Highfives for K9s

28/01/2024

I'm proud of Michael, but...

Achieving this level of communication with your dog should be the bare minimum.

Being responsible when giving your dog freedom should be the bare minimum.

Training your dog to know that your word isn't optional should be the bare minimum.

Using tools properly and being open to exploring what you don't know should be the bare minimum.

Giving yourself and your dog the privilege of reaching a deeper bond through exercise, discipline, and finally affection should be the bare minimum.

These days, we are so impressed by the bare minimum because it's so uncommon to see anything more, especially among pet dogs.
But we owe it to our dogs to raise the bar.

When training with Highfives, I always aim to do just that.

29/11/2023

🤍🤍🤍

Rest in Peace Lily - you mattered in so many ways.
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Most of our followers have seen our incredible trainer Jenna working with our pups when they need some additional support. Jenna is able to sense what a dog needs whether it's time to decompress, more activity, boundaries, or some time with friends, and we are forever grateful for Jenna. Yesterday we learned that Jenna's best friend, loyal companion and co-dog trainer passed away suddenly. Every single DIBS dog that passed through Jenna's program, was gifted with the additional training that Lily provided to them. Like her human, Lily sensed what a dog needed and was there to support and guide them. Jenna's gift of training is rare, and the blessing of having Lily completely in sync with her helped to shift and better the lives of many dogs. When we get updates from Jenna, we always wanted to understand Lily's assessment too.
While Jenna is always surrounded by dogs and they each share a bond, what Jenna and Lily experienced was beautiful. Jenna describes her as her best friend, which sums up their relationship. Whether camping, riding shotgun in the jeep, training or hanging at home, Lily always got the #1 spot next to Jenna.
Their relationship reminds us to share the love every single day. Let our own dogs know that they are loved and that they are family.
Now, we can't help but picture Lily over the rainbow bridge, offering a helping paw to all. Rest in peace girl. Know that you made a difference.

13/11/2023

Great post on what to consider before adding a dog to your family. Commitment is not optional, it's necessary.

It's a weird time right now for pets....daily we see emails and posts that start with "this is the hardest thing that I've ever had to do" or "with a heavy heart, I need to rehome my beloved pet".
It's sad, it's heart wrenching, it often doesn't end well....and 90% of the time, it's avoidable.
*****
If you are looking for a pet, here are some things to consider:
1. Analyze yourself. Why do you want a dog? What does your day look like? How many hours are you home vs away? Will a dog change your lifestyle in a negative way. Often people want a cute dog or someone to have fun with, forgetting the early mornings or schedule commitments.
2. Do you have time? Often surrender posts include a line similar to "I don't have time to give her what she needs". It's an honest and fair assessment, and dogs do have needs. If you plan to have kids, or are at a career inroads, take it into consideration. "Will this pet be cool with future changes in my life"
3. Screening is good!!! A responsible rescue org wants to get it right and want to ensure they make the right match for both the applicant and the dog. An active senior could apply for an incredibly active pup, and it may not be the right match. However the rescue may have another match in mind, better suited to both the animal and the applicant. If your rescue org, or breeder, or rehoming family are not screening in some capacity - run. Their goal is to move the dog, regardless of the match (leading to a huge number of rehoming situations)
4. Money. Pets cost money. It's more than buying a bag of food monthly, and the vet once a year. You will need to invest in supplies, and training and additional vetting. You will want to buy the cute stuff like jackets and toys. If your work schedule is active, you will want a dog walker for mid-day p*e breaks.
5. What breed? Yes, of course "rescue is my favourite breed", but we'd be remiss to not acknowledge that there are traits that appeal to different people. A smart dog will keep you on your toes. A protective dog will require lots of training to focus their instinct. A working dog will need lots of exercise. (Just yesterday, we heard of a family that rehomed a good german shepherd as he was extra, and they replaced with a dog where their breed is known for intensity...where will that dog be in 6 months?)
6. Spay and neuter. Please. Begging. The world can't handle more "accidental litters". Yes, it costs money....but that is a predictable expense.
7. Training: hands down, the best investment that you can make for your dog. For those not in the know, training is more than "sit" or "heel" - training is a communication tool for both human and dog to get on the same page. It reduces anxiety (for all), it helps with boundaries and expectations. Of course, there are good and bad trainers, so always ask for referrals from family, friends and rescue orgs. If your spidey sense is not feeling a specific trainer, move on. (Believe it or not, people medicate their dogs when they don't want to train or teach). It is never too soon to start training. And, if you haven't started yet...it's never to late either!
8. Commitment...yes, this ties back to "do you have the time" but a pet is a long term member of your family. A loyal pet will live with you through breakups, job changes, happy times, sad times, moving, kids. Are you the person that can return that loyalty and keep your pet with you through breakups, job changes, happy times, sad times, moving or kids? Having a pet may impact the job you take, the car you buy, where you move, or even your future mate. You cool with that?
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All of this is a lot to ponder. It is our belief that most applicants can get a pet, provided they are flexible or have done their research. Honestly, having a pet is not rocket science: you just need a good heart and a bit of tenacity.
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If you are pondering giving up your pet, start with training. If it's inevitable and you have bought a dog that doesn't match with you, seek help from rescue orgs. Do know, we are at capacity and exhausted, so we can't offer a quick fix, but we can offer support. Ensure they are fixed and up to date on vetting.
If you are pondering getting a pet, take it seriously. When done right, it will be one of the best decisions of your life.