By Your Side Pet Behavior Consulting

19/07/2024

I saw a post on Facebook that has me concerned.
The post was by a person recommending that someone use a shock collar on a cat. Never have I ever heard of such a thing. I thought the indoor electric fences were bad enough (I've heard of people using these for both dogs and cats, sadly).

I went to that person's professional website and - not so shocking - (pun intended) found ZERO credentials or evidence of education about cats as a species or their behavior. This person is a balanced dog trainer.

I am not here to argue training methods for dogs (though I certainly have thoughts and feeling). I just need to say - BE AN INFORMED CONSUMER when you hire a professional to help you with your pets. Find people who know what they are talking about, the species with whom they are working, and the impacts (both good and bad) of the methods they are using.

Sadly, ANYONE (yes, that includes you) can put up a website and claim to be an animal behavior expert - dog trainer, cat whisperer, whatever.

Learn what to look for to find a QUALIFIED professional. I will put some information in the comments on this.
And PLEASE , don't shock your cat.

Picture of my sweet Peanut as a kitten for algorithm tax.

18/07/2024

A couple of puppy grads this week!

Congratulations to Team Bruno and Team Riley. I had so much fun with both dogs.

As different as they look, they have a few things in common. They are both 5-month-old certified good boys! Both joined families who did their research and found good breeders who focused not only on appearance and health but temperament too. And they both have dedicated families who want to understand them and enjoy them for who they are!

Bruno and Riley met each other today for the first time and had a fantastic play date to celebrate school being out for the rest of the summer!

05/07/2024

Food for thought....
https://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/are-we-loving-our-pets-to-death/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=article_inset_1.1&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR24u885_ZTJZ077VQbX-_gnxntvtMBZbtQzUEzBNmiZEapdo3aSDP-xdA4_aem_Cf37bNzWBpgmqD1R_bpPxw&sfnsn=mo

23/05/2024

I am looking for friends, colleagues or clients (current or former) who have done the EMBARK DNA test for their mixed breed dog and would be willing to share a screen shot of the results and a couple of good pictures of your dog. DM me for more information. Please and thank you!

11/05/2024

As a working cat behavior consultant, I repeat myself over and over again every day. I have compiled this list of some of the things I end up talking about the most.

1. If your cat is constantly begging for food, they’re hungry. Increase the frequency of meals to at least 4x a day and calculate how many calories they’re getting. An average 10 pound cat needs around 250 to maintain weight.

2. Don’t fall for the gimmicky litter or litter box. Your cat doesn’t want a Litter Robot or Pretty Litter or whatever. You do. 9/10 cats prefer a simple uncovered box with clay litter.

3. If you own multiple cats, your house needs to look like multiple cats live there. I know as soon as I enter a home if the cats are fighting or not based on the number of cat trees, beds, toys, feeding stations, litter boxes, etc.

4. I can tell you with 99% certainty that your cat is not displaying dominance with whatever behavior he is doing.

5. Play with your cat at least twice a day for at least five minutes. Even if your cat is just watching the toy, they’re playing. It counts.

6. The Jackson Galaxy cat introduction method does not work consistently enough to even be relevant. I could (and do with my clients) spend 90 minutes explaining exactly why and what to do instead.

7. Your cat can be trained to do anything using positive reinforcement. This includes cooperating for taking medication, having their nails trimmed, and going into a carrier. Punishment is primarily not effective because it doesn’t teach the cat good behavior. They don’t learn what they’re supposed to do instead.

8. The answer to your problems is ALMOST never to add another cat. It does help sometimes, sure. But often you just create more problems.

9. Cats thrive when given choices and they have a sense of control over their own lives. Use a consent test every time you interact with your cat (hold your hand out and wait for the cat to close the distance). Voila. You no longer get bitten during petting.

10. Learn body language, learn body language, learn body language. You’ll thank me.

Let me know if you have questions, and feel free to suggest your own!

