Engaged Dogs; Walking & Training

06/01/2025

05/26/2025

"𝘚𝘰𝘳𝘳𝘺, 𝘯𝘰...𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘤𝘢𝘯'𝘵 𝘱𝘦𝘵 𝘮𝘺 𝘥𝘰𝘨"
"𝘚𝘰𝘳𝘳𝘺, 𝘯𝘰...𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘤𝘢𝘯'𝘵 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘥 𝘮𝘺 𝘥𝘰𝘨"
"𝘚𝘰𝘳𝘳𝘺, 𝘯𝘰...𝘮𝘺 𝘥𝘰𝘨 𝘥𝘰𝘦𝘴𝘯'𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘢𝘺 𝘩𝘪 𝘵𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴"

It's ok to say 'no'. In fact, it's our absolute responsibility to advocate for our dogs if they need us to. And it's not one we should shirk because of social awkwardness or embarrassment.

Things to keep in mind -

• Saying 'No' isn't rude and it's possible to express 'no' kindly & gently
• 'No' is a complete sentence. You don't need to elaborate or explain if you don't want to
• If someone does take umbrage that's a 'them' problem, not a 'you' problem. Shake it off...
• Practice makes perfect. The more you do it the easier it becomes. If it helps, practice a form of words in advance so that you're not left flustered in the moment
• And, if we are told "no" in our turn, then we respect it, we don't take it personally and we move on

When we abdicate our responsibility to step up and advocate for our dog we run the risk that they try to control the situation in a way that makes sense to them - and that's often not the best solution for anyone.

05/25/2025

05/25/2025

⚠️Food for thought…

05/24/2025

Our current ‘treating trail mix’ (as referenced in the video:)
🐑Open Farm ‘Pasture-raised Lamb Recipe Kibble’
🐶Open Farm Freeze Dried Raw Meal Mixers Lamb Recipe
🐮Open Farm Freeze Dried Raw Meal Mixers Beef Recipe
🐟Ziwi Air-dried Lamb + Mackerel Recipe
🐥Kingdom Pets Dehydrated Chicken
🐄Stewart’s Freeze dried Beef Liver
🫐Herbaila Dried Unsweetened Blueberries
🐠 Savory Prime Cod Fish Skins

All dogs have different texture and flavor preferences, so pay attention and notice what your dog prefers (as evidenced by enthusiastic responses to a treat, perhaps offering behaviors they know often get them paid in an attempt to get more or nudging your hand or treat bag.)

Offering a variety of high incentive, nutrient dense treats in teeny tiny pieces (quality is more important than quantity!) enables you to build their gut microbiome while “paying” them/ rewarding them.

You can use your treating trail mix to capture good behaviors your dog is already offering and/or to teach new behaviors!

What’s your dogs favorite reward?

05/21/2025

“As intentionally as we train our dogs, (by building secure attachment relationships with them, teaching them, supporting them when they struggle,) we can also train ourselves.
We have the opportunity and the responsibility to offer these kindnesses to ourselves as much as we do to our dogs....”You cannot pour from an empty cup” after all.
As often as we speak kind words to our 4-legged companions, we also have the opportunity to speak kind words to ourselves.
Like most things, speaking kindly to our dogs and to ourselves is a practice.”- from our blog “Reparenting my inner child through how I raise my dog.”
Read more on the website🐶

05/11/2025

👏🏼🐶💙

This moment is testing the entire dog training field’s ability to mature and evolve.

If you’re done making excuses for what this profession should’ve left behind long ago, the momentum is on your side.

Remember: Any pushback you’re experiencing isn’t because you’re wrong. It’s because you’re making it impossible to continue denying the reality of harm.

You are not alone, and you’re certainly not the problem.

🚩The real issue before us is a system designed to protect its own comfort over prioritizing the welfare of dogs, their people and the general public. 🚩

By standing against shock collars and prong collars (and other aversive approaches) in the professional sector, you’re joining thousands of dedicated dog trainers, veterinarians, behaviorists, and caregivers who are shaping a future free from outdated and harmful methods.

Learn to recognize this common tactic used against changemakers:

Critics attack your character rather than addressing the harm you’re highlighting.

It’s a classic red flag, and it clearly shows their true priorities.

Remain clear-eyed, sharp, and emotionally grounded in your responses. Your courage is making the truth undeniable and inspiring meaningful progress among your peers.

Keep speaking out. The dogs, and our profession, are winning because of voices like yours.

And above all, remember this:

The most credentialed experts and respected organizations in our field stand firmly with you, because your position is rooted in science and fact, not outdated beliefs or personal comfort.

You’re not causing division. You’re holding the industry accountable.