Social Tailwaggers, LLC

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Social Tailwaggers, LLC Social Tailwaggers, LLC provides dog training and Behavior Consultation for puppies to adult dogs. We provide in-home training and group classes.

Social Tailwaggers, LLC offers In-Home Dog Training, Puppy Socialization Classes, and Basic Training Classes. We teach using Positive Reinforcement methods only. We are located in Laurel, MD and service Northern Prince Georges, Montgomery, Howard, and Anne Arundel Counties.

If you have a new puppy this is very important information why you need to be careful with too much exercise, jumping on...
02/07/2025

If you have a new puppy this is very important information why you need to be careful with too much exercise, jumping on/off furniture, long walks, etc.

When you finally welcome your 8 week old puppies, please keep this picture in mind. Their bones aren’t even touching yet. They walk so beautifully with big, flexible legs and bench movements because their joints are made up entirely of cartilage, muscles, tendons and ligaments covered with skin. Nothing is well adjusted or has real grip yet.

When you make them run excessively or don't limit their exercise to prevent them from overdoing during that time, you're not giving them the chance to grow properly. Every big jump or bounce and excited run creates bone-breaking impacts.
In reasonable quantities, this is not problematic and normal wear and tear will do.

But when you let the puppy jump off the couch or bed, take him for long walks, you damage this joint in training. When you let the puppy move on slippery surfaces, you damage the joint.

You only get once to make them grow up. A well built body is something that comes from excellent upbringing and good education. BOTH , not just one

Once you’re an adult, you’ll have the rest of your life to spend playing and engaging in high-impact exercises. So keep him calm while he is still young and give him the gift that can only be given once.
Shared from Clinique Vetérinaire Vetolistic - Dr. Marie Eve Cresci

If you are a cat lover and have a bell on your cat's collar, here is some great information on why it might not be such ...
30/06/2025

If you are a cat lover and have a bell on your cat's collar, here is some great information on why it might not be such a great idea!

🔔 A bell on a cat’s collar might look harmless or even charming, but for the cat, it can be a constant source of discomfort and stress. 🐱💢

Cats have extremely sensitive hearing — far more acute than humans — and the constant jingling right next to their ears can be overwhelming, leading to anxiety and even long-term behavioral issues. 😿💭

It disrupts their natural stealth and hunting instincts, making them feel vulnerable and exposed. 🐾⚠️ Imagine trying to sleep, relax, or explore your home with a loud noise following your every move. 🛌🔊

I've heard stories of cats having bells or rabies tags on collars lying on HVAC vents (the kind with wooden or metal slats) & getting their tag/bell caught between the slats. Terrifying for the cat & potentially very dangerous, depending on how long they remain immobile.

We owe it to our feline companions to respect their needs and comfort. 🧠❤️ Say no to collar bells.
Choose kindness over tradition. 🚫🔔

Do you set boundaries for your dog?  This is Excellent information to help your dog understand how to live in our human ...
25/06/2025

Do you set boundaries for your dog? This is Excellent information to help your dog understand how to live in our human world!

I especially appreciate how the author sums it up by saying:

"Boundaries are not about control. They’re about care. They are the difference between a dog who is constantly second-guessing its environment and one who knows what to expect and what is expected in return."

Boundaries: The Unspoken Language of Trust, Security, and Sanity in Dog Training
An In-Depth Article for Dog Owners and Trainers

When it comes to raising a well-rounded, emotionally stable, and well-mannered dog, boundaries are not just helpful—they’re essential. In a world where the phrase “I just want my dog to be happy” is often misinterpreted as “let them do what they want,” it’s vital to step back and remember that dogs, much like children, thrive not in chaos but in calm consistency, structure, and clear boundaries.

Whether you’re a dog owner hoping to live harmoniously with your canine companion, or a dog trainer helping others build better relationships with their dogs, understanding the why, how, and what of boundaries is fundamental. Let’s explore why boundaries matter, how to implement them, and what your dog actually gains from them.

What Do We Mean by Boundaries?

Boundaries are the rules, limits, and expectations you put in place around your dog’s behaviour. They provide structure to your dog’s daily life, both in and out of training. Boundaries can be physical (e.g., no jumping on furniture, crate training), spatial (e.g., stay behind the line at the door), behavioural (e.g., no jumping on guests, no begging at the table), or even emotional (e.g., not allowing a dog to self-appoint themselves as protector).

Boundaries are not about being authoritarian, controlling, or unkind. They’re about creating clarity, a vital currency in any healthy dog-human relationship.

Why Dogs Need Boundaries

Dogs are opportunistic learners. If something works for them, they’ll keep doing it. Without guidance, they’ll often make decisions based on instinct, emotion, or reinforcement history, which may or may not align with what we want. This is where boundaries step in to help redirect behaviour and build a shared understanding.

Here’s why boundaries are crucial:

1. They Create Safety and Predictability

Dogs don’t thrive in a free-for-all environment. Predictability reduces anxiety and makes the world feel safer. When a dog knows what’s expected of them, they’re more confident and less reactive.

For example, a boundary like “you must wait at the kerb before crossing the road” could literally save your dog’s life. But it also teaches patience, impulse control, and trust in you as a reliable leader.

2. They Prevent Problem Behaviours

Most behavioural issues stem from unclear boundaries. Jumping up, excessive barking, resource guarding, pulling on the lead, many of these start when dogs are allowed to rehearse unwanted behaviour without redirection or guidance. Boundaries stop these issues from taking root.

3. They Promote Emotional Balance

Boundaries can actually reduce stress and overstimulation. Many high-drive or anxious dogs are overwhelmed not by too many rules, but by too few. They’re left to make decisions, stay on high alert, and constantly interpret unclear situations. When you take over as the decision-maker, the dog can exhale.

