Good Scents Adventures

06/22/2026

🩷

Improvement does not occur in the presence of constant overwhelm. Dogs can't learn how to cope if they are busy trying to avoid the things that are scary. The avoidance will be the way that they learn to copy.

Busy neighborhoods are rich in triggers: unpredictable movement, proximity to unfamiliar dogs and people, noise, and limited ability to create distance. For a reactive patient, this results in repeated activation of the stress response.

When a dog is consistently over threshold:

▶️Sympathetic arousal increases
▶️Cognitive function is impaired so your dog can't learn the behaviors that you are trying to teach
▶️Defensive behaviors are reinforced through repetition without you doing anything except continuing to walk your dog

This is not exposure therapy nor is it desensitization. It is training your dog to BE REACTIVE.

Each reaction strengthens neural pathways associated with threat detection and response. Over time, the behavior becomes more efficient, more intense, and more easily triggered.

Progress happens where the brain is able to process and learn—not where it is in survival mode. If we want different behavior, we have to change the conditions in which behavior occurs.

06/22/2026

Watching the Summer Solstice sun set with this big fella. First time I've organized myself to get out to watch it!
Now, time to go home to do my dishes. 😭

06/21/2026

This is crushing. Please keep temperatures in mind when walking your dogs folks. Please take time to look up the signs of heat stroke in your dogs! I have seen people using ball and Chuck-It in 25° heat too many times! I see dogs being expected to run next to a bike in the heat: remember the journey is as important as the destination! Just because you are riding to the river and the shade, the trip in the heat on the pavement is still unbearable for your dog.
Once we hit full sunny skies and 20°+ I have my dogs in the shade with access to water. 25°+ and we are at the river or near a clean water source, always in the shade. Even 5 minutes on the pavement in the full sun can be painful and unbearable for our beloved dogs. Preventing h3wt stroke is the key, not letting them get too hot then pulling them out of it! There are some things we can't get or give back... That's too heavy a weight on my conscience, how about yours?

A heartbreaking reminder as temperatures rise: a dog in our community died last night after going for a lengthy walk in the sun yesterday.

Heat stroke can happen faster than many people realize, even on days that don't seem excessively hot. To keep pets safe:

• Walk early in the morning or later in the evening.
• Bring water and take frequent breaks.
• Avoid strenuous exercise in warm weather.
• Never leave pets in a parked vehicle.
• Remember that pavement can burn paws and radiate heat.

Signs of heat stroke include excessive panting, drooling, lethargy, weakness, vomiting, disorientation, collapse, or seizures.

If you suspect heat stroke:
• Move your pet to a cool, shaded area immediately. Ideally, have a fan pointed at them.
• Offer cool water, but do not force them to drink.
• Place your pet in a cool bath or shower but avoid submerging their head. Avoid covering them with wet towels as this can “over-cool” them.
• Seek emergency veterinary care immediately.

Heat stroke is a medical emergency. When in doubt, call a veterinarian right away.

06/12/2026

Manners are an important part of every relationship and at both ends of the leash. I gave him a couple pieces of kibble to thank him for letting me take his photo. Enrichment walks (and all walks) include sensitivity and thoughtfulness for the being in my care. I do my best and I think they do, too.
Love you, Tuk!

06/12/2026

05/02/2026

Miss you Scooby Pooh!