Playful Pups

01/30/2025

How good is your dog's listening skills??? Zeb knows he has to hear the entire word "Release" before he can have his treat. Share your videos of your dog doing an awesome job of listening to any cue!

Playful Pups

01/15/2025

This week I'd love to see videos of your dogs doing a "Touch" cue!

01/08/2025

I am trying something new! As a dog trainer, one of the best parts of my job is getting to watch as your pups learn new cues and grow in their abilities. I love seeing the progress they make during every session. However, once they graduate, I don't get to see them anymore. So I have decided to ask for videos! Each week I am going to ask for a video of the cue of the week. You can share it in the comments section or you can send it to me by messenger, text or email. If you don't want to shared on social media, please send me a video anyway and just let me know to keep it private, I'd still love to see your pup!
The cue of the week today is "Down". Here is a video of Annie, Sabine, and Zeb doing their down cue.

01/06/2025

We are deeply saddened to learn of Karen Pryor's passing. She was a pioneer in animal training and behaviour whose contributions have shaped modern dog training as we know it. Her innovative approach and entrepreneurial spirit transformed the industry, paving the way for countless trainers and animals to benefit from science-based, positive reinforcement methods.

Karen’s work extended far beyond the Karen Pryor Academy, which has educated and inspired trainers worldwide. Her book, Don’t Shoot the Dog, introduced an entire generation of trainers to the principles of clicker training and remains a cornerstone of dog training literature. The annual Clicker Expos she founded became vital opportunities for professional growth, collaboration, and community-building within the field. Her legacy also includes Reaching the Animal Mind, a profound exploration of the science and art of animal training.

Karen’s vision, intelligence, and compassion revolutionised how we communicate with and understand our canine companions. Her contributions have had a lasting impact on the lives of trainers and the dogs they work and live with. She will be greatly missed, but her legacy will continue to inspire and guide the animal training community for generations to come.

Our thoughts are with Karen’s family, friends, and all those whose lives she touched.

https://karenwpryor.com/

12/29/2024

Classes are starting up SOON! Make sure you sign your pup up soon! Spread the word!!

Puppy Pre-K starts Monday 1/13 at 6:30pm and Family Dog 1 starts Monday 1/20 at 7:30pm!

We are so proud to be teaming up with Playful Pups dog training!!

12/16/2024

12/14/2024

I'm so sorry, the links do not work! You can sign up by going to www.playfulpupsllc.com or you can email me at [email protected]

09/30/2024

Yup, 😂

09/25/2024

BEYOND CESAR MILLAN

20 YEARS LATER.....The following review was submitted to National Geographic by Dr. Andrew Luescher, DVM, Ph.D, DACVB (board-certified veterinary behaviorist).

Dr. Luescher, former director of the Purdue University Veterinary Behavior Clinic was asked to provide feedback on "Dog Whisperer" tapes prior to the show's airing.

In this letter to National Geographic (date unknown), Dr. Luescher writes,

"I think this series, if aired, would be a major embarrassment for National Geographic. It is not stimulating or thought-provoking, since none of the presented techniques are new. They are outdated and have long been abandoned by most responsible trainers, let alone behaviorists, as inappropriate and cruel. I very much hope National Geographic will pull the plug on this program."

Please read the entire letter (It's not long.) and share: http://beyondcesarmillan.weebly.com/andrew-luescher.html

This program and trainers who have mimicked the behavior seen in this program have done so much damage to the dog training industry, dogs, and the human-animal bond.

I have met and spoken to Dr. Luescher personally, and I share his sentiments, as do all other trainers in the evidence-based, best practice camp. Meanwhile, much of the unsuspecting public still looks to National Geographic as an authority and has no idea it has thrown science to the wind, at least in terms of dog behavior and training.

Cindy Ludwig, MA, BS, RN, KPA-CTP, CPDT-KA
Canine Connection LLC
Willard, MO

Image copyright Valder Beebe Show, CC BY 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/06/Cesar_Millan_Mar_2018.png

09/16/2024

09/13/2024

Our Towne Magazine thank you!

Katie Roppolo - owner of Playful Pups dog training comes to YOUR HOME for private training sessions! Call Katie now and schedule your lessons with this fantastic certified dog trainer that many pups and humans love!

09/03/2024

08/10/2024

Sweet 14-week-old Golden Retriever puppy Percy is on the road to recovery after spending some time in our ICU over the weekend! He was an excellent patient and feels better already thanks to some time in our state-of-the-art oxygen kennel. In this photo he had popped his little head out to say hello to our staff during one of his treatments, and we don’t think he could get any cuter!

