Constellation Canine Dog Training & Education

05/11/2026

"Oh, we aren't going to hire a trainer- we've had bad luck with them."

Let's talk about that for a moment, shall we? Because I'm hearing it far too frequently these days.

I went to go pick up my dogs' food and supplements from a local shop and there was an elderly couple standing at the register, asking the cashier about calming treats for their dog. They asked me some questions about my dogs based on what I was buying, and when they saw that I was getting a CBD supplement, asked me if I had an aggressive dog.

I do not... but one of my dogs does have some anxious behaviors and the CBD helps him to actually use his brain instead of just spin out like a hamster on a wheel.

I told them that I use it for my dog's anxiety and asked them about their dog.
Treeing Walker Coonhound; a rescue that they've had for five years.

Apparently, the dog has what they described as "aggression" but what was actually reactivity and resource-guarding behavior.

I asked them if they had worked with a trainer with this dog and they initially told me that they had not, but that the dog was on thyroid medication..... and then they asked me if I had any tips for them.

I told them to hire a trainer, preferably a balanced trainer that was experienced with resource guarding and reactivity, and one that worked with them as the owners on how to handle and train the dog as an individual, not a One Size Fits All trainer.

The husband scoffed, rolled his eyes, and stuck his hand out at me.
The wife said "Oh, we aren't going to hire a trainer- we've had bad luck with them."

I told them that if they weren't going to hire a trainer then their only other choices were to live with the behaviors or medicate their dog- neither of which was fair or humane to the dog or to them.

That calming chews and treats won't fix the behavior, but are only a band-aid to the bigger problem.

Meanwhile, the clerk is nodding her head to every single thing I was saying; even those on the outside peripherals of the dog training industry understand.

I told the couple that there are a lot of bad trainers out there, and a lot of inexperienced ones that happen to be good at marketing. I advised again to seek professional help from a qualified and experienced trainer, wished them luck, grabbed my items and left.

I no longer train for a living- my business has been inactive since November 2024- but as I stood there in the store talking with this elderly couple that desperately needed someone who knew what they were doing to step in and help them, but were adamantly against hiring professional help and instead turned to calming treats and potentially vet-prescribed medication to mask the behavioral issues at hand, it reaffirmed why I still pay attention to what is going on within the industry.

And what I've seen lately has not been good.

There is more division than ever amongst trainers, more drama, and more ego... and in the end it's the owners and the dogs that suffer as a result.

When you have training organizations that have Board Members using their platforms as their personal launch pad for views, Presidents involved in lawsuits, and members leaving in droves because of unprofessional behavior, it's easy to see why finding a credible trainer is difficult to impossible these days.

When you have individual trainers pointing fingers at others, creating controversy and reaction-videos, it's a bad look.

Dog owners- you deserve better, and I am sorry that you are caught in the crosshairs of the Dog Trainer Wars, Methodology Wars, and Ego-driven Drama.

The dogs deserve better, as well.

Owners shouldn't have to choose a side in a battle they don't fully understand just to get quality help for their dogs. All of the in-fighting and drama isn't helping anyone- it is hurting the dogs that we are supposed to care about... because when people need help but all they see is finger-pointing, cancel culture, and superiority complexes, they end up not seeking the help they desperately need and turn to other alternatives instead.

I am not returning to the training industry, as my journey is taking me down the path to Veterinary Medicine, but I could not stay silent on this.

Want to know what to look for in a reputable trainer?
Resource in the comments.

02/17/2026

While I am no longer training dogs, I still get requests for trainer recommendations in my area.

Here is my advice:

-Legality matters. Look for someone with proper business licensing or permits, INSURANCE, and an actual verified education/certification. Not just "Well I trained my Malinois or Border Collie so I can train anything" or "I've had dogs for X years so I'm an expert" or "My partner and I have X-combined years of dog experience" types.

-Cheap doesn't mean good. You get what you pay for.

-A good dog trainer trains YOU how to train your dog, not JUST the dog.

