Empathy Over Ego Dog Training and Advocacy

11/07/2025

✨️✌️💓🐕
Still here.
Still choosing empathy.
Still meeting dogs where they’re at.
Still training force-free.
Still giving my energy to the ones who value compassion over control.

I don’t have time for the smoke and mirrors of Facebook false advertising. I’m not here to “market” — I’m here to do right by dogs, even when it’s hard. Especially when it’s hard.

If you’re seeking real behavior change, rooted in science, empathy, and honesty — I’m still here.

I work with people who are ready to understand their dogs, not dominate them. Who want to meet needs, not mask symptoms. Who know that the right thing isn’t always the easiest, but it’s always worth it.

No gimmicks. No shortcuts. No fear-based nonsense.
Just real support, real training, and real change.

Let’s raise the bar — together.

06/07/2025

Meet your dogs needs! Thanks Salty Dogs Obedience and Adventure for sharing truth and kindness ❤️

Reminder: your dogs access to fulfillment and things that bring them joy is largely dictated by you. This does not become less of a responsibility as they age, if anything I find in their senior years, the thoughtfulness that is required is similar to a puppy.

Often when I talk to client about living with young dogs, they’ll say something like “oh well that will get easier as they get older”

Regardless of age, dogs need to move, they need to experience novelty, they need to have freedom to run, they need things to do that are interesting and enjoyable to them, and they need JOY. And it remains a great responsibility throughout their lives to provide them with this. 

03/07/2025

Fireworks aren’t fun for everyone.
While many celebrate with explosions in the sky, others brace for the fallout.

Veterans with PTSD, companion animals, and wild creatures often suffer in silence—or in full-blown panic. What feels like celebration to some sounds like war to others.

Dogs may tremble, hide, escape, or even injure themselves in fear.
Veterans may relive trauma.
Wildlife may abandon nests or become disoriented.

Let’s lead with compassion.
✨ Skip the backyard fireworks.
✨ Create a safe, quiet space for your pets. Use box fans and calm music to try to mask the booms.
✨ Offer comfort—not correction. You can’t reinforce fear. You can only show them they’re not alone.
💖Find what makes your dog feel safe! Mine enjoy the supplements pictured

This Fourth of July, choose empathy over ego.

01/07/2025

I see dogs described like this all the time. Help them learn how to chill 😎 Use their minds not just their bodies for exercise.

Running around like they've had 5 espresso shots? ⚡
All day.
Every day?
You are not alone.....it is a really common issue and done with the best of intentions.
Unfortunately it can intensify this issue.
Not decrease it.

More exercise can just mean a more over stimulated/over aroused dog that cannot calm down unless physically exhausted.

Extremes aren't helpful for these dogs.

Think about scent games, low arousal exercises and teaching them how to settle.

You cannot just stop what you have been doing with these dogs....but you can start to place limits on it while adding in tiring but low arousal activities.
Try adding in food puzzles and scent walks.
Look at other enrichment games that don't necessarily involve heavy and sustained physical activity.

Those low arousal activities have a dual effect.
They calm and tire....in a new way your dog is likely craving.

This alone helps them to rest/sleep more and settle easier.

Running a dog ragged can be unsustainable.
They may always crave more.

It is much more than many people can give.

You are not failing them....you are just learning about the need they may be searching for behind that behaviour.

28/06/2025

Kindness 💕🫶🐕

When we are choosing to teach our dogs gently, we are choosing to teach ourselves patience. And that’s a wonderful thing to learn and practice.

26/06/2025

Genetics- We made them this way, now what we made is inconvenient 🤔😮‍💨

24/06/2025

🎮✨ New level unlocked: Loose Leash Walking—Stroller Edition! ✨🐾
This is the kind of teamwork that takes trust, practice, and patience. Walking on a loose leash is one thing… doing it beside a stroller on a road? That’s next-level brilliance.

Shoutout to this superstar pup for matching pace, checking in, and absolutely crushing it 💪🏼💖 and of course, my rock steady Ragnar for showing her what I can't.

23/06/2025

Staying Cool in the Heat (Wave) of the Moment ☀️🐾

When the world outside feels like a giant hair dryer set to scorch, it’s more important than ever to stay cool—physically and emotionally.

For you and your dog.

💧 Physically Cool Tips:

Early mornings & late evenings are your best bet for walks.

Keep a fan blowing on both of you. Bonus if you add a cooling mat or damp towel for your pup.

Frozen lick mats, bone broth cubes, or water-rich treats like cucumber and watermelon (no seeds!) can help beat the heat.

Never leave your dog in a parked car. Not even for a minute.

Short-nosed dogs, seniors, and puppies are especially vulnerable—watch for heavy panting, drooling, or lethargy.

🧘 Emotionally Cool Tips:

Skip the training if everyone’s melting. Some days, success is just surviving with your relationship intact.

Dogs pick up on our stress—your calm is their calm.

Practice stillness. Lay on the floor together. Breathe. Drink some water. That’s enough.

Let your expectations melt a little, too.

This heat wave will pass—but the way you show up with empathy and awareness will leave a lasting imprint.

Stay cool, friends. Inside and out.
☀️💛🐶