Faithful Friends Dog Training, LLC.

28/02/2025

Beautiful!

Once upon a time, in a land of winding paths and whispering trees, two humans set forth with their canine companions.

As fate would have it, from opposite ends of the trail, the travelers spotted each other. Their eyes met. Not with worry, nor with tension, but with the quiet understanding.

With gentle voices, they simply called their dogs. Each canine friend, well-versed in this familiar request, simply responded. One received a tether of a leash, not as a punishment but as a promise—a guiding hand ensuring everyone's comfort. The others trotted alongside their human, their choice a reflection of trust, practice, and rich rewards. All which make their choice to walk close nearly unwavering.

The travelers walked on, watching the language of tails and ears, the soft shifts of movement that spoke of contentment and of intent. Both humans watching in case adaptations may be needed. They were not. Personal space was respected.

No mediation, no discord, no need for raised voices or hurried retreats—just peace, quiet and easy, as it should be.

The humans lifted their hands in greeting. A smile, a nod, a simple "hello."

And so, they carried on, each continuing their journey with their companions beside them. No magic wands or grand enchantments, just attention, mindfulness, and a bit of thoughtful kindness.

And they all lived happily ever after.

The End.

28/02/2025

This is SO well-written and captures the essence of this dog!

28/02/2025

My husband doesn't hesitate to grab his treat bag or pouch when walking/working with our dogs. He's rather forego moist treats sticking to the inside of his coat or pants pockets and has learned that timing and delivery matters.

I've swithered about whether to write about this topic but it's been on my mind for a while so here goes nothing....🏳️‍🌈

"𝘔𝘺 𝘩𝘶𝘴𝘣𝘢𝘯𝘥/𝘣𝘰𝘺𝘧𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘥/𝘴𝘰𝘯 𝘸𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵 𝘱𝘰𝘶𝘤𝘩. 𝘏𝘦 𝘴𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘪𝘵'𝘴 𝘢 𝘣𝘪𝘵 𝘨𝘢𝘺"

I've heard variations on this comment a number of times over the years. Isn't it interesting and depressing in equal measure on a number of levels...?

• That using a treat pouch is in any way connected with sexuality
• That gay is (presumably) shorthand for effeminate or weak
• That being gay is perceived as negative
• That being seen to be teaching your dog with kindness is seen as a weakness
• That some men feel vulnerable and open to judgement when they show kindness or gentleness

Is their discomfort with a 'softer' approach due to cultural and societal conditioning which tells them that 'real' men demand respect through physical strength and 'toughness'? That control by dint of strength is more 'manly' than consensual co-operation? That a man being kind or gentle is somehow weak (or, god forbid, feminine...).

I don't know. But I do know that qualities like kindness, empathy & gentleness aren't the preserve of women, or the gay community, or any other subsection of humankind. And they aren't qualities that anyone, of any gender or sexuality, should be ashamed of. They are human qualities which should be valued and admired and seen as positives, not negatives.

Kindness isn't weakness...it's strength and it's for everyone.

28/02/2025

Yes, yes, and yes! SoOOoo many older clients with ginormous mixed breeds such as Labradoodles or the latest craze, Bernedoodles. But they were SO CUTE as puppy's, they say...

It's not all in "how you raise them". Breed matters. Breeds only exist because humankind has artificially selected dogs to perform specific functions. To guard. To chase. To search. To herd. To retrieve. To be companions.

Some of those skills are better suited to life as a pet than others. Some of those skills are better suited to some environments than others. So to choose a dog without considering their breed traits (not to mention their size, strength, energy levels etc...) & whether they are a good fit for you, your skill level, your family & your lifestyle might be shortsighted.

So many "behaviour problems" aren't actually behaviour problems. They are a failure on our part to understand the needs and characteristics of the dogs we have chosen to live with us. They are a mismatch between the dog's innate characteristics and the life we allow them.

Breed doesn't preordain 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 about a dog and how they are raised and taught also has a huge impact on their behaviour. But we make our lives, and theirs, so much more stressful than they need to be when we don't understand and factor in breed traits when choosing what dog might be a good fit for us.

Forget looks; think function. What was your chosen breed bred to be? And is that truly a good fit for you?

28/02/2025

"I still miss them all..."
sold

28/02/2025

28/02/2025

Just had this conversation today with a client. Well-written!

🐾 Feeling the Pawrent pressure in today’s world!

With the overabundance of social media videos showcasing dogs performing intricate tasks and trained to near robotic perfection, many pawrents feel inadequate. The constant comparisons can be overwhelming, especially when our own beloved dogs don't always behave flawlessly. Even how our "wild child" dog acts may attract judgmental glances.

But here's what we should keep in mind. Influencers and trainers often present a polished image designed to sell products or services. What we see may not reflect reality, hiding the less glamorous truth about how those dogs were trained or how they truly live.

Here's a valuable reminder regarding your furry friends' behaviour. If it doesn't pose any harm and you don't mind, it's not a problem! Aunt Karen's disapproval of dogs on the furniture shouldn't dictate how you interact with your canine companions. Embrace your dogs' imperfections and cherish their unique personalities that bring joy to your life.

My dogs are far from perfect, but they are perfect for me. They meet my needs and expectations, and I hope I meet theirs.

I used to love Izzy's intensity, her energy, intelligence, and love for moving and being busy. Hugo loves engaging with all people and has an adorable habit of sleeping under the covers with his head on my pillow during cold nights. Felix is adore for his sense of humor and confidence that sure keeps me on my toes and always makes me laugh (even during this crazy developmental phase of adolescence).

