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Creating a happy life with your best friend, through individualized and group training programs for puppies and dogs in Loudoun and Fairfax, VA, and Montgomery, MD. Working one-on-one and in group classes with clients and their dogs, Joyful Dog offers tools and techniques for creative communication and training using body work, movement, and marker-based ("clicker") training. Joyful Dog founder an

d lead trainer, Marnie Montgomery, is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer–Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA), Pat Miller Certified Trainer (PMCT), a certified Tellington TTouch® practitioner, and a member of the Pet Professional Guild (PPG), the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT), and the Tellington TTouch® Practitioner Guild.

16/07/2025

Yesterday was National Pet Fire Safety Day—but fire safety for our dogs is worth thinking about every day.

While we often think about fire safety for our human family members, it’s essential to plan for our dogs as well. According to the National Fire Protection Association, nearly 1,000 house fires each year are accidentally started by pets. Many of these are preventable with a few simple precautions.

Fire Safety Tips for Dog Guardians:

✔ Secure open flames – Never leave candles or fireplaces unattended. Curious noses and wagging tails can lead to accidents.
✔ Keep stove k***s covered – A common cause of fires started by pets involves dogs inadvertently turning on stove burners.
✔ Use flameless candles – These battery-operated alternatives eliminate risk while still creating ambiance.
✔ Crate or confine when away – Use a safe, fire-resistant space for your dog when you’re not home to help prevent mishaps and ensure firefighters can reach them easily in an emergency.
✔ Affix a pet alert window decal – Place it near the front door to let responders know how many pets are inside. These are available through groups like the ASPCA and local fire departments.

Have an Emergency Plan
• Include your dog in fire drills
• Keep leashes and carriers near exits
• Practice recall regularly—training your dog to come when called can be life-saving in a chaotic situation
• Microchip and ID—ensure your dog has proper identification in case you are separated

Helpful Resources

ASPCA Pet Fire Safety Tips: https://www.aspca.org/news/fire-safety-and-your-pets-keeping-them-safe-unexpected

Red Cross Pet Disaster Preparedness: https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/pet-disaster-preparedness.html

Pet Alert Stickers: https://secure.aspca.org/take-action/order-your-pet-safety-pack

Taking a few extra moments to plan can make all the difference—for everyone in your home, including the ones with four paws and wagging tails.

Need help training your dog to respond reliably in emergencies? We’d love to support you. Reach out at [email protected].

15/07/2025

The Siberian Husky—athletic, independent, and strikingly beautiful with its ice-blue eyes and thick double coat—has long captured the imagination of dog lovers. Originally bred by the Chukchi people of northeastern Asia, Huskies were designed to pull sleds across long distances in frigid conditions, and their temperament reflects their heritage: energetic, intelligent, and social.

Despite their northern roots, many Huskies live happily in warmer climates. That said, they do require special attention during the heat of summer.

☀️ Heat Sensitivity in Summer
Huskies are not heat-tolerant dogs. Their thick coat insulates them from both cold and heat, but in hot weather, it's essential to manage their activity carefully. Limit exercise to cooler parts of the day—early morning or late evening—and always provide access to shade and fresh water. Watch for signs of heat stress such as excessive panting, lethargy, or disorientation.

✂️ To Shave or Not to Shave?
It might seem like a good idea to shave your Husky during hot weather—but there are conflicting factors. Check out this post from several years ago, based on input from trainer Greta Kaplan, and a groomer who has done a deep dive into the ins and outs of shaving a dog: https://www.facebook.com/share/16TweCv6kP/

In any case, focus on routine grooming:

Brush regularly to remove loose undercoat and reduce shedding.

Use grooming sessions as an opportunity to check for parasites or skin irritations.

Bathe only as needed, as overbathing can dry out their skin.

🏃‍♂️ Life with a Husky
Siberian Huskies are known for their high energy and strong prey drive. They thrive with structure, regular exercise, and mental stimulation. Many love activities like canicross, scent games, and cooperative care routines. They can be vocal, with a range of howls, "talks," and chirps that reflect their emotions and social nature.

These dogs can be wonderful companions for guardians who enjoy an active lifestyle and understand the importance of positive, consistent training.

FUN FACT: One of the most famous Siberian Huskies in history is Balto, who led the final leg of the 1925 serum run to Nome, Alaska—delivering life-saving diphtheria antitoxin and inspiring the animated film Balto. A statue honoring him still stands in New York City’s Central Park.

Have a Husky at home or in your heart? We’d love to hear about your experiences!

11/07/2025

Work-related stress can be passed along to pets

When Our Stress Becomes Theirs: New Research Highlights Link Between Job Stress and Dog Well-being

We’ve long known that dogs are sensitive to human emotion, but new research published in Scientific Reports (May 2025) provides compelling evidence that a guardian’s job stress can directly affect their dog’s stress levels.

