Suwanee Dog Mom

Suwanee Dog Mom Christina McInnis a former service dog trainer and agility trainer. As well as spending time with her husband and children.

certified by the AKC as an evaluator for AKC Star Puppy, AKC Caninine Good Citizen, CGCU and Community Canine Programs. Committed to providing the most effective, convenient solutions to her clients’ dog training needs, Christina is avidly pursues ongoing continuing education and professional development by attending seminars and keeping current on all industry literature. Suwanee dog mom puts cl

ients first and believes the whole family should be involved with training the dog. When not helping clients to enjoy easier lives with their canine companions, Christina enjoys training their newest addition Ranger.

Koala and Chopper are long-haired dachshunds, which means two things: 1. They’re adorable. 2. They were bred to yell at ...
08/20/2025

Koala and Chopper are long-haired dachshunds, which means two things:

1. They’re adorable.

2. They were bred to yell at badgers in holes… so barking at literally everything is just them doing their job.

Here’s the thing — dachshunds were designed to hunt. Long bodies for digging, loud voices to be heard underground, and a chase drive that doesn’t quit. So when they bark at the mailman, chase leaves, or redecorate your yard with holes, that’s not “misbehavior.” That’s centuries of breeding saying, “This is my moment!”

It’s actually unfair to expect them not to bark, chase, or dig. That’s like hiring a lifeguard and then telling them not to swim.

What we can do is teach them how to use all that drive in ways that are healthy for them and manageable for us:

• Quiet command = “Yes, thank you for announcing the squirrel. Now clock out.”

• Snuffle mats & puzzle feeders = nose work without flipping the couch cushions.

• Flirt poles = chasing games that don’t involve traumatized neighborhood cats.

• Easy Walk harness = polite leash walking that won’t wreck their little necks or backs.

And here’s the kicker — on their very first lesson, these two were already walking on a loose leash and ignoring things they normally would’ve reacted to. They’re smart, fast learners, and proof that being small doesn’t mean you should expect less.

By giving them “legal” ways to bark, dig, and chase, we feed their instincts before they invent unhealthy outlets (like non-stop barking, couch demolition, or plotting against Amazon drivers). Basically: let dachshunds be dachshunds… just with better PR. 🐾

Side note: I don’t always post client photos, not because I don’t love the dogs, but because I usually forget to take them — I get caught up in the training. (Photos? Oh right… the thing I remember halfway home.)

🚨 LOST DOG ALERT – PLEASE READ CAREFULLY 🚨Shadow got out and is staying in the same general area. He is extremely scared...
08/16/2025

🚨 LOST DOG ALERT – PLEASE READ CAREFULLY 🚨

Shadow got out and is staying in the same general area. He is extremely scared and will bolt the moment anyone engages him.

👉 Please do not call out to him.
👉 Please do not put food out.

I know this sounds tough, but a hungry dog is much more likely to safely go into the trap for food.

Ranger actually tracked Shadow the first night he was missing and was able to locate his tracks. But because of how frightened Shadow now is, bringing Ranger back out could make him even more jumpy. Unless a lure dog is specifically requested, Ranger will not be searching again.

Thank you for respecting these guidelines and helping give Shadow the best chance to get home safely. 💙🐾

Arlo’s Puppy Boot CampArlo (if you’ve been following along, you know this sweet guy) came to stay for a few days with hi...
08/16/2025

Arlo’s Puppy Boot Camp

Arlo (if you’ve been following along, you know this sweet guy) came to stay for a few days with his mom—who also happens to be one of my closest friends of over twenty years. Sometimes it really does pay to have a dog trainer in your corner.

Why was he here? Because like a lot of young dogs, Arlo was struggling with something that doesn’t come naturally: learning how to calm down.

In the car, he was husky-level vocal. At home, when overtired, he’d sit and bark at his mom, louder and louder, even when she ignored him (which was exactly the right thing to do). She was already on the right track; she just needed a little guidance on timing and a tool to help him learn how to process his energy differently.

