Fear Free: What, Why, and How at Happy Leashes?
As you browse through our website and team bios, you might notice an extensive list of certifications and courses we've collectively completed as trainers. While some of these credentials overlap, others reflect our individual journeys and areas of expertise. One thing that ties us all together, however, is our unwavering commitment to education and growth. We believe that learning is a lifelong process—"Science evolves, just like education."
As trainers, we recognize that behavior in dogs is never static, and neither should we be. That's why we are always seeking out new research, advanced training techniques, and evidence-based methodologies to ensure that we’re providing the highest level of care for the dogs we work with and the best experience for their families. By staying on top of the latest advancements in animal behavior science, we can adapt our approaches to suit each dog’s unique needs—whether it’s a puppy learning basic manners or a dog overcoming fear-based reactivity.
One certification that we’re particularly proud of is our Fear Free Professional Certification, which we all hold at both the Trainer and Shelter levels. By earning this certification, we've committed ourselves to approaching every dog with compassion and respect, understanding that a fearful or stressed dog can’t learn effectively. This aligns perfectly with our core belief that training should always be based on positive reinforcement, trust-building, and clear communication.
What is Fear Free?
You might be wondering what a Fear Free Certified Trainer is? Fear Free is a philosophy and set of practices designed to reduce fear, anxiety, and stress in pets, particularly during training, grooming, and veterinary visits. By earning this certification, we've committed ourselves to approaching every dog with compassion and respect, understanding that a fearful or stressed dog can’t learn effectively. In order to earn this certification we had to go through a series of modules and take small quizzes after each, we are required to take CEU’s by taking additional courses related to Fear Free practices. This ensures that we stay current with the latest advancements in the field and continue to enhance our ability to create the most effective and positive learning environment for the dogs we work with.
Why is Fear Free?
Fear Free practices prioritize the safety and well-being of both dogs and their owners, reducing the risk of dangerous situations for either. By empowering dogs to have a say in their care and allowing them to opt out of stressful behaviors or procedures, it not only reduces fear and anxiety but also strengthens the bond between you and your dog. Fear Free creates a community of like-minded individuals who are dedicated to using compassionate, science-backed methods for the betterment of dogs. Most importantly, it places the mental and emotional well-being of the dog at the center of every interaction, ensuring a calm, positive experience for all involved.
How do we implement Fear Free?
As Fear Free Certified Professionals we strive to partner with Fear Free-certified veterinarians to ensure seamless vet visits for both dogs and their owners. By guiding our clients through cooperative care techniques, we help make vet visits and grooming sessions more manageable and less stressful for their pets. Drawing on our expertise, we also create tailored management plans for dogs working through behavioral concerns, minimizing the risk of fear, anxiety, or stress during these experiences. Our approach goes beyond traditional behavior modification; we take a holistic view of each dog, considering any underlying medical or physiological issues before addressing behavioral concerns to ensure the best outcomes for their overall well-being.
At Happy Leashes, we believe that every dog deserves a life filled with confidence, joy, and trust—whether they’re learning basic manners or overcoming complex behavioral challenges. Our Fear Free approach ensures that every dog we work with feels safe, respected, and understood. We’ve made it our mission to create positive, stress-free experiences for dogs and their families by combining the latest in science-backed training techniques with deep compassion for each dog’s emotional well-being.
When you choose to work with us, you’re not just selecting trainers with impressive credentials—you’re partnering with a team that’s dedicated to continuous learning, growth, and the well-being of your dog. Fear Free is more than a certification to us; it’s a philosophy that shapes everything we do. From fostering trust through gentle training methods to supporting stress-free vet visits, we are here to help your dog thrive in every aspect of their life.
Ready to take the next step in providing your dog with a calm, confident, and happy future? Let’s work together to build a lasting bond with your dog, using the Fear Free approach to guide the way. Reach out to us today and see the difference compassionate, evidence-based training can make!
New Puppy for the Holidays? Essential Tips to Get Started Right!
As we approach the end of the holiday season and head into the new year, you may find yourself with a new little puppy—or perhaps you're about to welcome one into your life. Whether you're receiving this puppy as a gift or have been preparing for months, having a puppy during the busy holiday season can be both exciting and overwhelming. At Happy Leashes, we strive to set our pet guardians up for success, ensuring you're well-prepared for any challenges that may come your way. To help you get started on the right paw, here are some essential tips for setting your puppy up for a lifetime of happiness and success.
Getting your puppy on a consistent routine from the beginning:
A predictable routine is incredibly beneficial for your puppy, providing the structure they need to feel secure and confident. Dogs thrive on consistency, and having a well-established routine will help your puppy relax as they adjust to their new environment. It will also ensure that their physical, mental, and emotional needs are being met.
During the holiday season, you might be home more than usual, which is a great opportunity to start building a routine. However, it's important to remember that life will soon return to its usual pace, so setting a routine that can seamlessly transition once you go back to work is key. Here are some tips for establishing a consistent schedule:
Crate/Playpen Schedule: Ensure your puppy has enough time for rest, which is essential for their development. A balanced schedule with plenty of downtime is crucial to prevent overstimulation.
