Pax and Pixie (2024)

06/12/2023

How often do you play with your dog?

I would argue that playing with your dog is one of the most effective ways to train them! Even if your dog doesn’t have a high toy drive, you can still play.

Pixie has a super high toy drive, and loves all types of play. Pax doesn’t have a high toy drive but loves trick training, doggy parkour, and conditioning type exercises.

Not only is it important to find how your dog likes to play, but how you like to play with your dog. My husband loved playing fetch, frisbee, and tug, while I enjoy more mental play like hide-and-seek, trick training, and conditioning.

Playing with your dog not only builds your bond immensely, but it allows you to see what your dog likes/dislikes, what motivates them, and learn more about their body language.

This is your reminded to play with your dog!

02/12/2023

Pixie is 2️⃣!!🥳

This last year with Pixie has been such a blast! She is one of the best dogs, and is so much fun! She loves to swim, hike, be with her people, and try new things. She is currently loving trick training and playing hide-and-seek!

And today to celebrate her birthday we tried out herding, and she passed her instinct test!! 🐑 The tester absolutely loved her and said she was the coolest dog she has ever met!🙌🏻

*beach tent was gifted in a previous collaboration with HeyTrip

25/11/2023

Happy Fera Friday!

One of my favorite things to do with my dogs is explore new areas. Pax absolutely loves to run around, sniff, and explore. However, after spending lots of time outside he always comes inside and licks his paws… a lot.

I have started added pre + probiotics into his diet, as well as keeping his grinch toes at bay, and he has responded wonderfully. I have noticed way less licking and his paws aren’t nearly as irritated!

Check out all of Fera Pet Organics supplements for your pets today!

10/11/2023

Next Stop: The Weekend!!

We don’t have any set plans for this weekend- which is so rare!

I definitely plan to get the dogs out and take some photos, and I would love to bring them on an outing to practice settling in public.

Do you have any weekend plans?

08/11/2023

Happy Wednesday!

This past weekend we went to and had a great time! The weather was great and the atmosphere was even better! There were lots of dogs, so it was a great opportunity for Pax and Pixie to practice neutrality. We brought a blanket and it was a great spot for Pixie to ‘park’ herself and practice being calm.

Oh, and the donuts were out of this world!

06/11/2023

Are you guilty of this?

Dogs are SO smart, which is good and bad. If we are only practicing what we want to see in our dogs for a 10-15 minute training session, they are learning way more the rest of the day!

What completely transformed my dogs was when I stopped saying ‘I’ll work on it during training’, and tackled it right then and there.

Take for example, jumping on the counter. To begin with, I was setting up training sessions to teach Pixie to not jump on the counter for food. But after that session was over, I wasn’t doing anything to teach her. Then I switched gears and instead of training her with a few reps, I set the expectation that if she’s in the kitchen she’s on place. This drastically decreased jumping on the counter!

Where can you expand out of training with your dog?

04/11/2023

A happy dog is a trained dog.

I find it so unfair to have expectations for your dogs that you don’t teach. We want our dogs calm, but we don’t teach them to settle. We want a dog who can go out into public, but don’t practice neutrality. We want a dog that can be off leash, but don’t practice being the most exciting thing to them.

While it may seem ‘mean’ to set boundaries and hard to teach them, they totally pay off! Sometimes I would rather sit and relax rather than enforce place, but then when they can easily relax in public I remember why I do it.

Some dogs don’t NEED a lot, Pax was one of those dogs! But Pixie is not. She is a ball of energy and needs boundaries to be able to coexist peacefully with us.

What is one boundary you have to set with your dog?

01/11/2023

Trails filled with deer are the only thing these two find spooky!👻

November is going to be a great month! DogDad and I are starting 75 soft which means double the walks for Pax and Pixie. I aim to walk them 2 miles a day, but that doesn’t always happen.

Something I have been seeing often is the idea that a ‘20 minute sniff walk is equal to an hour long regular walk’. While sniffing is amazing for dogs, why are we looking for ways to exercise our dogs less? Many dogs need MORE exercise. Sniff walks can be fantastic for dogs or humans that can’t physically handle long walks, but a 20 minute sniff walk should not be all your dog gets on a regular basis.

I think many people like the idea of having a dog, but don’t like to meet their dogs needs.

Thoughts??

31/10/2023

There is nothing quite as scary as a sick pet | Ad

That is why I absolutely love Turkey Tail Mushrooms! Did you know Turkey Tail mushrooms is great for the immune system and can even benefit dogs with cancer? I always make sure to add mushrooms to Pax and Pixies meals, and Turkey Tail is one of my favorites!

