Both Ends of the Leash, LLC

06/08/2026

Body language, predictable patterns and phrases, and feeling safe!

Watch the video and notice Jessie's body language. What do you see? Notice when she looks at me?

About two minutes before this, we were making videos on the deck and heard a fawn scream. That immediately worried Jessie.

It wasn't the "I want to run and find out what happened" kind of worry. It was a freeze-in-place worry. Can you see it?

We have coyotes, loose dogs and the occasional mountain lion that has been seen in the area. All know it's fawn season in the area.

This is far from normal body language for Jessie. But, we have a language that we use when she does get worried and you can see it helped. I'll share more video later!

What did you see? What does your dog do when worried?

Frozen, stiff body, rapid head turns, big eyes, lots of air scenting, a lip lick...but also notice when she looks at me.
Jessie's 'human' is my husband. He is her favorite human too!
🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾

06/04/2026

When you think 'it's impossible', 'I can't do it', you put up a block. A mental barrier. This little dung beetle had a 40ft path in front of him until he would hit smooth ground.
He's even doing this in reverse‼
Instead of 'I can't', think about how you can accomplish the task!
Think about what you may need to modify to make it easier.
Look at the path in front of you and break it down one step at a time.
It's ok if you don't get there at the same time or in the same way as others.🐾🐾🐾

06/01/2026

It's that time of year when you see advertisements that play on your fears and prey on your wallet.

It is very possible to teach your dog to avoid snakes without a shock collar.

I've had too many clients whose dogs were bitten after spending $200 for a 10-minute shocking experience. Nothing is guaranteed.

Spending time with your dog, teaching them some solid skills, and an exceptional recall not only builds your bond with your dog but increases the odds that you'll notice their body language change and can use that excellent well trained recall to get them near you and out of harm's way.

To find an option near you, simply Google shock-free snake avoidance training. There are some excellent remote training options, too.

Just because the person selling the training tells you it will save your dog doesn't make it true. Make sure you research what the typical training looks like so you are comfortable with the process. There are many examples on youtube. My clients have also shared that there is a very hard sell once there, so that you don't leave after seeing what the training really does to the dog.

Most dogs will smell the snake before they hear or see them.

Most snakes are very camouflaged and seek hidey holes to flee. With the exception of cottonmouths, most snakes want to avoid you as much as you want to avoid them. Cottonmouths seem to have a bit of an attitude about the world.😉

It's that time of year again when everyone is interested in training their dogs to avoid snakes. Honestly, this is something that should be done before spring but here we are.

There is NO EVIDENCE that shocking your dog and causing them to yelp and jump 3 feet or more in the air is an effective method for teaching them to avoid snakes.

There are other ways to do this without scaring the dog, torturing the snake, and making handlers nervous.

I have had numerous clients at this point who have taken their dogs to 'shock' clinics to 'snake train' their dogs.

Some dogs have now died because all it did was make the dog want to kill the snakes that they see. Other dogs have become fearful of sticks or hoses on the ground. Not a great way to live if you're a dog.

Most handlers are distraught after seeing their dog yelp and jump from the intensity of the shock. They did not feel good about what they allowed to happen to their dog.

And, according to the 'trainers' at these clinics you need to do this to your dog every 4 to 6 months for it to be effective.

That's an effective way to continue to line their pockets but not much else.

I have taken two snake avoidance classes. One by one of the best trainers in the world. - Ken Ramirez. I have participated in seminars by other trainers and all have been helpful.

My dogs have come upon several snakes over the years and thankfully they have not interacted with them. I attribute that to good R+ training, a great recall, a variety of outlets for their needs and teaching a solid 'walk away' cue. I have used the same training techniques for porcupines too.

If you feel the need to shock your dog to help them avoid snakes I encourage you to watch a few videos on YouTube of the process. It's not for the faint of heart.

05/31/2026

The in-between moments matter. 💕

These aren't the times when you are teaching your dog to stay or not steal things off the counter.

These are the moments when you just.... You enjoy watching, listening, and noticing the snail shell your dog just rolled near.

These are the moments when you might be still or casually returning from that long walk around the neighborhood.

It's when you notice how relaxed your dog is. You notice the slow wag of their tail or them sniffing the ground that a lizard just passed over.

It's when you notice your shoulders aren't as tight as they were an hour ago and that the breeze carries the scent of jasmine.

It's the moment that it all feels ok.

We need to slow down. Stop looking at everything as if it's a frustration or a problem. There are so many important things that happen in those in-between times.

That's when you notice the relationship, the personalities, and remember the joy.

Don't miss those in-between moments❣

05/29/2026

05/29/2026

Patterns and Routines!

