Sit Happens Dog Training LLC

08/21/2024

I was looking for some advice I gave about socialization. Socialization does not mean your dog enjoys other dogs or strange people. It means they learn to ignore outside stimulus.

Leash rules are critical. Self reinforcement can happen quickly.

Reach out by August 25th for $100 off the 6 session package! All clients qualify for this discount...new and old 🐾

Let's talk about Reactivity!

How many people stay home with their dog, are afraid to put them out into any social interactions of any kind? 👋🖐👋

Don't feel like that is forever! Our own anxiety feeds our dog's anxiety. We are more enmeshed and don't realize it. Break the cycle, learn what works for you and your dog and you can help them overcome their fears.

Reactivity is uncomfortable for the dog. More often it is NOT protective or dominance. Not impossible for those two behaviors to be the reason but more likely they are stressed or scared.

They usually don't want to confront their fear but it feels like their only option. So it looks like confidence but really could be survival instinct. Who wants to be in survival mode all the time? Stress hormones wreak havoc on our bodies including our dogs.

I can help divert your dog's reactivity and your own. We can help you show your dog that you have the situation under control and they don't have to "do anything about it". Building trust and your own confidence!

Of course there's much more understanding that goes along with this. You need to get into your dog's brain and understand that body language is the most important thing I can teach you. If you react with calm and assertive energy and know exactly what your dog needs, you will see a difference.

Please don't let your dog be a prisoner in your home. They can learn and change their expectations of all those scary things out there🐾✌️ I can help!

We are live in Sun Prairie but will travel anywhere to you! Message me for any questions you have!

08/21/2024

I was reading up on tick bite prevention in our state. Ticks carry Lyme disease that can be a lifelong health issue for us and our pets.

I read about Permethrin and was concerned that it can be dangerous to cats. This concentrate is only to be used on clothing. But be aware that it has been proven to be safe for human clothing after it's dried but could be very toxic to cats.

Always read up on warning labels. Just because it's on the store shelves doesn't mean that it's completely safe. Anything that repels or destroys bugs will also hurt our bees.

Lyme disease is no joke. If you're in a high risk area for the ticks that carry this disease, it's better to protect yourself and your dogs. But please be careful with flea and tick prevention around cats. Never use a dog product on your cat! It can be have long term effects or fatal 🐈

08/20/2024

Belle has been barking at men with beards so I had Derrick come over and visit tonight. Belle was hugging him immediately.

We talked about context change. It is more likely the space outside that made her feel less stressed. We're going to change it up next time and see how she does inside meeting a new person.

Be sure that new people to your dog don't make eye contact or walk straight at them if they're nervous. Allow the dog to approach them on their terms.

If you have a dog that might be a bite risk, keep them on leash to help them control their inhibitions.

We specialize in reactive dogs as well! 🐕🐕‍🦺

08/19/2024

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08/19/2024

This my son's dog, Fenrir. He's the smartest dog in the house and one of the smartest dogs we have ever met. He is very clicker savvy and wants to work all day long. But a bonus is that he's a huge cuddler. He will slap your arm until you pet him and don't ask him if he's "ok". He'll be on your lap in -5 seconds. 🤎🖤

08/18/2024

I take immense pride in my work and the love the clients I have the pleasure of serving. You will forever be regarded as part of the Sit Happens Dog Pack.

For families living within a 20-minute radius of Sun Prairie, WI, I am offering a discount of $100 on the 6-session training package.

Sign up within the next 7 days (August 25th) to take advantage this offer and we can start training in your home as early as this coming week🐾

If you're farther away, I'm available to you as well. For a mileage fee, I will travel as far as you need me. I also offer live/in-person over the phone training sessions 🐕🐶🐕‍🦺

We want our clients to feel confident handing their dog(s) no matter where they are. With private at-home training, working out in the community to work on socialization, we provide you with everything you need to develop a positive relationship with your dog. Set up a 30 minute assessment!

08/11/2024

It's been a rough week. So much pain and grief that is so unfair but is part of the human condition.

Our pets can help us refocus and help us breathe again.

Look to them when you feel you can't do much more. They're right in front of you and willing to love you through it all. 🐾

07/29/2024

Ideas!
I was just thinking about how our elderly need more support to stay in their homes ie cleaning, lawn care etc.
What about pet care? Dog walks, vet visits, cleaning the litter box...

I just called ADRC here in my county and I'm hoping I can be added 🐕🐈

Pets are so important for our mental health. And we ALL deserve to have that emotional support despite our physical challenges.

I'll keep you all updated on the process and if you have any insight, please reach out and let me know 🐾🤗

07/28/2024

This is the result of the dog community coming together to help each other. Bandit needed to be rehomed at no fault of his owner or him.

A sponsor helped out financially, a kind person got him off the streets and a husky/dog person who gives more than she takes, is taking him until the perfect home can be found. Thank you to Kevin who supports his amazing wife in all her endeavors. You are an amazing man and I'm so happy you two have each other.

What a day! Tears and kindness and dog breath/kisses. It's a good day.

If you can help with vetting and dog food, please help Kira McGrane. She does so much and needs all the support she can get.

