Green Paws Boarding and Training

10/21/2025

A lot of people ask how long it takes for sheep wool to decompose. The answer is about 2 years for a full breakdown, but as you can see in this picture, a significant amount decomposes within the first year. This is my outdoor beds. Whereas indoors, it doesn't break down much at all.

10/17/2025

It's a Puppy, Not a Problem.

In the past, I trained pet dogs. The first session would almost always go something like this:

Student would pull a list of problem behaviors out of their pocket. Meanwhile, their four month old puppy chewed on the leash and pulled various directions, causing the student to express obvious irritation. The student would then lay out all of the problems that they wanted to fix.

"We're having problems with barking, wanting to play all the time, running through the house with dirty feet, jumping on people, chewing stuff up, excessive interest in human food, constant pulling on the leash to get to things, and digging holes in the garden. Oh yeah – could you teach a reliable recall, off leash, so that when I'm ready to leave the park we can go without me having to chase my dog?"

In short, could I make their young puppy behave like a grown up dog?

Think of puppies as pre-verbal children. Show patience. Structure the environment for success. Accept that inconvenience will happen. Remember that what you do now is going to determine the type of relationship you will have into the future. What are you looking for? Do you want to be seen as an accommodating person who creates opportunities to do interesting things, or as a domineering tyrant that is best avoided? When you ask your dog or child to come see you, do you want them to come running with enthusiasm, or to experience worry and anxiety about your presence?

But start by understanding that there is nothing wrong – there is no problem. There is only a puppy, and training to be done. What happens now is up to you.

Excerpted from the 2019 article, "It's a Puppy, Not a Problem," written by . https://www.fenzidogsportsacademy.com/blog/it-s-a-puppy-not-a-problem

09/14/2025

09/10/2025

🥴🥴

This!!

This is a PSA

There is no magic farm that wants your neurotic Border Collie.

I have seen one too many posts lately saying ‘I need to rehome my Border Collie because he has behavioural issues and I don’t have time or space to fix them’ and honestly? That is fine. I am a big fan of rehoming a dog you can’t commit to or the fit isn’t right for everyone. I don’t think rehoming a dog is an inherently bad thing in many cases.

However I have also seen one too many posts asking if a local farmer wants to take them on.

This may be a little blunt, but your local farmer does not want your undersocialised, car chasing, space guarding, dog reactive, neurotic collie. A collie for a farmer is a tool for the job, and if that tool isn’t functioning well, then it ain’t gonna do the job to a standard that’s needed.

The most problematic thing about this thought process is the notion that there’s a magical farm that the dog you bought, with access to all the information in the world on the internet, with no knowledge or understanding of what these breeds need in order to live happy and functional lives as a pet. The reality is, you bought a cute farm puppy because it’s cheaper than a ‘pedigree’ or designer mixed breed, or because your uncle had one once and he was very obedient, and that hasn’t happened for your dog. You have this whimsical idea that your beloved mistake can go and live happily on a farm and spend his days skipping through fields, herding sheep and being someone else’s loyal sidekick. Absolving you of all guilt in the process.

The hard truth is, the magical farm DOES NOT EXIST. The kind farmer with a sprig of straw in his mouth and rosy cheeks who is just WAITING to take on your problem dog DOES NOT EXIST.

What does exist though is training. Making time for the dog. Realising your commitment and following through on it because the dog didn’t choose to live in a sixth floor flat in a city and it’s your job to make sure his needs are met despite not living on a farm. Failing that, it’s rescue through proper avenues.

If you’ve got a Border Collie with issues, you simply need to step up. It’s a hard truth and one many won’t want to hear. Meet the dog where they are at. They can be truly WONDERFUL pets but they aren’t for the faint hearted. They are beautiful, clever, goofy, driven and easy to train because of how intelligent they are, but that intelligence and drive needs to go somewhere, and you, the owner, need to be the one to direct it in the right way! If you don’t know how to do this, then find yourself a trainer who is experienced with these dogs as a first step.

- Kahla

📸 Emma Bryden (Via the Border Collie who is an absolute gem and living in an agility home that meets all her needs)

09/08/2025

“Off-leash freedom isn’t given… it’s earned. 🐾

Solid recall. Consistent check-ins. Clear communication.
That’s the path to trust.”

09/07/2025

For my own dogs, I worked through long lines, head tilts, and recall drills before giving them freedom. For my training clients, I expect the same. The difference? Owners are the ones building that bond.

My job is to coach you in creating structure and trust so your dog learns that we’re not here to ruin their fun—we’re here to keep them safe and happy. 💚

🐕 Curious if your dog is ready for off-leash life? Read the latest blog.

09/06/2025

How do you know if your dog is really ready to go off-leash?

Here’s what I look for:
✔️ 75% attention on a 6ft leash
✔️ 50% attention on a 30ft leash
✔️ A solid reaction to their name (at least a glance back)
✔️ Periodic check-ins, not glued to my side but aware of me
✔️ Reliable recall—no excuses

It’s not about perfection—it’s about trust and safety. With the right training, your dog can earn that freedom, too.

🐾 Full blog on off-leash goals is live now.

09/05/2025

Some dogs take months, others years… and some just think they’re ready. My terrier worked hard for over a year before she earned her off-leash freedom. Bella? She flew into it too fast, ended up chasing balls everywhere, and went back on a long line for four months. Emma surprised me—her recall was so solid (thanks to her obsession with Bella) that she earned her freedom by nine months old.

Every dog is different, and that’s the point: off-leash life is earned, never rushed.

Read the full story and my checklist for off-leash readiness in today’s blog 🐾

👉 Link in bio

09/04/2025

Green Paws & the Move

Green Paws means the world to me. Training, boarding, helping people connect with their dogs—it’s my dream job. But this year has been hard.

Year three has come with big challenges—moving farms, losing my dad, therapy, and just trying to keep up. There are days I feel like I’m always playing catch-up, always behind.

And yet… I’m still here.

Every review from a client makes me tear up. Every dog I get to help reminds me why I do this. Moving to the new farm in November might mean extra hours and extra work, but I’m choosing to believe it also means growth and stability.

Here’s to finishing the year strong. Here’s to the sheep, the dogs, and the clients who keep me going.

💚 Addi and The Girls

09/03/2025

The Dogs

While the sheep keep me busy, the dogs keep me inspired.

Bella has been pushing me at trials this summer—making me work hard, but also showing me flashes of brilliance that make every struggle worth it.

Emma, meanwhile, is pure joy. She’s growing in confidence and feel for her sheep, and I’m doing my best to get her out to new places so she stays cool and steady.

And then there’s Rylee. At eleven, she’s happily reinvented herself as a hunter of farm critters. Bees and wasps are off-limits, but everything else is fair game.

And yes—because life wasn’t full enough already—I have a new puppy arriving soon. Still no name picked (the list is long and uninspiring), but I’m beyond excited for this new chapter. 🐾

# #

09/03/2025

09/02/2025

🚨 New post just dropped on Skool! 🚨

This one’s all about recall—the foundation of trust and respect between you and your dog. 🐾 When your dog comes back every time, it’s not just obedience—it’s a true partnership.

Come join the Green Paws community on Skool for free. You’ll get early access to new content and first dibs on a few courses rolling out in the next couple of months.

👉 Sign up here: https://www.skool.com/green-paws-bat-9647/about?ref=f73f65b53ab84eb283acedb51a7bac23

Let’s build better recall skills—and stronger relationships—together! 💚