Well Mannered Mutt

10/10/2024

Have you ever wondered how dogs see? They see shades of blues and yellows.

07/10/2024

Bringing home isn’t always a win. It isn’t for the faint of heart. It doesn’t always work out. Sometimes, it becomes a sad goodbye, a world of grief. But sometimes, it all works out. Sometimes, these dogs defy all odds and become wonderful, social, perfect creatures. Sometimes, they get a new family, a new dog sibling, and a new chance at life. I’m so fu***ng proud to have known you and to have been a stepping stone to a better life. A life of pampering and love. To my little misfit girl, may you continue to inspire us all and keep us fighting the good fight.


Thank you to HSUS and HDR for giving her a chance, to Cornell university veterinary specialists, and bespoke veterinary services for all your knowledge and work to make this girl ready and thank you to Sabrina, Rich, and Mercedes for welcoming Sharon, now Mia, into your family.

01/10/2024

Let’s do a reframe here. Instead of treats, can we call it our dogs daily allowance of calories? They have to eat somehow, why not have some of their daily intake actually reinforce the behaviors we want?

20/09/2024

🌟 Meet Applesauce: Your Future Furry Best Friend! 🐾

This certified good boy is on the lookout for his forever home! 🍏❤️ Over the past few months, we've learned so much about him, and we can’t wait to share his journey with you!

💙 **A Gentle Soul:** Applesauce is a bit shy around men but warms up quickly to the ladies! He’s all about making new friends, just give him a little time.

🏞️ **Adventure Buddy:** He enjoys decompression walks or runs every other day—ideally on grassy trails, as his recent toe surgery needs a little TLC. Applesauce is ready to be your perfect trail running companion!

🚗 **Always Up for a Joyride:** Whether it’s a trip to the park or a new adventure, he’s your co-pilot in the car!

👃 **Nose Work Pro:** Applesauce is a nose work BEAST! He thinks he’s destined to be a narc detection dog. His foster mom will happily teach you how to continue this fun activity!

🛋️ **Snuggle Champion:** When it’s time to relax, he loves nothing more than cuddling up with you, resting his head on your lap while you binge-watch your favorite shows.

🏡 **Ideal Home:** A quiet environment will suit him best, as he can be a bit alert to noises. He can live with a calm demeanored dog and has lived with cats. Older children a potential as well.

Currently located in Fairfield, CT and comes with a grant for behavioral support from Well Mannered Mutt.

If you’re ready to open your heart and home to this sweet boy, apply through Handsome Dan's Rescue for Pit Bull Type Dogs or email for more infoLet’s find Applesauce the loving family he deserves! 💚✨

13/09/2024

Horses and dogs, the best combo.

10/09/2024

Great Podcast and great info on senior dogs!

We hear so much about puppys and adolescents, but it's rare to focus on seniors — in this episode, that's exactly what we do. We take a deep dive into what it m

06/09/2024

Foster dog applesauce meeting horses for the first time ❤️ slow and steady wins the race. Always. Applesauce is searching for a calm home with a fenced yard and people comfortable with fearful dogs. He’s incredibly snuggly and a fun loving dog. Dog and cat friendly. Apply through Handsome Dan's Rescue for Pit Bull Type Dogs

29/08/2024

Applesauce- a new bombshell entering the adoption villa!

This shy guy needs a patient home with lots of space. Is that you? Apply Handsome Dan's Rescue for Pit Bull Type Dogs

27/08/2024

Sound up for a message from our favorite !

20/07/2024

It’s ok.

03/07/2024

True commitment takes grit. And my wonderful clients have grit. Good work Madi and Pippi! How beautiful is Pippi in her muzzle?

“Commitment is passion and perseverance for very long term goals. Grit is having stamina. Grit is sticking with your future, day in, day out. Not just for the week, not just for the month, but for years. And working really hard to make the future a reality. Grit is living life like it’s a marathon, not a sprint” - Dr. Angela Lee Duckworth

16/06/2024

Stationing is such an important skill in multi dog homes. As I integrate this dog fighting survivor into my home, with two other dogs, she needs some skills to succeed. Skill number one is stationing! This is our first training session together, so we’re starting small in 3 minute increments. Next up, learning to lay down!



