Dog Dialect, LLC

07/07/2025

Living in a multi dog household with a dog who resource guards against other dogs can be stressful and challenging. Particularly when the behavior stems from a genetic tendency toward guarding.

Fortunately there is hope, no matter whether your dog’s resource guarding is purely a learned behavior or has a genetic influence!

Of course supervision and management will always be critical to ensure safety, but dogs can in fact learn to regulate big feelings and make better choices.

When Ilsa first came home, Kira wandering anywhere near an item of value could trigger a fight. Now, Ilsa will calmly place herself by a food item and largely allow Kira to move about freely. Ilsa will even choose to take a food project to the dog bed (designated location for food related activities) when Kira is laying less than a foot away!

Just today, when Kira came into the room, Ilsa made the choice to create distance by picking up the food project she was saving for later and taking it to the dog bed. She then layed there so unbothered by Kira’s presence that the food towel became a pillow 😆 (Note: never give food towels to any dog unsupervised)

Now would I expect her to be so comfortable with a resource around a different dog? No.

I never assume safety around a food item. Not even with Kira. That does mean I will always be supervising and managing dogs and resources; however, it also means I will have plenty of opportunity to build Ilsa’s trust in me.

Ilsa being confident I will be there for her and take action before she feels the need to assert herself will help us in other contexts too, as a solid partnership based on trust is key for any true behavior change. Taking action could be calling Kira to me, physically guiding Kira around/away from Ilsa’s bubble, or simply standing between the dogs (although Ilsa has improved so much that it’s now more of standing on/over her). Ilsa is often even content to simply see me place an item she is not actively working on somewhere safely out of Kira’s reach.

She is much more tolerant of cats scavenging the kibble and crumb trail she leaves with food dispensing toys as well, which I have never bothered to actively work on as even my 15 year old cat is quick and clever enough to safely avoid being caught.

If you are also living with a resource guarder, whether against other pets or people, help is available! The road ahead can be a lot smoother and your household more peaceful.

06/16/2025

I am so proud to announce that Dog Dialect has recently been invited and accepted to the Better Business Bureau!

If you have had a positive experience working with me in the past, I would very much appreciate it if you would chime in on the new BBB profile linked below 😊

Every page like, post interaction, review, and/or recommendation helps me to help more people and their dogs live better lives together 🐾❤️

BBB Accredited since 5/21/2025. Dog Training in Redmond, OR. See BBB rating, reviews, complaints, get a quote and more.

06/09/2025

I choose to train with positive reinforcement because not only is it more kind to the learner, but also because that is what the science supports.

As a former healthcare professional, I was taught to always turn to recent studies and respected organizations to determine best practices.

So far, study results support that training without aversive tools is not only equally effective, but does not cause increased stress in dogs.

The shared post has a good summary of the study, and a link to it if you would like to read it, but I thought I would include the text from the conclusions section. In case you’re still a normal person who doesn’t read scientific studies… 😜

“Our results indicate that the immediate effects of training with an e-collar give rise to behavioural signs of distress in pet dogs, particularly when used at high settings. Furthermore, whilst best practice as advocated by collar manufacturers mediates the behavioural and physiological indicators of poor welfare detected in the preliminary study, there are still behavioural differences that are consistent with a more negative experience for dogs trained with e-collars, although there was no evidence of physiological disturbance. E-collar training did not result in a substantially superior response to training in comparison to similarly experienced trainers who do not use e-collars to improve recall and control chasing behaviour. Accordingly, it seems that the routine use of e-collars even in accordance with best practice (as suggested by collar manufacturers) presents a risk to the well-being of pet dogs. The scale of this risk would be expected to be increased when practice falls outside of this ideal.”

