Happy Hounds Center

09/02/2026

A little video on canine body language. A lesson from the dogs on subtle signs of what to look for when setting up a new play group.

09/01/2026

Here is the next step on day 4 adding more of a challenge to the previous video because both dogs were ready for it. Neither dog had any trouble returning to me, turning away from the other dog or focusing on their job when the other dog moved so I was able to take it to the next level.

Here is the next step on day 4 adding more of a challenge to the pr...

09/01/2026

Today I am working with Ferguson and Maple. Ferguson is working on disengagement and closing to turn away from another dog without me directly influencing his decision. He gets to make the choice on his own of either turning away to chase a treat or chasing the other dog when they move.

Maple is working on recall and chosing to return to me on her own when another dog is moving beside her. I have a long line on Maple to reel her in if she chooses to chase instead of return but I am allowing her to make the decision without micromanaging it.
This is a great way to solidify your dog choosing you after you have worked on the foundation recall, disengagement and processing skill games.

If you would like to learn more about how to transform your reactive dog I offer in person and online training!

Ferguson is available for adoption. If you are interested please reach out to [email protected] I would love to work with his new family while he is learning all of his new skills so he can be successful in his new home!

Today I am working with Ferguson and Maple. Ferguson is working on ...

08/31/2026

Day 3 of Ferguson's reactivity transformation training. I am working on encouraging Ferguson to check in on his own without any direction from me. I want him to discover that coming back to me for regular check ins is rewarding. This will start making the behavior automatic so I don't have to micro manage him in every situation. It will also start to build a desire to stay near me when exploring.
I am starting this game in an area with very limited distractions and somewhere he has been often so I can make it easy and set him up for success. Once he gets the idea here I can slowly introduce other distractions as he improves his check in skills. Don't add distractions that your dog is still struggling to turn away from when practicing automatic check ins.

Ferguson is available for adoption. Ferguson needs a home with no small animals or young children. He will need a family who will be willing to continue his reactivity training with the support of an online training program and some in person train8ng sessions to get you started.
If you would like to learn more about this special boy please contact Happy Hounds Center at [email protected]

Day 3 of Ferguson's reactivity transformation training. I am workin...

08/29/2026

This video has an example of how to combine a excited focus game with a settled focus game. Allowing you and your dog to practice bring the energy up and bring energy down (regulating their nervous system by switching between the sympathetic/excited and parasympathetic/relaxed nervous systems) while maintaining focus on you.

This is a good way to help your dog practice skills that will allow them to stay focused on you when they are around triggers.

Want to learn more about this and other dog training and behavioral skills? Join the Attuned Canine Guardians Skool community! $100 for a year membership gives you access to all courses and live chats a few times a month. Message for details!

This video has an example of how to combine a excited focus game wi...

08/28/2026

More dog days of summer

08/28/2026

Dog days of summer

08/27/2026

This is day two of working with Ferguson to transform his reactivity into nuetrality. Today we are working on his ability to lay quietly, watch other dogs around him and check in with me.
Ferguson is with me for a few weeks while he looks for his new home. if you are interested in adopting Ferguson please email [email protected]

This is day two of working with Ferguson to transform his reactivit...

08/27/2026

Apollo is helping Jax learn more appropriate play skills. Jax is demonstrating a very common issue that a lot of dogs now have. The way we raise most dogs doesn't allow puppies to learn from a well balanced pack so they miss out on a lot of the social skills they would learn from well adjusted adults. Apollo is my favorite dog to work with when teaching new dogs and puppies appropriate play skills. His ability to ignore obnoxious and pushy behavior and trust me to keep him safe allows the new dog to relax and figure out new ways to play.

08/26/2026

This is a really cool study. If you are interested in it. Gregory Berns wrote How dogs love us about the process. He is the scientist who did the study and figured out how to make it work.