Walked Paws

Something spooky for Friday the 13th!

What's your dogs favourite but also grossest hobby? #DIYEnrichment

*cough* Bear *cough*

So yesterday, like always, I went to the store for our week’s-worth of groceries . As I walked up to the entrance, I noticed a small group of people with their... dogs participating in a training class. I suspect they were using the storefront as a distracting area to practice behaviors. . . I passed the group and entered the store, picked out my shopping cart and began inside. Out of the corner of my eye I noticed an older gentleman in the training class with his young, black, curly dog. . . With one swift YANK on the leash and tightening of the choke chain, that adorable, young dog jolted into a down position onto the sidewalk. . . Now, to the untrained eye this may present itself as training but to me, my heart sank for that dog . In a split second, I saw a dog who was overwhelmed, fearful, confused and unheard. . . Is this how you would want someone (especially your friend) to teach you a new language? Or a new skill? Then why would we do this to our companions? . . I’m not going to lie, my blood boiled for a moment, my face got hot and my grip on the shopping cart tightened. . . Now, I didn’t immediately blame the gentleman for this; he was likely following the instruction of the trainer leading the class. However, standing up for our loved-ones and CHOOSING not to participate would have been commendable. . . With the deep exhale, I continued to enter the store and go about my shopping as planned. Though I would have loved to have said something, as a professional, I also understand that this moment is not the time nor the place for interjection. . . So, WHAT TO DO?? . . Well, I choose to use my platform to educate. . . Dog training is an unregulated industry which means anyone, no matter their skill or education, can call themselves a trainer. Yes, that means that your neighbor who "watched a dog training show and taught his dog to sit once" can advertise that he's a trainer and charge you money! This lack of regulation makes finding a qualified trainer not only confusing, but dangerous. . . However, it’s your job, as the pet parent/guardian/handler (whatever you choose to call yourself) to do your homework, take the time to research up to date behavior/training recommendations and find a qualified trainer who fits the bill! . . Frankly, just because someone tells you this is how training has always been done, doesn’t mean it’s the best way to do something and just signing on with the first trainer that comes your way is a downright poor excuse. . . Yes, finding a professional may take some legwork, it may take some extra time calling various trainers, questioning their methods and philosophies, and making the best decision from there. But listen, you owe it to yourself and your dog to do it your relationship and your dog’s physical and psychological well-being depend on it. . . I struggled with figuring out how to help that dog and that gentleman. Aisle after aisle I wondered... Are they still out there?" "I should’ve worn my ‘train without pain’ t-shirt today." "Maybe I should give the trainer a disapproving look. . . .and the truth is, there is nothing I could have done that would be constructive in that moment. Unless that gentleman happens upon this post, he will likely continue through the class and neither his dog, nor his relationship with his dog, will be better for it. . . Now again, I’m not necessarily calling anyone out here BUT sitting idly by isn’t helping this issue either. . . So, WHAT NEXT?? . . Well...YOU are! One person at a time, I will educate , I will continue to work with those who seek out my help. Modern, force-free dog training is on the rise. It is building in numbers and popularity but not fast enough. This is such a passionate industry with extremely polarizing sides and the disdain those hold from one side to the other is overpowering and something you can easily get sucked into. . . BUT... . . Instead of focusing my energy on the war within the industry, I want to focus my time on YOU, my clients. . . Force-free shouldn’t be a training methodology just for our dogs but instead a life philosophy extended to one another . . . Though I am a trainer, I'm also a coach; someone who will listen and support my human clients and teach you how to communicate with your without sacrificing your relationship with him! . . My ultimate goal? Guiding people and their dogs to a better life together. Empowering both the human AND canine sides of the leash through patience and guidance is the answer, plain and simple one person and dog at a time. . . Aggression and intimidation, force and fear are just toxic they have absolutely no place in our friendships, raising our children, or caring for and teaching our companion animals. . . We need to do better. I’m willing to trywill you? . . If you’re looking for a certified, force-free trainer, follow the link below for a trainer search by zip code [https://petprofessionalguild.com/Find-a-Member](https://petprofessionalguild.com/Find-a-Member)

When you hear the word enrichment what do you think? It's kind of a buzz word. But essentially it means "to make better", so we can think of enrichment for dogs as, "making our dog's lives better." Our dogs don't always get opportunities to be dogs, and do normal doggy things. But with a little bit of planning (and arts and crafts) we can change that!

Oh boy, Oh boy - I'm SO excited about this. If you are a parent or caregiver, I hope you will join me! Save the dates: September 28-October 4. Register here: https://safekidsanddogs.com/workshop/

Just so we're crystal clear. Black Lives Matter. And if you don't agree this is not a space for you, buh bye.

Feeling like another webinar. Is there a topic you'd like to learn more about?

Have you ever muzzle trained your pup? If you have, was it for a specific purpose? And if you haven't, is there a specific reason why not?... #TeamMuzzleUp

I just have to stop and give a huge shout out to all of my clients who have nervous or anxious pups. The amount of time and energy I see them putting into making their dogs feel safe and happy blows my mind, and reminds me that the world is full of good people. So here's to all my amazing clients, we see you and you're doing amazing!

"The dog-training profession is strikingly white and largely comprised of white, middle- and upper middle-class women. This is especially true of the subset of trainers who use positive reinforcement and science-based training."

My life tends to revolve around my pup ... Which makes me feel even worse when ... Well ... There have been times I've forgotten to feed her Or let her out to ...potty Or times I skip out on getting her out for a walk While I consider myself to be a loving dog owner, sometimes I miss the important stuff. So when we consider dog training and our dogs' behavior, it's important to consider whether we've met all of their needs Take a day to REALLY pay attention, and maybe even record your activities involving your dog for the day Maybe you think you're giving your dog more of something than you thought. Something as simple as not enough restful sleep can really have an impact on your dogs behavior, and how they're getting along throughout the day If you suspect your dog is missing something, don't beat yourself up Take a look at how you can better incorporate it into their day, or seek a professional if you don't know how Consider the following essentials nutrition -Food quality is just as important as food itself, high sugar diets can especially affect a dog's behavior water RESTFUL sleep -providing your dog a quiet space to his/herself is especially important, extra steps may be necessary in busy households or homes with lots of outside noise Exercise -different dogs have different needs, growing dogs especially can be overworked (causing physical damage) whereas working breeds may require extra Mental stimulation / enrichment -this is hugely underestimated as a solution or at least an aid to behavioral issues -dogs are NOT meant to sit around the house until we're ready to do something with them -they should have their own THINGS including toys, chews, stuffies, etc And last but not least CONNECTION -particularly with you, their owner -keep in mind dogs are individuals, and while some enjoy things like petting and cuddling, some prefer affection in other ways, like just sitting near their person

I learned something new the other day that blew my mind One of the dog's fave games is to shred cardboard to get at the cookie inside, usually I have to tape the box closed. BUT NOT ANY MORE! ... I watched a video of a woman folding up a cereal box to keep it sealed. Now I am sharing it with you for your dogs enrichment time.

Anyone have any adventures planned for the weekend?

In a mood, channeling it into a meme.

I love watching Wiley play with this at least as much as he enjoys playing with it. #WinWin