Club Meg Dog Training, LLC

28/07/2025

Nala is so pretty. She is here for a short stay. She reminds me of the “V” litter from Power Paws, when Power Paws was a great org.

25/07/2025

My sister and I have been helping an elderly friend who has several disabilities, including being newly blind. We are moving her into an assisted living facility. Today, as I was taking a load to the new place, I watched this other lady with four dogs. She was dragging them along the sidewalk, by the leashes, all had chike chains on them, and kicked one of them. Then picked one up by the scuff of the neck and the dog yelled out. This dog was about 20-25 lbs. I instinctively yelled over for her to take it easy with those dogs. She yelled back to me to mind my biz and don’t tell her how to take care of her dogs. All of them had choke chains on. There was also an employee at the facility that witnessed it. The employee called animal control. An officer came out, talked to her, checked the dogs and went back to his truck. I saw him and talked to him. He asked if I witnessed it. I said yes. He said he checked the dogs and they did not have any apparent injuries so he could not charge her criminally. When I was leaving, she approached me, saying I should have been nicer to her. I said as nice as you were to the dogs??? She said “that’s how the mom carries the dog.” I said, maybe when the are 6-8 ounces, not 20lbs. My heart was racing. I thought it might escalate to a physical altercation so I just walked away. I’m disappointed because just because the officer didn’t see any visible injuries does not mean the dogs were not being abused. There were two witnesses to this. Arghh!

17/07/2025

What a great pic!!

Mud Pies Hope.. the look she gave her mom when told there was no puppy play date wirh Jeepers today. 🥹🥰 🤣 thank you for the beautiful photo Lin!!

03/07/2025

Dogs are asked to cope with a lot in our world.
We don't look at how change can affect them....until it does.
We have family staying ➡️ but your dog doesn’t know that until they walk in the door.
We go on vacation ➡️ your dog has no idea they’re about to stay at a kennel or have someone new in their space.
Then we're shocked by the regression.

"It was all going so well !"
It can be the smallest of things that can undo all the progress made.
For your dog though....those "little" changes can be huge.

➡️Overnight guests

➡️Construction next door

➡️More kids visiting, esp during school holidays

➡️Taking your dog to a friend’s place

All of these are ordinary to us..... and may be overwhelming to them.

01/07/2025

29/06/2025

20/06/2025

One thing is for sure!
When you start to see these signals, it opens your eyes.
Fully.
So how do dogs show they just aren't interested or need a break from interacting with another dog?
This shows some fairly common ways.
If we ignore these "no thanks" signals, it can cause issues for some.

I've said it before....no one likes a pest, and dogs are no different.

That dog that just won't give up?
Even when your dog may be desperately signaling their little heart out.
We have to intervene.

Are we "interfering" with their natural communication?
Yes we are, because that communication given is not being received.
If ever there was a time to advocate and intervene.....that is the time.

Over arousal/over stimulation is a very big cause of dogs not receiving clear communication well.

So we have to step in when the other dog "just doesn't get it".

19/06/2025

Let’s clear this up.

Muzzles are not cruel — they’re a tool. And like any tool, it’s how you use it that matters. When used correctly, a muzzle is a sign of responsible dog ownership.

Dogs may wear muzzles during walks, social outings, grooming, or vet visits — typically when there’s a bite risk. The majority of these dogs are fearful or uncomfortable in certain situations.

Here are 3 key reasons a muzzle can help:

1. It prevents rehearsal of biting — if a dog bites to make something go away, that behaviour is more likely to repeat.

2. It protects the dog — a dog that doesn’t bite can’t be reported or seized by authorities.

3. It protects others — people and animals around the dog stay safe.

And yes — dogs can still eat, drink, and train while wearing a well-fitted muzzle.

It’s not cruelty. It’s care, done right.

19/06/2025

There is a way to build acceptance.
It starts outside of the home.
Two bits to this....and both of those areas can go very wrong.

Introducing a new dog into your own home.👈
Maybe you have just adopted and have concerns already because of other dogs that have entered your home.
It is a big deal for dogs and many won't take kindly to another dog just waltzing in, especially if they have never met them before.

Some have criticised these tried and true methods....that is ok.
You do you.
However, these are approaches that have worked, they are safe and they are not based on "individual highly social dogs" but looking at a much bigger picture.

Meeting a dog out and about?👈
Different again.
Try the 3 second "rule".
The meet and retreat is a great way to encourage everyone (dogs and humans alike) to read what is happening.

Do dogs "need" to meet all other dogs when out and about?
No.
They don't.
If you have a highly social dog....that may be difficult to hear.
You likely don't have the same challenges as others.
Your dog can easily socialise and read signals.
Others need a helping hand.

If you do struggle with helping your dog meet others....try this.
It also give dogs confidence.

Everyone can benefit from those little "I can do this" moments.