Surf Hounds

01/28/2025

New drop coming on Patreon this week! We discuss how to move to a delayed reinforcement properly with your dog. We discuss when this may not be appropriate in behaviors like resource guarding and how to do this safely with realistic expectations!

https://www.patreon.com/posts/delayed-120985438?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link

Get more from Surf Hounds on Patreon

01/17/2025

What is the biggest trigger for your dog?

Knowing your dog’s triggers is the first step to helping them feel safe and comfortable. By understanding what sets them off, you can prevent reactive episodes by creating more space when these triggers are around and work through desensitizing your dog to them. I personally like to keep a journal of my dog's reactions day to day for 2 weeks up to a month. This can help you learn patterns, safe distances, and specific triggers. I also log things like health and weather to see if there are any commonalities. Why? We will pop on this weekend to discuss!

01/13/2025

Our wonderful friends at Spirit Animals: Sea Girt NJ are opening a second location in Brick! Yay! I can't say enough about these wonderful people and their love for dogs and their well-being during the grooming experience. You truly won't find anyone better!

01/13/2025

Want to train with easy digestible videos? Join us on our monthly training program to learn right from home and on your own schedule! With a basics membership giving you access to all of our short-form videos and a premium one with longer, more in-depth videos plus access to our Q&A's, we've got you covered!

Train Your Dog Like a Pro

01/13/2025

🐾 Understanding Triggers in Dogs 🐾

Ever wonder why your dog reacts strongly to certain things? Let’s break it down:

🌟 What is a Trigger?
A trigger is anything in your dog’s environment that sparks a big emotional reaction. It could be a sound, smell, movement, or even a specific place!

💡 Why Does It Matter?
Knowing your dog’s triggers is the first step to helping them feel safe and comfortable. By understanding what sets them off, you can prevent reactive episodes and reduce stress—for both of you!

📋 Types of Triggers
Triggers vary from dog to dog:

🚴 Bikes zooming by
🏃 Fast-moving people
🌿 Certain textures underfoot
Your dog’s triggers are unique to their experiences, genetics, and personality.

🐕 Building Confidence

Here’s a tip:
Give your dog space when encountering their triggers.
Pair their trigger with a reward to create positive associations. Over time, this can reduce their stress and help them stay calm in future encounters.
By understanding and working with your dog’s triggers, you’re building trust and creating a happier, healthier relationship. ❤️

✨ If you're struggling with reactivity, feel free to reach out for an assessment. It's our specialty!

01/10/2025

The best part of my morning. What’s yours?

01/06/2025

What are your intentions for 2025?

I want to step into 2025 with the intention of rest and relaxation. To embrace who I am a little bit more each day and continue to grow as a person. I want to do more that makes me happy like yoga, painting, traveling, diving, and surfing. I want to learn more and study some cool animals this year, too. Costa Rica and working at the sanctuary in Uvita for a week or two has been calling my name since I left! Learning about animals will always be my passion and that's probably the biggest thing on my list this year! Bring on the sloths and ocelots

01/04/2025

What would be on your dogs vision board for 2025?

I think Nala would like to slow down and enjoy more time with her Momma this year. Maybe go on a few adventures. Lots of swimming. Get some new toys. Chew on some stuff. Dig more holes. Eat more snacks at outdoor restaurants. And spend time with her adopted sister!

01/03/2025

Let's set the tone for our relationship with our dogs for 2025!

I see you out there giving your best to your dog and yet, somehow, most dog guardians I work with can't help but feel like they're not doing enough. They spend their time blaming themselves for their dog and their behavior or focusing on where they fall short. We end up creating this bubble of expectation to be perfect...for our dogs to be perfect. When this shouldn't be the focus at all.

The truth is, dogs are living creatures with their own unique set of emotions, experiences, intelligence, and genetics. Just like you and me. Let's release the pressure to be perfect for 2025!

This year I hope that you can shift focus and lead you and your dog with kindness, grace, and understanding. That you can throw away this bubble of expectation and prioritize bonding, playing, and exploring with your dog. I hope that you can learn to embrace and accept your dog for all that they are and focus more on celebrating their wins rather than where they (or you) fall short.

This year, if anything, I hope you can embrace your journey with your dog and find ways to make this life together beautiful.

Play
Bond
Explore
Relax
Slow Down
Embrace
Accept

01/01/2025

Happy New Year and Welcome to 2025! Wishing you health and happiness this year! May you slow down and enjoy life with your dogs a bit extra this year!

12/21/2024

🌊 FREE Guide: Surf Hounds’ Golden Rules to Socialization! 🌟

Socializing your dog doesn’t have to feel like navigating rough waters. With the right tools and guidance, it can be a joyful and rewarding experience for both you and your pup! That’s why I’m excited to share my Golden Rules to Socialization Guide—a resource packed with practical tips to help your dog become a confident, well-adjusted companion. 🐾

Want your FREE copy? Just drop a “PUPPY” in the comments, and I’ll send it your way! 🐶

Whether you’re starting fresh with a young puppy or helping an older dog thrive, these tips are designed to make socialization smooth sailing. Don’t miss this chance to set your dog up for success! 🌞

12/18/2024

🌊 What’s Your Biggest Challenge with Socializing Your Dog? 🐾

Let’s talk about the ups and downs of socializing our pups! Every dog’s journey is unique, and I’d love to hear what you’ve found the hardest.

