Sisu Canines

07/29/2025

A much needed bath and a fresh blow out for these two!
WillowCreek Boarding & Australian Shepherds always makes them smell AMAZING! 🥰

07/22/2025

Whether you're a dog walker, trainer, groomer, vet, vet nurse, kennel worker, pet sitter, or any other professional caring for animals one thing must be absolutely clear: the ability to read animal body language is not optional. It’s essential, and there is no way around that.

Understanding a dog’s body language isn’t a "nice-to-have" skill. It’s a core competency, just as important as knowing how to handle a lead or administer medication. Without it, the risk of miscommunication, stress, fear, and even injury increases for both the animal and the human involved.

Dogs cannot tell us how they feel with words. Their communication is entirely non-verbal through posture, facial tension, ear and tail position, vocalisations, and subtle shifts in movement or energy. These cues tell us whether a dog is comfortable, afraid, uncertain, overstimulated, or on the edge of aggression. If you miss those signs, you miss the chance to prevent a problem.

A dog that is freezing, lip-licking, turning its head, or showing whale-eye is communicating discomfort. A dog tucking its tail, yawning repeatedly, or panting in a quiet moment is not "being dramatic" ; they are likely anxious or stressed. When these signs are ignored, dogs often escalate in behaviour because they feel they have no other option.

If you are being trusted to care for animals in any capacity, you have an ethical and professional obligation to understand what they are communicating.

This includes:
Knowing the early signs of stress and fear
Recognising when a dog needs space or support
Being able to intervene or change your approach before things escalate

This isn’t just about safety; it’s about welfare. You cannot safeguard an animal’s wellbeing if you cannot read how they are feeling in real time.

A true professional should not only be able to read dogs but should be proactive in adapting their handling and environment to reduce stress and keep everyone safe.
The ability to read body language. It’s not an optional extra. It’s a basic requirement.

07/21/2025

Final day of UKC scent work in Chisolm, MN!

Arya qualified in advanced exterior, interior and containers!

We NQ'd in vehicles because I failed to remember a rule change going from novice to advanced.

All in all, a fantastic weekend! Arya says "No more pictures please! I need a nap."

07/20/2025

Zero faults, zero false alerts...
Arya earned her UKC novice scent work title!

🥳🥳

Onto advanced scent work tomorrow for vehicle, exterior, interior, and containers!

I am so proud of this resilient girl!

07/16/2025

I just want to get one thing straight... I do not hate "doodles"... the dogs have done nothing wrong. I hate the BYBs who continue to breed and sell these "designer dogs".

I could go on and on and on.

Please stop buying doodles. Thank you.

07/14/2025

Arya has her first scent work trial this Friday through Sunday. She "nose" to put that work in and get it done!

We're competing in interiors, exteriors, containers and vehicles!

Wish this girl some good luck! 😎

07/14/2025

Whoops. 🤷🏼‍♀️

07/07/2025

If little Claire could see me now.. ❤️

🤍

07/04/2025

Happy birthday to this beautiful country I love so much.

God bless America! 🇺🇸

07/02/2025

Sandor has his third USDAA trial this coming weekend, this time on our home turf!

Wish us luck! 🙌