Alexandria Hawk Dog Training

06/16/2026

Many of you know my three-year-old Golden Retriever, Dolly Pockets, either through my videos and posts or you and/or your dog have met her. She has been a valuable member of AH Dog Training since I rescued her at seven months old, helping many pups learn to socialize.
Dolly came to me with hip dysplasia, and although she’s been on supplements, to physical therapy, and swim therapy, she tore her cruciate this Spring. She needs surgery, and since she came to me with hip dysplasia, pet insurance won’t cover it.

This year has been slow for dog training, and moving the business and cutting back services to continue my education has put us in a tough spot financially.
The surgery will cost between $4,500 and $5,000 that I plan to pay all out of pocket.

I already sent a private email to my client community and they have raised $700 already, which is enough for me to book her surgery with deposit. I want to say a huge thank you to those who have already donated, I truly appreciate it from the bottom of my heart. Dolly sends her love as well🐾

I have started a GoFundMe page for Dolly and am asking that anyone who can spare help us. I know times are tough for everyone, and don’t expect much, but anything will help. If you can’t donate, please share our donation page or post.

I’m not one to ask for help, but I will do anything to get my dogs the care and help they need, so I’m asking if you can even spare a dollar; we would greatly appreciate it.
I’m also accepting donations via Venmo to -hawk

Thank you so much for your time and generosity,
Alex & Dolly🐾

https://gofund.me/f5783b28f

06/05/2026

PSA time! Pictured below is a retractable leash. It has a button that you can push to lock the length or you can let the dog run out, often up to 25-30 feet. In the last 3 days, we have handled multiple dog bite incidents where dogs were on this type of leash. The problem is, once the dog is 20 or more feet away from you, you have absolutely no way to "reel" the dog back in. If you try, you can very easily get a serious burn to your hands from the leash. Basically, you have no control over your dog at all when it is that far from you, period. We have had dogs killed by cars when the button on the leash broke and the dog ran into the street. When we deal with problems involving these leashes, we instruct people to throw them away! When people donate these leashes to us, we THROW THEM AWAY! You can call it retractable, flexi, adjustable, etc., but WE call them problems waiting to happen.

Please use a standard 6 foot leash when walking your dog in a public area and in close proximity to other dogs and people. This will help you to properly control your dog and keep everyone safer!

We just want everyone to be able to enjoy the outdoors safely! Thank you! Please SHARE!!!

05/29/2026

05/28/2026

TRAINER OR BEHAVIOURIST?

Dog guardians are often confused about when to request the assistance of a trainer and when to seek the help of a behaviourist because their titles and roles frequently overlap.

In summary, trainers teach obedience skills and manners (sit, stay, down, recalls), while behaviourists uncover and treat the underlying emotional roots of complex issues like reactivity, fear, anxiety or aggression. Trainers and behaviourists often work as a team with veterinary professionals on complex cases. In some countries, all behaviourists are veterinarians as per that countries regulations. In South Africa roles can overlap so it is not always clear to guardians as to who they can turn to.

Some behaviour problems can be labeled as disobedience or stubborness by guardians. For example, a dog barking and lunging on a leash isn't necessarily being difficult; they are often experiencing an emotional stress response. Group training classes, board & train facilities and obedience cues like 'sit' or 'corrections' won't solve the core fear generated by the discrete emotional system in the brain.These types of emotional issues requires the assistance of a behaviourist to uncover the root causes of the fear or reactivity. Behaviour work can take months to see improvements as the learns self regulation and alternate coping strategies.

In South Africa, the roles and professional status' of 'dog trainer' and 'dog behaviourist' are not legally regulated. Anyone with basic internet qualifications or access to YouTube or experience only can market themselves as an expert, leaving guardians confused. Working with animals is a science and no longer left to experience only like it was 30 years ago. Working with animals requires an understanding of learning theory, psychology, emotionality, brain systems, anatomy and physiology in addition to a host of other subjects. Experience with qualifications can unlock solutions to complex issues.