(Reposted from Reddit)

30/04/2024

This came up in my personal FB memories from 11 years ago. I found it on a rescue website as I was in the midst of my dog's journey from a stray who found me to a local animal control facility where they were going to euthanize her based on breed to finding a rescue willing to pull her, give her time to decompress, and a proper behavior evaluation. I walked the road with her and her rescuers because I believed she was a good dog. She was a part of me from the moment I saw her.

She is the reason I help other dogs today. She was misunderstood. She needed someone to give her space and empathy. She need someone to hear her. We struggled at the time to find someone who knew what that meant. It took time, patience, and a lot of trial and error to figure out hear and help her, but what a gift - for both of us - when I did.

Listen. Honor what they are telling you. If you need help learning how to listen, to understand, to respect....ask. It is so worth it. Both of your lives will be so much richer.

23/04/2024

"Dogs were born to learn not be trained....
We should not be trying to change dogs but change the world in which they live." - Kay Laurence

My inspiration, my teacher, my "why"....

14/03/2024

A little late...but need to shout out to Gracie and her amazing humans for finishing up Puppy Foundations. I can't share a picture here, but wanted to acknowledge their hard work as a team!

01/02/2024

Choose who cares for your family member carefully. I'm not exaggerating when I say that it could literally be a life-or-death decision. The Animal Rescue League of Boston created this simple checklist to help you research facilities before entrusting them with your pet.

February breaks will be here before you know it! Are you planning a vacation and boarding your pet? There are currently no statewide regulations that govern boarding kennels and pet daycare facilities in Massachusetts. The Animal Rescue League of Boston’s (ARL) Board Safely™ campaign encourages pet owners to do their own research before leaving their pet in the care of a boarding kennel or daycare facility. Download the Board Safely™ checklist today at https://www.arlboston.org/board-safely.
Image description: photo shows a black and white dog laying down. Text says "Did you know… there are no statewide regulations that govern boarding kennels and pet daycare facilities in Massachusetts?"

15/01/2024

I am out of town for work for a week and I wanted to make it easy for my partner to keep up my dog's daily enrichment - especially because she hasn't been feeling well lately and routine is so important for her. Routine and enrichment reduce stress (which we can experience when we don't feel well).

So I set the human up for success....so that he could set the dog up for success! I prepared an enrichment item for each day and left a list. All he has to do is get it and put it down. I wish I could do this for all of my clients! But since I can't - try setting yourselves up for success.

It took me about 10 minutes Sunday morning to prep six items and make the week easy!

23/12/2023

Happy holidays from me and my furry family to yours!

Wishing everyone a peaceful holiday and a smooth transition into 2024. Here's to more smiles, tail wags, purrs, and love in the new year.

23/11/2023

Sending warm wishes for a relaxing Thanksgiving to all our friends, colleagues, and clients. Thankful for all of you, and I know your furry family members are as well.

09/11/2023

This delicious (not so little anymore) potato just finished Puppy Foundations with me. He and his mom learned a lot together! And he's lucky to have small human siblings who are eager to help him be successful in their home. Congratulations Team Remy!

08/11/2023

Hi friends!
I have a few "asks" of my network....I am looking for:
- A website copywriter who is familiar with the animal behavior industry. Time to overhaul my business website. I just don't have the bandwidth to re-write it myself and want a pro.

- Someone who can do a quick sketch for me for a T-shirt design. I've been playing with it in Canva but not loving the "clipart" feel...LOL. It's super simple and would probably take a graphic artist 10 minutes as it's just text and a dog leash.

Please let DM or email me if you know someone who fits either bill. I'd love to support a small business and prefer people with whom you have had direct and positive experiences.

Stock photo of a dog handing out my money for the FB algorithm.

03/11/2023

Just leaving this right here for any of you who might benefit.... There are a number of you, so don't look over your shoulder and wonder who that might be 😉

Now available ➡️ A Starter Course for Pup Parents who struggle to take their anxious and reactive dog out and about in the world.

🔗 in comments!

Pulled out of my virtual membership for the weekend - This mini starter course includes an overview of the Reactive Dog Path, an on-demand webinar about managing the leash walk (tools, tips, & techniques), 3 Core Pro-Active Management Skills, and recommendations for your next steps!

