Heel & Hound

07/30/2026

More footage from Cooper's Board & Train!

07/30/2026

Cooper has officially graduated! Check him out!

07/30/2026

If you're interested in booking with me, all new clients must book a free consultation through my website.

If you message me on Facebook/Instagram you will likely be waiting weeks for a response. So just skip that and go to my website.

Yes, I am legitimately booking 1 to 2 months ahead. No, you can not cut in front of others who have been patiently waiting. I promise the wait will be worth it.

07/30/2026

Johnny stepped out of his comfort zone and onto the treadmill! Can't wait to watch him master this skill!

06/20/2026

Pearl & Dakota demonstrating Allogrooming. 😍

06/01/2026

We are thrilled to announce that Melody has officially received recognition as a FDM - Behavioral Diversity Welfare Analyst, (one of only 20 people in the world to hold this designation as of today). Melody and the other participants of this inaugural course studied natural canine behavior, and were influential in refining the first ever Ethogram for canines. This Ethogram will be published and released this summer, spearheaded by applied Ethologist Kim Brophey. Stay tuned to see how this Ethogram will be used to increase behavioral diversity and welfare among canines.

05/30/2026

While the first 3 domains focus largely on the inputs that influence welfare, the Fourth Domain also asks us to look at behavior itself as evidence of welfare.

In other words:
▪ Is this animal doing what they would naturally be doing if captivity were not preventing it?
▪ Are the behavioral interactions this dog is having with the environment, other dogs, & people reflective of their natural history, behavioral ecology, & natural motivations?
▪ What does that actually LOOK like in dogs?
▪ How can we effectively support natural canine behavior when, as an industry, we have barely identified which natural behaviors dogs need to express for good welfare in the first place?

Worse still, many of the natural behaviors dogs are most motivated to perform have been mislabeled as “behavior problems” when expressed in modern pet environments.

Too often, our efforts have focused on suppressing these behaviors rather than understanding what they were for in the first place or why they are important now.

We were never taught to see many of these behaviors as welfare needs.
But animal welfare science is changing that.

We now have the frameworks, principles, & evidence to begin flipping the script on canine behavior entirely.

Not by creating less dogness in the name of “good” behavior.
Not by shaping unnatural performances.

But by creating healthier, more complete expressions of true dogness.

Over the next few weeks, we’ll be exploring these Behavioral Interactions.

We’ll discuss how to identify these behaviors & provide some hacks to support them appropriately in modern life.

Because the expression of natural behavior can be evidence that welfare needs are being met.

And their absence, as well as “behavior problems”, can be evidence that they are not.

This series will also pave the way for the public release of the complete Total Welfare Ethogram, & the Total Welfare client management and behavioral diversity tracking app this July.

We will be redefining our field - together - as welfare literate & competent professionals in 2026.

Whatever your next step is, get ready to take it.

The dogs are counting on us.


Images Commissioned By: Trick Woofs

05/21/2026

I am out sick with a head cold, I feel miserable, and completely lost my voice. I am in bed hoping to rest for a rapid recovery. If you are waiting on a response, I will do my best to respond by tomorrow. Sessions for the next day or two may need to be rescheduled if I still don't have a voice. I will reach out to reschedule. Thank you for understanding!

05/21/2026

We should NOT reach our hand towards an unknown dog's head or face.

You may think it's a kind gesture enabling the dog to sniff you, but the dog can smell you from across the room, reaching your hand out is not needed or wanted by the dog.

When interacting with an unknown dog, stay neutral. If the dog comes close to check you out, don't reach for them.

I always recommend waiting for a dog to touch you at least 3 times before you attempt to touch them.

Dogs who want physical affection will quickly touch you first. They will paw at you, lick you, or rub/lean against you.

By giving them some agency in the interaction, you are less likely to elicit a fight or flight response, and less likely to get bit!

Let’s talk about the “magica hand.”

Well meaning people reach out their hand so a dog can sniff and make friends. For some dogs, that is fine. For others, it is the fastest way to get bitten.

A reaching hand can:
• Feel invasive
• Reduce distance
• Corner the dog
• Predict restraint

Some dogs have learned that biting makes the hand go away quickly.

A better option:
Allow the dog to approach if they choose.
Ignore them until they initiate affiliative behavior.
Watch body language carefully.

And if:
🚫 You are unsure about what you are seeing
🚫 There is a bite history
🚫 Handling is not necessary

Walking away is the safest choice.

Preventing bites is often about reducing unnecessary pressure.


Dog Illustrations by The Drawables, Owned By: Liz V.

03/30/2026

Introducing AKC Trick Dog Novice - Sarah Jane!!

Sarah Jane is a purebred Havanese, Heel & Hound Board & Train Graduate, and Private Training student. Last month Sarah Jane & her handler prepared 10 AKC approved Novice Level Tricks and successfully received her first official AKC Title. Go Sarah Jane!!!! 👏👏👏