Long story short, let’s be kind to dogs 🐾

A landmark study that directly addresses this question is:

Cooper, J. J., Cracknell, N., Hardiman, J., Wright, H., & Mills, D. S. (2014). The welfare consequences and efficacy of training pet dogs with remote electronic training collars in comparison to reward based training. PLOS ONE, 9(9), e102722. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0102722
Summary of Key Findings:

Study design: This was a controlled, scientific field study conducted by researchers at the University of Lincoln. It compared three groups:

Dogs trained using e-collars (shock collars) by experienced industry trainers

Dogs trained by the same trainers but without shock

Dogs trained by independent force-free trainers using positive reinforcement only

Trainers were certified and professional, with Group A and B trainers belonging to the Electronic Collar Manufacturers Association (ECMA) and having extensive experience using the devices.

Key results:

There was no significant difference in training efficacy between the groups using shock and those not using it.

Dogs trained with positive reinforcement exhibited fewer signs of stress and anxiety.

The study concluded that the use of shock collars was unnecessary and posed welfare risks without added training benefits.

Salivary cortisol levels, behavioral stress indicators (e.g., yawning, lip licking), and vocalizations were higher in the shock collar group.

Conclusion:

The researchers explicitly stated that the use of e-collars "has negative welfare consequences for some dogs" and "no clear advantage over reward-based training"—thus the use of shock collars is not justified.

So, even if the person operating the collar is a manufacturer-trained professional, this study showed the results were no better than training without shock, and the use of electronic collars resulted in unnecessary stress.

Cindy Ludwig, MA, BS, RN, KPA-CTP, CPDT-KA
Owner, Canine Connection LLC
Voted Best Springfield, Missouri Dog Trainer

05/11/2025

A reminder to please be respectful of others and follow leash laws. Your dog may be friendly, but many dogs would not take kindly to a strange dog running up to them. Keeping your dog on leash not only keeps your dog safe, but allows more fearful or reactive dogs to lead more fulfilled lives as well.

There are plenty of off leash areas to be utilized here where friendly dogs can run and play 🐾

04/26/2025

One of my favorite things about being a dog trainer is that no two dogs are the same. Owners are often facing very unique challenges, and all have individualized goals.

Yes, you could have trained a behavior countless times, but each environment is going to present different variables. Each dog is going to have its own genetic makeup influencing behavior, as well as its own learning history. Not to mention their own learning style.

There’s probably a better chance of winning the lottery than training two dogs exactly the same way.

Every dog I work with is a puzzle, and I do like puzzles… I also very much like dogs. Plus I get to spread kindness and make people (and dogs!) happy.

What greater gift could I ask for than for life to have led me here? 🥰🐾

Also, a big thank you to everyone who has supported me along the way. Friends, family, clients, coworkers, mentors, and anyone following this page really. No matter what role you have played, you are a part of how I got here.

And I quite like it here ☺️

03/09/2025

I recently saw a news article about a large number of popular mixed breed dogs taken from an unethical breeding operation now being housed in a (likely already overcrowded) shelter.

Of course the predictable “Adopt don’t shop!” slogan was sprinkled throughout the comments.

The people saying this are obviously well intentioned and just want to see all dogs in homes. It seems hard to argue that, but it did get me thinking.

Is the “adopt don’t shop” mantra really any better than teaching “abstinence only” instead of actual s*x ed? Is it even any different?

The phrase implies there is only one acceptable choice, and therefore education on how to responsibly make other choices is irrelevant.

I firmly believe that there is no one right choice for everyone, and that purchasing a puppy from a responsible breeder is not contributing to shelter overcrowding.

Dogs land in shelters for a wide variety of reasons, but one of the reasons is people not getting the right dog for them.

We would best prevent this by educating people on how to find that right dog, whether from a local shelter, breed specific rescue, or an ethical breeder.

General temperament, energy levels, and grooming requirements should all be considered before bringing a dog into the home. If you’re anything like me, you may also want to consider what level of drool you’re willing to deal with 😂

Truly sit with and think about how all of those factors will work with your life.

You cannot get a protection/guarding breed/mix and expect it to be a Golden Retriever. You’re going to need to learn how to properly socialize, train, and possibly manage that dog.

