The future of dog guardianship is: proactive. And this newsletter is packed full of useful knowledge.

Pack Animals App and Hub pre-sale bundles are now available! Subscribers can scroll to the very bottom for a pack perk discount code.

Did you know…

Over 80% of people on our waitlist replied “Yes” to learning science-backed ways to enhance their dog's well-being. And 70% are interested in ways their dog can improve their wellbeing. Example topics people are interested in learning about are:

• How to balance my needs with my dog's needs (63%)

• Building a routine and healthy boundaries with my dog (50%)

• Managing dog-related stress (46%)

  e.g. feelings of guilt or shame, separation anxiety, canine reactivity and fear, jumping or pulling, difficulty interpreting body language, and financial strain

Clearly, these topics are deeper and more nuanced than the training people can get from a group or private training class. That’s why we built Pack Animals.

Pack Animals supports you through real life with your dog, and helps you finally unlock all the untapped potential in your relationship. It’s a new era in dog guardianship.

Knowledge Nugget
Barking loud for all to hear

The sound of the kitchen timer goes off - you know what that means! The food is ready and soon everyone will be sitting around the holiday table to eat. Your dog has been known to bark when large groups are sitting around the table. What are some proactive things you can do to limit the chances your dog will bark when food is served?

Think about which option you would select. An explanation will be available at the bottom of this email.

• A) Send your dog to “place” and give them a bone to chew on

• B) Sit at the table with your dog before the food arrives and do a few reps of doggie “push ups” and “go get it”

• C) Put your dog in a different room far away from the sounds and smells

• D) Give your dog their food at the same time the family sits down at the table

Hot Tip: The Art of Doing Nothing

Tip 1: People often express frustration with their dogs not calming down despite ample exercise and attention. This could be an example of an overstimulated dog that needs help learning how to slow down. It’s ironic that we expect our dogs to have an "off switch" when many of us struggle to sit still despite exhaustion. The good news is you and your dog can learn to chill together!

Tip 2: If you want your dog to have a longer settle, begin with short duration. Think of it like lifting lighter weights to build endurance. Start your exercise with a short enough duration that you confidently think your dog can achieve. If your dog stands before you release them, then you may have waited too long or the treat may be too exciting (high value) for the environment. By starting with achievable lengths of time, you can increase the duration as you successfully complete more reps. Give your dog time to rest between reps by calmly releasing energy (walk around together in “heel” or play “touch”).

What I’m Reading

• The Other End of the Leash - Patricia McConnell, an animal behaviorist, explores the intricate communication between humans and dogs, emphasizing the need for understanding canine behavior and instincts.

• Learning and Behavior - Examine learning through an evolutionary lens. Dr. Paul Chance and Dr. Ellen Furlong received their PhDs in psychology from Utah State University and Ohio State University, respectively. Dr. Furlong is an animal cognition scholar and animal welfare advocate, and an advisor for Pack Animals.

• The Least Inhibitive, Functionally Effective (LIFE) Model: A New Framework for Ethical Animal Training Practices - In this journal pre-proof, Dr. Eduardo Fernandez reflects on the history of welfare and training and introduces the LIFE model which reframes the idea of “success” in a way that considers a “life worth living” for the dog.

Key insights from my readings are translated into useful knowledge nuggets and lessons in the Pack Animals app. We find relatable inspiration from human and canine professionals alike. Have an idea of a useful resource I should read? Let me know!

Pack Animals Partner Spotlight
Petzey

Petzey, an innovative pet telehealth app, makes it possible for you to consult with a veterinary professional anytime, anywhere, for a flat fee of $20 per phone call.

Your pre-sale bundle includes a complimentary Teeth to Tails Wellness check with a Petzey veterinary professional! Why did we team up with Petzey? Because the future of dog guardianship is proactive, and all education should start with a health check.

Knowledge Nugget Explained
Barking loud for all to hear

Here is the explanation for the Knowledge Nugget above.

Demand barking can dampen the mood any time of year, but especially during a holiday dinner with friends and family. Let’s reflect on the responses and help you proactively prepare should you find yourself in this situation.

A) Send your dog to “place” and give them a bone to chew on
The success of this action depends on several things: how comfortable your dog is with their “place,” how consistently you practiced it before today, and your dog’s current arousal level. If your dog isn’t able to hold “place,” it’s not their fault. It’s a tough thing to do when faced with the distractions of different people in the house, and uniquely enticing smells.

B) Sit at the table with your dog before the food arrives and do a few reps of doggie “push ups” and “go get it”
Engaging with your dog at the table before the food arrives is most likely to set your dog up for success and strengthen your bond . Doing push-ups (3 or 4 rounds of “down”+“stand”) helps with mental and physical stimulation, and tossing their treat ("go get it") away from you teaches your dog that good things happen away from the table, reducing the need to encroach for something good.

C) Put your dog in a different room far away from the sounds and smells
If your dog enjoys having time on their own, and has been known to calmly settle in a different room, then this could be a good way to manage the environment. But if your dog has separation anxiety or isn’t left alone often, this may lead to barking, frustration, and destructive tendencies.

D) Give your dog their food at the same time that the family sits down at the table
This is least likely to generate a positive outcome. Your dog’s food is unlikely to compete with the uniquely enticing smells of the holiday dinner table. Even if your dog does eat their food, that likely will not stop them from barking for food from the table too.

Know other dog guardians who want to be part of the future? Forward this email or send them a link to our waitlist. We will be donating $2 to SNIP (Spay Neuter Imperative Project) Bus for every new waitlist entry we receive during the month of December.

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