Constellation Canine Dog Training & Education

09/15/2025

Bloat is no joke.

Having worked at a Vet Hospital that saw emergency cases, GDVs can be absolutely heartbreaking.

My own personal dogs get crated prior to meals to allow their bodies to calm down after play or high-arousal periods. Once calm, they are fed, and then they rest for AT LEAST thirty minutes to an hour post-meal to aid in digestion. For breeds at higher risk, an hour of rest post-meal is ideal. If you know your dog has a quiet couch potato personality, you could get away with half an hour or forty-five minutes. Younger more energetic dogs should wait forty-five minutes to an hour, and this is also true for multi-dog households where the dogs like to play a lot.

What does rest mean?

For my dogs, it means crate time. No walks, no outside time or bathroom breaks, no playtime with toys or each other.

The same precautions should be followed for dogs drinking water, too. It's better to allow for shorter, more frequent water bowl visits than one big drink session. And if they've ingested a lot of water at once, it's important that they rest as though they had just had a meal. This is because rapid water intake can also lead to air swallowing and also stomach distention, both of which are known contributing factors to Bloat/GDV.

Twisted stomachs, broken hearts🐾💔
Most people think “bloat” just means gas buildup, but gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) is much more serious. In GDV, the stomach fills with gas and twists, cutting off blood flow and putting dangerous pressure on vital organs. Without immediate treatment, it can be fatal.

🐾 What dogs are highest risk? Large, deep-chested breeds are the most vulnerable. Neutered males are at slightly higher risk.

📌 What Research Shows:
-Dogs that eat quickly or swallow a lot of air face a significantly higher risk
-Split daily calories into two meals instead of one large meal for at-risk dogs — it lowers GDV risk.
Diet matters:
– Dogs fed ultra-processed kibble, especially those with seed oils listed among the first four ingredients, face a higher risk.
– Kibble pieces smaller than 30mm also increase risk.
– Feeding meat-based diets with larger chunks (>30mm) can lower risk.
-Avoid exercise and large amounts of water immediately before or after meals.
-Dogs with anxious, fearful, or high-stress temperaments have a higher likelihood of GDV.

⏱️ Every Second Counts
If you suspect GDV, go to the vet immediately. With rapid surgical intervention, survival rates reach up to 80%, but waiting can be deadly.
Your awareness and quick action can save your dog’s life. ❤️

💬 I just posted my latest free article, including my top tips for preventing GDV, comment ⬇️ and I’ll send you a direct link to keep reading.

08/28/2025

This is important for welfare moving forward.

In conclusion, this study shows that the risk of cranial cruciate ligament disease in dogs is linked to how long they are exposed to natural s*x hormones, and the relationship isn’t simple or linear. The highest risk was seen when females were spayed before about 1054 days (just under 3 years) and males before about 805 days (a little over 2 years). These results may help define what counts as “early” spay or neuter when it comes to cranial cruciate ligament disease risk.

Veterinary reproduction specialists now recommend hormone-preserving sterilization: preventing unwanted litters & less risk of torn cruciates.

08/17/2025

If you needed another reason to not go to dog parks... People like this exist.

Supporting ETHICAL and RESPONSIBLE breeders saves lives. There is nothing wrong with rescuing or adopting a dog, but there is nothing wrong with supporting responsible breeding either.

This woman needs help and I hope she gets it.

08/16/2025

Not all dogs belong in public.

Yesterday I took one of my personal dogs (since I don't train for clients anymore) to Scheels with me because they are a pet-friendly store. I wanted to browse but I wanted to give Nike a bit of socialization and confidence building, too.

Immediately upon entering the store, this large German Shepherd in the checkout line lunged and barked at us. We kept walking as his owner corrected him loudly; Nike just looked at me. We stopped to look at the fish in their tanks and a lovely elderly couple stopped to ask some questions about Nike's breed. While we were talking, Nike was observing the environment, checking the people out, and checking in with me. Every check-in got her a reward. Every calm behavior got her praise and pets. Multiple people walked by, and a few had dogs.

