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When to Hire a Dog Trainer

So, you went to the shelter and said, “Yes, I’d like to adopt a hellhound. That’s right. One hound from hell, please. The more aggressive, the better. Bonus points if it has extreme ADHD and snarls at complete strangers.”

Okay, maybe you didn’t say that. And maybe your dog isn’t that hostile and out of control. But certainly, there’s a little room for improvement.

If you’re feeling fed up, frustrated, and befuddled over why your dog won’t listen, maybe it’s time to learn how to communicate. Hiring a dog trainer may sound like a last resort, but why suffer

Get ahead of unwanted behaviors by being proactive and starting early. Your mildly misbehaving pup isn’t really a bad dog… but with the right training, your little fur baby has serious potential to be the best dog ever.

How Early Should Dogs Be Trained?

New puppies are usually adopted out by about eight weeks, and basic “how to be a dog” training should start on day one. No one said you need to be a hard-ass drill instructor, but yes-right-now is the perfect time to start reinforcing the essentials.

After all, the honeymoon is going to be over the first time your cuddly ball of fur pops a squat on the living room floor. Potty training your new dog will become your top priority.

Now is also the perfect time to teach your dog its new name, make introductions to family and friends, and prevent unwanted behaviors before they have a chance to become a habit.

Private training is an excellent way to get a jump start on your pup’s training before they are vaccinated. A private trainer can make an effective plan to make potty training a breeze, reduce the frustration of the puppy biting phase, and establish good habits from the very start. They can even help you get set up and prepared before your pup comes home!

Once your pup has gotten their vaccines, the next best thing to do is attend a group class. These are the most formative months of your dog’s life. What your puppy learns now will determine how optimistic and resilient your dog will be as an adult. Socialization is key! A group class can help your pup with controlled positive exposure to a variety of things they may encounter in their adult life such as other dogs, people, and novel sights, sounds, sensations, and smells. A well-run puppy kindergarten is going to focus on helping your pup interact confidently in the world rather than focusing on obedience cues. We can teach obedience for the rest of your dog’s life, but we only have this small window for socialization.

Adolescents... Set Them Up For Lifelong Success

Ah…just as your pup seems to be getting their shit together and the baby shark phase starts to dissipate, they hit puberty. And just like human teens, they start to explore their independence and make decisions on their own. They are usually bad decisions, at least in our eyes.

If you’ve been ultra-diligent with your puppy training, this is a great time to teach your dog useful obedience skills and practice reinforcing the behaviors you want around higher levels of distraction. Continuing to attend group classes is a great way to advance your dog’s skills and help form them into the well-rounded companion you dreamed of. You don’t have to stop with just obedience classes either. There are a variety of group classes to choose from such as scent work, cooperative care, tricks, and pack walks.

If you got your dog as an adolescent, you slacked off during puppyhood, or you just happened to get a particularly anxious pup, you might start to run into some more concerning problems. This can range anywhere from counter surfing and jumping on guests, to more serious things like resource guarding or leash reactivity. The more frequently your dog gets to practice these things, the more habitual they become, and the harder it is to replace them with a better habit. It’s best to get the assistance of a private trainer to help you get ahead of these developing behaviors in the most efficient and effective way. They will come up with a management and training plan specific to your dog, your family, and your daily environment.

Maybe you really did adopt a hellhound?

You didn’t really know what you were getting into, but you love your dog as if they were your child and you will not give up on them. You might be worried that your dog is going to hurt someone or they are going to get themselves hurt. You find your world getting progressively smaller; no more mountain hikes in fear of running into an off-leash dog, no more friends and family over to the house-everybody hates the barking, no more vacations because nobody can safely watch your dog… Your dog is completely out of control, and you feel that vibe too. Neither of you are feeling very safe or stable right now. The alarm bells should be ringing!!! It’s time to hire a qualified professional.

Dog Trainers Train People?

Abso-freakin-lutely. They’re training you to train your dog. After all, your trainer only has an influence on your dog while they are with you for the lesson. You, on the other hand, your dog has to live with you for the rest of their life. You play a very important role in your dog’s training success. You don’t have to learn to be a professional dog trainer but there are a few things you really should know if you are going to be the best pet parent you can be.

One of the most important things a trainer will teach you is how to read dog body language. Your dog is talking to you. All the time. If you can understand what they are saying, half of the communication problem is solved! You’ll learn how a dog’s carriage, tail, mouth, and ears can tell you exactly what they’re thinking without so much as a word. You don’t have to be a mystical “dog whisperer”, you just have to learn to listen with your eyes instead of your ears.

Another important thing a trainer will teach you is the physical mechanics of dog training. Understanding what your dog is saying is half of the communication struggle. The other half is learning how to communicate back to your dog in a way that makes the most sense for them. A trainer will teach you how your body language affects your dog, the appropriate timing and delivery of reinforcers, and how to comfortably handle training tools such as leashes/long lines, treats, clickers, etc.

Take full advantage of Q&A time during each session to ask if you’re ever unsure. Your trainer is there to help, and a good trainer will be open to giving plenty of useful advice to reinforce the lesson of the day.

How to Choose a Dog Trainer Yes, there are good trainers and not-so-good trainers. Unfortunately, it’s an unregulated industry, so the barriers to entry are low and any geek off the streets can print a few business cards.

While education isn’t mandatory, the best trainers will have gone through a formal dog training program. Ask how and where they became certified dog trainers. They’ll be proud to show off their knowledge and pro cred.

Look for a dog trainer who identifies as positive, fear-free, or force-free. Effective dog training is not about punishment, and aversive training techniques get the opposite of what you want. Which is a loving, healthy, happy home for you and your dog, right?

