Feeling a wash of relief to be steering Fluxpack back to its original mission: the care & training of local pet dogs and wholesale support of the community. At a time when the country is feeling deep unrest, Fluxpack remains a refuge in which we focus on simpler things to salve the soul, thereby giving strength to the foundations that keep us standing. These dogs do so much for us, I am forever grateful that I am in a position to care for them and keep them safe as we plunge forward into an uncertain future.

Fluxpack's goal at its core is community support, and seeing the communities across the country show up and show out only reaffirms we must be unwavering in our belief in the humanity that surrounds us. Focusing on dogs does little good without supporting the other end of the leash, so we must continue to deepen our understanding of the most up to date training guidance for both dogs and people.

Continuing Education is a core principle here at Fluxpack, and having recently returned from Robin MacFarlane's Train the Trainer Ecademy course, I am feeling energized and ready to tackle the ongoing training and support needed across the spectrum of canine and human learners. Having a focus on off leash activities requires that we are using a thoughtful and humane approach to ensure that all our dogs have the freedom to explore while carrying the understanding of hours and hours of conditioning and preparation before that leash comes off. 

Super proud of Winsloe and his efforts at the seminar! His family welcomed the support and ate up the information I shared, executing beautifully right out the gate thanks to Robin's concise messaging and exercises to get this family off on the right foot. So excited to see where this new path leads!

At Fluxpack, we want to give your dog the world... literally! Bring your goals and desires and a healthy respect for the companion at your side, and lets get going! 

When you start training your dog you have lots of options for training tools and approaches. While my approach rests on the pillars of relationship and reinforcement, the results take time and consistency to achieve, as well as lots of buy-in from owners. The Long Road is one of luring, treats, shaping, building relationship and choosing what to reward. This method typically depends on ignoring problems and undesirable behaviors. The shorter road requires different tools and communicates corrections through a stronger message with the prong collar. 

While both roads have their ups and downs, finding a trainer to help guide you through these interesting questions without forcing their beliefs upon you becomes tricky. As a correction trainer, turned positive reinforcement trainer turned balanced trainer, I have grappled extensively with these questions. Some dogs and their owners do just fine on the Long Road and are willing to put in the hours to build a vocabulary with their dog over time. Other owners need help now and require a lifeline of a set commands taught quickly and effectively to return sanity to an overwhelmed or otherwise busy household. The Prong Road becomes the logical answer, starting with an intensive board and train program.  

None of these decisions can be made without knowing the owner's goals for their relationship with their dog. Based on your guidance and your dog's personality, we will navigate your next steps together to develop a game plan to teach your dog the skills they need to blend seamlessly into your home and life. Having used the full slate of available training tools, I can help you untangle your prong and untie your check chain. We can re-situate and properly fit a martingale or harness together so that you know you are on the right track. Need someone to text with a quick question? I am here happily responding to several texts a day regarding socialization, management, training, food, exercise, dog sports, and anything else my clients and friends can think up! Want to get started? Let's talk!

It has taken me a long time to get to this point, but I believe I have processed enough to take a new step forward. Thanks to town approval, our commercial kennel license is on its way and I could not be more thrilled to check that box. With it comes some new questions as March 18th approaches in MA. With my children at home, closing daily training care services was a must to ensure everyone’s protection. I have continued some services through the closure, but am not rushing headlong into the new world as of yet. These closures have caused me to reevaluate my goals and the direction in which Fluxpack is heading. 

At this time of uncertainty, I want to focus on what I do best, which is in home overnight care here at Fluxpack and training support in client homes. Until my children return to school, services will be limited to boarding and home visits for training and walking. I will also be available to meet for training in open outdoor spaces, weather permitting. As we strive to provide a high level of care and training, these changes will keep us focused as we move through the summer. We will reevaluate adding daycare services in the Fall and offer some limited availability to current clients with emergency cases requiring more hands on support. 

As an alternative to daily training care, Fluxpack will now offer a new service: Adventure Outings! This service includes pick up and drop off at your home with two full hours of exercise and adventure at their favorite outdoor spot or training here on property. You may also customize your dog’s adventure to include training in obedience, agility, tricks or whatever you think your dog will enjoy! We hope this offering will help dogs get out of the house during this uncertain time. As we build a relationship with you and your dog, the possibilities only grow, so we look forward to working with you! Stay tuned for more updates as we move forward.