Synergy Dog Training and Behavior

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Synergy Dog Training and Behavior

We offer positive, private in home sessions to help build good behaviors using science based methods. Our methods are positive, science based and without force.

We value helping you build a closer relationship and solve everyday problems. We teach you to communicate and understand your dog better, to help them become a more calm and confident companion. We aid with specific behavior issues (e.g. reactivity to people or dogs, jumping up, barking) as well as good manners obedience for puppies through seniors. We also offer highly specialized advanced traini

ng such as competitive dog sports, AKC CGC, therapy, service, hunting, etc. We strive to make the training a wonderful experience for both the dog and their person. We have a holistic approach and offer guidance in most areas of your dog’s life, diet, health and wellness. Owned by Leisa and Chino Jaime. Leisa has trained dogs since 1986. She studied Animal Science at SUU. She also studied under many behaviorists, veterinarians and trainers. She studied as an apprentice in canine behavior for 10 years. Together, Chino and Leisa have earned multiple AKC, BHCA and International awards and titles with their own dogs as well as dogs Leisa professionally handled for clients around the country. Leisa and Chino have also judged many AKC events such as Hunting Performance Test, Field Trials and show events. Their favorite training influences are Suzanne Clothier, Ian Dunbar, Susan Garrett,
Michael W. Fox and Karen Pryor. Leisa has owned multiple successful dog businesses including pet sitting, AKC Professional All Breed Handler, professional dog grooming, dog training and behavior consulting. All in all, the dogs themselves have been the best teachers.

12/08/2024

A dog’s love.

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10/08/2024

Does your dog pull you when walking on a leash? Did you know there are very simple ways to change/correct this WITHOUT negative reinforcement? Here are a few examples of how to get a dog to walk with you nicely using positive reinforcement only. You are simply teaching them a different choice. Once walking on a loose leash and “checking in”aka focus become habits, you will both enjoy your walks a lot more.
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08/08/2024

Thank you so much for your support! We appreciate you nominating us for Best of Iron County and for each vote you gave us. We owe our success to you!

07/08/2024

LAST DAY TO VOTE-Huge thank you for your time and effort! This helps boosts business and gets the word out. You do not have to be local to vote.

Directions: Click link in comments. 1-Click General Services 2- Click Pet Training. 3- Click Synergy Dog Training and Behavior. 4- Click Add Vote 5- Click Submit Voting Ballot. Please vote daily until August 7.
THANK YOU ! ❤️

04/08/2024

Proper behavior modification will have long lasting benefits as your dog will see things differently, feel at ease and respond accordingly. This is an excellent graphic. Let us know if you have any questions. We’d love to help. 35 years experience. 435-590-6780

31/07/2024

Here is a beautiful illustration of the Premack Principle. Notice the owner is not doing collar corrections, but simply standing still with a taunt leash. Also please notice how the dog “checks in” with the owner before the owner allows a natural reward.

30/07/2024

Please Vote: Please vote DAILY for our business, Synergy Dog Training and Behavior. This really boosts business and gets the word out. You do not have to be local to vote. Thank you to all who nominated us, used our services and/or are voting. Link in the comments.

Directions: click link. 1-Click General Services 2- Click Pet Training. 3- Click Synergy Dog Training and Behavior. 4- Click Add Vote 5- Click Submit Voting Ballot. Please vote daily until August 7.
THANK YOU ! ❤️

29/07/2024

Love working with this girl, and her family!

26/07/2024

Wow! Our girl Jane has been to two show weekends this year, with the last one six weeks ago. She is number 22 Basset Hound in the country. That’s pretty fun!

24/07/2024

Help! Voting starts today for Best in Iron County. Would you please take the time to vote for us daily? You don’t have to be from Iron County. This really helps my business.

Directions: click link. 1-Click General Services 2- Click Pet Training. 3- Click Synergy Dog Training and Behavior. 4- Click Add Vote 5- Click Submit Voting Ballot. Please vote daily until August 7.
THANK YOU ! ❤️

https://www.bestofironcounty.com/vote/ #

22/07/2024

There has been a post circulating from an owner about a pitbull mix who is acting aggressive, even towards his owner. This sparked a lot of thoughts and opinions, and I even shared mine. The owner didn’t specify how the dog was raised, socialized, fed, treated, trained, housed, exercised, etc.

