The Good Dog Happy Dog Blog
Real talk on dog behavior, training, and the industry around it.
This is where I write about the stuff that comes up in sessions, the questions I get asked again and again, and the things I think more dog guardians deserve to know. Some posts are practical (what dog body language is actually telling you, what to expect from an in-person session).
Some are more opinion than how-to (yes, the dog training industry really is unregulated, and yes, that’s a problem). All of it comes from working with reactive, anxious, and behaviorally complex dogs every day, and from genuinely loving this work.
If you’re here because you’re worried about your dog, or just want to understand them better, you’re in the right place.
You don’t need a dog trainer
What type of blasphemy is this? Bare with me. If you are on this website, wondering about how to help your dog and you're dealing with some pretty intense behaviors and dog issues that are keeping you up at night, I don't think you need a dog trainer. First I should...
Behavior Teams meetup!
This past weekend I had the pleasure of meeting up with some of my fellow PPG Behavior Teams members! Not only that, my precious dog Barnaby got to attend, along with fellow pups Munson and Cahoots! (side note, dog pros have some of the best dog names in my humble...
The in-person session
There is such a strong pull from people to cling to doing sessions in person. It's what they see and hear about. most people conjure up thoughts of group classes with dogs lined up holding down stays, or walking in circles nicely around each other on some large open...
Our industry is unregulated. And that sucks
Think about a given day you go out and about and live your life. you may not be consciously aware of it, but you are running into many (many!) regulated and monitored systems. Some better then others (and holy moly, don't get me started on the current administration...
I invite you to learn about dog body language
“I invite you to learn about dog body language” This was a brilliant response one of my mentors Emily Strong said when she was confronted by a less then kind person. This person was in her client’s home in the capacity of a house sitter. Emily was there working with...
Dog Pro community series
It's a new year and and I'm feeling inspired. Sounds cheesy, but let me have it. I've reflected on the amazing dog pro's I've been able to work with over the years, and this past year was simply exceptional. I joined a mentoring group that has been nothing but life...
New look!
Well hello you (voice of Moira Rose lives permanently in my head, sorry not sorry). Welcome back, or just welcome for the first time? Either way, I'm glad you are here! I am kinda giddy right now - I made it official! I'm working with an amazing artist on creating a...
For Funsies
How about a break from my words and look at sweet photos. I'm truly so lucky that my dog is an absolute road trip champion. This past summer we trekked around a few states, a bunch of cool parks, hung out in the woods and then the beach, and got to see a whole lot of...
Why I work online, and why you should love it
dog hanging with its people on computer As much as I tease that I'm a luddite, I truly am not. and I do find a lot of technology to be pretty darn helpful. I must say, Zoom has opened up my world professionally so much. Like, wow, so much! It truly is such a better...
What’s the difference between a dog trainer and a dog behavior consultant?
I wish I could tell you honestly that I get asked this a lot. The truth is, no one asks this. Most people that reach out to me find me after looking for a dog trainer, or have found me on dog trainer referral lists. Which, sweet! I'm thrilled you did! But I do...