Every 👏🏻 Single 👏🏻 Dog 👏🏻 barked at her and lunged as they walked by, owners hastily hurrying along to create distance.

Just because a place is dog-friendly does not mean you should bring your dog there if they have reactivity issues.

While Nike is *not* a Service Dog nor is she a Service Dog In Training (and I would never misrepresent her as such or take her places that pets were not allowed to be, contrary to what some people have accused me of in the past), she does lack confidence in new places so I have been working with her to build her up more. Scheels was great for that. She was cautious yet curious and never panicked or shut down. I encouraged her to observe her surroundings, investigate what she was unsure of, and rewarded heavily for good behavior.

We left and headed back home, stopping at the grocery store in town. I had scheduled a grocery pick-up order (because again, Nike is not a Service Dog nor a Service Dog In Training) because I was not going to bring her into a non-pet-friendly store. Driving through the parking lot to get to the pick-up spots, I saw MULTIPLE people bringing their dogs into the grocery store.

One was a Pointer that was dragging its owner down the sidewalk.

One was a little dog being pushed in the upper part of the grocery cart.

One was a young Pit Bull puppy on a dog bed inside of a grocery cart.

NONE of that is acceptable!

Pets DO NOT belong in non-pet-friendly establishments, and even legitimate Service Dogs do not belong in carts!

I get it, it's summertime and it's hot and you don't want to leave your pet in the car- nor should you! But that does not give you the right to take your pet into non-pet-friendly places! Plan better, or leave your dog at home. If your dog cannot be left unattended, make other arrangements or hire a trainer that can work with you and your dog at home on their separation anxiety. Crate train. Use the correct type of crate for your dog's anxiety levels. Bringing your pet dog with you everywhere you go is not the answer.

08/14/2025

Most pets are overweight or obese....Is yours?

Would you know how to tell if they were?
Do you know what the effects of extra weight can cause?

Pain, a slew of health issues, and a much shorter lifespan.

Fat pets aren't cute.

🚨 Did you know? According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP), 59% of dogs in the U.S. are overweight or obese. Honestly, I think it’s even higher—many vets don’t want to hurt feelings, so they say “your dog looks good” when it’s really 5+ pounds overweight.

We don’t move enough anymore… and neither do our dogs.
So here’s your challenge: This weekend, take your dog for a solid 2–3 mile hike. Find an environment that is suitable to your dog's temperament and training where they can relax and breathe.

And while we’re on the topic—off leash dogs live their best lives. I saw something the other day that hit me hard:

If a dog lives 10 years, that’s just 10 summers.

Only 10.
My dogs spend theirs ripping through fields and exploring the woods, free and joyful, because we’ve put in the work for reliable off leash obedience.

💡 Make the most of the summers you have together. Move more. Train more. Give your dog the freedom to live fully.

08/08/2025

This.

One of the most common reasons for pet surrender?
Housing.

Breed. Size. Number of pets.

These are the questions landlords and realtors keep asking.
But they’re the wrong questions.

Because none of those things determine how well a dog is trained, how well they’re cared for, or how responsible the owner is.

Pets are family.

And while we’re stuck asking outdated questions—euthanasia rates are at an all-time high.

Dogs are losing their lives not because they’re “bad”…
But because their humans can’t find a place to live.

(Or because they lack support, responsibility, or the willingness to honor their commitment—but that’s another post.)

Right now, we have a chance to do better.

If you’re a property owner, manager, or know of a pet-friendly rental with a fenced yard—anywhere in the U.S.—please drop a link or contact below.

Let’s help responsible dog guardians stay with the animals they love.

Let’s stop forcing good people to choose between housing and their family.

Let’s stop punishing dogs for human-made systems that refuse to evolve.

For every pet surrendered due to “housing,” let’s make finding a home together possible.

08/06/2025

Do your dog's nails look like the top photo or the bottom ones?

If they look anything like the bottom, your dog is in pain and you need to get them trimmed ASAP.

