Daily Paw Prints

Structure isn’t restrictive—it’s supportive. In this post, I share how routines help me manage the weight of running a farm, training dogs, and making hard choices. When life gets overwhelming, structure is often the only thing keeping me grounded. It’s not always graceful, but it works. If you’ve ever felt like you’re holding it all together with a thread and a to-do list—this one’s for you.

What happens when we match our pace to our dogs instead of the other way around? In this blog, I share how wandering through woods, skiing through snow, or just being still with my dogs reminds me to slow down and be present. From ADHD-fueled bursts of energy to finding calm on the farm, my dogs keep me balanced, joyful, and always growing as a handler.

During lambing season, we’re reminded how strong maternal instincts shape behavior—and how structure supports survival. Whether it’s a ewe protecting her newborns or a human trying to raise a screaming puppy, the lesson is the same: structure matters. From quiet in the crate to calm around food, consistent boundaries make all the difference. This blog connects the dots between lambing, dog training, and the importance of clarity and calm in chaos.

Dogs thrive on structure. Humans carry history. Letting go of emotional baggage is the key to better training results.

A well-timed break can be the missing link in your dog’s training journey—especially with sheepdogs. Rest, reset, and return with purpose.

Honest feedback can help your dog grow. Seek guidance, trust the process, and focus on what your dog needs.

Emma’s journey started with basics before sheep. One day at a time, trust and recall came first.

Trying to prep ahead, chase consistency, and still write daily with three busy dogs and ADHD. Spoiler: I’m winging it—mostly.

Puppyhood is wild and wonderful. Here’s how I raise confident pups with structure, freedom, and help from my seasoned pack.

Addi shares how mentors shaped her dog training journey and why finding the right trainer makes all the difference.

Training alone is tough—Addi explains why mentorship, feedback, and honest nitpicking are essential in dog training.

Constructive feedback isn’t criticism—it’s guidance that helps us grow and support our dogs more clearly and effectively.

Classical vs. operant conditioning—know the difference and why fair, respectful feedback helps your dog stay eager to learn.

Build a strong recall and an even stronger bond—here’s how 5 intentional minutes a day can transform your training.

Building trust with your dog isn’t about perfection—it’s about consistency, fairness, and follow-through in the mundane and the wild.

At herding clinics, I learn from watching dogs and trainers work. Can I learn to adapt to every dog like the clinicians do?

Emma's herding skills are growing—she's learning to calmly fetch sheep from sheds, showing steady progress and a maturing mindset.

Early training choices matter. I shaped habits in Bella I didn’t mean to—and it’s taken years to undo what I unknowingly reinforced.

We think we know what matters to our dogs—but their ‘one thing’ might surprise us. The key is learning to listen and observe.

The real problem arises when your dog has to be crated—at the vet for medical procedures, during emergencies, or due to boarding restriction