Scruffy Dog Training and Consulting

11/04/2024

LET'S RALLY!

We have had 2 spots open up in our AKC Rally Intro class that starts tomorrow at 5:30 PM! This class is only 4 weeks long and is a great way to build on your skills for dogs that have the basics down! Message us here or email [email protected] to sign up!

AKC Rally Intro - Looking to dip your toes in dog sports? Rally is a less vigorous obedience-based sport where a dog and handler team test their skills through a course with various signs displaying different cues and movements. A perfect heel isn’t required but a clear sense of teamwork and enthusiasm is the goal! Learn the cues and patterns for the novice level and have a blast working through them with your classmates! This class is only 4 weeks long and $100. Dogs must have completed the Level 1 class or will need an evaluation before the start of class!

11/01/2024

Today is a hard day.

I was notified last night that a long time client of mine, Rosalyn Belisle, had passed away unexpectedly. I first met Rosalyn a few years ago when she wanted help training her new rescue dog, Katie, to be her replacement service dog. Katie found and ate two tennis balls in 2 minutes during our evaluation. I was not hopeful. 😂 Katie has always been A LOT of dog being one of the most interesting mixes, half Rottweiler and half c**n hound. She can be willfull and impulsive but never as stubborn or determined as Rosalyn. Anyone who was lucky enough to take a class with this team in it, I’m sure, has some hilarious story about Katie’s antics.

In the two years I’ve known her, I’ve watched her work endlessly every day researching, training, and growing this dog. Today Katie knows more cues than all my dogs combined. She has her CGC, she has done public access training, she has task training, and is an impressive scent work dog. Even at Katie’s hardest moments, Rosalyn never gave up on her saying “she’s just an amazing creature! I can’t give up on her”.

I will be taking Katie in as a foster while I search for a forever home worthy of Rosalyn’s legacy. When you hug your pups today, hug them tight. Every day is a gift.

10/29/2024

While most of our classes are FULL we do still have a few spots left in our Level 1 Manners and Life Skills class!

This class is the perfect thing for anyone wanting to build their relationship with their dog but is especially helpful for anyone with a new dog or puppy! Come learn the basics in a safe and fun environment!

Class starts next week on Nov. 6th @ 5:30 PM and runs for 6 weeks. The cost for the entire class is $135 with a 10% discount for rescues!

Message us here or email us at [email protected] to register today!

10/24/2024

We decided to squeeze in one more class session before the year is done and are thrilled to say that some of our classes have filled up before we released them to the public! If you are interested in a class that is full, let us know so we can add you to our waitlist in case a spot becomes available!

Message us or email [email protected] to register! Class descriptions are below!

*NEW CLASS* AKC Rally Intro - Looking to dip your toes in dog sports? Rally is a less vigorous obedience-based sport where a dog and handler team test their skills through a course with various signs displaying different cues and movements. A perfect heel isn’t required but a clear sense of teamwork and enthusiasm is the goal! Learn the cues and patterns for the novice level and have a blast working through them with your classmates! This class is only 4 weeks long and $100. Dogs must have completed the Level 1 class or will need an evaluation before the start of class!

Level 1 Manners & Life Skills - Learn the basic cues including sit, down, stand, stay, touch, coming when called, and on-leash walking while also tackling problem behaviors like jumping, barking, food bowl manners, and resource guarding.

Level 2 Manners & Life Skills - Learn a new trick every week while building on the material from level 1. Longer and more complicated stays, walking both inside and outside (weather permitting), and fun games to test your dog's skills!

AKC Canine Good Citizenship - This class prepares your dog for the Canine Good Citizenship test. This program was created by the American Kennel Club to ensure that our favorite companion can be a respected member of the community who has trained in the home, in public places, and around other dogs. Students will practice through each of the 10 test items for 5 weeks and test their dog individually on the 6th week. Those who pass the test will receive an AKC CGC ribbon and can send off for a certificate as well as add the certification to their dog’s AKC registered name (if applicable). To register for this class, you must have completed either our Puppy Class or Level 1 class. Level 2 completion is recommended but not required. If you have not completed a class, an evaluation will be needed prior to the start of class to determine eligibility.

