Concerned Canines

28/06/2024

An impromptu video about when you should hire a dog trainer

23/06/2024

If you're looking for pet sitting services, I always recommend Lauren. I've known her for years and she is one of the few people I'd trust to look after our animals!

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/W9FuYQkzejLn9aUc/?mibextid=oFDknk

***Home is Where the Heart Is Pet Sitting is currently accepting new clients for 2024!***
I offer in-your-home pet sitting services for all breeds and species of pets! With over 12 years of professional pet care experience, I can give you peace of mind knowing that your furbabies are getting the best care possible while you are away! I am fully licensed and insured, and able to service most of the Pensacola area.
Please contact me with any questions about rates and services! I'd love to meet you and your furry family members!

19/06/2024

Know me more 5 minutes, know that I'm a poodle fancier. First with Phillip, then Flynn being half poodle, then Kristoff - I love poodles. Frustrating and friendly, intelligent and indifferent, poodles are excellent companions for the right folks.

I'm going to have to find a copy of this book!

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/TPyPc3uUbcudNhwZ/?mibextid=qi2Omg

Charley: John Steinbeck's Traveling Companion
Charley, a "blue" standard poodle, accompanied John Steinbeck on his journey across the United States.
Charles le Chien, a.k.a. Charley, was born on the outskirts of Paris in 1950. The well-groomed poodle who took much pride in his looks, preferred the French language over English and did not like being subjected to baby talk because, according to Steinbeck, "he feels that he is a first-rate dog and has no wish to be a second-rate human."
Feeling like he had lost touch with his own country, Steinbeck decided to travel across the US "in search of America" in a pickup-camper with Charley. Charley loved going on road trips and was apparently worried during the planning and packing that he would be left behind. "During the weeks of preparation he was underfoot the whole time and made a damned nuisance of himself. He took to hiding in the truck, creeping in and trying to make himself look small."
The two left in the fall of 1960, driving from the east to the west to the south and back up to Long Island. The mission of his trip was to interact with the common people, and Charley, his "ambassador", was a great icebreaker when it came to talking to strangers.
Months later, Steinbeck recorded their journey in a book titled Travels with Charley: In Search of America. The book is more focused on the people than Charley, but one passage really brings out the personality of his beloved poodle: "Charley likes to get up early, and he likes me to get up early, too. And why shouldn’t he? Right after breakfast, he goes back to sleep. Over the years, he has developed a number of innocent-appearing ways to get me up. He can shake himself and his collar loud enough to wake the dead. If that doesn’t work, he gets a sneezing fit. But perhaps his most irritating method is to sit quietly beside the bed and stare into my face with a sweet and forgiving look on his face; I come out of deep sleep with the feeling of being looked at. But I have learned to keep my eyes tight shut. If I even blink, he sneezes and stretches, and that night’s sleep is over for me. Often the war of wills goes on for quite a time, I squinching my eyes shut and he forgiving me, but he nearly always wins. He likes traveling so much he wanted to get started early, and early for Charley is the first tempering of darkness with the dawn."
Charley passed away shortly after their trip in 1961. John Steinbeck, who was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1962 for his realistic and imaginative writings, died in 1968 at the age of 66. The pickup camper (Steinbeck named Rocinante after Don Quixote's horse) was restored and is on display at the National Steinbeck Center in Salinas, California.

16/06/2024

This is an interesting study. I see a lot of anxiety/aggression cases, and almost all of them were neutered as adolescents. We need more data, but we need to consider long term behavioral health before altering a dog.

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12917-024-04097-6?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR3qgiEcwOIfRoyQOgJ6oTj_mRsOU8XJ2ihpojUNm0jmnkVwKC0feG3xvaI_aem_ZmFrZWR1bW15MTZieXRlcw

Neutering dogs is a widespread method and is carried out for various behavioural and husbandry reasons. This study’s main objective is to investigate the behavioural correlations between neutering and the breed of male dogs. In order to possibly find breed-dependent differences in the behaviour of...

09/06/2024

I've been quiet. I haven't had a whole lot to say, really. Business has been slow, but steady. It's been too hot to do a lot of stuff outdoors. I'm focused a lot on getting Barley where I want him, but it's turned into a less structured affair which he seems to prefer.

These slow, quiet days have put me in a pensive mood. My mind passes the time turning in on itself, constantly revisiting the same topics. I try not to let myself get lost in thought, but I can't help it. And days like today, I give the dogs a break from working for the most part and I try to give myself a break from working too. No matter what I do, though, my mind doesn't stop.

Will Rogers is quoted as saying "If there are no dogs in heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went". I've been thinking about that. Where do the animals go? I think that by and large most wild animals would want a place away from our kind. We've done precious little to take care of them. We have a responsibility to this planet and the life here, and we've been negligent in that duty.

