Affinity Dog Behavior & Training

04/24/2025

Here is a video about trauma and how it affects us. I plan my training curriculums with techniques proven to help your dog to feel safe, even if your dog has not experienced something traumatic. Your dog's comfort for recovery is my top priority so the learning can happen.

This video was developed to give a basic introduction and overview of how trauma and chronic stress affects our nervous system and how those effects impact o...

04/20/2025

As humans, we instinctively show love through hugs—but for dogs, this can feel uncomfortable or even threatening.

Many dogs tolerate hugs, but that doesn’t mean they enjoy them.

Take these stock photos for example:

We can see…

The whites of their eyes (known as whale eye)

Dogs turning their heads away from the children

Either full panting with a “u” shaped mouth or a tightly closed mouth

These are all signs that these dogs are uncomfortable and just tolerating the hug.

We never want our dogs to just tolerate interactions, especially when it comes to children!

Respecting a dog’s space and listening to their body language is a crucial part of bite prevention.

Want to learn more about your dog’s body language? Check out our FREE interactive Doggie Detective® Page using the link below ⬇️

🔗 https://www.familypaws.com/about-family-paws/dogaware/dog-aware-body-language/

* These are photos taken from the internet, we are using them as an educational tool*

04/19/2025

Please remember to keep your hands to yourself.

Not trying to interact with the dogs we see on the street or in homes can make a huge difference to both the dog and owner.

It can help puppies build confidence and impulse control, make worried or reactive dogs feel safer and set the owner up for success.

Not to take away the joy of meeting dogs, but both dog and owner will make it pretty clear if they are keen to interact. And that’s when the question can the be asked if it’s okay to say hello.

Some of the best relationships I’ve had with dogs has started from waiting for them to make contact first.

04/18/2025

Living with dogs with trauma and fear can be tiring at times. Today I spend a long while just talking to Jade about the weather (it was going to rain and then rained), playing some pattern games, filling her snuffle mat, giving her special treats to lick and eat, and trying some TTouch and massage.

How our dogs actually like to be comforted can differ for each dog. Mine don’t like to be hugged and snuggled (when I want to- they have to choose to get close). I believe it is aversive for them and I end actually up scaring them. She’s feeling better now, thankfully. Good thing because I have work to do. 💜

04/17/2025

I am really looking forward to this conference! Tickets are still available.

The future of dog training isn’t about control—it’s about understanding.

The pet industry is evolving, and so is our role within it. More professionals are recognizing that behavior problems aren’t just things to fix—they are signals of unmet needs. True behavior support goes beyond obedience; it’s about meeting dogs where they are, understanding their world, and addressing their welfare at the root level.

The L.E.G.S.® in Motion Conference is the only event dedicated to leading this shift, bringing together scientific insight, welfare-focused education, and real-world application.

💡 Why This Matters:
✔ Stay ahead of the curve—the industry is changing, and you don’t want to be left behind.
✔ Learn from top experts in applied ethology, animal welfare, and dog behavior.
✔ Gain actionable strategies that transform your work with dogs and their families.
✔ Earn continuing education credits—this event has been approved for 18 CEUs by CCPDT, KPA, IAABC, and PPAB. RACE CE credits are still pending.

📅 Date: May 16-18, 2025
📍 Location: No Monkey Business Dog Training Center, Concord, NH + Virtual Option

This is more than a conference—it’s a movement. Be part of the future of dog behavior and welfare.

💬 Comment "Join Now" below to get the registration link!

04/16/2025

These are some photos from Maura’s and my Fear Fighters class last night. Not all dogs in the classes are pictured. We don’t take a lot because most costs worrt about hands, and we try not to be aversive with our camera phones in them.

All the dogs are showing more confidence every week. Skills are built with practice, on your dog’s time and ability, of the simple activities and pattern games we teach. You also learn how to apply them in real life to help your dog through a stressful or scary situations. Learning is a lifelong journey. And feeling safe is different for every fearful dog.
We are so proud of these dogs and their humans.

04/13/2025

I wanted to share this. Remember the glimmers with yourself and with your dog.

04/12/2025

My three Cs essential for any dog training: Connection, Communication & Confidence.

To help your dog build confidence, you need to improve connection and communication. These two are important for any good relationship. If you don’t have good communication, the connection is lacking. If you don’t have connection, the communication is often misunderstood. If you have better connection and communication you’re on your way to helping your dog build confidence.

Affinitydogbt.com

Contact me to get started today!

Affinity Dog Behavior and Training specializes in fearful dogs and dogs with trauma to help them build confidence while providing mediation services. We aid in facilitating communication with our furry friends so you can enjoy the best life together!

04/11/2025

Our fearful dogs often have a hard time with season changes. What they had coped with or adapted to in a few months suddenly changes. And if they are afraid of people they are suddenly seeing more of them.

Remember “progress is not linear” and it’s okay to have regression. Keep going slowly based on your dog’s ability and make things even easier for your dog now. Trust the process.

Affinitydogbt.com

Pictures is Jade, my dog all the way from South Korea, age 10. I’ve had her for over nine years. Jade has had toxic and chronic stress for most of her life, but has learned to cope and even built some resilience.

04/11/2025

I love being part of Family Dog Mediation. You can get certified or go even further and become licensed. I’m licensed in two divisions. There is wonderful stuff happening to help dogs with the LEGS lense, all based on applied ethology.

04/10/2025

Click the link in the comments to register 🐾 Walk is lead by Crystal from Affinity Dog Behavior & Training 🐶

04/10/2025

https://youtu.be/IesRLYKUp3g

Annie Phenix has been training dogs and consulting dog guardians for over 25 years. She is skilled many aspects of dog training and behavior modification. In...

04/09/2025

Classes start soon!

Two new classes to get your dog ready for spring and summer adventures! Click the link in the comments for details and to register 🐾

04/08/2025

Two new classes to get your dog ready for spring and summer adventures! Click the link in the comments for details and to register 🐾

04/08/2025

The future of dog training isn’t about control—it’s about understanding.

The pet industry is evolving, and so is our role within it. More professionals are recognizing that behavior problems aren’t just things to fix—they are signals of unmet needs. True behavior support goes beyond obedience; it’s about meeting dogs where they are, understanding their world, and addressing their welfare at the root level.

The L.E.G.S.® in Motion Conference is the only event dedicated to leading this shift, bringing together scientific insight, welfare-focused education, and real-world application.

💡 Why This Matters:
✔ Stay ahead of the curve—the industry is changing, and you don’t want to be left behind.
✔ Learn from top experts in applied ethology, animal welfare, and dog behavior.
✔ Gain actionable strategies that transform your work with dogs and their families.
✔ Earn continuing education credits—this event has been approved for 18 CEUs by CCPDT, KPA, IAABC, and PPAB. RACE CE credits are still pending.

📅 Date: May 16-18, 2025
📍 Location: No Monkey Business Dog Training Center, Concord, NH + Virtual Option

This is more than a conference—it’s a movement. Be part of the future of dog behavior and welfare.

💬 Comment "Join Now" below to get the registration link!