Our Philosophy

WHAT DO DOGS REALLY WANT?

WHAT WE THINK DOGS WANT THE MOST:
FREEDOM, SOCIALIZATION, PLAY, AFFECTION.

WHAT DOGS REALLY WANT THE MOST:
STRUCTURE, LEADERSHIP, WORK, RESPECT.

We could add a lot to each list and yes they would begin to overlap with things like, Comfort, Companionship, Purpose, Contentment, Touch, etc... but if we’re looking at the top 4 most important needs, this perspective is important!

INDOOR LEASH WORK FOR CALMNESS AND AUTHORITY

Leash exercises in your home? Absolutely!! Leadership applies anywhere and everywhere. Give your dog this message early and convincingly and you’ll eventually be able to allow more freedom with control and calmness indoors and out. Lilly came into rescue with a lot of nervousness. You can see how she’s panting as they start, but it quiets down the longer that her new adopter leads her around the room.

DOGS FOLLOW YOUR BODY FIRST, THE LEASH SECOND. (WORDS LAST)

Your dog’s primary language is physical! If you want to teach them words, use their language first to guide them with both your body and the leash. Remember trying to learn high school French? Be patient, clear and expect them to make honest mistakes. And although it’s important to give each dog individual attention early on, two dogs can actually help each other in the process.

RESPECT AND THE “LOOK-AWAY”

Ashby (the cute beagle in the crate) went from fearfully challenging other dogs with his eyes and body language to showing respectful indifference. What’s significant here is that Ashby was looking at me initially from the crate but when I called my dogs over, he casually looked away. A human ignoring someone in this way would be considered rude but for dogs it’s reassuringly respectful and a good start to socialization.