If, for three months (or even two weeks), you ask your puppy to sit before their dinner is placed on the ground and then release them to eat, there is a good chance you can stop asking for much of the remainder of their life. The behavior will be repeated.

Why?
Because you created a pattern. A routine. You paired it with something desirable and repeated it at least once a day.

When your dog sits and stares at you because you always give them a treat after dinner, and then one day you don't, they get confused. They may pace. They may bark.

This is not the time to get the bark-zapping, scary noise machine or can of pennies out because you think your dog is trying to dominate you.

Remember, you created the pattern, the routine❣

The dog is no different than us. When our routines get disrupted, we get frustrated and cranky.

Think about times when someone drove very slowly in front of you, even though the speed limit was much higher. That's how your dog is feeling. 🚗

Photo of a handsome old soul who has been reinforced for almost 13 years for placing his feet on things at odd angles. This is a routine that has served us both well for many, many moons. 💕🐾💕🐾

05/24/2026

Thank you for all the updates! I love hearing how much everyone is enjoying their dogs, their training and their journeys.

Learning that a client can now take her young hound to the local coffee shop in central Austin reminded me why I continue to coach people and their dogs. The work they put in was impressive to watch and the rewards are paying off!

Another reached out to share how much their dogs enjoyed going to a local sniff spot. Not everyone has a big yard or places to safely walk their dogs. Learning there are other options for fun and games brings on new adventures and renews the bond!

The greatest update is an ongoing one. A young puppy adopted from the San Antonio area now lives happily with a cat (that was quite the challenge) and a senior canine sister (a sweet, tolerant soul). She has quite the nose for scent work and has become very brave thanks to her owner's diligence and patience at the vet.

No one's journey is the same. Time, patience, practice, and a few fun and games make it all worth it❣

Thank you for sharing your progress, successes, and struggles. 💕🐾💕🐾

05/23/2026

After my snake encounter, it was suggested that I needed to shock my dogs (snake avoidance training) so they would be safe in this environment.

I know my dogs. I know their behaviors and our routines. I also have a bigger and broader thought process that allows me to know that mowing, clearing up the leaves, and the area in general will likely be all we need to do to keep everyone safe.

I will also share that Jessie has likely smelled the snake's musk in that area and is very concerned. She is hesitant to walk in the area where the snake crawled around and has been air-scenting and ducking back a lot. I am heavily rewarding moving away.

I got all that without a snake avoidance 'clinic'!

I've had too many clients whose dogs have attended these clinics (been shocked) that have still been bitten, still died, been afraid of sticks or hoses in the yard, or even afraid to go into the yard.

There are no guarantees. And the people that run these 'clinics' will tell you to bring your dog back for another round because your dog needs more 'training'.

PS: I love that little mower. Runs like a champ and starts with a whisper💕🐾💕💕

05/20/2026

Dog training experts frequently use the term behaviorist to elevate themselves without the formal training, practice hours, testing, and evaluation required to become certified.

To be a Behaviorist, you need a higher level of education (PhD or higher) in animal behavior. Not other studies. A PhD in math does not make you an animal behavior expert.

It's helpful to understand the qualifications of the person you hire. Let's respect the time and dedication it takes to earn these credentials.

Behavior Consultant🐾
This certification indicates an individual has spent many hours working behavior cases, from resource guarding to aggression. They are qualified to help with more significant behavior problems and have the training and knowledge of a dog trainer.

Behaviorist🐾
A behaviorist is a certified specialist with extensive knowledge in the science of animal behavior. Behaviorists typically have a graduate degree (Master’s or PhD) in ANIMAL BEHAVIOR.

Veterinary Behaviorist🐾
Veterinary Behaviorists are certified experts in behavior and veterinary medicine. Only they can prescribe medication for health and behavior.

Behavior Consultant Certifications🐾
• CBCC-KA Certified Behavior Consultant Canine, an advanced certification through The Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers, requiring several hundred hours of training and an exam.
• CDBC Certified Dog Behavior Consultant, an advanced certification through The International Association of Behavior Consultants, based on at least 500 hours of training and case studies covering extensive behavior knowledge, assessed by field experts.

Behaviorist Certifications🐾
• Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist (CAAB)- Animal Behavior Society. CAABs can be veterinarians with a specialty in behavior, typically with a PhD or other high-level education in animal behavior.
• Associate Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist (ACAAB)- Animal Behavior Society. Individuals with a higher level of education in animal behavior, such as a Master’s degree.

Veterinary Behaviorist Certifications💕
• Veterinary Behaviorist (DACVB)- American College of Veterinary Behaviorists
• American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior- this is a professional group, not a certification.
• Veterinarian (DVM)- all veterinarians should be certified as DVMs. To become a veterinary behaviorist, they must first be a DVM.