Pack Fit

Here's the cover for our second children's book, "Little Todd finds his Forever Home." It's the first of our "Forever Home" series.

The cover folds out- so the dogs (Tucker and Raiyna) we see here on the left side will actually be on the back cover, and what we see on the right will be on the front cover.

Love how these are turning out, and am so very thankful for these incredibly talented illustrators to help bring the stories to life!

There are more children's books to come... the "Mini Pack Leaders in Training" series, "Where's the Silver Lining?" (teaching children how to reframe perceived struggles, obstacles, and hardships), and others.

("The Human End of the Leash: Dog Training's Missing Link" is still in the works, and coming along beautifully)

Join the newsletter for more insider info and updates (sign up through the website: www.packfit.net)!

a few nights before levi passed, i had a very clear dream... which became the premise for my first children's book, "pieces in heaven." this beautiful story seemed to just pour out of me, and was written in a matter of days.

the book is now in the process of illustration, along with another children's book I wrote - which is, too, in the process of illustration.

i'll be sharing more detailed updates via the packfit newsletter, which you can sign up for on the website (www.packfit.net).

may the spirits of these incredibly special dogs and all that they were live on, and continue touching the lives of others in the most beautiful of ways.

xoxo,

k.

Pre-order is now open for our newest Masterclass, "Training the Traumatized Dog."

I'm INCREDIBLY excited about this one as canine trauma, how to help a dog truly *heal*, what tactics to employ in order to do so, etc. are simply not talked about in the training world.

NO ONE is exempt from trauma (dogs included). It's simply part of the "life" experience- and there are various levels of this.

Canine trauma is more prevalent now than ever, and we-the-people really don't understand how to recognize it, handle it, or help a dog navigate or heal from it.

Dogs are constantly mislabeled, misjudged, and misunderstood because of it, and our general lack of awareness, skill, and know-how is resulting in countless dogs:

- being re-homed,

- returned to shelters or rescue groups,

- being abandoned,

- left outside to live their lives in the yard,

- left in crates and kennels all-the-live-long-day,

- isolated to different parts of the house,

- living much smaller lives,

- being drugged and medicated (.....grrrrrrrr),
..and so on.

This masterclass will set everyone up with *digestible* pieces of what-you-need-to-know info about canine trauma, as well as applicable how-to's, tips, n' tactics on how to best help a dog navigate and process it.... and heal.

The official launch date is September 30th.

Until then, enjoy 15% off ***for the next 48 hours only***, and the Intro and Pre-Masterclass Prep Work!

https://packfit.thinkific.com

15% off code: k9trauma15

I said (absolutely) YES. 💛

Not only is space of great importance in the canine world, but so is body positioning.

Above, below, to the side, in front, in back…. all hold different meanings and convey different messages in the kingdom of Dog.

Understanding this will greatly improve your ability to communicate, relate, and advocate. Of course, we’ve got to pay attention to context; but this is a great place to start off…

Above and over = “I’m above you”, a more authoritative position.

Below and lower = “I’m beneath you”, a more submissive position.

Turned to the side = “I’m not a threat”, a more respectful position.

Eye level or down on the same level = pay attention to context here. A more assertive, overly confident, stronger energy dog up on the couch or bed at eye level | on the same level with us may convey the message “we’re equals” and/or “this is my couch, my bed, and I’m entitled to this” (removing furniture privileges is usually recommended when relationship discrepancies and behavioral challenges are in play), but a human lowering themselves to get down on the same level as the dog also can be perceived as “I’m not a threat”, as well. *Context matters greatly here*. We've got to know the dog in question, ourselves, and have a strong understanding of what we both bring to the table. Pay close attention to the dog's body language and how the dog is feeling in the moment.

Moving on....

Behind = “I’m following your lead."

In front = “I’m taking the lead." When it comes to the front position, it's not just about “who’s leading who” here as much as it is *what* is leading. When a dog is in the front position, whatever that individual dog has going on will be amplified (insecurity, fear, assertiveness, nervousness, anxiety, etc.). The front position is a very empowering position, as is the above position.

