Diamond in the Ruff

01/03/2026

Help the dogs while rocking some style 🐾👕

We’re selling T-shirts for $25, with proceeds benefiting our shelter dog training program. Every shirt helps support the work we put in to give shelter dogs structure, skills, and a better chance at their future—plus you’re spreading the word just by wearing it.

Shirts can be picked up at Canine Sports Unlimited.
Who doesn’t want to help dogs and look good doing it? 💎 🐕

Please share!

01/01/2026

Sharing our friend Ike again, with a little education on the benefits of proper exposure.

Exposure matters, especially before adoption. When dogs are given the chance to meet more people before leaving a shelter or program, they gain confidence, flexibility, and social skills that directly impact their success in a new home. Limited exposure can create unnecessary fear and uncertainty, while proper, guided interactions teach dogs how to coexist calmly with different humans. Meeting a variety of people helps dogs generalize good behavior, build trust, and transition more smoothly into family life. Preparation sets them up to succeed, and exposure is a key part of that foundation.

Ike is waiting for adoption at the Lewis County Humane Society NY 501c3

12/31/2025

Sometimes, dogs require guidance to realize that something they initially perceived as frightening is not as intimidating as they thought. Brute is a prime example of this phenomenon. Initially, the bath ramp presented a significant mystery to him, prompting him to wonder, "Where am I climbing to? What is this thing?!" He exhibited hesitation, backed away, and even resisted the ramp entirely. However, with the aid of stepping blocks, gentle encouragement, and patience, Brute discovered that climbing up was not as daunting as he had imagined. Now, what once caused hesitation has transformed into an opportunity for confidence-building. He can approach bath time with a new mindset, demonstrating that when challenges are broken down into manageable steps, dogs can learn to confront things they previously feared. Every new experience presents a chance for growth, fostering trust, confidence, and the understanding that the unknown does not have to be frightening. Brute reminds us that with support, patience, and encouragement, dogs can surprise both themselves and us. 🐾💙

12/31/2025

Meet October — a beautiful 10-year-old senior GSD girl searching for her perfect retirement home. She’s attended training and continues to polish her skills, all in hopes of fulfilling her mission of finding a calm, loving place to call her own. October is ready to trade shelter life for soft beds, gentle routines, and a family that will cherish her golden years.

Heres a link to her shelter post:

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1ZvKm1tJc1/?mibextid=wwXIfr

12/30/2025

Did you know that John not only works with our Diamond in the Ruff shelter dogs but also volunteers with a prison program in partnership with Wanderers Rest Humane Association? This unique program pairs incarcerated veterans with shelter dogs, providing training, socialization, and structure that helps the dogs become more adoptable. Many dogs have found their forever homes through this partnership, gaining the skills and confidence they need to thrive in new families. Now, it's Uggie's turn to benefit from this incredible program, getting guidance, training, and love that will set him up for success in finding his perfect match. This initiative not only changes the lives of dogs like Uggie but also gives participants meaningful experience and a chance to make a positive impact.

12/29/2025

No class tomorrow, Tuesday December 30th.
❄️ Stay safe! ❄️

12/25/2025

Merry Christmas from Rusty 🎄🐾
This adaptable boy from Lewis County Humane Society is currently in board and train with John, learning how to be the very best boy he can be. Rusty is putting in the work and hoping this season brings him what he wants most—a loving new home. ❤️

12/24/2025

🐕 We appreciate those who donated gifts! 🎁

Thanks Canine Sports Unlimited/ Diamond in the Ruff for collecting some donations for our furry friends at the shelter, we appreciate you all so much.

12/23/2025

Shelter dog training builds confidence, manners, and trust—giving dogs the skills they need to thrive and find their forever homes. 🐾

Ike, October, and Brute are available for adoption at the Lewis County Humane Society NY 501c3

12/19/2025

🎄🐾 Christmas Gift Drive for Shelter Dogs 🐾🎄

With Christmas approaching fast, we’re collecting gifts for the amazing shelter dogs at Lewis County Humane Society NY 501c3 and Wanderers' Rest Humane Association— and they need your help to make their days a little brighter.

We are accepting donations of:
🎁 Safe chews
🎁 Chuck it balls
🎁 Healthy treats
🎁 Enrichment toys that keep minds busy and tails wagging!

🎁 gifts can be dropped off at Canine Sports Unlimited 351 Oriskany Blvd Whitesboro

Every donation helps bring comfort, joy, and mental stimulation to dogs who are waiting for their forever homes. Something small to you can mean everything to them this Christmas.

Thank you for supporting our shelter dog friends and helping us make their holidays a little more magical ❤️ 🐕

12/17/2025

Hands-on training and learning are essential for shelter dogs. These dogs often come from unknown backgrounds, inconsistent routines, or environments where clear guidance was missing. Structured, in-person training gives them something many have never truly had: consistency, clarity, and communication.When shelter dogs work directly with handlers, they learn how to navigate the world in a way that makes sense to them. Leashes, kennels, new people, new dogs, and everyday expectations can be overwhelming without guidance. Hands-on learning helps dogs understand boundaries, build focus, and develop coping skills that reduce stress and confusion.Training also allows staff and volunteers to truly learn the dog. You see how they think, what motivates them, how they respond to challenges, and where they need support. This understanding leads to better handling, better placement, and better matches with adopters.Most importantly, hands-on training builds trust. A dog learns that humans are predictable, fair, and worth listening to. That trust carries into the home, setting both the dog and adopter up for success. Training isn’t just about commands—it’s about giving shelter dogs the tools they need to thrive beyond the kennel.Dogs shown in this video are adoptable at Lewis County Humane Society NY 501c3. You can also follow us on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/diamondintheruffatcsu?igsh=MTFzYTZjMHdqYWg2NA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

12/11/2025