In addition to qualifications from reputable schools or universities, guardians in South Africa should can check the websites of following international professional bodies to confirm membership credentials of their trainer or behaviourist:
1. Pet Professional Guild
2. Coape Association of Behaviourists and Trainers International (Cabti).
3. International Companion Animal Network (ICAN)
These bodies have ethical, humane, positive reinforcement and science driven philosophies as fundamental principles, and as such, they will only accept professionals who will abide by these core values. These professionals agree to certain standards of practice and codes of behaviour which are published and which often gives guardians some level of comfort in the approaches, methods and tools used by the professional.

Choose your professional wisely. It will make all the difference to your dog's physical and emotional wellbeing.

05/20/2026

Start your training journey with AH Dog Training!

We are currently taking new clients in the South County area only. Session spots are limited, get started by booking your consultation online today!
www.ahdogtrainingri.com
⛓️‍💥 Link in bio

Have questions? Contact us by emailing [email protected] or text 401-226-7983

05/08/2026

Our summer pack walk schedule is out and all walks are open for registration!🦮

These walks are designed for dogs who need to work on their emotions around other dogs. Whether that’s excitement, nervousness, or conflicted, we set up these sessions so dogs are at a distance where they can keep calmer and process their emotions.

We start out with nervous system regulation games so your dog regulates their emotions before the walking even begins!

The dogs participate in sniffaris around each other, no dragging parents or overstimulated walking here!

Register by commenting the date you would like to join or by visiting our website
www.ahdogtrainingri.com
⛓️‍💥 Link in bio

05/07/2026

Our Cool Ya Collars class is back and open for registration!

This six-week class will meet from 9:30 - 10:30am and start June 6th, running until July 25th, skipping 6/20 & 7/4 in observance of the holidays.

We practice skills for dogs who have a hard time with triggers such as other dogs, people, & vehicles. This class is for dogs who show mild and severe reactions. Please contact us before signing up if your dog has a bite history.

Among the material includes nervous system resets, stress resiliency, neutrality to their trigger, life skills for walks & stressful situations, confidence building for both you and your dog, and fun!

We understand how hard it is to have a dog with big feelings and are dedicated to helping dogs feel comfortable and calm in their everyday life. We also understand the hardship directly on the parents, and offer support and guidance for them as well as the pets.

Request more info by commenting BIG FEELINGS or visit or website
www.ahdogtrainingri.com
⛓️‍💥 Link in bio

05/07/2026

✨AKC STAR Puppy Class starts back up June 2nd!✨

This class has open enrollment, meaning you can join any week! Set your puppy up for success by joining 6 consecutive classes to earn their AKC STAR Puppy title or choose sessions to join just for the material and exposure! If you join all six weeks, your puppy will practice ✨twenty✨ new skills!

Along with learning sit, down, settle, come, leash walking, & leave it, we also discuss:
✨ House training
✨ Crate training
✨ Counter surfing
✨ Calm greetings
✨ Grooming participation
✨ How to implement skills in life

Other things we focus on:
🐾 Games to teach skills
🐾 Emotional learning
🐾 Stress resiliency
🐾 Real-world exposure
🐾 Healthy socialization
🐾 Relaxation skills
🐾 Proactive training
🐾 Confidence building
🐾 Giving autonomy & choice

The Details
🐶 8 weeks - 10 months
📍 Rumford Pet Express in Middletown

💉 First set of distemper shots are required, rabies is required for pups over 16 weeks old.
💰 $185 +tax
📋 Register by commenting PUPPY, in-store, or online at www.ahdogtrainingri.com
⛓️‍💥 Link in bio
puppylove puppytraining puppyplay puppysocialization

05/01/2026

We will be closed next week to catch up on admin work and studying! I will not be providing any services during this time. I plan to still respond to texts, emails, and calls but it may be slow as I’m prioritizing the “behind-the-scenes” work. 🐾

Thanks for your support and understanding!💝

04/22/2026

A dog that listens out of pressure isn’t the same as one who chooses to.

When dogs understand what works and want to engage, that’s when behavior is at its best.

Try to view training with your dog as communicating. We are trying to have a conversation with them. Let’s make that conversation as positive and encouraging as we can. 💜