This is a great way to start on the right path forward with your anxious pup!

Just $20 for a limited time (through 11/6/23) 🐾🙈

06/10/2023

Just going to leave this thought here. Been a bit bummed about all of the leash-jerking I've seen not just "out on the street" but by folks who should know better, too.

06/10/2023

This is a great resource from our friends at Hello Bully and Wise Dogs. If you're struggling to acclimate your dog to a muzzle check out this video!

Muzzle Week is part of Hello Bully’s RAD DOGS course for reactive or aggressive dogs. This short course will help you teach your dog to love their muzzle! We...

13/09/2023

I'll be at Dedham Dog Day on Sunday talking about dog park safety and dog body language during play. Come say "Hi!"

It’s happening!!!
This Sunday is the 1st Annual Dedham Dog Day! 🐶
My fellow Dedham Dog Park Committee members and I have been working on this event for months! We hope you’ll join us with your pups for an afternoon of vendors, exhibitors, education and adoptable pups!

13/08/2023

It is not reasonable to ask a Sheltie not to bark. Pickles' family knew this but they wanted help letting her know that in some situations she didn't need to bark quite so much.

By breaking the process down into small steps and reinforcing moments of quiet, Pickles' family can now get her harnessed, leashed, and out the door quietly. She's also doing better on walks when she sees the neighbors.
Nice work !

08/06/2023

Kira's mom couldn't be prouder of her, and she has every reason to be. Kira is a sweet, smart pup. They make a lovely team, and I enjoyed working with them. Congratulations Team Kira - you're going to do great things together!

12/05/2023

I am posting this on both my personal and business pages because it is so important.

We, as a human society, are destroying dogs and all of the things we profess to love about them. We are not meeting their needs as a species. Instead, we treat them as if they are furry humans who come out of a canine womb innately understanding our expectations of them for living among us and meeting our needs. They are not and they do not.

When we treat them like this, and don't meet their needs it is not surprising that so many express stress, frustration, anxiety, and aggression. We aren't listening to them. We aren't providing security and outlets for normal dog behaviors and enriched environments so that they can thrive.

Sadly, the state of cats is not far behind, based on what we've seen with domestic/wild crosses to suit the exotic desires of people who have no clue how to meet the needs of a domestic cat - Forget about considering that a mostly wild animal has no place in a human home.

"This one-way relationship is sure to fail them and us."

https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/animal-emotions/202305/can-dogs-keep-up-with-human-cultural-whims-and-stressors?eml

(Stepping down from the soap box....for now)

Dogs have a right to experience enriched and high-quality lives.

10/05/2023

May you smile like Argi today.

This sweet girl has a really hard time riding in the car. We've been working on helping her get in and out by herself (instead of being lifted and placed in the car). Having a choice about whether or not they do something and how to do it is empowering for all animals (humans included). And we know that it also reduces stress. So Argi's mom is trying to help her feel less stressed about getting in the car in the first place.
Next step....make the door closing = FUN instead of signaling a scary ride ahead.
We are going to help Argi feel more comfortable in the car by giving her agency and splitting the process into small, achievable steps.

04/05/2023

Roxie is smart, sweet puppy. As we finished our sessions, she was heading into her "sassy" phase (which is not an official phase...LOL....but if you've had a puppy you know it!). Roxie is super lucky to have a great mom and a great big dog sister, Maggie (who I couldn't get a picture of) to help her learn the ropes of pet dog life. Nice job Team Roxie!

17/04/2023

I try to use analogies when talking about things dogs might/might not appreciate, but this a perfect visual representation.
Next time you expect something of your dog, ask yourself how you would feel.

06/04/2023

I am hosting this workshop in June and would love to see current and former clients, colleagues, and friends. I did the seminar (virtually, thanks to COVID) three years ago and learned a lot....

Would you benefit from learning about how giving your dog agency and choice can decrease stress and improve behavior?