Logically speaking, if the dog was a human and went from a stable, upstanding citizen to acting aggressively and attacking his/her housemates, the person would be taken to the hospital first. I believe that’s where the owner of the dog needs to start. When a dog or person changes personality seemingly overnight, there is normally a pretty big medical issue going on. It could be hormonal (such as thyroid), pain, kidney or liver disorders, or even something as simple as a urinary track infection. A complete physical, full blood work up including thyroid, and urine test is a baseline start.

After a medical condition is ruled out by a qualified veterinarian, then we can start to unpack what brought on the scenario. Sometimes issues are breed specific. Sometimes, a dog just loses it because they are kept in a situation that that age/breed/activity level was never meant to be kept in. Every dog needs mental stimulation, exercise, love/affection, attention, training, rules, good diet, as well as a safe, clean, quiet place to call their own.

Once we make the assessment on those things, then we can move on to behavior. Has the dog been communicating to the owner but the owner unable to understand the dog’s communication? It works both ways. It is much easier to teach people canine communication than to teach a dog very much human communication. Dogs are extremely good at smelling our chemistry to figure out our moods and reading our body language, which is the main form of canine communication. They also listen to our breathing. It doesn’t matter what you say to a dog as much as your body language, breathing and tone of voice. Once we break the human-canine language barrier, then we can build relationship. Of course, all of this takes patience and time. A dog does not understand our need for instant gratification and quick fixes. They have absolutely no need for technology. They need time, love and patience. There is no instant fix.

This is why I have chosen this as my career for over 35 years. If I can help bridge the gap between a human and their dog, it can be groundbreaking. I love my career as an animal behavior specialist. It focuses on relationships and communication more than simple training. The training part comes easy after we establish a good relationship and understanding.

20/07/2024

😂🤣😂Stay hydrated everyone!

19/07/2024

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

17/07/2024

Are you helping your dog or trying to discipline your dog? For long lasting results, think about how you can help solve the problem by changing the way your dog thinks and feels. This is a great graphic to help dog reactive dogs.

15/07/2024

If a dog was the teacher you would learn things like:
* When your loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
* Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.
* Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy.
* Take naps.
* Stretch before rising.
* Run, romp, and play daily.
* Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
* Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
* On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.
* On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.
* When you’re happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
* Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
* Be faithful.
* Never pretend to be something you’re not.
* If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
* When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by, and nuzzle them gently.
That’s the secret of happiness that we can learn from a good dog

12/07/2024

Stay cool everyone! The best place for dogs in extreme heat is indoors. For fun, every summer we use a kid pool and bob for apple pieces, toys or whatever our dogs like. We also run a sprinkler on low for puppies. Another ideas are mist systems, soaker hoses, bathtubs and water troughs. What are your ideas?

11/07/2024

WHY I’M A POSITIVE ONLY BEHAVIOR SPECIALIST
First, I want to thank all of you who have called upon us for help. It has been such a pleasure and learning experience to work with each individual dog and their owners and help meet your goals. The dogs themselves have been my best teachers of canine communication, relationships, understanding behavior and trust. Your success is why we do this.
It has been quite a journey from where I started over 3 decades ago. I value a dogs emotional state over anything else regarding “training”. This is also what science has proven and is the evolution of modern dog training. If a dog is misbehaving, reacting or acting out, it’s because there are one or several puzzle pieces missing. If we don’t figure out the missing pieces which can be but are not limited to; physical, mental, relational or communication health, then we are not advocating for our dogs. E collar, force training, dominance training or even four quadrant “balanced” training, put the dogs owners needs above the dogs needs. Simply put, they stop (by way of pain or punishment) the dog from reacting in a negative way but don’t help the dog feel better about the situation. Sometimes, this builds the dogs frustration level to the point where they react in explosive aggression at a later time. Positive, relational training promotes a better relationship between you and your dog by bridging the gap of communication and understanding. When your dog knows that you put his well-being first and he can trust you 100%, there’s not to many behavioral, relational or sports goals you can’t accomplish together.

