Savvy Dog Training

09/04/2026

Please be social and like people but not too social because jumping up is rude.

Please be energetic and want to go on walks with me but be able to calm down immediately afterwards.

Please be protective of me when I need it but not all the time.

Please tell me when someone is arriving or coming to the house but then calm down immediately so you don’t embarrass me.

Please hold your bathroom needs until I am able to let you out, even if that’s for hours, and make sure you only use this area.

Please be so loyal and devoted to me but not be anxious when I leave or am gone.

Please be playful but only when I want to as well and never play too rough.

Please be independent but immediately return to me if I need you.

Please ignore thousands of years of natural instincts because we live inside now.

Please let me touch your stuff and your body and your food at any given moment and not have a problem with it.

Please be okay with confinement and not be loud or get bored.

Please spend my work day relaxing but then walk politely on a 6 foot leash with me when we do go outside.

Please accept these human made substitutions for enrichment as just as good as the real thing.

Please save your chewing, shredding, digging and other outdoor behaviors only for items and areas that I designate and at times convenient to me.

Please get along with other dogs, even if they are pushy or rude, and never ever hump anything or anyone.

Please watch birds and squirrels and other small animals quietly and not chase them, especially on leash.

Please listen dutifully to me under any and all distractions.

Please eat the same food every day and only show interest in food I offer you in certain contexts, not at any other time.

Please accept these strangers touching and patting you in public because it makes us happy.

Please, do all these things. And you’ll be a “good” dog.

I could go on and on and on. But this is what I see and hear all day. It’s probably the most unfair deal you can imagine between two species, and yet you know what? They still try. Despite us humans not being okay with over HALF of the demands and expectations we put on them, they still try. We don’t deserve them, so we should learn to treat them as such.

- Helen St. Pierre

08/30/2026

Another look at a dog trainer’s version of socialization!
We went to the farmers market and I could tell that walking around in the crowd was making Aurora a little nervous. The body language I saw was a stress pant, ears back, head whipping, and avoiding petting. I decided to just stop and take a break to allow HER to observe rather than us go through the farmers market and force her to be in the middle of it all.
The hardest part in socialization like this is being able to politely tell other people to NOT pet your dog at this time. It’s a Dalmatian puppy for Pete’s sake!!!
This morning I found that the verbiage I used was pretty effective:
“Awwww! Can I pet your dog?!?!”
“No, I’m sorry, she seems a little overwhelmed right now so I would prefer if you didn’t touch her. Thank you so much for asking though!”
Socialization is making sure your puppy FEELS SAFE! And taking a break when you need to away from the fray. 🐾

08/28/2026

🖍️GROUP CLASSES IN ST. AUGUSTINE, FL! 🖍️
A 6 week group class for dogs and puppies who want to learn basic obedience skills! Hosted every week on Thursdays at 4:30 pm! If the 4:30 class fills, I will add a 5:30 pm!
If you know anyone with a new puppy or newly adopted dog, share this with them! Aurora needs other puppies in her class! And her mom needs money for more treats and bones! 🤣

08/26/2026

Socialization is NOT about freely greeting other dogs and other people. Socialization IS about building confidence in new situations and incorporating visual, tactile, and auditory (in most cases) stimuli! This is socialization! We show puppy Aurora that moving around on unsteady objects is COOL! A man with a large broom is COOL! People walking past us and maintaining neutrality is SUPER COOL!

08/21/2026

08/20/2026

SEPTEMBER'S GROUP CLASS SCHEDULE IS READY!
They will begin THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17th at either 4:30 PM or 5:30 PM!

Basic Obedience Class is for dogs and their families who want to work on socializing around other dogs and people while learning basic obedience cues such as sit, stay, come, leave it, wait, lay down, and work on behaviors like jumping, potty/kennel training, and walking on a leash!

This class is $299 per dog and hosted at the Pet Supermarket at 1020 S Ponce De Leon Blvd in St. Augustine, FL! Only 5 dogs allowed per class and payment is required to reserve your spot!

SavvyDT.com
(904) 242-6772
[email protected]
www.savvydt.com/book-online

08/19/2026

What we spent our weekend doing before we brought Aurora home! Set up your first hours home with your dog as successful as possible for both YOU and your dog!
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• Pick up rugs
• Set out crate
• Puppy-proof the home
• Set up baby gates
• Have supplies already at home
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Have more questions or having trouble with your puppy? Give me a call or text!
904-242-6772

08/17/2026

The newest employee of Savvy Dog Training has been HIRED!! Meet Aurora! She is also a deaf Dalmatian, and we are so happy to bring her home!!! Bindi will be thrilled about “her” birthday present! 💕

08/16/2026

Happy 4th Birthday to my wonderful princess angel baby Bindi!!! 🥳🎂👑

We have had such a fun year! Flyball tournaments, Agility at DACOF, our first Happy Ratters trial, and lots of fun at the beach!!

We got her a really great birthday present, arriving tomorrow!! 😉

She’s done a really great job at adjusting since Sydney’s passing in December. She played a significant part in helping Josh and I get through that. ❤️

Freedom N Zdar’s Ride to Ahtohallan CGC CGCA ATT TKN VHMP BCAT CA RAT FITB ACT2 ACT1J C-SWP TF FDCH MBDX

08/13/2026

Come out and watch Flyball this weekend in MacClenny, FL! Saturday and Sunday 8/15-8/16! Bindi and I will be there hopefully throwing up some fast times! Racing starts at 8:00 am both days!
Flyball is a head to head relay race between two teams of four dogs each! A super fun, high intensity, high adrenaline sport to come watch or check out if you’ve been looking to get involved with your dog in something new!