Stifel Financial Corp.’s Post

I know I have alluded to the upcoming conversation we are working on at LifeLine Service Dogs . This is gonna be uncomfortable for some , and we want to preface that we are, in absolutely in no way, directing this AT anyone . We are simply sharing sound evidence supporting a responsible and accountable awakening . I do not believe any reputable service dog organization is intentionally trying to mislead anyone. It takes a true passion for helping others to do what we do! That being said I do know that the multidisciplinary experience as both a service dog -breeding program developer AND a trainer are undeniably the most successful and solid of foundations for success as service dog providers. This is rare in many organizations. This is a much needed voice at the table . A recent government RFP went out for bid and in that RFP the wording is and I quote exactly : (what I have warned of , the government is now taking an interest) The Wounded Warrior Service Dog Act of 2013 (H.R. 2847)1 established a grant program to encourage the matching of disabled SM and service dogs. In 2015, the program was funded using a Defense Health Program appropriation.2 Since then, the program has been managed by USU and increased in budget, scope, and outreach. However, USU has identified several challenges in managing the program. Primarily, the service dog industry is unregulated. There are no required standards or outcome measures. The lack of shared guidelines makes it difficult to evaluate the quality of service dog programs because this quality was never defined. Moreover, a lack of guidelines place the safety of canines, SM, and the public at risk. To combat these challenges, USU has taken the experience that they have had so far and drafted the foundation of a benchmark for the WWSDP. This prototype (refer to Addendum 4 of this RPP for the Prototype Guidelines) is intended to serve as a starting point for the Awardees to integrate, test, evaluate. This action has urgency as the Defense Health Agency and the United States Department of Veterans Affairs increase funding for service dogs without shared knowledge, standards, or a formal benchmark. I GUARANTEE nobody’s posted THAT to share with you. In order to properly set the standards and benchmarks , leadership must come from those who understand the proven sucess of it through experience and the development of the dogs needed as well as the expertise of a proven trainer to best implement the work. LifeLine Service Dogs is that experience on each level for over 33 years. This will affect programs such as the Wounded Warrior Service Dog Program , The PAWS Act and the SAVES Act and the accountable sucess rates desperately needed for many SD organizations. Additionally, We have got to define, educate and provide solutions for enforcement and demand safer service dog environments (eliminating the untrained pets in public access areas , that do not follow service dog standards of behavior).

Why Dogs Don't Make Good Holiday Presents 🎁 As we approach the holiday season, we feel that this is an important safety share for those considering the idea of a dog as a gift. The thought of giving a dog or puppy as a holiday gift might seem like a great idea. After all, is there anything cuter than finding an adorable puppy under your Christmas tree? Here's why dogs don't make good holiday presents. ⏰ The holidays are a busy time of year for most people. Besides hosting or attending holiday gatherings, many people are travelling to visit friends and family or running holiday errands. One thing that most people don't have around the holidays is extra time to train and settle a new dog. Puppies in particular require a big time commitment. A new puppy needs near-constant attention and will need lots of help with potty training, too. They need to be trained in how to behave properly, but if the new pet owners are too busy to do this, it could set them up for problems later on. ❌ Busy holiday households are also full of risks for dogs that aren't accustomed to their surroundings. With lots of visitors coming and going, a new dog could be frightened and dart out the door into traffic. They could find themselves being stepped on in busy kitchens where owners aren't used to having a puppy. Shiny ornaments that look great for chewing could be dangerous for a puppy, as can holiday plants such as poinsettias. 🎁 If you have your heart set on giving a dog as a gift, why not give your recipient books on dog care, supplies such as a collar and leash, and a gift certificate for training sessions? This allows the recipient time to think if a dog is right for their lifestyle. We LOVE our furry family members, but we also understand the impact they have on our lives. They provide a ton of smiles and laughs, however they also require a lot of attention, care, and dedication. Make sure you have open communication and planning in place if and when you choose to add to your family 🐶

