Peaceful Pets Pet Care

06/11/2025

I am thankful for a mild day in June. 😅

06/10/2025

It’s really important to understand that dogs don’t NEED training. They can dog perfectly fine. The only reason we created training - and all the capacities it’s used in - was to meet OUR needs.

Dogs can dog just fine, in fact, it’s usually when they can’t dog properly or enough that they display behaviors that we don’t like or label as “bad”. When we expect them to not dog in environments that are primarily designed for us to human. All our human spaces are usually aesthetically designed and created to meet our needs - then when we bring another species into them - we view their difficulties adapting as THEIR problem that needs to be fixed. Not ours.

Now before you all angry mob me, yes, of course dogs having skills is important, but mainly because it truly helps bridge the gap between human and canine and helps our dogs exist in our weird little world. They often look at us with such puzzled expressions, and I dont blame them one bit. They don’t NEED to know how to do a perfect down stay, but they learn and do it for us because they are truly the most devoted creatures on the planet. All the strange things we ask - like walk on this rope and drop things that you find and for gods sake be friendly but not too friendly and protect me when I need it but also stop barking when I say!

Which is why I am so adamant about teaching and communicating with dogs in a way that they enjoy. In a way that strengthens the relationship and encourages learning on BOTH ends of the leash. Having a dog is a privilege, and we should live and work with them as such.

- Helen St. Pierre

06/05/2025

06/03/2025

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Winston the Boxer. Winston was a long time coadventurer with the Peaceful Pack.

He was a contemporary of Henny the Weimaraner, loved our outings to the lake, hikes along the river, and getting spoiled with love and treats.

I still see you. You are splashing about at the lake with Henny, both of you in your glorious prime, moving pain free.

Sweetheart, you will be missed.
Until we meet again, my friend.
☮️🐾💜


🐾👣🖤

06/03/2025

We don't all have the same challenges.👈
We also have unique dogs with their own quirks, likes and dislikes.

Crates and their use can be tricky.
I appreciate this may spark a discussion (and healthy debate is always encouraged).

IF you are considering using one....it shouldn't feel like restricted confinement.
It can absolutely take weeks or months.
If it is a choice you would like to make, they must be introduced kindly and positively.

If you can do that, you’ve just helped your dog discover a place they truly love to go.
A place of calm and quiet.
The best place to have a chew on a favourite toy.

If you don't like them and don't want to use them.....absolutely ok too.
A rug, bed or mat may be just the place for you dog.

Whichever way you go...a sense of security and peace is the aim.
💤

06/03/2025

Yes, you may have been told they’re dog or cat friendly…
That doesn’t mean they’re ready for your dog or cat ....yet.

This graphic is packed with ways to help a newly adopted dog settle in safely and calmly.

➡️ Keep their world small.
They’ve been through a huge change, and right now, less is more. A calm and contained environment helps reduce stress.

➡️ Skip the bath (for now).
Unless absolutely necessary, avoid grooming early on. Their scent and even the items they came with can be incredibly comforting.

⚠️ Too much freedom too soon can backfire.
They don’t know your boundaries yet...that the fence means “stay in,” or that the yard is “home.”
They might flee out of fear or confusion.

✅ Let them keep familiar items they arrived with.
Toys, bedding, even a worn rug ... these can be lifelines in a confusing new place.

Take your time.
Go slow.
This part matters more than most people realise.

05/20/2025

MANAGING MULTIPLES
Chaos or calm or sometimes a mixture of both!

The picture in this graphic is of my 4 Schnauzers waiting patiently in the back of the car to go to the park for a walk.

Pictures can be deceiving though, and this is certainly not always how it is.

Having multiple dogs can be challenging and time consuming.

Dogs don’t get to choose their housemates. We expect them to just get along with any other dog we choose to add to our home and are often frustrated and stressed when this sometimes isn’t the case.

Just like people sharing a home, dogs certainly don’t always get along – at some time, there will be conflict and sometimes this can develop into a serious problem if not addressed early on.

Different personalities, different needs, energy levels, ages, conflicts over resources, spaces, people, entrances, exits, health issues etc. are just some of the things that can lead to issues.

The importance of learning, recognizing and taking note of body language is so important, especially when caring for multiple dogs.

When we ignore the “whispers” of body language or simply don’t understand or notice, the whispers may soon become shouts or screams and we have missed an opportunity to manage and diffuse conflict.

Over time, sometimes just seeing the other dog becomes a trigger, when initially it was only the specific circumstance or situation.

Prevention is always better than trying to “fix” a problem. Being proactive instead of reactive is so important in managing multiple dogs.

For more information on this subject, I recommend this book by Ethologist and Certified Applied Animal Behaviourist, Patricia B. McConnell, Ph.D., CAAB -
https://www.dogwise.com/feeling-outnumbered-how-to-manage-enjoy-a-multi-dog-household-2nd-edition/?srsltid=AfmBOoqBJswlYAUHzxvKzo5kVgRPsVsUPqY_Zyn6Lp8N58uBEqJbaUsp

05/19/2025

🚩Heads up! 🚩

05/19/2025