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Integrative Canine

A community for working dog parents and their partners

03/09/2024

✨ New Moon in Virgo: A Time to Reset and Realign ✨

The New Moon in Virgo is calling us to pause, reflect, and reset.

This isn’t about striving for perfection; it’s about embracing the small, intentional steps that bring us closer to our true selves.

Virgo’s energy invites us to ground down, get clear, and fine-tune the areas of our lives that feel out of alignment.

It’s a chance to ask ourselves: What small shifts can I make today that will bring me closer to the life I truly want?🌱

This New Moon is an invitation to:

Create Your Own Ritual:

Set aside time to reconnect with your S/self.

Take a breath, connect with nature, take a bath, light a candle -- do whatever connects you to the elements and yourself, and free write your intentions for this next lunar cycle. 🌑🌒🌓🌔🌕🌖🌗🌘🌑

Release Perfectionism:

Let go of the need to have it all figured out. Instead, focus on the Next. Right. Step.

(This is one I'm personally struggling with) ❤️

Honor Your Unique Path:

Virgo reminds us that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to life. Trust the process, and know that every action, no matter how small, is bringing you closer to who you want to be.

This is your moment to realign with your values, refine your goals, and take actionable steps towards your ideal identity.👣

Let’s embrace this Virgo New Moon as a reminder that it’s not about being perfect; it’s about being present and intentional in our journey.🏞️

Ready to set your intentions and step into this new chapter? Let me know below how you’re embracing this New Moon energy ♍

30/08/2024

Alright y’all, let’s talk about Chiron.

I identify strongly with Chiron, the wounded healer in Greek mythology.

According to the legend, Chiron was wounded by a poisoned arrow and could not heal himself, despite his vast knowledge.

Chiron represents our wounds, and the path to healing through them. We all (myself included) have experienced traumas in our youth which affect us as adults. Whether we take that pain and transmute it into healing, or stay in victimhood, is up to us and our free will.

By channeling Chiron’s energy (and transmuting my traumas into strengths), I have learned how to be-come the hero of my own life. I’m in the (lifelong) process of moving past my limitations, and healing the wounds that once hurt me.

Fun fact: Chiro Practor means “hands-on / energy healer.”

Chiron was the first hands-on healer, and now I’m using the energy of my hands to change the lives of dogs and their humans.

PS—Chiron is in the 8th house in my birth chart, which is ruled by Ta**us. Let me know if you want me to explore that further! ❤️🐾

(Chiron artwork credit goes to )

30/08/2024

Alright y’all, let’s talk about Chiron.

I identify strongly with Chiron, the wounded healer in Greek mythology.

According to the legend, Chiron was wounded by a poisoned arrow and could not heal himself, despite his vast knowledge.

Chiron represents our wounds, and the path to healing through them. We all (myself included) have experienced traumas in our youth which affect us as adults. Whether we take that pain and transmute it into healing, or stay in victimhood, is up to us and our free will.

By channeling Chiron’s energy (and transmuting my traumas into strengths), I have learned how to be-come the hero of my own life. I’m in the (lifelong) process of moving past my limitations, and healing the wounds that once hurt me.

Fun fact: Chiro Practor means “hands-on / energy healer.” (h/t to Angela Martin-King for that bit of knowledge!)

Chiron was the first hands-on healer, and now I’m using the energy of my hands to change the lives of dogs and their humans.

PS—Chiron is in the 8th house in my birth chart, which is ruled by Ta**us. Let me know if you want me to explore that further! ❤️🐾

(Chiron artwork credit goes to Kim McElroy's Spirit of Horse Gallery )

28/08/2024

Had a GREAT day at Benton Harbor Bites with !!! The Dudalino's targeting is on point, and we'll definitely be ready for our October trial!!🔥🐾

(I'm going to put it out in the Universe now that I WILL get a spot -- I'm currently on the wait list)🤞🏼

All pics courtesy of ❤️

26/08/2024

This is the face of a team that absolutely CRUSHED our obedience today at training with !!!

