Rhode Island Dog Training services by The Small Dog Coach. We evaluate every small dog using the Family Dog Mediator® framework, we use science-backed, positive methods, and we complement our teaching by employing calming practices you can use every day.
Summer, we hardly knew you 💕
#ridogtrainer #dogtrainingri #smalldoglife #smalldogcoach
Nothing is EVER calm around here!
🌟 Scouty’s Journey with a Luxating Patella 🌟
Our sweet little redhead Havanese, Scouty, is taking some time off her paws after being diagnosed with a grade 3 luxating patella. For those unfamiliar, a luxating patella occurs when the kneecap slips out of place, and it’s a condition that’s quite common in small breeds like Havanese, Yorkies, Pomeranians, and Chihuahuas.
Luxating patellas are graded from 1 to 4:
1️⃣ Grade 1: The kneecap can be slipped out but goes back in place on its own.
2️⃣ Grade 2: The kneecap dislocates and needs manual adjustment to pop back in
3️⃣ Grade 3: The kneecap is out of place most of the time but can be manually adjusted.
4️⃣ Grade 4: The kneecap is permanently dislocated and can’t be manually adjusted.
In many cases, luxating patellas can be managed without surgery, especially in the earlier grades, with treatments like rest, anti-inflammatory medication, and physical therapy. However, since Scouty is already at grade 3, we’re keeping all options on the table, including surgery if needed. We’re also exploring alternative therapies, like a promising plasma injection therapy discussed last year in the Journal of Veterinary Science.
And yes, she’s in a stroller right now to rest her leg, and we did get a few amused stares on our walk today, but no shame here! Strollers aren’t just for pampering—they’re practical, especially when our pups need some extra care. We all needed to get out and enjoy life, and Scouty came back in much better spirits, which is what matters most.
We will be doing a surgical consult in the coming weeks, as luxating patellas can leave our pups prone to additional injuries and arthritis down the road.
If you’ve got any experience here, please share! This is a very new journey for us.
#SmallDogLife #LuxatingPatella #DogStroller #smalldogcoach #HavaneseLove #AlternativeTherapies #ridogtrainer
Someone is feeling a little punky today. Nothing major, but clearly a bit of a tummy ache. The only thing that makes her feel better is laying ON either her dad or me.
We are happy to oblige. Hope everyone else is having a wonderful Saturday!
#sickpup #redhavanese #ridogtrainer #smalldoglife #smalldogcoach
🐾 Phoebe and Scout, our loyal little Havanese, wait vigilantly for their dad to return with our picnic lunch. 🧺✨
I love how he always finds ways to include both Phoebe and Scout in our dates. They’re always most content when the entire family is together as one pod. 💖
Regular outings are so important for keeping our pups accustomed to polite public behavior. When we’re out, we practice sit/down/stay, loose-leash walking, and keeping calm around new dogs. These activities help ensure that Phoebe and Scout remain well-behaved and happy in any situation. 🐾😊
Phoebe and Scout are rocking our favorite @voyager_harness and their gorgeous @madebycleo collars. We love how stylish and comfortable they are! 🐶❤️
#Havanese #401dogs #ridogtrainer #ridogtraining #smallDogLife #VoyagerHarness #MadeByCleo
Thirty-eight years with this incredible man. Your unwavering love, support, laughter, and steadfast strength built a beautiful family for us. Happy anniversary, baby.
