Ruff Start Dog Training

06/24/2025

The blooper, and the real thing in the comments. Here is Rosie starting trick training with Athena for funsies.

06/24/2025

When Athena first came to us, she was very stressed which is to be expected. I was worried because she wasn't getting near the amount of sleep she needed for healthy brain function and I knew biologically what her needs were. So I did sleep training with her, where she went in her crate 3 times a day, at 11, 2, and 5pm to take hour naps.

She did that for about a month and recently I have been relaxing on her schedule a bit and giving her more freedom because she's proving to me that she can be trusted, and what happens today? Its 10:50 am and she goes in and out of her crate a few times, then crawls under my bed, and took a nap ON HER OWN! This is a normal thing for most dogs to do, but Athena's brain was too hyped up and unregulated, so she needed the schedule temporarily. If at any time I notice she's unable to calm herself for naps, I'll go back to sleep training and remind her how it goes, but for now, I'm very proud of her and I'm SO relieved to see her relaxing and resting more. 😍🥰😴

If you need help reaching your dog these skills, or have concerns about sleep, call me!

06/21/2025

Getting kids involved in dog training builds confidence and connection — for both the kid and the dog! 🐾 Check out my 16-year-old working on pattern games like “Touch” and eye contact. 💙

06/21/2025

☀️🔥 Heat is on the way — keep your dog safe! 🔥☀️

As the temps climb this week, here are a few quick reminders to help your pup stay cool and comfortable:

🐾 Walk early in the morning or later in the evening
🔥 If it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for their paws
🚫 Never leave your dog in a parked car — even for a minute
💦 Make sure they have constant access to fresh, cool water
🌳 Provide shade if your dog is outside
🐶 Know the signs of heatstroke: heavy panting, drooling, confusion, vomiting, or collapse — and act fast!

Let’s keep those tails wagging safely all summer long. 💛 Stay cool, friends!

06/20/2025

🐾 Behavior is like a muscle — the more your dog practices it, the stronger it gets. That goes for the good stuff... and the not-so-good stuff. 😅

Whether it’s jumping on guests or sitting politely for treats, repetition makes it stick. So let’s make sure they’re practicing the right moves!

✨ Every moment is a training moment.

06/19/2025

Your dog doesn’t have to be perfect to be loved. ❤️

Training isn’t about creating a robot — it’s about building a relationship.

It’s okay if your dog still pulls on leash sometimes.
It’s okay if they get excited and bark when guests arrive.
It’s okay if you’re still learning too.

Progress > Perfection.

Here at Ruff Start Dog Training, we celebrate the messy middle — the wiggly, goofy, sometimes chaotic journey of learning together.

You’re not behind. You’re not failing. You’re in progress.
And that’s something to be proud of. 💪🐾

06/18/2025

I WISH I had a before video of Nala. She was literally untrainable the first few sessions we trained her because of her impulse control issues. She is so far and beyond either of our expectations and I couldn't be more proud of Delcie for this kind of improvement! It was hard work and EVERY BIT OF IT, was follow through from mom. Well done!

06/18/2025

I've been working hard on the website. New class start dates are up! Sign up for a class this July or get started on your private lessons! Also, come learn about the property and our amazing dogs at

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06/17/2025

Made Athena one of my signature Safe Rope Toys today! She and Kane are having a blast playing with it.

06/17/2025

😆😆😆I love her! 😜😘🥰

06/16/2025

I asked ChatGPT to make an image of what it's like to chat with me... It nailed it, except I don't know what some of those words are 😆😆