Obedience and Beyond

14/07/2022

If you live near Elizabethtown, PA this weekend they’re holding a pet fest at a local pet store! A groomer I know is offering nail trimming with both clippers and Dremel there so if your pups (or kitties) are in need of a trim this is a great person for the job. She’s trimmed my Bull Terriers and is experienced with large breeds too.
I’ll be there to support small businesses! This is being hosted in conjunction with Supporting Paws among others.

10/06/2022

25/05/2022

Over the years I’ve heard many pet owners mention their fear of messing up clicker training. I have always tried to reassure everyone with encouragement and camaraderie, “everyone makes mistakes, I mis-click too!” Which sounds like a placating statement and surely cannot be true.

Today I present video evidence that clicker training can outwit the best of us. Yes, that is my favorite clicker with the finger strap that I tried to sacrifice to Chester, the Appenzeller Sennenhund, at agility class last night. I hope everyone laughs as much as I did when I realized I tossed from the wrong hand!

23/04/2022

Hi everyone! As I’m sure some noticed I fell off the face of the earth early last week. That Monday Hedy, my 11 month Bull Terrier puppy, started acting off. By Tuesday I knew something was very wrong and took her in to a local emergency clinic where X-rays taken were inconclusive but given the breed an obstruction was suspected. Unfortunately, it took 3 different ER clinics to finally get someone to just open her up and look. They found a small piece of bone that we believe she pilfered at a friends house blocking most of the exit from her stomach. Due to the delay in surgery she needed intense care post-op, which Hedy was not fond of as an active torpedo-dog.
As of today Hedy is doing fantastic and has a hilariously fitting haircut for all the worry she inflicted. I am immensely thankful to the Mason Dixon Animal Emergency Hospital for treating my wild baby and lavishing on her while she was in their care.
So now that Hedy is out of the woods and I’ve caught up on all of the sleep I lost I wanted to put it out there why most people have had radio silence for the past 2 weeks. I appreciate everyone’s patience as I catch up with work and life that had to be put on hold for my puppy’s health.

Thanks!
Morgan

06/02/2022

Miss Hedy learned a new trick since she loves apples so much and I hate slicing them. 😂😂😂 Working on her trick dog title!

27/12/2021

Monday morning shenanigans with Hedwig: I wish I would have been recording when she initially tried to make off with a dryer ball to show the whole process her terrier brain went through.

Gotta love a thinking dog!!

22/12/2021

Working with more unique breeds and mixes is one of my favorite puzzles, not all problems are solved one way.
Recently I had the pleasure of meeting Kiah, a Chow, who has a murky history that causes her pretty severe anxiety in her new home. One of the tools I felt would be most beneficial for her is a mat to associate with calm, kind of like a safety blanket. During our lesson we focused on acclimation and developing a generally positive experience with the mat. Despite using her favorite treats she would only step on it for food then she would wander away to sniff things as a way to alleviate her stress.

I was thrilled to receive these photos updating me on Kiahs’ progress! Great job Kiah and her people!!!

09/12/2021

Bear having a conversation with Lamb Chop while we discussed how well he behaved for Thanksgiving dinner. Never a dull moment with a Golden!

05/12/2021

Huge thanks to Emma and Oops for their help with CGC and CGCA testing today! Congrats to Emma and Oops, Danielle and Wasabi, and Joe and Feathers on their new titles!

17/09/2021

New home found!

This lovely young gentleman, due to no fault of his own, is looking for a new home. He has learned basic manners and passed the Canine Good Citizen test. King is around 8 months old; house broken; dog, cat, and child friendly; vaccinated; and rides well in car. He is not a candidate for service or protection work. He is currently staying with us so that he doesn’t go to boarding. Videos in comments. Contact the page for more info.

Will keep updated on status. Located Harrisburg, PA Manheim, PA; transport available eastern half of US!! Please share!!

31/08/2021

So, this is a frozen tray of ground up chicken, rice, peanut butter and a little homemade chicken broth, with bananas, blueberries and carrots frozen solid overnight. This is a distraction tool( courtesy of Morgan Hooks) for Dodger to occupy himself while I leave the house because of his extreme separation anxiety. He also had some anxiety meds, but for the first time leaving him for over an hour, he didn't potty in the house, throw up or tear anything up!!!!❤️ Great job sweet boy Dodger ❤️🥰 Baby steps, but a big win for today! Thank you Morgan for the tips and help! Hopefully we are on our way!❤️❤️❤️ yay Dodger!

03/06/2021

Foster dog having a personal party. Bren doing a concern.