But what about dogs? Horses? Cats? Where do they go? Where do the sheep, and cows and pigs go? I ask because many of these animals have been so changed by us, and vice versa, that it would make some kind of sense to me that they would go where we would go. Not all of them, maybe, but I think most would.

I think about these two a lot. I think about others I've said goodbye to before them. Where do their spirits rest? Is there some fair country where they are safe, waiting for our reunion?

For many, many years I've given little thought to an afterlife. But lately...I've been thinking that if there is something after this, I want to go where my dogs went. I would follow that path if it meant being united with them again. I want to go where my dogs have gone.

25/05/2024

BIG thank you to Michael and Jayden for coming out to help with Barley today! Makes me feel much better that this little barky Border Collie can make new people friends!

Now, on to working with other dogs!

24/05/2024

I'm still so angry this morning. Last night I was livid.

The house nextdoor to us is a short term rental, a VRBO or AirBnB situation. As a trainer and guardian of two dogs that came to me with reactivity issues, this is a huge problem because there are unpredictable triggers coming from that side of the fence. Luckily, I've conditioned strong recall and solid Leave It's into both dogs. But things still happen, dogs will be dogs.

I let Barley and Kristoff out last night after dinner, the way I always do. I went to put their bowls in the kitchen and I can hear them barking, as well as another dog. There's a reactive dog behind us, our neighbors are fully aware of the issues on both sides of the fence. We frequently break our dogs up while saying hello to each other. Dogs will be dogs.

I am stepping outside to call my dogs back, only to see a water bottle come flying across the fence at Barley, missing him by inches.

I. Was. Livid.

These are my dogs, in my yard, outside of my residence, in my neighborhood, in my city. We live here. We aren't tourists. My dogs have every right to bark within reason, and the barking hadn't been going on for more than a minute.

Be rude to me, I don't care. Going after my dogs is entirely unwarranted.

I was able to find the number for the property manager, explain the situation, and said the next phone call will be to the cops. She was incredibly apologetic, told me she would handle it and assured me that would be the end of it.

There's not really a point to today's post, except that you must always advocate for your dogs. The world will not treat them with any more kindness than it will any other dog; or person for that matter.

08/05/2024

Barley wants to do karate!!

07/05/2024

Me and Barley 🤣😂🤣😂

29/04/2024

Last post of the day! The second service I'm offering is drop-in pet sitting visits. Want someone to come play with your dog, take them to the local park for a short walk, or just maybe sit with them for a little bit during the day?

This service is going to be restricted a little what areas I will cover, but I am willing and happy to help! Pricing will be much lower than a standard training session, with some variation based on travel.

I'm comfortable with a variety of animals, including birds and reptiles! So, if you're in need a sitter, and looking for one with plenty of experience, please keep me in mind!

29/04/2024

Summer is a busy time, and you don't always have time for your dogs, with the kids being out of school and trying to stay on top of things.

For the summer, I am offering two new services -

First, I'm bringing back Canine Tutoring. Need help maintaining your dogs obedience? Need an extra hand to help with enrichment? Aren't home to do it on your own? Let me step in. Canine Tutoring is owner absent training done in your dogs home, where they feel the safest and happiest.

I can visit anytime during business hours, multiple times a week. During each visit, your dog will get a potty break, a short walk or play session, and then a short training session designed to meet your current behavior goals.

You will receive a text alert when I arrive, and one when I leave discussing what we covered. And if you are available, you can face time with me to watch me train with your dog!

Pricing varies a little by travel, but will less than the standard pricing for in-person sessions. Each session will he around an hour long.

This service is available for booking now.

29/04/2024

Hi everyone! I'm going to make a couple of posts tonight, so bear with me here -

In January 2015, I started working at a local vet clinic with the goal of becoming a vet tech. I had been looking for a career that was meaningful to me, and animals have always been special to me. I was at that job for a total of 2 days when, on my birthday, I met Phillip.

Initially, I was hesitant. I had never considered myself a fan of toy breeds. I wanted a little time to talk it over with my wife. By the end of the day, I left the work with Phillip in tow. How could I not? I fell in love with him immediately, and so did my wife.

At that time, I didn't realize just how much would change. As we got to know Phillip, and his quirks, I began to study dog training. I couldn't find a trainer locally who could help with me, without using an excessive amount of force. I was at a stage in my life where I was growing and open to change, and Phillip had a dynamic effect on me.

9 years later and I have had to say goodbye to my friend. I have always enjoyed a unique relationship with all of my dogs, and the relationship Phillip and I had was incredibly special. He brought out the best in me, and I found a way to make him confident and happy. And now he's gone.

