My Soul Dog

It's hard to put into words what your dog means to you, let alone a Soul Dog.  Here Jennifer describes her Soul Dog, KJ.  We don't know why they are so special, we don't know how they got so special, they just are.  KJ went through a lot with her parents and now she will forever live in their hearts.  Thank you, Jennifer for sharing KJ's story.  

You take your dog to a training class for a reason. You are trying to teach your dog how to live in a human world and limit the frustrating behaviors.  Even though you are in a class, that doesn't mean things don't get frustrating and you feel defeated.  That is one of my student's experiences and this is podcast was inspired by what I saw, the feelings surrounding the interaction and how it ended.  To those of you who show up.....you are already winning. 

Don't ruin your summer outing by ending up in the Pet E.R. due to your pup suffering from heat stroke or worse, water intoxication.  Both are avoidable if we know the signs, symptoms and what to do next. Don't think for one minute this can't happen in your own backyard. Dogs are sensitive and must be watched like children. Take a listen and find out what I am adding to my first aid kit before Warren and I head out on our first hike of the year. Small changes and awareness make all the difference in your dog's health. 

So much goes on in dog play both good and bad.  Knowing when to press the "pause button" can keep dog play at its best.  Knowing the signals and signs to look for are paramount.  Once you know the signals to look for, you can monitor dog play with confidence.  Use the techniques I use and what I teach in my dayCARE employees to keep the daycare running smoothly with little to no incidents.  There is a time to press "PLAY" and a time to press "PAUSE".  Know the difference. Listen now! 

I was inspired by artwork that stopped my scroll while on social. Looking at this photo resonated with me because I was feeling that right now.  There is a narrow view of where you are at with your goals, your training, your whatever you are working, and then there is the wide angle.  Do you ever go back and look how far you have come? Even though you feel like you are not making any progress, could it be that you are simply on a flat spot on the path up the mountain? This relates to dog training or any mountain you are climbing.  

Why is it that dogs bring out a love that we can't describe?  Is it because they are lying beside us in our darkest moments? Is it because no matter what kind of day we are having, they are always happy to see us?  These are all true but there are more scientific reasons dogs mean so much to us.  And don't forget to thank our ancestors for cultivating such a beautiful gift, the love of a dog.  

I can sit in a box, I can sit with a fox. . . . 

Generalization is not as easy for dogs as it is for humans.  In this episode, I discuss why training is so good in the classroom but terrible outside.  Leave with tips and tricks to make your training useful everywhere you go. 

Fall is a favorite season in the PNW.  If only our dogs felt the same way.  Dogs have to endure silly costumes, people in their home, the doorbell on the fritz and tempting treats left out and about.  It's quite stimulating and most times over stimulating for our pups.  Here are some helpful hints to weather the Fall season, especially Halloween.  Those costumes can be scary! 

Stranger Danger effects daily life for both you and your dog.  In this episode, we discuss what it is, why it might be happening and ideas to help.  The sexy has been left out of this episode.  We are left with real talk.  By no means should this episode be a replacement for a professional trainer, but using the techniques in this episode will open the door for healing your fearful pup.  Progress IS possible.  

Fence fighting or barrier aggression can be very much a problem. It sounds terrible and is very much misunderstood.  Let's talk about it and the ways in which you can help if you have this problem.  Your dog will be much happier!