The Proper Puppy

07/11/2025

One of my favorite skills to teach in Puppy Prep School- “stay,” for cute photos! 📸

Puppy Cocoa is doing a great job 🐾

07/03/2025

Thank you Pawsitive Futures for the great tips to help your dogs stay safe and comfortable on the 4th! 💙❤️

4th of July is right around the corner and while this is a fun time for many Americans who celebrate, it can be very stressful for our animals. But with a little preparation, we can help keep our dogs safe, relaxed, and happy. Here are a few tips for our Pawsitive Futures Survival Guide!

💙EXERCISE: Avoid the heat and tire them out early. A morning walk, yard time, swimming, and training can help burn off that extra energy in advance, which makes it easier for our dogs to relax during the festivities. Avoid going out in the middle of the day to avoid heat stroke and make that final potty break before the fireworks begin.

💙FIND A SAFE PLACE: Whether you are at home hosting guests or heading out for the night, try to find a safe and out-of-the-way location where your dog can be. Parties tend to mean new and inexperienced faces around, opening and closing of doors, and maybe even kids running. This can increase your dog’s stress level and can even lead to your dog accidentally escaping. Quiet and secluded places can help prevent canine breakouts and can promote relaxation. We even recommend a double barrier system, like a crate in a bedroom with a closed door- double the management to prevent accidents.

💙IDENTIFICATION: Fourth of July is a common time for dog’s to escape and get lost. Make sure your microchip information is up to date and be sure to keep on collars and tags to make it easier for someone to return your dog if they find him / her.

💙MUSIC AND BROWN NOISE: Drowning out party sounds and the sounds of fireworks can help reduce stress. Classical music and brown noise have been shown to have a calming effect and promote relaxation. Find a playlist online or turn on your canine music boxes!

💙ENRICHMENT: Enrichment is a great way to give your dog an outlet while your dog spends some downtime. Licking and chewing can even help destress and promote relaxation, making their designated safe spot even better! Prepare some high-value Kongs or Toppls in advance, and even grab a few additional items like bully sticks so you have some activities on hand. If you plan to host guests over and your dog hasn’t had much practice being alone in their safe space, grab some treats and be sure to practice before the big day.

💙MEDICATIONS: There are other options if your dog needs some additional support. Over-the-counter calming aids like Adaptil and Composure can help take the edge off. For dogs that have a more difficult time with noises or may have some noise phobia, speak with your veterinary team to see how they may be able to support your dog.

From all of us at Pawsitive Futures, have a safe and happy 4th!

07/03/2025

Sweet Nina recently graduated from our Puppy Prep School training program 🎓
Congratulations on all your hard work!

06/02/2025

Welcome to Puppy Preschool Freddie! 💙

04/30/2025

Dottie graduated Puppy Preschool this week! 🎓

04/30/2025

Sweet Finn is growing up fast! 💙

04/29/2025

Honey has really blossomed in week two of her puppy prep school program. We’re excited to see her confidence continue to grow! 🌸

04/26/2025

Welcome to Puppy Preschool Sam! 🐾

04/25/2025

12 week old Mishka is excelling in our Puppy Preschool program 🐾

04/21/2025

We're excited to introduce Shelby Ulmer, the newest member of the Proper Puppy team! 🐾

With nearly a decade of experience in dog sports and professional training, Shelby brings a wealth of knowledge and dedication to her work with dogs and their families.

She has a special affinity for dogs that require a little extra patience, whether they’re exuberant and full of energy or shy and in need of reassurance that the world is a safe place. Her calm, thoughtful approach helps dogs build trust and confidence at their own pace.

We’re so grateful to have Shelby join us, and we look forward to the positive impact her expertise will bring to our training programs and community.

04/20/2025

Happy Easter from our family to yours! 🐰🥕

04/09/2025

Bailey was a very attentive listener during her New Puppy Consultation 🐾