Oh hey, Elphie!
We are already loving this sweet girl and her big personality! ❤ She's dog reactive, but of course so much more than that... walking her has been stressful especially in a very dog friendly apartment.
Time to make life a little easier & less stressful for both her and her Mom!
Dylan!
We can't wait to help this big guy get into a better state of mind. Stay tuned for all things goofy Doberman mix 😉❤
Would you believe it if I told you this face has been tormenting his owners ever since they brought him home? Surprise! Sometimes the cutest pups are some of the naughtiest. 😉
Watson is incredibly smart, and he has learned how to use those smarts to get EXACTLY what he wants. He'll growl, lunge & bite at his owners and their 4 year old. They've kept them separated quite a bit, and it's been a point of stress ever since Watson came home.
He also loves destroying all kinds of things, although shoes are his favorite! His 4 year old told me she would just like to be able to sit on the couch and eat a snack without being bombarded by the dog.
Sounds like we've got our work cut out for us, but I'm sure Watson can do it. Let's go buddy! 💪🏼
This beautiful golden doodle gal has joined us for a short stay to work on her impulsive puppy behaviors like pulling, jumping, and.. well, listening!
Follow along on stories for her updates! ❤
Can I pet your dog?!
A FAQ on my outings tends to be: "Can I pet your dog?!"
And 99% of the time the answer will always be the same. No.
Why?!
Reactive: These dogs are learning that lunging/barking/growling isn't necessary for them in order to create space. That's my job now, so I won't let you invade our bubble and diminish the trust my dog has in me.
Friendly: This seems to be the most difficult one for folks to understand. Just because my dog is friendly doesn't mean I want them distracted by every person that walks by. Constantly getting greeted by other people sets the precedent that strangers are a great time which means that they become huge distractions! There's multiple reason service dogs wear 'do not pet' patches and are so well behaved in public... we're shooting for that same service dog energy in public.
Nervous: For similar reasons as reactive dogs, these pups also need more space to process the outside world & feel comfortable. Applying your spatial pressure by getting in their business can make them uneasy and actually lead to reactivity on occasion.
Thank you for asking but... we'll pass!
My crate protocols
You all were super interested in how I would re-condition Sven to the crate and get him to enjoy being inside it verses throwing huge tantrums and drooling a giant lake so... here goes! Hopefully this explanation of my day one crate protocols is helpful for someone out there.
Please feel free to let me know if you have questions! 😘
Now everyone.. even *almost* 10 year old Jaylen can walk the dog! 🐕🙌🏽
You go, Peyton family & Apollo!!
Pretty sure Abbie & I won't get any acting gigs soon - but here's how I like to handle having guest over with dogs!
I give them a task! Typically, my go-to is place. This is a spot where your dog can observe, calm down, and coexist without having social pressure put on them. It also means that your pup won't be jumping all over your guest - win-win!
Once they've relaxed and your guests have settled in, if you want to allow them the chance to say hi you can release them for a more polite greeting. ❤🐶
"Hey lady... 👋 Can ya hurry up? We're going this way!"
Dakota's family has given up walking her as of right now because it isn't very pleasant! She's dragging them all over and they really would like to include her when they go. Stay tuned for a whole new walk for this pretty gal. ❤
