The Fur and Feather Blog

Fur and Feather Works is hiring!

December 28, 2025 No Comments

Fur and Feather Works is hiring! ✨ This is an employee (W-2) position for in-home behavior work – all admin work will be handled by us!✨

We are seeking an experienced dog trainer to provide private, in-home training and behavior modification services for clients, primarily in the Sparks and Spanish Springs area.

This role is designed for a skilled professional who is confident handling complex behavior cases, enjoys coaching clients with empathy and clarity, and aligns with force-free, science-based training practices.

Position Type: Part-time employee (with opportunity for growth)

Primary Responsibilities

  • Conduct private, in-home behavior consultations and training sessions
  • Work with moderate to complex behavior concerns, including:
    • Reactivity (people and dogs)
    • Fear, anxiety, and stress-related behaviors
    • Aggression cases within scope (with referral protocols as needed)
    • Impulse control and arousal regulation
  • Sell appropriately sized and designed training packages
  • Develop and implement individualized behavior modification plans
  • Help clients set realistic behavior change goals, then coach them through with light text and email support between sessions
  • Maintain detailed session notes and provide clients with written “homework” reminders promptly after each session
  • Collaborate with the Fur & Feather Works team when cases require additional input or referral
  • Represent Fur & Feather Works professionally and compassionately in client homes

Required Qualifications

  • CPDT-KA certification or higher
  • Formal post-secondary education of some kind, in any field
  • Demonstrated professional experience working behavior modification cases
  • Strong foundation in learning theory, behavior science, and humane training practices
  • Commitment to a LIMA protocol
  • Excellent client communication and coaching skills
  • Ability to work independently while following established business protocols
  • Reliable transportation and willingness to travel to client homes
  • Comfort working with emotionally charged clients and sensitive cases

Strongly Preferred Qualifications

  • Professional certifications such as:
  • Experience collaborating with veterinarians or other pet professionals
  • Continuing education in aggression, fear, anxiety, or reactivity
  • Interest in long-term professional growth within a team setting
  • Proficiency in Google Calendar and Google Drive
  • Familiarity with specific behavior mod protocols such as BAT & Pattern Games

What We Offer

  • Employee position (W-2), not independent contractor
  • Competitive per-session pay, based on experience and credentials
  • Flexible scheduling within agreed availability
  • Administrative support, scheduling, insurance, and marketing provided
  • Access to established protocols, resources, and client materials
  • Ongoing professional development opportunities, including an annual stipend to be spent on continuing education
  • A collaborative, ethical and supportive team that prioritizes both dog welfare, owner support, and trainer sustainability

Who This Role Is Ideal For

  • A seasoned trainer who wants to do in-home behavior work without running their own business
  • A professional who values structure, support, and ethical standards
  • A trainer who works best as part of a supportive team, not in a lonely vacuum
  • Someone who wants to focus on clients and dogs—not marketing, billing, or admin

How to Apply

  • A brief introduction
  • Summary of professional experience with behavior cases
  • Certifications and continuing education

Safe in the Snow: Important Considerations for Winter Adventures with Dogs

December 11, 2025 No Comments

Snow days can make for a fun and enriching adventure for your dog, but it’s important to plan ahead for your dog’s comfort, health, and safety.

Just because your dog has a fur coat doesn’t mean he’s designed for prolonged exposure to cold temperatures, deep snow, or other variables that winter adventures might include.

Here are some things to keep in mind to keep snow day adventures enjoyable for all! 

Does your dog need a coat?

Thin-coated, small, senior, or very young dogs get cold quickly and may need extra protection or shorter outings. Watch for shivering, tucked tails, slowed movement, or paw lifting. These are all signs it may be time to head inside.

A well-fitted winter coat may extend the time your cold-sensitive dog can enjoy the outdoors on a winter day. Some of our favorites coats for cold weather come from brands like Hurtta and Pomppa Dogwear.

Thick-coated dogs, especially in their prime, can generally handle Reno’s winter weather without assistance, especially if the outing is active enough to keep them warm. It is always wise to stay attentive to your dog’s comfort, especially in conditions they aren’t well-acclimated to.

If your dog’s long coat accumulates icy snow balls that dampen their fun and make for a tedious removal project upon returning home, a body suit might be a big relief for both of you. Don’t laugh until you’ve tried it! 

Protecting Paws from Ice and Snow

Paw protection can be really valuable for dogs in winter weather! Ice or de-icers can irritate your dogs skin, and snow can pack between their toes. 

The first line of defense is to keep your dog’s paw hair trimmed short to prevent clumping snow from taking hold. Application of a paw balm like Musher’s Secret before and after walks can also go a long way to protect paws from winter-y conditions.

Boots can also be a good option to protect your pup’s paws from extreme cold or deep snow. Remember to introduce boots slowly and check them often. Even well-fitted boots can slip or begin to rub your dog’s skin.

Although the right boots for your dog will depend on their paw shape and size, and what activities you’re using them for, some of our favorites include Ultra Paws (great for hiking on rough terrain, too), and Pawz Waterproof Dog Boots (good for deep snow).

Be mindful of challenging or dangerous terrain.

Always keep in mind that walking, running, or frolicking through deep snow is a level of physical exertion your dog may not be prepared for. Just like humans, dogs can get sore from an atypical amount or type of physical activity.