Handsome Dan's Rescue for Pit Bull Type Dogs

28/05/2024

Post adoption update from well mannered mutt and Handsome Dan's Rescue for Pit Bull Type Dogs alumni, Lyla!

13/05/2024

Years ago I was contacted about a dog at Bridgeport animal control who had been returned for “being dumb and untrainable”. Turns out he was the most wonderful deaf pitty that just needed a bit of understanding. Here is the update I just got ❤️
“Hi!! I hope you are doing well. Just like to send you updates every so often. Boomer is officially a big brother and he has been SO good. Honestly, I wasn’t sure he has never been around kids but I was just going for co-existing in the house and him being neutral with the baby. He has been wonderful and we still get out for walks. Amelia even came to our first dock diving session the other day. I’ll never be able to thank you enough for finding me the greatest dog in the world ❤️”

02/04/2024

Calling all local dog owners! Our Sniffpot is officially live!
Come visit our fully fenced in 3 acre dog training oasis!
https://snfs.pt/dqehj

What is Sniffpot?
Designed by reactive dog owner David Adams, Sniffspot is passionate about giving all dogs the opportunity to sniff, run, and play without fear. Adams says “As long as we share a place on Earth, Sniffspot believes that dogs have an inherent right to living a fulfilling, joyful, and rewarding life just like we do.” Sniffspot is designed for private play. It is well suited to all dogs, but particularly dogs who are nervous, in training, or working through reactivity. But truly, every pet can benefit from one-on-one time with just their owners in an environment all to themselves.

Dog Training Oasis, Fairfield, Connecticut - I am a dog trainer and dog rescuer and I knew I needed a spot to just let the dogs decompress. This is it!

01/03/2024

We ABSOLUTELY love cooperative care. It all starts with a chin rest. Read more from Fear Free Pets here!

Chin Rest Challenge: How to Use This Cooperative Care Behavior

26/02/2024

Sniffaris for the win!

Shake it…shake it off…

A recent study by two researchers in France looked at sniffing, pulse rate, and leash length on walks. Sixty-one dogs were taken on three separate walks, five minutes each walk, once with a 1.5m leash, once with a 5m leash, and once without a leash at all (walk order was randomized for each dog). Off-leash dogs sniffed the most, more than 3x as long as the dogs on short leashes. Dogs on long leashes spent nearly as much time as unleashed dogs sniffing, almost 3x as long as dogs on short leashes.

This study also found that sniffing resulted in lowered pulse rates, and the more intensely they sniffed, the more their pulse rates lowered. Pulse rate was also lowered when dogs “shook off” during walks on all leash lengths. The “shake off” behavior was often seen when the dog’s pulse rate was particularly high.

Read more about it below!

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1HX77kp2HBDiTxmq/?mibextid=Le6z7H

https://www.tuftsyourdog.com/everydaydogcare/giving-your-dog-time-to-sniff-on-walks-will-literally-soothe-his-heart/

What else can we learn about dogs from their walking behavior? Take your best friend on a Sniffari and see what you observe!

01/02/2024

After tirelessly working with numerous misfit dogs in recent years, I am excited to announce that my new course, The Really Relaxed Dog, is now LIVE 🐾

This program is specifically crafted to provide additional support for individuals dealing with the training challenges posed by overly excited and hyperactive dogs. If you find yourself in need of assistance but are hesitant about committing to extensive training, this course offers a valuable solution.

All the details and registration information are provided below. We are genuinely excited about launching this course and look forward to assisting dog owners in cultivating a calm and joyful companion!

www.wellmanneredmuttct.com/reallyrelaxedclass

26/01/2024

Once you know better, you do better.

4 reasons why punishment should be avoided - according to neuroscience 🧠

❤️‍🩹 Neuroplasticity: Recent studies in neuroscience have emphasized the importance of neuroplasticity in learning. Positive reinforcement can effectively shape behavior by reinforcing desirable neural pathways, rather than relying on punishment which does not directly promote the formation of these beneficial connections.

