Constellation Canine Dog Training & Education

08/08/2025

This.

One of the most common reasons for pet surrender?
Housing.

Breed. Size. Number of pets.

These are the questions landlords and realtors keep asking.
But they’re the wrong questions.

Because none of those things determine how well a dog is trained, how well they’re cared for, or how responsible the owner is.

Pets are family.

And while we’re stuck asking outdated questions—euthanasia rates are at an all-time high.

Dogs are losing their lives not because they’re “bad”…
But because their humans can’t find a place to live.

(Or because they lack support, responsibility, or the willingness to honor their commitment—but that’s another post.)

Right now, we have a chance to do better.

If you’re a property owner, manager, or know of a pet-friendly rental with a fenced yard—anywhere in the U.S.—please drop a link or contact below.

Let’s help responsible dog guardians stay with the animals they love.

Let’s stop forcing good people to choose between housing and their family.

Let’s stop punishing dogs for human-made systems that refuse to evolve.

For every pet surrendered due to “housing,” let’s make finding a home together possible.

08/06/2025

Do your dog's nails look like the top photo or the bottom ones?

If they look anything like the bottom, your dog is in pain and you need to get them trimmed ASAP.

Long nails are painful for dogs. They cause gait abnormalities, increased joint pressure, and can damage ligaments and tendons. All of those can cause pain and reactivity, reluctance to exercise (which can lead to obesity), and other issues.

If you don't feel comfortable trimming your dog's nails yourself, hire a groomer who knows what they are doing. If your dog is not well behaved for nail trims or dislikes their feet being touched, work with your veterinarian for some light sedation to get the nails back under control and then do routine trims for maintenance.

Some dogs need their nails trimmed as often as once a week. Some dogs can go 3-4 weeks between trims, and some dogs can go longer. Some naturally keep their nails short if they are active outside.

Keep in mind that you have to trim back gradually so as not to quick the dog- quicking is painful and causes bleeding so if you aren't confident with your skills, get help.

Your dog will thank you.

08/05/2025

Knowing how to read body language cues is important as a dog owner.

Small signals.
Big meanings.
These movements and behaviors aren’t random.
They've been carefully chosen and deliberately used by your dog and they're being used to avoid confrontation, deescalate or steer clear of something they feel uneasy about .
They might sense just a little pressure or conflict...so they offer a signal to say, “We’re all good here.”

Growling is a clear signal they can give...but it's risky.
Way before the growl are all these little signals they can give.
It's communication and it's natural....but we can be "offended" when we realise they are aiming them at us.

Instead of taking it personally, we can ask ourselves....
Why do they feel the need to use them?
That question is an opportunity to support our dogs better

Some signals serve a double duty.
A tail lowering, perhaps tucking? Often fear.....but it can also act as appeasement.
A lowered head? Maybe appeasement, maybe fear.
Context matters.

They can be incredibly subtle.
Tricky to spot....but we owe it to our dogs to look a little deeper at why they are behaving the way they are.

It is all communication.

08/02/2025

Hope everyone has a good Saturday!

While we are not open for clients anymore, we do still love educating dog owners and working our personal dogs!

Nike got a good morning workout on our slatmill today. This dog-powered treadmill builds confidence and endurance, while also providing a good mental workout.

The dogs know to load up and stand, then get clipped in (they have a harness that gets clipped to a chain via carabiner) and they're off to the races! They control the speed, so they choose how fast they want to go. Slow walk? Quick trot? Full sprint? It's up to them, with a little help from verbal encouragement from me ;) But they also can slow and stop on their own, which is what helps them build confidence. Most dogs that dislike electric treadmills will do better on a slatmill once they learn they control it.

Having the right equipment matters! A mill that is too small for a large dog can negatively impact their stride and put them at risk for injury so you want to make sure you size appropriately. Also look for a mill that has a handbrake for safety (this one currently does not but will have one soon), and never leave your dog unattended on the mill!

