Finding the Rhythm in Life with Your Dog

Zoe and I became friends after several months of me actively earning her trust. Zoe’s pet parent, Michelle showed up every day for Zoe regardless of the challenges helping a former street dog become a family member.

Get into a rhythm.

Find simple ways of adding into your daily routine ways of training new skills and maintaining the ones you’re dog already learned.

Be adaptable and creative in continuing the learning with your dog.

Be accountable in teaching your dog what is most desireable.

The relationship starts with you. The learning continues when you show up each day and meet your dog where your dogs needs are, biologically, emotionally, socially all met with force free methods and enrichment.

Take ownership of your own learning and how you can grow in deepening the connection with your dog.

It’s not just about doing the work, but it is all about you showing up every day.

Your dog needs you.

I know it can be hard some days.

Your dog’s energy level is at a 10, but your’s is not even registering on the meter.

Still, show up!

Your schedule may be packed with working long hours, errands and you have little time left for yourself.

Still, show up!

Your dog struggles with leash walking, barking at anything and everything and you’ve had it.

Still, show up!

You are your dog’s best advocate, friend, guardian and caregiver.

Don’t suffer in silence or get lost in feeling and thinking you’re alone. This leads to you feeling overwhelmed and at a loss what to do!

Reach out and schedule a free Discovery Call with me.

https://fourpawsandyoudogtraining.as.me/

Full Steam Ahead!

Imagine yourself minding your own business and taking a nice walk with your children or going for a run down the street?

Up ahead, you see a family playing with their two large breed dogs, and you smile. The fun and excitement touches your heart.

All of a sudden, you hear barking. The family starts calling out a name which isn’t yours!

You see in the periphery of your vision that same dog who was happily playing with his people is now running full steam ahead at you!

Barking all the way!

The next steps are crucial.

You know this already.

You’re not scared, because you learned how to be safe.

You plant your legs.

You stand tall, holding your arms down by your side with your fingers laced in front of you.

You give a slight head turn away.

You are calm.

The dog jumps up from the momentum of coming forward and then returns with all four paws on the ground.

The dog stops barking and his people catch up to him.

Your actions just prevented the behavior of the dog from escalating.

You kept yourself safe and prevented a bite from occurring.

How do I know?

I just had a little practice with this the other day.

Living in a pet friendly hotel lends itself to some surprising situations. This was for sure one of them.

The action of Standing Like A Tree is the best thing you or your children can do when a dog whether it is a familiar or unfamiliar dog is running towards them.

Yes, its scary.

But, the more empowered you or your children are in being able to respond rather than react with freezing, fleeing or fighting (stress responses), this can become an automatic response and a huge life skill to have and share with others.

Time is running out to enroll in the G2G: Kids Virtual Game Series.

This is the last week to get your school aged children signed up for a fun and interactive 4 week session.

They will not only learn how to stay safe, but have fun with their dog with kid and dog friendly play sessions.

https://pocketsuite.io/book/fourpawsandyoudt

You’re Not Using Treats Are You? Yes, I Am!

Sticks and stones….

I’ve been called “the treat lady”, “the cookie pusher” and the “human treat dispenser” 😂

All of these titles I’m happy with and I welcome.

Paying dogs for a job well done with a valuable reward is not just a nice thing to do (which of course it is), but it also encourages dogs to see the time together with you as happy, motivating, gentle and kind.

They stay happy and engaged with you.

Food is often hugely rewarding for a dog. I mean, its a huge reinforcer for us humans too. When a coworker says they brought in doughnuts or treats to work and they are in the break room, how many of you, go check them out. Not only is it exciting, but it also raises morale in a work place.

When I worked in an office setting, I know I got excited when someone said “cheesecake” 🤤

The power of food is amazing!

Food is a primary reinforcer. Food is necessary for animals’ survival.

When something is delicious, it’s pleasurable and memorable.

Who doesn’t want to enjoy life and all that it offers.

When a high value reward is consistently used in training a new behavior, a strong reinforcement history becomes established.

Once this pattern of reinforcement is set, then watch for your dog offering the behavior on his own. This new habit locks in a clear way of you and your four legged partner communicating with one another.

Being able to acknowledge your dog doing the right thing and reinforcing it will enhance your dog’s sense of security and trust in you.

Jack and I enjoying a hike together

You and your dog will lockstep in your journey together.

https://fourpawsandyoudogtraining.as.me/