Project Potential LLC

03/13/2026

How are your puppy’s walks going?

"The world is big and unknown for our puppies, and we have the tools and knowledge to help them learn about the safety and joy of it! Socialization is by far the most important thing to do with our puppies, and walks provide an excellent opportunity to work on this."

From the archives.

https://academyfordogtrainers.com/how-to-walk-your-puppy/

02/18/2026

Tonight I graduated from Business Bootcamp ran by Elevate Branson and SBDC. They held such an elegant little graduation for the 7 of us that stepped up to do the pitch competition last week. I was honored to take 2nd place and little Origami helped me across the stage 🥰.

02/12/2026

I use this technique with all my puppy clients to pad against resource aggregation developing as they age.

Often times, owners make the mistake of scaring their little puppies when they run up in a panic to take away a dangerous object or stolen socks. For breeds that are genetical predisposed to resource guarding this can further the development of aggression once puppy hits adulthood.

If your young puppy is already showing signs of aggression (or even fear) around eating or other resources, reach out now, it will get worse when adult hormones enter the equation.

"Video recordings provide a wonderful opportunity for additional feedback, as well as review for anything that might have missed in real-time. If I’m unsure, I can go back and look again."

From the archives, by Jessica Ring of My Fantastic Friend.

https://academyfordogtrainers.com/a-good-trade/

02/10/2026

Prime socialization phase is between 5-12 weeks of age! Every experience matters, but what matters most is your puppies emotional interpretation of the experience. Where they overwhelm and scared or curious and confident??

02/08/2026

I see lots of owners and even trainers distracting their puppies with food. This won’t move the needle in the long run.

Wait for your puppy to notice the scary stuff, THEN deliver the positive, yummy experience by putting food in their mouth.

02/07/2026

You’ve probably heard how important it is to “socialize your puppy” but do you know the most important components?

1) Emotionally safe exposure levels
2) Paired with inherently pleasant follow-ups, such as yummy food.

The list of things to expose your puppy to during their socialization window is a mile long, but not nearly as important as how you structure the exposures.

Watch your puppy very closely for signs of fear or overwhelm, which can be very subtle, therefore is often overlooked by owners. If you detect these big emotions, give food and take steps to lower the intensity of the situation until your puppy feels confident again.

02/05/2026

Tense, accelerated eating IS the precursor to resource guarding. If you see this body language on your puppy, it’s serious. Resource Aggression doesn’t fully develop until adulthood. Don’t let puppy’s fears turn into adult aggression. Get help resolving resource guarding while they’re still small and developing.

02/04/2026

Origami had his first vet appointment today at friends Animal Hospital in Ozark. He did great as expected and took this adventure in stride 🐕

His teeth revealed he’s between 8 and 16 weeks of age (he has ALL of his baby teeth). My best guess based on his sleep and behavior patterns is between 12-14 weeks old.

Very surprisingly his stool sample came back negative for intestinal parasites. He got R1 of vaccines (2 more rounds to go) and we’re set up with heart worm preventative to give tomorrow.

The staff there was so sweet loving on him and he returned the love with kisses and cuddles. 💕

02/02/2026

For my locals or anyone in a rural area! Don’t let your pets become an easy meal. It’s quite literally wild out there!

02/01/2026

Meet Origami 🥰

He’s had a rough start to life, rescued from a neglectful situation in the woods near Reeds Spring. We took him in just before snowmagedon hit and things are turning around for this little guy! He’s a lover, sweet as can be and will be looking for his forever home once we tackle some basic training (including potty training 😉).

We’re guessing 12-14 weeks old, but will find out more at his first vet appointment this Tuesday. Stay tuned to hear about his progress!

01/28/2026

Does your puppy love the snow?! Share your pics 🥰