08/07/2024

In this extreme heat, it’s important to give your dogs extra time and attention. This is especially important, if your dog is young or active. I get many calls in the winter and summer for “destructive dogs” which are normally bored or under stimulated dogs. Early morning and late evening walks and/or 10 minute training sessions really help. I also find indoor things to do. My pack’s favorites are:
1) I hide kibble and tiny bits of whatever all over the house aka “Find it!”
2) Nosework training aka “Search”.
3) Training practice in the room by ourselves.
4) Stuffed, Frozen Kongs. Mostly presoaked kibble or canned food with a little yogurt and fruit. I change it up sometimes with stuffing it with hamburger, turkey burger, etc. Kongs are dishwasher safe.
5) Extras-Scatter mats, rolled blanket/towel treat finds, real raw bones (venison/game animal preferred),bully sticks w/holder, beef cheek rolls, yak cheese etc,etc. For dogs that like toys, I make sure I rotate every few days except for their very favorite.
6) Active attention, petting, massaging and cuddling.
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06/07/2024

In Case of Emergency:
I found a really in depth list of things that we should all have in a go bag or waterproof container for our pets in case of a wildfire or any other emergency.
https://content.nfpa.org/-/media/project/storefront/catalog/files/wildfire/takeactionpetschecklist.pdf?rev=b005154d8cee447bb21065d9aefca843

01/07/2024

“Kibble Scatters” in the grass do so much for your dog. It provide mental stimulation and release positive brain chemistry to promote well being and relaxation. It also burns energy. Most dogs are happiest when using their noses. You can simply use plain kibble or you can make things interesting by creating a “trail mix”, making sure all the ingredients are dog safe. The mix in the photo includes three different types of kibble, dehydrated liver bits, Honey Nut Cheerios and yogurt chips.
You can simply scatter it like chicken feed, or you can run around and hide it making it, especially engaging.

28/06/2024

Before July 4th, please don’t forget identification for your pet, in case the worst happens. You can microchip, or tag and collar your dog. You can also simply buy a Sharpie and write your phone number(s) on the collar. Personally, we do all three.
For added security, you can place an AirTag on your pets collar that will ping you, your pets location.
We have posted previously about desensitization/counterconditioning and other ideas to help your fearful dogs during fireworks or thunder. If you cannot find those articles, let us know and we will message them to you. We are always here to help 435-590-6780.

25/06/2024

FIREWORK DESENSITIZATION
The best time for dog firework desensitizing is now. There are many things you can do to help. One of the things is directly under your fingertips. Playing Youtube videos at ultra low sounds and then increasing volume and duration every day, is great for desensitization. You can also pair this with treats when your dog seems happy. If you study dog body language and facial expressions, you will understand the difference between stress and relaxation. Giving treats only when your dog is relaxed, while listening to the fireworks, is called counter conditioning along with desensitization.
Counter conditioning and desensitization daily, are the number one way to help your dog not be fearful of fireworks. You can also engage in a fun activity during the fireworks videos as long as your dog stays relaxed. This helps them by redirecting their attention. Examples are retrieving a toy, a lick mat, or a high value chew toy. You can also engage in short training sessions with treats, providing you keep your dog under stress threshold.

There are also relaxation medicine either natural or from your veterinarian. Obviously, medication from the vet is stronger than anything you can use over the counter. You have to gauge which your dog needs. Try these well before July to see if they help.

Make sure you do NOT confine your dog in a crate. If they enjoy their crate, covering it with a blanket with the door open or off, will give them a nice place to hide, if they choose to go in.

There are also various extras to try. A “Happy Hoodie” is a sound dampening head wrap. You can add cotton to the ears for extra sound dampening. “ThunderShirts” are anxiety vests that help some dogs the same way as swaddling infants.
“Adaptil” (formally DAP), makes pheromone diffusers and collars that promote calming in some dogs. These should all be tried well in advance of actually needing them.

As a last resort, drive your dog out to wilderness areas or forests where fireworks are banned is a way to keep your buddy calm and relaxed. An alternative idea is hanging out with your dog in the basement or a center room without windows while watching a loud TV and perhaps a fan may offer a bit of comfort.

Don’t forget identification, in case the worst happens. You can microchip, or tag and collar your dog. You can also simply buy a Sharpie and write your phone number(s) on the collar. Personally, I do all three.

If you have questions on desensitizing your dog to fireworks, thunder or other fears or phobias, give us a call at 435-590-6780. We’d love to help. (Repeated post)

23/06/2024

Does anyone recognize these two? If so, please contact Cedar City Animal Adoption Center. 435-586-2960.

These 2 were picked up together in the Mountain Shadows Neighborhood around 3947 W 175 S.
They both have collars with phone numbers completely scratched off.
If they are yours or you have information on their owners, please call the Cedar City Animal Adoption Center at 435-586-2960 or dispatch at 435-586-2955.