That’s where the place command comes in. Place isn’t just “go sit over there.” It gives a dog both structure and a job. They can stand, sit, or lie down, but they can’t leave the spot until released. That boundary teaches impulse control in a very practical way. With Arlo, we focused on rewarding him when he made the choice to relax and lay down on his bed. His mom had already been practicing place at home (credit to her!), which made it easy to build on. Within just a couple days, he had already stopped barking in the car.

And then there’s Ranger. Ranger is one of the best natural “puppy teachers” I’ve ever seen. His calm presence alone shows young dogs how to settle, but his use of the place command is also the perfect example of what this training becomes over time. Ranger started by learning place on a raised cot—the clear four-corner boundary makes it easy for puppies to understand. But now, I can point to just about anything—a rug, a patch of ground, even a park bench—and say “place,” and he knows to stay put until released. That’s the long-term goal: not just holding place at home, but anywhere, even out in the real world with distractions all around.

We also worked on impulse control with food—sit and wait instead of diving in. It’s all part of the same bigger lesson: calm and patience pay off.

Why this matters: Most dogs don’t organically know how to be calm—not at home, and definitely not in public. They have to be taught. Place is one of the clearest ways to build that skill at home, and then we take it out into the world—parks, patios, sidewalks—so the dog learns how to regulate themselves in real-life situations.

And before anyone asks: No, I have not started taking board & trains again. Between my in-home clients, my kids, family, and rescue volunteer work, that kind of time commitment isn’t fair to a board & train dog. But for Arlo and his mom, a short “puppy owner boot camp” was exactly the right fit.

At only 15 weeks old, Arlo already has one of the nicest loose-leash walks and auto-sits I’ve ever seen. Now he’s learning something even more important—how to be calm, both at home and out in the world. With a dedicated mom and Ranger as his role model, he’s off to a fantastic start.

Rainy Day? Perfect Training Day! ☔🐾When the weather keeps you inside, it’s the perfect time to sharpen skills and burn e...
08/11/2025

Rainy Day? Perfect Training Day! ☔🐾
When the weather keeps you inside, it’s the perfect time to sharpen skills and burn energy—no umbrella required.

1. Place / Settle on a Bed or Mat I prefer a place bed with raised edges it helps define the area better for first starting.

• Lead your dog to their mat.

• Say “Place,” and reward when all four paws are on it.

• Gradually increase how long they relax there—reward calmness, not just position.

• Practice with distractions like you walking around, picking up keys, or stepping into another room.

2. Threshold Manners (No Bolting Through Doors)

I don’t use a “stay” command here, because stay requires you to be there to give and maintain it. In real life, you’re not always right at the door—visitors might leave it cracked, kids could forget to close it, or a package could arrive.

Instead, I teach a blanket rule: You never go through any doorway, gate, or into the street unless released.

• The release can be a forward motion command like “With me” or “Heel,” or a release command like “free !”

• This removes the need for constant supervision and builds a habit your dog follows every time—whether you’re right there or not.

To teach it:

• Clip on the leash and walk to the door.
• If they try to go through, block with your body or close the door slightly.

• Wait for calm—soft eyes, relaxed body.

• Release only when you decide it’s safe.

3. Loose-Leash Walking Indoors

• Use a hallway, living room loop, or walk figure-eights around chairs.

• Keep the leash short but loose—reward when they walk next to you without pulling.

• Change speed or direction often to keep their attention on you.

4. Brain Games & Tricks

• Teach “Spin” by luring them in a circle with a treat.

• Try “Paw” or “High-Five” for an easy confidence boost.

• Hide treats under cups or in boxes for a homemade puzzle game.

A few focused 5-minute sessions spread throughout the day will leave them mentally satisfied and ready for a nap. Rain might stop the walk, but it doesn’t stop the training!

