Direction for Dogs, LLC

04/08/2025

We are extremely grateful to have received this feedback from our recent REACTIVE TO RELAXED graduates, and we are beyond thrilled with their progress. Our next course in May is almost full - with only 1 spot left! If you are eager to join but can't snag that last spot, let us know and we will consider adding another session to the schedule.

04/08/2025

TRAINING TIP TUESDAY: Rewarding your dog does not always have to be with food treats. Rewards can also be praise, pets, play, toys, games, or a release from a command to do as they please. Take time to discover their favorite things and use them to see the best training results.

If you are looking for some new suggestions to try, let's share - What is your dog’s favorite reward? If it is food, what is their top high-value treat that they can't resist?

04/07/2025

If you need something to make you stop and think of what life might be like from a dog's perspective, read this!

Letter from a dog. 🐕
Be cool, always. 🙏😊

“Dear Human,
I see you.
Not just with my eyes but with my whole being. You may not realise it, but every time your heart beats a little faster, I feel it. When your hands tighten ever so slightly on my lead, I sense it. When you breathe differently, I know.
You may smile and say, “It’s fine,” but your scent tells me otherwise. Your muscles betray you. I can feel your energy shifting, and I carry it with me.

You see, I live in a world of sensation. Your voice is only part of what I hear.
I hear the tension beneath it. Your body language speaks louder than words. I watch your posture, your eyes, and the way you hold yourself. I even catch the subtle chemical changes in your scent when you are nervous or afraid. My nose is built for this—I can detect fear and stress hormones in your sweat and skin. And when I do, it shapes how I feel.

When you are anxious, I become uncertain. When you are afraid, I may feel the need to protect or flee. And when you are tense, I wonder if there is danger nearby. Your feelings change the way I experience the world. I’m not trying to be difficult when I pull on the lead or bark at something you can’t see. I’m just reacting to what I feel through you.

I know there have been times when I embarrassed you. Maybe I lunged at another dog, jumped up on a stranger, or barked too much. You held your breath and worried about what others thought. I felt that too. And because I love you, I tried to match your energy—I either got big and bold or small and unsure. Either way, it wasn’t helpful.

But here’s the thing, dear human: I don’t need you to be perfect. I just need you to be calm. When you breathe slower, so do I. When your shoulders relax, I trust that we are safe. When you move with quiet confidence, I follow.

Please, when you are nervous, remember that I don’t need you to control me with strength—I need you to lead me with clarity. When you feel unsure, help me by being steady. I look to you for reassurance, not through words but through the energy you carry.

If you are feeling uncertain, that’s okay. I understand. Just take a moment. Breathe. Stand tall. Move deliberately. Let me see that you are okay, even if you have to fake it at first. With time, I will learn that I don’t need to carry the weight of your worry. You will be my calm. And I will be your calm in return.

With love and loyalty,
Your Dog”

I hope this helps some folks understand a little more about our dogs’ world.
Best wishes,
Allan Ritchie MGoDT ( MPDTI)

04/07/2025

Congratulations to our amazing Reactive to Relaxed course graduates! Their journey proves that transformation is possible, no matter the age, size, breed, or circumstance. We are beyond proud of these dedicated pet parents for their hard work and commitment to help their dogs live more relaxed and happier lives.

04/07/2025

If your dog needs some guidance on walks, don't forget to register for our Wise Walking 3-week mini course that starts this Thursday, April 10th!

🐾 HOW TO WALK A HUMAN: A DOG'S GUIDE🐾

Humans need exercise, and it's up to YOU to keep them moving! Let's make sure they stay in shape and have fun while doing it.

04/06/2025

On my birthday, I am skipping the usual wishes and sending a reminder instead: We are lucky to have dogs in our lives. They each have their own quirks, and they might drive us crazy sometimes, but that’s just part of the package. When they wag their tails, snuggle up beside us, or gaze at us with those big eyes, we are reminded that life is a little bit better with them in it. So, take a moment to appreciate the chaos, the slobbery kisses, and the unconditional love - it’s a gift worth cherishing.

