From Ruff To Love

12/10/2025

Positive Reinforcement isn't just about using food. Find what Your dog finds enjoyable and reinforcing. Certainly food is often easier to use and can be a powerful primary reinforcer. But it's never the only thing. Only your dog knows what is truly reinforcing to them, so pay attention and don't assume that your pets or your cookies today are what's going to do the trick. Sometimes, it's just a dog and his favourite toy and tug time. 🥰

What does your dog love to do? Share how you reward your pup for the good choices they make.

11/18/2025

3 Signs You Might Be Playing “Wrong” With Your Dog

1️⃣ Your dog struggles to settle after play.
2️⃣ They spend most of their time playing solo.
3️⃣ Play = toys… and nothing else.

Here’s the truth most people don’t hear enough: play is one of the most powerful ways to shape behaviour and teach new skills.

Our dogs are trying their best to adapt to a life without the jobs they were bred for. So how do we give them outlets? How do we meet all their mental, genetic, and emotional needs?

Food puzzles? Great… but they only hit one or two needs. A bit of problem-solving, maybe a hint of foraging. That’s it.

So ask yourself: What does the dog in front of you actually need?

Do they crave herding? Guarding? Hunting? Chasing?
Do they prefer working with you, or independently?
Do they get enough variety?

That’s where play, with YOU, comes in.

Play is social. It’s problem-solving. It’s communication. It’s skill-building.
And it’s endlessly adaptable.

✨ Tug builds impulse control.
✨ Fetch reinforces recall.
✨ Tricks and pattern games build confidence and thinking skills.
✨ Foraging and searching meet natural instincts.
✨ Chasing games (with rules!) build connection.
✨ Teaching cues builds language and understanding.

And here’s the key: the fun should come from YOU not the toy.
You should be more valuable than the object. Don’t leave your dog to play alone and hope it fills their cup. Engage with them. Talk to them. Teach them. Make it social.

Let’s shift our perspective: play is training. And when we focus on creating a well-rounded, fulfilled dog, the “well-behaved” part naturally follows.

Connection + Fun = The dog you’ve been hoping for.

If all this feels overwhelming, you’re not alonr! This is exactly what I help families with. Reach out, and let’s make play easy, meaningful, and tailored to your dog. 🐾💛

11/08/2025

Tell us how You keep your Senior dog entertained? 💕

Senior dogs deserve more than comfort. They deserve to feel purpose and connection. 💛

As dogs age, their world often starts to shrink a little. Walks may get shorter, playtime a bit gentler, they are sleeping more. It is easy to fall into the trap of just leaving them alone to rest.

But remember, their need for engagement and belonging doesn’t fade! They don't just want to, but they NEED to have ongoing purpose and to participate in life with us! They just need it offered in a way that feels gentle and doable for their body that day.

At From Ruff to Love, we offer bespoke senior dog enrichment sessions focused on low-impact games, confidence-building, and mental stimulation to keep their minds sharp and their hearts happy. Each session is tailored to their comfort and energy level, and can even be paired with in-home sitting for extra care.

Because it’s never too late to bring a little spark back into their day. ✨

10/31/2025

10/29/2025

🌿 The Journey Matters Just as Much as the Destination 🌿

There are many ways to reach the same “finish line” in training, but ask yourself: what is the real goal? Do you want a dog who performs on cue, or one who can think, problem-solve, and trust you through new situations?

Yes, teaching tricks is fun (and our dogs love it!). But when we always tell them exactly what to do, we might miss the chance to help them build confidence and independence.

✨ Try adding problem-solving games with your dog, not just for them. These activities strengthen trust, confidence, and communication.
✨ Let your dog have some choice. It’s okay if today isn’t a big training day, maybe they need a lighter session or something new.

Respecting your dog’s emotions doesn’t weaken your leadership, it deepens your bond. Connection, not control, is where true teamwork begins. 💛

DM us to find out more about our Walk Plus Sessions or to book a private training consult.

10/27/2025

What is your favourite game to play with your dog?
Playing together reinforces your value to your dog. Remember, the value should come from You, not the toy. So get on the floor, get a little silly, and play together!

10/25/2025

Skill building comes in many different forms. Posing for pictures is hard work. Note the squinted eyes and the look away. What are your tricks and tips for getting that "picture perfect" photo?

10/24/2025

🌿🐾Sniffy walks are great, but sometimes we forget to stay connected with our dogs along the way. A sniffy walk isn’t just “do your thing”; it’s still about check-ins, teamwork, and shared moments.

Foraging, on the other hand, is a biological need. Setting up mindful foraging opportunities helps turn off the fight-or-flight brain, supporting calm and confidence, especially for anxious or reactive dogs.

Independent sniffing time is important, but so is building that relationship through intentional, shared experiences. 💚

10/13/2025

Happy Thanksgiving to my fellow Canadians. 🦃

10/11/2025

Controversial take on reactivity?
You might already know that your energy matters and your tension will travel down the leash to your dog. But you're probably still using energy wrong.

Yes! Energy is a tool and if you can harness its power your walks will be much more enjoyable!

This may seem counterintuitive, but instead of lowering their arousal levels I increase them, by being exciting and offering play. I have found that reactive dogs I work with, will happily ignore their triggers for a chance to play with me.

DISCLAIMER: You must know your dog and find an appropriate level of arousal. The stronger your relationship of trust with your dog, the better this will work. This is just one tool of many when working witt a reactive dog.

Be a safe, confident (but not boring) leader to your dog. Know when to lower arousal and when to use it to your advantage.

Most important, have fun with your dog!

DM to book a private session or a dog walk plus for your reactive pup.