-If the trainer is pushing one method or tool only (such as ONLY positive reinforcement or ONLY prong collars or ONLY eCollars on EVERY dog they work with) they probably lack a well-rounded skill base. Every dog is different and what works for one dog and owner may not work for another. The trainer should be adaptable and skilled in various areas.

-You should not feel pressured by the trainer to use the methods or tools the trainer uses or recommends. If it makes you uncomfortable, you're less likely to follow through, which means you won't do the necessary training to keep the skills up. Find a trainer willing to work with you who is educated in what they talk about- if all they can say is "eCollars are Abusive" then they've never learned to use one properly. If all they can say is "Shock the dog when they do The Bad Behavior" then they ALSO never learned to use the eCollar correctly.

-Not all behaviors can be solved with training, and trainers claiming to solve any and all issues often cannot. Those unwilling to admit when a dog or problem is above their skill level are the trainers that will fail you and your dog.

-Any trainer afraid to answer or annoyed by answering your questions is a trainer you should avoid.

-A trainer that claims to train Service Dogs but is uneducated in ADA Law is one to be avoided. If they also claim to train All Kinds Of Service Dogs but cannot help you identify the tasks that you need most, they just want your money. If they claim they can make your dog a Service Dog without doing a thorough Temperament Test first, they just want your money.

01/23/2026

Just a reminder (as we are still getting contacted) that we are *Permanently Closed For Business* as of November 2024.

We thank you all for your support over the years, and while we will no longer be training dogs, we still expect to achieve great things in our future endeavors.

With love,
The Constellation Canine Team

09/15/2025

Bloat is no joke.

Having worked at a Vet Hospital that saw emergency cases, GDVs can be absolutely heartbreaking.

My own personal dogs get crated prior to meals to allow their bodies to calm down after play or high-arousal periods. Once calm, they are fed, and then they rest for AT LEAST thirty minutes to an hour post-meal to aid in digestion. For breeds at higher risk, an hour of rest post-meal is ideal. If you know your dog has a quiet couch potato personality, you could get away with half an hour or forty-five minutes. Younger more energetic dogs should wait forty-five minutes to an hour, and this is also true for multi-dog households where the dogs like to play a lot.

What does rest mean?

For my dogs, it means crate time. No walks, no outside time or bathroom breaks, no playtime with toys or each other.

The same precautions should be followed for dogs drinking water, too. It's better to allow for shorter, more frequent water bowl visits than one big drink session. And if they've ingested a lot of water at once, it's important that they rest as though they had just had a meal. This is because rapid water intake can also lead to air swallowing and also stomach distention, both of which are known contributing factors to Bloat/GDV.

Twisted stomachs, broken hearts🐾💔
Most people think “bloat” just means gas buildup, but gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) is much more serious. In GDV, the stomach fills with gas and twists, cutting off blood flow and putting dangerous pressure on vital organs. Without immediate treatment, it can be fatal.

🐾 What dogs are highest risk? Large, deep-chested breeds are the most vulnerable. Neutered males are at slightly higher risk.

📌 What Research Shows:
-Dogs that eat quickly or swallow a lot of air face a significantly higher risk
-Split daily calories into two meals instead of one large meal for at-risk dogs — it lowers GDV risk.
Diet matters:
– Dogs fed ultra-processed kibble, especially those with seed oils listed among the first four ingredients, face a higher risk.
– Kibble pieces smaller than 30mm also increase risk.
– Feeding meat-based diets with larger chunks (>30mm) can lower risk.
-Avoid exercise and large amounts of water immediately before or after meals.
-Dogs with anxious, fearful, or high-stress temperaments have a higher likelihood of GDV.

⏱️ Every Second Counts
If you suspect GDV, go to the vet immediately. With rapid surgical intervention, survival rates reach up to 80%, but waiting can be deadly.
Your awareness and quick action can save your dog’s life. ❤️

💬 I just posted my latest free article, including my top tips for preventing GDV, comment ⬇️ and I’ll send you a direct link to keep reading.

08/28/2025

This is important for welfare moving forward.

