Happy Leashes Dog Training and Behavior

24/10/2024

Hello! I’m Caitlin, one of your Happy Leashes trainers. I am a Certified Professional Dog Trainer - Knowledge Assessed. I am also Fear Free Certified and an AKC evaluator. I hold a BA in both Animals Studies and Psychology from Eckerd College. With over 6 years working in the animal industry, I began my formal career with dogs working for various hotels in New York City as a dog walker and sitter. Since then, I have gained a multitude of dog training experience through my internships at New Dawn Animal Behavior Center and SPCA Tampa Bay, as well as by attending both in-person and virtual seminars on canine behavior, neuroscience, and training. I also have extensive and personal experience working with high energy breeds, reactivity and anxiousness.

I currently have two dogs: my Whippet, BMO, and my Border Collie Whippet mix, Razzmatazz! BMO and I compete in a multitude of sports and I’m hoping as Razz grows up that she will be soon to join. My dogs push me to learn more and continue my education. I strive to give them choice in their lives as well as keeping both their bodies and minds well enriched.

At Happy Leashes, my goal is to help dogs and their family succeed by creating fun, play-based training solutions uniquely designed to meet the needs of each dog. I’m here to help both you and your dog thrive and I am committed to ongoing education in this ever-evolving field!

24/10/2024

Hello! I’m Rachel, one of the trainers here at Happy Leashes. I hold a BA in Animal Studies from Eckerd College, with minors in Biology and Psychology. I am also a Certified Professional Dog Trainer - Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA), a Family Dog Mediator, Fear-Free Certified, and have completed The Aggressive Dog Course for professionals. With over five years of experience in the animal industry, I have worked extensively with dogs in various settings, including private training and shelters. My shelter experience has given me a deep understanding of animal behavior and welfare, especially for rescue dogs. I’ve had the opportunity to develop training programs for a variety of behavioral concerns, helping clients build positive relationships with their pets.

Currently, I have two dogs: my Bichon, Snow, and my rescue Pitty/Husky mix, Pocah. They are both such enjoyable companions and are actively involved in ongoing learning and training, which keeps our bond strong and their minds engaged. At Happy Leashes, my goal is to create humane training solutions that meet the unique needs of each dog and their family, ensuring a harmonious and balanced life for everyone involved.

24/10/2024

Hi! Im Sydney, as the Owner of Happy Leashes, I prioritize continuing education and uphold the standards set by veterinary behavior professionals and leading animal behavior experts.

I am certified through the Karen Pryor Academy (KPA-CTP). And a proud member of the Pet Professional Guild (PPG), and the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC) I strive to adopt and implement the latest information into training. As a Fear-Free Dog Trainer and an AKC Good Citizen Evaluator I aim to be at the forefront of industry best practices and developments. I specialized in training and integrating service dogs for veterans and military families at Dogs Inc, an ADI accredited guide and service dog school in Palmetto, Florida. Now, I am excited to focus on running Happy Leashes!

I share my life with my husband, and our two rescue dogs, and two rescue cats: Tucker, Maggie, Guinness, and “Little Kitty” . Each of them possesses their own delightful quirks that we adore.

21/08/2024

https://vote.cltampa.com/services/best-dog-training

We'd love if you gave us a vote for Best of the Bay!

26/06/2024

Our new logo design by . Featuring Tuckers scruffy little self! Check out Wren for your own pet portraits 😍

14/05/2024

Happy Leashes doesn’t run classes ourselves, because who wants to do class in this Florida summer heat that’s already hitting us? Not to worry!

Our trainer Sydney is partnered with St. Pete Dog Works, LLC and works alongside two other fantastic trainers to provide amazing group classes, in an indoor location in Downtown St Pete.

Sydney has a puppy class coming up this Thursday 5/16 and we would love for you to sign up and join if you have a puppy in need of a fun time, to learn some new things, and to socialize safely with other puppies.

If you have an adult dog and are ready for group classes there are also great group class options and often specialty classes for things like leash walking!

We have a couple of openings in several of our classes scheduled to start next week:

• Tuesday, 5/14 at 5:30pm Urban Leash Manners
• Thursday, 5/16 at 5:30pm Puppy Manners

See full class descriptions and register online:
https://www.stpetedogworks.com/puppy-classes

09/05/2024

We are so excited to announce our new "Sniffari Summer School" program!

☀️🌸🦮✨

The benefits of "Sniffaris" also known as Decompression walks are endless. These walks have a goal of enriching your dogs life which in turn gives you a happy, exercised dog for the rest of the day. I find a good decompression walk helps my own dogs for a few days after!

These walks are not intended to be training, but we do our best to reinforce good behavior and each walk will help your dog feel fulfilled, confident, and enriched

There is limited availability for this program as we are only doing walks in the morning to prevent our pups from overheating.

What is included?

-1 or 2 walks a week that include a max of 10 minutes of travel time to and from a designated location.
-Your dog walked on a long line for 30-35 minutes, where they can explore the world around them!
-Reinforcing desired behaviors like recalls, touch, checking in on walks.
-Games on the walk that are unique to your dogs individual needs, scent games for our hounds, fetch for our retrievers! What your dog likes, is what we will do.

