Resources

For Newly Adopted Dogs

Millions of dogs end up in shelters every year—many through no fault of their own. By adopting, you give a dog a second chance at life, love, and a home! Plus, shelters play such a crucial role in your dog’s health, veterinary care, and our communities! We are so glad to support you and your newly adopted dog - adoption guide coming soon!

Plus, did you know that we offer discounts on training services for newly adopted dogs? > read more here!

Choosing a Reputable Breeder

Dog Meets Baby Online Courses + Instagram (@dogmeets_baby)

Family Paws Website (@familypawsofficial)

Another great online resource for families with babies or young children and offers both classes and information. Here are a few helpful pdfs for download:

Dog & Baby Safety | Dog & Toddler Safety | Childhood Milestones | Types of Supervision | Success Stations

An Important Note: Dogs don’t instinctively understand children’s behavior—and children don’t naturally know how to interact safely with dogs. When kids and dogs are set up for success and have adequate supervision, the result is a safe, respectful, and joyful relationship that can last a lifetime.

We always recommend working with a professional, certified trainer who can assist with:

  • Creating/Understanding human and dog boundaries, including canine body language

  • Teaching both children + dogs to respectfully and gently interact with one another

  • Setting up your home for safety + success

  • Creating routines for adequate supervision

  • Identifying warning signs to prevent scary incidents or bites

  • Appropriately intervening + addressing psychological effects of scary incidents for both parent, child, and dog.

Trainers work with the whole household, making sure rules are consistent, fair, and realistic and can also help to address unwanted behaviors like jumping, nipping, guarding, or fear-reactions. Trainers don’t just train dogs, they teach families.

Reputable, ethical, and committed breeders play an important role in improving and preserving the integrity and working abilities of many dog breeds. Some life circumstances are best for raising a puppy from a breeder and we want to make sure you are choosing wisely. Read our guide to know who to trust and support when looking for a puppy (coming soon).

Dogs + Children

Canine Enrichment

Happy dog, happy life! Thank you to the Camano Island Library for inviting us to give a presentation this August! Missed it? See the slides!

Enrichment is more than just fun; it’s a powerful tool that supports better behavior and enhances training efforts! Learn how dogs naturally interact with their environment, what truly brings them joy, and how we can seamlessly integrate those experiences into our daily routines.

Dog Body Language

Our dog’s communication matters - understanding our dog’s language builds trust, reduces misunderstandings, and makes life safer and happier for both dogs and people.

Online Courses: Dog Meets Baby Course

Instagram: @thinkingcanine

The Muzzle Movement

Get 10% off Muzzle Movement | Referral Link

When introduced and used in a positive, humane way, muzzles can be one of the most practical tools to ensure peace of mind for pet parents! Muzzles (like a basket muzzle) should allow for eating, drinking, play - just safer! Muzzles keep everyone safe, reduce stress, and can be utilized for a lot of practical uses such as:

  • Vet visits (or after surgery)

  • Rough play

  • Scavenging

  • Public transport (or busy places)

  • High chase or prey drive

  • Needing space

  • Safe guarding (due to bite history)

  • Good practices for emergencies.

Muzzle Training Guide + How To Video

Other Great Muzzle Options: Baskerville Ultra Muzzle found online and at most pet stores

Because the dog training industry is unregulated in the United States, it is very important to choose trainers who are certified through reputable, science-based animal training organizations.

For certified trainers in your area, please go to Karen Pryor Academy and scroll down to their FIND A TRAINER link, or Pet Professionals Guild and scroll down to FIND A PROFESSIONAL link. There are similar links at Fear Free Pets, the Int'l Assoc. Animal Behavior Consultants, the Certification Counsil For Professional Dog Trainers and the Association of Professional Dog Trainers.

Finding a Trainer Near You!