4. They Build Respect and Connection

When implemented fairly and consistently, boundaries deepen the relationship. Your dog begins to look to you for guidance. They see you as calm, trustworthy, and capable. The relationship shifts from chaos and conflict to partnership.

What Are the Benefits for the Dog?

Let’s focus on the dog’s side of the leash. Boundaries benefit your dog by offering them:
• Clarity – No more guesswork or trial and error.
• Security – A dog that trusts its owner to be in charge is free to relax.
• Impulse control – Boundaries help dogs pause, think, and make better choices.
• Opportunities for reward – When a dog learns the rules and gets reinforced for following them, confidence and focus grow.
• Freedom within structure – Ironically, dogs with good boundaries often get more freedom because they’re more reliable.

Think of a well-boundaried dog like a well-trained horse: responsive, respectful, and able to be given more room to move and enjoy life because they’re not a liability.

How to Implement Healthy Boundaries

Boundaries only work if they’re consistent, fair, and enforced calmly. Here’s how to make them work:

1. Decide Your Non-Negotiables

Every household or training scenario is different. Start by defining your boundaries: Is the sofa off-limits? Are they allowed to rush out of the front door? Are they allowed to jump up on strangers?

2. Communicate Clearly

Use marker words, leash guidance, body language, and spatial awareness to communicate boundaries. Don’t assume the dog “should just know.”

3. Be Consistent

Nothing erodes trust faster than unpredictability. If it’s “no jumping” today but you allow it tomorrow because you’re wearing your old coat, the dog learns that the rules are fuzzy.

4. Reward Calm Compliance

Don’t just correct unwanted behaviour, reward the good stuff. A calm dog waiting at the door deserves calm praise or a treat. Reinforcement tells them they’ve made the right choice.

5. Remain Calm and Neutral

Boundaries should never be emotional. You’re not punishing a dog for being bad; you’re guiding a dog toward what’s better. Emotionally charged corrections often confuse and stress dogs. Clarity, not confrontation.

Real-Life Examples of Boundaries in Action
• A dog waits at a threshold until released, teaching patience.
• A working dog is crated after exercise, learning to switch off and regulate arousal.
• A reactive dog is not allowed to take control on walks but is guided through situations calmly by the handler.
• A puppy is not allowed to jump up on guests, and instead is rewarded for four paws on the floor.

Each of these scenarios represents not restriction, but the teaching of life skills.

Final Thoughts

Boundaries are not about control. They’re about care. They are the difference between a dog who is constantly second-guessing its environment and one who knows what to expect and what is expected in return.

They are the scaffolding of a balanced dog and a balanced relationship.

If you want your dog to thrive, not just exist… if you want trust, not tension… and if you want to live with your dog, not in spite of their behaviour, then boundaries are not optional. They are foundational.

So don’t fear being “too strict.” Fear being too vague.

Because clarity is kindness. And boundaries? They’re the clearest kindness of all.

www.k9manhuntscotland.co.uk



24/06/2025

Are you interested in a basic manners class for your dog? We still have a few openings in our Tuesday evening class which runs
July 8 through August 19, located in Laurel.

Our classes are small (4-5 dogs & their humans) and fun! We teach the basic skills: Place, Stay, Come, Impulse Control, Walking Through The Door Politely, Greeting Skills, and Leave It.

Send us an email if you are interested or have any questions: [email protected] We are looking forward to helping you with your dog.

Help us Congratulate our recent Puppy Socialization Class Graduates, Samantha, Nash and Nala!!! 🎉🎉They had lots of fun i...
23/06/2025

Help us Congratulate our recent Puppy Socialization Class Graduates, Samantha, Nash and Nala!!! 🎉🎉

They had lots of fun in class, learned their first basic manners (sit, down, and come), and got to experience different environments, people, objects, and textures. And of the course the best part was puppy play!

17/06/2025

Wanted!! School teachers, retirees, people who work evenings, and anyone available during the weekday hours.

Social Tailwaggers Dog Training, located in Laurel, will be scheduling our 2nd daytime Teaching Fido Basic Manners Class to start early July. Are you interested? We have 2 students waiting and just need 2 more!

The class is 7 weeks in length for $195.00. You and your dog will learn Place, Stay, Impulse Control, Recall, Polite Door Manners, Greeting Skills, and Leave It.

Our classes are small so you can receive individual attention (4 students/dogs) and we always have fun!

Contact us at [email protected] and let us know your availability.

Mark your calendar (if you have already!) for the Laurel Board Of Trade Monthly Networking....this Thursday, June 19th, ...
16/06/2025

Mark your calendar (if you have already!) for the Laurel Board Of Trade Monthly Networking....this Thursday, June 19th, 5:30 to 7:30 pm, hosted by Skyvibe Restaurant on Main Street, Laurel. Light refreshments and a cash bar!

The event is open to all small businesses in the area. Both members and non-members are welcome to join us. Networking is one of the best ways to meet other like-minded business owners. You never know who you will meet or who you might be able to form a business connection with.

We are looking forward to you joining us on Thursday.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR! All small business owners are invited to join us for our in person networking event at Skyvibe at 352 Main Street, Laurel, MD 20707. Thursday, June 19th, 5:30pm-7:30pm. No membership required.

13/06/2025

MARK YOUR CALENDAR! All small business owners are invited to join us for our in person networking event at Skyvibe at 352 Main Street, Laurel, MD 20707. Thursday, June 19th, 5:30pm-7:30pm. No membership required.

NEW CLASSES ARE STARTING SOON!! -
13/06/2025

NEW CLASSES ARE STARTING SOON!! -

Contact Jody Broughton CPDT-KA with any questions regarding the above classes and instructions on how to register.  We can be reached at [email protected] or (240) 882-4765. 

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