Finally, you want to make sure your trainer is cool as hell. Seriously. Someone patient, encouraging, and just chill is key. After all – they’re not really training your dog. They’re training you to train your dog. You wanna like them.

If you’re thinking it’s time to call in the help of a trainer, get in touch! I’d love to talk about how training could help improve day-to-day life with your dog.

Schedule a discovery call with me through the link below:

https://link.digiwoof.com/widget/form/Vg1ZJ5MfgvX64TnfdvFT

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What Type of Training Program Is Right For You?

There are so many options to choose from when getting professional training for your dog. Not only are there a lot of trainers, but there are also a lot of ways to get your dog trained. Every trainer has their own unique way of training and educating but the framework in which they lay that on is pretty standard across the board.

Let’s take a look at some common services dog trainers offer, weigh the pros and cons, and see what is right for you!

Group Classes

This is what most people think of when they think of a dog training class. You usually meet once a week at a facility or public location. There is a general curriculum that typically builds on the skills taught in the previous lesson and you are expected to practice at home between lessons.

Socialization is the biggest benefit of group classes. Not only for dogs but for humans too. making friends with the other pet parents in the group can help motivate you to keep up on training homework. It’s a lot easier to stay motivated when you are working with a community that is working towards the same goals.

When it comes to socialization for your dog, they will be exposed to a different environment and a variety of people and other dogs. This gives you more opportunity to practice your training in situations that are hard to recreate at home.

Because groups are so distracting, they can be really difficult for an anxious dog to cope with. The trainer usually can’t spend a ton of 1:1 time with you and your dog to help them settle into the environment or address complex behavior issues. Because of that, group classes are most appropriate for puppy kindergarten and for already social dogs who are ready to train in more challenging environments.

Private Training

Private training is the best way to get an education for you and your dog. Private training can take place at a facility, public location, your home, or virtually. The biggest benefit is that it’s all about you and your dog! Training can be tailored specifically to how you and your dog learn best and you can go at your own pace.

You will be expected to do homework between your private sessions and follow the trainer’s plan as best as you possibly can to get the results you’re looking for. The more you deviate from the plan, the less likely it is that your dog will learn what you want them to learn.

Because of the individualized attention, private training is better suited for behavior modification and advanced training.

Board & Train

This is where you send your dog off to go stay with a trainer for an extended period of time. They can range anywhere from two weeks up to a few months. Now, board & trains get a bad rep. And not without good reason, very few positive reinforcement trainers offer this service and there are some scary stories out there. 

However, if you can find a good one, board & train can be super beneficial. Spending 1:1 time with a trainer can really jump-start your training and get your dog into a place where they are much easier for you to work with at home. This can be an excellent option for pet parents who have really busy lives but still want to make the effort to train their dog.

IT IS NOT A QUICK FIX. I can’t say that enough times. You are absolutely going to have to follow up with private training at home to maintain these newly learned behaviors. If you can’t follow through at home, it’s likely these new behaviors will deteriorate over time. Training is not effective unless both the human and the dog are trained.

Online Courses

2020 changed the way dog training was delivered and a whole host of online courses popped up on the market. The cool thing is, distance is no longer an issue. You can choose your favorite trainer from anywhere in the world to work with. You’re no longer limited to just the trainers in your area.

Most of these courses are self-paced but a few of them come with live coaching as well. These are awesome for the DIY-ers who don’t want to spend time trying to sift through the good and bad information found on the internet (it’s so confusing). These courses package up the information into what is actually relevant to getting the results you want.

What's Right For You?

As I said, all trainers have their own style of teaching humans and dogs. This is just a general idea of what these programs can look like. No matter what your program looks like, the most important thing is to find a trainer who you vibe well with. You want to like this person and feel comfortable sharing your struggles and questions with them. A great trainer can train you reguardless of what the program format is

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7 Ways to Help You Finish What You Start and Finally Get Results From Your Training Program

Here you are again, signed up for another training class. It was the first one that popped up in your online search and seemed like a pretty good deal. You tell yourself it’s going to be different this time. You’re going to follow through.

But are you really

Changing your dog’s behavior does require you to change your behavior, at least somewhat. Your dog can’t train itself to behave as you’d like without your help.

Here are 7 ways to help you finish what you start and finally get results from your training program…

Be selective about who you train with.

Don’t sign up for the first class you see! Get on the phone with trainers. Make sure you vibe with them. You’re not going to want to spend time learning from somebody you don’t get along with. If your trainer is the kind of person you’d love to hang out with outside of training, you are far more likely to want to spend time with them and train your dog.

A good trainer should make you feel safe, understood, and supported. They’ll make training fun and keep you motivated to work towards your goals.

There is no better time than the present.

There’s really never going to be a perfect time to start changing your and your dog’s habits. There’s always going to be an unexpected expense or something to take your time and energy away from reaching your goals. That’s life. The only way your dog’s behavior is going to change is if you do something different. Stop putting it off and waiting for the right time to happen. There is no better time than the present.

Baby Steps.

You don’t have to change everything all at once and become some hardcore “alpha” of the house. Doing something is better than nothing. Working with a trainer to come up with a management plan to prevent unwanted behaviors from happening in the first place can make a world of difference. That will give you some relief from the barkey, growly, bitey behavior and you can fit training in when it’s more doable for you.

Quit being a perfectionist.

You’re going to make mistakes. Your dog is going to ignore your cue or have a complete meltdown if a trigger gets too close. These are not cues for you to beat yourself up, or throw in the towel and give up. Give yourself some grace and embrace that you are a student of your dog, forever learning from them. It’s going to take time for you to develop your skills and for your dog to learn to rehearse new habits automatically.

