Balanced Dog Training

18/11/2025

Otis had a training trip to freshfields village to experience new things. I hear the word “socialize” so misused that I tend to not use it anymore. When puppies first come home, usually around 8 weeks, they have already started their imprinting stage of life. This is the time to expose them in a calm, safe and positive way to everything possible. Sights, sounds, smells in as many different ways as possible. Different looking people; young, old, white, black, brown, bearded, large, tall, hat wearing, etc. Different sounds; alarm, exhaust, sirens, skateboard, etc. Today Otis was able to experience a few different things that I believe were new to him. He is a very confident and curious dog! We went past a golf cart that was very loud, walked over a piece of uneven plywood, had a few people squeal at him and make kissy sounds. He took it all in while I maneuvered him and tried to maintain calm curiosity. Which he was great! It takes a LOT of work with such a cute puppy. We managed to avoid almost every person, except two, from touching him and getting him over excited! When they did, I was able to get his attention and have him sit looking at me with his food as a lure. We want to set him up for success in life and not become over stimulated in public with people. He hasn’t learned commands or practiced how to behave first before opening the possibility of strangers touching him. So I told many people they couldn’t pet him and was the bad guy but was advocating for Otis and not them. 😝 Which I have no problem doing. He is a pretty special pup and couldn’t be more excited for his family. ❤️

15/11/2025

Otis had a fun training trip today! We went on a short walk where he was very curios and had no fear exploring the area; even the storm drain! I focused on him experience the environment and calling him too me when too far. Also grabbing his attention when people rode by on bikes. Also rewarding and encouraging any time he walked nicely beside me. He explored a new home and met some new people and dog friends. He did very well today! These are the types of experiences that are great for new puppies.

15/11/2025

Home manners and training! This may not look like much or very important training but it is extremely important. Puppies need to learn how to behave in their home through guidance. Being there to tell them “good” and “no” and in a way that is healthy and understandable. We want them to be curious, explore and try new things and encourage when making good choices but be there to tell them no and guide them to stop poor choices. Telling them “no” and guiding in a way that stops their choice or behavior without shutting them down to what we are communicating or trying new things. It is a LOT of work in the beginning but worth it to set them up for success in life as well as our responsibility to teach and keep our pups healthy physically and mentally. Otis has many opportunities to make good choices with toys and chew items around and limiting access to unwanted choices; like home leaving shoes or other tempting items lying around. Here he chose a chew toy and I was right there to tell him “good”! He has been on the right path as the first thing I noticed at his own home was a toy right at the door and more just a few steps into the house! 😉

14/11/2025

Introducing Otis! This absolutely beautiful boy has joined me for a puppy program. He is 10wks old and we will be working on socialization, home manners and introduction to some training/communication and of course potty training! His family has done a wonderful job in the weeks they e had him and potty training. I’m very excited to have him here as his “brother” Cowboy is part of the Balanced Dog Trainjng family! Stay tuned for the progress in this little boy.

09/11/2025

The girls and I took a day trip to Blowing Rock. We found a nice park to walk in before wandering in town. Beautiful town and the shop already beautifully displayed for Christmas! It actually made shopping a little fun. 🤪 I have some great presents already. After some time the girls were getting tired so with the weather being nice I took them to the car to rest. Then I went to a cafe to grab a coffee and a yummy pastry that I could enjoy in the park with the girls. Wonderful day! ****leaving dogs in cars is not for every dog or owner. Know your dog, environment and yourself before making the choice for yourself*****

07/11/2025

One of the best hikes at Grayson Highlands State Park! I can only imagine what it looks like with leaves on the trees. I always do my research where I am hiking especially if I am taking dogs. This park allows dogs on leash but they suggest you not bring them. One of the reasons is there are ponies!!!! They are contained but wild and are important to controlling the vegetation and gives them a home. So there is manure scattered about (which some dogs love to roll in or eat). Also there are very Hard boulders and rocks to maneuver up, down and around! One spot I actually had to slide down slightly to reach a foot hold. In my dogs younger years this hike wouldn’t be too much trouble with some help and dropped leashes for them to maneuver better and there training to follow rules. I only saw two dogs and they were in leashes and not sure which trail they took. But it’s always important to do research. Definitely worth a visit if you are close by!!!! First time in Virginia for me!

07/11/2025

The girls and I decided to take a few days off and head North! We have had an eventful and chaotic last few months and needed some recharging. My girls have a little more hiking in them and making it easier are some fantastic harness’ tha have handles to assist if need me. Non-stop dogwear is great and have several harness for your needs and sizes to ensure a fantastic fit!!!! Can’t say enough about them. Finley can jump in and out of vehicles and maneuver on trails but I help aid her as much as I can with the harness! Also Ryots hearing is almost completely gone, with her ecollar training, I am able to use this to help her look at me and I have been introducing hand signals to commands I haven’t already had with her. Foundational tools dogs learn in foundational training can be used lifelong with your pups!!!!

31/10/2025

🎃🎃🎃Happy Halloween!!!!🎃🎃🎃

15/10/2025

This is incredible!!!

A lost pet’s journey home just got a little easier on Johns Island. 💛

We’re proud to announce the newest Pet Helpers Community Microchip Scanning Station — now up and running at Gold Star Coffee!

Together, we can keep pets safe, families whole, and tails wagging. Thank you to our friends at Gold Star Coffee for lending your support to make this possible for the pets (and people!) of Charleston County. ☕🐕

📍Gold Star Coffee, 3293 Maybank Hwy, Johns Island

13/10/2025

Happy Monday! But boy are we all tired of the rain. Murphee calmly waiting for his morning Walk ….in the rain. 😜