Pups Unleashed, Reward-Based Dog Training

Just wrapped up our first collaborative behavior case! Reactivity work is SUPER tricky. But it is also intensely rewarding when you see a dog learn to communicate with their humans and empower themselves to make all the best decisions in the presence of triggering circumstances and environments.

So many reactive dogs are subjected to unethical methods and tools due to the misperception that reactive dogs are "misbehaving." A reactive dog is an emotional, fearful dog or an intensely frustrated dog. They need patience, kindness, and the MOST gentle techniques. Force-free, relationship focused behavior modification is a philosophy near and dear to my heart, ESPECIALLY for reactivity cases. A HUGE shout out to Ellie, my fellow trainer and an amazing friend for working together with me on this case (PLUS Nico, the bestest helper pup). There aren't many science-based trainers in Lancaster county but you can bet your buns that the few of us who DO exist are pushing each day to make this a safer space for the dogs that need it most.

NATIONAL ADOPT A SHELTER PET DAY. If you have the heart and the dedication to save a life, look no further than an animal shelter. Both Apple and Dara are former shelter pups (Ripley is an oopsie litter pup but never in a shelter). Look at the faces that stole my heart and the happy pup smiles that emerged as they settled into their forever home over these many years. At 1, 8, and 9 years old, our crew is living a life full of love, enrichment, open communication, and exploration.

In honor of this special day, post a picture in the comments of your Shelter Pet and tell me their story! ❤️🐶🐾

For those of you following Luka's progress! 🐾

Watch this reel by pupsunleasheddogtraining on Instagram pupsunleasheddogtraining • Original Audio

Luka the Frenchie is killing it with his skateboard training! Trick training is such an amazing way to form a strong relationship with your dog of any age. Luka and his human Kevin are working SUPER hard as a team and having a blast doing it. At 8 months, Luka is already crushing this complex trick. Next stop, honing his skills in new environments!

NEW CONTENT ALERT! Check out the MOST COMMON TRAINING MISTAKES AND HOW TO FIX THEM. Making small but impactful changes in your training routine can make a HUGE difference in the long-term results for you and your dog.

This video is for EVERYONE with a dog in their life!
-New pet parents: use this video to AVOID the most common training mistakes before they start!
- Experienced pet parents: use this video the determine which aspects of your training process need tweaked to get BETTER RESULTS.
-Aspiring trainers: use this video to build your own professional skills and dive further into important topics that you'll cover with future clients.

As always, please LIKE, SHARE, and SUBSCRIBE. Wishing a beautiful day to all the pups and people out there.

https://youtu.be/HQN817kmRUM

7 Common Training MISTAKES to Avoid (& How to Fix) | Pups Unleashed Dog Training Does your trained dog only "behave" sometimes? Do they need to see a treat or be in the perfection situation to be able to perform skills? Are you committed ...

Apple Appreciation Post: rescued at 7 months from a high volume shelter in West Virginia. 8 years later, her snout is much whiter but she's lost none of her charm. Loves lounging, foraging for food (LITERALLY EVERYONE'S SCRAPS), and snuggling through the night. Like many rescue puppies, Apple was undersocialized during her short Critical Period of Development which closes quickly around 12-14 WEEKS of age. Thus, she has social- and play-skill deficits that are very much part of her personality as an adult She is highly dog-reactive and also reactive towards anything new in her environment while on-leash. But if you know Apple, you know she's such a star. She dances with joy to work for food (and it is this motivation that has made it possible to greatly reduce her reactivity and fear), she solicits petting by awkwardly sidling up to you, leaning on you, and looking away (always with the conflicted body language), and really just wants to be a part of things in her own socially awkward way.

I think it's so important to appreciate our dogs in all of their perfect imperfections. For too long, the emphasis in training has been on obedience. But why? Forming a relationship and using skills to open the lines of communication between you and your dog is far more valuable than obedience, in my opinion. Dogs are incredibly social creatures, as are humans, and altering your behaviors in such a way to communicate intention forms a very special bond.

So know your dog. Love your dog. And if you have the heart and motivation to help change an animal's life, then adopt your dog.