Track your progress.

Things that get tracked get improved. Keep a little notebook and write down what you did with your dog that day. Going back to look over your notes can show you just how far your dog is coming along.

 
 

Celebrate what you've done so far.

When you’re climbing a particularly steep incline of a mountain, you start to get tunnel vision and can only see the next few steps ahead of you. It might feel like you are barely able to put one foot in front of the other but if you turn around, you’ll see how far you’ve actually come. Reactivity training can sometimes feel the same way. Celebrating all of your little successes along the way gives you positive reinforcement. Positive reinforcement always makes behaviors happen again, and therefore you’ll be more likely to keep up with your training.

 
 

Don't force it.

If it’s really not working out. If you are making an honest effort but you feel like something is “off”, go with your gut. Training is an unregulated industry and it can be hard to weed out who is actually qualified and who is not. Some of the worst trainers have the highest ratings on Facebook and Google! If you feel uncomfortable with the training, or your dog shows a lot of stress signals during training, it’s not worth trying to make it work. Advocate for your dog and get the heck out of there. You aren’t a quitter, you are standing up for your dog, and that’s something you can be proud of!

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Tracking Your Progress To Get Results

Keeping records of your training sessions is suuper important for tracking and measuring your progress with your reactive dog. There are a few ways it can really help us out.

For one, it can help you notice positive changes. The mind is like glue, for negative thoughts, and like rubber for positive thoughts. Our brain is designed to keep us safe so it pays attention to things that could harm us. It only notices the positive things when we really focus on them. This is called negativity bias. And because a reactive episode is so stressful on you, it can easily overshadow the good things your dog did. Having those good things documented can help motivate you to keep going.

Keeping records helps you recognize patterns. Attention to detail is key when working with reactivity. For example, you might notice that your dog is consistently more reactive on a walk after playing ball for 20 minutes. You don’t have time to do this every day so you only do it a few times a week. Originally you may have thought that adding more exercise was going to be helpful, but the patterns show it’s making it worse. If you weren’t keeping track, you might not put two and two together.

Keeping records helps you communicate accurately with trainers and veterinarians. The more detail you can give us, the better. We only have a small window of in-person time with your dog. We rely on you to tell us what’s going on when we aren’t there so that we can make effective behavior modification plans. The more accurate that information, the better we can help you.

So how do we keep records?

Take video. Yeah, I know it’s hard to hold a phone and walk a dog and train at the same time. BUT you can always have a friend or family member walk with you, or prop your phone up against something while you work on a training exercise. It’s not as impossible as it sounds, it just takes a little creativity. Trust me…I know.

Use a Written Diary. It can be a notebook or digital. You can write as much detail as you want. Use Trackers and Charts. If a written diary is too much to commit to, a chart can be fast and easy to fill out. It also gives a nice visual of progress. You can make your own or download a printable worksheet online.

What things are important to record?

Record your daily activity

  • Sleep patterns

  • Eating and digestion

  • Water

  • Play and interaction

  • Activities and outings

  • Exercise

  • Weather

  • How human is (mood)

  • Events that happen

  • Note changes in behavior associated with any of these factors.

Record Your Training

  • Date/time

  • Location

  • Behavior step with criteria for success

  • Repetitions/Successes

  • Notes – what went well/what needs work

Record your Wins

  • Note at least three good things each day

  • Things dog did well

  • Things human did well

  • Fun that was had

  • Encounters that went well

Now, this does take a bit of a commitment to behavior change on your part as the human. As your dogs build new habits, you will too. Keep your tracker in an easily accessible, visible place so you are more likely to remember to use it.

It takes 21 days to build a new habit! Stay at it. You got this. And you may be surprised at what you might find!

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How To Advocate For Your Dog

What Does It Mean to Advocate for Your Dog?

Advocate [verb ad-vah-keyt] Verb, ad-vo-cat-ed, ad-vo-cat-ing To speak or write in favor of; support or urge by argument; recommend publicly To act as an advocate

But what does it really mean to advocate for your dog?

It means protecting your dog from anything that could hurt them, whether that’s other animals or people. It means using your voice to stand up for your dog – because dogs can’t speak up for themselves. It means having their back at all times, you ride or die bitch you.

Before you can be a true advocate for your dog, you have to be able to identify when your dog feels uncomfortable.

Then, you have to figure out why they’re not cool with the situation and how you can make things better (or when to just walk away).

Learn to Read Your Dog’s Body Language One of many amazing things about being a dog owner is that it’s hard to fool us. Not because we’re super smart. I mean, we are. But it helps that dogs suck at hiding their feelings. Master manipulators, they are not.

Dogs do vocalize, but the easiest way to tell if your dog is stressed or flat-out panicking is by observing its behavior. Trust and believe – they will tell you when something is wrong.

Stressed out dogs can lash out with aggression, act erratically, and even completely forget every obedience cue that they’ve learned. Stressed dogs don’t know how to act, so they react on instinct and that’s never good.

It could mean breaking away to flee, it could mean biting in fear… or it could just cause emotional wounds that are hard to see and even harder to heal.

Some of the most common signs of extreme stress in dogs include: Avoidance – turning away, dodging contact, or completely shutting down Hyperactivity – pacing, moving in circles, generally acting like a frantic crazed gnat Leaning In – pressing against your leg, getting close for protection Slinking – you know the move… looking guilty AF

Plus panting, trembling, scratching, furrowed brows, tail between the legs… the list goes on.

Some breeds may exhibit stress differently, and some physical characteristics may make the signs less clear. Dog behaviorists, trainers, and veterinarians are all great resources for helping humans understand their dog’s language.

