Tail-Blazers Dog Training

12/12/2024

Christmas is a wonderful time for thoughtful gifting, especially when it’s something you know will bring joy.

And let’s be honest, who doesn’t find puppies adorable? Still, loving puppies doesn’t automatically mean someone is prepared for the responsibility of owning one. They require a lot of time and dedication, which is a serious commitment that shouldn't be taken lightly.

12/03/2024

11/21/2024

Many people have faced injuries from retractable leashes becoming entangled around their limbs. When the leash is thin and applies enough pressure, it can result in deep cuts or significant rope burns.

They also reduce control. These leashes can let dogs get too far away from their owners, which makes it hard to respond quickly in urgent situations, such as pulling your dog away from potential danger or oncoming traffic.

11/11/2024

Tail-blazers will be offering classes on Wednesdays at Pet Supplies Plus (3340 Sheridan Drive, Amherst) 🐶

With a 2:1 dog-to-trainer ratio, our classes are designed to provide you with the dedicated attention you require. This means that spaces are extremely limited. Register today to secure your spot!

11/06/2024

Luna was adopted from an Amish farm in Ohio when she was about 5 months old. At first, she was very nervous, afraid to walk through doorways, and extremely cautious around strangers.

Sadly, Luna's fearful and jumpy behavior suggested that she was likely mistreated. But, over the course of our 6-week sessions, I watched her become more confident. It took some time, but with her owners' love and patience, she is now a completely different dog compared to when we first met.

It warms my heart to know that Luna has found happiness with a family that truly cares for her.

10/29/2024

Identifying stress signals in dogs is often more straightforward, but there are also behaviors and body language that suggest your dog is happy and content.

Keep in mind that context is key. Noticing one of these signs doesn’t automatically mean your dog is happy or content. To truly understand your dog's feelings, it's essential to look at everything happening around them.

10/24/2024

Every dog has their own unique learning style and pace; some catch on right away, while others need a bit more time to grasp the training process before they can really excel.

Bolt was one of those dogs that needed a little time to get the hang of training, which isn’t surprising considering how easygoing Saint Bernards are. But once he learned that doing certain things would get him treats, he started to pick up the pace significantly.

With each training session, he not only learns new behaviors more quickly but also excels in the skills he had already acquired since our first session.

Getting frustrated with your dog can hinder their training success and stop them from reaching their full potential. It’s important to remain calm and be patient while they figure things out 🐶

10/15/2024

Some dogs, such as Ellie, adjust to the presence of a baby in the household quite smoothly, while others may encounter challenges in adapting to this new situation.

It is important to have a plan in place, regardless of how well you think your dog will cope. If you are expecting a newborn or know someone who is, here are some things to consider:

• If possible, make alternative arrangements for your dog while you adjust to life with the newborn.

• Give your dog a blanket or something that smells like the baby to help them get familiar with the scent before they meet.

• Provide a safe place for your dog to retreat to and relax when they are feeling overwhelmed.

• It really helps if your dog knows basic obedience cues, as it’ll make your life easier when you’re busy with the baby.

• Go slowly when introducing them, starting at a distance. It's a good idea to keep the dog on a leash for better control.

• Reward your dog when they are calm around the baby.

• Always keep an eye on the dog and baby when they’re together; never leave them unsupervised.

• Don't force interaction. If the dog doesn't care to be near the baby, it's important to respect that.

• If you notice any aggressive behavior, separate them right away and get professional help. It's best to address this early, as things can become more difficult once the baby starts to crawl or walk.

10/08/2024

You might not always notice, but dogs have their own way of showing when they're stressed out. These subtle signs, or "stress signals", can mean they're feeling stressed, anxious, confused, scared, or even excited.

Context plays a huge role in interpreting a dog's body language. If you want to get to the bottom of their stress when you see those signals, you have to consider everything happening around them.

Dogs may display stress signals even when they're experiencing a good type of stress, known as eustress (see previous post for the differences between eustress and distress). During moments of excitement or during a training session, you might notice them shaking off or yawning. These behaviors help them relieve stress, which is a healthy response and suggests that they are in the process of learning.

Shaking off and yawning in dogs can also be signs of distress, that's why it's crucial to take a step back and assess the situation to understand what's going on.

By recognizing these stress signals, you can better understand your dog and, if necessary, take action to help them feel more comfortable and less stressed.

10/03/2024

Dogs, much like humans, can go through stress. Sometimes it’s a good kind of stress that is a natural part of their development, but other times it can be harmful to their health. Below, I’ve outlined the differences between eustress and distress.

Keep an eye out next week for my post about the subtle ways dogs show they’re stressed, often referred to as "stress signals."