You cannot get a high energy breed/mix and expect it to be content with a daily walk around the block. You’re going to need to dedicate time and effort into meeting that dog’s physical *and mental* needs (the mental activity being a frequently overlooked aspect).

You cannot get a breed/mix with high grooming requirements and expect to get away with taking it to the groomer twice a year. You’re going to need to learn proper brushing techniques, invest in quality grooming tools, and dedicate time to regular (if not daily) brushing.

And you cannot get a drooly dog and expect anything to be clean ever again 😂 unless perhaps you have a house cleaner, then you could enjoy clean walls on occasion. Even dogs with beards are great at keeping walls dirty (ask me how I know).

So now you’ve thought about all of those things. You know what you’re looking for. Now how do you find that?

If you’re looking for a rescue dog, research the rescue organizations you’re interested in. Where do their dogs come from? What are their adoption policies? How transparent are they about behavior issues? Do they have a training/behavior team? If yes, what can you learn about them? What is their experience? Do they have relevant degrees or certifications? If no, who is assessing these dogs to determine whether they are even appropriate to place, and if they are, in what type of environment? Who is trying to make them more adoptable, and how? Make sure you align with the values and practices of the organization before choosing to support them. I have unfortunately encountered pretty horrendous rescue practices, so don’t assume all shelters/rescues are created equal.

Perhaps you have your heart set on a certain breed. Then what? If you are open to a rescue, look into breed specific rescues. If that’s not the choice for you, it is going to take time to find the right breeder, and even more time for them to have a puppy available. Reputable breeders have wait lists, and only very rarely will have a puppy available right when you want one. Be prepared to be patient (although this applies no matter where you are looking to get a dog from), as this process may take years.

Start with the national breed club website. Do not bank on the AKC marketplace to find a good breeder. The American Kennel Club is just a registry, and being AKC registered means nothing when it comes to the quality of the dog and how well it matches breed standard, temperament included. Look for a breeder who is producing dogs that are proven to have the temperament you are looking for, as even within a particular breed you will see some variation. You want to see that they are participating in conformation shows, dog sports, therapy work, etc. SOMETHING that proves their dogs are what the breeder claims them to be. Look for whether or not they are doing all the health testing recommended by the breed club. Ask about how they raise their puppies, and whether they’re doing any puppy raising programs like Puppy Culture or Avidog. Ask about the health and temperaments of the parents. If the kennel is local, ask if you can visit to see their setup. Confirm that they will take back any dog they produce for the life of the dog. Read their puppy contract (they should have one). Get to know the breeder as a person, as they will be (or should be) a major source of support for you in the years to come.

Finding the right dog for you can certainly be a daunting task, but it’s well worth the time and effort to ensure you’ve set both yourself and your new dog/puppy up for success by making the best, most informed decision you can.

So whether you adopt or shop, please do so responsibly; and if you’re feeling lost or overwhelmed, I am always happy to help. I want nothing more than to see dogs and their humans become successful teams, which starts with selecting your teammate.

01/19/2025

Dogs can bring so much more to life than just being a warm fuzzy body to snuggle with or a companion on the trail.

Working with dogs and their humans has truly changed me in ways I never imagined possible ❤️

If you read the image and wish you felt that way about life with your dog, but find behavioral issues are getting in the way, please don’t hesitate to reach out for help!

From Dog People.

11/22/2024

One of favorite things about training is that moment you see the dog and handler really start connecting 💕

🐾 🥰

by Paw Addict

10/23/2024

A “PSA” on service dogs, ESAs, and pets in non-pet friendly stores

I shared this in a local community group following a discussion about dogs in grocery carts. As it is a topic I think needs more awareness, I thought I would share it with you all as well.

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What’s the big deal about people taking their pets into stores?

Not only is it illegal for dogs to be inside closed door spaces where food is sold (https://www.oregon.gov/oda/shared/Documents/Publications/FoodSafety/FoodCodeDogsFactSheet9.pdf), but it can cause major issues for people with legitimate task trained service dogs.

