The Road Dobes

09/09/2024

Wrote this in 2013. Definitely worth a share again today.

There’s this light in each and every one of us. Sometimes it burns so brightly that it illuminates everyone around us and draws them nearer, like moths to a flame. But sometimes it flickers and fades, casting a glow so subtle that even a firefly mistakes it for a shadow.

Tonight the reality is clear. So many have lost their lights.

I don’t know if they have just misplaced their flame, buried it so deep behind facades of grandeur... or if it is truly gone for good. I fear that if we cannot stoke it again soon, all without will stumble into the great black beyond forever.

Time is of the essence…but who can find the time anymore? Always busy. Always running this way and that. Always chasing ideas that flitter just beyond reach or fall through their fingers like sand, not always finding what they hoped would be there.

I don’t mean to sound so desolate, or like there is nothing good at all. There are so many good things...I make a point to find some everyday. And there is still the part of my own flame that believes that all here have great meaning; great purpose. With all of the sadness, cruelty, and heartache that abounds, however, I still struggle with trying to find it. Trying to help others find it.

The sands of time for me cascade just a little more haphazardly. In the grander scheme of things, who am I, really? I’m proud to say that I have made it farther than anyone ever thought I would, defied odds stacked against me, and clambered over walls seemingly impassable.

But still…it's not enough. I want to leave a legacy. Just a small one. Nothing too grandiose. But a legacy nonetheless. What are we but mere whispers amongst the wind? Ageless only by living on through the memories of others?

The demons of this world continually creep in, cackling and flaunting their wretchedness, and I fear they will devour this world for good.

We mustn't go numb. We must stand united. We must fight.

The light withers more within each of us, with each passing hour of nonchalance. We cannot keep turning away from the injustices served in front of us each day. I’ve grown so weary of this constant battle and I am aware that the darkness can be comforting...but...

It takes effort to change the world.

I've had to battle through my own caverns, grasping at the flickers of light through crevices seemingly forever out of reach.

But one constant remains: I haven't given up yet. My light still burns. I still believe the world can change. I still believe that I can make a difference.

If I can help spark even ONE person, I know they can spark another...and together, we can light the darkest corners of this world.

https://www.facebook.com/share/YuJRazQe7qjM91kU/

04/07/2024

Please remember all who fought, died, and those who live with the scars and memories of fighting still to maintain while you celebrate your freedom - today, tomorrow, and every day.

I wish everyone a safe and Happy 4th of July and extended weekend.

A fav memory of my Guinness...

20/06/2024

Earlier this week, Julie's phone went for a swim instead of staying on dry land and, sadly, fried. All data was lost (the auto-updates to Cloud were apparently not updating from internal storage for several months), so all of our Trekking Dog media and student contact information was also lost.
We are sending out an e-mail blast to our current students, but if you have sent us a text or left a voicemail without a response, please comment, message us here or send an e-mail to: [email protected]. We apologize for any delays and thank you for your understanding. Technology is wonderful...but sometimes frustrating for those of us not as technologically-inclined.

30/03/2024

Hazmat says these hemp-infused Chillax bones are AWESOME!

All new orders are 50%...but only until tomorrow! So order yours today!

https://pawtree.com/TrekkingDogTrainer/product/2336

30/03/2024

Have you subscribed to our YouTube Channel? We have now publicized a folder for instructional videos that will be added for 30days or so and then rotated out - All For Free!

So, subscribe to the Channel and don't miss out on teaching your pup some amazing - and useful - new skills!

Dog Training & Behavior Modification in YOUR area! We travel ALL over the continental U.S. and would love to help you as we trek on through! We want to provi...

14/03/2024

PSA!

14/01/2024

Exercise 13: Rebalance - As I begin to rebalance myself this year, I want to be the beacon of light to anyone else who needs to rebalance theirs.

May I continue to be successful in this endeavor, where forgiveness of self has been the key to unlocking the door that leads to hope, which has become an unyielding inferno in this chapter that I am able to overcome my greatest challenges yet...but until then, I live my life: one day, one step, sometimes only one breath at a time...until there are no more. I may deserve a break…but I would go crazy if I wasn’t working for SOMETHING. Then, we shall see what's …after.

I'm really tired of people picking apart things before they ever try them. Tired of all the negativity - just because YOU can't do something, doesn't mean I can't.

So...Forward Go. Until I can no longer.








&dreams

12/01/2024

Enrich Their Lives Friday:

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this bone for the simple fact that you can make it into a buffet of flavors and freeze it so that your dog has a min-blowing chew-fest to satisfy them. Highly recommend at least two per dog, so you can always have one in reserve and keep the busy dogs occupied!

Highly Recommend! Four Paws Way Up!

You can get this amazing bone here:

https://pawtree.com/TrekkingDogTrainer/product/6143

Chewsters are a combination of durable treat-dispensing toys and extra durable toys made from hard rubber for our favorite chewers! Great for occupying your pets for hours. Stick their favorite treat or their customized kibble in the nooks and crannies or just let them enjoy chewing the different te...

12/01/2024

Behavior Tip Thursdays – Service Dog Considerations

There are way too many fraudulent Service Dogs out there that are wreaking havoc on the actual Service Dog community, where there is a great need. It’s not that we want to judge every person – or dog for that matter, as dogs can have bad days, too! – but if and when you see a “service dog” barking, growling, cowering, lunging, or otherwise acting in a fearful or unfriendly manner…this is NOT a Service Dog.