Check out the link in my bio to get some shrooms for your pup too!🍄

30/10/2023

Looking for where the weekend went👀

We finally have a few weekends coming up where we will be home!🙌🏻 I am planning to take that time to get all the dogs gear situated for the winter. Once it starts becoming darker at night we switch to longer morning walks, and work on fun training in the evenings!

I love to work on tricks, agility, conditioning, and scent work.

What are your favorite indoor activities to do with your dogs?

25/10/2023

Hi, we’re new here👋🏻 (kinda)

Notice anything different? We changed our username! I will still be focused on Pax and Pixie (obviously), but I would love to share more about my life with two dogs, a cat, and a baby!

What kind of lifestyle(ish) content are you interested in?

23/10/2023

A fall filled weekend🍂

This weekend was full of family time and love.🫶🏻 Saturday we brought the pups to Barktoberfest where they got lots of cookies, tried out agility, and watched the dock diving competition.

This made me think how much I would love to get the dogs back into an activity. I think Pax would love scentwork or barnhunt, and Pixie would be great at agility or dock diving.

⬇️What dog sport do you enjoy or would you want to try out?

Sunday we went a walk at the nature preserve and the leaves were just gorgeous!

22/10/2023

| Rehoboth Beach Dog Friendly Travel Guide🌊 Save this for later!

If you have a dog you need to visit Rehoboth Beach! The town was super pet friendly and staying at was super convenient!

The canal was so peaceful, and everything you could need was just a short walk away. They even have a small pool and a hot tub!

They thought of everything you could need when traveling with man’s best friend- bowls, 💩 bags, a dog blanket, dog towels, and they’ll even walk your dog!

21/10/2023

The King of Travel👑

Where is your favorite place you have taken your dog?

Pax is truly the best travel bud. He is super adaptable to to any environment and loves to be with his people. Our dogs only experience the world we give them, so I try and let them experience as much as possible!

*photo taken during a hosted stay

19/10/2023

Happy Thursday!

One more day, and then it’s the weekend! We have quite a busy weekend and I know the dogs are going to have a blast!

We have recently come up with some ‘doggy house rules’, would you be interested in hearing more about them?

17/10/2023

🚨Attention anxious dog owners🚨 |

You NEED to try CBD. Ever since starting Pixie on CBD I have noticed a huge shift in her. She is able to recover easier from stressful situations, focus among distractions, and settle way easier.

Contrary to what I thought, CBD doesn’t make your dog tired and they will still be their normal, fun self!

🌿Use code PAXANDPIXIE20 to save!

16/10/2023

Shhhh!! No one tell Pixie what is behind her!

Pixie has been absolutely excelling in her training recently and it has felt amazing!🙌🏻 Not only does it feel great to see her calm and confident, but it also reaffirms that all the work I have put into her in paying off!

She is able to relax, walk on a loose leash (and heel if prompted), and promptly respond to trained commands- all when in a new, exciting environment! Everything she can now do would have once caused her (and me!), lots of stress.

What is one area your dog has struggled in that you are now seeing improvement?

13/10/2023

Good enough.

Those are two words we should NOT be using to describe our dogs. I recently heard in a podcast about how we often accept our dogs behavior because it was ‘good enough’.

You may have a goal of your dog walking in heel (I know I do!). We tell ourselves, ‘they’re not pulling today so I’ll work on heel tomorrow’

Or maybe your goal is for your dog to relax in place(my goal too!). For so long I was accepting just staying on place- no matter what that looked like. Then I had a mindset switch and worked towards relaxation, and it worked so quick!

Not only are we doubting our dogs (and ourselves!), but we are sending mixed messages. If you want a relaxed dog on place but end the training session with them standing on place watching you- what message does that send?

Sometimes small steps towards a larger goal are good, but sometimes I think progress that is too slow hinders us instead of allowing us to grow!

⬇️What is one area that you accept good enough with your dog?

12/10/2023

Happy Thursday!

The dogs and I have been having a great week! The fall weather is perfect, they have been responding so well to new training, and I have a plan to help with their ‘problem’ areas💪🏻

Pixie mainly struggles with over arousal in new and exciting places, and Pax struggles with focus.

We have some exciting collaborations coming up soon and I can’t wait to share!🤩

11/10/2023

Happiest with a toy in tow🎾

Pax and Pixie are strange dogs, while they will play with toys, they mainly want to just carry them around.

Whenever Pax gets super excited he grabs the closet thing he can find, a toy, sock, slipper- anything! He doesn’t chew it, just shows it off. This is something he taught Pixie and I am so happy about it! Not only is it adorable, but it makes her wayyyy less likely to jump!

Does your dog do any strange behaviors?

10/10/2023

Happy, happy, happy🫶🏻

There are three things Pax absolutely loves- space to run, things to sniff, and water to splash in.

If he has these things, he is thrilled!

What does your dog love?

