12/07/2024
Thanks for being such a great place to expose puppies to new sights, smells, sounds and people!
Certified +R dog training for Chattanooga and surrounding areas. Follow us for dog training tips, en
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Thanks for being such a great place to expose puppies to new sights, smells, sounds and people!
My mom's love and belief in me gave me the courage to "step out of the boat" and become a dog trainer. Gosh I love and appreciate her!
Happy Mother's Day to all who love, care, sacrifice and see the good in others, whether they have two legs or four!
Wow, so encouraging to get these sweet gifts from Emmett and his people! Thank you!
Side note- I don't really judge people for their dog's behavior, since my own is far from perfect! 😂
Well that was fun! And Pippa the pup was a rock ⭐! Thank you for having us. 😁
Heidi Casey is a certified dog trainer here in Chattanooga. She only uses positive reinforcement during her training, and as you can see by Pippa on set it wor
I love training all types of dogs, but those goofy, "wild child" dogs sure make me laugh 😁
What's your dog's personality?
Zen Master, Life of the Party, or Leave Me Alone?
I love how science is teaching us more and more about dogs 😁
Do you let your dog choose his walk?
When we get to an intersection I ask Smokey, " do you want to go left or right?" And let him choose.
Dogs really don't have many choices living in our world. The more choices we can give them, the more calm and confident they will become because they will feel like they have some control over their environment. Giving your dog agency is a great gift!
Lately Smokey keeps choosing to walk towards this spot, probably because a semi wild goat that no one has been able to capture hangs out here. So now I have just been asking "do you want to go see the goat?"😁
Happy national (red) retriever day Sadie! I hope you get even more love than normal today 😁
Recall Works!!
Train it well and practice it often. Always make it rewarding for your dog so that he will come every time!
What is your favorite thing to do with your dog?
🥾 Hike? 🛋️ Chill on the couch?
🥎 Play? 🚗 Road trip?
🍽️ Eat at an outside cafe?
Tell us in the comments below!⬇️
And if your dog's behavior is making it difficult to do those favorite things, reach out. We can help!
www.chattdogtrainer.com
Show me your pictures of your dogs playing in the snow! 😁
Merry Christmas from Smokey and I!🎄
I would love to see pictures of your dogs opening their presents 😁
What is the BEST road trip you've taken w your dog?
I am still on an endorphin high from our recent road trip. 😁
If you are traveling this week I wish you all safe and happy journeys.
And if you need help in the future with how to have great adventures with your dog, reach out to chattdogtrainer.com 😁
We did NOT expect to see Santa in a hot rod when we went to Coolidge Park to help this fearful pup safely encounter new things! But Team Pepper handled it like pros!
When your dog is uncomfortable with something, do not force them into the situation, even if you are in a hurry, want them to "get over it", or it makes a good photo.
Instead:
🐕 Create space- step back to a distance where they are not afraid or uncomfortable.
🐕 Let them observe without rushing them, giving them a chance to air scent, listen, and see as they process this new environment.
🐕 Pair with great treats so they have a positive association with the new thing. If you put treats on the ground, they will focus downward and it will help them relax (if you are far enough away). If you mash the treat in the ground a bit, it will take even more of their focus on the treat and they will feel less worried about the new thing.
How would YOUR dog have felt about hot rod Santa?
We're making our way home, I promise! Thank you to all my clients who are gracious with me about taking extra time, both going to the PPG Summit and taking the scenic route home!
I am coming back a better dog trainer.
Meeting amazing fellow trainers and learning valuable info @ PPG Summit!
The science of dog training is constantly evolving. Be sure you chose a dog trainer that is always willing to learn and keep up with best practices.
Do you love continuing education?
After all, are YOU always friendly if someone gets in your face? Don't be shy about advocating for your dog and creating space for him.
I tell my clients, have a stock phrase ready to pull out if you need people, and their dogs, to back off. I use the one above personally, but here's some others:
"He's in training"
"My trainer said better not to"
"Best not to today"
"He's reactive"
"NO!"
What do you say to let people and their dogs know that it is NOT ok to come say hi?
Mourning the dog who is still here, the dog who didn't turn out exactly as you imagined.