For me, one of the biggest challenges was how everyone wanted to interact with my fluffy ball of retriever. She’s irresistibly adorable, but there were times when I had to kindly ask people to give her space—especially on days when she needed a little extra calm. 🐶

Whether it’s managing distractions in new environments, dealing with overly enthusiastic strangers, or navigating something completely different—what’s been your biggest hurdle? Let’s share our stories, learn from each other, and support one another as we help our dogs find their groove. 💬

I can’t wait to hear about your experiences! 💛

12/15/2024

🌊 Reactivity Myth Busting: Surf Hounds Edition! 🐾

There’s a tidal wave of myths about reactivity in dogs, and it’s time to clear the air like a fresh ocean breeze. Let’s dive into the truth: 💡

1️⃣ The “Alpha” Myth is Washed Up.
Your dog isn’t plotting to dominate you or anyone else. The outdated “alpha” theory does more harm than good. Instead, your pup needs empathy, understanding, and guidance to navigate their world. 🌞

2️⃣ Reactive ≠ Aggressive.
Reactivity is rooted in emotion—not aggression. Fear, frustration, or overexcitement are common culprits. It’s about how your dog processes the waves of the world around them.

3️⃣ Exposure Isn’t a Magic Fix.
Throwing your dog into stressful situations is like dropping them into deep water without a life raft when they don't even know how to swim. Instead, they need space, time, and safe introductions to build confidence and feel secure. 🧘‍♀️

4️⃣ You’re Not the Cause of the Storm.
Many dog parents blame themselves for their dog’s reactivity, and it breaks my heart. Reactivity has many layers—genetics, environment, health—and no one gets it “perfect.” Let’s leave guilt behind and focus on moving forward. 💛

Reactivity is a journey, and every small step you take brings you closer to calmer waters. With patience, support, and the right tools, you and your pup can conquer the waves together. 🌊

12/12/2024

🌊 Loki's Success Story 🌟

Meet Loki, a 10-year-old Mini American Eskimo with a big heart and a history of reactivity. His owner, Michelle, wanted nothing more than to help him feel at ease in his world. And guess what? Loki proved that it’s never too late to ride the waves of positive change! 🐾

We worked closely with Loki and Michelle to uncover his unique triggers and equip them with tools to handle challenging moments. With consistency, patience, and a sprinkle of encouragement, Loki now approaches life with newfound confidence, and Michelle can catch those subtle signs before they grow into bigger challenges. 🌞

🐕 What Loki Taught Us:
Whether your dog is a sprightly pup or a wise senior, every dog deserves a chance to find their calm seas. With the right support, progress is always possible.

If you’re feeling stuck, remember: your dog isn’t giving you a hard time—they’re navigating their own storm. Let’s work together to make life sunnier for both of you! 💛

12/09/2024

🐾 Riding the Waves of Reactivity in Dogs 🌊

Reactivity is like a sudden wave—it’s your dog’s emotional response to something in their environment, such as barking, lunging, or growling. But here’s the thing: reactivity isn’t always about aggression! It can stem from many places:

1️⃣ Fear: When the world feels overwhelming, your pup may react out of fear.
2️⃣ Frustration: Like a swimmer caught in a rip current, they might feel stuck or overwhelmed by lack of choice.
3️⃣ Overexcitement: Sometimes, it’s just too much energy crashing in all at once!

💡 Dive Deeper: Reactivity often has hidden undercurrents like pain, genetics, gut health, or elevated cortisol levels. Understanding these layers can help you chart a better course.

✨ Reactivity isn’t a one-size-fits-all challenge. That’s why it’s essential to have the right tools and support as you and your dog navigate this journey together.

❤️ Remember: Your dog isn’t giving you a hard time—they’re having a hard time. With patience and understanding, you’ll help them find their calm seas. 🐕💛

12/06/2024

🐾 4 Tips for Socializing Your Dog 🌊

Socializing your pup is like teaching them to surf life’s waves—building their confidence and happiness! Here are 4 tips to make the experience as smooth as a sea breeze:

1️⃣ Ride the Waves of New Experiences
Help your dog explore the world with gentle introductions to new sights, sounds, and surroundings. Every encounter builds their confidence!

2️⃣ Find Their Perfect Beach Vibe
Every dog has their own rhythm—some prefer chill strolls by the water, while others love the buzz of a lively boardwalk. Tailor their adventures to match their unique personality!

3️⃣ Grooming is Like a Spa Day
Make handling and grooming part of your routine. Think of it as a relaxing retreat that helps reduce stress during vet visits and keeps your pup feeling fresh and fabulous. 🐕✨

4️⃣ Take it One Paw at a Time
Socialization is like dipping into the ocean—start slow, watch their cues, and let them wade in at their pace. Every small step helps them feel safe and secure.

With these tips, your dog will grow into a confident, well-socialized companion ready to enjoy life’s sunny adventures. 🌞🐾