NH Dog Training

06/04/2026

Another great session with Minnie and Jackie!

06/03/2026

Productive first training session with Xena! Welcome to the family,

06/03/2026

Great session with Lexi! Welcome to the family!

06/03/2026

05/31/2026

While the first 3 domains focus largely on the inputs that influence welfare, the Fourth Domain also asks us to look at behavior itself as evidence of welfare.

In other words:
▪ Is this animal doing what they would naturally be doing if captivity were not preventing it?
▪ Are the behavioral interactions this dog is having with the environment, other dogs, & people reflective of their natural history, behavioral ecology, & natural motivations?
▪ What does that actually LOOK like in dogs?
▪ How can we effectively support natural canine behavior when, as an industry, we have barely identified which natural behaviors dogs need to express for good welfare in the first place?

Worse still, many of the natural behaviors dogs are most motivated to perform have been mislabeled as “behavior problems” when expressed in modern pet environments.

Too often, our efforts have focused on suppressing these behaviors rather than understanding what they were for in the first place or why they are important now.

We were never taught to see many of these behaviors as welfare needs.
But animal welfare science is changing that.

We now have the frameworks, principles, & evidence to begin flipping the script on canine behavior entirely.

Not by creating less dogness in the name of “good” behavior.
Not by shaping unnatural performances.

But by creating healthier, more complete expressions of true dogness.

Over the next few weeks, we’ll be exploring these Behavioral Interactions.

We’ll discuss how to identify these behaviors & provide some hacks to support them appropriately in modern life.

Because the expression of natural behavior can be evidence that welfare needs are being met.

And their absence, as well as “behavior problems”, can be evidence that they are not.

This series will also pave the way for the public release of the complete Total Welfare Ethogram, & the Total Welfare client management and behavioral diversity tracking app this July.

We will be redefining our field - together - as welfare literate & competent professionals in 2026.

Whatever your next step is, get ready to take it.

The dogs are counting on us.


Images Commissioned By: Trick Woofs

05/31/2026

Welcome to the family, George!

05/29/2026

UPDATE- Finley has been found safe and sound. Welcome home!

Missing 5-28-26: Keyes Field - Elm St Milford, NH. "Finley" is a 10 month old 50lb male Australian Shepherd wearing an orange harness with owner's contact info. Finley is shy please do not chase. Call immediately with sightings 855-639-5678

05/27/2026

05/25/2026

Let’s talk about the “magica hand.”

Well meaning people reach out their hand so a dog can sniff and make friends. For some dogs, that is fine. For others, it is the fastest way to get bitten.

A reaching hand can:
• Feel invasive
• Reduce distance
• Corner the dog
• Predict restraint

Some dogs have learned that biting makes the hand go away quickly.

A better option:
Allow the dog to approach if they choose.
Ignore them until they initiate affiliative behavior.
Watch body language carefully.

And if:
🚫 You are unsure about what you are seeing
🚫 There is a bite history
🚫 Handling is not necessary

Walking away is the safest choice.

Preventing bites is often about reducing unnecessary pressure.


Dog Illustrations by The Drawables, Owned By: Liz V.

05/24/2026

🐾💙 LOW COST VACCINE & MICROCHIP CLINIC — JUST 2 WEEKS AWAY! 💙🐾

Our next clinic is Saturday, June 6 at AWARE NH

Services for dogs & cats:
💉 Rabies Vaccine — $10
💉 Distemper Vaccine — $10
📍 Microchip — $20 (includes registration)

✅ No appointments needed
✅ 3 year rabies vaccines available with proof of prior rabies vaccine
✅ Dogs must be leashed & cats must be in carriers

📍 171 Londonderry Turnpike #5 (in back)
Hooksett, NH

⚠️ Please note: There will be NO clinic in July due to the holiday weekend.

These clinics were created specifically to help local families who may otherwise not be able to afford vaccines for their pets. Our goal is to keep pets healthy and in loving homes while making sure cost is never a barrier to essential vaccines. 💙🐾

Please share, share, share! Helping spread the word may help a local family learn about affordable vaccine options for their pets. 🐾💙