Pre-Requisites:

-Your dog is comfortable with new people, in cars, and is generally happy on walks!
-Mild reactivity is okay but precautions will be discussed.
-Your dog is able to be walked on a flat collar or harness. We do not utilize e-collars, prong collars, or choke collars. (please note we are a judgment free zone, do not hesitate to reach out!)
-Some dogs may require private training sessions prior to being permitted to join the Sniffari program.
-With proper acclimation we can provide basket muzzles that allow your dog to pant and take treats for dogs who need them!

Check out this article by Dog Minded, she writes

"Sarah Stremming defines a decompression walk as “a walk where the dog is allowed freedom of movement in nature.” This can be done off-leash or on a long line with a back clipping harness. It sounds simple enough, yet the physical, emotional, and behavioral benefits of this practice can be profound.

Dogs are natural hunters and scavengers. Some of their innate behaviors include sniffing, chasing, running, digging, playing, and rolling in dead and stinky things, just to name a few. They see the world through their noses and their natural pace is much faster than ours. It’s not an exaggeration to say that given all of this, city and modern living can be hard for dogs. "

https://www.dogminded.training/blog/2019/5/27/the-life-changing-power-of-decompression-walks

10/01/2024

Happy New Year!

Happy Leashes is looking forward to announcing some new and exciting programs as well as introducing some amazing trainers to our team. We are so excited for 2024 and can't wait to help you and your pup feel like you can take on anything this year brings!

26/05/2023

At Happy Leashes, we are passionate about nurturing the bond between you and your canine companion. We believe that every dog has the potential to learn, grow, and thrive in a positive and supportive environment. With our expert dog trainers and a focus on compassionate training methods, we are dedicated to helping you and your furry friend achieve harmony and understanding.

Our approach to dog training is rooted in patience, trust, and clear communication. Whether you have a mischievous puppy, a rescue dog with behavioral challenges, or simply want to enhance your dog's obedience skills, we offer personalized training programs tailored to meet your unique needs. We take the time to understand your dog's temperament, personality, and learning style, allowing us to create a customized training plan that promotes their well-being and encourages their full potential.

Using positive reinforcement techniques and proven training methods, we guide dogs through essential commands, socialization exercises, and behavior modification with kindness and respect. We emphasize building a strong foundation of trust and positive associations, ensuring that your dog feels safe, loved, and confident throughout the training process.

At Happy Leashes, we believe that training should be an enjoyable experience for both you and your furry friend. Our supportive and knowledgeable trainers are here to guide and empower you every step of the way. We strive to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere, where questions are encouraged, progress is celebrated, and lifelong relationships are formed.

Join us at Happy Leashes and embark on a journey of discovery, growth, and transformation with your beloved four-legged companion. Together, we'll unlock the full potential of your dog, fostering a deep and unbreakable bond that will last a lifetime.

17/05/2023

Hi all! We wanted to announce that Happy Leashes will once again be taking on new clients. Specializing in leash manners, fearful/shy dogs, puppy manners, and behavioral concerns. We will be offering all sessions $20 off for the rest of May. Text or call Sydney at (727) 458-9340 if you are interested!

25/08/2021

🐶 Weimaraner Wednesday 😍

We've known Bella for years and it has been such a joy to watch her grow with her parents.

Bella wouldn't let you touch her feet at all and had some serious confidence and frustration issues when she was first adopted. Her life had been stressful, and being brought to the shelter at a year old, she needed time to adjust and learn how to be a polite and happy member of her new family. Now, Bella lets us come over for nail trims and happily gives me her paw while Trevin makes sure she's getting all of the treats and peanut butter in the world.

She still has her quirks, and training is a lifelong journey. But we are so proud of her and her family.

Weimaraner's are such a special breed!

The AKC says:

" Germany's sleek and swift 'Gray Ghost,' is beloved by hunters and pet owners alike for their friendliness, obedience, and beauty. They enjoy exercise, and plenty of it, along with lots of quality time with their humans."

They are a breed that requires lots of exercise both mental and physical, positive reinforcement based training, enrichment, and lots of love!

I personally find them to be quirky, insanely smart, active dogs. They can be great for people who want to take them on adventures!

Comment below what breed you'd like us to post about next 😊

08/02/2021

🐺

https://www.aaha.org/publications/newstat/articles/2021-02/mans-best-friend-might-be-a-dog-but-a-dogs-best-friend-might-be-a-woman/?fbclid=IwAR1Pei_EX0OFd9Hm9sNxUNxoi5C-6ujf3ZXnPyTJ3a3GD7RFOtxTnQLEKg4

Anthropologists at Washington State University found that dogs’ relationships with women might have had a greater impact on the development of the...

10/01/2021

https://www.whole-dog-journal.com/behavior/how-to-safely-introduce-your-dog-to-other-dogs/ Ever feel confused on how to introduce dogs properly? The internet can give you a lot of different answers. But these methods are backed by science and proven, humane training methods. Let's help our dogs feel confident meeting new friends and avoid putting them in situations they may feel uncomfortable in!

Given that our canine companions are a social species, you might think introducing two dogs would be a simple matter of turning them loose together and letting them take care of the rest. If only it were so?! If you have ever been present when a canine meet-and-greet suddenly exploded into a whirlwi...