Learn to Read the Room

Things can go haywire anywhere, but there are a few places where tension goes from 0-60 lickety split. Play the tape in advance. By going through various scenarios before they happen, you’ll be able to handle them like a pro.

No one needs to know you’re also stressed the hell out. (Seriously. No one. Keep your cool, because dogs can read our body language, too. Fake it and you’ll both make it.)

At Home

Home is your dog’s happy place. Let’s keep it that way, shall we? Think twice before inviting new people into your home.

Especially children. The little rugrats can be fun, but they often don’t know how to behave. Unwanted hugs, funny games that are definitely not fucking funny, and shrill laughter can grate on the nerves of the most zen-like dogs.

Same goes for your buddy who just got a new pup. The two will likely become fast friends on neutral territory, but inviting an interloper into your dog’s space may not be the meet-cute you were hoping for. Puppies can be annoying. It’s okay to admit it.

Pretty convenient excuse for keeping pesky visitors away. Sorry, mother-in-law. It’s not me, blame the dog.

And if they insist… it’s okay to insist on some house rules. No antagonizing the dog. No rough play, slipping snacks, howling like a fool, or encouraging other behaviors you’ve worked hard to redirect.

You know what your dog needs. Now is the time to advocate for your pet by making the rules clear.

At the Vet’s Office

The veterinarian’s office can trigger major panic attacks in many dogs. For one, they go when they’re sick. Or getting a shot. Or otherwise experiencing shit that just isn’t fun. What can you do?

For starters, find a vet with a bedside manner that puts your pup at ease. But you can also scope out the waiting room before bringing your dog inside.

Make sure there’s plenty of room for personal space. Bring a toy or treat to distract your pup from other pets. Dude, your dog is not the only one that hates the vet.

Waiting rooms can be full of negative energy even if the vet is the coolest.

If your pup’s a little wiggle worm that just won’t sit still or stay put, the vet tech may need to gently restrain them. If you know your dog isn’t comfortable being handled by practical strangers, it’s okay to ask to take on that role.

Your dog will feel much more at ease with you by their side. You’re the protector, and your dog will know there’s nothing to fear.

In Public Places

Consider potential triggers when out and about. Crowded sidewalks can feel overwhelming.

You may be tempted to get evening walks out of the way. Consider your dog’s reaction to crowded spaces, and choose the road less traveled. If walking off-hours feels safe, it may be better for your pup’s mental health to wait until the crowds thin out.

Who doesn’t love a good Fourth of July picnic? Dogs, that’s who. If there is a hell for dogs, it probably reeks of citrus, has an endless supply of bones just out of reach, and… features a non-stop fireworks extravaganza.

Loud noises, bright flashing lights, chaotic surroundings, and over-stimulation can all freak your dog out.

The best thing about advocating for your dog in public places is that most of these situations are easy to avoid.

In cases like these…

Know When to Hold ‘Em and When to GTFO

No matter what’s happening in the room, you’re the adult here. So, it’s your job to (wo)man up and keep things cool.

If the room still feels too hot to handle, then the best way to be there for your dog is usually to walk away. Keeping your dog safe – both physically and emotionally – should always be priority numero uno.

Want to learn dog body language basics and best practices to be your dog’s advocate, protector, and best mom ever? Sign up for our introductory training courses! Your dog will thank you.

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Dog Mom Guilt Is No Joke

No one adopts a pet expecting to suck at being a pet owner.

How hard can it be? So many people do it.

And you weren’t going to be like those crap dog moms out there. You did your research. You did everything Google said to do, and you nailed it.

Except maybe the part about the ideal diet. The vet-recommended food that came in a can seemed like enough. But that ad on YouTube said….

And brushing their teeth every day? Who does that

Walks twice a day. Checked that box. Except that time it was raining for three days straight. Maybe skipping one is okay. Or is that just the fast track to weight problems, anxiety, and rebellion?

Maybe this dog will need therapy. Maybe you’ll both need therapy. Shit.

Take a deep breath.

Being Perfect Isn’t Realistic

Adjusting our expectations seems a lot like accepting what shouldn’t be acceptable as long as it’s good enough. But who set the bar in the first place?Who decided that being a good dog mom meant transforming pasture-raised beef and organic veg into gourmet puppy chow twice a day?

That frolicking in wildflowers after a half-day hike is a totally reasonable alternative to a quick walk or three around the block?

Life is hard. Frozen burritos pass for dinner. And some people are allergic to fucking pollen.

Social media is a sonofabitch. Another way to put that is comparison is the thief of joy.

When we only have a glimpse into the most manufactured-for-public-consumption moments of another pet owner’s day… we suddenly feel less than. Not good enough.

But perfection doesn’t happen IRL. If you’re making progress and doing your best, then trust that you’re handling your shit like a boss.

Next time your dog starts wiggling its little butt so hard you’re worried it will break something… all because you put on your shoes and grabbed the leash… switch up that internal dialogue.

Wondering how to be the best dog mom ever? Spoiler alert: at least one dog thinks that you already are. Own it.

Self-Care Matters for Dog Owners

Does the idea of self-care seem kinda selfish? It’s not. Taking care of your own mental and physical wellness will ensure that you’re ready to show up for your dog.

They’re intuitive little buggers and they know when you’re not running on a full tank. If you’ve been putting yourself last for so long that you don’t know where to start, look to your pup for inspiration.

No, really.

Live in the moment. Nap like it’s your job. Prioritize play. Embrace curiosity. Teach yourself new tricks. Get dirty. Relish that piece of cake. Chase your tail. Just close the blinds first.

Dogs Need Alone Time, Too

Getting a new dog is a lot like the beginning of any new relationship. It’s thrilling to get to know each other’s quirks, make new memories, and spend every second together. Then the novelty wears off. And that’s okay.