Not every dog is cut out to be a SD! Why aren’t YOU a brain surgeon? SDs are usually hand selected for stable temperament and ability to do the job they will have to perform. SDs are WORKING dogs, trained to perform specific tasks to help mitigate their handler’s disability. Not all disabilities can be seen, so please be respectful if you see a team out in public.

If you see a team in public, admire them from afar, try NOT to distract them from their handlers (but their handlers should also be able to EASILY remind them to pay attention again if needed), and ONLY approach or pet if you’ve been granted permission. Some states do NOT allow Service Dogs “in training” (SDiTs) the same rights as SDs…but some do. This means some teams may still be in training and this is where you absolutely do not want to disturb that process, as this process costs THOUSANDS of dollars and HUNDREDS of hours.

If you have children, teach them to respect all dogs, but especially Service Dogs. Talk to them gently about staying away and remind them that not all dogs can or should be pet. It is YOUR job as a parent to set your child up for success. Although a Service Dog should NOT show aggression even in unexpected situations, they also should not have to put up with your child being rude or harmful. Dogs can also be traumatized – just like their person – and you may not know what disability is underlying that you could be affecting…thus harming the PERSON as well.

We are sharing this infographic to help you understand the difference in SDs versus ESAs (Emotional Support Animals) versus TDs (Therapy Dogs) Sometimes people will also call their dog a Therapeutic Canine – this is also an ESA. ESAs and TDs do NOT have the same rights as Service Dogs and are NOT allowed in normal places of business that are not already pet-friendly. ESAs and TDs do not perform tasks for their handlers and are considered pets. Sometimes there are Psychological Support Dogs (PSDs) and these dogs are Service Dogs ONLY if they follow all the SD guidelines and are well-mannered in public AND perform specific tasks for their owners to mitigate the disability.

Most teams are out there just trying to live their lives and know their dogs bring attention…but that does not mean they want that extra attention, so remember to always be respectful.

If you have concerns about a team (aggression, barking, etc), ask a store/organization employee to assist you in the matter so no one accidentally gets injured and it can be handled in a professional manner team. A should blend in as much as possible and not cause a disruption while out and about. They are simply an extension of their handler in order to help their handler live as normal of a life as possible again.

If you have questions, a GREAT resource is: https://www.ada.gov/topics/service-animals/

If you have a disability that would benefit from a Service Dog and need help with the selection of a dog or want to assess your dog for Service Dog training and task work, please reach out! We have both in-person and online options available to get your program started. Please keep in mind most programs take several months to a couple of years depending on the foundations already in place. It is not recommended to start a dog over the age 3, as their working ability would be reduced and to ensure full health (including hip/elbow xrays, genetic disease evaluations pertinent to breed, etc) before moving forward after assessment.

Please contact us at: 217-859-6696 or www.trekkingdogtrainer.com and we can discuss more!

As Always, Happy Training!

05/01/2024

How old is your cherished pup? Did you know that 80% of dogs over 3 already have dental disease?!?

It is SUPER important to do preventative dental care early on to avoid disease. Bad oral health in dogs can also lead to MANY other health issues too so let's BE PROACTIVE!

Dental health is important for both humans and animals alike. With PawTreats, you can make sure your pet's teeth stay healthy, clean, and smelling fresh. Your pet won't even notice their teeth being cared for—which is what makes them so great!

PawTree Dental Treats have been recommended by vets for tartar buildup, bad breath, and overall oral health. They're made with natural ingredients that promote dental health while your pet is happily chewing away (another critical daily activity!)

You can get my favorites here:
https://pawtree.com/TrekkingDogTrainer/product/2619

29/11/2023

The next post is live!

Get more from Trekking Dog Trainer & Trekking Vet Tech on Patreon

24/11/2023

I am a traveling professional dog trainer and veterinary technician and am currently in the Phoenix area through Februrary. I am offering Classes, Workshops, and Private Lessons in the Gilbert area while I am here. Private Lessons can be scheduled separately and done at your home or on field trips at various locations.

My upcoming Black Friday through Cyber Monday Specials can be found here:
https://trekkingdogtrainer.weebly.com/upcoming-classes--events.html

A Little Bit About Me:
I've spent over 22yrs in almost every aspect of veterinary medicine, behavior, and rescue and decided a couple years ago I wasn't getting any younger, so took my services on the road and haven't looked back since! I enjoy meeting everyone and love helping to bridge the communication gap with as many as I can along the way (plenty of references upon request as well). While making new memories on the adventures with my own dogs, I specialize in Behavior Modification (especially cases where "nothing has worked"), Cooperative Care (especially cases where the pets need full sedation to be handled, like vet or groomer), and can help from Puppy through (most) Service Dog level public access and task training. I am a CGC and Tricks Evaluator and teach those classes as well as Nose Work and hold Games Day FUNdraisers as well. I do not teach Guide or Diabetic/Allergy Alert Dog at this time. I have titled several dogs, various breeds, in many different sports over the years and have helped many students who were told by other instructors that their dogs could never title to actually achieve their dreams.

I can offer virtual programs to anyone not able to physically meet and am happy to arrange a local workshop for any organization who may be interested in specific topics of learning for their teams.

Please message or call with any questions! 217-859-6696

Normal Class fees are reduced right now through Cyber Monday! If enrolling and paying before 10pm Monday, November 27th, all classes are only $100! Use the Contact Form below to get started! We are...

23/11/2023

Happy Thanksgiving to all! We are so blessed to awaken this morning to these spectacular views and hope to see all of you Arizonians soon!

17/11/2023

Show us your best Fall Photos for a chance to win a $20 Training Credit towards any program of your choice! Owner names from photos posted will be entered into a hat November 30th and a random winnner will be picked and announced!