Rescued By Training

11/07/2025

It's not always what you think!

Behavior is often the canary in the coal mine. Many times, clients notice a behavior change before their pet shows obvious signs of physical pain or illness.

So before you label your dog stubborn or old or protective, let's really dig into what might be going on.

I’m here to help you spot the clues, teach you how to get good videos for your vet and communicate what needs to be said in a concise way and to help you advocate for them. ❤️

Read more in my post: https://rescuedbytraining.com/2025/07/07/pain-causing-behavior/

10/07/2025

If you're grieving the loss of your beloved animal—or facing an impossible decision—you are not alone. I offer compassionate, one-on-one grief support and expert guidance for those navigating end-of-life or complex behavior concerns.

Your story matters. Your bond matters. Your grief matters. And I’m here to help you honor all of it.

🐾 Pet Loss Doula | Multi-Credentialed Behavior Consultant
💬 1:1 Support | No judgment, only care

https://rescuedbytraining.com/death-doula/

09/07/2025

Is it behavior issue or pain? Sometimes it’s both.

Behavior problems and medical issues are often treated separately, but they’re deeply connected. Behavior is often the canary in the coal mine—you may notice changes before your pet shows obvious pain.

It’s not my job to diagnose pain, but I can help you spot red flags, coach you on taking videos (since pets act differently at the vet!), and guide you in sharing important details with your veterinarian.

Pain can come from joints, ears, teeth, GI issues, allergies, and more. I’ve seen dogs labeled “aggressive” or “stubborn” who were simply hurting.

What can pain look like? It might look like...

✅ Reluctance to walk, jump, or climb stairs
✅ Skipping meals
✅ Bunny hopping stairs
✅ Panting when not hot
✅ Growling, hiding, or less social
✅ Whining or grunting when lying down

Let's work together to get to the bottom of your pet's issues. Don't you both deserve that?

Read more in my post:
https://rescuedbytraining.com/2025/07/07/pain-causing-behavior/

08/07/2025

We know there is a strong connection between physical health and behavior and open communication between the trainer, client and vet benefits the dog's long term success.

One of my most memorable cases involved a dog experiencing severe and increasingly generalizing noise sensitivity. On the surface, it looked like a classic case of a dog struggling to adjust to a major life change—her family had recently welcomed a newborn, and naturally, the owners assumed the new baby was the source of her distress.

But when I dug deeper into her history, something didn’t sit right.

👉Read more in this week's post.
https://rescuedbytraining.com/2025/07/07/pain-causing-behavior/

08/07/2025

Just a reminder that the monthly pet loss support group sponsored by Dakin Humane Society meets tonight at 6pm ET. It’s free but you must register.

I’ve been attending this group since Boo died over a year ago and it has been very supportive and helpful in my grief journey.

We have all felt how deeply our lives are touched by animals and the grief and loss we experience when we lose them or have to part ways. Dakin Humane Society's Pet Loss & Healing Support Group is led by family therapist and author Ken Dolan - Del Vecchio. Drawn from decades of experience leading gr...

08/07/2025

One of my greatest joys is helping families prepare their dogs for a baby or working with families with kids to help educate them about reducing dog bite risks, dog body language, safe interactions with the dog, age appropriate games for kids to play with dogs and more. I love this testimonial from Kyle after I helped their family and their dog Finn.

Want to leave me a positive review of your own?

😍 I'd love that.

Do it here! ⬇

https://g.page/RescuedByTraining/review

07/07/2025

As a trainer who specializes in fear, aggression, reactivity and separation anxiety, I always ask clients about their dog's medical history and I'm always scanning for red flags that may require a vet check.

Why?

Because we know there is a strong connection between physical health and behavior and open communication between the trainer, client and vet benefits the dog's long term success.

One of my most memorable clients had a dog with severe and worsening noise sensitivity. The family had just welcomed a baby and assumed the dog was struggling to adjust. But something didn’t add up. Read more here:

https://rescuedbytraining.com/2025/07/07/pain-causing-behavior/

06/07/2025

Our current foster (our 70th!), Dudley, adores our dog Gertie. He keeps snuggling up with her. It’s so sweet to watch him get more and more comfortable. Fostering is so rewarding.

Interesting in learning more or are you a foster who would like to up your fostering game a bit? Check out my Fostering 101: Fundamentals To Being A Successful Dog Foster self-paced course. ⤵️

04/07/2025

🎆 Fireworks Are Coming—Keep Your Pets Safe! 🎇

With July 4th falling on a Friday this year, expect fireworks all weekend long. Be prepared so your pets stay safe and as calm as possible:

✅ Keep pets inside after dark. Take them out for potty breaks before the big booms start.
✅ Never trust a fence alone. Use a leash and secure, well-fitting harness if they need to go out.
✅ Make sure they have ID. Keep collars with tags on and microchip info up to date.
✅ Close windows and create a safe space. Use noise masking: window AC, box fan, or loud music—remember, big booms cut right through soft classical music.
✅ Don’t bring dogs to fireworks displays. It’s overwhelming, not fun for them.
✅ Don’t try to “train” fear away by exposing them to fireworks on purpose—it only makes things worse.
✅ Comfort is key. Watch for stress signs (panting, pacing, drooling, hiding, shaking, clinging, ears back, wide eyes). Use a soothing voice, offer treats, play games, pet them if they like touch—do whatever helps them feel safer.
✅ Use medications if your vet has prescribed them to help reduce anxiety. Don't wait until your dog is already anxious to give them...they don't work as well if the dog is already upset. Give them far enough in advance to work as best as possible.

💙 Stay safe!

03/07/2025

If your dog is afraid, COMFORT THEM.

FULL STOP.

It pains me to think of all the dogs who suffer unnecessarily because of the prevalence of this myth. This is one needs to be put to bed once and for all.

If you are afraid of something and someone hugs you and comforts you with gentle words, does that make you more afraid? Of course not. It helps calm you and makes you feel better. Do the same for your dog.

COMFORT YOUR DOG IF THEY'RE AFRAID.

I promise you it won't make their fears worse. In fact, it will teach them you are safe and provide help when they need it.

02/07/2025

Person guarding isn’t about loyalty — it’s about possession.

When a dog is truly guarding their favorite person, it’s not some heroic act of protection. It’s more like guarding a prized toy or chew.

Often, it’s partners, spouses, kids or other family members (or even other dogs) who end up as the targets. This can create a lot of stress and tension at home.

The good news: there is help and hope. With the right support, your dog can learn to feel more comfortable, and you can keep everyone in your household safe.

👉 Read more in this week’s post:
https://rescuedbytraining.com/2025/06/30/is-your-dog-protecting-you/

If you’re struggling with this, please reach out. Don't Google or ChatGPT it...you and your dog deserve better and qualified, professional guidance can make all the difference.

02/07/2025

Dudley, foster #70 for our family and our first boy foster since Barbo and Boo died. He’s about 3 years old, got picked up as a stray and is heartworm positive and has been waiting for his forever home for two months. He’s getting a little holiday staycation with us. He’s settling. He doesn’t seem concerned by the thunderstorms, which is good with fireworks coming up!

If you are interested in fostering, are an active foster and want some guidance on behavior and good practices or wish you knew more about fostering, including how to say goodbye, grab my self-paced course, Fostering 101. ❤️🐶