Quick update: I’m booked through the first week of September. 🐾If you’re already on the schedule—can’t wait to see you a...
08/06/2025

Quick update: I’m booked through the first week of September. 🐾

If you’re already on the schedule—can’t wait to see you and your pup! If you’ve reached out recently and I haven’t gotten back to you yet, thank you for your patience—I promise I’m working through messages as quickly as I can.

Appreciate you all so much. 💛

First day of 4th & 7th grade. One refused the brother photo. The other had syrup on his face. Ranger? Sat calmly for bot...
08/04/2025

First day of 4th & 7th grade. One refused the brother photo. The other had syrup on his face. Ranger? Sat calmly for both—loyal, patient, and perfectly posed.

He’s still the only one I can safely homeschool—and the only one who doesn’t question my methods.

Now it’s back to work for me, and Ranger will continue searching when time and life allow. We’re not official SAR—just a mom, a dog, and sometimes her kids, stepping in when we’re able. Ranger tracks lost pets as a volunteer, not for recognition, but because it’s his gift.

This summer, both of my boys joined us. They learned how to track and wait, how to show up and stay steady. One search ended in heartbreak, and they stood quietly with a grieving family, offering strength and presence beyond their years. We have many heart lifting moments but sadly we also have devastating ones.

Those are lessons you can’t teach in a classroom. They’re passed down—from my father to me, and now to them.

I’m so grateful to this community that supports our business and makes it possible for us to give back. Grateful for the chance to share this calling with my children. Grateful for Ranger—his hidden talents, his unshakable loyalty, and the life he’s helped lead us to. I love working with each and everyone of your families and puppies.

Truly, what a blessing it is to do this work.

Let’s see those back to school babies and their furry siblings.

08/01/2025

Daisy is a nine month old, 35 pound lab mix that belonged to an elderly person, who had a stroke and could no longer care for her. His daughter took her, but she couldn’t keep her long term
Daisy is very playful, and like all puppies she would do best with another playful dog and a fenced yard. She is crate trained and housetrained, but will need patience for her transition from a senior owner to an active home.
If you would like to foster to adopt Daisy, please go to www.atlantalabrescue.com to fill out an application.

🐾 A rescue puppy from 15 years ago. A bond that lasted a lifetime. And now, a new beginning…Here’s how we used temperame...
07/28/2025

🐾 A rescue puppy from 15 years ago. A bond that lasted a lifetime. And now, a new beginning…

Here’s how we used temperament testing while looking for the right pup to fit a family’s life, love, and future.

👇 Keep reading for the full story + puppy testing tips.

⸻

From One Good Dog to the Next: A Full-Circle Puppy Story

Almost 15 years ago, some close friends of ours offered to babysit our 4-month-old Rottweiler puppy, Aubrey, while we were out of town. She was pure puppy energy—floppy paws, zoomies, and snuggles galore. After just a few days with her, they were in love. That visit sparked something: they were ready to bring a dog into their own lives.

Not long after, I was at an adoption event and met a rescue puppy from a litter. I sent a quick message—“I think I just met your dog.” They followed up, connected with the rescue, and within a couple of weeks, he was home. They named him Milo.

We still lived in the same state then, and Milo and Aubrey grew up side by side—trading toys, sharing couches, and building a friendship that lasted for years. Even after our friends eventually moved, they brought Milo back for visits—and every time, he and Aubrey picked up right where they left off. Right up until Aubrey passed away at 13 years old, they were together on every visit. Losing Milo felt like losing a piece of her, too.

Milo wasn’t the kind of dog who loved everyone—but to his people, he was everything. Loyal, steady, and deeply loved. He passed away this past spring, and it left a space that can’t be filled—but also a legacy that won’t be forgotten. I cried too. He was one of the good ones.

A few weeks ago, our friends reached out and said they were ready to start looking again. We began searching online, and I shared a list of questions to ask rescue groups, along with a basic temperament testing guide to help them assess puppies during meet-and-greets.