Each one of these women have absolutely beautiful souls. True dog people to the core. I'm thankful to know each of you. 🐾🖤🤍🤎

07/28/2024

When do you have to worry if your dog eats chocolate?

It all depends on the dog and the amount and type ingested.

The amount of theobromine in chocolate varies with the type of chocolate. The darker and more bitter the chocolate, the more dangerous it is to dogs. Cocoa beans have the most theobromine, followed by unsweetened cocoa powder, then, in order from most to least, baked unsweetened dark/baking chocolate, semisweet chocolate, milk chocolate, and white chocolate with the least theobromine.

Clinical signs depend on the dose of theobromine ingested. For many dogs, the most common clinical signs are vomiting, diarrhea, increased thirst, panting or restlessness, excessive urination, and racing heart rate. In severe cases, symptoms can include cardiac arrhythmias, muscle tremors, and seizures. Complications such as aspiration pneumonia from vomiting or prolonged clinical signs can make the prognosis for chocolate poisoning worse. Clinical signs of chocolate poisoning can take several hours to develop and signs can last for several days. All this information came from the VCA website.

Always call your veterinarian for advice and the next steps. Keep an after hours number available to everyone who takes care of your dogs.

Learn all you need to know about chocolate poisoning in dogs with VCA. Get expert advice from VCA Animal Hospitals to keep your pet healthy and happy.

07/25/2024

Loki and Baldur. Loki just turned 4 on July 23rd🐾🤎

07/21/2024

Some photos of my current clients! Omg I love these dogs.

I have a special bond with every dog I have worked with. Impossible to love each one? Absolutely not! I really do enjoy all of your dogs individually.

I saw an E Collar Dog Training van today that said "We don't train husbands, wives or kids".

I laughed because that's actually what I DO do!

Training your dogs is the easy part. Training you how I train dogs is not so easy but I enjoy it so much.

And yes the do do was on purpose. You get humor along with dog training advice 🐾

Reach out, sign up and support a local disabled Veteran! I won't give up on you or your dog.
I'm always here 🐾🖤🤎🤍💛🩶

07/21/2024

Let's talk about reinforcement!

Every time I mow the lawn, Baldur will grab a toy or ball and drop it in front of me or near me. This all started when he and his brother were puppies. I couldn't move forward anymore until I kicked the ball or threw the toy because it was in the way.

So 5 years later they still bug me while I mow because every single time I play with them, even though it's more about not running over their toys.

This is a weird thing at my house but I understand that they love when I mow for this reason. It's annoying for me but enriching for them 🖤🤎

Watch reinforcement behavior with your dogs like this or something that is a negative like jumping: "every time I jump up on you, you give me attention" ie: make eye contact, touch them, say their name.

Ignore the bad stuff and reinforce the good stuff 🐾

Some day I will miss this. But for now, I'm living in the moment and love mowing the lawn with my dogs at my side.

07/15/2024

Thank you Culver's Sun Prairie on Oxford place for the friendly staff and the pup cups! Honey is visiting us this week and loves car rides and a reward at the drive up window🤍

07/14/2024

Heidi is a very smart, and pushy girl! Can you guess her multiple breeds? One sticks out to me when she looks at me with her sweet demeanor 🖤

07/10/2024

Put this event on your calendar! 🐾

Don't forget to mark this day on the calendar to have a fun filled day. The bike ride is always fun and nothing beats how relaxing it is to be on the motorcycle. Don't worry though if you don't have a motorcycle you can join with your car aswell. If that isn't something you are interested in just come by for raffle baskets, meet some of the team and some available dogs looking for homes. Enjoy some food and drinks and don't forget the 50/50 raffle. We also will have some alumni dogs to show just how amazing rescue dogs are.

This event can only be successful with the help of all you amazing supporters.

07/09/2024

I was hanging out with little Evie yesterday for an adventure! Evie is one of my first clients from two years ago. We're going to work on building her confidence in public places 🐕‍🦺

I offer dog walks and "adventures" to dog friendly places as well as one on one dog training in your home 🐾

Group classes are also an option with clients that have went through my 6 week individual sessions 🐕

My schedule changes weekly but I will fit you in as soon as you need me. Reach out for an evaluation! 🐶

07/07/2024

Looking for durable collars? Support small business! 🐾🐕‍🦺

07/06/2024

Baldur and Fenrir

Litter mate syndrome is a real thing but whatever we did with these two (or maybe it's the great breeding AND what the work we did with them) did not produce litter mate syndrome.

They are fantastic together. SS&3Colors Kennels gave us some beautiful and smart beasts! Thank you Sunshine 🖤🤎

07/03/2024

Dogs are easier to train than humans

This comment isn't meant to be insulting. When you communicate with your dog with body language rather than linguistics, it will start flowing for you both. That's part of what I do for you.

I've been evolving over time to become a better trainer and communicator for your dog and you.

I can come into your home and train your dog but our own beliefs and lifestyles can become a barrier.

My goal is not to train you and your dog based on what I do daily with my dogs or what I believe you should do. I want to investigate what works for you and your daily habits. We may change some habits that fit well, but my goal isn't to make you feel uncomfortable or force you to do anything you won't repeat.