I won't linger too much on that, because emotionally I just can't but that's not what I'm here to talk about.

In the past 3 years, my family and I have experienced a lot of change. We had to move, we've lost a lot of family members of the two and four legged variety. I don't want to lose this business too.

If I'm being honest, I'm not super clear where I'm going wrong. I know I've got a lot of competition, specifically from franchises. The dog training industry is completely unregulated, and these franchises take people with no experience, show them how to use a shock collar, and turn them loose on the world. They can also afford a ton of very well scripted advertising, which I can't. I have to eat any money I make, literally. My fees go straight into groceries and other things necessary for life. So, I can't afford advertising. I rely a lot on word of mouth and referrals. One place that was referring to me now has an in-house trainer, which is going to take even more business away from me.

Also, I try to keep my prices low. I'm genuinely trying to help people and their dogs, and not everyone can afford thousands of dollars for training. The two of these things alone are a lot of pressure. Throw in that a lot of people are just not comfortable spending money right now for a variety of reasons...you see what I mean.

I may have to close down. Summer is a very slow time for me, and I've had a few slow ones. I may have to consider finding a different source of income and doing this on the side. I'm trying to make it work, but it's not easy.

So, why am I sharing this? You have all been so good to me, my family and my dogs. We owe you a lot. We appreciate all of the support you've offered us over the years, especially when we lost Flynn and now Phillip.

But I want to be honest with you about things. If you want to help, my schedule is open and I'm happy to do classes with you on just about any issue with your dogs. If you can't afford them or don't need to take classes right now, but still want to help, you can! Liking my posts, commenting on them, sharing them, and tagging this business page when you make recommendations is super helpful! Make sure your settings notify you when I make new posts.

And if this is my last year in business...well, it's been a blast. I've loved every minute of it. And I consider myself lucky to have shared it with all of you.

Have a good night everyone, and keep your eyes peeled for some more posts tonight

25/04/2024

I didn't know when I brought this little dog home nine years ago, that the course of my life would be so drastically altered.

I had never imagined myself as a dog trainer. Of course, I never imagined myself with a toy poodle either.

It was love at first sight with Phillip - for me, my wife...anyone who met him really. He could be coy, affable, stoic, outgoing...he has some much personality.

I was terrified of his diabetes diagnosis. I have seen how diabetes can wreck a dog and surely one that had such a rough start, one that we had struggled with reactivity with, wouldn't respond well. My wife practically became an expert in it, and Phillip proved to be not only resilient but showed a level of patience and willingness to work with us to help keep him healthy.

We worked so hard...only to lose him to something else. We are saying goodbye to him today. Thank you all for all of the love and support you have showed him and his humans over the years. Please send us your good thoughts and prayers.

I love you, Phillip. I will never be ready to say goodbye to you, even though I know how much you're struggling. And I thank you, Phillip, for giving my life a meaning I never expected.

23/04/2024

Phillip Update:
Saw vet this morning. Has two big issues going on, and is showing some ketone in his urine. Taking to VERC for treatment, and he'll have to stay there while being treated. We don't love the idea of leaving him there but it's what the situation calls for.

23/04/2024

We'd appreciate some good thoughts and prayers for Phillip tonight. Went to the emergency vet and we came home without any real answers. Following up with our vet in the morning, hopefully to get some better info.

17/04/2024

I don't know if I should call this group class or Kristoff and Friends. Kristoff sure seems to think everyone came over to see him. Remi and Winston had a lot to say today, but by the end, we were all walking in tandem.

17/04/2024

I have never liked the Rainbow Bridge poem. To me, it has never fully or adequately described the pain of losing your furry companion.

Our dogs in many ways are our shields , protecting us from the hurts that life so easily gives us. Losing that is a pain that can't be described. While we are happy that our furry companions may no longer be suffering, we are left suffering the wake of that loss. It doesn't make sense, and it will never make sense. The burden doesn't get lighter, we just become more accustomed to picking it up each day.

A client of mine said goodbye to their dog last night, and it was unexpected. If you can, please take a moment to say a prayer or send a thought towards then. I know many of you are familiar with this pain - and now someone else is unfortunately going through it.

Love on your dogs today, friends.

16/04/2024

Did a follow-up visit with Cordova Animal Medical Center today. While it wasn't an easy visit, we did manage to get 2 very big goals taken care of. Recognizing that one of the best ways to accomplish everything was to let me restrain him, we managed to accomplish these tasks without complete sedation and without an excessive use of force. Now, I've got time to build on this behavior more before we need to go back.

A big thanks to Dr Mowdy, Tristian the tech, and the whole staff for working with me. If you're in Pensacola and looking for a vet, I highly recommend Cordova Animal Medical Center.