FINALLY HAD TIME TO RESUME FILMING. NEW CONTENT COMING THIS WEEK, MY FRIENDS!

🇺🇦 INFORMATIONAL POST - PETS IN UKRAINE 🇺🇦

⚠️ Poland and Hungary accepting animals WITHOUT documentation for those fleeing from Ukraine ⚠️

vet.crew on Instagram - Said they are in Odessa, Ukraine. Their city has been bombed since 4 am. Many people abandon their animals and leave. They will stay and help everyone's animals left behind.
https://www.instagram.com/vet.crew/?hl=en
Donate on
https://www.patreon.com/VetCrew

Saved By The Vet on Facebook - If your family is trying to get out via the Romanian border, there is a vet team at Solca/Siret that will help with your pets so you don't have to leave them behind. Contact details are on the page. https://www.facebook.com/dogoodromania/

🇷🇴 Entering Romania -
If you are fleeing or know someone who has, help has been offered for your pets. The animal protection association Casa lui Patrocle supports and offers help for families with pets who enter Romania from the Ukraine via the Sireten. The shelter is located in Suceava, about 40 km away from the Ukrainian border. Link https://www.facebook.com/casaluipatrocle

🇩🇪 Entering Germany -
To Ukrainian citizens who want to leave Ukraine with pet(s) and enter Germany due to the current situation: Please contact at Munich Airport for organisation. The team there does everything possible to get the people and their animals out of there.

Animal Shelter Munich will provide quick help and temporary accomodation for animals.

🇵🇱 Entering Poland -
Poland animal shelter offering help to anyone with their pets. Contact for assistance and temporary housing.
Volunteer Natalia: 518 667 614

Polish officials are now facilitating Ukrainian border crossing for families fleeing with their animals. The whole animal health dossier is now NOT mandatory. Animals will be vaccinated AFTER CROSSING Polish side of the border.

🇭🇺 Entering Hungary -
Hungary has opened borders for unvaccinated and undocumented pets. Link https://portal.nebih.gov.hu/-/magyarorszag-biztositja-hogy-az-ukrajnabol-menekulok-magukkal-hozhassak-tarsallataikat

🇸🇰 Entering Slovakia -
Apparently have opened borders for unvaccinated and undocumented pets (Source to be confirmed)

🇺🇦 Ukrainian Facebook Groups - https://www.facebook.com/groups/347615063908402/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/279320244341426

Please share and copy and paste the information!

(Information gathered from several posts on Facebook and Instagram on 25/02/2022

My thoughts on families with dogs and young children, as a trainer and mom with a young child.

1. The TOP priority with dogs and young children is always management. This means that you structure your environment in such a way that sets up both the dog and the child for success. If you cannot have eyes on them, separate with baby gates, play pens, crates, rooms, etc. Whatever works for your household situation. There are ALWAYS options, don’t be afraid to get creative. Young children are not fully able to understand how to approach and interact with dogs in the first years of life. It is not a misbehavior or failing on the part of the child in any way. But it is a fact. Often, well-meaning interactions from kids (hugs, kisses, face touching, running towards) are actions that DOGS perceive as threatening. This miscommunication means that physical separation is necessary and non-negotiable when both cannot be supervised.

2. I recommend the book Doggie Language by LiLi Chin (link below) to begin teaching your kiddo the ways that dogs communicate their feelings and intentions with us. I always recommend this book to clients that have children. It uses pictures and VERY simple wording. I could not recommend it more. This is not a quick fix but instead teaches the entire family how to “read” your dog which significantly decreases the chance of incidents escalating to bites. When you see body language from the dog that says they’re uncomfortable, you positively intervene by calling your dog to you and rewarding. Teach a Recall or a Hand Target to use here, or a positive interrupter like “red light!” Then, put a physical separation in place for everyone to decompress. Avoid yelling, punishment, and any sign that you are stressed (dogs read stress in our voices and bodies remarkably well). Keep it light and positive.
https://www.amazon.com/Doggie-Language-Lovers-Understanding-Friend/dp/1787837017

3. Avoid complicated rules at this age but set the VERY simple rule of “we don’t touch the dog unless the dog comes to you.” Consent is huge with dogs as it is with humans. I use this lesson with my young son (4 years) to talk to him about consent with his body and the dogs. It’s neat to hit home that both you and the dog should advocate for your bodies. And if you are uncomfortable being touched, you don’t have to (i.e. hugs and kisses from relatives).