The study, conducted by scientists at Tech, examined 85 employed dog guardians and found that dogs whose guardians experienced higher levels of job stress, particularly those who ruminated about work during off-hours, displayed more behavioral signs of stress. These included behaviors such as pacing, lip-licking, whining, and lowered tails. Notably, these stress indicators were often present even when guardians did not report perceiving their dogs as stressed, highlighting how easily subtle signs can go unnoticed.

This research supports the concept of emotional crossover, previously studied in human relationships, and extends it to the dog-human bond. Work-related rumination emerged as a key factor: the more guardians mentally revisited work during their personal time, the more likely it was that their dogs would show behavioral signs of stress.

These findings serve as a valuable reminder of the impact our emotional state can have on those who share our lives—dogs included. While the study doesn't suggest that job stress can or should be entirely avoided, it does encourage us to be mindful about how we transition between our professional and personal roles.

To support our dogs—and ourselves—we can take small but meaningful steps:

Set boundaries around work during leisure time
Create routines that help signal the end of the workday
Engage in calming, interactive activities with our dogs
Learn to recognize subtle signs of canine stress

Our dogs give us their attention and affection without condition. Offering them presence, calm, and emotional clarity in return is one of the most powerful ways we can honor the bond we share.

You can read the study here: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-01131-x

If you’d like support in recognizing or responding to stress-related behaviors in your dog, we’re here to help. Reach out to us at [email protected].

09/07/2025

Quick Tips : “BUOY” TARGET STICK OUTDOORS

Building on the indoor foundations we shared in June, Marnie and Cookie show how a well-established skill can grow in a more dynamic environment. With a clicker, positive verbal encouragement, high-value treats, and patience, she moves with focus and grace—even with birds chirping and breezes blowing.

✨ Why take target training outdoors?

• Nature adds distractions—perfect for building resilience and real-world reliability.
• It strengthens your dog’s focus, body awareness, and connection with you.
• It’s an engaging way to continue cooperative care and enrichment through play.

As always, begin simply: present the buoy stick near your dog’s nose, click and reward for interest, and gradually build movement and distance. Small steps, big rewards.

Though Cookie is no longer with us, her legacy of kindness, curiosity, and partnership continues to guide and inspire our work every day. 💛

If you'd like support bringing your indoor skills into the great outdoors, we’re here for you. Reach out at [email protected].

07/07/2025

🐾✨ Can Living With a Dog in Early Life Help Reduce Eczema Risk? ✨🐾

A study published in May 2025 in Allergy offers new insight into how early-life exposure to dogs may influence the development of atopic eczema (AE)—particularly in children with certain genetic predispositions.

The research, led by scientists from the of Edinburgh, University of Bristol , the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, and Helmholtz Munich, analyzed data from over 279,000 individuals across European population studies. The focus was on how environmental factors like dog exposure interact with genetic variants linked to eczema risk.

One key finding: A specific genetic variant—rs10214237—was associated with increased eczema risk, but only in children not exposed to a dog early in life. In those who lived with a dog, this risk was not observed. Laboratory tests with human skin cells showed that dog allergen exposure affected immune signaling in a way that may help reduce inflammation, especially in individuals with the risk genotype.

This study supports earlier observational findings suggesting that early contact with dogs might have a protective effect against eczema—possibly through interactions between the environment and immune function in the skin.

While the study doesn’t suggest getting a dog solely for eczema prevention, it adds to the conversation about how a dog’s presence in early life might influence long-term health.

For guardians of dogs: it's encouraging to know that the companionship we value so deeply may also support well-being in ways we’re only beginning to understand.

🔗 Full study: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/all.16605

04/07/2025

🐾 Wishing You and Your Dog a Joyful 4th of July! 🐾

As the skies light up tonight, remember our pups might need a little extra love. We shared some helpful tips in our July 4th Prep Post (June 23)—from sound soothers to creating a cozy comfort zone.

👉 Missed it? Head back for helpful ideas to keep tails wagging through the festivities.

Stay safe, stay calm, and celebrate together. We’re here if you need us: [email protected].

02/07/2025

🐾 Training Tidbit: Indoors Enrichment for Rainy Days ☔

Summer showers keeping you indoors? Build your dog's skills and burn energy with a DIY enrichment maze or treat trail using cardboard boxes and towels.

Ideas to try:

• Scatter kibble in a snuffle mat or hide treats in rolled-up towels.

• Let them “hunt” through boxes layered with paper.

• Practice simple cues like “find it,” “touch,” and “wait” to engage their brain.

Mental enrichment can be even more tiring than physical exercise—and a lot more fun on a rainy day!

Interested in Learning more? Check out Marnie’s Blog, Enrichment: The Spice of (Your Dog’s) Life!: https://joyfuldogllc.com/enrichment-the-spice-of-your-dogs-life/

30/06/2025

What do a Pug and a Persian cat have in common? More than you might think.

