Joyce Keeton Dog Training & Behavior Consulting

08/21/2025

08/21/2025

The # 1 goal in dog training should be helping our dogs feel safe in all situations, closely followed by helping them practice and learn emotional regulation.

In this class, we have 2 very young puppies (6 m.o. and 4 m.o.) along with my dog, Opus, practicing hanging out together and doing nothing.

No punishment, no "eh eh", no corrections. We use a calm marker and treats. Heck, now we don't even use that many treats as these pups are excellent! Yes!!

If you are struggling with your pups excitement or reactivity, call me. This stuff is fun and easy.

www.joycekeetondogtraining.com
678-628-3886

08/20/2025

We can't blame the dog when we don't meet their needs.

Is it really?🤔
Or are we pointing the finger at our dogs when in reality we carry far more responsibility for their actions than we think?

If we don’t provide enrichment and physical exercise ➡️ it’s not their fault they go looking for it wherever they can.

When we don’t take the time to show them what we would like instead ➡️ it’s not their fault those unwanted behaviours keep repeating.

If we disregard how tempting food can be when it’s left within easy reach ➡️ it’s unfair to expect them to just ignore it.

If we don't take the time to train a response....it's not your dogs fault.

It's well and truly ours.

08/20/2025

I wish everyone would require this of a "trainer" who recommends they strap a shock collar to their dog's neck or other sensitive body part (hint...they are all extremely sensitive!). A prong collar too. We must do better for our dogs!

TESTING SHOCK COLLARS ON HUMANS
The whole point of shock, prong and choke collars is to cause pain. When a balanced trainer claims that shock collars don’t hurt and urges you try one on your arm to prove this, allow it, but insist they let you to perform the test on them, not on the arm, but around the neck as they do with dogs. If the trainer specializes in hunting dogs, suggest a collar also be strapped on the highest part of their thigh next to their precious parts.

Inform them you will be trying out varying intensities and durations of shock, to mimic as accurately as possible what a dog would experience. To duplicate as closely as you can to what a dog might feel deliver the first shock when they least expect it. Record the event. They surely can’t mind, after all, it’s just a tickle.

Proceed administering with the various levels to discover what they can stand without demanding you stop, screaming as much as their convulsing muscles in their neck will allow, or requiring medical attention. If you do start to feel guilty about what you are doing remember what they claim. The collar is used to teach and does not hurt. You are teaching and proving to them that what they tell dog owners is hog wash.

Testing Shock Collars on Humans https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GgFS4SMe0SY

08/20/2025

This is joy...pure joy! This pup has struggled with reactivity to sounds, movement, dogs, people, cars...pretty much everything.

Can you imagine how awful that must feel? His pawrents were stressed and frustrated with his barking and redirect bites from him getting overstimulated.

We visited a park today and even with kids and tubes, laughing, screaming, other dogs, and lots of cars...he found joy and enjoyed a fun romp around.

This is what I love about my work with dogs. Helping dogs feel better about life so they can be happy.

08/18/2025

I love receiving feedback from my clients. This dog has bitten every family member, including the other dogs. Her behavior was described as "sudden", "without warning", "intense". We discussed meeting K's needs and changing expectations. Zero obedience training, zero punishment, no shock collars, just understanding, acceptance, and fun games to build confidence, resiliency, and thinking. When we stop setting dogs up to fail, but instead, listen to them and understand what they are saying...great things can happen.
"Joyce:

It was wonderful meeting you as well. Needless to say, we all feel much better about the situation with K now that we have a plan of action.

We've been working with her steadily and the RX is now on board as well. With just these minor activities and our (human) change in behavior we're already seeing a great improvement.

Looking forward to seeing you again with a much less stressed out K." (Name was altered to protect the innocent. 😁)

08/18/2025

Call 706-970-0493 if seen or with any information!

08/14/2025

This little service dog in training, Nelson, was a little thrown off by this lady who has no interest in petting him or giving him a treat. I told him not to worry, it was her...not him.

08/14/2025

These two dogs showed up at 246 Montgomery Lane Clayton, GA 30525, please call 828) 200-5082 if you recognize or know the owners!

08/12/2025

This is free! Definitely worth going to.

08/12/2025

From a semi-blur to snoozin'. This is what a little brain work can do. If you have a puppy and you aren't providing 2 - 3 opportunities for enrichment each and every day...you are missing out on some peace and happiness.

08/07/2025

My specialty is working with dogs who are struggling with fear, anxiety, trauma, and hyperexcitability. My entire heart and soul is dedicated to helping them find their confidence, happiness, joy, and to thrive. This is Hope (her name is perfect). Two weeks ago, she was laying on this bed, frozen and shaking. She wouldn't look at me (I was sitting about 15 feet away) and was in obvious distress. I gave her Mom some confidence building games and she started on some anti-anxiety medication. Two weeks later...she is no longer frozen or shaking. She is willingly playing a pattern game (which will be amazing for her!) and she moved and made eye contact with me over and over. I'm not too proud to say that I broke down and cried. Tears just rolled down my face from not only happiness, but relief. This precious soul, who has been failed by so many, is going to be ok...better than ok. She is going to thrive!! YES!!!