The Clever Canine

07/08/2025

Well it's time to update my dog world about something I am doing in my non dog life! I have needed something new in my life for a while. I have decided to go to beauty school. I know! What! I will be in school till January. I will learn waxing, facials, peels and lashes etc. I would love to see you guys for a service. Right now you can book with me at Evergreen Beauty College after that we will see where I go.

27/07/2025

My trip to the Portland Art Museum was fun and inspiring

20/12/2024

In an effort to call out good dog training when I see it, I wanted to call out. Kiki's owner.Met her at the Alderwood Mall today. She and Kiki had great handler engagement Kiki was very well behaved. .

31/10/2024

This little guys name is Fred. I have been working with him to get ready to be a brother in a few months. We are playing nose work for stress reduction and because it's a quiet dog game for when baby is sleeping. He is also learning a Go to Place Cue for when hands are full he needs to be out from underfoot.

28/05/2024

This little Sheba mix was such a treat to work with today. The best part was this is a third dog that these clients have had me come in and work with them about. Absolutely love that i've been in the field long enough that I'm now working with second and third generation dogs for families.

07/05/2024

I am excited to be partnering with Dr. Kiffney of Northshore Veterinary Hospital to announce a new Comprehensive Wellness program.The program includes a house-call total wellness evaluation including physical exam, gait analysis, environmental evaluation, written full physical and behavioral assessment, medication plan (if indicated), email support for the first three weeks, and a virtual follow-up on week four. If needed the team can set up continued support throughout the Behavior Modification plan.

The Comprehensive Wellness program is now looking for pilot cases at a starting rate of $500.00 for a month of care from the Team. Brita Kiffney, (DVM DABVP canine and feline practitioner), and Celeste Patten (CTC, CPDT-KA, SA Pro ) are scheduling home visits to evaluate your pet's total physical and behavioral health on Tuesdays. Contact Northshore to schedule.

06/05/2024

Last week I met with a new monthly coaching client. Her name was Malu. According to her parents, she had been suffering from light and shadow chasing and other obsessive behaviors. During our initial conversation I asked how often she yawned. They said she never yawned and asked if she was supposed to. Yes, your dog is supposed to yawn throughout the day. It helps to relieve stress. One of the first things we did to help her was add calm enrichment activities to her life. Her exercise needs were being met for sure with long distance bike rides and high intensity activities. But she needed balance. So their feedback that she started yawning warms my heart. I can't say that 20 years ago when I started dog training I would have felt the same way about this small piece of feedback. But today it means a lot.

06/05/2024

16/02/2024

This is Ken, he and my client in Los Angeles. We train online every week to work on his separation anxiety. He is up 2 minutes now of alone time. His mom is so happy that she can take the trash out at her apartment by herself now. It's the little things.

24/12/2023

When you go for your Christmas Eve walk but someone else was there yesterday!! 🤯. New smells equal fun times - enrichment. New locations, new time of day, after a storm. All these things change the environment. Let them have a blast smelling and investigating all these changes. It's good for their minds.

23/12/2023

Got to work with this little icon. She is very nervous in her new home. I spoke with her new mom on how to help her feel safe and to encourage her to explore her new home. Part of that safety is letting her leave the room when she feels overwhelmed. And not to go after her. She is very sensitive to social pressure and following her is scary. We just waited and she came back on her own every time.