Wise Mind Canine

31/05/2025

Struggling to decide whether adding another dog to your home is a good idea? This will help you decide.

ID: A German Shepherd head tilts next to the words, "New on the blog: should I add another dog?" The Wise Mind Canine logo is on the image.

23/05/2025

Sometimes your setup makes all the difference.

Today I worked with a local case which allowed me to replace a gating setup that wasn't working for them with something more solid from my garage.

Before we had to use a less ideal location for exposures between these dogs because the setup that was here before had dogs trying to push over gates, nearly jump them, and nosing at the edges to slip through. That brought up everyone's stress levels because not only were they learning new things, they also had that insecurity factor of "what happens if the gates fail?".

At the same time the dogs were really struggling in the alternative location with secure gates because:

1. It was too close to the smaller dogs' safe area so they felt defensive.

2. The little dogs didn't have much ability to seek distance.

3. There are 4 dogs in this case and none of the dogs are ready to work at the same time. We have to work in groups of 2. In the old location the second small dog in this case could hear everything and react from behind the door, setting everyone off.

By using taller 42" solid metal panels, high strength zip ties, pinning gates between walls and furniture (to be replaced by hooks in the studs and carabineers or zip ties attaching later) everyone was finally able to be successful in the better location.

Now the dogs:

1. Had no reason to try and jump a gate or knock it over because it wasn't going to work.

2. All had a lot of distance to retreat, including out of sight options. The small dogs in this case who are most anxious can even retreat to a lower floor.

This is of course not the only measure that was taken in this case that helped create this moment. We've done enrichment, medical assessments, behavior meds, and skillbuilding too. But getting this environmental change done on top of what was tried before really changed the game. This was a huge win today and I'm so proud of everyone, it was a real team effort for this wonderful family.

P.S. I know you have all been waiting for longer than I ever wanted for Thriving Multi Dog Households. I haven't forgotten. Between some rocky health issues for me and my senior dogs (12 & 14) having their own, I feel like I need about 4 of me right now. I promise it's worth the wait. It's on my list to show you what the new online classroom looks like with all of the upgrades next week. I've learned a thing or two about web design in the past 5 years and I know you'll all appreciate the upgrade.

VD: Videos shows a Chinese Crested and a Boxer separated by tall, black metal barriers in an open concept home. There's at least a 6ft gap between barriers. On one side a Boxer snuffles in a box filled with treats, a puzzle, and other items. On the other side the Chinese Crested is hanging out with a person and a lickable mat.

28/04/2025

Do ALL of your dogs have comfy and desirable places to be when you all settle down for the evening? Sometimes it takes some trial and error to find what each of your dogs love but it's worth the effort. In my living room we have a dog bed on a cot, an armchair that one of them is obsessed with, and an old oversized ottoman. Plus all the extra space on our couch, the area rug and hardwood floor. More options = less conflict.

My dogs also know that we're not going to let any of them pressure another dog to leave a comfy spot so they can take it. They learned that through our consistent and kind redirection whenever they have tried it in the past. Eventually you get dogs who don't even try to steal comfy spots in the first place.

ID: Multi Dog Monday Tip of the Week. Make sure that there are far more comfy spots to rest in your home than there are dogs. Especially in places where your family gathers in the evening after school and work. While there still may be favorites or issues, this can prevent tension for many dogs. To further support your dogs, gently redirect a dog who’s pressuring another dog to leave a bed or waking them out of sleep. The Wise Mind Canine Logo is on the image.

22/04/2025

I don't know about you, but I like to eat my meals in peace. No one hovering or trying to grab my food off of my plate. It's nice. And we don't have to answer the question of what I'd do if someone grabbed my scrambled eggs off my plate. (Do I bite? Maybe. Eggs are expensive.😂)

Yet many of us ask our dogs to tolerate this every day during meal time. Luckily the solution is simple. Give each of your dogs their own space to eat. Take your dog's worry of "will this food remain mine?" and replace it with feeling relaxed/safe around their meals. Plus, letting dogs eat in their own contained space opens up more options for using meals as enrichment experiences. Win-win.