Maybe your dog is reactive, anxious or ill and you've had to change your lifestyle to meet his needs.
And that makes you sad.
I get it.
Smokey is my ❤️. I got an because I wanted a dog who could hike remote and rugged trails with me, trails that make my soul sing and heal my wounded spirit.
And we did! But he was recently diagnosed with severe arthritis, even though he's not yet 7 years old. So we are going to have to change our lifestyle, including no more intense hikes. And that makes me sad.
It's ok to feel sad and even resentful sometimes that your dog didn't turn out the way you dreamed.
But you can't sit in that sadness .You've got to focus on the things you love about this sweet dog that has been entrusted to your heart. What do you love about him? What things CAN you do together?
Reach out to an R+ trainer if you want some help with behavior modification, don't be afraid to ask for extra tests from the vet if you suspect health issues, and remember your dog can still be awesome even if he's not Lassie.
So, what exciting adventures can Smokey and I have that won't aggravate his arthritis? Give me some ideas!
Always good to take on camping trips! We will be back on Thursday 😁
This big boy has HUGE feelings about others invading his space. With guidance his guardians have been patiently and consistently helping him learn to relax in the presence of people and dogs. He has come so far- it was a very big step when he let me in! He's still learning that he doesn't always have to be on edge, but his people are doing a fabulous job of setting him up for success!
Do you have a reactive dog? Reach out if you would like some help.
Fitzroy has come so far! This big boy has HUGE feelings and is not comfortable with others in his space. But now look at him- he even sat on my lap at one point! He is still learning to be calm in the presence of other people and dogs, but his guardians are doing an amazing job of slowly and patiently helping him learn to relax in the presence of things that trigger him.
Do you have a reactive dog? Reach out if you would like some help.
Friday Funny
Good training takes time, trust the process 😁
Choose your trainer carefully, ask lots of questions, and run if it doesn't feel right. And as always, remember that just because someone is popular on social media does not mean they are doing what is right.
ACVB statement regarding a popular "trainer":
"Research has shown that training methods that cause fear, psychologic stress, and pain such a as these are associated with an increased likelihood of physical and emotional injury to the dog and future aggression toward the owner..."
I dropped some tip sheets off at some of my favorite vets and rescues- let me know if you see them in the places you frequent!
Who is your favorite vet? Tell me what you love about them!
"Tuna is doing well and maturing into a great addition to our family...He is loving being able to sail with us. Thank you for all your help with him.." Thomas F
I love it when people give me updates after they have graduated from a training package! Contact us is you want to have an adventure pup!
Do you ever get "puppy fever"? I am working with some delightful puppies right now that may or may not have spurred me on to go looking on Petfinder. Hey, it doesn't hurt to look, right?
Amazing dog rescue today by Walden Ridge Emergency Services! They rappelled down a cliff to rescue a very frightened dog who had been stuck for days. We live in a great community!
Saying "NO!" Is almost an automatic response when sharp puppy teeth get us. Thanks PupScouts for explaining why NO isn't the best response
Caleb and Luna make such a good team!
How do you cope w the heat? We start earlier, follow the water, and lounge in the shade.
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Thursday | 08:30 - 19:00 |
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Tell me about a grand adventure you and your dog have been on this summer! Camping and hiking at #graysonhighlands this week was magical 😄 #getaway #adventuredog #hikingwithdogs #wildponies
It's okay to just BE. In fact, that's your dog's favorite time with you. #hikingwithdogs #chasingwaterfalls #bestill #dogthoughts #seniordog
SO much is going on outside right now! To help your dog focus on you: 🐾 Practice basic manners at home first WITHOUT distractions 🐾 Mark & treat lavishly when they focus on you so that they WANT to focus on you, the bearer of good things. 🐾 Once they really get the concept, practice outside, slowly adding more distractions. 🐾 Level it up by treating less often, but still communicating clearly what you want and praising when they give it to you. Feeling stuck? Reach out to a qualified positive reinforcement trainer for help. It's fun and effective! And no painful collars needed 😁 #dogtrainingtips #standardpoodle #walkthedog #dogdaysofsummer #chattanoogadogs #painfree
Clients, keep sending me your videos- I ❤️ it!! Remember to keep your training sessions short and fun for happy results and great connections. #puppytraining #goldendoodle #positivereinforcementdogtraining #dogtrainertip
Dreaming of chilling with your pup at an outdoor cafe? Contact Us if you want help making that dream a reality 😁
Thank you everyone who has left Chattdog Trainer those super encouraging 5 ⭐ reviews! f you've worked with a trainer that you appreciate, share the love. It helps dog guardians make good decisions and helps us small business folks 😁 #dogtrainer #googlereview #5star #smallbusineas
All it takes is one bad experience at a dog park for many dogs to think ALL dogs are scary. So I just don't risk it If only insects were as easy to avoid as dog parks!