10/01/2024

Muffin, an 8-month-old Yorkie, has just finished mastering her basic obedience skills. During one of our training sessions, her owner's grandkids were eager to join in. They've really contributed to Muffin's progress by practicing the skills we've been working on every week.

Including your child in the dog training process can be beneficial for both of them. It strengthens their connection, and the dog will learn that kids are a good thing—unless you're using any harsh methods, which I definitely advise against. It also teaches your child about responsibility, builds their confidence, and encourages emotional growth.

As long as you think your child is the right age to participate, you can't go wrong by letting them join in!

09/25/2024

Romeo is currently working on mastering the ‘place’ cue.

The ‘place' cue instructs your dog to go to a designated area and remain there until you say the release word. ‘Place’ can be anything from a bed to a rug or even a towel, as long as it has clear boundaries. Once your dog has a good grasp of ‘place’, you can change the location or the object you want them to use.

This is a bit different than asking for a stay; the dog has the freedom to move around, as long as they remain within the space you've chosen as 'place.'

‘Place' is really helpful in lots of situations, like when friends are visiting, especially if your dog likes to jump, while you’re enjoying dinner, or if your dog is getting a bit too energetic and needs to settle down.

09/19/2024

The most common orthopedic surgery in dogs is the repair of the Cruciate Cranial Ligament (CCL), which is sometimes referred to as the ACL.

Daizy is an 8-year-old dog with degenerative arthritis in her right back leg. While playing with her sister, she ended up tearing her CCL in her left back leg. This made walking a challenge for her, and she would often sit down whenever she was not moving.

Since Daizy has arthritis in her other back leg, surgery looked like the best option to help her return to her joyful life. Just three weeks post-surgery, she’s doing great and is way more mobile than she was before! Currently, she’s working on rebuilding her strength by going for short walks.

One of the most important parts of a dog’s recovery from CCL surgery is rehabilitation. It plays a big role in helping them regain strength and movement in the affected leg. It also keeps them from putting too much stress on their other legs, which helps prevent further injuries.

09/12/2024

Teaching your dog to come when called is very important.

This skill, known as recall, can be a lifesaver in different situations, especially during emergencies.

If your dog doesn’t come when called, it’s possible that you’ve unintentionally poisoned the cue, especially if you are calling them by their name, which is often the case.

09/07/2024

While in Texas, I had the privilege of visiting a rescue facility for wolfdogs.

A wolfdog is a hybrid of a wolf and a dog, with its DNA ranging anywhere from 20% to 98% wolf.

The rising trend of exotic pet ownership has led to an increase in wolfdog numbers. Unfortunately, they are not suitable for everyone due to their unique requirements and specific care needs.

Fortunately, organizations such as Texas Wolfdog Project: Rescue, Adoption and Education are dedicated to rescuing these animals. They rely on volunteers and donations to operate. Their goal is to educate the public and find great homes for the wolfdogs they rescue, which allows them to take in and save even more of these amazing animals 🐺

08/29/2024

Zuko is a naturally curious dog, but his fear of the leash has limited his adventures. Up until a week ago, he hadn’t ventured outside the perimeter of his home since he was adopted in January.

Through effective counterconditioning and positive reinforcement, we have helped Zuko become more comfortable with the leash. Once we could easily put it on and take it off, we were ready to transition to the next step of taking him for a walk.

On his first venture outside, he was quite nervous but also filled with curiosity. To avoid causing him any undue stress, we decided to keep this first experience brief.

The second outing, which was a week later, was a completely different experience. Zuko summoned the confidence to join his sister, Sweet Pea, for a walk. Although he began with some apprehension, he quickly recognized his enjoyment of the experience, allowing his fears to fade away.

The video captures Zuko's happiness while walking with Sweet Pea and his owners, Tina and Bruce. When it comes to helping a dog face their fears, it is imperative to let them go at their own pace and to ONLY use positive reinforcement.

08/26/2024

A wagging tail in dogs can be misleading; it’s important to consider their overall body language and the context to understand its true meaning 🐕

08/23/2024

Emmy's showing her teeth, but it’s not a threat; she’s just super happy to see me! When I arrive, she greets me with a big smile.

Research shows how well dogs can understand humans. They’re adept at picking up on our feelings, so when they see us smiling and cheerful, they might begin to mimic that with their own joyful grin.

Sometimes, dogs will flash their teeth in a way that shows they’re being submissive, especially if they know they’ve done something they shouldn’t have. It can also mean, “please don’t make me do this,” like when it’s time for a bath.

On the flip side, a dog may bare their teeth as a warning sign. If that’s the case, you’ll likely notice growling, a tense body, ears standing tall, and a tail that’s moving back and forth quickly. In contrast, a dog that’s happy will show a smile with a gentle gaze, a relaxed body, flattened ears, a lowered head, and a wagging tail.