Pets & Their People Dog Training, LLC

24/09/2025

Picture this scenario: You're working on loose leash walking with your dog. You're focused intently on whether the leash is tight or loose, applying your technique consistently, watching for improvement. Meanwhile, you completely miss the subtle stress signals your dog is showing - the brief lip lick, the slight weight shift away from a passing jogger, the momentary ear flick that signals uncertainty about something in the environment.

Three weeks later, your "friendly" dog lunges and snaps at another dog on your walk. "It came out of nowhere," you tell people. But it didn't. The signs were there all along. Your brain's natural focusing ability, which seems like such an asset, blinded you to everything outside your narrow attention window.

Skilled observation isn't about natural talent - it's about systematic training to work with the brain's limitations rather than against them.

Read more at the blog:
➡ https://suzanneclothier.com/brain-sabotaging-dog-training-observation-skills/

24/09/2025

DISTRACTED DOG WALKERS

The distracted dog walker is commonly seen chatting on their cell phone, wearing headphones or socializing with other people while oblivious to what their dog is doing, how their dog is feeling or what is going on in the environment.

This may not sound like a problem, but it is something that many of us have a problem with, even more so if we have a reactive, sensitive dog.

I always compare walking a dog to driving a car. It’s not so much about our driving skills, but having to constantly be aware of the driving skills of others – trying to predict what they will do, which rules of the road they will ignore and how distracted they are. This is especially true in the country I live in, where driving can be a really stressful experience.

I understand that we often need to multi task – there simply doesn’t seem to be enough time in our day to accomplish everything we need to, but walking our dogs should not be one of these times.

Some may say – “but my dog is really friendly, well socialized, gets on well with everyone, is well trained, knows this environment well etc. and I hear that. But another dog might not be – maybe they need space, are reactive, sensitive, selectively social, have health issues, might be terrified of another dog racing straight towards them chasing a ball thrown from a ball launcher etc.

If distracted dog walkers have no regard for other dogs or other people, they should at least have regard for their own dogs.

Walking your dog should be a time of bonding, of connecting, of seeing the environment through the eyes of your dog, of reinforcing and rewarding wanted behaviours, of keeping them safe and protected.

Our dogs need us to be focused, to pay attention, to be aware and attentive. Our dogs depend on us to advocate for them.

20/09/2025

20/09/2025

I absolutely love this dog! He is full of smarts, to be sure. Needs a home that is herding-breed savvy and can work with him to channel his energy. He is absolutely brilliant and will thrive in a challenging and knowledgeable home. Definitely needs activities to fill his busy schedule. ❣️ Agility, maybe flyball, etc.

COVERED

We have 2 RT4P pups STILL looking for a new foster home or an adopter!

Pup #1 is Toby…. He is approx 22 lbs and just a ball of fluffy energy. He looks like a miniature Border Collie mixed with the fluffiness of maybe a Pomeranian. He is such a gorgeous boy!

Toby arrived needing to be neutered, and treated for heartworms. Now all of that has been done and he is ready to move to a forever home. He is currently in a foster home with multiple dogs and it seems to be too much stimulation for him. We always want to do what’s best for our pets so we are thinking maybe Toby would be best as an only dog with lots of human interaction?

He is so full of personality and he’s so handsome we just know he’s close to finding a family…. If Toby sounds like a good fit for you would you like to foster? Or foster to adopt?

20/09/2025

20/09/2025

So important. Looks for the flags, both red and green. Then ask yourself if you trust this person with your dog's best interest at heart.

🤔 WHO DO I TRUST⁉️

There’s a saying in dog training: the only thing two trainers agree on is that the third one is wrong. When you’re exhausted you’ll grab advice from everywhere—Google, your neighbor’s “perfect” dog, breeder, vet—you name it. No wonder it’s maddening.
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THE REALITY

🤯 This industry is unregulated. No universal standards, anyone can call themselves a trainer.

🐩 Proximity ≠ expertise. Breeders, groomers, vets, rescue folks = valuable perspectives, but not automatically behavior specialists—just like you wouldn’t see a cardiologist for a broken arm.

❌ Ditch dominance/“be the boss” methods. They’re more harmful than helpful.
✅ Reward-based training works across all breeds (yes, even your tough cookie).

🗓️ Start early. Waiting until 6 months to train? Outdated and counterproductive. Modern, science-based methods say start now.
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HOW TO CHOOSE A TRAINER

🚩 Red flags: “guarantee,” “fix,” “cure,” “quick results.” If it sounds like magic, it’s marketing.

🏁 Green flags: Education, current methods, humane tools, realistic timelines, and transparency.
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QUESTIONS TO ASK A POTENTIAL TRAINER

🔹 Background: Where did you learn to work with dogs? What certifications/memberships do you hold?

🔹 Philosophy & tools: What’s your training approach? What equipment do you recommend and why? Are methods humane and tailored to individual dogs?

🔹 Professional growth: What was the last seminar/workshop you attended?

🔹 Experience: How often have you handled the specific issues I’m hiring you for?

🔹 Classes (if relevant): Class size limits? Separate puppy vs. adult levels (beginner/intermediate/advanced)?

🔹 Process, methods & support: Do you use praise/rewards frequently with upbeat cues? What do you do when a dog does something wrong? Are lesson handouts available? Is info on how dogs learn, problem-solving, and basics available if requested?

🔹 Transparency: Can I observe a session before I commit?
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👍🏼 Bottom line: Interview a few, pick the pro who’s educated, up-to-date, humane, and honest about timelines. Then commit to the plan and do the reps. Your dog—and your sanity—will thank you.

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Stacy Greer, CPDT-KA

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COPYRIGHT NOTICE
© 2025 Stacy Greer
All rights reserved. Feel free to share via the “Share” link to the original post. Downloading for redistribution online or in print form is strictly prohibited.

14/09/2025

Isn't this the truth. So many times people run businesses and classrooms setting rules, but at the end of the day, those rules aren't followed; they are just words on paper or words spoken and not followed.

Understanding reinforcement and reinforcers is key to running any successful business. To me, success means collaboration, team building, missions alligning, and empowering people. Find the areas the people thrive and shape their success. Empower them!

This is how we run The Animal Behavior Center. We positively reinforce behaviors we want to see maintain or increase. An empowered person becomes creative and full of suggestions for progress toward the same goal.

All of the above works with the animals in our care as well. I want to see animals thriving and eager to engage with me, my team, or their environment. I am part of a team with the animal. Our training is a two way conversation, not a one-sided conversation with an animal giving me behaviors to get me to stop the interaction.

One of the most valuable compliments I receive is "Your animals are thriving and so eager to interact." This makes my heart full and keeps my mission on track.

It takes a team to make an expert, not just one person. You are only as strong as the team that stands behind you. My team is strong and I'm honored to be a part of it.

This post stems from this article I woke up and read this morning. It's the truth. We are a product of the environment we create. I want to be surrounded daily by fun, sarcasm, progress, and productivity. I can create that environment by reinforcing the behaviors I want to see maintain or increase. Happy Monday!