🐾 The Importance of Pet Socialization: A Consideration for Dog Parks 🐾 As pet owners and enthusiasts, we all understand that we enjoy watching our furry friends engage in social activities. However, when talking about dog parks and the popular notion of socialization, it's extremely important to approach this with perspective. 🚫 Why I Advocate Against Dog Parks for Socialization: Varying Temperaments: Dogs, like people, have unique personalities. Not all dogs thrive in the high-energy, unpredictable environment of a dog park. I know my dog used to not enjoy it. Some may become overwhelmed, anxious, or exhibit aggression, hindering the positive socialization experience we would like to have for them. Health and Safety Concerns: Dog parks can pose risks to our pets' health. From potential transmission of diseases which has recently become the topic of many new heated conversations, to the stress of navigating a large group, these environments may not be conducive to the well-being of every dog. Negative Experiences:Just one small negative encounter in a dog park can leave a lasting impact on a dog's social behavior. Instances of bullying, fights, or intimidation can result in behavioral issues, making future socialization more challenging. The utilization of a dog trainer may be better to help us understand why smaller dog parks may be better, or maybe we just need to go when there are only a few dogs there at one time. I know that i am overwhelmed when i see too many dog running around with owners not paying attention to possible triggers. Uncontrolled Environments: Despite our best efforts, we cannot control the behavior of every dog and owner in a public space. Lack of supervision, irresponsible owners, and untrained dogs can contribute to an unsafe atmosphere. ✨ Alternatives for Positive Socialization: Structured Playdates: Arrange playdates with known, well-matched canine friends in a controlled environment. Training Classes: Enroll your pet in positive reinforcement-based training classes. These environments offer controlled socialization and valuable training opportunities. Pet-Friendly Events: Attend pet-friendly events or activities where dogs can interact in a more controlled and supervised setting. 👥 Let's Engage in a positive conversation and share experiences. I believe in positive interactions for our pets, and I'm wanting to hear your thoughts. How do you approach socialization for your furry companions? Are there alternative methods you find effective? #PetSocialization #DogBehavior #ResponsiblePetOwnership #AnimalWelfare 😃

Many of you know from my past posts of my love for animals, having had so many different types since I was a child. For those who appreciate animals, pets 🐾🐕 🐈 play a crucial role in enhancing our well-being. They contribute to our health, nurturing qualities, and happiness, fostering responsibility, care, and joy. By boosting self-esteem and offering companionship, they cultivate essential skills that lead to improved productivity and a fulfilling life. What do you think? Annie —— Today, 62% of Americans own a pet; and of those pet owners, 97% of them consider their pet to be a part of their family. Pets have become a huge part of American culture and bring joy to many homes, but are there benefits of having a pet that contribute to our overall success? …READ More… #Pets #WellBeing #Success #Productivity #Happiness #DogLovers #cats #dogs Hon.

Pet Owner Responsibility: A Chilling Incident at Gardens by the Bay Sparks the Need for a Rethink! . In an unsettling incident at Singapore's iconic Gardens by the Bay, a four-year-old boy was bitten by a dog. The child, who was merely passing by during the Blizzard Time show, suddenly found himself under attack. . The dog's owner acknowledged the incident but shockingly declared she was not liable as it occurred in a public place. Adding to the distress, she left the scene before law enforcement arrived. The young victim, diagnosed with autism, was rushed to the hospital and is currently recuperating. . This incident sparked a crucial conversation about pet ownership and responsibility. Does owning a pet in a public setting absolve one of accountability when incidents occur? Is fleeing the scene an acceptable response? . The mother of the boy, understandably distraught, intends to seek compensation from the dog's owner. But this incident goes beyond just compensation. It's about public safety, accountability, and the need for stricter regulations around pet ownership. . Are current laws and regulations around pet ownership sufficient to ensure public safety? Should stricter pet rules exist in public places, exceptionally crowded areas, or events? And most importantly, should pet owners be held accountable for their pets' actions, regardless of where the incident occurs? . As we ponder these questions, let's remember that being a pet owner is not just about enjoying the companionship of our furry friends. It also entails being responsible for their actions and ensuring they do not threaten others around us. . _______________________ 😉 I am Jack ✅ I am a retired accredited tax advisor and a senior leader in Blair Singer Training Academy, authorized to teach Blair’s signature sales, team development, and personal development programs in Asia. Blair is the Former Rich Dad Advisor for Robert Kiyosaki, the author of Rich Dad Poor Dad. . Like this post and Want to see more? 🔔 Ring it on my Profile 👍 Follow #jackhmwong 🔝 Connect with me . #facilitation #publicspeaking #education

What makes a person a good dog professional? A dog professional works with dogs in any capacity. What makes a good one though? There is one definite, absolutely defining thing I believe makes an excellent dog professional It might not be what you think. Is it kindness? No - though of course we should all be kind. Is it positive reinforcement, no it’s not. But yes, undoubtedly, we should embrace force free living with dogs. Is it being great with a clicker, no, but that helps – and of course it looks great (if that’s your kind of thing – it’s not really mine) and helps dogs understand what we are saying (which is definitely my kind of thing) The one thing that makes us good dog professionals is open heartedness. Because it leads to connection. Connection and open-hearted living shine a light onto everything. It gives us a thirst for knowledge. Open hearted living allows us to be vulnerable. It shuts the protective part of our egos down. And lets us admit we don’t know enough, don’t listen enough, don’t love enough. Open hearted living allows us to stop, watch, learn and slow right down. And from that place we can see what our dogs are saying. And we tap into our age-old intuitive understanding. That body memory, ancient imprint of feeling our way through life, that has been replaced with apps, screens, weird disconnect and social longing.   The wonder of being human that’s buried under the chattery, defensive, worried mind. The compassion and empathy inside us. The stuff we can only see when we stop protecting ourselves for a moment, a minute, a day. So what makes a person a good dog professional? A commitment to be continually open-hearted, even when it’s really bloody hard. Enough awareness of our innate connection to know that when we hurt someone else, animal or human animal, with words, thought or deeds, we are also harming ourselves and those we love. But you don’t have to listen to me, in fact please don’t. Listen to that part in you that guides your way, stays your hand and speaks quietly behind your mind. That’s your connection, the bit that’s connected to me, and to everything. It will open your heart if you let it. And while it’s vulnerable, it’s also the way to being, having and doing life in the best way possible. If you want to be an amazing dog professional, and to know where to go next, and to know what to do next you can. Just open your heart a little bit. Try being vulnerable. See how it feels.