We are SO ready for our PDC in October!!! ❤️🔥🐾

25/08/2024

The post-massage happy face slays me every time ❤️🐾

Yes, I'll spend TWO HOURS (including breaks!) on my sport dog. He's an athlete, and deserves it. Besides, when he's loose and limber, he's less likely to tweak something and hurt himself.

PS - I'm thinking of doing a video on basic massage strokes. Interested?

24/08/2024

There's a shortage of veterinarians in the US, and us pet owners are paying the price (quite literally).

To be clear, I'm NOT throwing shade on any veterinarians or their staff -- I know y'all are doing the absolute best you can.

I recently had an instance where Arya's stem cell procedure was bumped out by A MONTH because the front desk didn't allot enough time for her procedure.

I've also been turned away by emergency veterinarians on multiple occasions because they were full at the time. My dogs ended up being okay, but it's still scary!!

Since I've had those experiences, I've taken steps to minimize veterinary visits for my guys. These include:

- A well-stocked first aid kit. Gauze, thermometer, betadine, Benadryl, skin lotions, antibiotic creams, antacid -- lots of things to ease minor doggy aches and pains

- Knowledge on how to check my dog's temperature, pulse, respiration, hydration level, and capillary refill time

- Palpation techniques to check for any sprains or strained muscles

- A well-stocked herbal apawthecary to give my guys a good baseline of health, and (again) to address any minor issues that may crop up (GI upset, minor skin rubs, etc)

- A high-quality, balanced diet to keep my guys healthy from the inside out

- Regular massage sessions to reduce muscle tension, and to mitigate the risk of injury

- Figo Pet Insurance on speed dial. Figo has a "text a vet" feature that has been IMMESURABLY helpful during the times I've looked at my dogs and asked "do they need to go to the vet, or can this wait?"

Let me know if you'd like to minimize veterinary interactions for your doggo as well -- I'd love to chat and see how I can help! ❤️🐾

(PS - I'll drop a 🔗below to an article with more info on the vet shortage if you're interested in learning more)

All pics courtesy of Ivy Starnes

22/08/2024

Are you living your life or just escaping it? 🛑

When life feels like a rat race, even if you've got your "s**t together," it can still seem like something’s missing.

Are you chasing the weekend, or embracing each day as an adventure?

It’s time to shift from survival mode to thriving mode.

Every day has the potential to be an adventure—if you let it.

What would your day look like if you treated it like a game and an adventure? 🤔🎮

21/08/2024

Speaking of Arya and stem cells.....

has a SUPER cool laser from !!!

This laser allows veterinarians to get different frequencies of light into very specific places in the body by essentially "injecting" the light through a needle-- think intravenously, interstitially in the joint spaces, etc.

This can only be done on animals under general anesthesia, so it's NOT something I'm qualified to do!! 😂

We used different frequencies of the laser on her crunchy (read: arthritic) knees;

- Green to help with pain and healing, and accelerate tissue repair

- Blue to reduce inflammation and help with blood flow

- Red for pain relief and to heal damaged connective tissue

- Yellow to facilitate the absorption of more essential vitamins to keep her bones and immune system strong

I'm a big believer in laser therapy, and this takes it to the next level!! ❤️🐾🤓

21/08/2024

My observations on canine-human harmony:

Everyone has areas in their life that could benefit from more balance and harmony.

It’s part of being human—we juggle responsibilities, emotions, and challenges every day.

Most of us, at some point, have felt that something is slightly off in our lives, even if we can’t quite put our finger on it.

This imbalance doesn’t just affect us; it often shows up in our dogs’ behavior too.

Our dogs are incredibly intuitive, picking up on our stress, anxieties, and unresolved emotions.

They mirror our inner world, sometimes more than we realize.

When we’re out of sync, our dogs can become anxious, restless, or even develop behavioral issues.

