Sound Hounds Dog Trainer

05/17/2026

Whole Dog Journal‘s mission is to provide dog guardians with in-depth information on dog food, training, behavior, health, and more.

05/03/2026

Daily walks are one of the most powerful ways to support your dog’s physical and emotional health. But they’re not without risk; one of the most overlooked and easily avoidable hazards I’ve seen in clinical practice is the use of retractable leashes. While they may seem convenient, offering dogs more freedom to explore, they can create a dangerous illusion of control. In reality, extending your dog 10–15 feet away reduces your ability to respond quickly when something unexpected happens, whether it’s a passing car, another dog, or a sudden noise.
Over the years, I’ve treated far too many injuries tied directly to retractable leashes; everything from neck strain and spinal stress in dogs to serious rope burns, trips, and falls (for dogs and people). These devices change the way dogs learn to walk, too. Instead of reinforcing calm, connected movement, they often reward pulling by giving dogs more distance when they forge ahead.
A sturdy, fixed-length leash (about 4–6 feet) paired with a well-fitted harness gives you consistent communication and control while still allowing your dog to enjoy the walk and all the sniffs that go with it. It’s one small change you can make that can dramatically reduce risk and help create calmer, more enjoyable walks for both you and your dog. Learn the leash types I recommend for maximum safety for you and your pup in my latest blog. Link in comments🐾.

04/24/2026

Jemma Ladwitch’s three-year-old springer spaniel, Bobby, died just a few hours after their visit to a local tulip festival in Pontefract, Yorkshire and now Ladwitch wants to spread awareness of just how toxic some plants can be in Bobby’s memory.

Tulips, and other bulb flowers, are toxic to pets if ingested, although poisoning cases are said to be rare.
Bobby began exhibiting signs of distress shortly after they left the festival. Ladwitch says it began with erratic breathing and panting, and then Bobby became lethargic and began drooling. When they took him to the emergency vet, the vet was able to explain that tulips are highly toxic to dogs — a fact Bobby’s owner did not know beforehand.

She wants to raise awareness for the sake of other pet parents who may not know the dangers. “I don’t want any dog owners to take that risk again. I want to save lives now in Bobby’s memory.”

Farmer Copleys, where Jemma and Bobby visited, has released a statement since this incident stating that dogs will be banned from the tulip festival for the rest of the season as a precautionary measure for the safety of visitors and their pets.

Many on social media expressed a desire to see the farm do just that, ban dogs from their premises to avoid risk, and other commenters think that responsibility lies solely with the dog owners. What are your thoughts? Is this the first time you've heard of tulips being toxic?

04/24/2026

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03/13/2026

03/13/2026

Celebrating my 9th year on Facebook. Thank you for your continuing support. I could never have made it without you. 🙏🤗🎉

02/23/2026

New peer-reviewed, randomized, placebo-controlled research shows that dogs with aggression, social anxiety, or separation anxiety given the probiotic Lactiplantibacillus plantarum LP815 experienced significant behavioral improvements in just 4 weeks. Owners reported their dogs settled faster when left alone, slept and woke more consistently, maintained steadier daily activity, and were slightly less active overall, but in a calm, alert way rather than appearing sedated.

Why LP815 is different? This next-generation probiotic naturally produces GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), a neurotransmitter that helps calm the nervous system by regulating nerve activity. Unlike traditional calming supplements, LP815 works through the gut–brain axis to support more lasting, natural calming effects.

LP815 clinical results in dogs (after 4 weeks):
• Reduced fear- and noise-related aggression
• More restful, consistent sleep
• Improved mood and reduced reactivity
• Better energy and emotional balance
• Faster settling after owner departure

That’s why when developed her one-of-a-kind canine probiotic, she included Lactiplantibacillus plantarum LP815™ in PRIMITIVE PROBIOTICS™ : a science-driven approach to rebuilding and maintaining your dog’s microbiome using strains inspired by wild canids, healthy domestic dogs, and living soil.

If you want to explore a science backed probiotic option for your dog, comment BETTERBELLY and we’ll DM you the link.

09/07/2025

09/07/2025

06/30/2025