Patty's Pack

10/23/2026

If only more understood the importance of getting out and doing things with your dog. ❤️

10/12/2026

For Liam, this is the vibe he appreciates ❤️

10/09/2026

It’s a

10/01/2026

Dog Training Homework -
Not always “fun” and play

& ya’ll know I LOVE to have fun with the dogs ☺️

Depending on where the dog is mentally and socially, it can be something as simple as standing in the front yard. We let them observe, sniff, and experience neutrality in that space.

Clients practicing this have the hardest time with 1) the morning 🙃 & 2) Standing fairly still (our also practicing doing very little) 🔑

We want to “do”
To “go”

However, if we want a calm & neutral dog that can “do” & “go” without feeling like a wind-up toy - we often start here.
Not to mention we only “go” when we’re on the same page 😉

The rhythm we establish when we start training is:
Working the mind - Moving the body - Resting
(then rinse& repeat)

This practice of being in the front yard checks those boxes before the day starts. As this becomes easier, we start to engage more and more, building to play and working the walk with engagement. (5-10-15 mins)

- we build to the play & walk because 1) the human is also building this new practice so we start simple & 2) some dogs can’t play yet due to nerves and a flooding of information

Callahans Moms are off to an awesome start with their homework 🙌

09/19/2026

Senior Friday was at the beautiful Warren Dunes State Park this week.

Getting these oldies-but-goodies down to the beach wasn’t so hard, but back up that sand dune 🙃 that took teamwork 😂

Forever grateful Tracy Nicodemus ❤️😂🙌

09/10/2026

We do a lot of fun things during our days☀️
Building confidence is a huge part of what every dog takes away.

That’s what it’s really all about!

Rocky learned he could do the thing!
After, he was running on to the pier to do it again.
It’s the best feeling there is!

📍 Rocky is a client dog that I’ve worked with - along with his Mom - to overcome some significant behavioral issues. Building confidence is a part of that foundation, along with fulfillment. That’s where these days play a part of his progress and success.

07/16/2026

Dogs are so incredible at hiding discomfort and even pain.

Masters at it!

For example: Winnie, here, has swam, ran, played - yet her right hip was locked and she was experiencing pain in her back.

The thing I noticed is how easily tired she became when doing activities, her listening wasn’t what it normally is and some reactivity at times. She ate fine, played well, and was all about her adventures.

Dr. Chris Payton Michiana Veterinary Hospital (Edwardsburg, MI) adjusted her and had her feeling much better yesterday.

One of the things important to look at when addressing your dog’s behavior is whether there is a physical issue? These things can be missed in the 10-15 min Vet appointment done once - maybe twice- a year.

This information plays a huge role in how your dog perceives the world around them, responds in various moments, and how receptive they can be to new information.

When you learn how to better understand your dog’s body language, patterns and behavior - you can identify abnormalities and advocate for them in ways that often get missed.

06/26/2026

Although we could be at the water - pack walks, waiting to play, settling, and keeping everyone safe is just too risky.

I recommend:

Embrace observation next week! Sit in the cars AC while doors are open, or in some shade at a park, & watch the world go by.

Short bursts of play are enough!

Drive to a nearby boat launch and let your dog splash for a bit. Doesn’t have to be an all day thing for them to have a good time!

Please be safe!
Dogs can’t cool themselves like we do - Especially in the humidity. Watch those tongues & have plenty of water.

06/26/2026

Simple as that ❤️
Find an *empty* park, an open space and take a longline. Watch the magic evolve.

06/22/2026