Nurturing Tails Dog Training

08/09/2025

08/03/2025

Dogs 👏 need 👏 a 👏 job 👏

08/02/2025

Looking for feedback! I've been slowly working on my blog for valuable information resources on training and behavior tips. I haven't asked my followers, what topics are you looking for? Any ideas are welcome! Especially out of the box dog behavior topics!

07/25/2025

I’ve been seeing all the heartbreaking posts about the number of dogs being euthanized at the shelter, and while the pain is real, the way this information is being spread is doing more harm than good.

Today I went into the shelter to personally evaluate dogs and place training vouchers on 10 of them, dogs I believe have the best chance at success in the right homes. I’ve included their photos below. Each one comes with a free training session sponsored by me to help set them and their adopters up for success.

But what I saw today was heartbreaking. The staff looked completely drained. They’re facing an overwhelming wave of surrenders with limited resources and constant criticism. They are not the enemy, they are the last line of defense for these animals.

What’s even more concerning is that panic posts are pushing people to adopt dogs they’re not prepared for, dogs with serious behavioral needs, just to “save” them. While the intentions may be good, it’s putting people, pets, and communities at risk. These dogs don’t just need out, they need support, training, and the right homes.

We don’t fix this with fear, guilt, or public shaming. We fix this by supporting shelters, advocating for responsible pet ownership, encouraging spay and neuter, and helping families succeed with their pets—not rush into situations they can’t handle.

If you truly want to help, adopt thoughtfully. Foster. Volunteer. Donate. Share with purpose. Encourage solutions, not fear.

Let’s lift each other up, including the people working tirelessly behind the scenes.

07/07/2025

7/6/25 - Last week I received a call from Animal Protection New Mexico (APNM) asking if we could help with taking in a dog with an injured leg. He had been seen out at the lake in Santa Rosa by some people camping in the area. APNM reached out to the local animal control but they said it was out of their jurisdiction and not able to do anything about this one.

At SouthWest Animal Team (SWAT), we work with the Valencia County Animal Shelter on a regular basis and help the community when their animals need vet care but they cannot afford it. We do not have fosters waiting to take in animals so when we assist in a case like this, they have to go into boarding and the cost of that adds up very quickly. 

We knew we needed to help this senior dog, especially being that it was just before the Fourth of July and with all the fireworks that would be coming, it just wasn’t a good situation for him.

I was out of town and not able to go out there myself. I called Angela at NMDOG and she immediately offered to have a couple of her volunteers go out and pick him up so we could at least get him into the vet and assess what he needs. Good news is, it is an old injury that is not bothering him. He did need dental work done so he would not continue to be in pain.

Between his boarding and the dental work, the bill is going to exceed $500. Please consider making a donation toward his care so we can continue to do what we do to help animals here in New Mexico.

He is about 8 years old and very friendly. Everyone that has met him, loves him! He has a microchip that was done by Soul Dog Rescue in Colorado but the people that had him apparently never registered it, so it’s a dead end.

Please share this post in case he went missing from someone at the lake. We would love to get him back to his family if they are missing him...

A couple local rescues are working on taking him in this week and tomorrow we will be moving him to a different boarding facility to give us a little time for a rescue to find a foster.

If you are interested in adopting him, please send us a message on this page.

100% of your donation goes to the animals!!

EIN: 86-2017744

The PayPal link below is the easiest way for us to receive it.

PayPal Giving -
https://www.paypal.com/US/fundraiser/charity/4384680

Checks can be made out to SWAT and mailed to
P.O Box 3102 Los Lunas NM 87031

[email protected]

Thank you ~ Patty Mugan



07/02/2025

Sharing again with Independence day in a few days!

🐾 Tips from a Dog Trainer: Helping Your Pup During Fireworks Season 🎆

As fireworks season approaches, it's important to consider our furry friends who might find the loud noises distressing. Here are some tips to help your dog stay calm:

Create a Safe Space: Set up a quiet, cozy area indoors where your dog feels secure. This could be a crate covered with a blanket or a favorite room with familiar smells.

Background Noise: Play soothing music or white noise to help drown out the sounds of fireworks.

Exercise Early: Tire out your pup with a long walk or play session earlier in the day to help them relax during the evening.

Stay Calm: Dogs can pick up on our emotions, so remain calm and reassuring. Comfort them if they seek it, but avoid excessive coddling if it reinforces anxiety.

ID and Microchip: Ensure your dog has updated identification tags and a microchip, just in case they get startled and escape.

Let's make this fireworks season a little easier for our four-legged friends! 🐶💕

04/11/2025

04/06/2025

Wobbly bravery: Puppy fear phases explained!

Puppies go through normal developmental stages where they may suddenly become more cautious or fearful—these are called fear periods or fear phases. There are typically three fear phases, though timing can vary slightly...

02/28/2025

Potty training for puppies and adult dogs: Setting your dog up for success!

Potty training is one of the most important skills you’ll teach your dog, whether you’re welcoming a new puppy or helping an adult dog learn (or re-learn) good habits. While the basics remain the same for any age, there ...

02/21/2025

Happy tails at the vet: A trainers guide to a stress free vet visit

Taking your dog to the vet can be a stressful experience for both you and your pup. As a trainer, I see firsthand how preparation and positive reinforcement can make these visits much smoother. Whether it’s a routine che...

02/02/2025

A BEAUTIFUL example of threshold training!!! There are many many reasons why this skill is so important! One being, teaching your dogs self control and respect 💜