Here’s what you are responsible for as a good dog owner: Food and water Shelter Safety and security Healthcare Love and acceptance

What’s not on the list? You’re not expected to be a constant source of entertainment. You’re not required to stand watch 24/7. Your life does not revolve around your dog. Because that would be weird.

No one needs round the clock stimulation and social interaction. Not even dogs.

No more guilt-tripping over leaving for work (or closing the door to WFH), running errands, or zoning out to crappy reality TV. Your dog is intelligent, resourceful, and perfectly capable of entertaining itself for a few hours.

An added benefit is that when time is segmented, it’s easier to stay present. If playtime is all about playtime (and only playtime) it will be that much more enjoyable for you both. Quality beats quantity, always.

Find Your People

Trust. They’re out there.

Covid has made the world feel incredibly small. But it’s also expanded our access exponentially. Sharing stories, asking for help, and giving help back is a reminder that we actually don’t suck at this.

Dog mom guilt is totally real. A little is not a bad thing as long as it’s not all-consuming… it just means that you care. That’s allowed to be enough for now.

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Help! My Dog Is A Stage 5 Clinger!

Remember back in the day when it was all the rage for socialites to cart around a teacup pup in a Gucci bag? As if a living, breathing animal was no more than a cute accessory?

That was some bullshit.

Not that there’s anything wrong with your dog tagging along, but your relationship is so much more than that. Dogs aren’t like family – they are family. They’re our ride-or-die constant companions. Our best friends.

Our dogs should always be by our side. Or so we imagined. If you adopted a velcro dog, there might be something about that pet-person relationship that you’re feeling a bit reluctant to admit.

What’s a velcro dog, you ask? It’s a cutesy name for a dog that wants to stick by its owner at all times.

Owning a velcro dog seems ideal. Until you can’t make dinner without fido under your feet. Or your little cuddlebug inserts itself smack dab in the middle of that Netflix and chill date for two.

It sucks to admit that you just want a little alone time. Yeah, you were looking for a ride-or-die, but even the clingiest of stage five clinger human partners doesn’t stand there and watch every time you pee. Hopefully.

Does it make you a bad dog mom if you just wish your dog would leave you the heck alone now and then?

Absolutely not. You’re the best kind of dog mom, because you want to understand why your dog is so clingy and what you can do to help.

Your pup will be a lot happier once you understand what’s behind this behavior and take steps to address it.

Why Won’t My Dog Leave Me Alone?

There are many reasons why dogs hound their owners. Some breeds are simply wired that way. The best guard dogs, like Rottweilers and German Shepherds, are really just doing their jobs. How can they protect their owners if they’re not keeping watch?

Lap dogs have cuddling in their DNA. And all dogs are social animals. They’ve been domesticated for thousands of years, but that natural instinct to belong to a family hasn’t changed. Loyalty and dependability are the traits that make dogs awesome… as long as it’s kept on a healthy spectrum and balanced by independence.

Clinginess in Dogs Is Learned Behavior

It’s important to understand when you’re rewarding good behavior versus when you’re encouraging unwanted behaviors by giving your dog what it craves at an inappropriate time. Desensitize your pet to certain parts of your routine by removing the reward from the action.

Does your dog follow you into the kitchen every single time? That makes sense if the dog has learned that a trip to the kitchen results in a treat. It’s hard to resist those puppy dog eyes when you’re making something delicious for dinner.

Start walking to the kitchen just because. Wipe off the counter. Make a grocery list. The idea is to let your dog know that it’s not missing out on anything interesting if it just stays put. Be cool. Act like it’s a non-event and soon enough, it will be.

Your Dog Thinks Leaving Means Forever

A more serious issue is when the learned behavior comes from fear of abandonment. This is common with rescue dogs and pups who have undergone the “cry it out” method of crate training, who were often taught early (and sometimes repeatedly) that when its owner leaves, they may not come back. no mater how distressed they become.

Dogs with abandonment issues need time to trust that they’ve found their forever home. Leaving should feel like part of the routine. Save the tearful goodbyes for rom-coms and keep it low-key. Time and consistency will heal those old emotional wounds.

Your Dog Is Worried About You

Ever been around someone who is just a bundle of nerves? It freaks you out and makes you feel anxious.

Your dog gets the same way. A study from Sweden’s Linkoping University found that emotional contagion, or the mirroring of stress levels found in cohabiting groups, is a very real thing for people and their pets.

The TL;DR is that when you’re anxious or stressed, your dog is attuned to that and responds by, well… freaking the heck out. Anxiety and stress equal danger in dog language.

Your dog wants to protect you, but doesn’t know how. The only thing it can control is to not let you out of its sight until it knows you’re safe.

Take a deep breath, get your woo-sah on, and try to let it go. Some things are just too big to let go, but if it’s just Karen down the hall being Karen, leave it at the door.

Dogs Crave Attention When They’re Bored

If you’re home alone with your dog, it’s not a humblebrag to say you’re the most interesting thing in the room. But sometimes, your dog needs a distraction.

Especially in our world after the pandemic, when being at home involves working at home for so many. You’ve got important stuff to do. Like pretending to work.

Invest in a fun, interactive dog toy like a Kong or puzzle ball. Treat-motivated dogs will unleash their inner piglet and go to town until you almost wish they would pay attention to you.

Feel sad when your dog slinks across the room looking all pathetic and lonely? Give them something to look forward to – a dog cave.

Much like a man cave, the dog cave is a place they can go to entertain themselves and leave you the hell alone. Fill the space with their dog bed, favorite blanket, chew toys, and other favs. “Go to your dog cave” will start to feel more like an adventure and a lot less like rejection.