Did you know that Slatmill Racing exists? Dogs compete for the most revolutions in a set amount of time per their weight class, with a bit of obedience thrown in... check out GRC Dogsports for more info!

08/01/2025

Make sure you know the conditions of the water before you let your dog swim or drink from it!

Blue-Green Algae: A Hidden Danger in Summer Waters
🌊 Planning a lake day with your pup? Be on the lookout…blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) can be toxic, even deadly, to pets.

This harmful algae thrives in warm, stagnant water and can appear as a greenish film, scum, or paint-like surface on ponds, reservoirs, and even the shallows of popular lakes.

If ingested, even in small amounts, it can cause:
⚠️ Vomiting or diarrhea
⚠️ Drooling or seizures
⚠️ Weakness, disorientation, or collapse
⚠️ Liver failure or death in severe cases

When in doubt, keep your dog out of the water and away from the shoreline. If your pet has been exposed, call us immediately to schedule a same-day emergency visit: (775) 782-3693

Blue skies and lake views should be safe for everyone, especially your four-legged explorer.

07/22/2025

Why Are So Many Adopted Dogs Being Returned to Shelters?

Shelters and rescues across the country are reporting rising return rates, with dogs being brought back weeks or even days after adoption. It’s a painful trend, both for the humans who hoped for a new beginning and for the dogs left confused, stressed, and even more at risk for behavioral issues the second time around.

While the "Adopt, Don’t Shop" movement has saved countless lives, it has also created a culture where emotional gratification often overrides realistic preparation. Adopting a dog can feel like an act of heroism; the emotional pull is strong, and people want to help. But far too often, adopters underestimate the responsibility or overlook critical compatibility issues, and the animal ends up paying the price.

One of the most effective but overlooked strategies to set potential or current owners (and their future dog) up for success is by involving a trainer before adoption. A qualified trainer can help identify the type of dog that fits your lifestyle, energy level, home environment, and existing household dynamics. This reduces the risk of choosing a dog based solely on looks, pity, or a rushed decision at an adoption event. The ideal match isn't just about "rescuing" a dog- it must also focus on building a sustainable relationship. If you're active and outdoorsy, you’ll need a different companion than if you work long hours and prefer a quiet home life.

It’s also crucial to prepare your home and other pets ahead of time. Many adopters mistakenly assume their current dog or cat will simply “adjust” to a new sibling, but introductions need to be strategic, safe, and patient. Lack of preparation often leads to aggression, resource guarding, or stress-induced behavior problems, which then become the justification for returning the newly adopted pet. Emergency vet bills from fights are also on the potential fallout risk if an introduction isn't properly handled.

Another tool to help set potential adopters up for success is DNA testing. Genetic testing can be an invaluable tool, especially with mixed breeds. Knowing the breed makeup of your dog helps you anticipate behavioral tendencies, such as prey drive, guarding instincts, or energy needs, and it allows you to prepare appropriately. Some adopters are caught off guard when their mellow-looking shelter pup suddenly develops herding behaviors or separation anxiety. While genetics don’t guarantee behavior, they offer clues that can guide training, enrichment, and management.

Financial planning matters too. Pet insurance can be a lifesaver — literally and figuratively — and so can a solid relationship with a trusted veterinarian. Unexpected medical issues are one of the top reasons pets are relinquished. When people aren’t prepared for the cost of care, even well-meaning owners may feel like they have no choice but to return the animal. Knowing what you can afford and understanding the potential costs involved before adoption can prevent heartbreak later on. Invest in a quality Pet Insurance Plan, have a dedicated emergency fund for your pet, and consider learning about any nonprofit organizations in your area that help pet owners receive care when owners are financially stressed.

Finally, it’s time to acknowledge a difficult truth: not everyone is in a position to adopt, and that’s okay. Some people want to support ethical and reputable breeders, and that is something that needs to be accepted and honored. There has been a cultural shift over the last few decades that really pressures people into rescuing, often accompanied by shame or judgment if they express interest in buying from a breeder. But reputable, ethical breeders play a critical role in producing healthy, well-tempered dogs that are set up for success from the start. Education needs to include discussions about responsible sourcing and what that may look like, not just moral purity and ego.