What makes a person a good dog professional? A dog professional works with dogs in any capacity. What makes a good one though? There is one definite, absolutely defining thing I believe makes an excellent dog professional It might not be what you think. Is it kindness? No - though of course we should all be kind. Is it positive reinforcement, no it’s not. But yes, undoubtedly, we should embrace force free living with dogs. Is it being great with a clicker, no, but that helps – and of course it looks great (if that’s your kind of thing – it’s not really mine) and helps dogs understand what we are saying (which is definitely my kind of thing) The one thing that makes us good dog professionals is open heartedness. Because it leads to connection. Connection and open-hearted living shine a light onto everything. It gives us a thirst for knowledge. Open hearted living allows us to be vulnerable. It shuts the protective part of our egos down. And lets us admit we don’t know enough, don’t listen enough, don’t love enough. Open hearted living allows us to stop, watch, learn and slow right down. And from that place we can see what our dogs are saying. And we tap into our age-old intuitive understanding. That body memory, ancient imprint of feeling our way through life, that has been replaced with apps, screens, weird disconnect and social longing.   The wonder of being human that’s buried under the chattery, defensive, worried mind. The compassion and empathy inside us. The stuff we can only see when we stop protecting ourselves for a moment, a minute, a day. So what makes a person a good dog professional? A commitment to be continually open-hearted, even when it’s really bloody hard. Enough awareness of our innate connection to know that when we hurt someone else, animal or human animal, with words, thought or deeds, we are also harming ourselves and those we love. But you don’t have to listen to me, in fact please don’t. Listen to that part in you that guides your way, stays your hand and speaks quietly behind your mind. That’s your connection, the bit that’s connected to me, and to everything. It will open your heart if you let it. And while it’s vulnerable, it’s also the way to being, having and doing life in the best way possible. If you want to be an amazing dog professional, and to know where to go next, and to know what to do next you can. Just open your heart a little bit. Try being vulnerable. See how it feels.

The holidays are here and can be hectic. Adding a dose of dog training to your busy schedule may seem daunting but dogs who are fearful of strangers or especially sensitive to change can often use some extra-special help during the holiday season. This educational and informative article from Great Pet Care (A Covetrus Solution) provides tips on how to help a stressed dog handle the holiday havoc. Holiday Tips: How to Help a Stressed Dog During the Holidays - Great Pet Living (greatpetcare.com)

Rescuing a dog from a shelter and adding a rescue dog to your family can be a transformative experience for several reasons: 1. **Saving a Life:** By adopting a rescue dog, you are giving a second chance to a dog in need. Knowing that you've saved a life can bring immense fulfillment and purpose. 2. **Unconditional Love:** Dogs are known for their loyalty and affection. The bond that forms between you and your rescue dog is incredibly strong and can provide a profound sense of companionship and love. 3. **Health Benefits:** Having a dog can improve your physical and mental health. Daily walks and playtime can promote exercise and reduce stress, while the emotional support they offer can boost your overall well-being. 4. **Sense of Responsibility:** Caring for a dog requires commitment and responsibility. This can instill discipline and routine in your life, teaching you valuable life skills. 5. **Social Connection:** Owning a dog often leads to increased social interactions. You'll meet fellow dog owners during walks and at dog parks, fostering new friendships. 6. **Teaching Empathy:** Caring for a rescue dog can teach empathy and compassion, as you learn about their past and work to provide them with a better future. 7. **Sense of Accomplishment:** Training and helping a rescue dog adapt to their new home can be challenging, but the sense of accomplishment when you see them thrive is incredibly rewarding. 8. **Strengthening Family Bonds:** A rescue dog can bring your family together as you all participate in their care and share the joys of their presence. 9. **Increased Happiness:** The companionship and love of a dog can lead to increased happiness and reduced feelings of loneliness. 10. **A Lifelong Friend:** A rescue dog can become a lifelong friend, offering support and comfort through life's ups and downs. In summary, adopting a rescue dog is not just about changing their life; it's also about changing your own. It can bring joy, purpose, and a deeper connection to the world around you. Laguna Beach Local Residents! Rescue a Dog from the Laguna Beach Animal Shelter, and recieve, not one but two private dog training lessons at your home in Laguna Beach, a $400 value! Ryan Keller (USN Veteran) Positive Reinforcement Dog Trainer Serving Laguna Beach and OC since 2008 949 412 1010 cell [email protected]