Wiggle Waggle Woo

07/10/2025

Sweet, sweet Joy enjoying our walk together. 💞

07/07/2025

Step 1: Sniffy walk
Step 2: Smiles

07/02/2025

Over the weekend we hosted Sneakers for a night. It was such a pleasure. My favorite part was his wagging tail when it was time for yogurt treats. He's such a sweetheart.

06/29/2025

It was really hot last week so Joy and I walked in a nearby park. We had such a great time! We had shorter walks in a shady spot. I had water along to offer. Joy was especially happy to meet some children while we were there.

06/24/2025

I love this reframe.

When we change our wording and think of the real need behind the behaviour. We can meet it with more purpose and calm.

06/18/2025

Joy was off to the races today. I definitely got my cardio walking with her today!

06/09/2025

😁

06/06/2025

Walking with dogs helps me be present.

We may teach our dogs a few things but they show us the lessons we really need. While we are worrying, our dogs are loving their time with us, focusing on the good stuff and lettting go of the bad.

06/05/2025

Joy was so very happy walking with me today. 😊

06/05/2025

Behavior is communication - always

It’s easy to label a dog’s behavior as “bad.”

They bark, they pull, they chew, they growl, they ignore cues. And we’re quick to call it disobedience.

But what if we stopped looking at behavior as something to correct… and started seeing it as something to understand?

Because the truth is, behaviour is communication.

It’s your dog’s way of navigating a human world that doesn’t always make sense to them.

It’s how they express their needs, emotions, fears, and excitement. It’s their voice.

When a dog jumps on guests, they may be overjoyed and unsure how else to say hello.

When they pull on leash, they’re excited, curious, or possibly anxious.

When they growl, they’re saying, “I’m uncomfortable, please give me space.”

None of these behaviours are “naughty” or malicious.

They’re messages and signals. Opportunities to listen.

Yet too often, these behaviours are punished or shut down without ever asking why they’re happening. We silence the symptom without addressing the cause.

And in doing so, we risk making things worse: not only suppressing behaviour, but suppressing trust.

When we shift our mindset from "disobedience" to "communication," our entire relationship with our dogs transforms. We move from frustration to empathy.

We need to teach our dogs that they can trust us to listen when they’re struggling. We become their safe place, not their source of pressure.

So the next time your dog “misbehaves,” pause.
Ask yourself: What are they trying to tell me?

Because every bark, every growl, every moment of resistance - that's not defiance.

It’s dialogue. And dogs are desperate for us to hear them.

06/04/2025

It was pretty warm in Dayton today. I kept a close eye on Obi. Our walk included lots of stops and enjoying shade. He hydrated before and after his walk. When we finished, he was off to rest in his cool crate.