These changes in our dog's behavior are clear signals that what’s going on inside us is impacting them as well.

The good news? By working towards balance and harmony in our own lives, we can create a more peaceful, fulfilling environment for both ourselves and our canine companions.

It’s a journey worth taking, not only for us, but for the well-being of our dogs too. ❤️🐾

(Pic credit: Ivy Starnes)

12/07/2024

Since we moved into the AirBnB in the beginning of June, I've been working closely with Derek Crouse in two aspects:

Firstly, to get Seabee and I ready for his PDC (Protection Dog Certificate). This is the first step to titles from the Protection Sports Association .

Secondly, I've been working with his clients and club members to develop my Integrative Canine intake and exam processes in the real world. I have a TON of book learning -- now it's time for the rubber to meet the road. 🔥

During this time, I've learned:

- What kind of boundaries and prerequisites that I need to set in place

- The dogs I can and can't help (based on said boundaries and prerequisites)

- How to handle multi-dog appointments

- How to refine my intake and examination processes, and plan development

- What sort of intake process works best for me (voice notes >>> a static form!)

- How to NOT overwhelm the owners with a firehose of information that they don't necessarily care about

- How to better develop my eye as I'm assessing the dog, how to effectively examine them with my hands, and how to improve my feel as I'm working with them

Most importantly, I'm gaining real-world experience, and as a result, I'm gaining the confidence that "yes I can do this!!"

Derek, Victor , Brian , Charity, Lina, Patrick, Lexi, Amanda, Thomas, Leah -- thank you. ❤️

Thank you for letting me get my hands on your dogs, and to learn from you. I cherish the feedback you give me, and every one of you have taught me some invaluable lessons. I can't thank y'all enough. ❤️🐾

07/07/2024

Often, your dog’s behavior has little to do with their training, and more to do with various underlying factors, such as:

Tension in their body

Think about yourself. When you’re achy, you’re going to be more irritable -- and the same is true for our canine companions. Dogs can be tense because they played too rough with their housemates, because they’re not moving correctly in a biomechanically efficient manner, because they’ve been pulling on the leash on walks -- all of these factors and more can contribute.

Changes in their diet

Did you know that not all kibbles are equal, and that nutrient bioavailability varies greatly between formulas? Just because a kibble meets AAFCO standards (and the protein, fat, and carbs add up to 100%) doesn’t mean that your pup is able to absorb all of the nutrients in their food.

Furthermore, some grains (think corn and soy) can make dogs overaroused and more hyperactive. I’ve seen this phenomenon in horses as well.

Outside factors

Here, we get into a couple of different aspects -- I’ll try to keep it high level. First up, we have the maintaining functions of behavior (Sensory, Escape, Attention, and Tangible reinforcers). Any organism will keep doing a behavior to satisfy one of these functions. (H/T to Alicia Morrison Scholet for bringing this to light for me)

Secondly, we need to understand where in their training journey the dog is for the specific behavior we’re asking for. Are they in the Shaping / Teaching, Reinforcing, or Proofing stage? (H/T Maryna Ozuna for introducing this concept)

Think about it this way: If the dog only knows to “sit” in the kitchen (calm environment) in the presence of a cookie, is it fair to ask them to “sit” in the middle of a pet store without a reward?

No.

In this instance, we’d look at the competing reinforcers (smells, other dogs, noises, etc), and lower our criteria. Instead of asking for a sit, maybe reward the dog for merely looking at you and focusing on you.

I could go MUCH deeper on all of this - where do you want me to start?? 🤓🐾

15/06/2024

In the spirit of "f**kit, we're doing this live", this is me getting back on the fitness wagon.

These past few months have taken a toll on my stress level and my waistline, and it's time to pull it back in.

Too many late-night snacks laden with sugar and refined carbs (read: white flour), and dinners out because I was too tired or stressed to cook have had an effect.