Long nails are painful for dogs. They cause gait abnormalities, increased joint pressure, and can damage ligaments and tendons. All of those can cause pain and reactivity, reluctance to exercise (which can lead to obesity), and other issues.

If you don't feel comfortable trimming your dog's nails yourself, hire a groomer who knows what they are doing. If your dog is not well behaved for nail trims or dislikes their feet being touched, work with your veterinarian for some light sedation to get the nails back under control and then do routine trims for maintenance.

Some dogs need their nails trimmed as often as once a week. Some dogs can go 3-4 weeks between trims, and some dogs can go longer. Some naturally keep their nails short if they are active outside.

Keep in mind that you have to trim back gradually so as not to quick the dog- quicking is painful and causes bleeding so if you aren't confident with your skills, get help.

Your dog will thank you.

08/05/2025

Knowing how to read body language cues is important as a dog owner.

Small signals.
Big meanings.
These movements and behaviors aren’t random.
They've been carefully chosen and deliberately used by your dog and they're being used to avoid confrontation, deescalate or steer clear of something they feel uneasy about .
They might sense just a little pressure or conflict...so they offer a signal to say, “We’re all good here.”

Growling is a clear signal they can give...but it's risky.
Way before the growl are all these little signals they can give.
It's communication and it's natural....but we can be "offended" when we realise they are aiming them at us.

Instead of taking it personally, we can ask ourselves....
Why do they feel the need to use them?
That question is an opportunity to support our dogs better

Some signals serve a double duty.
A tail lowering, perhaps tucking? Often fear.....but it can also act as appeasement.
A lowered head? Maybe appeasement, maybe fear.
Context matters.

They can be incredibly subtle.
Tricky to spot....but we owe it to our dogs to look a little deeper at why they are behaving the way they are.

It is all communication.

08/02/2025

Hope everyone has a good Saturday!

While we are not open for clients anymore, we do still love educating dog owners and working our personal dogs!

Nike got a good morning workout on our slatmill today. This dog-powered treadmill builds confidence and endurance, while also providing a good mental workout.

The dogs know to load up and stand, then get clipped in (they have a harness that gets clipped to a chain via carabiner) and they're off to the races! They control the speed, so they choose how fast they want to go. Slow walk? Quick trot? Full sprint? It's up to them, with a little help from verbal encouragement from me ;) But they also can slow and stop on their own, which is what helps them build confidence. Most dogs that dislike electric treadmills will do better on a slatmill once they learn they control it.

Having the right equipment matters! A mill that is too small for a large dog can negatively impact their stride and put them at risk for injury so you want to make sure you size appropriately. Also look for a mill that has a handbrake for safety (this one currently does not but will have one soon), and never leave your dog unattended on the mill!

Did you know that Slatmill Racing exists? Dogs compete for the most revolutions in a set amount of time per their weight class, with a bit of obedience thrown in... check out GRC Dogsports for more info!

08/01/2025

Make sure you know the conditions of the water before you let your dog swim or drink from it!

Blue-Green Algae: A Hidden Danger in Summer Waters
🌊 Planning a lake day with your pup? Be on the lookout…blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) can be toxic, even deadly, to pets.

This harmful algae thrives in warm, stagnant water and can appear as a greenish film, scum, or paint-like surface on ponds, reservoirs, and even the shallows of popular lakes.

If ingested, even in small amounts, it can cause:
⚠️ Vomiting or diarrhea
⚠️ Drooling or seizures
⚠️ Weakness, disorientation, or collapse
⚠️ Liver failure or death in severe cases

When in doubt, keep your dog out of the water and away from the shoreline. If your pet has been exposed, call us immediately to schedule a same-day emergency visit: (775) 782-3693

Blue skies and lake views should be safe for everyone, especially your four-legged explorer.

07/22/2025

Why Are So Many Adopted Dogs Being Returned to Shelters?