Understanding these concepts will greatly enhance the quality of your walks, exchanges, relations, and interactions.

Not understanding this will add to, highlight, and even create relationship discrepancies, blurred lines, and behavioral struggles.

www.packfit.net

I'm always on the lookout for products that are health-conscious, ethical in practice, and actually do what they say they do-- for my own dogs and for you, too.

A handful of months ago, I was looking for joint support supplements and stumbled upon a company called Wuffes.

After some research, I decided to try out their products. It wasn't long after I started seeing excellent results in the oldies- especially in their energy and mobility.

Around this time, I'd started a "Trusted Partners" page on the PackFit website (https://www.packfit.net/trusted-partners) to serve as a healthy living resource for you all (for both ends of the leash); some offer a special discount for the PackFit community, and Wuffes is one of them.

If you want to try any of their products, get your first order at **50% OFF** .... plus a free gift... using this link: https://glnk.io/mzwj9/kimberly

Here's a closer look at what's in the joint chews....

While I will always rescue (there are way too many wonderful dogs - and dogs who've simply had bad cards dealt to them- in need), I will always have an American Indian Dog. They've long been my breed of choice, and there's only one breeder (in southern Oregon).

I'm reaching out to the PackFit community on behalf of a very special dog named C**t. He's a stunning 6 year old American Indian Dog in need of a dedicated, committed home (he looks like Ronin but with charcoal gray--- breathtaking fella').

I don't have the full backstory yet, but this guy hasn't had the kind of life he deserves. He was pulled by the breeder from an abusive home at some point, and has been living in Alaska in a sled dog kennel.

I was just contacted by the owner asking if I could work with him and find him a wonderful home. She said they would sponsor transport for him wherever he needed to go.

She said: "He has all the positive Indian Dog qualities of being smart, silly, and intuitive. He's good with other dogs and cats. He ski and bike jours."

She also mentioned he can be "strong willed" and "stubborn" (personally, my *favorite* dogs to work with-- so much that I have a few courses dedicated to just these guys), and "can be reactive/ defensive when he's with someone new that's asking him to do something he doesn't want to do. Once he's comfortable and respects them, he's fine" (again, my favorite kind of dog to work with... these types of dogs are the most fantastic teachers).

Now, if I still had my home in DC - I'd one billion percent be snatching this guy up and working with him. Alas, I'm not in a position to do that right now.

SO. I'm sharing his plight with the PackFit community.

We're not just looking for a home for him. We're looking for someone who's willing to learn alongside him and invest their time, energy, and attention in helping him thrive, heal, and recover *with direction and guidance* from me. In my experience, this is a special kind of person and can be quite difficult to find.

We will be heavily screening, of course, and only considering serious inquiries.

Don't worry, C**t. We got you.

It's beyond **shocking** how often dogs are "getting loose" and being found (if they're lucky) here in California. BEYOND. Shocking.

Yes, "accidents" do happen and mistakes occur; but the great majority of these cases have to do with people leaving their dogs unsupervised in yards and out in the open- making them more vulnerable to theft (which is happening **a lot** nowadays), predatory wildlife, etc., not altering or sterilizing (s*x drive is a *very* powerful, primal drive in dogs; females will leave to search for a mate, and males can scent a female in heat from miles away), not teaching them boundaries around gateways, doorways, garage doors, and all other thresholds (to include the car door), and so on.

If you use a gardener, keep a sign on the inside of the fence reminding them to fully close and latch gate door when the job is done.

Hope these tips help prevent more dogs from getting loose, and more people from missing and worrying about them.

Some of you may or may not know I have a newsletter. I've, admittedly, been pretty sporadic with it- only sending out news when there was an announcement to be made; but I'm gearing up to be a more consistent with it.

There are some really exciting things coming down the pike - a few things I've kept under wraps- and other things I'll only be sharing through the newsletter, so I do hope you'll join us.

