Paws With Me K9 Enrichment & Training

08/12/2025

If it wasn't for Brutus, I wouldn't be where I am today. He has taught me sooooo much! Ok, COVID had a part in it too. If COVID hadn't shut everything down, who knows where Brutus and I would be now. I don't know that it would be here.

I was on a mission to figure out what i needed to do to make sure he and I lived our best life. With no other options, I dove in to classes and attended conferences virtually. I picked the things that felt right to me, using various skills from various people and hoped for the best.

Thanks to Facebook, I had met people who had similar struggles and shared their experiences and what worked for them. Once the world opened up again, I had people that were gracious enough to work with us in person, working on skills and helping us find out what worked and what didn't. We spent time in parking lots, school fields, and on trails. We learned, we bonded, we grew.

There have been tears, both of sadness and joy (this boy has made me so very proud), there has been grief and extreme joy.

I am so grateful for this journey, all that he has taught me and how it strengthened our bond. Yes it's been challenging, but I wouldn't change a thing!

We do of course teach our dogs things, but they should be lessons learned together.

When we change our mindset to the lessons are for us, not them. Then we set ourselves up on a better path to shaping the behaviour we want.

08/06/2025

🐾 Pop-Up Curiosity Experience! 🐾

Where Sniffing Meets Adventure

Here's your opportunity to check out our themed Canine Curiosity Experience. Your dog is invited to explore a brand-new world of scent trails, puzzles, textures, and confidence-building activities designed to stimulate their senses and ignite their curiosity.

Whether your pup is bold and eager or shy and sensitive, this safe, judgment-free environment encourages exploration at their own pace. This is a 1:1 experience for your and your dog.

📍 760 Central Street Franklin
📅 Tuesday August 19th
💥 Limited spots — don’t miss the chance to unleash your dog’s curiosity!

Registration is required, link in comments.

08/01/2025

I've seen a lot of people asking various AI platforms some interesting and silly questions.

I'll be honest, I use ChatGPT alot! I actually used it to help me come up with my business name, help find the perfect gifts for people, and so much more.

I recently asked ChatGPT to give me a nickname based on what it knows about me and this is what it came up with.

I'd say it's spot on ❤️

The Canine Compass 🧭🐾

You help guide both dogs and their humans toward a calmer, more confident, and connected life together. You're not just offering training—you’re offering direction, safety, and heart.

07/22/2025

L.E.G.S right here!!

Dogs, just like people are unique. We feel differently about different things, we have preferences for different things, we are different. Sure, there are some similarities, but when we look at helping dogs and their guardians, we need to look at the dog infront of us.

I have a very extensive intake form, asking LOTS of questions. I want to know everything so I can assess and understand the dog, the situation, the environment and the guardian the best I can getting as much of the whole picture as possible.

The dog is more than just their genetics. They are a living, breathing, feeling being.

THE RECIPE TO CHANGE BEHAVIOUR

Wouldn’t it be great if there was a recipe or instruction manual that when followed would guarantee to solve the problems of each and every dog and every situation?

There might be a general template that we can use to begin with, but there cannot be a specific recipe or a cookie cutter approach to change behaviour effectively or ethically.

Each dog and each situation have different “ingredients” that need to be assessed and considered. There are just far too many variables involved to use the same recipe.

Genetics, history, life experiences, environment, the individual dog, as well as the guardian or family situation and commitment, will all be different and have to be taken into account.

This is why ethical, suitably qualified dog professionals will often answer a question someone asks about dog behaviour by saying “it depends”, because it really does depend on all the different variables.

There are no quick answers, no quick fixes and no specific, cookie cutter recipes to bring about successful, lasting behaviour change.

Stay well away from promises or guarantees that there are.

07/18/2025

Just chillin at camp hanging out on this beautiful afternoon. My boy looks so old 😭

07/16/2025

This is what it is all about and this is the my mission, to be the dog's voice.

When you understand where your dog is coming from, understand, that just like us, they have needs that need to be satisfied, and you can provide opportunities for them to do this, you both can live a more fulfilled and joyful life together.

Obedience is not in my vocabulary! Training? Meh, I'm not really a fan of that word either. It's team work, it's observation, it's listening to your dog.

https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/fellow-creatures/202004/why-dogs-happiness-not-obedience-is-what-counts?fbclid=IwY2xjawEo1OxleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHan-k2fj1bGjpzsWtM2lFVpmsroE69HBtOJsVnY0GMcCz_yiS_cqu7ZgJw_aem_dgaNzPTpx32kY75jn7smSg

Instead of asking, “How do I get my dog to obey me?” we should ask, “Is my dog happy?” and “How can I make them happier?”

07/15/2025

My husband and I went to a car show Sunday. It was HOT! As we walked around taking in all the beautiful cars, we came across a family that had their pup with them. Not only did they get a great spot in the shade, but they brought a little pool for their pup to play in and stay cool! He was having a blast! I was sooo happy! Warmed my heart!

If you travel with your pup, what do you take with you to keep them comfortable?

07/04/2025

Hope you all have a happy & safe 4th!

Take special care of those pups that don’t like fireworks!

Get some exercise early in the afternoon.

Let them out to p*e BEFORE firewirjs start.

Secure all windows and doors.

Make sure they have their collars on in case they escape.

Turn tv or radio up.

Use a box fan to move noise around the room.

If you have meds, get them on board starting now.

Give them a kong/lickmat, something to help distract them and possibly help soothe them.

Plan some activities to do with your dog while the fireworks are going off if you can (they may be too terrified): tricks, agility, parkour…

07/03/2025

Whether it’s fireworks, thunderstorms, or just a tough day, dogs—especially those who are nervous or anxious—can really benefit from the comfort and focus of a well-stuffed food toy. 🍖🧠

✅ What can it do for my dog?

💡 Provide Distraction & Focus – Working on a tasty puzzle gives their brain something else to focus on instead of scary sounds or stressful moments.
🧠 Mental Engagement – Chewing and problem-solving can help release calming chemicals in the brain—kind of like a doggy
🛑 Reduces Excess Energy – Mental enrichment tires them out in a good way, which can reduce pacing, barking, or destructive behaviors.
💗 Promotes Confidence – Every time your dog “wins” by getting food out, they build confidence and resilience.

🌩️ Cold or stormy outside?
🎆 Fireworks stressing them out?
🔥 Too hot for a walk?
💤 Just want a calm evening?

Try a frozen Kong or food puzzle—it’s more than just a treat, it’s a powerful tool for comfort and confidence.

🐶 Need ideas for what to stuff your Kong with? Drop a 🦴 in the comments and we’ll share our favorite combos!