Dog Deeper

🐾HAPPY NATIONAL RESCUE DOG DAY! 🐾

Some of you might be surprised to know that I’m not anti-breeding, when it is done minimally and responsibly, which is sadly pretty rare. What most consider responsible breeding, though, simply isn’t, and there’s a lot about genetics, personality and health that are beyond what we’re able to control for. Remember that breed is a TERRIBLE predictor of personality and temperament.

I choose to rescue because there are still so many dogs in our country that need a home. In 2023 we still lack the policies and educational programs that are necessary to put an end to backyard and puppy mill breeding. It blows my mind that this is not the #1 priority of our shelter systems. Unpopular opinion: They should all be working to the bone to put themselves out of business. If I won the lottery, I wouldn’t “rescue all the dogs.” I would hire a team of lawyers to help me change legislation at the state and federal level. Why breeding of this ilk is still allowed is absolutely beyond my understanding.

So, yes, let’s celebrate National Rescue Dog Day, but let’s also not kid ourselves. We are the ones responsible for needing a National Rescue Dog Day in the first place. My dogs are my best friends. They have been my gateway drug to the more compassionate person you know today. They are my adventure companions. They are my source of laughter and amusement. I love them with every fiber of my being. DOGS DESERVE BETTER. Rescue, volunteer, but also keep talking about the real issues.

Hey everyone! I've got TWO FREE dog behavior classes coming up next week that I would like to fill up. I'm working on improving my curriculum for future classes and my forthcoming video series. I'll be recording both classes for my internal use. There is a class on Thursday night from 7-8:30, and one on Saturday morning from 11-12:30. Both classes are at Play Wash Stay on the Southside of Chattanooga. Details on the Eventbrite page. Here are some topics we will be covering:

🐶 The history of the human-dog relationship.
🐶 The hierarchy of dog needs.
🐶 How dogs acquire new information and learn new behaviors.
🐶 What socialization is (and is not).
🐶 The most effective way to shape our dog’s interactions with us.
🐶 What causes fear and understanding the stress response.
🐶 Techniques for healing from trauma and negative experiences.
🐶 Best practices for training based on what we know about dogs today.
🐶 An opportunity to ask your own questions!

Thanks so much for your continued support and help getting the word out!!

FREE Classes Why is this class FREE? Nicole is working on developing new curriculum that will be applied to both in-person classes and a forthcoming video series. The classes will be recorded for her internal use to make improvements.

📸 A few photos from tonight’s Yappy Hour at Play Wash Pint! We had a blast, and look at how cute that cake is!! Poppy approved, of course. Thanks for everyone who came out. A night watching pups make new friends and play is just what I needed! 🐕