When Is It Time to Worry?

If your fiercely independent dog has morphed into a velcro dog, it may be time for concern. This can happen when something changes in your dog’s physical environment, like a move to a new home.

But it can also happen when their safe space suddenly seems unfamiliar.

Increased anxiety in dogs could be explained by sensory changes, like vision or hearing loss. They don’t know how to exist in the world in the same way, so they stick to the person they trust most (you) to protect them.

Dogs can be a lot like people when they’re not feeling well. They just want to be taken care of, but they can’t tell us with words. Instead, they may follow us around, whine, or even try to keep us from leaving home.

If stage five clinger status comes out of nowhere, it’s definitely time for a call to your vet. Don’t dilly-dally with this one. Seek out the pros, pronto.

Separation Anxiety in Dogs

Clingy dogs often just want you around because life is more fun with a partner in crime. Separation anxiety is not that.

If your dog seems unusually panicked when you leave or exhibits signs of extreme distress like:

  • Destructive behaviors

  • Pacing

  • Excessive whining or barking

  • Using the whole house like a toilet

  • Depressed mood

  • Aggression

…then it’s time to seek professional help. A veterinarian, vet behaviorist, or trainer who specializes in dogs with separation anxiety should be your go-to resource.

If your dog has no chill (even if it’s low-level garden-variety annoying lack of chill) and it’s too much to handle on your own, schedule a free consultation to find out how we can help! Learning to manage life apart will make your time together that much sweeter.

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How Do I know If I’m A Bad Dog Parent?

Picture this. It’s 7:43 AM. You’re running late. Your dog wants to play, but ain’t nobody got time for that. You dump a little kibble in the bowl, then leave the dirty dish on the floor.

12:15 PM. Your dog walker texts: “I can’t find the leash.”

Shit. Shittt. His time is valuable. You’ve screwed up. Also, where is the leash?

12:23 PM: “It was under the couch.”

Relief. But that’s not the first time this has happened and you know this person thinks you’re an irresponsible idiot.

5:47 PM: Walk in the door. Pup wants to play. It’s super excited to see your face, but you’re not in the mood for games. Grab the leash your dog walker oh-so-responsibly left where it belongs and head out to get the evening walk over.

You start to relax. Things are going fine. The furball does its business and you reach in your pocket. Shitttttttt. Shitfuckshit.

No poop bag. And your neighbor is outside, glaring and headed in your direction for the fourth time in two months.

You’re definitely an irresponsible idiot. It’s just been third-party confirmed twice in one day. Maybe you’re feeling like you have to admit it.

I Never Should Have Adopted A Dog

Why’d you think you could handle this? You’re doing everything wrong. What kind of fool let you adopt a dog? Why couldn’t you have settled for that Mandalorian Chia Pet instead?

Time for the real truth, babe: you’re not special in feeling spectacularly bad. Every pet parent feels guilt, shame, frustration, and inadequacy. People prepare you for the day-to-day necessities of owning a dog.

But you rarely hear about all those fee-fees that can culminate in… let’s be real. Regret. There are days when you regret getting your dog. Because it makes you feel like you’ve failed. This sentient being loves you, depends on you, and shows it every day. But you can’t show up like you should and be enough.

The good news? You’re worried. Better news

You’re not a bad pet parent. You’re just having a bad day.

Shut Down the Negative Self-Talk

One of many things that make you an amazing pet parent is that you have a ton of patience and compassion for your dog. Give yourself a little of that same love.

So, the poop bag incident was embarrassing. You did the right thing and life goes on. Hell, you probably did your nosey neighbor a favor. Some people relish the misery of others and your misstep may have made their day. If you went back and cleaned up the mess, then you’re a responsible person who fixed your mistake.

Every wrong move is a learning experience. Sometimes, it takes more than one time for the lesson to set in. If this happens, look at new strategies to address the problem.

Hint: buy a bag holder to attach to your leash. Future problem averted with a clever solution.

Establish a Routine

But not just any routine. Take some time to think about what an average day looks like for you and your dog. Not the fantasy-life, ideal perfect day. The real, messy, busy days. Think about what you can do that’s manageable, actionable, and easy to achieve.

Little goals and milestones are the best goals and milestones, because meeting them makes you feel amazing. It keeps you motivated. Maybe you even get to feel a little smug. Be smug, bitch. You deserve it for checking every box off the list.

The bonus here is that routines make dogs very happy. They’re creatures of habit and love the security that comes with knowing what to expect.

Congratulate Yourself for What You Get Right

Here are a few subtle signs you’re an amazing dog owner:

Your dog is fucking thrilled to spend time with you You’ve got one fine dog – clean, groomed, and brows on fleek (okay, maybe too far?) Your pup feels safe and secure with you. You put your dog’s needs ahead of your own

Pretty simple stuff, but every one indicates that you’re on the right track. Feeling good about your pet parenting skills will motivate you to keep killin’ it. Humans make mistakes. It’s what we do.

Celebrate the wins, no matter how small. And balance bad moments by remembering all the ways you kick ass.

When all else fails and life freakin’ happens, laugh. Like, seriously. That shit is going to be funny when you tell the story later. And you should tell it. No more shame. Sharing your story with other pet parents will help you remember that you’re not alone.

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Dog Language 101: How to Talk to Your Dog

How many times have you told your dog exactly what to do and the little monster didn’t listen?

“Percy, I told you to stay off the couch. How hard is it? I’m not saying it again… don’t look at me like you’re confused. This time, I mean it!”

Sound familiar?

I’m going to take a wild guess and say Percy probably didn’t listen this time, either. Not because your dog is an asshole that’s doing it to spite you. It’s because your dog seriously has no clue what you just said.