ID: Multi Dog Monday tip of the week. The Wise Mind Canine Logo is on the image. The easiest way to reduce conflict over meals is to simply feed your dogs in their own spaces with barriers of some kind between them so they can’t come into contact with or bother one another. If your dog changes the way they eat when the other dog is in view versus out of view you can always choose an opaque barrier like a door or a temporary visual block like a blanket over a baby gate. Make sure you pick up those bowls before you put them back together.

19/04/2025

Been navigating some health challenges recently that have my hours and days all out of order. But I just got done watching a whole batch of client videos and there is no pain killer or fatigue overcomer quite like getting to help clients with their dogs.

From the cutest Basset Hound play bow to the infectious joy of watching an oh so happy Rottweiler do the most enthusiastic place cue I've ever seen. Plus the best herdy mix who is oh so serious about muzzle training. Not to mention getting to hang out with the Boxers to try out enrichment and work on appropriate greetings. Can't forget helping a Chinese Crested and a tiny Terrier mix get their first introduction to learning trained skills. This job is truly just the best job. I wouldn't trade it for anything.

While I specialize in multi dog households, the reality is that in doing that, I work on everything else you can imagine too. I leave no stone unturned when it comes to helping every individual dog live the best life they can with their family. So don't hesitate to reach out for private training if you've only got one dog. I'll just thank you for putting me on household dynamics easy mode for a little while.

That last April spot is still hanging in there if you need it. At this point I'm debating closing out May to new private clients in order to finish my Thriving Multi Dog Households project. So speak now or you might have to hold until June. If I leave May open there will only be one additional spot.

ID: Image shows a dog in front of a laptop with a banner with my name Katie Sipple IAABC-ADT above it. 1 slot remaining for private training with an April start date. Claim it soon! Contact me here, via email [email protected], or on the website. The Wise Mind Canine logo is on the image.

17/04/2025

Today had me reflecting on how truly challenging some cases can be. Sometimes even figuring out simple enrichment options can be a big process with a lot of frustrating dead ends. For me. For my clients. For their dogs. Basically the sub quest to the original problem can suddenly feel like a whole entire quest of its own.

When I talk about complex multi dog households being my favorite puzzle, I mean it. But I am also incredibly cognizant of the fact that my clients are living the puzzle day in and day out and they need relief. So when this local "sudden" 4 dog household was handing me heavy helpings of humble pie, well, I had to physically go out there for some intensive troubleshooting. The first time I've felt I absolutely HAD to do that in 5 years.

This was one of our huge breakthroughs this week. Troubleshooting taking the Boxers on neighborhood walks together with only one of their people. These two spent most of their walk happily side by side and taking shared sniff breaks. They saw triggers but were able to watch or disengage. We had an equipment safety net (leash belay) so that those two wouldn't be able to hurt their person or get free if they did react to something or start pulling hard. There's still work to do here but they were so thrilled and content getting exercise that could previously only happen on weekends.

Linking back to my Multi Dog Monday tip earlier in the week, notice this isn't a picture perfect walk by people standards. They pulled sometimes. They were focused on the environment and each other. They wanted absolutely nothing to do with food. We didn't work on anything other than putting one foot in front of the other. But what was it? 2 dogs and their person getting to enjoy a cool, crisp, spring day together, safely and enjoyably. It was freedom and fun!

We didn't do anything super fancy here training wise, this was just:

1. My client pre exercised the dogs with yard time.
2. We worked their brains inside on another issue.
3. Tried a couple different leash combinations for human confidence and comfort until we landed on the belay and what you see here.
4. Me coming along for backup and coaching.

We can build skills over time to make things go more smoothly, but for now, everybody gets the stress relief of a neighborhood walk and they're one step closer to getting these dogs in the right headspace to try to properly integrate them with their new housemates.

Alright, time to sleep, I just wanted to share how darn proud I am of this family! They've been doing HARD work and it was so nice to see them reap some reward. I have loved that my body is cooperating for some in person client time right now with such awesome people.