10/24/2024

Congrats to our Level 1 graduates Greta and Charlie! And miss Echo, our other student/foster dog, was successfully adopted into a wonderful home! We couldn’t be happier for them all! 🥳

10/23/2024

It’s supposed to get cold again and daylight savings is drag but we’ve got some new stuff to keep us warm through winter! 🐕 😍

10/22/2024

PUPPIES, PUPPIES, PUPPIES! What a fun group of pups this was! Congrats to Leon, Beau, and Gus for completing their puppy class with honors!! 😍👨‍🎓 🎉

10/15/2024

It's looking like we have time for one more session before the new year! If you're interested in a 6-week class, let us know what you're interested in!

Puppy Class
Level 1
Level 2
Scent Work
Canine Good Citizenship

We had so much fun dipping our toes into new sports this year! How about a fun 4-week class?

Tricks for Treats
Agility
Rally
Scent Work Trial Practice (Interior only)

Let us know what you'd be interested in and we'll make it happen!

10/10/2024

Our Rocket Recall class took a field trip tonight and had a blast working on their recalls in a new location! It happened to be beautiful out and I couldn’t help taking the opportunity to capture the bond this class has with their dogs!

10/07/2024

Jazzy, Allie, and Jude are wishing you a happy fall and reminding you that if you haven’t already, it’s time to bust out the hunter orange! They’re not sure why it’s necessary when their mom’s singing is probably doing enough to alert hunters we’re near! 😜 🎤

Feel free to share your best tips for staying safe during hunting season with your dogs!

09/27/2024

We have always been a huge fan of rescue here at Scruffy Dog! One of our lesser known policies is that any unused class spot can be filled FOR FREE by a dog in foster through a rescue! This session we have two pretty amazing foster dogs joining our Level 1 class!

ECHO - Echo is a stunning 1 year old German Shepard mix who is being fostered at Furever Friends Doggie Daycare & Sleepover. She is one unique looking dog who will certainly get you noticed! Echo is energetic and so so loving! She would love to be your Velcro dog if you let her! In class, Echo is a fast learner who is thriving with positive reinforcement training! She’s super food motivated and loves to learn! She easily picks up new things like sit, down, stand, touch, and is working on leash manners, and stay. She is good with other dogs and loves people! She will need to be spayed. Please reach out to Lori Jandreau for more info and to meet her!

CHARLIE - This very distinguished gentlemen is a 12 year old guy being fostered through German Shorthaired Pointer Rescue New England! Charlie may have collected a few years but he is still very much an active pup who likes hitting the trails with his foster family! Fun fact, Charlie has been bitten by a Copperhead Snake TWICE and lived to tell the tale! In class, Charlie seems to already know the basic cues and performs them beautifully as well as learning new cues with no issues! He gets along with other dogs but he has a real distaste for chickens. If you’re wanting to skip the puppy phase and looking for a dog with some sense, this is your guy! Jonnie Hallett can give you all the details about Charlie!

If you foster for a rescue, reach out to let us know you would be interested in a potential spot so we can add you to our list if spots become available in our next class session!

09/26/2024

We are CLOSED for business from 9/26 until 10/7. Kate will respond to all messages when she returns!

To get you through, here are the adorable faces in our PUPPY CLASS! 😍 Say hello to Leon, Gus, and Beau!

09/25/2024

🚨 FULL HOUSE ALERT 🚨

The Penobscot Valley Humane Society is at capacity, once again! We’re talking 75+ cats/kittens and 15 dogs! If you’ve been thinking about opening your home and heart to a new furry friend, now’s the time! Please like, comment, and share to help these pups find homes!

Don’t forget about the adult cats! Some of them have been here for months and months and are just as much fun as a kitten without the crazy!

Below you will find 10 of the available dogs at the shelter and they are lovely! See their descriptions under their photos!

Nervous about bringing a new dog home? As always, we offer 10% off services for all rescue dogs and 25% off any dog who has been at PVHS for longer than 6 months! We are always happy to help you transition a new dog into your home!

09/09/2024

We had a spot open back up in our previously full Puppy Class that starts tomorrow night at 5:30 PM!