It’s not exactly breaking news that dogs don’t speak human. We all know this.

But when we don’t know how to communicate with dogs in ways they do understand, we keep repeating the same mistakes. We stay stuck in the endless cycle of reprimands with no relief.

How to Talk to Your Dog in Their Language Dogs mostly communicate with other animals – including humans – using body language. Sure, they may bark, whine, growl, or whimper. But with so few vocal options available, their tails, ears, mouths, and carriages are all a huge part of what they’re trying to say.

I know, I know. You’re not a dummy. You already knew that and you listen to your dog every day, body language included.

Here’s a lightbulb moment: if we get that dog body language is important, why do we forget how important our body language is when we talk back?

That little spiel up above may have been said while walking away. While plopping your own butt down on the couch. While texting your mom. That’s okay – it’s natural. Humans simply aren’t quite as attuned to what their nonverbal cues communicate.

Dogs often peep our body language first since it’s their primary way of communicating. This is why pro dog trainers combine verbal cues with hand signals.

If you give a command – even a perfectly vocalized, simple command like, “off!” – be engaged in the moment. Dogs may not be fluent in human body language, but they’re smart enough to know that an off-handed comment while you look like you DGAF is leaving leeway to ignore you.

Using Your Voice With Your Dog Say It Once.

Know what else shouts “this is not that deep” when talking to your dog? Not expecting immediate results.

If you’ve ever been told you have until the count of five to stop doing something and you stopped on one… well, you’re a better person than most.

When your dog thinks it’s cool to wait until the third time to stop the unwanted behavior, then you’d better get used to repeating yourself.

Speak a command one time and make it clear that you expect them to obey.

Use One Word Per Action

Wanna hear something crazy? Studies have shown that dogs are capable of learning as many as 200 people words. IKR? But they don’t get the nuance that words that sound the same could mean something different. And they’re smart as fuck, but they still can’t read. That we know of.

So, we know that “their” and “there” don’t mean the same thing. At least most of us do. Grammar policing aside, we can still use context clues to figure it out.

Don’t give dogs context. Remember the spiel? Don’t do it. A command is not ten words.

Well, WTF, then? Adapt. They only hear that one word with no context at all. So, you have to limit that word to a very specific intended response.

Decide that you want to use “off” to get your dog off the couch? Cool. Makes sense.

It also probably makes sense to use “down”, right? Get down. Same basic idea.

Ehh… not so fast. That was likely one of the very first training commands that your dog learned. The verbal cue, “down”, is going to get exactly the response that you already taught your dog will make you super happy.

It’s going to lay down. On the couch.

Does speaking dog still seem like a cakewalk? No worries. It just takes a little consistency before using the right command becomes second nature.

Resist Using the Word “No”

A lot of self-help gurus these days like to stress the importance of no as a complete sentence. Hey, can’t argue.

In many situations, when we tell other people no, they have a pretty good idea why. They know what to do instead. Probably go pester someone who doesn’t listen to self-help podcasts.

That word doesn’t work the same way for dogs. When you tell your dog no, it might understand to stop what it’s doing. That’s a damn good dog. Smart, too.

But your dog is left kinda looking around wondering what the hell it should do now. If your dog is nosing a little too close to your dinner plate and you say, “no”? It thinks it’s being good when it moves on to the next available dinner plate. That sounds crazy, but in dog language, your dog just obeyed you.

A better cue might be “sit”, but there are many options. Always teach your dog the good behavior that you want to promote, rather than just reprimanding the crap behavior.

Tone of Voice Matters In dog training lingo, we often talk about using commands. An effective command is issued with authority in a measured, consistent voice. You don’t have to speak at 90 decibels to get a little respect.

You’re certainly communicating something when you yell at your dog, and it ain’t good. The intention behind your words gets lost. Yelling usually goes hand in hand with out of pocket body language, right?

Your dog may not interpret “off” correctly. It doesn’t understand that “off” might be urgent, because it’s in danger and you’re afraid. A dog’s response might be to freeze in place, because your body language and tone are shouting danger a hell of a lot louder than anything the actual word might mean. They don’t know where the danger is coming from. So they just don’t move.

Let’s take it down a few dozen decibels. A command issued in a really lax tone may not get you very far for very long. This was already mentioned, but it’s worth saying twice. Be engaged. It’s okay – and even a good thing – to speak with excitement.

This is especially important early in your dog training journey.

That Doesn’t Seem So Different

Nope. Dogs have been human companions for, like, a gazillion years. Of course we’ve learned to speak on multiple levels. And the building blocks of our communication are exactly the same: words, tone, and body language.

They’re just important in a different order. Finding the right balance between the three can be hard since it’s not the way we’re used to talking to people.

No shame in seeking out a professional dog trainer to help you get consistent… which will get the results you want from your dog.

Understand how the pieces fit together and you’ll be able to talk to your dog on a deeper level. Not about feelings and stuff. You can already do that. Permission granted to use more than one word – all your dog needs is the body language for those convos.

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The Crucial Link Between Your Dog’s Behavior and Gut Health

Ah, canine anxiety – the big, bad wolf of dog behavior. When your fur baby starts acting like a reactive, anxious mess, you might be left scratching your head in confusion.

But wait… before we dive into your little pupper’s mental state, let’s take a quick detour down the gut-wrenching (pun very much intended) path of your dog’s gut health. Intrigued? Of course, you are! You see, most people focus on their dog’s exterior when it comes to behavior, blissfully unaware of the tiny world bustling inside their dog’s digestive system. And it’s high time we shed some light on that gut feeling, because, spoiler alert, your dog’s stomach might just be the secret lair of anxiety – so grab a cup of tea (or any beverage, if you’re one of “those” people) and let’s dive into this world of canine anxiety and gut health. Let the fun and games begin!