The Power of Choice workshop isn't just for behavior professionals! It's for ANYONE who shares their life with dogs.

We'd love to see dog walkers, day care staffs, veterinary professionals, animal welfare staff and volunteers, and, of course, behavior pros at The Power of Choice Workshop in June.
www.wedontdosit.com/power-of-choice
*Group discount (groups of 4 or more) available

A two-day in-person interactiveworkshop with Dr. Kristina Spaulding and Irith Bloom about the power of giving dogs choices and how increasing choice can decrease dogs’ stress and modify their behavior in a positive way.

31/03/2023

I am hosting this workshop at Master Peace Dog Training in Franklin, MA. It may be of interest to some of current and former clients and friends...

Early bird ticket pricing ends TOMORROW, April 1st.
The cost to attend this working seminar with Dr. Kristina Spaulding and Irith Bloom will go up on April 2nd.
This workshop is for ANYONE who wants to help dogs experience less stress through the power of choice.
Whether you are trainer, a competitor, or a frustrated dog owner, this is your opportunity to work hands-on, in-person, in a small group setting with these two fantastic teachers.
Don't miss out! Register today!
wedontdosit.com/power-of-choice

20/03/2023

Wise words and great reminders from a colleague.
Let your dog be a dog. It will do wonders for your relationship!

A lot of dogs want you to know this -

Instead of a fancy collar and bed? They’d rather have a fenced in yard - even if it has to be small and home made - so they can have off leash time to dog and dig.

Instead of daily neighborhood walks? They’d rather you drive to a dirt road and put them on a 30ft line and let them zig zag and smell as long as they like

Instead of twice daily meals in a bowl? They’d rather have food through enrichment activities that stimulates their brain and their nose.

Instead of basic obedience training? They’d rather have purpose driven training that feeds their genetic make up and needs AND helps them survive and thrive in todays world.

Instead of a human wanting something from them? They’d love a human wanting to understand them better.

Instead of focusing on perfect “heels” and “stays”? They’d love to learn how to be resilient and less stressed and cope with the outside world and our expectations.

Instead of harsh punishments and corrections? They’d prefer proactive management and rewards for good decisions.

We can’t change everything about the lives our dogs are forced to live with us in, but we can make these kinds of changes and see a huge improvement in their quality of life and wellbeing.

-Helen St. Pierre

07/03/2023

I am coming to YOU for some recommendations. Greater Boston area friends and clients....I am often asked for recommendations for dog boarding places. Now, many of my clients' dogs cannot go to your run-of-the-mill-20-50-dogs-in-a-yard day care or boarding facility.

Do you have places you LOVE and have personally had a good experience with? I want to hear about them. Of course, I'll do my own research before recommending a place, but I'd like to hear who you trust to care for your dogs.
Picture of my dog for the algorithm tax

27/02/2023

To all of my dog peeps - behavior and veterinary pros, day care and dog walkers, people who live with dogs. This workshop is open to ALL! Share with anyone who wants to learn how increasing choice can decrease stress and modify behavior in a positive way.

16/02/2023

Love this new resource from our friends at Instinct Dog Training! Please share with anyone you know who may benefit!

We have some VERY exciting news!

Starting March 1st, Instinct will be hosting ongoing free, live dog training & behavior seminars, including:

Puppy Parenting Roadmap, for caretakers of puppies ages 8-20 weeks, to be held the 2nd Wednesday of every month.

Rescue Dog Roadmap, for caretakers of recently adopted (or soon-to-be adopted) rescue dogs, to be held the 4th Wednesday or every month.

Hosted via Zoom, seminars will include a live presentation followed by a Q&A session. They are open to EVERYONE - dog owners, walkers, pet sitters, trainers, veterinary staff, shelter & rescue workers & volunteers, breeders, and of course - our Instinct clients!

Get kind, practical, step-by-step guidance & support from some of our most experienced certified trainers & behavior consultants at Instinct locations across the country.

Register today at www.instinctdogtraining.com/seminars

Know someone who could benefit from this resource? Tag them in the comments! We can’t wait to see you there.