Affinity Dog Behavior & Training

10/13/2026

CANIS Conference was an incredible conference with all kinds of animal professionals in one convention center. I pushed myself to go out of my comfort zone and watch presentations that I know nothing or very little about. I was blown away at the compassion and connection this group of so many people have for one another, especially in a world where there are massive keyboard warriors fighting and at war. Let me be clear- I would never, ever hurt, harm or condone using aversive equipment on a dog. But this was a lovely group, all discussing welfare at the forefront of their work, compassion for the person without judgement, open to conversations and connection, and even collaboration. It was such a wonderful experience being at CANIS 2026. There are some vets really promoting the behavior aspect to help dogs. Denis Fenzi’s inspiring words on the panel blew me away. We do need to put our judgements away. Oh! I even got to disco dance next to Dr. Patricia McConnell, Daniel Mills, Michael Shikashio and so many more! It was a fantastic conference. I’ll be going back to the next one. CANIS2026

10/12/2026

This was such an incredible thing to witness in the same room. CANIS Conference was astounding. I have a lot to digest, watch, plan and implement. Know she is power, and being welfare’s focused in an industry that is unregulated and very competitive is the way. Never stop learning, both ends of the leash matter, and welfare first.

A moment we will never forget. ❤️

Before our Closing Keynote, Michael Shikashio surprised Dr. Patricia McConnell with the CANIS Lifetime Achievement Award, honoring her decades of work helping dogs and the people who love them.

When we created CANIS, we hoped to bring together people from every corner of the dog world who share one commitment: making life better for dogs and their people. Few people embody that spirit like Patricia. Her work has shaped how so many of us understand dogs, and her influence can be felt in every room of this conference.

Patricia's response said it all: "Thank you from the bottom of my heart."

Congratulations, Patricia, and thank you for everything you have given our field. 🐾

10/10/2026

Once you understand the dog, there's another question:
What are you going to DO with what you know?

Nutrition. Physical Environment. Health. Behavioral Interactions. Mental State.

The Five Domains turn welfare literacy into the everyday work of creating better lives for the animals in our care, as we shift the emphasis of our work to modify incompatible conditions for our dogs, rather than modify our dogs for incompatible conditions.

Give it.

See how the Five Domains work in real time inside the Total Welfare App.

10/09/2026

Reminder- Affinity is closed until next week for the CANIS conference. I’m learning tons already!

10/07/2026

And I’m off… I’ll respond to calls and emails and next week. Have a great week!

10/04/2026

We're exhibiting at CANIS Conference 2026 just a few days away!

Mark your calendars. We're bringing our products and expertise to the world's largest canine professional conference, October 7-10 in Schaumburg, IL.

CANIS brings together hundreds of professionals (in person and online) across five stages: Training, Behavior, Science & Veterinary, Shelter & Rescue, and Dog Sports. It's one industry, one conversation, and we can't wait to be part of it.

Stop by our booth in the Exhibit Hall to connect, learn about what we're building, and see how we can support your work with dogs.

See you in Schaumburg!

📍 Schaumburg Convention Center
📅 October 7-10, 2026

10/04/2026

Investigating some new items we got for Come To Your Senses!

10/04/2026

We will be at CANIS conference next week, so we’ll catch up with emails and requests after Oct. 11. Thank you! Pictured is Kira at Come To Your Senses! perching and observing.

10/01/2026

It’s National Black Dog Day!
Show us your black dogs.
I have all black dogs in my family. 😍

10/01/2026

I love this poster from Believe The Dog.