Loyal Leashes

22/05/2025

Well, I didn’t expect this on our walk today! 😆🎺🥁

ALWAYS CARRY TREATS!!!

Even if you know the area. Even if your dog is well socialized. Even if you never need your treats.

Take them anyway.

I walk this area regularly. We see people and dogs. We see ducks, cats, and squirrels. There’s always a little something going on, but usually it’s pretty predictable.

Never would I have guessed we’d get trapped by a marching band 😂

You’d think it would be pretty easy to avoid. I saw them coming and turned onto this side street so we’d be out of the way as they passed by. I didn’t realize I was putting us right in the path they were headed. Oops!

Glad I had treats on me!

21/02/2025

Why do I shovel so many paths for my dog?

Rylee has a hard time getting around in the snow so she is very limited to where she can go in the winter. All these paths give her the opportunity to choose where she goes and how she gets there. I want her to have as much freedom of choice as possible.

Plus, I love seeing her trot around on her trails 🐶😁

04/02/2025

If I were a dog I would most likely be reactive 😅

I am a creature in need of autonomy and I do not do well when my choices are taken away.

What is something you would react poorly to if you were a dog that we (as a society) expect as the norm?

04/01/2025

Bogey got some leave it practice on our enrichment visit yesterday. He was a true professional!

This is not a new cue or behavior I introduced while out for a walk on trash day. But because it’s a cue we’ve practiced at home with controlled distractions, he was ready for the real deal when we unexpectedly ran into it. Good job Bogey!

28/11/2024

Happy Thanksgiving!

11/11/2024

22 positive reinforcement trainers got together yesterday. It was great to meet everyone. I’m so glad to be part of a great community who care so much about the animals we work with!

08/11/2024

🤣

25/10/2024

Duffy is getting used to having people in the house and he’s doing amazing!

Using an x-pen, we are able to keep everyone together while still keeping them apart. The humans were able to visit with each other comfortably and Duffy didn’t have to be sent to his crate or another room. He’s making great progress!

27/09/2024

Bogey and I had such a fun morning at Bradbury Mountain!

22/09/2024

This! 💥

Think of a leash like a seat belt. There for safety and security. You should use one, just in case and even on short trips, but you often forget that it's there soon after putting it on.

A steering wheel on the other hand needs constant supervision and direction. Your leash should not used to navigate your dog where to go. You shouldn't subject your dog to sharp U turns or abrupt stops.

A leash is there for safety, but it shouldn't stop the dog from enjoying their walk. The same goes for you. No yanking this way or that, directing the dog wear to go, stopping your dog from sniffing or taking in the scenery too. Certainly not using your safety line to apply force and pressure to your dog, like corrections. There is absolutely no fun in that.

Loose lead walking often has far less to do about the leash and more to do about the engagement between you and your dog so if you are using your leash to navigate, get in touch so we can help you both learn how to start enjoying the ride. 🚙

www.rplusdogs.com

18/09/2024

A lot of you know Rylee through FB but she hasn’t made an appearance for a while. So, I figured I’d give you all an update with how she’s doing.
She’s 13 years old and showing her age. On a good day, we play our mini version of fetch (in the video) but most days she’s content to just sleep the day away.
We’re working with our vet to manage her pain and keep her comfortable. She had a couple episodes of vestibular disease about a year and a half ago that really took a toll on her but she’s doing great all things considered.
We’re heading toward the end, but we’re not there yet. I’m doing everything I can to keep her happy and enjoy all the time we have left together ❤️