Tail Guides

Tail Guides ☆ solo training & decompression walks
☆ small group urban walks & wilderness hikes
☆ training

11/04/2025

In Fig's world, everyone revolves around her. 😂

As a (nearly) 6-month-old Australian Shepherd puppy, she's figuring out how to be a trail dog while also navigating social situations.
Fig's highlights might make her look like a non-stop play machine, but she's actually learning to coexist with other dogs, engage in parallel play, and pay attention to their body language. Her trail skills may be impressive, but to me her social skills are the true star of the show! I feel grateful to have a pup that's naturally savvy with other dogs, but it's important ensure she builds on those skills and stays confident.

Trick or treat? Cleo says why not both! 👻Happy Halloween 🎃
10/31/2025

Trick or treat? Cleo says why not both! 👻

Happy Halloween 🎃

🐾 Calling all new puppy parents! Your pup’s socialization window is prime time for lifelong learning — let’s make it cou...
10/08/2025

🐾 Calling all new puppy parents!

Your pup’s socialization window is prime time for lifelong learning — let’s make it count 💫

In our Puppy Socialization class starting Oct 21, Tuesdays at 6:30 pm (Oct 21, 28, Nov 4, and 18), you and your puppy will build trust, confidence, and good manners in a fear-free, positive reinforcement environment.

What we’ll cover:
• Reading dog body language
• Cooperative care and handling foundations
• Puppy manner foundations
• Fear prevention and confidence building
• Enrichment and what that means for your dog

This 4-week in-person class (60 minutes each) includes access to our online portal and weekly Zoom office hours so you can stay supported between sessions.

Spots are limited (maximum 4 puppies per class). Your puppy must have had their first core vaccination 7–10 days before class starts.

📍 Location: Front N' Scenter, 71 E Park Rd, Elmsdale, NS
💲 Investment: $140 + HST (with $60 deposit to register)

Let’s give your puppy the confident start they deserve. Puppyhood can be hard, but it doesn't have to be!
https://www.tailguides.ca/puppysocialization

Your puppy doesn’t need “all the experiences.” They need the right ones. 💡A safe, supportive environment makes all the d...
09/18/2025

Your puppy doesn’t need “all the experiences.” They need the right ones. 💡

A safe, supportive environment makes all the difference in building confidence. And as a puppy parent, you deserve trainers who respect your concerns, not dismiss them.

If a setup doesn’t feel safe or supportive, it’s okay to leave. You’re protecting your puppy, not failing them. 🐾💚

👉 Share this with a new puppy parent who needs the reminder.

07/14/2025

It's not always what you think!

Behavior is often the canary in the coal mine. Many times, clients notice a behavior change before their pet shows obvious signs of physical pain or illness.

So before you label your dog stubborn or old or protective, let's really dig into what might be going on.

I’m here to help you spot the clues, teach you how to get good videos for your vet and communicate what needs to be said in a concise way and to help you advocate for them. ❤️

Read more in my post: https://rescuedbytraining.com/2025/07/07/pain-causing-behavior/

Leroy isn’t a training client, but being a trainer means all my walk dogs get a little extra enrichment 🧠🐾 With the summ...
07/14/2025

Leroy isn’t a training client, but being a trainer means all my walk dogs get a little extra enrichment 🧠🐾 With the summer heat rolling in, we’re keeping things safe and engaging by mixing shorter strolls with plenty of sniffing, problem-solving, and low-key activities indoors. Just because it’s hot doesn’t mean we skip the brain games!

Thinking about a second (third? fourth?) dog? Start by asking: What would my current dog say?While we can't guarantee th...
07/12/2025

Thinking about a second (third? fourth?) dog?

Start by asking: What would my current dog say?

While we can't guarantee that any two dogs will get along, we can make educated guesses. Not every dog wants a puppy housemate — and even those who do need thoughtful support and planning.

This post isn’t about judgment — it’s about making decisions with the dog you already love at the center.

07/09/2025

Is it behavior issue or pain? Sometimes it’s both.

Behavior problems and medical issues are often treated separately, but they’re deeply connected. Behavior is often the canary in the coal mine—you may notice changes before your pet shows obvious pain.

It’s not my job to diagnose pain, but I can help you spot red flags, coach you on taking videos (since pets act differently at the vet!), and guide you in sharing important details with your veterinarian.

Pain can come from joints, ears, teeth, GI issues, allergies, and more. I’ve seen dogs labeled “aggressive” or “stubborn” who were simply hurting.

What can pain look like? It might look like...

✅ Reluctance to walk, jump, or climb stairs
✅ Skipping meals
✅ Bunny hopping stairs
✅ Panting when not hot
✅ Growling, hiding, or less social
✅ Whining or grunting when lying down

Let's work together to get to the bottom of your pet's issues. Don't you both deserve that?

Read more in my post:
https://rescuedbytraining.com/2025/07/07/pain-causing-behavior/

Does Your Dog Actually Want a Puppy Roommate? (aka: Will they send you an invoice for emotional damages?)You want a pupp...
07/06/2025

Does Your Dog Actually Want a Puppy Roommate?
(aka: Will they send you an invoice for emotional damages?)

You want a puppy.
🐾Your dog wants to nap in peace and not get bitten on the ankles (or ears or thighs).

You dream of playtime and cuddle piles.
🐾They dream of consistent routines, space to sunbathe, and the best nap spot.

You think, “They’ll be best friends!”
🐾They think, “I didn’t ask for a screaming fur goblin.”

Is your dog actually enjoying other dogs lately?
🐾Or just tolerating them like someone who didn’t RSVP "yes"?

Are you ready to be a bouncer, referee, chef, and therapist?
🐾Because someone is going to need conflict mediation.

Final question: Would your dog leave a Yelp review that says,
“Great home. Quiet. One human. No pests. 5 stars.”
or
“Used to be a calm spot. Now nonstop chaos and no peace. Staff distracted. Do not recommend.”

Your current dog didn’t sign a lease with roommates.
Before you consider bringing home a puppy, ask:
- Are they comfortable sharing space, toys, and attention?
- Would this be a beneficial addition or a tolerated existence?
- Are you ready to protect their peace with solid management?
- How can I best ensure my dog thrives with a puppy?

Because “they’ll figure it out” is not a plan.
💬 If your dog could vote — puppy or no puppy?

Phoebe checking in to let you know it's practically summer already. 💚 Hike crew MVP, goose enthusiast, and professional ...
05/28/2025

Phoebe checking in to let you know it's practically summer already. 💚
Hike crew MVP, goose enthusiast, and professional heart-melter. She brings the joy, I bring the snacks—and together we hit the trails with the gang. 🪿🐾

If your dog breaks a cue, don’t just correct—get curious. 🔎🐾Are they stressed, unsure, or asking for help? 💬 Understandi...
05/05/2025

If your dog breaks a cue, don’t just correct—get curious. 🔎🐾

Are they stressed, unsure, or asking for help? 💬 Understanding what’s underneath the behaviour is how trust and teamwork grow.

When you’re feeling stuck, reaching out to a professional can give you the insight and support you need to better understand your dog and move forward together. 🐶✨️👩‍🏫

Spring has officially sprung — just ask Stella! This sweet girl joined me a year ago for solo visits during torn CCL tre...
04/22/2025

Spring has officially sprung — just ask Stella! This sweet girl joined me a year ago for solo visits during torn CCL treament, and now she's back for seasonal strolls while her people travel. As the crocuses pop, so do the scents — and Stella’s nose is here for all of it. 🐽🌷🪻

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Halifax, NS
B3J

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