Hand in Paw

02/22/2025

🐾 Today is National Walk your Dog Day!🐾

Walking your dog isn’t just about exercise—it’s about bonding, mental stimulation, and giving your pup a chance to explore the world! Whether it’s a stroll around the block or a hike in nature, every walk is an opportunity to strengthen your relationship and keep your dog happy and healthy.

But let’s be honest—not all walks are relaxing. If pulling, lunging, or zig-zagging is turning your walks into a battle, I can help! Learn how to enjoy stress-free, controlled walks together.

📩 Message me to learn more and start walking with ease! 🚶‍♂️🐕💙

02/19/2025

Can you imagine a World where feet as big as your body were randomly crashing down around you?

Imagine being so tiny that people just pick you up and put you where they want you, regardless of what you want.

Imagine feeling like you could get squashed at anytime.

Little dogs need space, we need to help them feel safe, let's face it one rough foot could break a bone for them. If we don't give them what they need - we leave them no choice but to ask for it.

02/14/2025

Happy Valentine's Day! 💘💌🐾

02/06/2025

Meet Sparky! 🐾✨

Sparky is our newest foster dog at Hand in Paw, and he’s got some big emotions to work through. He has had a few failed adoptions due to extreme fear-based behaviors, but we’re not giving up on him.

Over the next few weeks (or however long Sparky needs), we’ll be consulting with a veterinary behaviorist, helping him build confidence, learn to trust, and prepare for a fresh start in a forever home that truly understands him. Every dog deserves a chance, and we’re committed to making sure Sparky finds the right fit.

Stay tuned for updates on his progress, and if you’re interested in learning more about Sparky’s journey, we’d love to hear from you! Let’s cheer him on as he takes these brave steps forward. 💙

02/05/2025

We had a great first night of class last night🐶🐾 Huge shout out to Hodge Glass for generously donating their space to support Shiawassee Humane Society!
Enjoy some puppy pictures from last night with a splash of controlled chaos! I am so excited to watch these guys progress over the next 6 weeks! 🐕‍🦺🐾

01/31/2025

Looking for a Dog Trainer? Hand in Paw is now Accepting New Clients!

Need help with basic obedience, leash manners, or behavior challenges? I’m now taking on new clients and ready to help you and your dog build a better relationship. Whether you have a new puppy, a rescue dog, or just need some guidance, I offer personalized training to fit your needs.

📍 I'll travel to you
📅 Flexible scheduling available
🐶 All breeds and ages welcome

Message me for more details or to book your first consult!

01/22/2025

🌟 Exciting News! 🌟

As many of you know, I’ve always been dedicated to supporting animal shelters and championing the dogs they care for. That’s why I’m so excited to announce that my classes will be starting in February in collaboration with the Shiawassee Humane Society! 🐾

If you are someone you know is interested in taking a group class please reach out to the contact information in the post.

If you can't make this upcoming session, please consider making a donation to Shiawassee Humane Society and support their mission!

Shiawassee Humane Society and Hand in Paw are teaming up to offer "Household Obedience" classes for both puppies and adults!

Classes start on Tuesday, February 4th! Each session is 6 weeks (classes held on Tuesdays)
5:30pm for adults dogs (6 months and older) $120
6:30pm for puppies (5 months and under) $99

Thank you to Hodge Glass Service for donating their space to hold our classes!

Class size is limited, so don't wait to sign up!

email [email protected] to reserve your spot!

11/28/2024

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! 🦃

09/25/2024

Like many dogs, Radish can be quite impulsive when it comes to food, often trying to sn**ch treats right from my hands! 🐾 He’s been learning to leave food alone unless cued to take it, which has been a game changer. This has slowed him down and saved my fingers! Leave it can be a life saving skill, teaching a dog to avoid potentially harmful or toxic objects in our environment. I am excited to watch him continue to progress and refine this skill.

09/19/2024

Last year I wrote a post about 3 more reasons to use reward-based dog training methods, based on some newer research. It's still worth a read. And if you want to know more about dog training methods, you'll find plenty of posts to browse on my blog. There is no reason to use aversive methods. https://www.companionanimalpsychology.com/2023/09/3-more-reasons-why-its-better-to-use.html

09/15/2024

💕🐶This is our Sunday Shelter Dog Showcase! 🐶💕

This week I spent a lot of time doing some kennel decompression for these amazing pups and many more!