❤️‍🩹 Stress on the Brain: Research has shown that stress and anxiety can have a significant negative impact on brain function and learning. Punishment in dog training can induce stress, potentially impairing the dog's ability to learn and form positive associations with training. This is in line with the understanding that a stressed brain is less capable of effective learning and memory formation, as indicated by recent neuroscience findings.

❤️‍🩹 Dopamine in Learning: Dopamine, a neurotransmitter, plays a critical role in the reward and motivation systems of the brain. Positive reinforcement in dog training can increase dopamine release, which enhances the dog's motivation and pleasure in learning. Punishment does not engage the reward system in the same way, underscoring the efficacy of positive reinforcement.

❤️‍🩹 Cognitive and Emotional Effects: Emerging research also highlights the complex cognitive and emotional responses animals have to different stimuli. Punishment has been identified as more likely to lead to fear, anxiety, and aggression - all of which are not conducive to learning. In contrast, training methods that focus on positive reinforcement can foster a more positive emotional state, facilitating better learning and stronger bonds between the dog and guardian.

Modern neuroscience research supports the notion that punishment is not necessary in dog training. Instead, it advocates for methods that leverage the brain's capacity for neuroplasticity, engage the reward system, and create a positive learning environment. These approaches are more aligned with how the brain learns and adapts, leading to more effective and humane training practices.

ℹ️ Follow .plus.dogs for more modern, evidence based advice on dogs

19/01/2024

Exciting news! 💫 After having worked hard with numerous misfit dogs these past few years, I'm thrilled to announce the launch of my new course, The Really Relaxed Dog 🐾 Ever dreamt of having a picture-perfect dog calmly sitting next to you at a café or peacefully lounging at home? This course is designed to guide you through a step-by-step process for achieving total calmness in your dog. Transform your dog from salty to sweet this February! Shoot us a DM with your email to secure your spot on the waitlist! 📩

30/10/2023

https://www.fearfreehappyhomes.com/help-your-pet-have-a-happy-and-fear-free-halloween/?utm_source=ActiveCampaign&utm_medium=email&utm_content=Helping+Pets+Have+a+Happy+%26+Fear+Free+Halloween&utm_campaign=20231024_October+Newsletter_Shelters&vgo_ee=EXDZurf%2BhyTaqhyfhzjDivc2qaNbEo55ugwgPHSYfBJo0agc8KKZxw%3D%3D%3A%2Bu22jfHwd0j3ZB1J6EPGOtUVhgYx9MN8

How to have a fear free halloween!

Reading Time: 3 minutes Share onWhile Halloween may be an exciting time for you and your family — costumes, candy, carving — it can be frightening for your dog or cat. From ringing doorbells to monstrous masks, these new sights and sounds can create high anxiety for pets. However, when you follo...

02/10/2023

This!

It isn't hard to learn and it can change an unfocused dog to a focused one in a split second.....
One of the very first things we teach puppies and dogs is the skill of making eye contact......but for many and over time it can be forgotten. Suddenly we wonder why our dogs are no longer responding or listening anymore.
This is one of those bad habits of ours that can creep in.
The lack of eye contact and not waiting for it before attempting to ask for what we would like.

Yes..... you can teach eye contact.

It is a skill and you can teach this (see attached graphic in comments).

(Please respect that these graphics take time and effort to make . All graphics belong to ABC Dogs NZ and are under copyright. Unmarked graphics are available for $ 1.20 or $ 2 NZD each (approx), these are then able to be used off Facebook for client handouts, posters etc. Please visit ABC Dogs Patreon Shop for Graphics

01/09/2023

❤️

A pediatrician is attempting to examine an infant. He holds the stethescope to the tiny chest but the baby won’t stop squirming. It’s difficult to get an accurate listen. The doctor informs the mother that the baby can’t be allowed to run the show; he needs to show her who’s boss. He slams t...

09/08/2023

This little girl would love a home of her own. Apply for Lyla Handsome Dan's Rescue for Pit Bull Type Dogs

27/07/2023

Hot take: using food to trick your dog isn’t positive reinforcement. Food is a reward for desired behavior you’d like to become more frequent.