PEDs: Progress is Progress

As we've said before, we love seeing the progress of our pack members.  We know that it can be overwhelming working with a reactive dog.

We see the progress of our pack members each week.  It may be something as simple as not barking as much.  It could be as big as walking calmly beside another dog.

 Whatever the progress, we love seeing our members succeed and grow.  And you know we live by our favorite mantra -- if you don't laugh, you cry!

How do you keep track of your pooch's progress?  How do you celebrate the little wins?

Cozy Canines

The comfort of our pooches is of our upmost importance.  It's the reason why we have floor pillows, rugs, and dog beds in every room.

 We've found that these many soft spots just aren't enough for our pampered pooches.

They require additional cozy spots for all their snoozing, including clean (and dirty!) laundry and our pillows.

And if one of these spots isn't available, they'll make do with whatever is nearest.

What is your pooch's favorite spot to cuddle?

Change in Weather, Change in Routine

With the recent winter weather we have been having, we've realized that winter is really here.

Not only does getting ready for walks take so much longer -- we have to layer up the pooches, and then do the same for ourselves --

-- nearly all of our walks are at night since it's dark when we go to work and dark when we get home.

How does your routine change with the weather?

PEDs: Staying Warm

With the weather getting colder, it's harder to stand still out in the elements.  This week, we skipped our usual break.

While this kept us warmer, there is a purpose to our breaks other than a rest.  Not only do they give me a chance to get photos of all our cute pooches, but they also challenge our dogs and give us a chance to connect with one another.  Hopefully once our group is more prepared, we can add our breaks back in.

What ways are you staying warm?

The Anti-Alarm

As the days get darker and darker, it gets harder to wake up.  It's pitch black out and our bedroom is cold. 

When the alarm goes off, the last thing I want to do in pull off the covers and step out into our cold room.

To make matters worse, as soon as my alarm goes off, Tesla nudges her way under the covers and snuggles against me.

Do you have an anti-alarm?

Ed & Tess's Favorite Things: Freedom No-Pull Harness

Up until recently, we walked Edison on a prong collar.  I know there is a lot of controversy around them, but we don't regret using it at all.  It's what we needed to do to keep him at the time.  It's the knowledge and tools we had in the moment.

But as we worked harder with Edison, delved into more training techniques, and researched more information, we decided to ditch the prong collar.  We walked Edison on his martingale collar for several weeks, but wanted a bit more control in case Edison had one of his meltdowns.

A few weeks ago, we picked up the Freedom No-Pull Harness from Fit for a Pit.  We've had so much success walking Edison with this new tool!  While we have done a ton of work on loose-leash walking, this harness gives us greater control.  With the double clip leash, we clip one end to the control loop (that tightens if he pulls) and the other to his martingale for head control.

Do you use tools to walk your pooch?  What kinds?

PEDs: Walking By Yourself

We've heard more than once from some of our group members about how they are used to walking by themselves.

This happens when you have a reactive dog.  You learn to spend your time on the outside -- slightly secluded, but close enough to be a part of something.

We love that our walks allow everyone to be a part of it.  Our "yellow" dogs aren't just part of the pack; they're why we do it.

Do you ever feel like you're always walking alone? 

Begging for More

While we try to ensure our dogs have good manners, there is one thing we really struggle with: begging.

We don't put a lot of work into this, mostly because it's always undone by a certain someone (ahem, Sam!).

Tesla is just as bad at begging, but will never steal off your plate.  Edison, on the other hand, will take the food right out of your hand!

Is your dog a beggar?  Do you allow it?

Tesla Plays

Tesla isn't really the playful type.  Sure, she's come a long way with Edison and they have a good romp around the yard every once in awhile.  But, she's not the type of dog you would call playful.

Every so often, Tess gets into a very playful mood.  And what makes her most excited?  Small, fluffy, dogs.

What sets your dog into a frenzy?

PEDs: Walking Buddies

While we don't have assigned spots for our weekly pack walks, we have found that our members tend to gravitate to the same spot each week.

We have our front dogs that lead our pack.  We have dogs at the tail that bring up the rear.

While our middle dogs don't typically have an order, we find that certain dogs walk best together.  They organically create a buddy system.  The dogs and humans look forward to walking with these buddies week to week.

Does your dog have a walking buddy?