Things I Love, Recommendations & Discounts!
10% off Muzzle Movement Muzzles
Basket muzzles are an essential safety tool that we use frequently when a dog is ready for closer proximity interactions. Once properly acclimated, muzzles can expand your dog’s world and be like a portable safe space! Muzzle Movement muzzles go above and beyond to find the perfect fit for your dog, and are also fashionable and fun - helping destigmatize what can be a serious and scary topic. Click here or on the link above to receive 10% off your order!
West Paw - Made in Montana
Enrichment toys like the Toppl, Rumbl and Tux have been life savers for my own dogs when I need to leave them alone, help with their guest arrival routine or grab a coffee at a local patio. Enrichment toys are so much more than just “eating food”. They can help a dog relax, promote positive associations with the environment and can even help promote species-specific behaviors like foraging and destructing! I carry my favorite products - the Toppl and Rumbl - and can deliver them to you! Additional products can be found at local pet stores and online.
15% off Summit Dog Chews
All dogs need to chew, and it’s best to provide the appropriate things you want them to chew on! I have never been a huge fan of rawhide for my personal dogs, so I love these long-lasting Yak chews and odor-free bully sticks. They also offer locally sourced antlers and other various treats to be used for training, down time or just for being a good dog! Use the link here for 15% off your entire order, and BSB will also receive a small commission on your purchase.
Happy Paws and Quick Paws - boarding, daycare and pet services in Missoula
Happy Paws and Quick Paws are my go-to businesses for confident dogs who may benefit from dog-dog play and interactions. Both businesses are women-owned and go above and beyond to help dogs and families in our community. Each business has their own unique setups and offerings, so check out their websites for additional details. I especially love that Happy Paws offers hikes in their fully fenced in acreage. And I love that Quick Paws offers on-site grooming with professionals willing to go slowly for dogs needing special care. Both businesses have attentive, well-trained staff members and offer overnight boarding as well, so if your dog enjoys a higher energy environment and is social with other dogs, these businesses are a great addition to your dog-care team!
Ruffwear gear for small dogs
Ruffwear’s Hi & Light harness is a great, lightweight option for the littles in your life (also great for dogs of all sizes who don’t love wearing “clothes”). I have used this harness with my own dogs and like that it has both front and back leash clip options, a pocket for an AirTag, and great color options. Dog fashion is important! I also love the Gnawt-a-Rock treat ball for feeding meals (may be too large for tiny dogs), and the small Turnip toy for everyday play. While my terrier does not do a ton of swimming - she’s more of a wader - I also like the XS Float Coat as an additional layer of safety. Finally, I love that Ruffwear also offers gently used gear and great end of season sales on discontinued colors!
Must read books & resources
The Other End of the Leash - Patricia McConnell
The Culture Clash - Jean Donaldson
Doggie Language - Lili Chin
The Stress Factor in Dogs - Kristina Spaulding
Plenty in Life is Free - Kathy Sdao
Meet Your Dog - Kim Brophy
YouTube: Dog Training by Kikopup
For new parents and dogs & kids info: Family Paws
Resources for treating aggression for Pros AND families: Aggressive Dog
Casual Dog Sports and Fun!
Practice Dog Parkour simply for fun or earn a title! Either way, parkour can help with overcoming some fears, increase overall confidence, and is a great low-impact sport for you and your dog to play together!
Enroll in a Nosework, Agility or any other small group class- even a Basic Manners class can be a fun way to spend time with your dog and learn new skills! Some local businesses that focus on having fun, building confidence and never use punishment or harsh methods equipment are listed below:
The Right Steps, Florence MT - introduction to nosework, advanced nosework and more offered
Sit Happens, Missoula MT - agility and other small group classes offered
Dog Professional Certifications and Organizations
Dog training is unfortunately NOT a regulated industry, meaning anyone can say they are an “expert” or “certified”. In order to find a competent and humane trainer or consultant, I always recommend asking professionals what equipment they will use, and what they will do when your dog gets something right AND when your dog gets it “wrong”. To help guide you in the right direction, the organizations listed below provide additional information on how to choose a trainer/consultant and what to avoid. You can also use the Find a Consultant options on their sites to find certified professionals. These organizations all require passing skills and/or written exams, completing annual professional development and education courses, and do not promote the use of shock or other aversive tools/methods that rely on pain, fear, intimidation or force.
International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC, CDBC) Certifications require submitting complex case studies including aggresssion & anxiety, supports evidence-based training, requires ongoing professional development and more. Specialized C
Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CPDT) Offers Dog Training and Behavior Consultant Certifications so some professionals listed here have more experience than others in complex treatments like fear or aggression.
Karen Pryor Academy (KPA) Requires certificants to demonstrate skills training, and certificants are often very skilled in clicker training and more Operant Training procedures.
The American College of Veterinary Behaviorists (DACVB) provides resources for ethical training and care, how to find a trainer/consultant and position statements based on science and evidence-based research.
Veterinary/medical interventions can be helpful in treating some behavior concerns so always consult your veterinarian as a first step. This article, written by a veterinarian, also provides some general information to start learning about potential treatments.
