Companion Dog Training

03/12/2023

Now that we have reached a plateau in training at home it is time to step into the next level.
She has mastered neighborhood walks and is no longer hyper vigilant of the unknown. The routine I set on daily walk over the years has helped her greatly. We are able to walk any time of the day or evening. She is no longer fearful of garbage trucks and the scary sounds they make. We can walk passed people and dogs as long as they are 4 to 5 feet away from us.
Mellow now approaches people ( cautiously) and will easily take food rewards when offered.
Training is a breeze with her now that she knows without any doubt that I am a safe human who will advocate on her behalf.
She is ready to learn more, do more and face mild fears.
Now we need to build her confidence and foster the progress!

In September we started with a confidence building class for shy and fearful dogs. She wanted more!
Now we have enrolled in introduction to agility and she likes it. There are 2 to 3 dogs in class with her and visual barriers are in place so the dogs waiting for their turn can relax and practice mini training sessions without worrying about other things happening in the environment.
Now that we have 8 weeks of classes under the collar Mellow is giving me indications that she loves all of the fun and is willing to work through the scary stuff.
Today she accomplished going through the tunnel ( shortened) and the tire is no longer scary to pass through even if it moves.
Her favorite obstacles are the dog walk and the A frame. She is learning the weave poles and is doing well! The hurdle is set very low and is a piece of cake!
Today Mellow showed me that she is willing to face her fears!

21/11/2023

Mellow had a great mentor in Bahr. He helped her feel safe when she was uncertain, he played beautifully to help build her confidence and gave her space when she was overwhelmed.
As a result Mellow is able to live her best life without constant fear- and it is obvious she misses her friend. This year she has been approaching people with curiosity and is showing me she is ready to learn even more.

16/09/2023

After ten short years we had to say good bye. Bahr helped me spread the word that kindness, rule setting, consistency, and fun help foster an amazing relationship with our dogs.
Making a decision to adopt a puppy comes with a lifetime commitment and let me tell you, this was a full time commitment of training, leading and loving and all of our work together helped build a bond based on mutual trust, reliability, playfulness.
But all the love in the world cannot hold back the hands of time. It cannot stop the inevitable sadness of saying goodbye when you are not ready and it cannot reverse the clock to buy more time together. Train with kindness, lead with love and play even if you are tired, they have been waiting all day to see you.

18/10/2022

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October 16-22 is National Veterinary Technician Week in Missouri.
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This week, we will be providing some infographics about what vet techs are and what we do. To kick off NVTW, here is a BRIEF list of all of the duties a vet tech can do.

National Veterinary Technicians Week was started by the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA) in 1993 and is celebrated the third week in October.

06/09/2022

I was lucky enough to attend a couple of her lectures. She was an amazing and caring person, Her hard work is even more relevant today

Her legacy will always carry on.

05/09/2022

https://ticksafety.com/

Learn About Ticks, Tick Safety, Tick Identification, Lyme Disease, Red Meat Allergies Caused by Ticks, Proper Tick Removal, Myths + More...

05/09/2022

Did you know?

Thinking about heading out into the dunes or coastal prairie for a little exploring? In addition to keeping an eye out for things like rattlesnakes and prickly pear cactus spines, also keep an eye out for ticks!

There are several species of ticks found in Texas, including the male Gulf Coast tick seen in this picture. Although many people think of ticks as insects, they are actually arachnids, which means they are more closely related to spiders and scorpions than insects themselves. With eight jointed legs and an exoskeleton, ticks are considered ectoparasites because they live on and get their nutrients from the skin of a host.

The Gulf Coast tick is considered a three-host tick because after it hatches from its egg, each life stage feeds on a different host. But what is really interesting about this tick is that it prefers to infest the ears of its host animal. As larvae and nymph, it prefers the ears of small animals such as rodents, racoons, and rabbits. The adult ticks prefer larger animals such as dogs, coyotes, and deer.

For everything you ever wanted to know about ticks, visit www.ticksafety.com While you are there, be sure to check out the Tick Lookalikes tab and the How to Remove a tick tab!

10/08/2022

Relationship breaker! Control maker
Please wear one and have someone who wants to control you lead you around.

I spent six days last week working from a beach house in Los Angeles, California. Hermosa Beach to be exact. It was an unbelievable week for many reasons. A big part of it was the people who were there with me. I have belonged to a small mastermind group for six years now. We get together in person

27/07/2022

While there are numerous expensive and well marketed dog food options to choose from it does not necessarily mean they are the right diets for our dogs.

02/07/2022

As you prepare for the 4th of July holiday, here are some helpful reminders to protect your pet during the celebrations.

20/06/2022

Does your dog want to be touched?

17/06/2022

12/06/2022

Please don’t leave your dog outside or walk them ! The pavement will scorch their feet and their core body temperature will rise.
If your dog is suffering from heat exhaustion or heat stroke cool them slowly with room temperature water NOT ICE WATER!! Pour water over their feet, belly and ears. Saturate a towel with cool water and place under them as you take them to the nearest animal emergency hospital.

The high today is 106!!! Please bring your dog inside. If you can't, make sure your dog has constant access to shelter and plenty of water.

24/01/2022

Socialization is an important factor in raising a well adjusted puppy and an adult dog.
We all know how important it is to mindfully introduce novel items, other puppies and pets, sounds, appearances, smells and activities, and new people to puppies as they grow, it is equally important to continue socialization with your older pup and adult pups to help maintain proper socialization skills throughout their life.
Puppies learn about themselves and the world around them as they grow and develop. Our role in their lives are to 1) keep them safe 2) feed an appropriate nutritious diet based on their growth needs 3) set them up for success using a thoughtful training process without the use of aversive methods, and 4) help them learn about the world around them.
It may seem scary to them so bring food rewards and guide them through the process in a thoughtful manner so they can gain confidence and work through distractions. Keep the sessions short ( 5 to 10 minutes for puppies 8 to 12 weeks old) and end before they become tired, overly stimulated or fearful. Keep it short and sweet.
Remember, if your puppy has not finished the vaccination series limit the socialization activities to your home environment and an appropriate group setting with an instructor who knows and understands the benefits of proper play, socialization and foundational training.

Adult dogs also require continued socialization and training to help them maintain the skills they need to act appropriately and live in a world of uncertainty without fear, anxiety and stress. Some dogs flourish in social settings others prefer a “ small world” where they feel safe. Socialization is not intended to push them into fear anxiety or stress. If you see your dogs body language change from ears forward and a relaxed tail wag and engagement with you, to ears back, tail tucking between their legs, lip licking, looking side to side, holding their body closer to the ground this can mean your pup is too scared to learn and is not enjoying the experience. This is your opportunity to end the session and bring your pup to a more familiar setting where they do feel safe. Where they feel comfortable in their surroundings and are taking food rewards easily.
Your dog needs you to be their advocate and their guide so they can learn how to act and make better choices in new situations.