So first off, what is a service dog?

A service dog is a dog individually trained to perform work or task(s) to mitigate a disability that the person could not reasonably perform on their own. There is no such thing as registration or certification in the US. A service dog must not interfere with a business’s ability to operate, and must be under handler control at all times. If a service dog is not under handler control, the business has the right to ask the team to leave. A service dog must be on a leash or carried by the handler, unless required to be off leash to perform work/tasks, which is a very uncommon situation.

In Oregon, service dogs in training also have public access rights. This is not the case in every state. Service dogs in training must be fully potty trained and remain under handler control.

Emotional support animals DO NOT have public access rights.

How do you know if it’s a service dog?

A business can legally ask two questions:
1. Is that a service dog?
2. What work or tasks is it trained to perform? (The answer does not need to include the handler’s disability and this information cannot be asked for; emotional support does not count)

Why are pets in non-pet friendly establishments a problem?

Unruly pets can distract a service dog, compromising their ability to work for their disabled handler. They can also ruin years of training should the service dog be attacked, lunged at, etc. to the point the dog is no longer able to perform in public and must be “washed” (ie the dog will now become a pet only). Finding a suitable dog to owner train is difficult, and training takes years to complete, while purchasing an already trained dog is typically outside of people’s financial means (think buying a nice used car level expensive) and involves long wait lists. In the meantime, the handler is left without the services their dog provided for them to make navigating life with a disability easier, or sometimes even possible at all.

Some businesses have even gotten so fed up with fake service dogs they try to block legitimate handlers from entering, or have become so used to pet owners showing scam online registrations that they ask handlers for their certification/registration, which there is no such thing. This also leads to frustration and access issues for disabled handlers.

There is also of course the general public to consider. People may be afraid of dogs, or allergic to dogs, or just simply not like dogs. Not to mention a pet may eliminate inside an establishment, which is of course unsanitary.

What can you do?

Businesses, including indoor establishments that sell food, have become incredibly lenient about allowing dogs due to fear of lawsuits regarding access issues. Unfortunately, it has now gotten to the point where the number of untrained pets present is causing access issues for legitimate teams.

Politely ask to speak to management and let them know their rights (the two questions, and that disruptive dogs may be asked to leave) and the law - only service dogs are legally allowed to be inside indoor establishments that sell food.

Thank you for reading.

https://www.ada.gov/resources/service-animals-2010-requirements/

This publication provides guidance on the term “service animal” and the service animal provisions in the Department’s regulations.

10/01/2024

Training tip: If you want your dog to respond to a verbal cue, be careful not to repeat yourself. Say it once, then help your dog to be correct if you need to.

If you are having a hard time getting your dog do the behavior you asked for, take a step back and just focus on getting the behavior to happen reliably without using words. You have all the time in the world to add a verbal cue later!

My little motto is, “Don’t label it until you love it!”

Master the art of precision in recall training!

Say the cue once. Repetition can lead to confusion and inaction.

09/29/2024

Another post originally meant about people, but absolutely applies to dog training as well!

Whenever I meet a new client, I am meeting you exactly where you and your dog are. It doesn’t matter if you have no dog experience or loads, or if your dog is easy to live with or making you want to pull your hair out.

We can only begin where we are, and go from there; and I am more than happy be with you every step of the way!

For me, it’s all about the journey toward an even more beautiful relationship with your dog than you started with, and I am so privileged to be a part of it.

09/28/2024

This photo was found on a post about people, and I think we all know this to be true for ourselves. However, it is also true for dogs! Their best can vary from one day to the next, one hour to the next even, depending on a variety of factors.

As the image says, “That’s totally okay!”

Be patient and support your dog even when their best isn’t as good as you know it can be. Look for overall trends to tell you if you’re moving in the right direction with your training; and if you’re feeling stuck, don’t hesitate to reach out for help!