Canine Counselor, Inc

08/27/2024

Our hearts are heavy today at CCI, as we have had to say goodbye 💔 to one of the most perfect dogs to ever exist and co-matriarch to our pack for the last 15 years.

This is a tribute to Darla, aka D: the blue eyed red nose American Pit Bull Terrier icon with half a jaw and the world's biggest heart 💙

A dog so iconic that her name has become synonymous with a perfect soft and stable temperament: being "a Darla dog" is the highest compliment a canine companion can achieve and requires an exceedingly rare set of traits found together in less than 5% of today's canine population.

Darla was a natural born helper in every sense of the word and copiloted the CCI pack along with Tuffy for the last 15 years. A therapy dog from birth, Phyllis would always know who in a room of people was having the hardest day, because Darla would plant herself right in front of them and help them feel better just by sharing her beautiful calm spirit. 🥹 She loved to be pet, adored humans (especially children), and would lower her head to soak up every second, then look up with those gorgeous blue eyes to ask for more when you stopped. 💕

But her real "job" was always helping dogs. Thousands of them over her lifetime. Darla was the perfect neutral tester/training dog for new dogs, especially dog aggressive dogs. If she wouldn't engage with a new dog, there was always a reason why and she was always correct in her behavior. We learned so much about new dogs through watching how she interacted with them. And she taught new dogs how to be calm in the house, laying by their crate or sometimes even in it along with them to show them it was safe and they could relax.

To know Darla was to love her... 💖 it was impossible to not adore her perfectly sweet and adorable self. If you were really lucky, you'd get slimed by the tongue always hanging out the side of her mouth 😜 She was obsessed with bully sticks and passed peacefully holding one in her mouth.

She will be deeply missed by all the lives she touched-- Phyllis, Matt, and their son Philip's most of all, as well as Tuffy. If we are delayed in responding to you this week, please be patient with us as we grieve this catastrophic loss and help the pack rebalance without her.

Thank you to the lovely Dr Emily and team at Spotswood Veterinary Services LLC for helping her pass peacefully at home 💗

08/12/2024

🗣 The trainers are coming, the trainers are coming...

For Canine Counselor Inc's first official shadow program! 🎉

We have been hard at work developing this customized program with a primary focus on practical application and tons of hands on time with dogs for two talented trainers we've been mentoring and coaching for months. We specially invited them for this unique opportunity, including their personal dogs, as well as their own client dogs.

In addition to getting practical solutions on some of their toughest cases, bringing client dogs along also allows the trainers to continue getting paid while they're learning 🤓

We custom designed this program around their personal interests and goals, combined with our temperament based behavioral training methodology, and think we've come up with what will be a super unique and really valuable learning experience for these trainers!

We're considering opening up this type of opportunity to more dog pros who are ready for an in depth and hands on look at canine behavior and want to better understand how to tailor training for temperament.

Let us know if you know anyone who fits that bill 👀 and stay tuned all week to get some sneak peeks into what we're up to 😉

08/02/2024

Temperament done right-- some dogs don't need training.

This is Tuffy, 15 year old matriarch of the CCI pack. She's braced herself under trainer Becki's injured foot (which is already being braced on a device designed for that) while Becki washes dog bowls. She's been blocking and protecting Becki's right side consistently since she had foot surgery a few months ago.

She wasn't taught to do this. She wasn't actually ever taught or trained to do much of anything. She's never been in a crate. She has no obedience commands. She's lived with Phyllis her entire life and has helped train and rehabilitate probably thousands of dogs 🤔

Because she's perfect without any of those things. A natural leader, calm and confident, always looking out for the best interest of the pack... even at 15 on a not great day for her mobility wise. She is a helper instinctually and seeks opportunities to cooperate with the human leadership, because she has a perfect temperament and was genetically designed to be this way and do those things without ever needing to be told or taught how.

Dogs like this are rare gems. The "Lassie" type dogs saving kids from wells are becoming seemingly more rare as time goes on and breeding practices focus more on profit than temperament. If you've been lucky enough to know a dog like this, you'll never forget them.

Have you known a Tuffy type of dog? We'd love to hear about them in the comments 💖

07/28/2024

🎉 Exciting news: Canine Counselor Inc is accepting new clients!

We are building a team of dog trainers and want to help you resolve your dog's behavioral issues through developing a balanced relationship. No gimmicks, complicated practices, drugs, or buttons necessary 😁

Based in Spotsylvania County, we serve the DMV to RVA and everywhere in between... we also travel to clients all over the country.

With over 50 years of combined experience working with difficult dogs, we are experts in canine behavior, pack dynamics, pit bulls, fear aggression, puppy raising, and so much more.

Contact us today for more info on how we can help you and your dog! 🐾

07/09/2023

It’s done! Well half of it is! Part 1 of the podcast with Phyllis Smuland talking about her life’s work with the American Pit Bull Terrier (APBT) is out. Phyllis is a walking encyclopedia about the breed and has over 37 years of experience training, rescuing, and rehabilitating the APBT. We did alot of research about this subject as well, which is shared in the podcast. Android users here is your link https://on.soundcloud.com/L95YW Posted by Julie Hart

‎Show Rescue Dogs Responsibly, Ep American Pit Bull Terriers with Phyllis Smuland Part 1 - Jul 9, 2023

03/21/2023

Do you suspect Bravecto made your dog sick? You are not alone, but to make a difference we need to speak up. Merck claims they want to know about any and all adverse effects of their drug Bravecto. We were told that by Merck representatives.