Some of you may be aware of another book I wrote called: My Dog, My Buddha. It was translated in German, and has touched the hearts and minds of folks all over the world.

A few years after its release, I wrote its sister book: My Dog, My Buddha: The Sequel.

Who's read it?

For a limited time, we're offering a **free** digital copy of the book for those who join the PackFit newsletter. That's right... f-f-f-f-free.

Head over to the website and wait for the invitation to pop up: https://www.packfit.net

After going through a publisher for the first book and noticing small oversights (...like fingernails down a chalkboard), I set out to create something far better and of much better quality.

We had a proofreading and editing team, book and layout designer, photographer extraordinaire (), got premium paper and premium ink... all to create a high quality, life-enriching, perspective-enhancing reading **experience** for you.

If you read The Sequel, gain(ed) something, and enjoy what was put together for you, **please** share your thoughts and leave a review on Amazon (https://a.co/d/1ySsl5E). You'll receive my eternal gratitude 💖and a discount code for 25% off any digital product of your choosing....

- the Dog Walking Meditations Album,

- ebooks (What to Feed Your Dog...and Why, Walk Like A Boss, Puppyhood: What To Expect When Expecting, the Zen of Dog Training),

- Masterclasses (Blending, Training the Aggressive Dog, Training the Strong Energy Dog, the Behavioral Masterclass),

- Challenges (Walk Like a Boss 10 Day, the Confidence Challenge), and

- digital courses (Walk Like A Boss, Nosework for the Home Dog, K9 Essentials, etc).

www.packfit.net

Meet Frank.

Frank has a huge personality, is one of the funniest dogs I've worked with, and ... is just full of himself! He's the sole proprietor (and lone employee) of the "house fly removal squad." Aside from his mad fly-catching skills, Frank's also the poster child of *possibility* when the right ingredients are applied and consistently exercised.

You see, Frank is a former client and was struggling with some pretty severe aggression. He'd been living with people who didn't understand him as a highly sensitive, back-of-the-pack; and, as a highly sensitive dog, was also quite sensitive about other dogs and people he didn't have **existing rapport or relationship with** coming into his personal and intimate space (see our previous post about the different levels of space).

Unfortunately for Frank, he's ridiculously cute and everyone wants to touch him; which sent him into a state of overwhelm and, therefore, defense drive (search the PackFit page for "defense drive" for more info). He didn't have an advocate in his humans, so he felt the pressure of having to advocate for himself.

Now, dogs typically want to avoid conflict, and I'm sure Frank was initially giving off all the cues and signals conveying his discomfort. Sadly, they went unrecognized and unrealized (as most folks don't understand how to read their dogs or interpret body language and behavior), so Frank was forced to step up his message... which was successful 100% of the time. And, as we know, dogs will continue to practice whatever they're gaining something through. In this case, it was comfort and relief. So, using his mouth gave him exactly what he'd been asking for: space and relief from the discomfort of "space invaders". This became a self-reinforcing behavior.

On top of some rather unhealthy attachments that were unknowingly developed and nurtured by his former human, the additional emotional weight Frank ended up having to take on and carry also became quite overwhelming for him. This only amplified everything else he had going on (insecurity, frustration, anxiety, being "alone in the world" and not having an advocate, having to lead his human in a world he didn't instinctually understand, etc.). Frank became his human's "ultra protector". A job he took very seriously.

Franklin's needs as a dog, and also as the individual he was/is, weren't being met. Of course, this wasn't intentional... it rarely is. We simply don't know what we don't know (hence why PackFit exists today).

His human had us come out for an evaluation with the intention of signing him up for boarding school. They'd recently moved across the country, and his human partnered up in a new relationship here in town with a new dog.... so, lots of changes 🙂

Frank's aggression had become the worst it's been. The woman in the relationship was terrified of him, and they were torn between "training" and giving him up. They opted for training, and- although he was making great strides even just a week in- eventually decided it was too risky to keep him because they wanted to start a family. She just didn't have the faith that Frank could maintain this change.

