Meet your
Toolkit

Tools & Tactics for a Happy, Healthy Dog

MEET stands for Management, Environment, Education and Teaching. They're the four tools we use with every family. Management keeps everyone safe and stops unwanted habits from growing. Environment meets your dog's needs and lowers stress. Education helps you understand what your dog is telling you. Teaching gives your dog new skills and new feelings about the world.

Many people think of training as just that last tool. Using all four together is what makes change faster and longer lasting.

M
Management

Management includes things to do right now to curb unwanted behavior and keep everyone safe.

Requires:

no training · no learning · no behavior modification

Examples:

Pick up shoes · Choose a different harness · Cover windows · Avoid triggers

E
Environment

Environment includes your dog's living space and their body. The focus is meeting needs: the basics, like food and water, and also letting your dog do normal dog things with their brain and body.

Requires:

a little bit of education · some supplies · prep work

Examples:

Stuff a Kong and freeze it · Scatter some treats in the yard · Set up a digging pit · Go on a sniffari · Work a puzzle together

E
Education

This part of the toolkit is your education. It helps you understand your dog: what's normal, what they need and how they communicate.

Requires:

time and focus · the right materials · observation

Examples:

Digging is natural dog behavior, even when it's unwanted · Dog play can look scary but is often healthy · A yawn or lip lick can mean your dog is worried

T
Teaching

Dogs learn in two ways: through doing things and through association.

Requires:

a plan · the right method

Examples:

Association: people predict great stuff · Consequences: if I sit, I get a cookie

Just like tools on a construction project, your tools work best together. You wouldn't build a house with just a hammer. A smart builder uses every tool, with plenty of planning to guide the way.

When working with your family, we use the entire kit.

Every tool in the kit is kind, family friendly and force-free. We never use shock, choke or prong collars.

When working with us, we will teach you about the toolkit. You will learn impactful tools that you will continue to use for the life of your pet and for pets in your future.

We will teach you how and when to use the tools - and when using them together is most effective.

We will give you a strong foundation for a lifelong relationship with your furry family members, and as your dog ages, we will be here to help you through the storms.