Canine Anxiety: An Overview

Now, if our dogs could speak our language, life would be easier, right? Imagine your dog saying, “Gee, human, I am feeling quite anxious today.” Instead, we’re left playing detectives, looking for clues in their behavior and physical responses to decode what’s going on.

When we talk about canine anxiety, it can be roughly categorized into two types. First, there’s situational anxiety which is basically the equivalent of you freaking out when a clown approaches you. It occurs in specific situations like during thunderstorms or when a quest comes inside your house, bringing in those stranger danger feelings! Second, is the generalized anxiety disorder. Think of it as when you just know your favorite show is going to kill off your favorite character but have no idea when. Its a constant feeling of dread with no end in sight. In disguise, anxiety can manifest as common symptoms like excessive barking, or more serious ones like biting someone.

Which gets us to what causes this anxiety?

It could either be a traumatic past event, genetics, physical discomfort, or their breed and age specific needs not being met appropriately. Remember, they didn’t choose the ‘fur-owed’ brow life, it chose them. Managing your dog’s anxiety requires identifying and understanding the type, symptoms and the causes first and then moving onto effective solutions. And yes, your vet can help you in not letting these ‘doggone anxieties’ go untreated. Remember, understand and treat, don’t judge and yell!

The Hidden Connection: Anxiety and Gut Health

Hold onto your leashes, folks, because what we’re about to reveal may leave you feeling a little, well, uneasy! They say the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, but the key to a dog’s mental health is also through—you guessed it—their gut.

Gut health and anxiety? How are these two even remotely related? Let’s get cracking! (Or should we say, barking?)

So, scientific evidence suggests that our canine buddies have more in common with us than we might think. Members of the doggo-verse suffer their fair share of anxiety, and it seems like Fido’s digestive system is to blame—or at least part of it. Research has revealed a connection between gut bacteria and a dog’s behavior. In other words, a healthy gut equals a happy pup.

Now you may wonder, how on earth do tiny critters in the gut influence a dog’s anxiety levels? Well, these ever-so-helpful gut bacteria produce neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, which regulate mood and affect behavior. When these beneficial bacteria are out of whack, so is your dog’s behavior—leading to anxiety.

Our fur-babies are sensitive creatures, and their gut is quick to let us know when they’re not happy. Anxiety messes with their gut microbiome, causing an imbalance that can lead to issues like chronic fatigue, a weakened immune system, and deteriorating mental health.

The Gut Health Struggle Bus: Signs Your Dog Is On It

Diagnosing health issues in reactive dogs can be really difficult. Let’s face it, they aren’t exactly sweet little peaches to strangers in white lab coats who want to poke and prod them. Here are some telltale signs that your furball might be experiencing some gut health hiccups:

  1. Picky Eater: You can’t seem to find a brand and flavor of kibble your dog likes for more than a few days. You have to constantly add a variety of wet foods and meal toppers to entice your dog not to starve themselves.

  2. No food motivation: Your dog turns their nose up at most treats during training sessions even if it’s in a low stress environment with no distractions.

  3. Your dog stinks: This could be the nastiest bad breath, yeasty smelling ears and skin, or farts that make you pass out.

  4. Odd Behavior: Frequently licking carpets or bedding, eating other dog’s poop, anxiety and aggression!

  5. Appearance: Your dog may have a dull coat that sheds a lot, they may appear bloated, or they may be over or under weight.

Remember, our furry companions have their quirks, but paying attention to these cues can help ensure they stay happy and healthy.

Improving Your Dog’s Gut Health: The Illustrious Key to Unlocking Your Dog’s Anxiety-Free Existence

The first step towards a healthier gut is reevaluating your dog’s diet. While kibble may be convenient, it’s not always the best choice for your dog’s overall health. Just like humans, dogs benefit from a varied, fresh, and wholesome diet. There are no magical pellets available for humans that pack in a balanced meal sufficient for flourishing on as your sole food source throughout a lifetime. Kibble is unfortunately not that magical pellet for dogs either.

Incorporate fresh, high-quality ingredients into their meals. Fresh foods help heal the gut lining, preventing harmful bacteria from entering the bloodstream. Consult a Veterinary Nutritionist or nutrition consultant to create a balanced diet tailored to your dog’s specific needs.

Moving on to the microscopic realm, it’s important to know that your dog’s gut houses a bustling community of microorganisms, including both beneficial and harmful entities. The challenge is to strike the right balance. When the bad guys outnumber the good guys and start seeping into the bloodstream because of the damage they’ve done to the gut lining, that’s when we run into trouble. So we want to make sure our good guys have the best chance to survive. You are not just feeding your dog, you are feeding the little army inside them that keeps them sane and healthy. Probiotics are the beneficial bacteria that can help restore balance in your dog’s microbiome. You can find canine-specific probiotic supplements, or in certain fresh foods.

What came first? The chicken or the egg

Finally, don’t forget to address that pesky thing called stress. We may not be sure which came first, the stress or the unwell gut, but you can’t address one symptom without addressing the other. Create a relaxing home environment by providing a safe space free from triggers, make sure you are meeting their age and breed specific physical and mental needs, and make sure your dog is getting a good nights rest. Through training, you can also teach your dog healthier coping skills to use when they feel overwhelmed.

In conclusion, dear dog parents, we’ve embarked on a journey to demystify the enigmatic world of canine anxiety and gut health. Armed with this newfound knowledge, you’re well-equipped to nurture your furry friend’s gut health and, in turn, help them lead a happier, anxiety-free life.