If we want to reduce shelter return rates, the answer isn’t more urgency or guilt-based messaging. The answer is by creating informed, empowered, and realistic adopters who are supported from the very beginning. That starts with education (something more than just a pamphlet in an adoption paperwork folder) and with trainers, vets, breeders, shelters, and rescues all working together to prioritize the long-term well-being of both the dogs and the humans who love them.

07/16/2025

While it can be normal to have your dog experience occasional vomiting or regurgitation (which are NOT the same thing, in case you weren't aware), excessive amounts or frequent episodes within a small window of time warrant an immediate visit to your closest veterinarian.

Important: Take a Good Look at Your Pet’s Vomit 🤮🔍

Vomiting is not a disease — it is a symptom. Your pet's body is trying to tell you something is wrong. 🤢🆘

As unpleasant as it may be, examining the color, texture, contents, and timing of the vomit can provide important clues about how serious the issue might be. 🐱🐶

Head to our latest article (link in comments) to better understand what your pet’s vomit could mean. 👇

07/15/2025

ECollars *can* be abusive if used inappropriately- which sadly happens often due to the lack of proper owner education on the tool.

"We use an eCollar but never shock our dog, we only vibrate them."

While that statement makes the human-side of the equation feel better and more humane in the choice, it can often be more detrimental to the dog than if you used an appropriate level of stimulation (not "shock").

The dog always chooses what it finds aversive, not the owner.

Having quality equipment matters, too; if you're using an eCollar that cost less than $100, you could be doing some serious damage to your relationship with your dog.

The only brands I recommend for eCollars are E-Collar Technologies, Dogtra, and Garmin systems. These are quality systems that have a significantly variable range for stimulation for customization to each dog.

The EZ Educator from E-Collar Technologies has 100 levels of stimulation, but only one level of vibration. Most dogs can feel the stimulation at level 5-9, most humans don't feel it until 15+, and it often feels like a tiny tickle in the palm of the hand.

If you use the stimulation and your dog yelps, it's too high. You should always use the lowest setting the dog can feel based on its environment and distractions within said environment. This Working Level is your baseline and your baseline WILL change. Calm dog in a calm environment may mean a Stim Level of 7, whereas an excited dog in a distracting environment may warrant a level 25, 40, or even 60 stimulation for the same response the 7 gives.

Using cheap collars can burn your dog, and they are often very inconsistent. "But I only use a Level 1 out of 10!" Well, your cheap collar's Level 1 hits like a level 20 on a quality collar- if your dog's baseline is a level 6 stim on an ECT collar and your Level 1 Cheapo Collar feels like a 20? You're overstimming and hurting your dog.

ECollars are also NOT correction tools. They're meant to bridge communication between dog and handler. Think of them as an invisible leash. Your dog MUST have a basic understanding of obedience and what is expected of them BEFORE you use the eCollar on your dog. If you only ever use them to correct behavior but never teach them what behavior you want instead, you're hurting your dog.

Education matters. Proper tool use matters.
Get educated, for your dog's sake.

07/15/2025

Preparedness extends outside of Fire Season, too.
Make sure you and your dog are ready in the event of an emergency.

07/13/2025

I've been talking more frequently about Energetics and the effects diet has on inflammatory response within the body, and in turn health and behavior.

07/11/2025

Dog Trainers are Number Three ;)

Two things you just should not bargain hunt for:

Brain surgeons, and veterinarians.

07/04/2025

Here's how to help your pets today.

Here at Constellation Canine Dog Training & Education, we believe that your dog is your family, and we're here to help you both shoot for the stars. Our holistic training approach gets results you can trust, while building a stronger relationship between you and your dog. You don't need to be stress...