13/04/2024

"...but, he's a GOOD dog, ya know?..."

Yeah, I know. I've known lots of good dogs. I hear that so much from my clients. She/he is a good dog. Best dog I've ever had. Great with my kids or my other pets.

"I just wish..."

Me too. I just wish we could take our dogs for walks, not have to worry if we were going to see another dog. Or people in hats or sunglasses.

"She/he is so sweet..." I know they are.. I know that they've given you kisses when you cried. Or brought you a squeaky toy when you were sad. Or sometimes just cuddled up next to you when you were feeling bad.

I know all of this. I know because I have lived through it and I am currently living through it. I've always believed that the trainers who have only ever had perfect dogs are either not being truthful or haven't been able to relate to their clients.

I understand your frustration with your dogs behavior because I've been frustrated with my dogs behavior. I am frustrated with my dogs behavior.

I understand your fears about what your dog will do because I've been afraid of what my dog will do. I am afraid of what my dog could do.

I understand your love for and desire to protect your dog as best you can in a world that is constantly making it harder for dogs to be in it. Because I have felt and still feel the same way for mine.

He is a good dog. He is great with my family. He needs work on his reactivity with new dogs and humans. No, I don't do enough with him because work and life get in the way.

I understand.

12/04/2024

Kristoff has had a very busy weekend! Park excursions with Remi and then Benni, and a home visit to Lola after her spay. What does Kristoff think about them? He thinks all of these lovely ladies are doing very well!!!

10/04/2024

Did your dog make the list?

https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeds/smartest-dog-breeds/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook_org&utm_campaign=20240409_posting&fbclid=IwAR2Id0csOMvr8JBC3lSguoUwcuSnYg8hRWYzd11xS8P26X-GiJyzDTMPr78

Every dog owner thinks their dog is intelligent. In flashes of brilliance, your dog lets you know what time it is because he wants dinner and runs to...

07/04/2024

Big thanks to Karla for sharing this with me. While this music isn't my style, I love the message of this video!

Will Young's official music video for 'Come On'. Click to listen to Will Young on Spotify: http://smarturl.it/WillYSpotify?IQid=COnAs featured on Echoes. Cli...

03/04/2024

Just saying hello! And giving a pep talk!

28/03/2024

Here's a demonstration of the Premack Principle - I'm using play to reinforce some desired behaviors. Can you tell what behaviors I'm reinforcing?

25/03/2024

Hi everyone! I'm starting a spring group class workshop! https://docs.google.com/document/d/1nJ7dDbY2wbGVRSlESeMPT64jtH0boZ92zTXjfzSOSy8/edit?usp=drivesdk

25/03/2024

Announcement - Group class workshop Spring 2024

20/03/2024

So, Barley is definitely a project dog and for some dogs like him - vet visits are hard. I needed a vet who was willing to be patient and work with both of us to help get Barley not only the care he needed, but help him feel comfortable while receiving.

Cordova Animal Medical Center did not disappoint. From Dee helping us get into the hospital, to Dr Mowdy and the technicians immense patience and compassion for dealing with a reactive dog. We came up with a plan, one I'm very happy with! Big thank you to the Cordova staff.

If you are in Pensacola and looking for a vet clinic, Cordova is worth every penny!

20/03/2024

According to the AKC, these are the 10 most popular breeds in 2023. I have...many thoughts about this...but here we are

https://www.facebook.com/share/tzCMWgJgjsNiMfvE/?mibextid=oFDknk

Where does your favorite dog breed rank?

Full list: https://bit.ly/3TFd1B7 |

17/03/2024

Celebrating your successes!

There is a magic to walking with your dog on a quiet Sunday morning. Kristoff has been doing just absolutely wonderful, even when there is a dog behind a chain link fence going crazy at him.

Barley saw significant improvement today - two different dogs in the neighborhood, going crazy at him behind a chain link fence, and some new people! One who we stopped and decided to have a short chat with.

A lot of things went into helping both dogs enjoy their walks in comfort and safety. Hoe can you do it?

First off, keep your phone in your pocket and your eyes on your dog and your surroundings. A spring morning like this is beautiful - birds and flowers everywhere. But there are a lot of dangers as well, and it seems there are far more reactive dogs these days.

Second, be consistent! Walk similar routes make similar stops, help your dogs become familiar with the routes you're taking and the triggers that may be there.

Finally, bring more reinforcement than just praise. A chicken treat or a squeaky ball can go a long way in the face of challenge! And you can always reach out for help!

17/03/2024

Happy St Patrick's Day!

https://www.facebook.com/share/JNaCBpcrWpu4cFoK/?mibextid=oFDknk