Rocky Junior's Dog Training Service

06/06/2026

Recently I took on a serious and challenging case in Port Orchard. Sascha (first photo) is a 3 1/2 year old German Shepherd who was adopted at 10 months of age from the Kitsap Humane Society.

As time passed after her adoption Sascha started to display very concerning, fear related behaviors. Sascha has since been attacked and bitten by a neighbor's dog, leading to aggressive behavior towards other dogs.

Everyone deserves to live a happy, safe life, without fear. We are fully committed to helping Sascha conquer her fears and live the life she was meant to live.

Xander is a German Shepherd who reportedly had no behavioral issues, but today I found out he is just as door reactive as Sascha.

Job one is taking the stress out of the dog's life, helping them to feel safe and happy. Sascha is starting to trust me and is making progress. Xander loves me already.

Today we began working on door reactivity, and we've already got some good management in place. Don't worry, Sascha and Xander, we will keep helping you until life is fun, safe and an absolute joy!

http://rockyjrdogtraining.com

06/05/2026

Yesterday I was working with one of the largest dogs I have ever had in training. We were working to transition his calmness and focus from inside to outside. On the porch the dog suddenly leaped off the porch.

I went down, my knee hitting a planter box. The dog knew I was hurt and came back to me. I was lucky that the dog went to the right, into the yard. If he had went straight off the porch my knees and legs would have impacted with the concrete steps.

I am fine, and luckily not hurt. I have decided to just give instructions to clients with extra large and giant breed dogs, since I have had two strokes and have permanent vertigo.

Photo of Rocky Junior because I won't out the dog and clients.

http://rockyjrdogtraining.com

06/04/2026

Remembering Rocky Junior:

On 11-01-2023 Rocky Junior and I went to Summit Veterinary Referral Center for a refill of one of his meds. It wasn't ready, so we went to the waiting room. Rocky guided me to Sara, a former client. Rocky Junior knew Sara and went to her, giving her love and comfort.

Sara told me that her dog, Stryker, was being treated for cancer. Rocky Junior knew Sara, but he also knew she was hurting and did his best to cheer her up. Stryker, by the way, went into remission!

Dogs sense things that we don't. There were hundreds of times in Rocky Junior's life that he comforted and loved people in need, and they were often strangers. Rocky has been gone for two years, yet I still marvel at the incredible life he lived.

http://rockyjrdogtraining.com

06/03/2026

My big buddy Buford loves school. Just look at him! ❤️

Today we worked more on desensitizing Buford to the exit doors of his home, as well as working on "Wait" and actually going through the doors. As usual, Buford did absolutely great!

http://rockyjrdogtraining.com

06/01/2026

Our big Sunday!

1. Jenny, who is Bella's Life Coach, did another great session with her friend. Bella used to be literally afraid of her own shadow. Now, with Jenny's support and guidance, Bella is a happy, well behaved dog!

2. Our longest term clients, Melissa and her dog Rocket, have been making a lot of progress with Jenny's help. Not one reaction from Rocket, and he was able to be closer to Jenny than ever before.

3. Sophie and her Mom, Julie, had a wonderful, reaction free session with Jenny. We were working at a distance of 20 feet or more. Upon leaving, Sophie turned and moved towards Jenny from a distance of about 17 feet. Julie quickly moved her away. We will be cautious to get in a lot more work from 20 ft.

Jenny is exhibiting play behavior towards all the dogs, meaning she is sensing they are on the road to recovery. Her behavior helps to reduce reactivity and fear.

Jenny is amazing to watch. She may work differently than Rocky Junior did, but her methods are very effective.

http://rockyjrdogtraining.com

06/01/2026

On Sunday Jenny did some truly amazing RAFT therapy sessions with three long term clients. The progress of all three dogs is just heartwarming. Jenny did many happy rolls during all three sessions, communicating to all the dogs a supportive message: life is good, safe and you can have fun.

Great job, Jenny!

http://rockyjrdogtraining.com

05/31/2026

It's that time of year to be very wary of foxtail grass. This stuff is HIGHLY dangerous and it's everywhere.

Every dog and cat owner needs to be aware of how dangerous the awns of foxtail grass can be. Foxtail is literally everywhere. The awns have very sharp tips that pe*****te the skin, paw pads, ears or nose, and pets often don't feel a thing because foxtail awn tips are like tiny gauge needles.

The foxtail awn burrows its way into the body, vanishing below skin level, and can travel up extremeties, entering the body and causing damage all along the way.

Some dogs die every year because foxtails reach the chest cavity and pe*****te the heart. Foxtails are very serious business and can pe*****te almost anything, including people. Foxtail awns DO NOT show up on x-rays.

If you find foxtail grass on your property, dig it up, roots and all, and dispose of it. Check your dog's paws frequently. There could be foxtail awns stuck in the paws. I once found three embedded into one of Rocky Junior's paws.

If you find awns on your dog, pluck then out and put them in a garbage can, versus tossing them on the ground for someone else to step on. Keep in mind there are a number of varieties of foxtail grass. Do a Google image search for "foxtail grass" to learn more.

A link to a must-read article is in the comments.

http://rockyjrdogtraining.com

05/30/2026

Rocky Junior back in his Uber driving days!

05/30/2026

Safety is vital for all dogs, especially fearful dogs like Roux, who is afraid even in his own home.

Last week we started RAFT (Reactivity And Fear Therapy) at Idea High School, where there is a giant area behind the school that provides dogs with the distance they need to feel safe. Combine that with plenty of enrichment behavior (sniffing and exploring) and a 30 foot leash that makes a dog feel free and not at all restrained and magic happens.

Like last week, when Roux was out in the huge grassy area behind the school, he transformed from a nervous, reactive dog into a confident, happy dog having a great time. This is vital therapy for dogs like Roux.

See you next week, Roux!

http://rockyjrdogtraining.com

05/30/2026

Tonight I smelled smoke coming through my open window. I texted my neighbor, who told me a car had caught fire at the nearby AM/PM and was a total loss. She said an unhoused woman had been living in the car with her dog.

The woman, Ellen, had just lost everything she owned. She had nothing, including dog food. The fire department had already left and didn't refer her to resources. I tried to contact PACK, with no luck, then recalled they are busy with a fundraiser tonight.

Money's very tight now, but I had to help. It's the right thing to do.

I donated a full bag of Jenny's food, along with a big 2 pound bag of Full Moon beef jerky for dogs. As it turned out, Ellen's unhoused aunt showed up with her old motor home, so at least Ellen and her dog, Rose, have a safe place to stay for a few days.

http://rockyjrdogtraining.com