Gris, Radish, and Fern are all available for adoption at Shiawassee Humane Society!

09/13/2024

🖤🐾When it comes to training, there’s no room for superstition this Friday the 13th. Let's break a few myths:

🧛‍♂️ Myth #1: A Dog Needs to Know Who’s Boss
Reality: Training based on "dominance" is outdated! Dogs thrive on trust and consistency not fear or intimidation.

🎃 Myth #2: A Dog Should Be Punished for Bad Behavior
Reality: Punishment can create fear, anxiety, and damage your relationship. Positive reinforcement is far more effective in encouraging good behavior and building trust.

🕷️ Myth #3: Training is Only Needed for Problematic Dogs
Reality: All dogs benefit from training! It can help them build confidence, strengthen their bond with you, and prevents future problems.

💀 Myth #4: Dogs Naturally Know How to Behave Around Kids
Reality: Not all dogs are comfortable around children. Supervision, socialization, and training are essential for safe, positive interactions.

Ready to turn some bad luck into great training? 🐶🍀Reach out to schedule a consultation and make Friday the 13th lucky for you and your pup! 🐕✨

09/12/2024

We don't always need to ask our dogs to do something to reinforce good behavior. Our dogs make great choices on their own everyday — we just need to notice them.

Whenever your dog makes a good choice, reward them. By doing this, they will naturally start to repeat that behavior without being asked.

Instead of focusing on "training" a behavior, focus on cultivating good behavior by reinforcing good choices!

09/11/2024

Playgroups are a fantastic way for shelters to reduce stress in their dogs. 🐶💕

Did you know that playgroups can help reduce stress, improve social skills, and give dogs the chance to stretch their legs and just be themselves? Many dogs in shelters are mislabeled as "dog aggressive" due to frustration from being in kennels, but in reality, they can thrive when given the opportunity to safely play with other dogs.

Shelters should carefully test and monitor all dogs in playgroups to ensure a safe and positive experience for everyone involved. The results? Happier, healthier dogs who are more likely to find loving homes! 🏡

09/09/2024

✨ Wembley Update ✨

Little Wembley spent his first day with us mostly in one spot, quietly observing his new surroundings. To avoid overwhelming him, we kept him separate from our other dogs.

By the second day, he was still very hesitant, so we decided to bring in one of our confident dogs to model some pro-social behavior. Wembley immediately showed interest! Encouraged by this, we introduced them, hoping it would help him gain the confidence to explore.

And it worked! Wembley started making quick progress — he began walking around comfortably, exploring his environment, recovering quickly from small startles, and even engaging with us!

Next step, we'll be introducing Wembley to a collar and leash to prepare him for his future forever home. 🏡

09/07/2024

Early socialization for puppies is crucial when raising a puppy. Positive exposures to as many new sights, sounds, and smells within the first three months of a dog's life will greatly impact their confidence as an adult. Without proper socialization during this critical period, puppies may become fearful, anxious, or aggressive in unfamiliar situations.

Wembley came to the shelter with three of his siblings. All of them are very under-socialized, extremely fearful, and shut down. I am fostering him before he begins the search for his forever home. 🏡

Today Wembley is still too nervous to move about my office comfortably and we will just be quietly decompressing. While I can't wait to see this little guy's personality unfold, I never want to rush a nervous dog into an interaction so he will be setting the pace.🐾

09/06/2024

I made a few posts about Dani from SHS and I am happy to report that she has been adopted after a long stay in the shelter!!! 🎉

ANNOUNCEMENT!!!!
Our sweet girl Dani got ADOPTED!!!

Dani was surrendered back in December of 2023, very shy and nervous, especially of new situations and people. Our behaviorist, Karlie, worked with her on building confidence and found that she ADORES other dogs!

On Tuesday this week, a very nice couple came in to visit with Dani, fell in love, brought their dog that they had just adopted from Ingham County Animal Control and Humane Society, and Dani and Earl (previously Mixed Vegetables) were INSTANT best friends!
We love love love! this story and how everything came together, so THANK YOU!! Thank you for choosing to adopt!