VD: 2 adult Boxers walk side by side down a neighborhood sidewalk on a split bungee lead attached to harnesses. The larger has dark brown fur mixed with white and the smaller has light brown and white fur. They go different directions for a second and then land on sniffing the same spot. One of the harnesses has patches that say "best friend".

15/04/2025

How about a 3 minute late Multi Dog Monday?

Walking multiple dogs at the same time can be a challenge! But it's not impossible and it can even be enjoyable with the right skills. Usually when people talk about this they're talking about heeling together or loose leash walking within a few feet of their person. Those are important too, especially if you tend to walk in areas with tight spaces like the city. But when I talk about skills for walking multiple dogs I'm also thinking of things like:

1. Intermittent auto check ins with their people.

2. Directionals. Have you ever tangled leashes? Being able to ask a dog to move a certain direction can help.

3. Coming back when called.

4. Skills for soothing arousal like pattern games.

For me, multi dog walks are for their enjoyment of just being dogs. I love watching what they decide to do together. From carrying sticks, to sniffing all the same spots, to getting excited and trying to play. Wherever possible I'm going to let them just do their thing and not stress about that perfect picture of loose leash walking. I'm not ruining their fun or their bonding activity by panicking about a leash that got tight. But I do need them not to drag me down the street, avoid wrapping each other up in knots, move away from something when I ask, and bring that energy level back into thinking brain territory if something overexcites or upsets them.

What skills do you find most important while walking multiple dogs?

ID: Multi Dog Monday Tip of the Week. Are you having a disastrous time walking your dogs together? You’re definitely not alone. It’s important to work on leash walking skills with each dog individually first before you try to ask them to perform those skills together. Be prepared to work on those skills again, often from the beginning when you switch to working with both dogs. The behavior will slip because of the added distractions. A commonly missed part of this process is practicing inside your home first. Then gradually transition outside. When you first start walking together it can help to make loops around the same block so the environment becomes less distracting. The Wise MInd Canine logo is on the image.

11/04/2025

There seems to be a pressure on people to throw everything they have into their dogs. Especially when things aren't going well with behavior which is ironically the time people are most overwhelmed.

Here's the thing, sometimes you need a break. Sometimes life is just really hard and I think all of us can relate to the feeling that there's just not enough of us to go around and do all we need to do. The dogs will truly be alright if you can't go for a walk today or if you need to skip that enrichment activity or training you had planned. If you need "you" time. Take it. You'll be a better dog guardian for it later. Your needs matter too.

If you find yourself struggling to balance your needs with those of your dog professional support can go a long way toward making your lives together run more smoothly. Send me a message if you want to find out how Wise Mind Canine can help you with that.

ID: Large text says "YOUR DOGS WILL BE OKAY IF YOU NEED A BREAK TODAY" in all capital letters. Will be okay is bold. Smaller text says "You have to take care of yourself to take care of them. If this day or this week or this month have to be about you, it’s OK. Your needs matter. Their needs matter. You have to honor both." The Wise MInd Canine logo is on the image.

10/04/2025

Did you know that medical issues in your multi dog household can contribute to the risk of a dog fight in your home?

I've seen multi dog households face dog fights with medical issues as major contributing factors:

-Undiagnosed mystery symptoms.

-Long term and painful surgical recovery.

-Disabilities that impact the dogs' ability to communicate or respond to communication from other dogs. Things like blindness, deafness, canine cognitive dysfunction etc.

-Osteoarthritis, hip, and elbow dysplasia

-Chronic GI issues

- Allergies

-Thyroid problems.

-Neurological issues like seizures or vestibular problems.

Your veterinarian is an amazing resource for preventing dog fights in your multi dog household. Keep up on your preventative care. Bring the dogs in right away when you suspect something. Address chronic diagnoses to the best of your ability and get serious about pain control. Your dogs will thank you. Remember, if behavior changes "out of the blue" it's time to go to the vet first. If you find that your dog is living with a chronic condition, they may need extra support from you to thrive alongside the other dogs.