Shelters and rescues across the country are reporting rising return rates, with dogs being brought back weeks or even days after adoption. It’s a painful trend, both for the humans who hoped for a new beginning and for the dogs left confused, stressed, and even more at risk for behavioral issues the second time around.

While the "Adopt, Don’t Shop" movement has saved countless lives, it has also created a culture where emotional gratification often overrides realistic preparation. Adopting a dog can feel like an act of heroism; the emotional pull is strong, and people want to help. But far too often, adopters underestimate the responsibility or overlook critical compatibility issues, and the animal ends up paying the price.

One of the most effective but overlooked strategies to set potential or current owners (and their future dog) up for success is by involving a trainer before adoption. A qualified trainer can help identify the type of dog that fits your lifestyle, energy level, home environment, and existing household dynamics. This reduces the risk of choosing a dog based solely on looks, pity, or a rushed decision at an adoption event. The ideal match isn't just about "rescuing" a dog- it must also focus on building a sustainable relationship. If you're active and outdoorsy, you’ll need a different companion than if you work long hours and prefer a quiet home life.

It’s also crucial to prepare your home and other pets ahead of time. Many adopters mistakenly assume their current dog or cat will simply “adjust” to a new sibling, but introductions need to be strategic, safe, and patient. Lack of preparation often leads to aggression, resource guarding, or stress-induced behavior problems, which then become the justification for returning the newly adopted pet. Emergency vet bills from fights are also on the potential fallout risk if an introduction isn't properly handled.

Another tool to help set potential adopters up for success is DNA testing. Genetic testing can be an invaluable tool, especially with mixed breeds. Knowing the breed makeup of your dog helps you anticipate behavioral tendencies, such as prey drive, guarding instincts, or energy needs, and it allows you to prepare appropriately. Some adopters are caught off guard when their mellow-looking shelter pup suddenly develops herding behaviors or separation anxiety. While genetics don’t guarantee behavior, they offer clues that can guide training, enrichment, and management.

Financial planning matters too. Pet insurance can be a lifesaver — literally and figuratively — and so can a solid relationship with a trusted veterinarian. Unexpected medical issues are one of the top reasons pets are relinquished. When people aren’t prepared for the cost of care, even well-meaning owners may feel like they have no choice but to return the animal. Knowing what you can afford and understanding the potential costs involved before adoption can prevent heartbreak later on. Invest in a quality Pet Insurance Plan, have a dedicated emergency fund for your pet, and consider learning about any nonprofit organizations in your area that help pet owners receive care when owners are financially stressed.

Finally, it’s time to acknowledge a difficult truth: not everyone is in a position to adopt, and that’s okay. Some people want to support ethical and reputable breeders, and that is something that needs to be accepted and honored. There has been a cultural shift over the last few decades that really pressures people into rescuing, often accompanied by shame or judgment if they express interest in buying from a breeder. But reputable, ethical breeders play a critical role in producing healthy, well-tempered dogs that are set up for success from the start. Education needs to include discussions about responsible sourcing and what that may look like, not just moral purity and ego.

If we want to reduce shelter return rates, the answer isn’t more urgency or guilt-based messaging. The answer is by creating informed, empowered, and realistic adopters who are supported from the very beginning. That starts with education (something more than just a pamphlet in an adoption paperwork folder) and with trainers, vets, breeders, shelters, and rescues all working together to prioritize the long-term well-being of both the dogs and the humans who love them.

07/16/2025

While it can be normal to have your dog experience occasional vomiting or regurgitation (which are NOT the same thing, in case you weren't aware), excessive amounts or frequent episodes within a small window of time warrant an immediate visit to your closest veterinarian.

Important: Take a Good Look at Your Pet’s Vomit 🤮🔍

Vomiting is not a disease — it is a symptom. Your pet's body is trying to tell you something is wrong. 🤢🆘

As unpleasant as it may be, examining the color, texture, contents, and timing of the vomit can provide important clues about how serious the issue might be. 🐱🐶

Head to our latest article (link in comments) to better understand what your pet’s vomit could mean. 👇