I'm grateful that I have the tools and the knowledge to improve my health, and that I have the opportunity to do so.

LFG! 🔥💪

24/05/2024

The realities of traveling with an older doggo

I'm laying down potty pads in the hotel room because more often than not, the Princess will be laying there, and a turd will just...work its way out of her rear end. 💩

The nerve bundle in her hind end that controls her sphincter muscles and hind legs is getting pinched by the stenosis in her spinal canal, and she experiences f***l incontinence as a result.

We have an appointment on June 9th with a local holistic veterinarian to discuss more treatment options, including another round of stem cells.

Her spirits and cognition are still good - the back end just needs a little more help these days. ❤️🐾

22/05/2024

I believe that our working canine partners’ long and healthy lives relies on our ability to be a whole, healthy human first.

I believe that our dogs deserve the same level of holistic consideration that we give our selves.

Why?

Because I caused my first working dog to get cancer.

When I got Desmo, I was living in a state of fight or flight 24/7 – it was all I knew, coming from a background of trauma and dysfunction.

I could see that he was anxious, but at the time, I didn’t know why.

By the time I figured it out, it was too late for him.

He’d marinated in my elevated cortisol levels 24/7, and as a result, developed hemangiosarcoma. By the time we made the diagnosis, the cancer had spread throught his abdomen, and the kindest thing to do was painlessly let him go.

Enough stress, left un-addressed, will shorten your dog’s life, and your own.

Desmo’s crossing over was the catalyst for my deep dive into self-inquiry, getting to know all of my different identity states, ego states, and ego aspects, and meeting my Higher Self.

During that same time, I dove deep into figuring out where I‘d fallen short as a handler and canine caretaker. I’d fed him (what I thought was) the best food at the time, given him regular mental and physical stimulation, and selected holistic veterinarians—all to give him the best life possible.

So why did Desmo suffer?

It was me.

It was me all along.

I had to work on me, and level up as a human be-ing before I could be the sort of handler that every dog deserves as their partner and caretaker, for the entirety of their lives on this plane.

If you want the best from your dog, they deserve the best from you.

My pursuit of excellence is never-ending, but here’s an overview of my background and certifications, and why they’re important:

Nutrition:

Dr. Judy Morgan's Naturally Healthy Pets TCVM (Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine) Food Therapy For Dogs

Raw Fed & Nerdy

A Nutritional Approach to Raw Feeding
Canine Diet Formulation

A species-appropriate, balanced diet is crucial to optimal health for dogs and humans. Energy / nutrient density, balancing macro & micronutrients, and ensuring optimal vitamin & mineral levels is important, and not easy!

Bodywork:

Angel's Animals - Holistic Care and Seminars Holistic Animal Studies

Canine Massage
Animal Cold Laser Therapy
Myofascial Release & Laser Trigger Point Release
Canine Craniosacral Therapy
Animal Neuro-Myofascial Release
Canine Kinesiology Taping
Holistic Carnivore Nutrition

Maryna Ozuna 's Movement Markers tm & Canine Kinaesthetics (tm)

A balanced body leads to a balanced mind, and reduces the risk of stress and bodily injury. The modalities I use depend on my evaluation of the dog in front of me.

In Progress:

The Possible Canine

Basic Canine Nutrition
Canine Diet Formulation
Canine Herbalism

Holistic Animal Studies

Animal Reiki
Animal Communication
Animal Laser Acupressure

25/04/2024

This is one of my many happy places! Here, I'm working on a case study for one of my bodywork courses (I think this was for massage).

I love diving into canine anatomy & physiology, how it affects behavior, and how we can increase our dogs' healthspans! ❤️🐾

(Yes I'm a nerd, and I'm fully embracing it!)🤓

03/04/2024

I recently interviewed for a position that I thought was my dream job.

An SEO specialist at a nationally recognized K9 company.

On paper, it looked like the perfect blend of my canine and website skills.

But I didn't make it past the first round.