Feeding Routine: Stick to a consistent feeding schedule, which helps regulate their digestion and creates a sense of stability.
Potty Training Plan: Begin potty training early, using a consistent schedule for bathroom breaks to avoid accidents and build good habits.
Exercise: Provide both physical and mental stimulation. Regular walks, playtime, and puzzle toys can keep your puppy's energy in check and prevent boredom.
Making sure your puppy is getting enough physical and mental exercise
The holiday season is full of excitement, but with all the festive fun comes a lot of energy to burn off—especially for your new puppy! Whether you're hosting family gatherings, shopping for gifts, or just enjoying a little extra time at home, it’s essential to keep your puppy mentally and physically stimulated. Puppies are curious, active, and need regular enrichment to stay healthy and happy. Fortunately, there are plenty of fun and simple ways to keep your puppy entertained, even when you're busy. Here are some creative, easy, and holiday-friendly ideas to keep your puppy engaged and help them get the exercise they need!
How to Make It Holiday-Ready: Hide little holiday-themed items like mini chew toys or holiday-scented treats (just be sure they’re safe for dogs!). This gives your puppy the joy of sniffing and searching while learning to problem-solve. You could also use leftover wrapping paper for a crinkly and fun hiding space!
Gift Wrapping Fun: Puppies love crinkly paper, and the holiday gift wrapping is the perfect texture for a short play session. Let your puppy explore some unused wrapping paper (always supervise them to ensure they don’t swallow any). Or even wrap a couple treats or toys up and let your puppy unwrap their gifts by shredding the gift wrap.
Holiday DIY Idea: Take an empty cardboard box and fill it with crumpled wrapping paper or old gift boxes (nothing too small or dangerous!). Hide treats or favorite toys inside for your puppy to find. You can even freeze some small treats inside a Kong or ice cube tray to make a holiday "pup-sicle" to keep them engaged and cool during winter months.
Let your puppy explore the holiday setting—whether it's under the Christmas tree or in the presence of holiday decorations—gradually getting used to new sights, sounds, and smells.
Kong Toys, Licki Mats, Toppls: Fill with peanut butter, yogurt, or even frozen treats to keep your puppy busy and mentally challenged. You can also freeze the Kong for an extra long-lasting activity.
Puzzle Feeders: These toys hide treats or kibble and require your puppy to figure out how to get them out. They’re great for mental stimulation and help with your puppy’s problem-solving skills.
Snuffle Mats: These mats allow you to hide treats or food in the fabric, encouraging your puppy to use their nose to find their reward. It's an excellent way to engage their sense of smell.
Hide and Seek: Hide treats or your puppy’s favorite toy around the house and let them use their nose to find it. This is a great way to exercise both their mind and body, while also giving them a sense of accomplishment.
Holiday Scents: If you’re cooking or baking during the holidays, let your puppy explore the smells (at a safe distance). You can also hide holiday-themed scents (like cinnamon or pine) in a snuffle mat for them to investigate.
Rubber Chew Toys: These are perfect for teething puppies, and they come in various shapes and sizes.
Oh No! I’m having guests over during the holidays, what should I do?
The holidays often bring an influx of guests, and this can be overwhelming for a new puppy, especially if they’re not yet familiar with the hustle and bustle of a busy household. It’s important to manage your puppy’s exposure to new people and environments in a way that minimizes stress.
Here are a few strategies to help your puppy adjust:
Create a Safe Space: If your puppy feels overwhelmed, make sure they have a quiet, comfortable area where they can retreat to. A crate, playpen, or a designated room can provide them with a sense of security. Fill this safe space up with all the enrichment and things to do. Provide licki mats/kongs, snuffle mats, puzzles, chews, and/or toys to play with. *Don’t forget to give your puppies potty breaks as well*
Introduce Guests Gradually: If possible, introduce your puppy to guests one at a time and at a calm pace. Avoid overwhelming them with too many new faces at once. Rewarding your puppy for any interaction with your guests. If they are brave enough to say hi, provide treats. If they hangout by you, provide treats. Making everything super positive.
Supervised Interactions: Encourage gentle, positive interactions with your guests. Be sure to supervise all interactions and teach your guests how to approach and pet your puppy in a calm manner.
Consistent Behavior Training: Use this time to reinforce good behavior. Encourage polite greetings and discourage jumping or nipping, especially in the presence of guests.
Welcoming a new puppy into your life during the holiday season can be a whirlwind of excitement, but it can also come with challenges. With a little preparation and the right mindset, you can set your puppy up for success, ensuring they thrive during the busy holiday season and beyond. From establishing a consistent routine and providing plenty of physical and mental stimulation, to managing the influx of guests, there are simple and effective ways to make sure your puppy is comfortable, well-behaved, and ready to grow into a happy, confident adult dog.
At Happy Leashes, we're here to guide you every step of the way, offering tips, resources, and support to help you build a strong bond with your new puppy. With the right care, training, and enrichment, you’ll give your puppy the best possible start to a lifetime of love and adventure. Let us help you create a positive, joyful experience for both you and your new furry friend—because every puppy deserves a great start!
Ready to make this holiday season one your puppy will remember? Start today with Happy Leashes and set your puppy up for a lifetime of happiness.