Did you do know that "doing nothing" can actually be a great training exercise? Let your dog process and observe, from a safe place and under threshold, his surroundings. This will help him feel more confident and he more resilient! So take some snacks, for you AND your dog, and chill out in a new place!😁 #dogtrainingtips #dogsocialization #chillout #dogdaysofsummer
I'm thinking of getting a puppy again! And I'm already thinking of ways I want to do better this time around. Whats the #1 think you would do differently? And if you know of the perct pup for me, send 'em my way. (I'm partial to ACD and GSD mixes) #puppies #secondtimearound #knowbetterdobetter #dogtrainer
How did your dog do with our recent storms? Despite giving him opportunities, Smokey was not going to brave the elements to go potty until the storms were well passed!
What's the best vacation you ever took with your dog? We just got back from the Crystal Coast, NC and boy did we have a blast!!! Not every dog is comfortable traveling. So know your dog. And reach out if you would like help teaching your dog how to be comfortable on family vacations. #dogvacation #beachdog #familyvacation #dogtrainertips #traineddog #familydog
Limit fetch to 5 to 10 minutes once or twice a day because: 🛑 The quick stops and turns can cause joint and ACL issues (think repetitive sports injuries) 🛑 Can create a ball obsessed dog (if you know, you know) 🛑 Can create a dog who gets in really good shape -which means he needs more and more exercise to wear out and to get that endorphin high (athletes understand) But in moderation I love fetch because: 🥎 It's a good way to get out some excess energy before a walk or other activity. 🥎 It's a great way to bond and have fun with your dog 🥎 It's a reinforcing way to practice behaviors such as recall, drop it, sit, look at me, wait.... So have fun, but just make sure dog knows how to turn it off before he gets obsessed and/or injured. How does your dog do with fetch? #fetch #moderation #dogsafety #australianshepard #dogtrainingtip
If you've ever run a race, you know you go faster when you hear the cheers of the crowd! Want your dog to race towards you when you call him? Cheer him on and watch his pace pick up! Save this if you need to remind yourself to cheer, rather than get exasperated, when you call your dog! 😁 Congrats everyone who ran the #bostonmarathon yesterday! #rocketrecall #cheer #positivereinforcement #dogtrainingtips
I do NOT have all the answers! And being willing to admit that means I can go searching for those answers from people who are a lot smarter than me. I have had some really challenging cases lately, cases that are stretching me and helping me grow. How do you handle it when you don't know all the answers? #alwayslearning #seekanswers #continuingeducation #dogtrainerlife
Never punish a dog for growling. You WANT a dog to growl. If they are shut down for growling, and feel threatened, they may resort to biting. Note- Smokey's no growling here, he's just hanging out getting treats #celebratethegrowl #dogbiteprevention #growl #commumicate #dogtrainertip #acdmix
Do you take "Zero Days"? A day were you don't rush around working, completing tasks, attending to "have tos"? A day where you actually do nothing? If I don't take days like this every so often I run out of steam. What do you do to refill your tank? #zeroday #dayoff #restandrelaxation #dogtrainerlife
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A graduate of Pat Miller’s training academy, dog lover, trail runner and resident of Signal Mountain I will give your dog training, trail runs and/or a great stay at my home! We provide lots of love, exercise and positive reinforcement.
We are licensed, insured, and K9 Wilderness First Aid Certified.