Blue Dog Canine Coaching

25/09/2024

DISTRACTED DOG WALKERS

The distracted dog walker is commonly seen chatting on their cell phone, wearing headphones or socializing with other people while oblivious to what their dog is doing, how their dog is feeling or what is going on in the environment.

This may not sound like a problem to some, but it is something that many people have a problem with, even more so if you have a reactive dog.

I compare walking a dog to driving a car. It’s not so much about our driving skills, but having to constantly be aware of the driving skills of others – trying to predict what they will do, which rules of the road they will ignore and how distracted they are. This is especially true in the country I live in, where driving can be a stressful experience.

I understand that we often need to multi task – there simply doesn’t seem to be enough time in our day to accomplish everything we need to, but walking our dogs should not be one of these times.

Some people might say – “but my dog is really friendly, well socialized, gets on well with everyone, is well trained, knows this environment well etc. and I hear that.

But another dog might not be – maybe they need space, are reactive, are not sociable, are recovering from an illness, might be terrified of another dog racing straight towards them chasing a ball thrown from a ball launcher etc.

If distracted dog walkers have no regard for other dogs or other people, they should at least have regard for their own dogs. Walking your dog should be a time of bonding, of relationship, of seeing the environment through the eyes of your dog, of reinforcing and teaching wanted behaviours, of keeping them safe and protected from the unknown.

Our dogs need us to be focused, to pay attention, to be aware and attentive.

Our dogs depend on us to advocate for them.

12/08/2024

This,

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01/07/2024

28/06/2024

Happy Pride Minneapolis 🌈

10/06/2024

One of my favorite things about working with Humans and their pups; is the snuggles afterward.

28/03/2024

I have been working with a lovely young family with children and their newly adopted rescue dog for the last few weeks. Today, for safety reasons, they had to make the hard decision to return the dog to the rescue they got her from. She came to them from California where they later learned that she was trained with an e-collar aka shock collar, leash pops, and who the hell knows what else. She has been showing signs of redirected aggression, resource guarding her toys, stress when her environment changes abruptly, body handling issues, and frustration and stress when learning new behaviors. It's really sad and frustrating that we know the science behind animal behavior but there are still trainers out there who are using these outdated training techniques for a quick fix. Please, if you are using any of these training tools, STOP.
Shock collars, prong collars, choke chains, slip leads, spray bottles, or anything that causes your dog pain, discomfort or frightens them. I would be more than happy to help you find a certified and experienced trainer in your area.

07/03/2024

If you live with a reactive dog, you know it can be tough and stressful to plan adventures, especially in crowded urban areas. You and your pup deserve to explore the world around you! But how do you know what the environment will be like? What if you encounter out-of-control off-leash dogs? That scary, loud UPS truck? Squirrels?!?!

Sniffspot is a great place to bring your reactive dog for exercise, training, and enrichment. Sniffspot is like the Airbnb of private dog parks. Book a local sniff spot with your canine companion and check it out. You can even bring a few doggy friends along!
Make your dog happy ⬇️

31/12/2023

We hope you enjoy the last day of 2023 and welcome the new year with love, peace, and a sunbeam to doze in. ❤️🌞🐾

27/10/2023

Work with your dog where she is, not where you want her to be or think she "should" be.

+trainer

24/09/2023

Vacuum | vac·​u·​um [n]: a loud, crazy monster that comes out of the closet every now and then.
Change your dog's feelings about the monster by pairing it with their favorite treats. These days, Blue loves to help me clean!

02/09/2023

September marks National Service Dog Month, a time dedicated to celebrating and recognizing these extraordinary animals that transform lives daily.

02/08/2023

I’m so proud of this little girl. She’s come so far in the last few years! Rescue dogs are the BEST 😍

19/05/2023

Solidarity
Dogs need to feel part of a cohesive, functional team, one with a territory, a mission, and a character. Whatever you call it—pack, family, team, or gang—it’s a part of their mindset, and it is important to honor it.

22/04/2023

Love your mama 🌎 every day!

14/04/2023

The real magic comes from human behavior: if you are setting your criteria appropriately and making the path to reinforcement obvious for your dog, you'll see progress.

13/04/2023

The Beagle: long ears, large nasal passages, and a sturdy body for endurance. This little dude makes the most wonderful snuffling, snorting, flapping jowl sounds I ever did hear!

07/04/2023

This is an important update on Canine Influenza Virus.

On Thursday evening, April 6th, we received a bulletin from the Minnesota Board of Animal Health regarding a suspected outbreak of canine influenza virus (CIV) in local pet shelters. While this virus has been found in other parts of the US, until now we have not had an outbreak in Minnesota for several years.

Overview of Canine Influenza Virus (CIV):

A highly contagious viral infection that can be spread between dogs but not humans.
Transmitted primarily through respiratory secretions, coughing, sneezing, barking, etc.
Dogs are most contagious before they show symptoms.
Dogs can spread the illness for up to 4 weeks after showing symptoms.
About 80% of dogs show clinical symptoms
Symptoms are like other upper respiratory infections: coughing, sneezing, nasal and eye discharge, lethargy, fever and inappetence.
Severe infection can lead to high fever, pneumonia, and difficulty breathing.
Treatment is often supportive care as there is no specific “cure” for influenza.
If your pet has any of these signs, and especially if it has been recently adopted, boarded, attended doggy daycare, or been to a groomer, please contact your vet clinic.

We recommend that you temporarily refrain from taking your dog to any location where dogs congregate or interact with one another. Examples include dog parks, doggy daycare, boarding, or groomers.

30/03/2023

It's been a brutal, long-ass winter. But, spring is near! The perfect time to start some nose work training with this very bored dog.