A brief summary - Merck representatives were notified of a case where 10 out of 12 dogs in one household developed neurological illness, brain tumors, seizures, lameness, and Cushings disease after taking Bravecto for two years. All these diseases are rare in dogs, between .001% and .76% of dogs get these diseases. Yet almost all of the dogs in the household given Bravecto developed these diseases in ranges of a few days to years after taking Bravecto long-term. The Merck representatives explained that Bravecto is safe because Merck, the maker of Bravecto, did testing before Bravecto was brought to market. After investigating the testing done, it is clear that the testing was short term use on a small population of dogs, mostly all beagles. While Merck claims Bravecto is safe, their testing did not contain chronic, long-term effects of Bravecto. The testing only lasted for 24 weeks. “While the longest repeat dose toxicity study is 90 days (daily administration of fluralaner), the target animal safety (TAS) studies were conducted over several months (in the pivotal TAS study the product was administered on three occasions with an 8-week between treatment interval) with animals continually exposed to fluralaner for approximately 24 weeks.” (European Medicines Agency) Many dogs aree receiving Bravecto for years and years. The testing Bravecto did was insufficient to determine long-term side effects of the drug. Bravecto claims their product is safe yet contains the warning of “neurologic adverse reactions” including tremors, ataxia, and seizures”. (Bravecto label)

As canine professionals, we may be able to put two and two together about Bravecto and the health effects it is having on dogs. We are hearing reports from clients whose dogs have had seizures or other concerning symptoms after being given Bravecto. One client gave her dog Bravecto and the dog started growling at the back of her head, which he had never done before, and quit doing a few weeks later. Another dog tore up her dog bed after being given Bravecto, an unusual behavior for this dog. One client had a dog that died of a brain tumor and seizures at the age of 6 yrs. after being given Bravecto continuously. Unfortunately, veterinarians are not recognizing the side effects from Bravecto. Due to Bravecto’s limited labeling about side effects, many vets are not attributing their clients’ dogs’ health problems with long-term Bravecto use. In fact, many will insist that their clients keep giving their dog Bravecto even after the dog has displayed neurological issues.

We need to speak up and let the FDA and Merck know about the side effects of Bravecto. Merck representatives claim they want to know about any side effects of their drug Bravecto. They claim they are very concerned about the health of dogs. So, let’s give them what they ask for. Tell Merck and the FDA so they can track the drug and any damage it is doing to our beloved pets, and hopefully require further testing or removal from the market. If you are in the EU, you can notify the proper organization for your country at this link below. Below are the US contact information to write about adverse effects of Bravecto:
Bravecto
Merck Animal Health
2 Giralda Farms
Madison, NJ 07940

FDA (Food and Drug Administration) Center for Veterinary Medicine Form 1932a, then email to [email protected]
https://www.fda.gov/media/125072/download

EU
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwid-oXLkez9AhWhJkQIHUnEB94QFnoECDsQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ema.europa.eu%2Fen%2Fdocuments%2Ftemplate-form%2Fqrd-appendix-i-adverse-event-phv-mss-reporting-details_en.docx&usg=AOvVaw3jw3CD4SnRFwnEGdAXKPb7

01/08/2023

Phyllis talks to Doro and Tricia about health and mental wellness for dogs on Health Gig podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/phyllis-smuland-on-being-a-good-leader-to-your/id1344942806?i=1000592263662

12/28/2021

This type of dog that likes kids still exists in New Mexico. This puppy is showing happy but polite behavior towards strange kids at a school function. If you want a dog that is good with strangers or kids, look for this behavior with new people

Family friendly puppy example greeting strange kids at a school event for dog rescues. Notice this puppy's happy but polite greeting of these kids she does ...

10/18/2021

Halloween tips for your dog by CCI admin and trainer Julie Hart.

Halloween is one of my favorite holidays, but for lots of dogs, it is not a good experience. There are costumes, scary decorations, and lots of doorbell ringing. I have had lots of foster dogs...

09/26/2021

Fun rescue and dog related activities with my manager/friend Julie Hart.

08/30/2021

I ran across these photos of Hollis, an Akita, from 2007. She came in for training because the prey drive in this dog was through the roof with several victory kills of cats. Notice there is a deer in the background of the photo, and Hollis is being calm. This was after about 6 weeks of training.

At first, Hollis would turn her head away from me when I tried to interact. It took a long time before Hollis accepted me. Then she’d wiggle and woo very loudly when we would see each other. I built trust and respect in the dog and then she trusted and respected me in return, before I used tools. The e-collar was layered onto Hollis’ training, for added security, because there were cats and a female Pit Bull in her home. She was a great dog I learned a lot from.

Please take note of the e-collar. Hollis is not stress panting and feels comfortable with the collar being on. There was never another incident of aggression with Hollis after training, partly due to the owners’ diligence. Her owners were on vacation when she sadly died of cancer, with me stoically by her side.

We must pay attention to the dog in front of us as they can teach us volumes. We must build relationships with dogs before we expect them to follow us.

08/04/2021

Want something fun and educational to do in the fall?? Training According to Temperament Dog Training Workshop spots still available for October 1-3 with Phyllis Smuland and myself near Frederick, MD. email [email protected] to register or for more info

07/04/2021

Enjoy this celebration day but remember to keep your dogs safe and contained so they cannot escape and get lost. A crate, music playing, and a chew item can bring comfort. Also take your noise phobic dogs out on a leash to potty this evening. Many can bolt when scared from fireworks