In this class, you and your puppy (ages 10 weeks - 6 months) will learn the basics like sit and down while laying the groundwork for cues like come, stay, and walking on a leash! There is dedicated socialization where your puppy is encouraged to interact with different sites, sounds, and smells they may experience in the real world as well as structured play! We also discuss potty training, kennel training, and talk about how to best avoid problem behaviors like jumping, barking, and resource guarding!

This class runs for 6 weeks and is $135! Message me today to grab the last spot!

09/06/2024

If you’ve been in any of our classes, I’m sure you’ve heard Kate talk about the adolescent period! It can be challenging but a training plan built on patience and consistency will get you through it!

Adolescence occurs between six months and 18 months of age—a time when guardians typically struggle the most with their dogs. Some guardians are so overwhelmed and underprepared for this developmental stage of their dog’s life, they choose to surrender the dog to a local shelter or rescue group. In a recent study published in the Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science found that the majority of the surrendered dogs (47.7 percent) ) were between 5 months and 3 years of age (M.D. Salman,John G. New, Jr.,Janet M. Scarlett,Philip H. Kass,Rebecca Ruch-Gallie &Suzanne Hetts, 2010)

The neurobiology of adolescence is fascinating, with some key events that alter both the structure and function of the brain.

During canine adolescence, changing s*x hormones effect the animals stress responses. Adolescent dogs have a decreased ability to process information they are receiving from the environment including the presence of dogs, vehicles, people, or really anything around them. They behave in ways that might feel frustrating or upsetting for the dog’s person.

The connectivity between the frontal cortex (responsible for decision making) and amygdala (responsible for emotional processing) decreases, resulting in less behavioral control. We see increased risk taking and more sensitivity to fear.

So what does this mean? This could mean that what was once no big deal to the dog now feels scary; what was once easy to do is now stressful; what once made sense is now confusing. At times, the world can feel like ‘too much’ for the adolescent dog.

As your puppy undergoes this transition into adulthood their inner world is intense, even chaotic. Many pet owners experience an increase in undesirable behavior and find themselves becoming increasingly frustrated. In turn, our own frustration and impatience can cause us to act unpredictably. This adds to our puppy’s inner turmoil. When the inside and the outside are both unpredictable it can be difficult for our dogs to adjust.

If you have an adolescent dog, what can you do? You can give your dog the time and space to observe what is going on around them when on leash at a distance away from the activity when possible. You can give your dog long walks to sniff and explore in nature, giving their brain time to decompress. You can offer your dog a quiet space to sleep so that they can consolidate memories effectively. You can continue training various skills, breaking them down into easier steps that can be generously reinforced.

By understanding what our adolescent dog is experiencing we gain greater compassion and understanding. When we approach adolescence with patience we create a world that is predictable and gentle so our puppies grow up to be their best adult selves.

09/05/2024

We have had several reserved spots become available again in multiple classes. While this can be very frustrating for our business, it hopefully opens a door for you and your pup! This is the sign you needed to register and get ready to start taking those “back to school” photos with your pup!

PUPPY CLASS - 1 spot available!
LEVEL 2 MANNERS AND LIFE SKILLS - 1 spot available!
LEVEL 1 MANNERS AND LIFE SKILLS (11am) - 2 spots available!
ROCKET RECALL - 1 spot available!
LEVEL 1 MANNERS AND LIFE SKILLS (6:30 pm) - 1 spots available!

THE SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER SCHEDULE IS HERE!

Classes are $135 for all 6 weeks! To register, send us a message here or email [email protected].

See class descriptions below!
Level 1 Manners & Life Skills - Learn the basic cues including sit, down, stand, stay, touch, coming when called, and on-leash walking while also tackling problem behaviors like jumping, barking, food bowl manners, and resource guarding.

Level 2 Manners & Life Skills - Take the basics learned in Level 1 to the next level with longer stays, more focused walking inside and out (weather permitting), and working through higher-level distractions while learning new tricks to show your friends every week! This class is FUN with lots of games and new challenges to help your dog become more confident!

