 Why We Do What We Do: The Heart Behind the Training: Over the past month, we’ve talked about how to help your dog feel safe around children, how to teach your children to respect dogs, and how to be a strong, clear advocate for your pup.
But this week? We’re going deeper. Let’s talk about why all of this matters. A Story That Changed Everything: Earlier this week, a client reached out with a story that took my breath away. She and her husband had decided to bring home one of our puppies, even though their adult son—who lives at home—had a long-standing fear of dogs. So much so, that when they told him they were getting a dog, he brought it up with his therapist. Dogs had left him with trauma, and the idea of sharing space with one was deeply uncomfortable. The day Mr. Brooks came home, their son met him briefly, then disappeared to the basement. For three days, he stayed away. His mom was worried—not because she doubted the dog, but because she wasn’t sure if her son could ever feel safe enough to give this new pup a chance. But slowly, something started to shift. Over the next few weeks, their son began making quiet, tentative visits to Mr. Brooks. No pressure. No expectations. And little by little, this beautiful dog showed him something no therapy session could: that not all dogs are barky, wild, chaotic stressors. Some are calm. Gentle. Healing. Today? Mr. Brooks is his soul dog. And his mom—who originally thought she was getting a puppy for her younger children—now realizes it was for him all along. This Is Personal For Me Too: That story touched me deeply, not just because of the outcome, but because it mirrors my own. Some of you found me through a reel I posted about my son—how he struggles with depression and how deeply I treasure the moments when he feels good. For him, dogs have been that steady, grounding force. They find him when he needs them most. They don’t ask questions. They just show up. I’ve given him puppies to train from my own litters. He’s developed a gift for noticing which puppies have that spark—the quiet ones who seek out eye contact, who seem to intuitively know when someone needs them. I've been able to train him what to look for and interact with them one-on-one as a special project. Last year, guess who he chose and spent that one-on-one time with? You guessed it. Mr. Brooks. This Isn’t Just a Program. It’s a Mission.What I do in training dogs isn’t a marketing gimmick or a polished sales pitch. It’s a lifestyle. A calling. A way of life that has healed my family—and now reaches out to help heal others. I breed and train for emotional regulation, nervous system support, gentle socialization, and deep companionship—especially for those who don’t always feel safe in the world. I work with successful families who want more than a cute puppy. They want a calm, confident, intuitive companion—sometimes for their kids, sometimes for themselves, and often, like in this story… for someone they didn’t realize needed healing until the dog arrived. Final Thoughts: Dogs Change Lives. Let’s Train Them to Be Ready For It.Dogs have done so much for me. Now that I know how to breed and train them to be even better, I can’t keep that to myself. I have to pay it forward. Whether you're a parent navigating hard seasons, an adult child healing from fear, or someone who simply believes dogs make us better—you're in the right place. Let’s raise dogs that are more than pets. Let’s raise helpers, healers, and heart-changers.
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 We’ve spent the last month talking about how to help your puppy feel calm, safe, and confident around children. Now it’s time to flip the script.
Because the truth is: even the kindest, fluffiest dog deserves boundaries. So this week, we’re focusing on the other half of the relationship—teaching kids to be kind, mindful, and respectful around animals. We’ve all seen it—those adorable videos of toddlers flopped across their family dog like a pillow. It looks cute… but if you freeze-frame that moment, you might see a tail tucked, a lip twitching, or a dog begging with their eyes: "Please help me. I’m not okay." In many of those cases, it’s not the dog who needs more training—it’s the humans. Especially the tiny ones. If you're raising a puppy into a future therapy dog or welcoming one into a successful, active household, here's something I tell every client (yes, even the ones who’ve raised five Goldens already): Dogs are communicating all the time. It’s our job—and our kids’ job—to listen. Why Respect Is the Real Safety Net: When a dog growls or snaps, it’s often the final step in a long line of gentle warnings we missed. The truth? Most dogs are saints. They put up with an awful lot before they say “enough.” But that doesn’t mean we should let them. Teaching children how to interact with dogs respectfully builds trust, prevents accidents, and sets the foundation for calm, lifelong companionship. Signs Your Dog is Not Okay Around Your Child: Here’s what to look for when your dog is sending distress signals:
Explain that just like we feel overwhelmed sometimes, dogs do too. And when they "talk" to us with their bodies, it’s our job to listen and give them space. How to Teach Kids to Respect Dogs: You don’t need to bubble-wrap your dog or tell your kids to be afraid. But you do need to create boundaries and model kindness. Try these:1. Teach the “Consent Petting” RuleShow kids how to call the dog over, then wait. If the dog comes and stays, pet gently. If they walk away? We respect that choice. 2. Practice Calm Behavior Together: Get down to your dog’s level and show your child how to move slowly, speak softly, and avoid sudden movements. Role-play it like a game! 3. Use Real-Time Narration: "Buddy’s turning his head away—that means he needs a break. Let’s give him space!" Kids catch on so fast when you use everyday moments to teach dog language. 4. Make it Empowering, Not Scary: Let kids know that learning dog language makes them a superhero in their dog’s eyes. You’re not just keeping the dog safe—you’re teaching emotional intelligence in action. Let’s Talk Responsibility, Not Blame: Dogs don’t bite out of nowhere. When a child is bitten, it’s not just the dog who failed—it’s the whole system. So instead of scolding the dog or feeling guilty as a parent, ask: What boundaries were missing? What signs did we miss? How can we do better next time? You are your dog’s advocate, and your child’s teacher. And when both species feel heard and respected—magic happens. Final Thoughts: Safety Builds Confidence, Not FearWhether you're raising your pup to become a therapy dog, or just want a peaceful, kid-friendly home, the key is teaching mutual respect. Dogs are emotional, intuitive creatures who crave clarity, consistency, and safety—just like our kids do. And trust me—as someone who's worked with dozens of successful families raising therapy-quality dogs--this work pays off. The best family dogs aren’t born perfect. They’re raised with awareness, structure… and a whole lot of love. |
Author.A Note from Heather "I am passionate about creating mental wellness for every client through responsible breeding and training practices. My goal is to provide clients with puppies that are not only a joy to have but also enhance their lives in meaningful ways. I am committed to ensuring that every dog I breed and train is a source of happiness and mental wellness for their owners." Archives
July 2025
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