4. Finally, consistency. And patience. A ton of it. I will tell you that my son is about to turn 5 and I’ve been reinforcing these messages since he was very young. He does very well with the animals, but I STILL am frequently, kindly reminding him and monitoring his interactions with them. It’s the only way to set up the animals and the kiddos for success in the long term. Humans that understand dogs interact much more seamlessly with them. Seeing this between a CHILD and a dog is one of the most rewarding things I see as a parent and a professional.

Ok, friends. Let's get real. This time of year is the worst and we're all just hanging in there until spring. The pups are missing the great outdoors too. If your pup is bored inside this winter, try making their day a little more interesting and mentally stimulating.

Enrichment doesn't have to be expensive or complicated. There are so many things you already have around your home that are just as fun as the store bought products. Tonight's dinner was a snuffle towel with kibble, fruits, and veggies. I tied a knot tonight instead of a roll just to mix it up. All wags and wiggles over here!

Easy ideas like this only take a minute or two to prepare and make a BIG difference in a dog's life. Enrichment sessions are a great option if you are looking for ways to enhance your dog's life! An enrichment program is beneficial both in conjunction with skills training or completely on its own. And a mentally exercised dog is a lot less likely to engage in destructive behaviors from boredom. Please reach out if you'd like to add some pizazz to your dog's life!

(Video in the comments)

Have a dog that always seems to be running out the door? Do they ignore your best attempts to get them to return? You aren't alone!

If this sounds like your dog, check out this week's Forever Fix video on DOOR BOLTING. Learn management strategies to prevent door bolting immediately, training solutions to diminish this behavior in the long-term, and what to do in emergencies if your dog gets out.

Like and Subscribe for new training videos each week!

https://youtu.be/4AvrHm78df0

Wishing everyone an enchanting Friday full of snow and snuggles. And safe travels if you're on the roads this morning! ❄️⛄🌨️

Relationship-based training is one of the best investments a pet parent can make if they are looking for better behaviors that last a lifetime. Long-lasting results require learning to understand your dog--their motivations, behaviors, communication, and learning style. Say NO to behavior suppression and YES to real teaching, training, and learning. If you are looking for a committed and compassionate professional, submit a training request today for more information at www.PupsUnleashed.com.

All my best to all the pups and people out there as we approach 2022!

Pups getting crazy from all the holiday visitors? Holidays are stressful to dogs because they bring about new people, sounds, objects, smells, and schedules.

Luckily, some last minute creativity can keep them busy while also calming their stressed little pup souls. It's not too late to prep some items! From household items, I quickly prepped the follow:
- DIY lick mats in ice cube trays (plain pumpkin puree, nonfat plain Greek yogurt, unsweetened apple sauce, and assorted dog-safe nut/seed butters). Freeze until firm if possible.
- Stuffed Kongs (filled with kibble first, topped with pumpkin puree and yogurt). Freeze until firm if possible.
- Pup presents to open or shred (empty boxes stuffed with new toys, gnawing bones, a brown paper bag of kibble, a Holee Roller full of edibles snacks, and a bunch of shredded Xmas paper from this morning's gifts!).

If your pup needs something to keep them busy, check the cabinets and under the tree! It doesn't have to look pretty to make them happy!

So much free and easy enrichment during the holiday season. Save those boxes, bags, and paper and set up some AMAZING opportunities for your pups! Happy HOWLidays, all!

Happy Thursday! I have a double feature for everyone this week on supporting dogs when they MEET NEW PEOPLE! Watch for essential topics for how HUMANS should behave when meeting new dogs AND how to help YOUR DOG if they are nervous about meeting new people. You will learn ways to read canine body language, calm a stressed dog, train behaviors that increase communication and teamwork, and MORE. Please check out one or both videos if this is an area of difficulty for you and your dog. Like and subscribe for more weekly canine content!