ID: Dog Fight Risk Factors with a red alarm and veterinary care symbol. Text reads "One or more of your dogs have medical issues that cause pain, disorientation, a decreased ability to respond to signals of other dogs, general discomfort or anxiety. These conditions may be known or unknown to you. This is why it is especially critical to keep up on veterinary care in multi dog households. Dogs with medical issues need care from your veterinarian. If you need help supporting your dogs’ interactions alongside medical complexities. Contact Wise Mind Canine today." The Wise Mind Canine logo is on the image.

09/04/2025

Still here. Still awesome.

💚Let me be the dog trainer in your pocket, because tough dog behavior doesn't box itself into an hour a week.

💚 Don't struggle. Reach out! Make progress faster with extensive between lesson support and feedback.

💚 Kind solutions. For you. For your dogs (and cats too!). No guilt. No shame. No fear.

I only have one remaining private training program start date in April. If you're still considering, now is your moment! Once it is gone I will start reserving for May 2025. Have a good weekend!

ID: Image shows a dog in front of a laptop with a banner with my name Katie Sipple IAABC-ADT above it. 1 slot remaining for private training with an April start date. Claim it soon! Contact me here, via email [email protected], or on the website. The Wise Mind Canine logo is on the image.

07/04/2025

What happens when 2 dog people fall in love? Well sometimes they move in together and need to create a new blended family with their dogs. Sometimes the dogs make that easy. Sometimes they don't! I honestly didn't expect to support so many people in this particular situation but this setup has honestly become one of my favorite case types. It's incredibly rewarding to help everyone thrive together.

Whether you fell in love, moved home unexpectedly, or needed a roommate, there are no guarantees the dogs will get along. But you can give yourselves better odds through consistency and agreements about things like:

💚 Routines.
Where do the dogs eat? How do you handle guests? Where do dogs sleep? What happens when you're cooking or eating? How do dogs ask to go outside? How do dogs receive high value items safely? etc.

💚 Rules and Boundaries.
Not only what you'd like the dogs to do or not do. But also how you're going to interact with the other person's dog and "the dogs" as a group. What does it look like to each person to help a dog follow a boundary or rule? How are you going to create an environment that helps everyone live in harmony?

💚 Communication.
Things like creating consistent cues between dogs and using the same markers can fall into this category. As well as learning to read dog body language and how to respond accordingly. Not to mention communication as a team when something is going wrong. For instance disagreements about how someone is behaving toward your dog or issues between dogs. These conversations can get emotional!

💚 Following a Plan for Integrating Your Dogs
You've spent a lot of time building up your relationship with this person. You chose them out of all the people you could have chosen, that's awesome. However your dogs didn't get that choice. They are stuck with whoever you chose and whichever dogs come with that choice. The dogs deserve the chance to develop the relationships they want at the rate that feels safe for them. It's your job as their guardians to help and support them through this big life change. You need a plan for how to do that. You need a backup plan for if it goes wrong. Ultimately those plans have to be a team agreement and effort to be successful.

Have you ever blended dog households? What most surprised you about the process? What do you wish you knew or did before you moved in together?

ID: Multi Dog Monday tip of the week. Blending dog households with a roommate or partner can be complex. Honest discussions about expectations and collaborating on how to handle things day to day are critical BEFORE you sign a lease, mortgage, or give up your current home. We all have different ways of living with dogs and boundaries we like to follow. It’s important to land in a compatible place before the choice is far more difficult to undo. Enlisting the help of a professional dog trainer can help you work together to create a multi dog household that works for everyone and properly integrate the dogs.

05/04/2025

I only have one remaining private training program start date in April. If you're still considering, now is your moment! Once it is gone I will start reserving for May 2025. Have a good weekend!

ID: Image shows a dog in front of a laptop with a banner with my name Katie Sipple IAABC-ADT above it. 1 slot remaining for private training with an April start date. Claim it soon! Contact me here, via email [email protected], or on the website. The Wise Mind Canine logo is on the image.