Bark to Basics

09/01/2025

Wilbur reminds you not to work too hard this

08/29/2025

Embracing Your Dog’s True Self

Your dog might not match the vision you had when scrolling through adoption photos or picking out that puppy.

Maybe you dreamed of an adventure buddy who’d climb mountains, but got a couch potato.

Perhaps you wanted a social butterfly for brewery visits, but have an introvert who prefers quiet walks.

Here’s what changes everything: recognizing that your dog’s differences aren’t flaws to fix but qualities to understand and work with.

That couch potato might be the perfect work-from-home companion. The introvert could be your peaceful hiking partner.

Small adjustments in expectations, better communication skills, and embracing their authentic personality creates deeper bonds than forcing them into your original vision ever could.

08/28/2025

It’s a pretty common misconception that every dog who shows their belly wants a rub. Misreading this body language can result in a negative reaction in an uncomfortable dog who is trying to wave the white flag.

They’ve flashed their tum…now what?
Well, that depends.

On a consult, when a dog flops in front of me, pulls their paws in tight, and stares intently....it’s rarely an invite for belly rubs. Quite the opposite for many dogs.

Rolling onto their back exposes their stomach, chest, and throat...areas with no real protection. In dog language, that’s one of the most vulnerable positions they can be in, which is why context and consent matter.

It’s easy to misread, I absolutely appreciate it is.....but we should be sure it’s an invitation before we approach.

When we dismiss a dog’s body language, we make it harder for them to communicate clearly in the future and that’s when misreads start to snowball.
A very slippery slope.

08/28/2025

This has been an interesting, developing topic recently!

In conclusion, this study shows that the risk of cranial cruciate ligament disease in dogs is linked to how long they are exposed to natural s*x hormones, and the relationship isn’t simple or linear. The highest risk was seen when females were spayed before about 1054 days (just under 3 years) and males before about 805 days (a little over 2 years). These results may help define what counts as “early” spay or neuter when it comes to cranial cruciate ligament disease risk.

Veterinary reproduction specialists now recommend hormone-preserving sterilization: preventing unwanted litters & less risk of torn cruciates.

08/26/2025

Happy from my pups to yours!

08/13/2025

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

Proof your dog loves you even more than hot dogs!

Science confirms what dog lovers have always felt. In a groundbreaking fMRI study led by Emory University neuroscientist Gregory Berns—reported in National Geographic and Nature Scientific Reports—researchers found that when dogs smell their owner, the caudate nucleus, the brain’s center for joy, reward, and affection, lights up far more than when smelling food or other dogs. This means your scent isn’t just familiar to them—it triggers a powerful emotional response, a biological signature of love and bonding. It’s neuroscience proving that to your dog, you’re not just a caretaker—you’re family.

08/07/2025

Meet Pickles and Morty! These two joined our family when they found themselves needing homes. They’re our working livestock guardian dogs who look after all the animals on the farm!

08/05/2025

“Does my adult dog need to be crated?”

While not all dogs need to be crated daily, crate skills are a helpful life skill for every dog! Crates can be helpful for travel, recovering from surgery or injuries and supportive for dogs who feel overwhelmed. Many dogs find crates comforting - a secure space where they can rest peacefully.

For anxious dogs, a crate provides refuge during storms or busy periods. The key is helping your dog see it as a chosen sanctuary rather than somewhere they’re sent, or as a punishment!

07/30/2025

What You Won’t Hear From Me

Here’s what you WON’T hear me say when we work together:

“Don’t do that.” 
“Stop that.” 
“You’re doing it wrong.” 
“Your dog is being bad.”

Gentle guidance helps both dogs and people learn more naturally than criticism ever could.

The approach that creates beautiful change isn’t about pointing out what’s challenging - it’s about understanding what’s happening and why.

Dogs aren’t choosing difficult behaviors to upset you. People aren’t struggling because they’re inadequate or uncaring.

When we focus on understanding rather than correcting, everything can shift toward something more peaceful.

07/25/2025

The Problem-Solving Brain

When’s the last time your dog had a chance to figure something out for themselves?

Not just following along, but actually thinking through something interesting or exploring at their own pace?

Many dogs experience very predictable days - the same path, the same routine, the same activities.

But curious minds naturally seek engaging experiences and we often underestimate how much they crave opportunities to use that intelligence meaningfully.

It’s not about adding complicated activities to your routine - it’s about recognizing that your dog’s mind needs nourishment just like their body does.

07/22/2025

The Behavior Secret That Changes Everything

Here’s a little secret every dog owner should know:

All behavior serves a purpose. When that purpose is no longer met, the behavior naturally changes.

When your dog barks at the window and gets your attention - that behavior caused a reaction that was rewarding.

When your dog pulls on the leash and reaches interesting smells - that behavior worked for them.

When your dog jumps on guests and receives interaction - that behavior achieves its goal.

But here’s the beautiful part: when dogs discover better ways to get their needs met, they naturally choose those better options.

This is why positive training approaches feel almost magical when implemented correctly.

When good choices consistently lead to good outcomes, dogs start making good choices automatically.

No force. No confrontation. No daily battles.

07/16/2025

Relieving Your Dog’s Security Job

Has your dog appointed themselves as Chief Security Officer of your household?

Every delivery truck gets announced. Every neighbor walking by requires immediate alert status. Every unexpected sound triggers the full alarm system.

Your dog barking at everything isn’t being “protective” - they’re carrying a burden that’s exhausting them, hooking them on adrenaline, and driving you crazy.

When dogs feel responsible for monitoring every potential threat, they never truly relax. They’re constantly scanning, constantly vigilant, constantly stressed.

Your dog doesn’t need to manage household security. That’s your job as the human in the relationship.

Sometimes the kindest thing we can do is gently relieve our dogs of jobs they’ve assigned themselves.

When dogs understand that someone else is handling the big picture, they often become calmer, more relaxed, and ironically, better at discerning when something actually needs attention.

Your dog deserves to rest easy knowing you’ve got everything covered.