SmartyPaws PNW

05/11/2026

See the caption of the video. 💯

10/05/2025

I was told recently that dogs don’t need toys. What are your thoughts? 🧐

05/19/2025

🤔

“Force-Free Doesn’t Work.” Do You Believe That—Or Just Say It?

Every now and then I pause and wonder:

Do people genuinely believe force-free training doesn’t work—like, deep down?
Or is it a defense mechanism? A rehearsed response? A way to avoid confronting the side effects of punishment?

Because I can be honest:
Yes, punishment can suppress behavior. It often gets fast results.
But I don’t like what it does alongside those results—
The fallout. The shutdown. The fear. The loss of trust.

So I don’t pretend it doesn’t work. I just question what it means to “work.”

Can we ask the same honesty in return?

Can those who preach balance admit that many “bad” behaviors were coping strategies?
Can they acknowledge the difference between obedience and emotional wellness?
Can they say, “Yes, it’s effective—but we don’t always talk about the cost?”
Can they acknowledge that suppression often fails—and not just because the trainer wasn’t skilled enough, but because the dog’s needs weren’t understood?

Take this argument I heard recently:
“Cooperative care in zoo animals is proof you can pair aversives with reinforcers to make it okay.”

That’s not just wrong. It’s revealing.
Because if you truly believe that cooperative care for wild animals is built on aversive control,
you’ve misunderstood everything about how trust-based handling in zoological and marine environments works.

The whole point is that you can’t use force—so you have to use understanding.
You have to go slow. You have to build trust.
And when you do, you don’t need the threat.
That’s not proof of punishment working.
That’s proof of what’s possible without it.

So when someone says “force-free doesn’t work,” I want to know:
What were you looking for?
What did you try?
What didn’t you understand?

Because if you’ve only measured “success” by suppression, you might not be seeing the full picture.

And if you have seen it, and still pretend it’s not real—
Then let’s call this what it is:
Not about truth.
Just about tribes.

12/30/2024

Did you know I’m an AKC CGC evaluator? This also means I can evaluate for the AKC trick titles as well.

As a trainer and an evaluator, we can set up private lessons where I can help you and your dog learn the skills necessary to earn a CGC title (or a trick title) - and then evaluate too!

Here are a few local Bulldogs who earned their CGC this morning. Way to go: Kim, Kendyl, Ivan, Millie, and Gertie! ❤

12/08/2024

Ava visited Santa today. She wasn’t 100% sure she could trust this guy, but she’s easily bought out with treats. ;)

Chewy Claus also responded to Ava’s wishlist letter and granted her wish! Instead of donating 1lb of food and treats to dogs in need, Chewy is donating 2lbs of food and treats in Ava’s honor! Ava is very proud of her contribution. ❤️

12/03/2024

To throw the ball or not to throw the ball.
There is no question: just throw the ball.

10/21/2024

I can’t believe I have to do this but…

Just a heads up for anyone that has been contacting me: Less than a week ago I had a family emergency that has since become a little more unpredictable than we initially thought.

Please bear with me as I navigate this time.

If we have a lesson scheduled, I will do my best to be there, but please know that I may need to postpone lessons until a later date.

~ Jess

09/15/2024

What are you most proud of your dog for?

I’m proud of Reggie b/c this AM she walked past another dog w/out reacting. 😍

09/04/2024

A true Greyhound in miniature, the elegant Italian Greyhound is an alert, playful, and highly affectionate toy companion.

Why do you love the breed?

09/04/2024

If your dog played a sport, what sport would it be and why? 🏀🏈🎾🏐⚽️🎱🔮

08/05/2024

What is your morning routine with your dog?