Top 5 Ways to Behave When Meeting New Dogs: https://youtu.be/rPOJqPZY5Rs

Top 5 Ways to Help Nervous Dogs When Meeting Strangers: https://youtu.be/b7ONNvVtj6Y

Top 5 Ways to Behave When Meeting & Greeting New Dogs the First Time | Pups Unleashed Dog Training Professional dog trainer Arie Ebaugh (MS, CPDT-KA) explains how to use the understanding of canine behavior to meet and greet new dogs properly. Much of our ...

It's not summer but that didn't stop us from a sniffy hike this weekend! Look for those rare winter days that are warm enough to get your pup back outside and into nature. The woods provide some of the best natural enrichment opportunities for our canine friends. All the smells, sights, sounds, feels, and tastes are just what the trainer ordered! Be sure to bring a variety of foods to enhance the experience and use for training as needed. This week should have a few bright pockets to get out there and work/play with our best friends. A little bit of outside time goes a long way in these chilly months. Then back home for some warmth, rest, and snuggles.

TROUBLESHOOTING TUESDAY! This NEW episode of the Forever Fixes series covers HOW TO TROUBLESHOOT EXCITEMENT AND ATTENTION JUMPING. This issue is VERY COMMON and can be remedied by clear expectations and patterns of behavior. Learn how to set expectations for your dog, plan a solid greeting pattern, prevent jumping, and troubleshoot solutions when the jumping begins. As always, the focus is on teamwork, communication, and rewarding behaviors that are INCOMPATIBLE with jumping for a FOREVER FIX to this behavior. Enjoy, all!

https://youtu.be/bDRINEYKPiY

Forever Fixes: Dog Excitement and Attention Jumping | Pups Unleashed Dog Training In this Forever Fixes episode, I address EXCITEMENT AND ATTENTION PROBLEM JUMPING in dogs of all ages. Video includes:00:00 - Introduction00:49 - Things to A...

It is safe to say that I am FIRED UP about animal welfare and the training process. The science has been clear from many years now--there is NO PLACE for aversives in training with our canine companions. There are so many better, gentler, and more effective science-based ways to diminish problem behaviors WITHOUT PAIN, FEAR, OR FORCE.

Many people are unaware that there is NO REGUALTION in the dog training industry--anyone can SAY that they are a trainer without any formal education, practical training experience, or professional certifications. Social media has unfortunately escalated this trend, as anyone can create content using ineffective, unethical, and/or dangerous methods that they boil down to "before and after" clips. To the untrained eye, these "results" look effective. To the trained eye, we see a dog that has been shut down in every way. A dog that no longer wants to investigate their surroundings, a dog that is only "behaving" because they are afraid of their handler and their environment, a dog that has lost all confidence and curiosity because these natural attributes have always been discouraged and never been nurtured. This is not a "well behaved dog"--it is a dog with learned helplessness. Or it is a dog that now escalates easily to aggression, often without communicating a warning. Seeing these things over and over again in dogs that require extensive time and effort to rehabilitate is HEARTBREAKING, or worse when the dogs cannot be rehabilitated. Dogs and their humans deserve SO MUCH BETTER.

Effective training for problem behaviors relies on two simple factors--determining a dog's motivation for performing a behavior (WHY are they doing the behavior) AND figuring out WHAT you'd like the dog to do INSTEAD. This often involves creative, out-of-the-box thinking to figure out what makes each individual dog tick. It is time to END the obsession with "quick fixes," aversive equipment, and behavior suppression in dog training. REAL TRAINING requires a commitment of time, effort, trust, communication, and patience to achieve LASTING RESULTS. Training is team work; training is relationship building.