How Percy ended up spending the weekend with us is an important story that his caring owners allowed us to share to help keep other pets safe. Percy and his big brother were rough-housing, when Percy’s collar got stuck on his brother’s mouth. Percy panicked when he was suddenly stuck, and while twisting around trying to escape he caused his collar to become even tighter around his neck! Thankfully their owner noticed quickly that something was wrong and freed Percy before he lost consciousness. When his owners rushed him to see our ER team, Percy was struggling to breathe, drooling profusely, and very distressed. Radiographs showed that Percy had fluid in his lungs (non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema) caused by the time he spent struggling to breathe. Pain medications and oxygen support quickly helped Percy breathe more comfortably as his body worked to heal from the experience.

The strangulation hazard of dogs playing while wearing collars is a hidden danger that many pet owners don’t know about, but a story we hear with some frequency in the ER. Thankfully Percy’s story has a happy ending, but if his owners hadn’t been there to intervene it could have been tragic. Please, get your pups microchipped so they have a permanent form of identification, and then take those collars off when they’re playing with or interacting with other dogs!

07/21/2024

This wonderful fund raiser is being put on by Jane and Ryan Acker. Hope to see you all there!

07/15/2024

I’ll be stopping by, so excited!

07/03/2024

CRACKING OPEN A WINDOW DOES NOT HELP!
Despite the warnings, hundreds of dogs in the U.S. die every year after being left in a hot car. Someone you know may need to read this very important message. ⚠️🚙⚠️
SIX MINUTES is all it takes for a dog to overheat in a hot car.
Your dog could suffer serious injury or die in a matter of minutes if left alone in a car.
• The temperature inside a closed vehicle left in the sun can double within 12 minutes.
• At least 75% of the temperature increase in a closed vehicle occurs within 5 minutes of closing the vehicle, and at least 89% of the temperature increase occurs within 15 minutes of closing the vehicle.
• Temperatures exceeding 104˚ F can lead to death or serious injury for the occupants.
• Temperatures in a closed vehicle sitting in the hot sun can reach 160˚F and above. An animal will suffer immeasurably and may die before the temperature reaches 150˚F.
• Even when parked in the shade, the vehicle temperatures can exceed 104˚C.
• Leaving windows down more than 2 inches on an unattended vehicle will not prevent a car from reaching extreme temperatures.
• Even if the animal is revived, they can die due to severe internal organ damage.
Your dog trusts you to have their best interest at heart ALWAYS.
Please don’t risk their safety.
If you are not taking your dog inside your destination with you, PLEASE leave them at home where they are comfortable and safe.

06/24/2024

06/09/2024

Join us for our Grand Opening on Sunday 6/9 from 10-4. We have fun, unique Items for pets and pet lovers! Unfortunately, the "people Ice cream" wont be available until mid next week but the Hoggin' Dogs Ice cream will be available for pups.
*Pups welcome to the walk up window but can't be allowed Inside due to Health Code.*
We hope you come check out our fun new store!

05/01/2024

Please help me search! I want to start teaching dog training classes again but I need a place. If you know of any places with an open space looking to rent in the Valatie/Schodack area, please let me know!

03/30/2024

Asking for a friend, does anyone have a “help em up harness” for a large dog? She boy is having trouble standing up. 🙁

03/15/2024

Its little face 😍

02/20/2024

Katie and Annie will be at Stephentown Memorial Library on Saturday, March 2nd from 11-12 to talk about Dog Safety and Training! Click on the link below to register to come!

Dog Safety and Training Saturday, March 2 at 11:00am Join us for a great discussion about how to stay safe when handling dogs with Certified Dog Trainer, Katie Roppolo. Katie will go over how to read dog behaviors and signs to watch for to keep you and your family safe with your own dog as well as o...

02/18/2024

A copy of this poem is on the back cover of James Crenshaw’s book. Above it is written: ‘Take the following test’.
Take it.
Perhaps you’ll be ‘as good as your dog’. 😉

02/14/2024

Happy Valentine’s Day! ❤️

01/30/2024

My dog, Zeb, waiting to hear “release” before he eats. I often practice things like this with Zeb because it helps him to remember to listen to the cue instead of trying to predict what I am going to say. This also helps dogs to learn to have impulse control because he cannot just dive into his food bowl, but has to wait to hear the right cue.

01/07/2024

New recipe fresh out of the oven!
Maple Bacon 🍁🥓
The chief taste testers are eagerly waiting for them to cool.
Once approved by them, then sent to lab for GA testing and state approval.
Who thinks their dog would love a batch? Comment below and I will reach out once they are officially ready for the store!

12/24/2023

I love Patricia McConnell, Ph.D. I love the way she thinks and how she is so perceptive about how dogs view the world.

While feeling a bit reflective, and thinking about what to write today, I went into the archives to see what I’d written this month ten years ago. I ran into this post, which I’d forgotten about, and decided it deserved to come out of moth balls, like some Christmas tree decorations stashed in t...