At first, my ego was bruised, and I sat with why.

My inner 14-year-old didn't feel seen, and that stung.

After all, I'm a gorram unicorn for this job, and I know it!

However, after looking deeper, I saw that I'd be giving up my freedom and travel flexibility for a 9-5 position.

I'd be giving time to this other company that is better used to build Integrative Canine.

The Universe is telling me to stay the course with my canine and equine bodywork, and I'm listening. ❤️🐾🐴

28/03/2024

The Canine Kinaesthetics certification clinic with Maryna Ozuna , Natalie Natalie , and pushed me and cracked me open in ways that I didn't know I needed.

I'm still processing everything, and for some things, there are no words (and *that's okay*).

I learned to trust the power in my body and in my hands.

I felt myself pulling and fluffing muscles back into their natural shapes

I saw and felt my dogs' bodies and minds unlock, un-twist, balance, and soften.

I shed another layer of “If Onlys” and perfectionism.

I let go of my brain’s tendency to override what I'm feeling (thanks gaslighting…)

The result?

I'm now in a place to further enhance not only my dogs' lives, but also those of other working dogs and their handlers.

Let's go.❤️🐾

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🚨 Confession Time! 🚨 Even when you order a "basic diet formulation" from me, I can’t just stop there. 🙈 Your dog’s health is too important, so I always go above and beyond—because that’s just how I roll. 🐾💁‍♀️ Got kibble as a base? Cool, we’ll keep that, but I’ll balance it out with fresh, nutrient-dense additions to fill any gaps and take your dog’s nutrition to the next level. Because let’s be real—“good enough” doesn’t fly around here. Your dog deserves a diet that works for their unique needs, and I can’t help but make sure it’s as balanced and beneficial as possible. So, when you work with me, just know you’re getting more than you asked for (and probably more than you expected). 😉 Who else overdelivers because they just can’t not? Drop a 🐶 if you’re that person too! #DogNutrition #CanineDietFormulation #DogHealth #CanineWellness #CanineHealth #StrongerBondsStrongerDogs #caninenutrition #caninenutritionist #rawfeddog #rawfeddogs

🐾 The Top 4 Supplements My Working Dogs Thrive On 🐾 Working dogs give 110% every day, and it’s my job to make sure their health, recovery, and performance stay top-notch. Here are the four go-to supplements I use to keep my dogs feeling and performing their best: ✨ Nupro: Packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and superfoods for balanced nutrition and overall health. 🐟 Salmon Oil: A powerhouse of omega-3s to keep joints mobile, coats shiny, and inflammation at bay. 💪 Myos: Muscle support like no other—this fertilized egg yolk supplement helps build and maintain muscle mass for peak performance. 🌱 ElleVet CBD: The gold standard for calming nerves, soothing discomfort, and supporting joint health. Whether it’s long training days, high-intensity work, or just living their best lives, these four supplements are staples in my dogs’ daily routines. What’s your go-to supplement for your dog? Drop it below! 👇 #WorkingDogs #CanineHealth #DogSupplements #PerformanceDogs #HealthyDogs #DogWellness #StrongerBondsStrongerDogs #vongoedehausgermanshepherds #vongoedehausgsd #vongoedehausgsds #workinggermanshepherd #caninewellness #HolisticDogCare #holisticcanine #holisticcaninecare #holisticcaninesupplements

I am so so SO proud of the work @crousecanine and I have been doing over the past few months!!! It's all starting to come together, and I couldn't be happier. ❤️🐾🔥 #workingdog #workingdogs #czechgermanshepherd #czechgsd #vongoedehaus #vongoedehausgsds #vongoedehausgsd #vongoedehausgermanshepherds #psadog #psadogsports #psadogsport #strongerbondsstrongerdogs #protectiondog #protectiondogs #bitework #biteworktraining

