The Mindful Pupper

06/05/2026

Hi Friends!
For those that don't know, I have been working with Brigadoon Service Dogs for over 3 years now. In the beginning of this year, I was hired to direct their prison programs, which has been such a positive experience. I've had such a wonderful time working within multiple facilities and helping train over 30 incarcerated handlers on positive reinforcement training and advanced service dog skills.

Brigadoon is doing a big end-of-the year fundraiser push to make sure we can keep these programs running and keep offering high quality dogs.

I thought I'd take a minute just to share their post and their goals, if anyone was looking for an organization to support in these tough times.

Brigadoon needs your help.

We are facing serious financial uncertainty due to rising costs and reduced funding. Right now, we need to raise $250,000 by July 1 to keep our doors open and continue training service dogs for the people who are counting on them.

Every dog in training, every client waiting, and every future service dog team depends on Brigadoon being here.

Please make an urgent gift today:
brigadoondogs.org/donate

If you can’t give right now, please share this post to help us reach someone who can.

Every gift and every share helps keep Brigadoon moving forward.

07/01/2026

Arlo is starting off 2026 but finding his forever home!!

This guy was such an emotional rollercoaster but I appreciate being trusted to help him recover and gain so much confidence.

He’s off to Wyoming with a new sibling and two humans who have hit the ground running with his training. This really couldn’t have been a better match.

03/12/2025

When your puppy raiser labels you ‘high prey drive’ but you live with free roam chickens and this is one your first reactions to a kitten in your space… I think he will be just fine!
Ready to meet his new owners and happy to build bonds with a new family Arlo is looking for a home to call his own.

13/11/2025

Considering this guy not only had ZERO concept of a stay but also an aversive reaction to anything that remotely suggested stillness... he has come a long way!
Never under estiamte the power of capturing behaviors you like- they buid the strongest foundation for future goals.

11/11/2025

In Hoquiam and looking for some training opportunities to continue work with your dog?
Join Dax on Sunday afternoons!

Next class starts Sunday November 23rd at 1pm. Still have a couple slots open, come join us in Hoquiam!
https://www.derogadogtraining.com/services

07/11/2025

2 week of crate rest was BORING but he survived! back to our normal adorable mayhem until he finds his new best friend.

28/10/2025

I started a discord group for my clients last year and honestly, it's been amazing!
We have a thread for wins and to continue to hear about progress clients are making has been fabulous.
Keep up the good work my friends!!!

27/10/2025

It’s been a long three months of constant progress from this guy and I couldn’t be more proud. But keeping every one’s needs in mind, it was decided he wouldn’t be a good fit for his owner. Arlo is absolutely ready to find a new partner in crime to he;p him through this next chapter in his life.

22/10/2025

*update* thanks to the support of his wonderful breeder we were able to get him in for his neuter super fast! He is currently recovering but generally doing well.

Arlo has been boarding with me for 3 months now. After a lot of work and improvement and some heartache we decided he wasn’t a good fit to continue service dog training with his owner.

My ideal is finding someone who wants a highly competitive scentwork companion because his drive for odor and searching is phenomenal.