18/06/2024

Call for a free phone consultation. 435-590-6780

We were voted #1 for 3 years in a row in Iron County.
We offer year-round positive, private one on one consults/training sessions for dog behavior. Our home sessions cater to your schedule and your dog’s needs. We help solve your dog’s specific problems, as well as an obedience-good manners regimen. We use positive, force free, science based methods with over 30 years experience. These methods help you understand your dog’s communication, as well as build your relationship. We offer help with puppies through seniors.
Some of the behaviors we help with:
Puppy manners
Socialization (the right way)
Housebreaking
Basic obedience/good manners
Service Dog Training and Public Access Test
AKC Certified Canine Good Citizen/Trick Dog Evaluator
Therapy dog test prep
Anxiety disorders
Shyness
Fear aggression
Possession guarding
Reactivity
Conformation shows
Performance sports
Temperament testing
Puppy litter evaluations with revised PAT.
Special needs dogs
Special needs owners
Littermate Syndrome
Cats and horses too!

Fees are $95 per session in person or 4 sessions at $340 package ($40 savings) plus mileage if outside the Cedar City/Enoch area.

Video/phone conferencing available worldwide. First phone consultation free. 435-590-6780

17/06/2024

Happy Father’s Day!!!

11/06/2024

FIREWORK DESENSITIZATION
The best time for dog firework desensitizing is now. There are many things you can do to help. One of the things is directly under your fingertips. Playing Youtube videos at ultra low sounds and then increasing volume and duration every day, is great for desensitization. You can also pair this with treats when your dog seems happy. If you study dog body language and facial expressions, you will understand the difference between stress and relaxation. Giving treats only when your dog is relaxed, while listening to the fireworks, is called counter conditioning along with desensitization.
Counter conditioning and desensitization daily, are the number one way to help your dog not be fearful of fireworks. You can also engage in a fun activity during the fireworks videos as long as your dog stays relaxed. This helps them by redirecting their attention. Examples are retrieving a toy, a lick mat, or a high value chew toy. You can also engage in short training sessions with treats, providing you keep your dog under stress threshold.

There are also relaxation medicine either natural or from your veterinarian. Obviously, medication from the vet is stronger than anything you can use over the counter. You have to gauge which your dog needs. Try these well before July to see if they help.

Make sure you do NOT confine your dog in a crate. If they enjoy their crate, covering it with a blanket with the door open or off, will give them a nice place to hide, if they choose to go in.

There are also various extras to try. A “Happy Hoodie” is a sound dampening head wrap. You can add cotton to the ears for extra sound dampening. “ThunderShirts” are anxiety vests that help some dogs the same way as swaddling infants.
“Adaptil” (formally DAP), makes pheromone diffusers and collars that promote calming in some dogs. These should all be tried well in advance of actually needing them.

As a last resort, drive your dog out to wilderness areas or forests where fireworks are banned is a way to keep your buddy calm and relaxed. An alternative idea is hanging out with your dog in the basement or a center room without windows while watching a loud TV and perhaps a fan may offer a bit of comfort.

If you have questions on desensitizing your dog to fireworks, thunder or other fears or phobias, give us a call at 435-590-6780. We’d love to help.

07/06/2024

Please watch out for heat stroke in dogs. It’s best to only take them out for exercise early morning or after dark during the intense heat we are experiencing. You can also purchase cool coats or harnesses that keep them wet.
The other alternative is to head up the mountain and enjoy cooler air.
Don’t forget to bring a lot of drinking water for you both.

05/06/2024

Jackson and daughter Elie, have perfected their “smiles”. 😆🤣 Does your dog smile or otherwise imitate human behavior? Post photo below. 👇

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Snow can be a nuisance or an opportunity with dogs. Most dogs LOVE the snow!! They will catch snowflakes, snowballs and even make snow angels with you. Playing fetch in the snow offers extra energy burned as they have to work harder. If your health does not allow you out in the snow, or your dog doesn’t enjoy it, please give him/her extra indoor things to do such as training, stuffed Kongs, snuffle mats, or indoor fetch or prey/predators play. Sometimes we just play chase, hide-and-seek or throw a dance party. All is quality time for your canine pal!

Happy New Year! May all your dog training and behavioral goals come true in 2024!

Merry Christmas Everyone!!!