Attention dogfriends!🎉🐾 I’m opening up my calendar for free calls to help you unlock your working dog’s full potential! 🐕💪 If you’ve been feeling like there’s more you could be doing for their health, behavior, or performance, this is your chance! Whether your dog’s been struggling with health issues, or you just feel like something’s missing in their care, let’s chat. Together, we’ll dive into what’s going on and explore how to improve your dog’s performance—both on and off the field. 🏅 Hit the 🔗 in my 🐝-👁️-oh to book your call, or hit me up with any questions you have! Let’s help your dog thrive! 🔥🐾 #WorkingDogWellness #DogTraining #CanineHealth #HolisticDogCare #SportDog #DogPerformance #HealthyDogs #strongerbondsstrongerdogs #psadog #psadogsports #psadogs #workingdogsofinstagram #workinggermanshepherd #workinglinegsd #workinglinegermanshepherds

How has your relationship with your dog influenced your personal growth? 🤔 If you'd like, share a moment in the comments where you felt your dog truly understood you. ❤️🐾 #strongerbondsstrongerdogs #workinglinegermanshepherd #workinglinegsd #runyourdognotyourmouth #getoutsidewithyourdog #caninehumanbond

This, THIS is what solid nerves from response-able, ethical breeding looks like!!! 🔥 We were outside for a good 90 minutes while fireworks were going off ALL around us, and he did. not. bat. an. eye.🎆 Arya, meanwhile, was drugged up on CBD and valerian, and was hanging out in the bathroom -- as far away from the booms as she could get. ❤️🐾 Have I mentioned how much I adore this dog??? Thank you thank you thank you @goedehaus_kennels !!! #workingdog #workinglinegsd #workinglinegermanshepherd #july4th #strongerbondsstrongerdogs

Attention dogfriends! I'm excited to announce that I'm now offering canine consults to enhance your working partner's performance! You'll get: - Diet enhancements customized to their unique health and energy needs - A movement analysis and bodywork modalities to enhance physical performance - A functional behavior analysis with bond-boosting exercises to get you and your dog on the same page Interested? You know what to do.❤️🐾

We went on SO MANY ADVENTURES in 2023, and we're ready for more this year!! Who's with us?? 🔥🐾

So. True. Life doesn't happen to you, it happens for you. Sometimes there are events in our lives that are incredibly painful to our chosen identity. Our true power lies in our ability to transmute that which we define as painful into beauty and purpose. To create, to serve, and to love. That is what makes us uniquely human. (H/T to @vitalsavvy for being a constant source of inspiration.) ❤️ #genekeys #awakeningsoul #strongerbondsstrongerdogs #identitywork #selfawarenessquotes #selfawarenessjourney

There's a lot that went into this one moment. I wanted to see how he would respond to the breakers, which involved some significant clambering over a pretty good sized rock field to get to the sea wall! I wouldn't try this with the Princess - clambering over those rocks took balance, strength, coordination, and proprioception - all of which she's lacking in at her age. 🥺❤️ The Dudalino, on the other hand, has all of those things, PLUS some solid-ass genetics from his parents! He was able to make it out to the sea wall, and didn't bat an eyelash at the waves crashing over the rocks! 🌊🐾 (Cameo appearance by my amazing husband) ❤️❤️ #outdoorsdogs #morrobayca #morrobayrock #canineagility #canineproprioception

Dudalino encounters a sea otter!! Peep the surprised "BOOF!!" at the end.😂❤️🐾 #workinglinegermanshepherd #morrobayca #wildlifeencounters #seaotters

These are the herbal remedies I use to manage Arya's anxiety: @ellevetsciences CBD oil @pet_wellbeing Calm Care & Stress Gold @naturesfarmacyga Calm Caps What do you use to manage your dog's anxiety? 🤔🐾 . . . . . . . #notsponsored #canineanxiety #doganxiety #doganxietyhelp #canineanxietysolution #germanshepherdanxiety #cbdoilfordogs #canineherbalremidies #herbalismfordogs #canineherbalism

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