12/09/2023

Introducing our premium Dog Paw Balm, available in three delightful variations: Original Unscented, Lavender, and Rosemary. Designed to provide ultimate care and protection for your furry friend’s paws, this balm is a must-have for every dog owner.

Our Original Unscented Dog Paw Balm is perfect for those who prefer a neutral and fragrance-free option. Crafted with the highest quality ingredients, this balm soothes and moisturizes your dog’s paws, preventing dryness, cracking, and discomfort. It forms a protective barrier against harsh weather conditions, hot pavements, and rough terrains, ensuring your pup’s paws stay healthy and happy.

For those seeking a touch of relaxation, our Lavender Dog Paw Balm is infused with the calming scent of lavender essential oil. Not only does it provide the same nourishing benefits as our original balm, but it also creates a serene and soothing experience for your furry companion. The gentle aroma of lavender helps to ease anxiety and stress, making it ideal for dogs who may be nervous or easily agitated.

If you prefer a refreshing and invigorating scent, our Rosemary Dog Paw Balm is the perfect choice. Enriched with the natural essence of rosemary, this balm not only protects your dog’s paws but also provides a revitalizing experience. Rosemary is known for its stimulating properties, promoting circulation and rejuvenation. It’s an excellent option for active dogs who love to explore the outdoors.

No matter which variant you choose, our Dog Paw Balm is carefully formulated with all-natural ingredients, ensuring it’s safe for your pet. It’s free from harmful chemicals, artificial fragrances, and dyes, making it suitable for even the most sensitive paws. Our balm is easy to apply, quickly absorbing into the skin, and leaving no greasy residue behind.

Give your furry friend the love and care they deserve with our Dog Paw Balm. Whether you opt for the Original Unscented, Lavender, or Rosemary variant, you can trust that their paws will be protected, moisturized, and nourished. Say goodbye to dry, cracked paws and hello to happy, healthy adventures with our premium Dog Paw Balm.

12/09/2023

State Masson et al. (2018): “E-collars are not recommended for the treatment of behavior problems because they do not take into consideration the root cause of the problems. Such lack of redress can result in problems worsening, being masked or expressed in other ways (e.g., in the case of e-collar use to stop barking in separation-related problems, if barking is suppressed, dogs can develop other behaviors such as destructiveness or compulsive/obsessive-compulsive disorders)…Pain directly triggers aggression (Polsky, 1994), but additionally, the use of aversive techniques can worsen any negative associations (e.g., the trainer) by which a dog already feels threatened. Finally, using shocks to punish warning signals of aggression, such as growling or baring teeth, can lead to a suppression of these, so the dog in the future may attack without overt warning, resulting in apparent unpredictability and increasing the risk of injury (Overall, 2013).”

Masson, S., La Vega, S., Gazzano, A., Mariti, C., Da Graça Pereira, G., Halsberghe, C.,…Schoening, B. (2018). Electronic training devices: Discussion on the pros and cons of their use in dogs as a basis for the position statement of the European Society of Veterinary Clinical Ethology. Journal of Veterinary Behavior 25 71-75. Retrieved May 28, from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1558787818300108?fbclid=IwAR0rsVM-689ZbE2CFDUuMAmatkmEKiIk9id15xbJrTiLac9Nj5UGtPZW9ho

Polsky, R.H. (1994). Electronic shock collars: Are they worth the risks? Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association 30 (5) 463-468

Overall, K.L. (2017, November). Why Balanced Training Can Unbalance Dogs. Pet Professional Guild Summit Keynote Presentation, Orlando, FL. In S. Nilson. (2018, January). A Time to Revitalize, Re-energize and Rejuvenate. BARKS from the Guild (28) 10-11. Retrieved January 4, 2019

11/27/2023

Pet expert Steve Dale offers an update on mysterious upper respiratory dog illness, and that it is likely bacterial

11/23/2023

🦃🥧Thanksgiving week bakery hours!🥧🦃

Tue 11/21 3p-7p
Wed 11/22 2p-6p

11/23/2023

Insane!

Today's fun: Discovering I have published a new book *without even knowing it!* That's how talented I am.

The truth is much scarier.

AI has been used to generate an entire book published in my name. A kind fan let me know she had bought it, not realizing it was NOT from me, and was shocked at the cheap printing, awful writing and so many other ways that it was clear I had nothing to do with this.

The title is The Best Way to Meet Your Dog: Navigating Canine Behavior and Relationships. IT IS NOT MINE.

It has stolen a lot of material from a lot of trainers including me, Kim Brophey and others. I have filed complaints with Amazon.

This is going to be the future, I fear. Stay alert, and keep an eye out for what's posted on Amazon under your own name.

If you can *without purchasing the book,* post a warning at Amazon in the reviews for this crap.

11/22/2023

This was 5 years ago, but still one of my favorites. I really did not expect him to jump through the window, LMAO!!!

11/18/2023

11/15/2023

Support your pet in their time of need. They depend on you!