #myhappyplace https://www.pattyspack.com/pack-adventures #letsgo #packadventures #imready #lifewithdogs #learningcanbefun #dogs #packwalk #play #chill #vibes #bigchanges #dogtrainerlife

@britney_gmeiner_861738 & @sharing_life_familie are impressively dedicated to the relationship they are building with their dogs. All the other details of what we are doing are very important. However, what will get them to their goal is this consistency. They #makethetime every day, and send me awesome updates that I can give feedback on. They’re #learningtogether and I love to help! I am extremely proud of the work my clients do, and the dogs know they have people trying to bridge the gap. They do. So, they try hard too - and it is beautiful to see. #starttoday #dogtraining #worthit #lifewithdogs #wow #noexcuses #makeithappen #alittlegoesalongway #midwestweather #youcan #relationshipgoals #thatsit #thecaninerepublicgeometry

Helpful with reactive dogs: We can bail! Show them that the two of you can get out of the “situation”. . . . Notice, I didn’t start yankin that leash. I move my feet and FIRST I give a verbal cue (“Let’s go!”) before we high-tail it out. A lot of this is worked before we “need it” with no “situation “. He knows, I know, and it’s a great feeling to be on the same page ❤️ Following up with “Square” (@the_canine_republic Geometry) brings us back together to get back in the right headspace. His Mom @nicodemus63 has worked her butt off to get him here 🙌🙌 #relationshipgoals #letsgo #advocate #dogtraining #lifewithdogs #reactivity #noeasyfeet #hardwork #getit #learntogether #practice #wins #dogs

#lifewithdogs Workin through a messy spot. #nailedit

Morning #vibes with new boarding dog Kaya. Her first time on the treadmill and she’s rockin it! Totally knew she would! Next we’re off to a good day ☀️ I hope you all have a great day too! #makethemostofeveryday #letsgo #lifewithdogs #dogs #startthedayright #dogtraining #mentalwork #rhythm

#simplepleasures Work their mind, move their body, rest and repeat. #lifewithdogs #dogtraining #dogs #myhappyplace #letsgo #priorities #youcan

#relationshipgoals #learntogether #dogs #perspective #dogtraining #mindset #connect #youcan

Downtown South Bend tonight Attention Clients ☺️ #dtsb #LearningOpportunity #supportlocal #community

Currently… . . . #tuesdayvibes #dogtraining #howtovibe #socialization #balance #lifewithdogs #realtime #nature #sniffs #dogs #beautiful #zen #giveittime #takethetime #isitfallyet #myhappyplace #inthepresent @geoghegan_katie @stacy.snyder4 Winnie 😂 @semantic_synaesthesia

😌❤️ #peace #calm #dogtraining #fridayspack #vibes #goodenergy #myoffice #lifewithdogs #dogtrainerlife #youcantoo #learntogether #dogs #myhappyplace #naps #notredameindiana #eddystreetcommons #happypups

My fosters ❤️ Danny & Poppy Lovin life these days! These two are available through Pet Refuge Both are 6-8yrs young, easy EASY-peasy pups. They don’t have to go together, but they do absolutely love each other’s company. Both are great with other dogs, cats too. Young kiddos are not their jam, but guess what? These loves LOVE to snuggle under a blanket in their crate (separate or together). So, putting them away when a young guest comes is super easy. There’s no reason for these loves to not have their new forever home soon. They’re such a joy ❤️ #adoptme

Shortcuts

Who Rescued Who?

As many have, I grew up loving animals. I did anything I could to be out with the horses at my Aunt’s home, running with the dogs or even climbing tree’s. My spirit was strong and every part of life was joy. As I grew, I started to learn some of the more difficult facts of our reality. I started to accept life “as is” and my thoughts in my own mind were limiting. I also lacked confidence, I tried to follow others and was easily swayed to go against my gut.

When I say dogs changed my life, I mean this in every way. Over the years, my husband and I have fostered quite a few dogs through a local rescue. During these years, we have reached out to learn all we can in providing the animals in our care balance. Nothing mattered, though, as much as how we learned that our own balance strongly impacted them. Recognizing this has changed everything in my life. I found areas where I was weak and learned how to address them, to grow and to be stronger. I listen to my gut, I focus on being grateful each and every day, and I am mindful of my thoughts. I’ve taken on challenges and done things that are very scary - including my first solo trip, meeting people I never thought I would meet and leaving my field of work that I had been in for over 20 years to pursue a passion. With every step, I feel this change and I see the difference in my interaction with these incredible animals.

When I meet with clients and their dogs, we sit down and talk over their concerns. I take time to understand their daily routine and what is possible for them to help address the behaviors seen in their best companion. I know what it’s like to juggle a busy life, incorporate change, find what works and accept the life-flow of things. I understand. I also see the dog. I take time to understand their individual needs, drives, personality and what is underlying the behaviors at hand. Taking this time - along with incorporating education, experience and instinct - has allowed me to mend relationships between people and their dogs. Building that foundation that allows them to move forward and grow, together.