A Cost Benefit Analysis

I had a lovely conversation with a new client yesterday. She has had her new canine companion for just 10 days, but in that time he's already begun displaying some concerning behaviors.  She, on the advice of her veterinarian, reached out to me to get a handle on the situation early in order to decide whether this dog will be a good fit for her family or not. Our appointment had been set for an hour, but I always allot more time for new clients, just in case.  It was a good thing that I did as this appointment ran well over two hours. As we were finishing up, she said how much she appreciated the extra time that I had spent and the fact that I didn't rush through my treatment plan.  She had time to formulate her questions and understand my game plan. We trouble-shot different scenarios and what her responses should be. We figured out how she would track her progress, and discussed how to share her progress with me along the way. She said she felt relief. And hope. And that I really understood. She also said that it was quite obvious that I wasn't just good at my job, but that I truly enjoyed it and was passionate about what I do.

As I was driving away, this conversation really stuck with me. And it's still in my head today. I do enjoy what I do and I feel that I can help people AND help their animals at the same time. Even my more jaded clients who have had bad experiences with other animal practitioners usually walk away feeling that they "got their money's worth" with me.

Which brings me to that cost benefit analysis title for this post. I have certainly heard, more than once, that my fees are too high and that there are other, more affordable options. While this is a competitive field, I never argue with those who tell me this. Pet owners have the right to seek out and work with whomever they choose. As long as they understand the difference between working with a dog trainer and working with an animal behaviorist and why they might need one more than the other...I am good with it.  It's like Match.com....I'm not the right person for every prospective client, and they aren't the right match for me either. Each pet owner must determine what their animal needs and how best they can reach that goal, keeping their budget, schedule, and their own experiences in mind.

I will say this....you do get what you pay for.  I have had more than one client return to me and rather sheepishly state they went elsewhere only to realize that they really should have worked with me in the first place. I never make them feel bad and welcome them to my process....my philosophy...and my plan...without ever saying, "I told you so."

I often joke that I am not a people person, but obviously that isn't true. I would only be able to work with people's pets if those owners allowed me the access to do so.  So, I think instead of saying that I'm not a people person, I will say that I simply understand animals better than people. My dad said it was a gift and I choose to believe that. And I will never undervalue what I do.  Another lesson from my dad.  Sure wish that he was here today to see what I have accomplished in the last 27 years.  I like to think it would make him happy as well.

The Party's Over!

Well, the party's over, so it is back to work. One of the best things about Saturday's event was having the opportunity to connect with dog owners in a less structured setting. Some made their free appointments to catch up with me and update me on their pet's progress. Others had never met me and wanted the chance to see what I was all about. Many had specific issues that they hoped to get a handle on in 2018.  So fortunate to be able to do all of that...and watch Ashly McHatton of Element Image Co. capture some fun images of the dogs who came to party with their people.

So, where do we go from here? Many of you have signed up for one or more of my upcoming seminars or classes through Molly's AdobeDogs Dog Training. Others may need more help, however, than a class has to offer. If you still need my assistance, please don't hesitate to reach out. We can set up a phone consultation or an in-home visit to really get a handle on whatever issue is keeping you and your canine companion from experiencing all the joy that dog ownership has to offer.

And for those of you waiting for your dog's images from the party, hang tight!  As soon as Ashly gets them all sorted, enhanced, etc., she will send them out. I do hope you will share your beautiful images on social media so that more people see just how much fun it is to work with a professional photographer, especially for a special event like the one I had on Saturday.

Here's to an amazing, productive, inspiring, and fun-filled 2018!

New Year, New You!

This time of year, you can't escape the articles, blogs, advertisements, etc. urging you to take charge, make changes, and get it together! I have never been fond of New Year's resolutions; too much pressure. However, I do think that January is a great time to make plans and evaluate my goals for myself and for my canine companions. For example, one of my goals for 2017 was to see Ozzie make a visit for Furry Friends Pet Assisted Therapy Services, and he did his first visit this Fall! So, as 2018 is now upon us, what changes are you making or goals are you setting for your pets? Maybe it's a goal for you both to get more exercise and explore all of the hiking trails your area has to offer. Or maybe you and your pet need to shed a few pounds so you are looking to find snacks you both can share that won't set your diet back.