I have become increasingly motivated to publish FREE training content that the canine community needs. I am tired of seeing dogs get hurt and traumatized in the pursuit of "obedience" or "good behavior," both at the hands of their owners AND at the hands of irresponsible trainers. Our dogs NEED evidence-based methods without aversives. My response to the obsession with these "quick fixes" is a new video series, FOREVER FIXES. This video series will TEACH dog parents how to troubleshoot canine behavior problems using science-based methods WITHOUT PUNISHMENT. In each episode, I will explain how to use the understanding of canine behavior, motivation, and communication to diminish behavior problems and strengthen the relationship with your dog. You will learn how to MOTIVATE your dog to engage in better behaviors, rather than suppress behaviors you don't want to see. The first video of the series will be published THIS WEEK, with more to follow.

If you have a dog, I invite you to follow along to EMPOWER YOU AND YOUR DOG to reset behavior problems by WORKING AS A TEAM.

https://youtu.be/9WrvDtNbGFQ

Forever Fix Series Preview SNEAK PEAK of our new dog training video series, Forever Fixes. This video series will teach dog parents how to troubleshoot canine behavior problems using s...

This week's topic is DIY Enrichment Activities! Enrichment is an AMAZING way provide outlets for natural instincts, build confidence and curiosity, prevent problem behaviors that result from boredom, and promote relaxation.

Enrichment should be part of EVERY dog's life and can be easier to provide than you might think. And if you have an adolescent dog (AKA a "Teenage Terror"), a dog that always needs a "job" (many Herding and Working breed dogs), or a dog that is fearful or lacking in confidence, enrichment is ESPECIALLY important!

Enrichment is a HUGE topic so this video is an excellent way to get acquainted and provide some easy activities with materials that you already have around your house. Enjoy and have fun (I know your pups will!).

https://youtu.be/lmzvmUGrRhg

Easy DIY Enrichment Activities for Bored Dogs Did you know that dogs benefit greatly by giving them an outlet for natural canine behaviors? And bored dogs often engage in destructive behaviors because th...

My training philosophy and why it is SO important.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z2XsHChxo1A

Training Philosophy for Happier Dogs Professional Dog Trainer Arie Ebaugh (MS, CPDT-KA) explains her training philosophy to understanding, motivating, and training dogs.To learn more about Arie ...

NEW CONTENT ALERT!

Complete guide to crate training dogs of all ages. Enjoy, all! Please like and subscribe to my channel for more each week!

https://youtu.be/Ks6eHA-zLSI

Complete Guide to CRATE TRAINING Your Dog Considering crate training your dog? Not sure why to crate train, how to pick a crate, or where to start with training? Professional dog trainer Arie Ebaugh ...

ATTENTION ALL PET PARENTS AND DOG LOVERS! The secret is out: today marks the OFFICIAL LAUNCH of my Pups Unleashed YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6LLKhoNkEyqf4IQYfFQ7Ug

If you love dogs and have a moment, please read my story:
I am a professional dog trainer and the owner of a private dog training business, Pups Unleashed. I work with all breeds, ages, and size dogs in their homes and in animal shelters to help strengthen the relationships between dogs and humans, improve behavior and engagement, and equip families with the skills to give their dogs more enriching, happier lives. My goal is always first and foremost the safety and well-being of dogs and their humans. My training approach requires investigating all aspects of a dog’s background, lifestyle, motivation, and learning rather than just looking at a single “problem behavior” in isolation. I feel strongly that dogs deserve only rewarding, science-based methods for training and behavior modification. I take the responsibility of canine care and training very seriously. My background is in scientific research and education. I hold a Master of Science degree in Biology, graduated from Catch Academy of Dog Trainers with Distinction, and am certified as a professional dog trainer by the Certification Council of Professional Dog Trainers. I am dedicated to always learning more and doing more to hone my craft and stay current to emerging research on canine behavior and motivation.

Through my work with both private clients and dogs in animal shelters, I have found that there are significant financial and practical barriers that prevent many otherwise willing families for accessing high-quality training and enrichment materials for their dogs. In addition, there is a lack of regulation in the dog training industry that can make it difficult for pet dog owners to know which training approaches are methodologically sound and which are simply people trying to provide a “quick fix” that has disastrous consequences for the dog in the long run. My love for dogs and their welfare runs deep. My goal is to help all dogs live their best life with their humans. Thus, I have decided to launch the Pups Unleashed YouTube channel that provides high quality, reward-based training and enrichment for FREE. It is my sincerest hope that my channel helps to break down some of the barriers that prevent families in my local community from accessing the educational materials that they need. And the more families that have the support they need to train their dogs and troubleshoot behavior problems, the fewer families that need to surrender their dogs to animal shelters that are already stretched to their limits.