Two days ago, they brought home Arlo—a rescue puppy from a litter, chosen with care, intention, and love.

⸻

I often get asked about temperament testing—especially for adoptable puppies. It’s important to say this clearly:
Temperament testing is not a crystal ball.
It doesn’t predict the future, and it won’t guarantee outcomes. What it can do is help you better understand a puppy’s current tendencies, confidence levels, and natural responses—so you can make thoughtful, informed choices about what kind of home they’ll thrive in.

Trainers use temperament testing for many reasons:
• To identify working and service dog candidates
• To evaluate therapy or scent detection potential
• And for families—like this one—who have a child, cats, and an active lifestyle that includes travel and adventure

In this case, we were looking for a confident, social, adaptable pup who could keep up with life and fit in with both people and pets.

Here’s a simplified version of the testing guide I shared:

⸻

Temperament Testing: A Practical Guide (Not a Crystal Ball)

🐾 Touch Sensitivity
Gently handle paws, ears, and tail. Calmness is key for grooming, vet visits, and households with young kids.

👨‍👩‍👧 Social Engagement
Does the puppy approach willingly? Make eye contact? Stay close? These are great signs of people-orientation.

🎉 Noise Recovery
Drop keys or clap—watch how fast they bounce back. It’s not about fear; it’s about resilience.

🐈 Prey Drive / Cat Compatibility
Observe reactions to fast movement or nearby cats. Curiosity is fine—intensity or chasing is not ideal in a multi-pet home.

🎾 Play Drive & Retrieval
Will they chase a toy? Bring it back? Playfulness often reflects confidence and future trainability.

🍗 Food Motivation
Will they take treats? A strong food drive helps in training, but we also watch for signs of guarding.

🪢 Handling & Restraint
Pick them up, cradle gently, roll over—this helps gauge trust and tolerance.

🌍 Environmental Confidence
New surfaces, unfamiliar places—can they explore, or do they shut down? Confidence here often translates to adaptability later.

⸻

Both Milo and Arlo were rescue pups from litters—no fancy paperwork, no big promises. Just heart, hope, and families willing to love them for exactly who they are.

Milo was everything to his people. And now, Arlo is just beginning his story—one filled with new memories, joy, and love.

Welcome home, Arlo. You’ve got big paw prints ahead—and a legacy behind you worth carrying forward.

❤️
Christina
The Suwanee Dog Mom

07/25/2025

Venice had pocket pups and a crash course in muzzle rules. Rome gave us playful neighborhood dogs, sweet moments, and one that even brought me a gift. But the only dog our hearts were really calling for was back home — living his best life, soaking wet from a pool party, and completely unaware just how much he was missed.

Italy was beautiful, unforgettable, and full of dogs — which, let’s be honest, I noticed immediately. Venice had tiny pups everywhere: lounging under café tables, riding boats, tucked under arms like handbags. That’s also where we learned dogs are required to wear muzzles on ferries. At first, it felt a little strict — but here’s my (completely unofficial but behavior-based) theory: one anxious dog + an unfamiliar boat + a little motion = redirected stress. Ranger’s calm on boats (honestly, he’d be the one piloting), but not every dog’s that steady. So really, the rule makes sense. It’s not about punishment — it’s about preventing a problem before it starts.

Rome, however, gave me a moment I’ll never forget. While grabbing lunch with my kids, we saw two neighborhood dogs enjoying what looked like a regular café playdate. They wrestled a bit, and then one of them ran into his home, came back out with a stuffed toy… and brought it to me. Just walked over and dropped it at my feet like we’d known each other forever. I melted. The boys laughed. I genuinely considered staying in Rome forever.

But while the dogs across Italy were sweet and special, the one we missed most — the one our hearts kept calling for — was Ranger.

While we were out exploring ruins and chasing gelato, he was back home at Winding Creek Kennels, living his best life. Daily pool parties, soccer ball destruction, full vacation mode.

