Jeremy Baer

Let’s Keep your dogs safe this week! Don’t forget you get what you pet! So don’t coddle or reinforce anxiety or nervousness during the fireworks. Giving your dog a job will help them focus on something other than fireworks! Utilize duration work and crating during stressful times.

Don't Let them fool you! Your dog is always watching, always looking for who is going to be strict and hold them accountable and who is going to be that soft push over that lets things slide. They are always looking for those holes, that opportunity to take advantage of the situation and take that easy road out. Often times we see some type of change in the household that can lead to a shift in overall demeanor. It can be as simple as the authoritative figure leaving the house on business to throw the routine, structure and discipline off kilter. Then the fall out ensues. You start to see some selective hearing, maybe some pushiness and then a total disregard for your authority. Associations can change so quickly because they are always watching those small moments and they are opportunists. Be aware of the small bratty stuff and correct those little infractions before they turn into unmanageable disasters. What are you allowing your dog to get away with?

We are given total responsibility when it comes to our dogs and their best interests. However, don’t be so quick to take that easy road out. Sometimes it’s not as simple as just throwing a pill at them and think “oh maybe they are more relaxed because they are now sleeping most of the day.” Or he/she is a rescue dog so it’s ok for them to be stressed and have terrible anxiety. What is best for our dogs may not be the things we think they need the most from us. If you choose medication over training your dog and you’re not comfortable with corrections, you shouldn’t own a dog. Or, if you can’t find a few extra min. in your busy day to put in a little work in, then you should not own a dog. The choice of personal comfort over communicating with your dog is absolutely ridiculous. Sure it takes time and energy but the number of people I talk to daily that tell me their dogs are on this pill or that pill because their trainer or vet was not okay with a prong, slip or an E-collar is absurd. Obviously there are cases when medication is needed, but all resources should be exhausted for each individual circumstance. It’s not about you or your comfort; it’s about what’s best for your dog. Stop doping up your dog and start putting in the work with a real trainer and continue the after care work that was prescribed. There is no excuse that your “shelter” dog is the way he is because of previous situation. That he has terrible anxiety and stress yet you exacerbate it by doing the exact opposite of what that dog needs from you. There is no miracle cure for anything only hard work and determination. It’s your responsibility to do better by them.

99.9% of the puppies that come to me are usually "pretty good", yet, there is always a "but". Most clients that bring a dog in is using the "but" phrase. "my dog is really well behaved BUT, he/she jumps on guests. BUT, he/she pulls on our walks. The BUT list goes on...And then we see what is really happening. There is no accountability, no boundaries, no guidance, and no consequences for unwanted behaviors. The dog needs clear communication, structure, rules and a routine. Without, they are out of control, selective hearing, hyperactive, destructive, barking, jumping and/or anxious. They are just unsure about their role in this world and need your leadership.

Meet Peppy-
Age- 5 Months
Prison Term: 2 weeks
Why she is Here: Look above: )