Through The Muck Dog Training

09/02/2026

I’ve been working with Lukka here and his owners for the past few months now.
When we started private lessons, lukka was attacking another dog in the home pretty regularly - it got bad enough that Lukka ended up in the ER vet after a fight he started.
When we got to work, it was evident that the dog fights were the most extreme of the issues but certainly not the only issue. He was reactive on leash, he had redirected on one of his owners, a scuffle broke out just about anytime he and the other dogs were let outside together.
The common denominator of most of his problems was a total inability to control big emotions, coupled with a huge resistance to release control; especially in high stress situations.
After a few training sessions, I took a walk together with owners that ended in lukka absolutely losing his s**t over seeing another dog and going bonkers when I or his owners tried to redirect and stop the reaction.
Spinning around on his leash, jumping, screaming, and redirecting all of that onto whatever was near him.
Getting him treadmill trained started as something we could have him do to expend some of that pent up energy and start slowing his little brain down.
This was when I realized every issue this guy has is a control thing. If Lukka isn’t in control he’s going to freak out. And the freak outs were big enough that he won every time. The treadmill started to become more about teaching Lukka how to release some of that control and give into pressure. It makes life a lot easier. After all, a dog has no business making big decisions. Especially when the decisions he was making was usually ending in bites to his sibling dog.
We have to remember dogs aren’t children. (But they’re similar!!) in the same way you wouldn’t give in to a toddler having a meltdown, because you don’t want to teach them that’s how to get the things you want - letting a dog throw a tantrum to get out of doing something is just as damaging and a huge disservice to that dog, that dogs confidence, and the relationship you have with the dog.
Working thru tantrums can seem chaotic and counter productive. Getting through to the other side, even when it’s NOT pretty and calm and butterflies and rainbows, teaches your dog that going ballistic isn’t the right way to go about things. Giving in to direction and guidance from someone the dog trusts makes life easier on not only the humans but the dog’s too.
it’s pretty natural for a lot of dogs to want to maintain control. Boundaries and rules and limits can feel restrictive at first. But just like a toddler - they THRIVE with structure, they thrive when someone else is confidently leading their way. It brings predictability and trust that dogs NEED.
I have worked with dozens upon dozens of dogs like Lukka. They resist this handing over of control, but once they get to the other side the anxiety lowers, trust builds and so does your relationship.

08/27/2026

Ryder is back! This time just for boarding.
If you followed along with his journey, he was brought to me to help out with his extreme (like, worst I’ve ever seen in my 10 years working with dogs) kennel stress and general anxiety.
Since leaving my board and train about two months ago, his owners have been committed to keeping up on his training.
You don’t have to be perfect to train your dog and see results.
Whether you’re a dog trainer or not, we’re all human. And humans make mistakes all the time. It’s common as an owner to get lax when the dog starts giving you what you want; Or to give more freedom and less boundaries because your dog is more reliable after training.
People make mistakes. S**t happens. You get back to the basics and progress comes back.
I say this to say - training out serious behavioral issues can seem daunting. Not only are you now responsible for such behaviors, but in order for these things to subside, it usually is an effort on the entire household. You have to change your routine, start doing things that aren’t natural, and have just as much discipline and motivation as you expect your dog to have. But here’s the thing…you don’t have to be perfect at it. No one is.
You just have to be committed to trying and trying again. And you have to accept that sometimes you’re going to mess up - and even more obviously - you HAVE to accept that your dog isn’t perfect and is going to mess up sometimes too.
After only 2 months being home from his training program with his owners keeping up on the very basics, I see SUCH progress in Ryder! He’s even more comfortable in his kennel than he was when he left his program with me. He’s more calm around the house, more content, less anxious about what’s coming next.
That’s not me…. That’s all due to his owners committing to him and committing to trying again when things don’t go perfectly.

08/25/2026

Remus and Muck meet again!
Our past sessions, Remus typically meets Muck initially with warning barks, lunging, and a lot of uncertainty. This session we were greeted with excited whining and tail wags!
Lots of progress for this boy who used to be so insanely unsure and uncomfortable about everything

08/14/2026

When you forget to hang up the “No Solicitors” sign out front 🤦🏻‍♀️

08/13/2026

Only works if you work it 🦮

Even after the board and train is over— the training needs maintaining.

Your dog is only as trained as the standards you hold them to

08/05/2026

Remember Remus?
A few months ago we were trying to get his aggressive lunging and over reactive barking (to anything that moved it seemed) down to a minimum so his owner could take the lead and have more control doing every day things.
Honestly, most every day things were pretty challenging when he first got adopted. His owner has done amazing and consistent work with him and we’ve seen such a drastic change in behavior and an amazing amount of progress; but are still seeing some reactivity and over the top emotion when it comes to dogs. Especially dogs in Remus’ space.
In comes Muck 🐶
Because of Mucks tolerant and non-chalant nature, she makes a really good buddy for dogs like Remus. Muck can read the room naturally. She responds to the energy and body language of other dogs with ease and doesn’t let over the top reactions phase her. She comes with me any time I need to show a dog that they can trust other dogs. That other dogs don’t have to be so terrifying.
This was Muck and Remus’ 3rd session together and it marked the first time Remus finally put down his tough boy wall and wanted to play. The hard exterior is breaking down with the trust he has in his owner and the energy that Muck brings to the table.
Truly my favorite type of training lessons 🦮

07/23/2026

Needed to be said 😂

07/23/2026

We’ve got some great news!
Koda (German Shepherd) was rescued by Saving Shepherds of MN at just 6 months old and entered into our 4 week board and train program back in late March to get some training under her belt to give her a better chance at getting adopted and finding her forever home.
She was starting to get reactive to other dogs out on walks, was a bit uncontrollable in the house with all the puppy energy she had, and needed some guidance.
It was quite clear after those 4 weeks of training that she was going to be easy to adopt out….BY US!
Our family is so happy and excited to share that we’ve adopted this sweet girl and she’s been the perfect addition to our family.
Before training, this would not have been the outcome!
She grew so much in her program and showed us just how great of a dog she can be when she has that direction and guidance.
I’ve said it once and I’ll say it a million more times - training works if you work it. With commitment, time, patience, and understanding - dogs thrive and grow into the potential that they’ve always had 🦮🌸