Rex-Treks

31/10/2023

When we seek help for our dog's behaviour we tend to focus on stopping something unwanted.

Our aim is to make that behaviour go away.

But there's much more to it than that.

Dogs act how they do based on their feelings and their motivations.

They can’t tell us what either of those things are unless we know their language.

Unless we identify what they need.

Then work out another way to meet that need for them.

Ethically, we can't dive in to make the dog stop doing something.

We must start by watching and listening.

Learning from the dog.

Asking the following questions.

13/07/2023

Teach your dog how to do nothing. Teach them how to just watch the world go by. Teach them how to be still. Teach them how to observe but not interact.

We focus so much on teaching our dogs what to do that we sometimes forget to teach them how to just 'be'. And it's so beneficial for so many dogs for so many reasons. A worried or anxious dog can build confidence by observing and assessing the world around them. A puppy can learn that not everything around them is relevant to them. A busy dog can learn to find their off switch. A reactive dog can observe from a place of safety. And every dog can learn that sometimes we do nothing and that's ok...

If I could give just one piece of advice to all new puppy owners it would be to practice doing nothing with your pup. It will repay you in spades. So find a quiet spot, park yourself and just watch the world go by together...

24/06/2023

Kai striking a majestic pose. . .

20/06/2023

My heart is aching with the loss of a Blue, a long time, beloved walking buddy. Blue was the first dog I added when I launched Rex-Treks and I walked with him multiple days a week for nearly 10 years. Blue was smart, sweet, goofy, majestic, full of good cheer, lover of all things spherical, stealer of sandwiches and so much more. He will be greatly missed. . .

15/06/2023

07/06/2023

A simple, sweet and inspiring article, sure to gently remind humans that all dogs need opportunities to prioritize the power of their superior sniffing system.

Providing opportunities for dogs to use their sense of smell can have remarkable benefits.

31/05/2023

For one of my most precious friends today. So much love and huge hugs to you.

31/05/2023

Dog Love. . .

For one of my most precious friends today. So much love and huge hugs to you.

30/05/2023

One of my long time walking buddies has taken his journey across the Rainbow Bridge. I know he is gallivanting again as he once did. You will be missed Montague. . .

27/05/2023

Beauty and the Cutie! Adventures with Willett

14/02/2023

Happy Sweethearts Day!

I neglected to tell you what sweetheart I was with -- Clover.

24/12/2022

Clover! Photo opps are great for practicing control positions (e.g. "stay") and Clover was a rockstar, even with Santa and his Reindeer companion behind her. 😜

24/12/2022

Millie!

15/12/2022

Just completed the last training class of 2022. A festive holiday theme and good cheer. . .

13/12/2022

Tis beginning to look a lot like Christmas, eh Gretchy?

30/11/2022

Kai is thinking about running for office. . .

14/11/2022

18/10/2022

Enjoying the Spooky Seasonal whimsy with Kai.

26/09/2022

Willett enjoying some social time with neighborhood friend, Millie. A Terrier-ific time!

23/09/2022

A Welsh congregation. . . Monty, Kinzie and Rosie

23/09/2022

Buckley & Macy -- A view of cuteness that never gets old.

15/09/2022

Have you ever considered raising a puppy for service to make someone else's life better? Or maybe you would like to support full time puppy raisers by providing relief dog sitting/care so puppy raisers can take a vacation or attend important events.

Well, this event is for you! Held at the home of good friends of mine who are nearly done raising their second puppy for Dogs for Better Lives, you will have chance to learn more about puppy raising and this amazing organization.

29/07/2022

Who knew the sound of a fountain while watching dogs drinking could be so soothing to watch. . .

29/07/2022

Blue & Teddy taking a hydration break at our favorite neighborhood "watering hole."

30/05/2022

Avocados are a legit superfood, loaded with the kinds of nutrition dogs need more, not less of.