Shock collars are inhumane and cruel. There is a reason why veterinary behaviorist (ACVB) have banned their use. I believe that if you have a good relationship with your dog, there should be absolutely no reason why you would use aversive methods. Using aversives such as E collar, prong collar, or any other equipment that causes pain or fear is not the way to have a good relationship with your dog. At Synergy, we use positive motivation and positive reward which has science and psychology backing it as the humane way of shaping animal behavior, training and communicating with your dog. We help you build a better relationship and good communication skills which create an everlasting, great relationship with your dog. Good communication creates a loving partnership instead of a dominance/submissive relationship. After all, why did you get a dog in the first place? Most people answer that they have a dog as a companion or a work/sport partner. Think of the kind of relationship or partnership you would like to have with another person, and why? Good relationships are based on mutual trust. If you have to use fear, pain or intimidation, there is no trust. Good relationships also are based on good communication skills that go both ways. We teach you how to read your dog. We teach you how to communicate to your dog, as well as how to understand what your dog is communicating. This knowledge is the foundation of a trusting relationship. “Shock collars are inhumane because they are suppressing the animal from communicating something they feel the need to communicate,” —Dr. Vanessa Spano, Veterinary Behaviorist. “To use shock as an effective dog training method you will need: A thorough understanding of canine behavior. A thorough understanding of learning theory. Impeccable timing. And if you have those three things, you DON’T NEED a shock collar.“ — Dr. Ian Dunbar, DVM Veterinary Behaviorist and Renowned Author

Here is a video of some of my favorite clients working with their standard Schnauzer. We were at the city park on Halloween thinking that it would be pretty quiet. 😂 We did not expect the man and the green bodysuit posing as an alien or his two girlfriends in shiny pants, running all over taking pictures. There also was a woman walking her small, reactive dog in a coat on a Flexilead. I included photos because you have to see it to believe it. I’m incredibly proud of the work that they have done. Look at the beautiful focused “heel” work, and down stay with the craziness unfolding around him. #cedarcity #cedarcitydogtraining #dogtraining #animalbehaviorist #positivedogtrainer #standardschnauzer #aliens

We have almost 35 years experience helping you work synergistically with your dog. We can help you with anything from better house manners/relationship to competition events. Here are photos from our last competitive event. Call us at 435-590-6780.

Happy National Dog Day! Please share your favorite photo of your dog!

Today, I was working with a young dog that has sound sensitivity. Previously, we have used desensitization and counter conditioning techniques with thunder, fireworks and gunfire. We allow her to be under her threshold by allowing her to choose distance and duration. This percussion band practice just happened to be going on during our walk. As we got closer to this band practice, her tail went down, her body stiffened, and she started sending “calming signals”. I respected her boundaries and we moved away. I only asked her to go as close as she was comfortable. When she relaxed her breathing, her body language, and quit giving calming signals we would work at that distance. I moved up a little at a time asking her if she felt comfortable. Finally, we were only about 25 feet away. This is when I shot the video. She was comfortable enough that she was taking a nap on my foot. Towards the end of the video you can see that I move the camera when I ask her if she is still okay. It’s so important to respect our dogs boundaries. We can overcome a lot of their fear boundaries, if we are willing to go at their pace and desensitize and baby steps. I have been working with her since December. If this would have happened in December, she would have been in absolute panic. I’m so proud of the fact that she could be calm enough around noise this loud. Forcing your dog to endure sounds or sights that causes fear will not get them over their fears anymore than exposing you to something frightening and telling you to “get over it”. If you are afraid of heights and I took you up 20 stories and asked you to look down, do you believe that you wouldn’t be afraid anymore? We have to use common sense when dealing with dog behavior. Love, compassion and logic need to be our foundation with our dogs. #fearfuldogs #reactivedog #reactivedogtraining #dogbehavior #dogbehaviorist #animalbehaviorist #dogtraining #southernutah #dogsofinstagram #southernutahdogtraining #cedarc

I wrote this from the heart. #cedarcitydogtraining #cedarcitydogtrainer #southernutahdogtrainer #animalbehavior #reelsinstagram #reels #animalbehaviorist #dogsrule #ilovedogs #positivedogtraining #dogsofinstagram

If your dog is not bringing love and laughter to your life, you are doing it wrong. ❤️ #theloveofadog #lovemydog #doggies #dogsoninstagram #dogphotography #doglife #dogsonadventure #fearfuldogs #reactivedog #reactivedogtraining #dogbehavior #dogbehaviorist #animalbehaviorist #dogtraining #southernutah #slopokebassets #southernutahdogtraining #cedarcitydogtraining #cedarcitydogtrainer #dogtrainer #utahdogtrainer #utahdogs

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