Whatever your goals for 2018, I sincerely hope that you enjoy the process of achieving them. If I can help you and your pet reach those goals, please let me know. Regardless, I really want to see you at my celebration on Saturday, January 20, from 10 a.m. 2 p.m. in Los Altos. That's right...we've extended the party by two extra hours to accommodate everyone who registered for their free 10-minute appointment with me that day! There will be snacks, prizes, and photo opportunities and plenty of time to discuss those goals!  Hope to see you there!

Upcoming Celebration!

I love a good party and I think January is the perfect time to celebrate! I am going into my 27th year in business as an Animal Behaviorist and I want us to celebrate together! So, I am inviting everyone...my friends on social media, all of the clients who have worked with me, both one-on-one and in classes and seminars through Molly's AdobeDogs Dog Training...EVERYONE to come and join me. Here are the details on this event:

When: Saturday, January 20, 2018, 10 a.m. to noon
Where: 347 First Street, Los Altos, CA

Snacks and coffee will be provided for the humans, Auntie Julie Dog Cookies and water for the dogs!

Just for fun, I will be doing 10 minute "New Year, New You" appointments with you and your dog. These appointments are free, but you will want to sign up in advance to guarantee a time slot. You will have the opportunity to tell me about your challenges and your goals for your dog, and I will share some of my insights with you to get you started on the path to success!

My friend, and branding photographer, Ashly McHatton, will be on hand as well to capture this event on film. I have asked her to take pictures of attendees and their dogs and she said YES!  These pictures will be free, but definitely let me know if you and your dog will be coming so she can plan her time accordingly.

Molly Hughes, owner of Molly's AdobeDogs, will also be on hand to talk about upcoming classes and seminars and what types of training opportunities you'd like made available to you in 2018. AdobeDogs is all about having the best community canine and taking classes and seminars is a great way to reach your goals.

If you'd like to take part in the "New Year, New You" appointments, have your photo taken by a professional photographer, and talk about your dogs' needs in 2018, then join us!  You can RSVP to this blog posting, through Facebook or Instagram, via email, or by calling or texting my office. Here are all the links to those ways to RSVP:

https://www.facebook.com/JulieBondPetEducationTrainingServices/
https://www.instagram.com/k9freud/
K9Freud@gmail.com
(925) 818-3938

Looking forward to an amazing 2018 with all of you! Go ahead...what are you waiting for? Your dog wants to go!

Holiday Donations: Where to Give!

Tis the season for making donations to your favorite charities. There are so many different charities and relief efforts around the world vying for your dollars, that it is very difficult to choose where to give. Donating your time or supplies to your local animal shelter is a terrific place to start, but often people are looking to donate to larger/national animal organizations as well.

Unfortunately, not all charities are created equal and that is certainly true among charities which devote themselves to animals and animal-related causes. While this list is not all-inclusive, it represents a handful of charities ranked by charitynavigator.org, a watchdog group that ranks charities based on which ones really put your donations to good work, and which ones are simply using donations to pay operating fees, salaries, etc. So, which animal-related charities got high marks? Here are just a few:

Animal Welfare Institute, Washington, D.C.
PetSmart Charities, Phoenix, AZ
Animal Rescue, Inc.,New Freedom, PA
African Wildlife Foundation, Washington, D.C.
Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind, Smithtown, N.Y.

Do you have a favorite animal-related charity? Please share it. And Happy Holidays to all!

Holiday Mayhem!