It's not easy being a fluid trainer. I don't go in with an instant plan but with trial and error, I will try to balance the best methods and habits (new and old) for you and your family.

And ADVOCACY for your dog will always be in the forefront of my goals 🐾

06/28/2024

Keep an eye out for Ralphie! On the loose or for sale or out in public.

Spread the word!! Help bring Ralph home safely!

06/24/2024

This toy is a huge hit with little Strawberry! When you play with your dog, not only are you wearing them out, you are bonding, they're happy and you can also throw some obedience work in at the same time.

I was working with this family when the bad storm came through on Saturday. She's showing fear with storms but she forgot about the loud noise outside when we were playing 🐾🖤

An absolute wonderful family and we have the best Q&A with their daughter!

I love my "job" 🤗

06/24/2024

Take extra care of your dogs for the rest of the summer. This advice could also help with these nasty storms that have been frequent these last few weeks.

Don't open doors with them nearby if they normally would not bolt and take extra care if they do. They don't know where that scary sound came from today, yesterday. They just know they were in the house when they heard it and they want to leave. Bolting is how they get lost. Use a leash in the house, between the car, in the yard if you don't have a fence, if they are scared of thunder, loud sounds.

Keep the TV, music, speakers on louder, white noise such as table or floor fans in their room, near their kennel to drown out the noise.

Use a GOOD CBD oil or treat. I have a product I endorse but it's all the way out in Oregon. If you need it for future use, message me and I'll give you the info!

Let them go to the hiding spot and fill that area with their blankets, toys, chewies if it's not their normal spot and put some white noise/music in there. The tub/bathroom seems to be the go to place. They're smart and their hearing is exceptional. Don't they tell us to go to in interior room for storms? Probably because the noise is diminished and it is safer in there from the outside craziness.

Don't make the noise a big deal. Instead of: "Are you ok? I'm so sorry baby!", talk to them in a normal voice, don't respond and ignore or even better, play with them with a high value toy. Your tone is everything! Give them extra stress chewies to work on while sitting next to you.

If you are going to leave them alone during high fireworks time, keep them in one room, with the TV, music in the background to drown out all noises. Allowing them free reign over the entire house will only cause panic. Confinement will make them feel safer.

I hope no dogs get lost this year. Please consider going to a fireworks show instead of lighting them at your home. So many people and pets and wildlife are affected every year. Celebrating our freedom shouldn't affect anyone around us 🇺🇲❤️🤍💙

06/23/2024

If you're close to Sheboygan today, help out White Paws German Shepherd Rescue 🐾🐕‍🦺

06/20/2024

Any dog peoples in Alaska? Check out this event 🐾

Our upcoming events are:
Salcha Fair, Salcha Fairgrounds, Saturday June 29th, 11am - 6pm

Mutt March, Pioneer Park, Sunday June 30th, 12:30pm - 3pm (bring your dogs to this event to let them try out our treats, we’ll have free rabbit ear samples!)

We hope to see you there! 🐕

06/20/2024

My service dog Baldur has had some funky blood work for a few years now. I haven't been able to neuter him until we get more tests done, including an ultrasound and more blood work.

I need to raise 700 for the testing and the 300-400 for the neuter. I'm on a disabled income and my little business is keeping my head barely above water to keep paying our bills with absolutely no extra or sometimes I'm juggling what bills to pay. I know the economy is tough on us all.

Not looking for a hand out! Looking for more clients! Happy dogs, happy owners is always my goal! Reach out if you need help of any kind! I travel to you and/or public dog friendly places 🐾🐕‍🦺

And by the way, I have the absolute best veterinarian. I can't thank Sun Prairie Pet Clinic and Dr Vitale enough for his wisdom and patience and his time for chatting with me. He teaches me so much and gives so much of his time for free. Absolutely the best 🐾🐕🐈‍⬛

06/17/2024

Heat exhaustion, also known as heat stroke, in dogs is caused by too much exposure to hot temperatures, which can lead to a high body temperature. Dogs pant to release heat, but in extreme heat, they may not be able to cool down quickly enough. If left untreated, heat exhaustion can lead to serious complications or even death.

**Do not cool your dog down too fast! Giving them a bath, drinking cold water (ice cubes), can put their body in shock. Either avoid the extreme temperatures or limit the time if you do go out. Let them cool down on a tile floor. Just be careful of cooling down too fast! Call your vet for any health concerns you may encounter.

Don't exercise excessively, limit to very short walks or play in the back yard, wait until the sun goes down.

If they're panting hard in this heat, they're bodies are trying to cool themselves down.

They can't tell you they shouldn't be running around like they normally do. They just do want they want. Dogs are smart but don't plan things out very well 🐾🙄

06/14/2024

We had a BLAST out at Fly Dog Parks !! We have a fenced in yard but not like this! The boys had so much fun with their favorite toy! Thank you for your space. It's truly amazing for dogs that just want to be with their brothers and their humans 🐾

06/13/2024

Working with Rey's kids to teach them how to communicate using dog language. Thank you Cabela's for being dog friendly🐾