Muddy paw season is coming!
One thing I experience with most people and clients is that they think of their dog as a little furry human. They’re not. We can still love them, but we have to understand their psychology in order to make sure we’re fulfilling them and setting them up for success.
We wouldn’t expect a deer or an alligator to think and behave like we do, so why do we expect that from dogs?
In the dog world, there are leaders and there are followers. If you don’t take the role of the calm, confident leader of the pack, who will? (Hint: one of your dogs will. And it won’t be pretty…anxiety, reactivity, you name it.)
Adding distance and distractions to our recall practice with Lucy ❤️
Having perfect recall can save your dogs life. But that requires practice, repetition and consistency.
Here are a few tips to make recall stronger.
1. Get yourself a long lead and practice in the house and backyard. Say their name and give the command “Lucy, come”. Reel them into you, have them sit in front of you, and then praise.
2. Once your dog has mastered recall in those areas, start adding distractions or go to a new place with new smells. Let your dog know that recall is not optional, even if something more exciting is happening elsewhere. Come means come. Every. Single. Time.
3. Don’t repeat the command a million times. Especially if your dog is off leash and not moving towards you. It weakens the association with the word. It’s better in those scenarios to go and get them and bring them to you then to keep repeating the command they are choosing to blow off.
4. Practice, practice, practice. So many of my clients master recall in the house and expect their dog to come to them in a distraction-filled setting. Make sure to set your dog up for success and practice in those areas with a long lead so you can follow through.
First time in years Leo has been able to go for a walk 🙌🏼. He would typically refuse to leave his driveway and would freeze or flop down on the ground and refuse to move. We were able to help unlock his brain and keep him moving forward. Now he can enjoy long walks his family. Go Leo, go! 🐶💕
Place work! One of the most important things to work on with your pup. Not only does it teach boundaries and impulse control, it gives dogs a safe, relaxing place to go in times of high excitement or stress, like when strangers come to the door.
When it comes to grooming and nail trimming, it’s important to start slow and make it a positive experience (for you and your dog).
Don’t wait until your dog is way overdue for a nail trim—start creating a positive association with touching feet and slowly introducing the brush or nail trimmer. Then you can build up to actually using the tool. If your dog shows hesitation or nervousness, that’s ok—prepare to have multiple sessions before you even touch them with the tool. And most important is your energy, so stay calm and have fun with it 🙏🏼💕
When hard work and patience pays off. Alysha and Jeremy have mastered the walk. 🙌🏼👏🏼
It’s a beautiful day for a bike ride 🚲💕
Dogs follow calm, assertive energy. Even the 140lb ones 💪🏼
If any of your dogs are showing protective behaviors over smaller members of the human pack, it’s time to go back to the basics and master the walk. And remember: babies are pack leaders too! 👶🏻 💕
You don’t need harsh tools or special harnesses to enjoy a walk with your dogs. Just the right energy ✌🏼
Penelope learning how to follow. She’s a smart cookie.