I don't know about you, but I just came to the realization this week that the holidays are creeping up on us fast! Thanksgiving is just a week away, Hanukkah is in a month, and Christmas is two weeks after that. Are you ready? I'm not just talking about the planning of food for events, purchasing gifts, holiday cards, etc. I'm talking about preparing your pets. Are they ready for this? There will be changes to their daily schedules, re-arranged furniture, an increased number and variety of visitors to your home, perhaps some rambunctious kids even, and there will definitely be some amazing food involved. If we add in the physical hazards of the season as well such as strings of lights, candles, tinsel, holiday plants, etc. you can see why I am already worried!

Pets exhibit their stress in several ways. They may become overly hyper, barking excessively, jumping up on people and furniture, and getting into everything. However, some pets become more withdrawn, hiding under beds or in closets, refusing to eat, and wishing that all the commotion was over with. Often our pets respond differently during the holidays because we ourselves are acting differently. From November through January, our routines change, reflecting our holiday commitments, and turning our pets' worlds upside down.

While not always easy, we should all try to maintain our pets' usual routines as much as possible. Focus on feeding and walking them at the same times, checking the water bowl frequently, make sure litter boxes are clean, and most importantly make sure that we have provided quiet places of refuge for our pets to retreat if they need to escape the craziness of the season.

The holidays can definitely be hectic, but they really are a wonderful time to reconnect with family and friends. Don't forget to spend quality time with your pets as well, and do keep in mind how stress-reducing their company can be. Just spending time with your pets reduces your blood pressure (and theirs), improves your moods, and and enhances each other's well-being. Now, what could be a greater holiday gift than that?

Time to Visit Your Vet? No Problem!

I had a great conversation with my dogs' veterinarian. We were discussing how dogs behave in the vet hospital setting. So many dogs are acutely uncomfortable when they are there, to the point of excessively panting, barking, whining, and even displaying aggression. There is, however, something you can do to help your dog be less anxious when visiting the vet's office. First, let's look at why your pets are anxious there, so that we can better figure out how to alleviate that anxiety.

Most animals become anxious at the vet's office for very obvious reasons. They are there because they don't feel well. Even we behave more anxiously when we don't feel well. But even if your pet feels well, they may still be anxious from the moment they enter the vet hospital door because many vet hospitals smell to them like other anxious pets and anxious owners!  So what can veterinarians do to alleviate this? They can make their hospitals more inviting and less sterile in appearance. That helps the humans behave less anxiously. They can use DAP (Dog Appeasing Pheromones) and Feliway plug ins, as well as soothing area sprays to reduce anxiety in both their canine and feline patients, and their owners. Scheduling appointments so that the waiting room isn't over-crowded also helps diminish stress, as does moving clients and their pets into and out of exam rooms efficiently.

But what can you, the pet parent, do to reduce your pet's anxiety? First off, visit your vet's office often so that it isn't a strange, scary place for them. My vet suggests visiting her office between 12 and 2 p.m. when they don't schedule regular appointments. That way, anxious pets can visit the waiting room, exam room, etc. without worry of interfering with the flow of regular patients in her practice. Work with your pet first in the parking lot, and then work with them as you move toward the vet hospital, and finally move indoors. Reinforce calm behaviors, encourage sniffing, use treats if you can as well to reinforce behaviors you like such as not pulling on the leash, not barking or whining, etc. Many animals will perform self-soothing techniques as well such as yawning, scratching, and shaking it off. These are all good things and give you indicators of how your pet is feeling. The one thing you don't want to do is to tell your anxious pet that it is okay when they are feeling anxious; this just reinforces their anxiety. Instead, wait for calm behaviors and reward those.

If your pet is aggressive at the vet's office, either toward other animals or toward the veterinary staff, don't hold back that information. Let people know what you are dealing with so that everyone working with you and your pet stay safe. It might mean bringing your animal to the vet in a crate, teaching them to wear a humane muzzle, etc. There is a terrific new handling technique that may help as well to soothe and calm your dog. If you'd like more information, please just ask!

In the meantime, let me know how your pet is at the vet's office. While I think it would be great if they loved going there, I think it is perfectly fine to set a more reasonable goal of having them tolerate their visits there without fear or unnecessary discomfort.