04/04/2025

As the weather warms up, are you planning more day trips and needing a trusted PET SITTER? I found the perfect person for you - Aspen G.! She delivers patient and personalized pet care offering drop-in services and dog walking.

I have witnessed Aspen's outstanding interactions with her own pet, my dog, and others. She expertly reads body language, has a high level of training knowledge, and customizes her approach based on each pet’s needs. Aspen won’t just show up to do a job – she will ensure that your pet receives top-notch care.

You can contact Aspen G. and read more about her on her Rover profile:

Find 5 star dog sitters on Rover.com. Book dog sitting or dog boarding online! 24/7 customer support, peace of mind protection. Better than a dog kennel.

04/04/2025

Can you believe that once upon a time, this dog pulled so hard that she knocked me over and dragged me through the mud? (I have a witness that can prove it who also found the whole ordeal hilarious.) My dog and I came a long way together.

Let me share with you all the tips, tricks, and secrets that we learned to achieve walking harmony. Enroll in our Wise Walking 3-week mini-course that starts on April 10th.

04/03/2025

Phillie has been helping out in our Puppy Playgroups so we thought it was about time that he had an official team member profile on our website. If you would like to learn more about Phillie, check out www.DirectionForDogs.com/about

P.S. Don't forget to RSVP if you plan to attend this Saturday's FREE Puppy Playgroup!

04/03/2025

I asked to pet these adorable pups in BEGINNER OBEDIENCE class, but their owners said NO! Sometimes, it is not in the best interest of the dogs to have everyone pet them, but saying no can be uncomfortable. Therefore, we practice people greetings and refusals in class to make our real- world skills easier and stronger.

04/02/2025

Have you visited the Patriot Pet Supply store yet? They are a family owned, veteran run, pet retail store and community resource center in the Elverson/Morgantown area. They have been publishing some training info videos on Facebook containing some really great info. I encourage you to watch them.

04/02/2025

Check out the laser-focused attention of these puppies on their owners in our PUPPY FOUNDATIONS class!

In the dog world, making eye contact is a challenging gesture that dogs usually avoid, but you can help your dog become comfortable with eye contact in the human world. Whenever your dog makes eye contact with you, mark with a word like “Yes” and reward. Quickly, your dog will learn that looking at you brings good things!

04/01/2025

Check out all of the new dog training opportunities at Direction for Dogs, LLC

We have something for everyone on our upcoming schedule!

03/31/2025

Our latest PUPPY PLAYGROUP was buzzing with excitement as our furry friends met new dogs and people of different ages, sizes, and genders. They explored new textures like artificial grass, fabric tunnels, and plastic steps, opening their little worlds one sniff at a time. But it wasn't just about play - the puppies started building friendships, learning communication skills, and making positive connections that will last a lifetime!

03/30/2025

When we adopted Phillie on Superbowl Sunday, he brought the Eagles good luck. Now, we hope he brings the Phillies the same luck, especially since he bears their name. Wishing you a relaxing day and a grand slam of a baseball season!


P.S. Special thanks to Wildflower Balloons for letting us take a photo in front of your beautiful display.

03/30/2025

Our April Newsletter was just emailed to our newsletter subscribers. Hurry and open it quickly to be the first to know about the new workshop added to the schedule and the 8 upcoming group courses! Plus, the newsletter includes some recommendations, training tips, and more!

03/28/2025

Did you hear that it is going to be 84 degrees tomorrow?

I can't wait to get outside and enjoy quality time with my dog. I hope you are too!

03/28/2025

Star and I would like to send our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who attended our Dog Body Language Workshop last night. Your thoughtful questions and active participation made the evening entertaining and fun. I hope you learned some new things and enjoy being new dog mind readers!