While some may find these behaviours bothersome or "bad," I genuinely don't care. I won't let others' expectations dampen the joy I find in my beloved dogs.

My dogs (or, let’s say, one of them for sure) may not be the epitome of calmness, but I prefer their lively nature. They respond well to my cues and have mastered various behaviours, which help achieve our shared goals.

✅❤️ I firmly believe that a "Good dog" doesn't have to suppress their exuberance or joy. It's not about conforming to society's expectations. As individual pawrents, we define what makes our dogs "good" based on our unique bond and understanding. If their behaviour doesn't pose any harm and you don't mind, it's not a problem! ✅❤️

So, don't let others dictate what you should or shouldn't enjoy with your dogs. Define a "good dog" on your terms, embracing the happiness of being with your beloved dog. Cherish the moments that make you and your dog happy, and let your pawrent love shine bright! 🐾💖

28/02/2025

I sometimes find myself thinking about how my dog pulled me through. Not in any big, dramatic way, but in the quiet moments when life just felt too heavy. He didn’t need answers or advice to offer; he was just there, beside me, every single day. When I was worn out and ready to throw in the towel, he'd give me that little nudge, his eyes saying, "You’re okay. We’ve got this." And somehow, that was enough to keep going.

He never cared about the mistakes I made or judged me for falling short. He simply showed up, steady and loyal in a way you don’t always see in people.
There are days I wonder where I’d be without him—probably lost in my own chaos, tangled up in thoughts I can’t control. But he’s here, keeping me grounded in the simplest way. And that’s how he saved me,one day at a time, just by being there, exactly when I needed someone the most.

~ R.M. Drake 'Dog People' R.M. Drake

~ Art by Akira Kusaka

28/02/2025

Please consider Dottie.

19/02/2025

Oh my goodness, YES!

On a walk the other day, a small dog ran up to us—barking, circling, and lunging at Juno’s face. His human called him back, and eventually, he left us alone. But minutes later, with every opportunity to leash him or prevent another interaction, he came barreling back, repeating the same behaviour.

Juno was doing everything right—giving clear "no" signals and trying to avoid conflict. I stepped in to block the dog's unwanted advances and allow space for Juno to move away, but then I heard it: "He's friendly!"

I get that what his human likely meant was, "He hasn't bitten anyone [yet] because circumstances have always been in his favour." That doesn't offer any salve. No, sorry, he was not friendly. He was not being friendly.

Friendly means amicable, kind, pleasant. And I’m sure that, in other contexts, this dog is all of those things. I never doubted it. But in that moment? He was not being friendly at all.

And here’s the thing: "Friendly" and "aggressive" are not opposites. A dog can be social but over-aroused, playful but pushy, well-meaning but lacking restraint, self-regulation or inhibitory control. A dog can mean no harm and still be a lot for another dog to handle. And just because a dog isn’t “aggressive” (however you want to define that...) doesn’t mean they’re interacting in a way that’s appropriate, fair, or safe.

We owe it to dogs—not just ours, but others' too—to recognise when they need guidance, to build their skills, and to help them better coexist.

"He's friendly!" is not a free pass and is frankly a passé thing to say.

06/02/2025

Wise words from a wise woman. Worth the read. ❤️

So easy to let our goals and expectations or fears or needs close down the aperture of our hearts and minds.

The other day, I got really annoyed with my big guy Baloo. He was trying to climb into my lap, which already contained my laptop. Our business and livelihood depend in no small part on this computer, and so anything that risks damaging the computer alarms me. But I was focused on a goal, finishing a project, and so kept telling Baloo to back off, to stop, and - finally - to "STOP IT!"

In his eyes, and in my own ears, I recognized how much anger was in that "STOP IT!" Taking a deep breath, looking into the eyes of this dog I love so much, I was shocked to feel how angry I was. Really deeply angry. WTH? I realized Baloo was worried and trying to tell me that he was concerned about the snow and ice sliding off the roof.

And then I realized it was all about fear. Yes, there was fear that 85 pounds of Baloo might break the laptop, but it was more than that. It was the cumulative stress of watching the world spinning in bizarre and truly frightening ways while trying to stay functional and even hopeful. I was shocked to realize how deep this fear is.

Taking some deep breaths, I apologized to Baloo, shut down the computer, got him some meds, made myself a cup of tea and got me some meds for my now pounding headache. I did the dishes - something I *could* do something about. I made some bread. I listened to a Donna Leon audiobook, and talked to the cat.

Laying awake in the middle of the night, Baloo stretched beside me, forgiving, kind, warm, I realized the ripples of chaos and fear are not just international in scope, but right here affecting me in immediate ways that I need to guard against. This is going to be a long haul.

So easy to let our goals and expectations or fears or needs close down the aperture of our hearts and minds. Working on keeping the quality of my attention where it belongs: first on those who matter most to me, and then outward in the world to do what I can with what I have. I think it is harder in the moment to do this work, but the long term benefits and ripples in the world outshine anything driven by fear.

31/01/2025

This.

27/01/2025

Fantastic!

25/01/2025

We believe diversity is a source of strength, equity is worth pursuing, inclusive practices foster humanity and progress, women's and LGBTQ+ rights are human rights, retaining control over our outcomes is fundamental, and kindness reflects true character. We reaffirm our commitment to foster inclusivity in training and behavior. In 2025, we will expand our scholarship opportunities for those who represent and/or support underserved and underrepresented communities. We will continue to evaluate and explore ways to further support this through our various platforms and brands in the weeks, months, and years ahead. More: https://bit.ly/4jKjlCD