Puppy Class - Build the foundation for good manners in this fun class for pups ages 10 weeks to 6 months! Learn basics like sit, down, stand, and come, and introduce loose leash walking, and stays. Each week we cover a different topic like potty training, crate training, enrichment, and getting ahead of problem behaviors. Each class also has built-in socialization time where the pups are encouraged to play with one another and explore novel items, smells, and sounds they may experience in the world!

Rocket Recall - Teach your dog to “COME!” in this new class based on Lisa Lyle Waggoner’s book Rocket Recall. You and your dog will learn and practice the easy, fun and effective steps to start building trust and responsiveness for off-leash activities!

08/28/2024

Yesterday was a big day for all of our Tuesday private clients so we’re showing them off!

Astrid and Oda had huge break throughs with learning how to relax, playing movement puzzles and brain games, and working on more polite greetings!

Alfie put his speed to use learning about agility equipment and drills then worked on slowing down and having patience in stays. He’s so cute it’s a wonder we get anything accomplished at all.

Katie, a long time client with an amazing nose for Scentwork, worked on confidence around new people and supervised separation.

Sammie and Haven worked on doorway manners, loose leash walking, and being able to disengage and focus through exciting activities like lake time.

We have had an influx of new private clients recently so space is limited but if you need one on one work with your pup, reach out to get on our schedule!

08/28/2024

We have a few spots left in our upcoming class session starting on September 10th/11th, specifically in our Level 1 Manners and Life Skills class!

Learn the basic cues including sit, down, stand, stay, touch, coming when called, and on-leash walking while also tackling problem behaviors like jumping, barking, food bowl manners, and resource guarding.

Direct message us here or send us an email at [email protected] to reserve your spot today!

08/24/2024

I’m so glad it turned out to be dogs. 🤍🐾

08/23/2024

Back again with the latest addition of dogs you NEED in your life!

I had another great day at the Penobscot Valley Humane Society hanging out with some truly wonderful dogs! And I mean it! Great dogs! The majority of the dogs at the shelter right now are move in ready and with very few restrictions!

Check out their descriptions under their individual photos and tell us who you think is the most photogenic!

Want to help but can’t adopt? Donate! Can’t donate? Like, comment, and share!

As always, we offer 10% off training for all rescues and are happy to help transition a new dog to your home!

08/21/2024

THE SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER SCHEDULE IS HERE!

Classes are $135 for all 6 weeks! To register, send us a message here or email [email protected].

See class descriptions below!
Level 1 Manners & Life Skills - Learn the basic cues including sit, down, stand, stay, touch, coming when called, and on-leash walking while also tackling problem behaviors like jumping, barking, food bowl manners, and resource guarding.

Level 2 Manners & Life Skills - Take the basics learned in Level 1 to the next level with longer stays, more focused walking inside and out (weather permitting), and working through higher-level distractions while learning new tricks to show your friends every week! This class is FUN with lots of games and new challenges to help your dog become more confident!

Puppy Class - Build the foundation for good manners in this fun class for pups ages 10 weeks to 6 months! Learn basics like sit, down, stand, and come, and introduce loose leash walking, and stays. Each week we cover a different topic like potty training, crate training, enrichment, and getting ahead of problem behaviors. Each class also has built-in socialization time where the pups are encouraged to play with one another and explore novel items, smells, and sounds they may experience in the world!

Rocket Recall - Teach your dog to “COME!” in this new class based on Lisa Lyle Waggoner’s book Rocket Recall. You and your dog will learn and practice the easy, fun and effective steps to start building trust and responsiveness for off-leash activities!

08/19/2024

Bar rules rein here so we rarely dip our toes into politics or religion but I’m breaking that rule to recommend these excellent candidates!

I can’t say I’ve met candidates that are more loyal, intelligent and, dare I say…dogged? They run on a platform of making dinner time earlier, longer walks, and treats without tricks!

Would you vote for them?

This ad was paid for by a crazy dog mom. 🤦🏽‍♀️

08/16/2024

Congrats to our latest group of Puppy Class and Level 1 graduates! Maverick, Tatum, Demetrius, George, Winston, and Ivy were so much fun! And their parents too! 🧑‍🎓 🎉

08/11/2024

Dogs everywhere.