Calm Waters on Calm Waters Dog Training

Some Myths about Separation Anxiety

Sun, 01 Sep 2024 08:00:00 -0600

You realize that your dog has separation anxiety, now what? I am sure that you are getting a lot of advice from well-meaning friends and family. However, how much of that is good information? Below are some common myths that you might have heard. Let’s take a deeper dive into what we know now are myths

Myth: Shelter dogs get separation anxiety, but dogs from breeders do not

Sadly, any dog can suffer from separation anxiety. Those dogs that suffer from separation anxiety can include mixed breeds, pure breeds, dogs from shelters, dogs from rescues, or dogs and puppies from breeders.

What is causing Separation Anxiety in my Dog?

Thu, 01 Aug 2024 08:00:00 -0600

So, what are the causes of separation anxiety? To be honest, the science is still evolving. It could be part genetic, part environment, or both. Puppies, older dogs, shelter dogs, pure breeds and everything in between can suffer from separation anxiety.

In terms of genetics, we can look at breeding techniques. Responsible breeders of pure breeds and mixed breeds – yes, there are mixed breed dog breeders too! – will do genetic testing on their dogs. Additionally, they will only breed individuals with healthy behavioral characteristics.

Does my dog suffer from Separation Anxiety?

Mon, 01 Jul 2024 08:00:00 -0600

According to Malena DeMartini-Price, separation anxiety is having profound anxiety or panic while being alone.

You may not have discussed your dog’s condition with your veterinarian yet, but you probably have an idea that your dog’s behaviors when you are not at home are not “normal”.

So what are you observing in your dog?

The top three behaviors that are seen in separation anxiety are destruction, vocalization, and elimination.

Destruction

Depending on the destruction, it can either look like your dog was having a party, suffering from boredom, or that they were having an epic panic attack. Maybe:

Kids Questions: How do I choose the best family puppy?

Sat, 01 Jun 2024 08:00:00 -0600

Question: How do we choose the best puppy for our family?

This question is from a 14 year old girl who loves dogs; however, neither she or her family members have lived with a dog before. The family lives in a suburban house with a big fenced in backyard.

When looking for a puppy to come into your home, you first need to figure out what breed you want, and this isn’t necessarily an easy question. There are several breed specifics to keep in mind:

Humans greeting Dogs

Tue, 01 Aug 2023 08:00:00 -0600

Have you ever wondered how to properly greet a dog? Maybe you have had a bad experience with a dog and you wonder now why or how you could have changed that interaction? Let’s take a dive into how to properly greet dogs and perhaps when we shouldn’t greet them either. Let’s face it, consent should go both ways and if a dog is saying, “no thank you,” we should respect that.

Species typical behaviors

Sat, 01 Jul 2023 08:00:00 -0600

Did you know that when dogs engage in species typical behaviors it calms them? Let’s back up and find out what are species typical behaviors? What can I do to start calming my rambunctious or stressed and anxious dog?
Let’s take a deep dive into this segment of an enrichment plan.

Species typical behaviors are those behaviors that dogs engage in naturally. These can be for dogs as a whole or we can break down behaviors by breed. While I personally look at each dog as an individual and I don’t look too far into breed stereotypes, it is true that different breeds are bred for specific purposes. You wouldn’t see a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel engaged in herding behaviors any more than you would see a Border Collie digging for rodents. A big however, is that because we are dealing with living beings, you can still have a Boarder Collie that digs in the backyard and a Cavalier who runs around your ankles.

Meet and Greet

Sat, 15 Apr 2023 18:00:00 +0000

Congratulations on taking the first step for the betterment of you and your dog!

Before we set up a call with you please complete the following form so that we can best help you.

Enrichment Basics

Wed, 22 Mar 2023 08:00:00 -0600

If you are like me, when you think of enrichment you think of puzzle toys and putting your dog’s food in these brain teasing toys. While that can be a small part of enrichment, it is just that – a very small part.

Enrichment is defined as those physical, mental, and social activities that a dog does to meet their basic needs.
And let’s face it, if basic needs are not being met that is when we see behavior issues. I believe that we need to meet a dog’s basic needs before starting on a training plan.

Contact

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Contact us to find out what we can do for you!

Services

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Services

We offer several different package options depending on the issues facing you and your dog.
Please contact us for pricing options. Each dog and guardian are unique and we make individual packages to fit each individual family.

Online Pep Talk

Duration: 60 Minutes

This is a great option if you are not sure a package is right for you and you just have one issue that you want help with. In 60 minutes we can offer management solutions and several options for homework. You will still need to fill out a behavior assessment form for this option. Please note, behavior change takes time and the pep talk is for simple issues; complex issues will need a different option.

Specialties

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Specialties

At Calm Waters Dog Training we focus on a variety of behaviors that might be causing distress in your home.

Our goal is not to create a perfect dog, because no living being is perfect. We want to create the best version of your dog that he or she can be. We want you to live in harmony with your best friend.

Our training philosophy begins and ends with compassion and empathy. We believe that each client is on their own journey with their dog. Most of our clients think of their dogs as their best friend, family member or even as a fur baby. We know you reached out to us because you are struggling and we promise to take care of your dog as if he or she were our own family member.

Team

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Our Team

Our staff are certified professional dog trainers through CCPDT, Certified Separation Anxiety Trainers, and are working towards behavior certifications through CCPDT and IAABC

Vanessa Niemi, CPDT-KA, CSAT, is an AKC Canine Good Citizen and Trick Dog evaluator, a Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer (CSAT) and is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer through CCPDT, and is pet CPR and First Aid certified.

Vanessa belongs to several dog training organizations, including the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT), the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC) and the Pet Professionals Guild (PPG).
She regularly attends conferences and watches webinars at every opportunity in order to remain current and aware of emerging science and training techniques.
Her dog Baxter has been involved with Rally-O, agility, lure coursing and dock diving.
Vanessa’s favorite part about being a dog trainer is helping pet parents develop a bond with their dogs. Her main interests are in dog behavior problems and how to solve them humanely and using positive methodologies. She has been training dogs professionally since 2015 and has been engaged in dog behavior work since 2020.

The Journey

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

The Journey

Now that you are somewhat familiar with what Calm Waters Dog Training can do, the question that is probably coming to your mind is: What’s next?

The following is a helpful map/guide for you to reference, to see how you can get started and working on your journey with us!

Step 1: Complete the contact form

Filling in the “Meet and Greet” Request Form is the first step for us to get to know you and your dog. We’ll be asking for minimal information, but just enough for our trainers to get you on the right path before you have your Meet and Greet with someone from our team.