A new study published May 1, 2025, in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) reveals that some dogs and cats have evolved nearly identical skull shapes—thanks to human-driven selective breeding. Led by Dr. Abby Drake of University College of Veterinary Medicine and Dr. Jonathan Losos of University in St. Louis, the research analyzed 1,810 skulls using 3D morphometric mapping. The surprising result? Flat-faced breeds like Pugs and Persians now resemble each other more than they resemble their own wild ancestors.

Despite 50 million years of separate evolution, our desire for “baby schema” features—big eyes, short snouts, and round faces—has shaped both species in eerily similar ways.

But there’s a downside. This aesthetic convergence, known as brachycephaly, brings with it shared health risks including:

▪️ Breathing difficulties
▪️ Eye and dental issues
▪️ Reduced quality of life

The study also shows this convergence happened multiple times independently in both species—a powerful testament to how rapidly selective breeding can rewrite nature’s script.

👉 Read the full article at Finds: https://studyfinds.org/evolution-dogs-cats-identical-skulls/
and the full study here: https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2413780122

28/06/2025

🐾🧬 How Dogs Are Helping Humans Understand Disease 🧬🐾

Did you know that dogs are helping to save human lives?

Cushing’s Disease is a condition that’s much more common in dogs than in people, and because of that, our four-legged friends are playing a crucial role in advancing medical science. Researchers at the University of Georgia (UGA) are studying canine cases of this hormone-related disorder to develop better diagnostics and treatments for humans.

Here’s how it works: in both people and dogs, a tiny tumor can cause the body to produce too much cortisol—sometimes called the "stress hormone." In dogs, this often shows up as a pot-bellied appearance, hair loss, increased thirst, and other changes that guardians may notice quickly. In humans, it’s harder to detect, often misdiagnosed, and potentially devastating over time.

But with dogs as part of the solution, there’s hope. This innovative research is part of UGA’s Precision One Health approach, uniting veterinary and human medicine to uncover lifesaving solutions across species.

Watch the video and read the full article to learn how dogs are making a difference: https://research.uga.edu/news/connecting-canine-human-health-to-fight-cushings-disease/

25/06/2025

“The dog lives for the day, the hour, even the moment.” – Robert Falcon Scott

23/06/2025

July 4th Prepping Your Pup for July 4th Festivities

As we gear up to celebrate Independence Day with BBQs, fireworks, and family gatherings, it’s important to remember that for many dogs, July 4th is less about freedom and more about fear.

Loud noises, bright flashes, and unfamiliar guests can be unsettling or even terrifying for our four-legged companions. Here are a few ways to help your dog feel safe and supported during the celebrations:

CREATE A COMFORT ZONE
Set up a quiet, cozy space where your dog can retreat. Include their favorite blanket, toys, and something that smells like you.

SOUND SOOTHER
Leave on a fan, white noise machine, or calming music to help mask the sound of fireworks.

KEEP BUSY
Offer a favorite chew, food puzzle, or stuffed Kong to keep them occupied and mentally engaged.

STAY SECURE
Ensure your dog’s ID tags and microchip information are current. Even well-trained dogs may bolt if frightened.

STAY HOME IF YOU CAN -
We recommend staying indoors with your dog during peak fireworks times.

NATURAL CALMING AIDS
Consider pheromone diffusers or gentle methods like Tellington TTouch to reduce stress. Curious about how TTouch can help? Reach out to us for more information.

Did you know that more pets go missing on July 4th than any other day of the year? For a drill down into statistics see the Pet911.org “Pets Lost in America Report” which states that a staggering 40% of pet losses occur during July, with reports increasing by 41% on July 4th!

https://pet911.org/post/lost_found_pets_usa?from=inst

For more tips on creating a fear-free July Fourth, visit Free Happy Homes: https://www.fearfreehappyhomes.com/give-your-pets-a-fear-free-fourth-of-july-infographic-2/

Let’s make this July 4th a celebration for all members of the family—tail wags included.

Need support? We’re here to help. Contact us at [email protected].

20/06/2025

It’s Take Your Dog to Work Day—Meet Fleet, Our Canine Colleague

At Joyful Dog, we know firsthand the value of dogs in the workplace, because one of our most valued team members is Marnie’s dog Fleet.

Fleet, a willing training partner, often helps Marnie when working with dogs who can be reactive. “Reactive-ish” himself, he loves working around other dogs, modeling and practicing calm behavior.

Take Your Dog to Work Day is a chance to celebrate the unique gifts dogs bring to our lives, including in professional settings. Whether offering emotional support, providing opportunities for enrichment and breaks, or simply reminding us to move with intention and kindness, dogs have a place in many types of work environments.

Not every dog is suited to office life, and that’s okay. But for those who are, the experience can be enriching for everyone involved—canine and human alike.

If you brought your dog to work today, we’d love to hear about it. Share your photos or stories with us, or email [email protected].

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