ABC Dog Premier Boarding & Training

11/02/2025

11/02/2025

When Your Dog Refuses to Move, I Can Help 🐾

If your dog suddenly plants their paws mid walk, freezes, or resists moving, it’s rarely about “stubbornness.” It’s communication. Understanding the why behind that behavior requires skill, empathy, and science based observation.

I’m Margaret Salkind, Fear Free Certified Trainer and owner of ABC VIP Dogs Premier Boarding & Training in Gilbert, AZ. With over 25 years of behavioral and enrichment experience, I use evidence based methods grounded in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) focusing on L.I.T. (Least Intrusive Training Technique) and D.R.I. (Differential Reinforcement of Incompatible behaviors).

These approaches prioritize your dog’s emotional wellbeing by:

Identifying the underlying motivation or trigger behind the freezing or avoidance behavior

Reinforcing calm, confident, alternative behaviors that are incompatible with fear or resistance

Creating positive associations through gradual exposure, desensitization, and trust building
always without pain, fear, or force

If your dog is showing hesitation, anxiety, or uncertainty on walks, I can help you build a personalized plan to restore confidence and connection.

📞 480-440-0083
📧 [email protected]
📍 Gilbert, AZ
🐾 ABC VIP Dogs
“It Matters Where They Stay.”

We break down what’s really behind this common (and confusing) behavior.

https://kinship-pets.visitlink.me/P9S5Lw

11/01/2025

Benny baby! Another VIP and he’s not only adorable he’s the most active doodle we have:)

11/01/2025

Pretty sure our VIP Remi was the winner of cutest Halloween pup!

10/31/2025

10/29/2025

Sound familiar? You’re not alone and neither is your dog.

At ABC VIP Dogs, we understand that anxious dogs aren’t “bad” or “broken.” They’re just trying their best in a world that feels a little too loud, too unpredictable, or too unfamiliar. And guess what? That’s where we shine.

Our Confidence Building Daycare isn’t your average daycare.
It’s a structured, supportive environment designed to help dogs:
🐾 Build resilience through science based enrichment
🐾 Learn calm social skills through positive, supervised play
🐾 Gain trust through predictability, routine, and gentle exposure
🐾 Develop confidence around new sounds, people, and dogs

Every day is tailored to your dog’s comfort level no overcrowded kennels, no forced interactions, no chaos.
Just Fear Free, relationship based learning led by Margaret Salkind, a certified behavior trainer with over 25 years of experience and credentials in:
🌿 Fear Free®
🌿 Dog First Aid & CPR
🌿 IAABC & APDT Member in Good Standing
🌿 Decades of real-world behavior and socialization experience

Your dog stays in a real home (not a warehouse)surrounded by compassionate humans who know when to let them play, when to let them rest, and when to help them bloom.

So whether your dog hides behind your legs, barks at the mailman, or trembles at new places we’ve got them.
Because confidence isn’t taught with pressure. It’s built with patience, science, and love. 🐾

To learn more or set up a meet & greet:
Email 2 pictures & a short video (nothing fancy)
[email protected]
Gilbert, AZ

10/24/2025

LIVE™ group virtual classes are 4-6 weeks and feature real-time training and coaching with fabulous teachers. Classes will be on Zoom, with a coordinated video-based curriculum that guides you each week and an online discussion group for sharing progress and feedback.

10/20/2025

At ABC VIP Dogs, we specialize in confidence building daycare that meets each dog where they are from brand new puppies finding their footing to seasoned adults learning to feel secure and shine.

Choose your perfect fit:

VIP Puppy Socialization Daycare
for puppies learning life skills the right way! Structured play, gentle exposure, and guided confidence building experiences in a real home environment with real grass yards. We can also include potty training and early manners as part of your puppy’s personalized plan.

Confidence Building VIP Care
for social, playful dogs who thrive on structure and enrichment. Includes training games, agility fun, nose work, problem solving, and calm confidence boosting exercises.

Aggressive & Reactive Dog Daycare science based care for dogs who need patience, structure, and professional guidance to feel safe and balanced.

Decompression Daycare
a quiet, restorative environment for rescues, anxious pups, or sensitive dogs learning to relax and trust again.

Plus: VIP Board & Train Program
Our specialized Board & Train program provides personalized training and daily structure for dogs of all ages and temperaments led by Margaret Salkind, a Fear Free Certified Trainer with over 25 years of experience in behavior science, AKC handling, and positive reinforcement training.

Professional Memberships (in Good Standing):
IAABC – International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants
APDT – Association of Professional Dog Trainers
PPG – Pet Professional Guild
Doggone Safe – Child & Dog Safety Education

💛 Fully Insured
💛 Dog 1st Aid & CPR Certified
💛 Science + Heart = VIP Care

Text MARGARET at 480-440-0083 to reserve your dog’s spot!

Because here, belonging matters.