I invite you to follow along on this journey. I launch my channel today with a modest collection of training videos, but this is JUST THE START. My goal is to launch a new video EVERY WEEK so please LIKE AND SUBSCRIBE to my channel (click the link below and then click the RED “Subscribe” button below the banner) to receive access to new materials as they are posted! Please help me in my goal to make Lancaster and the surrounding areas the HAPPIEST PLACE to be a dog. We have an uphill battle but the passion I have seen in the families I serve makes me confident that we can truly make an impact. And if this message resonates with you, please share my post to your social media to spread dog-friendly content to other areas beyond our county! I thank you all for your support and welcome you to come along with me!

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6LLKhoNkEyqf4IQYfFQ7Ug

Staring down the basement stairs, longing to raid the litter box. But trying to be such a good boy. So now it's time for a simple sniffing game to reward him for staying up here when he could be mining for kitty gold. After a few rounds, he's snuggled in his bed happily sniffing through the fibers for food. And pretty soon, he'll be tired and pass out in his bed.

Next time you see the potential for a "problem" behavior in your dog, remember to think about your dog's motivation to perform the behavior. Even though I, as a human, think that the litter box is a nasty piece of work, it does not mean that it's not a highly enriching experience for these goofy creatures that coexist with us. So when you see your dog's motivation shift towards something not so productive, offer another activity that is MORE rewarding (and less gross). You'll find that the more you offer mentally stimulating activities at times when your dog is likely to engage in problematic behaviors, the less you see those behaviors and the more constructive their waking hours will be.

Dogs are smart. SO SMART. They absolutely need mental stimulation and will get it in one way or another. You'll be amazed at what can happen when you start offering incompatible, rewarding activities to replace problem behaviors.

I love getting creative with enrichment. Some ideas work out great...and some don't. Today's idea of a sniffing game with pillowcases resulted in 1). Ripley not finding the food and giving up, 2.) Apple not finding the food but never giving up (bless her), and 3.) Dara chewing straight through the pillowcase to get the food. Can't win them all. 😂

Have a lovely weekend, people and pooches!

We are having new flooring installed today. Do your dogs just LOVE when strangers come over? No? Mine neither!

Many dogs get WILD when strangers enter your home. Sometimes it is excitement. Sometimes it is stress or fear. Either way, it doesn't make for a great situation.

Let's talk about an awesome strategy for keeping your pup(s) calm during arrivals. The secret? A crate and a DELICIOUS stuffed Kong (or similar stuffable feeder). A few hours or a day ahead of time, prepare your Kongs. This morning, I opted for a mixture of all natural peanut butter and yogurt, kibble, and blueberries for my pups but the options are endless! Once you stuff those magical Kongs full of the best food, FREEZE them. A frozen Kong will require much more time and mental energy for your pup to clear. This gives you and your pup essential time for the novelty of the arrival to wear off. For most dogs, it is the arrival itself, not the fact that someone is in your home, that is the most exciting or stressful. Once your pup is done their Kong and is relaxed, you can let them out of their crate if the guests are individuals that you'd like them to interact with. If you can't/don't want to release your pup (like today with my carpet installation), just let them stay in their crates. Your pup has a much better chance of relaxing and simply falling asleep in their crate after enjoying their Kong because the moment of arrival has long passed. Better yet, if you are consistent about crating upon arrivals, your pup will start to associate guests coming over with delicious enrichment in their crates. Doorbell rings? Your pup thinks "Where is my Kong?! Let's go check the crate!"

In summary, take the time to properly crate train your dog. Do not use the crate as a punishment. Teach them that it is the best place in the world. And then USE the crate to your advantage. And if you and your pup are struggling with crate training, enlist the help of an ethical trainer in your area. Your pups (and your guests) will thank you!