09/10/2023

Life is so hard when you’re a dog!

Do your dogs ever huff and puff and act like they done so much work?

Mine do! And they are spoiled rotten. Eat the best food, (almost) daily walks, off leash time, all sorts of fun training, unlimited snuggles, travel- they have it all! Yet, they still lay down and let out the biggest sigh like their life is so hard!

08/10/2023

Happy Sunday!

We haven’t had a very ‘sun’ day weekend, but we have had lots of fun! Yesterday we got stuck in a downpour, but Pax and Pixie were as happy as could be! They had the park all to themselves and loved splashing in the puddles and rolling around in the wet grass.

Since they were both puppies I made it a point to bring them out in any weather and not avoid going out (unless it’s extreme weather!). I think this had played a huge part in them loving to be outside in rain, snow, sleet, or shine!

Is there any weather your dog doesn’t like?

Pax and Pixie don’t like when it’s SUPER windy!

04/10/2023

Happy Humpday!!🐪

We have been having gorgeous weather this week and the leaves are starting to change!🙌🏻 We have a busy weekend full of fall festivals and friends, but I’m hoping to get a hike in and do some leaf peeping!

Have the leaves started changing by you?

02/10/2023

Low quality image, high quality friendship🫶🏻

If you didn’t know, Pax and Pixie have a feline sister- Peaches! She is one feisty kitty and keeps everyone on their toes, except Pax! They are not ones to cuddle or play together, but she would never dare to harass Pax the way she does the rest of us.

In fact, she would like to cuddle and play with Pax but he has no interest. They enjoy sniffing out the back door, locking their bowls clean, and cleaning each others ears🤢

⬇️Does your dog have a friend who isn’t a canine?

PS- I wish they had a relationship like , but at least they don’t fight🤣

28/09/2023

I told Pixie to protect breakfast and she was unimpressed by her lack of payment! (She did get a pupcup!)

I love brining Pax and Pixie on one on one adventures, and I can tell they love it too! Pixie never sits in the front seat unless it’s just the two of us, and she is always so confused!

25/09/2023

Training. Part 3. Pixie.

Pixie is really a great dog. She was a super easy puppy (besides breaking her leg🤪), never chewed anything, no barking, crate trained with little trouble, loved training, and was fully trusted by 5 months!

Even at almost 2 years old, she is a great dog. Recalls beautifully, rarely barks, never chews, listens fantastic, and is extremely adorable. The main thing we struggle with is her arousal. She gets SO excited when people come over, and is extremely excited on walks. She can also become anxious in new environments and wants to be on our lap or carried.

To help her we have been trading couch time for place time and implementing more structured walks ( inspired by ). Now, this doesn’t mean she doesn’t have any freedom- she isn’t crated during the day so she’s on the couch, she sleeps in the bed, and still has plenty of off leash time.

We are hoping by having more place time at home and in public that she will become more confident there and not be anxious in new environments. And I have already seen the benefits of structured walks, she is much calmer on walks and not over aroused by the environment.

Everyday I am working to help Pixie feel more connected and stable so she can enjoy life to the fullest!

23/09/2023

Training. Part 2. Pax.

Pax is seriously the most chill dog. No behavior issues, even as a puppy. Never chewed anything, never barks, doesn’t beg for food, recall training was a breeze, walks on the leash great, etc. Maybe he didn’t need training, but maybe we just started him off with good habits?

Having a dog that is SO easy doesn’t really require any ‘training’, but why not strive for better? One thing I work on with Pax is thresholds at the front/back door. Without this he will just slip outside, sniff around, and come in when he decides it’s time. Which is fine, except he could sniff for hours at one bush🤣 By instilling the boundary of the door not only does he stay safe, but when I call him inside he responds way better.

Really, that’s the only training he ‘needs’. We love doing tricks and barkour to build his confidence, but he has a pretty low drive for a Border Collie so it’s all on his terms. At 7 years old he knows the rhythm of our life together and is a joy to be around. 🫶🏻

22/09/2023

Training. Part 1.

I feel like in the dog community it’s all or nothing, and if you change your philosophy… get ready for backlash.

I have considered my training style to be ‘force free’ for a while. But some things didn’t see right to me, some ‘force free’ or ‘purely positive’ trainers make it seem like any boundaries you set for your dogs that they don’t like are bad. But that makes no sense- what other relationships (animal or human), have no boundaries?

There are boundaries I want and need to uphold- no pulling on the leash, no barking at the door, no begging for food, no counter surfing, threshold manners, etc. Do I punish my dogs for breaking these boundaries? No. I set them up for success, give clear expectations, and if they cross the boundary they get told no and redirected.

