Building Bonds

08/28/2026

Congrats to our most recent Puppy Preschool grad!

08/28/2026

Maybe. But “Picky”, “fussy” and “finicky” are descriptions, not diagnoses. Some dogs genuinely are less food motivated than others. They may eat slowly, have very definite preferences, dislike particular textures, or simply never be the kind of dog who gets wildly excited about dinner. That can be completely normal.

But a dog who refuses kibble but happily eats chicken, cheese or treats is not automatically being difficult. Highly palatable food can sometimes be tempting enough to overcome mild nausea or discomfort. Soft food may be easier to eat if the mouth or teeth hurt. Small treats may feel manageable when a whole meal does not. So the fact that a dog will eat “the good stuff” does not mean everything is fine.

Has their appetite changed recently?
Are they becoming more selective over time? Do they walk over to the bowl, sniff the food and then leave?
Do they take pieces out of the bowl and carry them somewhere else to eat?
Are you seeing lip licking, repeated swallowing, drooling, grass eating, vomiting, soft stools or changes in how often they defecate?
Are they suddenly choosing softer foods, chewing differently, losing weight or muscle, or becoming more sensitive to touch?

I also pay attention to how the dog physically approaches a meal. Lowering the head to a bowl, standing still to eat and remaining in one position all require movement and postural control. A dog with musculoskeletal or neuropathic discomfort may find those things uncomfortable without ever showing an obvious limp.

So if your dog has always been a slow, selective eater, maintains a healthy weight, produces normal stools that may simply be part of who they are.

But if their eating behaviour has changed, become increasingly complicated, or is happening alongside other physical or behavioural changes, I would investigate before writing them off as “fussy”.

For me, “picky eating” is the observation.

References include the WSAVA Nutritional Assessment Guidelines; AAHA Nutrition and Weight Management Guidelines; Raffan et al. on individual differences in canine appetite;

08/26/2026

My hounds are wishing everyone a happy National Dog day!

08/24/2026

08/24/2026

Confidence That Clicks! - https://mailchi.mp/buildingbondstraining/confidencethatclicks-10349809

08/17/2026

🐾 Two New Sahuarita Dog Training Classes Are Open for Registration!

We’re heading back to Anamax Recreation Center with two classes designed to help you and your dog build practical, real-life skills together.

Well-Mannered Family Dog
📅 Sundays, August 30–September 27
⏰ 4:00 PM
⏱️ 45 minutes
💲190

This five-week class focuses on the everyday skills family dogs need, including loose leash walking, attention, working around distractions, and reliable manners at home and in public.

Loose Leash Walking
📅 Sundays, September 20–October 18
🚫 No class October 11
⏰ 3:00 PM
⏱️ 45 minutes
💲160

This four-week class gives us time to really focus on walking skills. We’ll work on practical leash handling, reducing pulling, building connection, and helping you and your dog enjoy more comfortable walks together.

📍 Anamax Recreation Center
17501 S Camino De Las Quintas
Sahuarita, AZ 85629

Our classes use kind, effective, evidence-based training and are designed to help you build skills while strengthening your relationship with your dog.

👉 Learn more and register here:
https://buildingbondstraining.com/sahuarita-dog-training/

Space is limited, so register early if you’d like to join us!

08/17/2026

Congratulations to Charlie and Spooky for graduating Puppy Kindergarten!

08/15/2026

Congrats to Soleil for graduating from Puppy Kindergarten Level one!

08/10/2026

Transparency, competency, and a welfare-first approach to training should be the industry standard. Unfortunately, it is not the case for all dog training professionals. Ask many questions and never stop assessing your chosen trainer's approach with your dog as you work together. Be your dog's advocate. https://www.facebook.com/share/1KBzwGbmoV/