Every update we got looked like he was running the place — no signs of homesickness, just pure joy. Winding Creek always takes incredible care of him. They understand working breeds and give Ranger exactly what he needs: structure, physical and mental stimulation, outdoor time, love, and apparently endless water access.

And, maybe most importantly, they also handled me — a mildly panicked, slightly over-the-top dog mom. Because, naturally, I found a hotspot on him the morning we left. Cue the chaos. I called Sugar Hill Animal Hospital (yes, I cried), and they got me what I needed immediately. Winding Creek Kennels, Inc.
handled the treatment, the care, and my frantic overseas messages like the professionals they are.

Ranger’s home now — freshly bathed, back in his routine, and only slightly pouty that we went to Italy without him. He was deeply missed by all of us.

And yes… he is absolutely getting extra treats for at least the next two weeks.

Pictures of Rangers pool party in the comments. It does not allow a video and photo at the same time.

Lake Como brought the views… but mostly, it brought the DACHSHUNDS.I’ve never seen so many dachshunds in one place—wire-...
07/20/2025

Lake Como brought the views… but mostly, it brought the DACHSHUNDS.

I’ve never seen so many dachshunds in one place—wire-haired, short-haired, long, lean, chunky, sassy… they were everywhere. It felt like Lake Como was secretly hosting a low-key sausage dog summit and I just happened to crash it.

As a breed, dachshunds were originally bred in Germany to hunt badgers—yes, badgers. Small but mighty, bold, and stubborn as the day is long. They may have short legs, but don’t let that fool you—they run the show wherever they go. And based on what I saw in Como, they now own northern Italy.

Of course, there were plenty of other pups trotting along the waterfront and tucked into handbags, but the doxies totally stole the spotlight.

Next stop: Venice—where the streets are water, the sidewalks are bridges, and the odds of me accidentally following a dog onto the wrong boat are dangerously high. 🐾🇮🇹

I’m staying in Florence, spent the day in Tuscany, and heading to Lake Como soon… but somehow, I keep meeting dogs like ...
07/17/2025

I’m staying in Florence, spent the day in Tuscany, and heading to Lake Como soon… but somehow, I keep meeting dogs like they got the memo I was in town.

While my friends were sipping wine at a vineyard, I was drinking water—because someone has to make better decisions—and bonding with a young Poodle who trotted over and claimed me like his unpaid handler.

Apparently, he’s a truffle-hunting dog. Fully trained, full of potential… and already fully committed to doing the bare minimum. He’ll sniff out a truffle if the mood strikes—but mostly he just lounges at guests’ feet like he’s on a self-guided sabbatical. The vineyard even named a wine after him that means “sweet but lazy.” Honestly? A role model.

I also met a Great Dane and a Komondor—though I genuinely thought the Komondor was a forgotten pile of sweaters in the corner of the shop until it moved.

No, I don’t speak Italian. But the dogs and I? We understand each other just fine.

We are currently on vacation and will return all calls and message July 25th.
07/16/2025

We are currently on vacation and will return all calls and message July 25th.

Address

Suwanee Dam Road NE, Buford
Sugar Hill, GA
30518

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+14044834194

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Suwanee Dog Mom posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Suwanee Dog Mom:

Shortcuts

Share

Category

Suwanee Dog Mom

Christina McInnis a former service dog and agility trainer. She entered the corporate world for many years and then stayed at home with her children. She decided to return to her passion and share what she knows with her boys and others. She is currently working on her CPDT- KA certification . Committed to providing the most effective, convenient solutions to her clients’ dog training needs, Christina is avidly pursues ongoing continuing education and professional development by attending seminars and keeping current on all industry literature. Suwanee dog mom puts clients first and believes the whole family should be involved with training the dog. When not helping clients to enjoy easier lives with their canine companions, Christina enjoys training their newest addition ranger to become a certified therapy dog. As well as spending time with her husband and children.