I can respect my dogs desires and say no to them at the same time. I can tell them no in a clear way, it is not mean! If I found a way to accommodate everything my dogs want to do I would simply have an untrained dog. They can’t rush out the front door, they can’t chase squirrels, they can’t bark and wake up the baby- not only for their safety but for the sake of our relationship as well.

There a variety of trainers that I LOVE- and surprise! No two have the exact same training philosophy. Some of my favorites are:

21/09/2023

Nothing sweeter than a dog and a baby🎀

I new Pax and Pixie would be good around a new baby, but I had no clue how obsessed with her they would be!

Pax loves sleeping next to her crib or outside our door, ‘playing’ on her playmat, and checking in with her after a sneeze!

Pixie can’t wait for the day she can through a ball for her, and brings her a toy every time we get home just hoping today is the day!

DogDad and I are now chopped liver when we get home, all they want is to sniff the baby and see where she’s been all day!

20/09/2023

Pax and Pixie go ham for their chews 🐽

*This is my first entry for Rep Search*

One thing that is super important in a raw fed diet is making sure your dog gets a lot of variety. The easiest (and most economical), way for me to achieve this is through treats and chews. Pax and Pixie's main diet consists of Turkey, chicken, and beef, but through chews and treats I am able to introduce more proteins.

Here they are enjoying a pig skin! Not only is it a protein they don't usually get, but the chewing is great for their teeth, and helps settle them for the night.

⬇️How do you incorporate variety into your dogs diet?

19/09/2023

Happy Tuesday!💙

We have had a slow start to the week, but hopefully we can turn that around! It has been wayyy cooler in the mornings which the dogs love, but it makes it hard for me to get out of the bed!

I’m hoping to bring them on a walk this evening and do some trick training! They also need a bath this week so I’m hoping we can squeeze that in somewhere…

⬇️Do you prefer walks in the summer or winter?

18/09/2023

Meal Monday🍣

One way I show my love for others is through acts of service. I think this is one of the reasons I enjoy creating meals for my dogs so much. I love adding in toppers, supplements, and fun frozen treats to spice up their meal.

⬇️How do you show love to your dog?

Not only do I get to see what foods my dogs enjoy the most, I also know that I am giving them the best foundation for overall health and well being.

In this bowl:

Chicken recipe 🐔
Salmon 🍣
Mushrooms* 🍄
Hip + Joint* 🦴
Golden Paste 🌟
Senior Support
Water 💦

*gifted items

14/09/2023

We all wish to be as happy as Pixie✨

Last night Pixie had an upset stomach, meaning no morning walk and fasting until lunch time. Then she will get a small snack with some fiber and pumpkin!

What is your protocol for a sick dog?

This weekend we are doing something with the dogs I have wanted to do forever and I can’t wait!! It’s going to either be great or a disaster🤣

13/09/2023

Happy Humpday!🐪

Today the dogs are having a little bit of a rest day. For us that looks like no morning walk, but in the evening we will take a sniffy walk and do some K9 calisthenics!

Pax and Pixie do great with a slower day ever once in a while, this is because they know the expectations to be calm and well mannered inside. I do allow indoor play but it has to stay below a certain threshold.

⬇️Are your dogs allowed to play indoors? If so, are there any rules?

11/09/2023

Happy Monday☀️

We started our week off with a morning walk and a yummy snack😋

This week DogMom goes back to work full time, which means we will have lots of time to relax! We will still get our daily walks, but we are going to start a new indoor exercise routine!

We have an exciting weekend ahead and can’t wait to share!

⬇️How is your Monday going?

06/09/2023

Wacky Wednesday🤪

Hump day is here and it is a big deal today! I am going back to work which means the dogs will be home alone and baby sis starts daycare!

I am SO sad to be leaving all my babies, but I know a new schedule and routine will help us all adjust.

🐪What are you doing to celebrate hump day?

04/09/2023

Some pictures from our Sunday morning adventures☀️

This week I go back to work and I am definitely going to miss my baby and the pups. We will go back to our morning walks and weekend adventures. The cooler fall weather is upon us and I can’t wait!🍂

31/08/2023

One thing about Pax is he will dig and hole and he will lay in it

The first week Pax came home he dug a whole so deep in the yard that it turned into a pond💀 It literally filled up with water and he was covered in thick, brown mud.

He isn’t such a bad digger now but if he gets the zoomies and sees a nice patch of dirt… all bets are off🤣

27/08/2023

Will you bees be my friend?🐝

Fun fact about Pax is he absolutely LOVES chasing, sniffing, and eating bugs. Yes- even bumble bees🙈

We went to a Sunflower patch yesterday and Pax was loving all the bumblebees buzzing around. Pixie on the other hand was not having it- poor thing was stung a ton of times on her paw that morning.

I love seeing dogs photographed with flowers and I’m so happy I could recreate it!