In conclusion, this study shows that the risk of cranial cruciate ligament disease in dogs is linked to how long they are exposed to natural s*x hormones, and the relationship isn’t simple or linear. The highest risk was seen when females were spayed before about 1054 days (just under 3 years) and males before about 805 days (a little over 2 years). These results may help define what counts as “early” spay or neuter when it comes to cranial cruciate ligament disease risk.

Veterinary reproduction specialists now recommend hormone-preserving sterilization: preventing unwanted litters & less risk of torn cruciates.

08/17/2025

If you needed another reason to not go to dog parks... People like this exist.

Supporting ETHICAL and RESPONSIBLE breeders saves lives. There is nothing wrong with rescuing or adopting a dog, but there is nothing wrong with supporting responsible breeding either.

This woman needs help and I hope she gets it.

08/16/2025

Not all dogs belong in public.

Yesterday I took one of my personal dogs (since I don't train for clients anymore) to Scheels with me because they are a pet-friendly store. I wanted to browse but I wanted to give Nike a bit of socialization and confidence building, too.

Immediately upon entering the store, this large German Shepherd in the checkout line lunged and barked at us. We kept walking as his owner corrected him loudly; Nike just looked at me. We stopped to look at the fish in their tanks and a lovely elderly couple stopped to ask some questions about Nike's breed. While we were talking, Nike was observing the environment, checking the people out, and checking in with me. Every check-in got her a reward. Every calm behavior got her praise and pets. Multiple people walked by, and a few had dogs.

Every 👏🏻 Single 👏🏻 Dog 👏🏻 barked at her and lunged as they walked by, owners hastily hurrying along to create distance.

Just because a place is dog-friendly does not mean you should bring your dog there if they have reactivity issues.

While Nike is *not* a Service Dog nor is she a Service Dog In Training (and I would never misrepresent her as such or take her places that pets were not allowed to be, contrary to what some people have accused me of in the past), she does lack confidence in new places so I have been working with her to build her up more. Scheels was great for that. She was cautious yet curious and never panicked or shut down. I encouraged her to observe her surroundings, investigate what she was unsure of, and rewarded heavily for good behavior.

We left and headed back home, stopping at the grocery store in town. I had scheduled a grocery pick-up order (because again, Nike is not a Service Dog nor a Service Dog In Training) because I was not going to bring her into a non-pet-friendly store. Driving through the parking lot to get to the pick-up spots, I saw MULTIPLE people bringing their dogs into the grocery store.

One was a Pointer that was dragging its owner down the sidewalk.

One was a little dog being pushed in the upper part of the grocery cart.

One was a young Pit Bull puppy on a dog bed inside of a grocery cart.

NONE of that is acceptable!

Pets DO NOT belong in non-pet-friendly establishments, and even legitimate Service Dogs do not belong in carts!

I get it, it's summertime and it's hot and you don't want to leave your pet in the car- nor should you! But that does not give you the right to take your pet into non-pet-friendly places! Plan better, or leave your dog at home. If your dog cannot be left unattended, make other arrangements or hire a trainer that can work with you and your dog at home on their separation anxiety. Crate train. Use the correct type of crate for your dog's anxiety levels. Bringing your pet dog with you everywhere you go is not the answer.

08/14/2025

Most pets are overweight or obese....Is yours?

Would you know how to tell if they were?
Do you know what the effects of extra weight can cause?

Pain, a slew of health issues, and a much shorter lifespan.

Fat pets aren't cute.

🚨 Did you know? According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP), 59% of dogs in the U.S. are overweight or obese. Honestly, I think it’s even higher—many vets don’t want to hurt feelings, so they say “your dog looks good” when it’s really 5+ pounds overweight.

We don’t move enough anymore… and neither do our dogs.
So here’s your challenge: This weekend, take your dog for a solid 2–3 mile hike. Find an environment that is suitable to your dog's temperament and training where they can relax and breathe.

And while we’re on the topic—off leash dogs live their best lives. I saw something the other day that hit me hard:

If a dog lives 10 years, that’s just 10 summers.

Only 10.
My dogs spend theirs ripping through fields and exploring the woods, free and joyful, because we’ve put in the work for reliable off leash obedience.

💡 Make the most of the summers you have together. Move more. Train more. Give your dog the freedom to live fully.

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.