MischiefManagement

12/01/2025

Is your “bad dog” actually: Afraid, bored, confused, lacking clear communication, under-stimulated, overwhelmed, insecure, lacking confidence, distrustful, under socialized, untrained, in pain, over-stimulated, lacking boundaries, under exercised, in need of breed appropriate activities, desperate for leadership?

29/12/2024

29/12/2024

Exhausted after their 10 hour sleep. 😴

23/12/2024

ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS ….

Not just for Christmas, but every day of a dog’s life – these are some of the things I believe dogs would want -

Gifts of love, kindness, compassion, understanding and knowledge.

Gifts of helping them feel safe, secure and protected in their environment

Gifts of unconditional love, second chances and a forever home

Gifts of allowing appropriate choices

Gifts of mental and physical stimulation.

Gifts of proper nutrition and health care.

Gifts of never using punishment, force, fear, intimidation or tools that cause pain.

Gifts of acceptance for the dog that they are.

Wishing you and dog’s everywhere a very Happy Christmas filled with the gifts that really matter!

09/12/2024

If you’re not in control of yourself you can’t expect to be in control of your dog.

Slow down. Calm down. Breathe.

08/12/2024

Maybe they are meant for us, the journey we are on. They help us grow patience, compassion, empathy. They make us look at ourselves more deeply.

Or maybe they are showing us a path we are destined to go down.
When we look this way at situations that challenge us it can sometimes help us make more sense of them.

05/11/2024

Try not to be discouraged if your dog is not suited for dog parks or a doggy daycare setting.

Daycare isn’t for everyone and that’s okay!

There are so many enrichment options - your dog can have a fulfilled and happy life as an introvert. 🐾

18/10/2024

Have a dog that is nervous of people?

For starters try asking your guests to ignore your dog before they arrive to your home.

This allows your dog to investigate them without the pressure of being immediately touched by a stranger!

18/10/2024

I love a good update! 🐾

Hank practicing “leave-it” at home with his people.

13/10/2024

Go easy on yourself 🫶

We can lose control of our emotions sometimes. It’s not ideal but it’s normal, it’s not because we are bad, but a sign we are stressed, pushed, triggered.

We may need to do some damage control after, repair the relationship a little. But what we shouldn’t do is blame or be unkind to ourselves. Instead look at ways we can reduce our stress in future, just like we would do for our dogs.

11/10/2024

🖤

11/10/2024

Tone of voice has a significant impact!

Using a high pitched tones can excite a dog while low and slow tones help to soothe them.

If you are interacting with an anxious dog, try lowering your tone of voice!

08/10/2024

Whether your dog is reactive, dealing with complex behavior issues, or you simply feel overwhelmed, asking for help is not a sign of weakness.

It truly takes a village to raise a happy, healthy dog. By reaching out to trainers, veterinarians, pet care professionals, or fellow pet parents, you demonstrate your commitment to your pet's well-being.

Seeking support not only eases your journey but also reminds you that you’re not alone in this.

If you’re facing challenges, our team of compassionate behavior consultants is here for you! We offer online consultations as well as in-person services in Chicago. Reach out today!

🔗 https://petharmonytraining.com/services/clients/

07/10/2024

If you find yourself getting frustrated during a training session with your dog, try briefly working on something you know they will succeed at and then take a break.

Do something fun with your dog and then return to training when you have restored your patience.

This will help to keep you and your dog looking forward to training sessions!

18/09/2024

Inconsistency can create confusion, which can cause a dog to act out.

The more consistent you are with your dog, the more likely it is that they will be able to relax in their environment and offer more behaviors that you like!

📞 920.901.2310

17/09/2024

🖤

“Reactive” dog owners — I see you.

Though you turn around the second you spot me coming, I see you.

Though you walk in the early hours of the morning and late hours of the night to avoid your dog’s triggers, I see you.

Though you try to hide because you’re embarrassed by your dog’s barking and growling and lunging, I see you.

Though you never go to the dog park or crowded downtown streets, I see you.

Though you cry your tears in private because people tell you it’s “just a dog”, I see you.

I see you, and I am one of you.

I know the unpopular paths, the emergency escape routes, the schedules of the other owners in the neighborhood. I know which yards are safe to pass and which might have off-leash dogs running onto the sidewalk.

I know the terror when someone’s dog approaches uninvited.

I know the way your stomach collapses when you see triggers coming toward you with no way out. I know the overwhelming love you have for your dog who is so darn sweet except for this quirk no one seems to understand.

I know the frustration, I know the embarrassment, I know the helplessness.

I know the pain. I know the ups and downs, the rollercoaster of progress and setbacks and progress and setbacks. I know the desperation.

But I also know the hard work.

I see you making decisions to advocate for your dog — to make space out in public, to tell strangers they can’t “say hi“, to intercept that off-leash dog running your way — even when it feels like the toughest thing in the world.

I see you investigating new training methods and using all the resources you can find. I see you learning from your mistakes. I see you getting back up and trying again.

I see you pushing, and growing, and coming to enjoy that wonderful dog on the end of the leash.

And most importantly?

I see you beginning to define yourself as so much more than the owner of a “reactive” dog.

I see you laughing when he chases the ball, realizing she is braver than you ever imagined, starting to understand that “reactive” is not his definition but just a trait he sometimes shows. A trait you two can work through — together.

I see you, even when you think no one does. Even when you wish no one did.

I am cheering so hard for every effort you make on this far-from-linear journey.

And we can do this.