Frank had been thriving through all the structure he was experiencing here. He had guidance and instructions. He was being equipped with how to cope more effectively with how he felt, and also had the security of knowing I had his back. He had an advocate in me, and soon began to realize he didn't have to worry about his safety with me by his side.

He was watching and observing the other dogs in my pack ~ how they responded to and interacted with guests and visitors. He'd found new friends in the Mini Pack Leaders, and we were heavily chipping away at all the residual, pent up energy he came to the table with. Energy that wasn't sufficiently getting depleted on a daily and consistent basis, and had compounded over time (which greatly impacted his state of mind and behavior).

His people wanted to give him to rescue.... but I knew the likelihood of him getting bounced around, all that instability, more "space invaders" *because he's just so stinkin' cute!", etc. would cause regression (which would not end well for him). He'd already made so much progress, and I really wanted to set him up for continued success. Who he was underneath the "aggression" (which is a *response*) had begun shining through.... a fun, spunky, incredibly silly little dude. So, I offered to continue working with him and hang onto him until I found a suitable match..... which was 5 years ago. ; )

Finding suitable matches for dogs is so important. And this isn't to say that initial mismatches can't or won't work.... I actually fully believe in them; because dogs will always challenge us in ways that benefit us. Behavior is also a form of feedback, and dogs are honest and authentic creatures. Oftentimes "mismatches" are actually the most perfectly matched dogs for us, when we're 100% committed to our own personal development (becoming the source of energy, information, and leadership the dog needs and will be looking to), stepping up, following through and staying accountable, etc.

Now, is Frank "perfect"? Well, yes actually. He's "imperfectly perfect", as we all are. "Aggression" is no longer his m.o. or go-to-response.

Franklin's come such a loooooong way, and did find "his other human"..... in Steve. The two are the funniest little duo. Steve, a career fireman and "a big dog guy".... and his teeny tiny little wiener dog.

As we always say, "behavior is a manner of expression"; and cannot be rehabilitated **if the ingredients that created and nurtured it go unchanged.** Given the *complexity* of behavior, this often happens; even despite many training programs. This is why a *holistic* (meaning "whole picture") approach is necessary to addressing it.

Lucky for this guy, the ingredients that needed changing changed. And he's still around to tell the tale and reap the benefits of it ... ❤

www.packfit.net

Folks:

The private group for the "Blending" Masterclass was somehow h*cked, and a number of you received and accepted invitations to it.

I'm not sure how this occurred, but - after a loooot of digging- I was finally able to figure out how to delete the group and start again. This time, the group is private and hidden.

None of the private groups for the Masterclasses or the digital courses will ever send out notifications, as they're- specifically- for those who are enrolled only; so please disregard if this ever occurs.

To those who received invites and accepted, my apologies for any confusion!

Big Love,

K.

It's the last day to get 25% off our newest Masterclass... "Blending".

Learn the secrets behind how I've successfully blended various dogs with behavioral issues with my own pack and in my own home over the years... *without any issue*.... and how we recently permanently blended with my boyfriend's pack.

Unskilled, unknowledgeable, and unsuccessful blending practices is one of the most common reasons dogs are returned to shelters, rescues, and unfairly judged and labeled. Their lives forever altered because of *our* lack of information, understanding, and know-how.

This masterclass is perfect for you if you...

➡️are thinking about adding a new dog or pup to your existing pack,

➡️are considering becoming a foster parent or are an existing foster parent to pups in need (**THANK YOU**),

➡️operate a rescue and want to enroll existing fosters (please contact me for bulk discount),

➡️are a professional looking to add to your existing toolbox, and/or

➡️have an existing crew who may struggle with one another's presence.

For the next **48 hours only**, get a pre-launch discount of 25% off the full price and get started on the prep work!

The full masterclass officially launches this Friday, August 9th, at 12 pm PST.

https://packfit.thinkific.com

25% Off Discount Code: preblend25