A little soreness after a good day’s play is no crisis, but it’s important to remember that fatigued dogs are more prone to injuries. So it’s wise to keep snow-day adventures a bit shorter than you might otherwise plan to account for the added exertion.

When it comes to senior pets or ones with arthritis, you might want to talk to your vet about pain management after a big adventure. Ever taken an anti-inflammatory so you can sleep well after over-doing it? Your senior dog might appreciate the same kindness.

Also, be aware that snow can mean hidden dangers. Tree wells, for example, are as dangerous for dogs as they are for humans.

Do not let your dog near tree wells. If they fall in, do NOT go in after them, otherwise you’ll both be stuck and in serious trouble. Get help first, then help your dog.

Some Last Pro Tips From Our Trainers

  • We all know snowshoeing or cross-country skiing with an on-leash dog is impossible, so do your homework and train your off-leash control before your dog hurts someone or embarrasses you. Out of control dogs can be a serious tripping hazard to other trail users, and it’s EXTRA embarrassing when you’re unable to move fast enough to contain the chaos. Need help with reliable off-leash control? Enroll in Rocket Recall.
  • The trainers of Fur and Feather Works agree — excited dogs tend to eat more snow than you might realize, and they will soon have to pee… REALLY BADLY. You may have to stop part way home for a potty break. And if you’re going directly into your home after a snow day adventure, you might want to set a timer to remind you to take your dog out to pee after 30-or-so minutes inside.

 

With the right precautions and awareness, snowy adventures can be enriching, healthy, and enjoyable for you and your dog. 

So be prepared, stay tuned in to your dog’s experience, and enjoy yourselves out there!

Is Your Dog Ready for Halloween? How to Prepare Your Pup

October 1, 2025 No Comments

Halloween is one of the most exciting nights of the year — for humans, at least! For dogs, it can feel like a whirlwind of strange sights, loud noises, and nonstop activity. From the constant doorbell ringing to costumed visitors and tempting candy, the holiday can be overwhelming and even dangerous for our four-legged friends.

The good news? With a little preparation, you can help your dog handle the chaos with confidence. Here’s how to get your pup ready for the spookiest night of the year — so you both can enjoy a safe and stress-free Halloween.

Introduce costumes ahead of time.

Wearing costumes is fun for humans, but can be confusing or stressful to dogs. A dog who’s uncomfortable may freeze, paw or bite at the costume, try to hide, or even growl.

If you want to try a costume on your dog, introduce it gradually, letting your dog sniff it thoroughly first before you try to put it on. If they seem open-minded, put a piece of the costume on them for a brief time and pair it with plenty of treats and praise.

It might spoil the surprise for your neighbors, but the best way to acclimate your dog to a costume is to take them for a walk wearing it. The activity will help them forget, and you can observe whether the costume is comfortable for them, well-fitted, and secure.

If your dog isn’t a fan, try a festive collar or bandana instead. Comfort and safety come first!

Additionally, if your dog hasn’t seen humans wearing costumes before, be aware that this could alarm them! Have your family try on their costumes ahead of time and let your dog get used to the idea of the humans in their life dressing very strangely.

Tame the doorbell chaos.

To your dog, Halloween night can feel like an endless parade of strangers invading their space. The constant knocking and doorbell ringing, plus kids in strange costumes, can trigger anxiety, barking, or even door-dashing. If you dog’s behavior is iffy when strangers come to the door on a normal day, start preparing for trick or treaters NOW.

If you plan to have your dog loose in the house during trick or treating, start practicing calm behavior in response to the doorbell now. Pair the sound of the doorbell with kibble scattered on the ground once or twice a day. Or, teach your dog to go to their mat or a dog bed when the doorbell rings. If you’ve taken our Basic Manners class, you’ve learned this skill but don’t forget to freshen it up before the big day!

Using a baby gate or an exercise pen to keep your dog from getting to the door can also be a great strategy for allowing your dog to be present for the fun, but safe and out of trouble. Leave them with a high value and some favorite toys to play with when they get bored of watching the parade of visitors.

Keep candy and decorations out of reach.

Halloween candy may be a treat for kids, but it’s dangerous for dogs. Chocolate and xylitol (found in sugar-free gum and candies) are highly toxic. Even non-toxic sweets can cause upset stomachs or blockages if swallowed.

Here are some tips for keeping your dog safe around the influx of Halloween candy and sweet treats:

  • Store all candy in sealed containers well out of reach.
  • Remind your children and any guests never to share candy with your dog.
  • Watch out for dropped candy during or after trick-or-treating — especially during evening walks.
  • If you suspect your dog has eaten something dangerous, call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 right away.

Decorations can pose risks too. Wires from lights, glow sticks, and fake spider webs can be tempting to chew on or get tangled in, so put them where your dog can’t get to them.

Consider creating a calm, safe space for nervous dogs.

Some dogs will be happiest and safest if they can just be away from the action, and recognizing your dog’s needs is NOT a failure on your part. Exactly the opposite!

There is no shame in setting up a crate in a quiet room with a high-value chew and a white noise machine or calming music to muffle the noise of your visitors. For some dogs, this is the best choice you can make for everyone, including them!

Set yourself up for success by making sure your pup gets exercise ahead of time — a satisfying walk or some training and play will help your dog settle down for the evening.

And remember, you can choose this option even is it’s just easier for YOU. Want to relax and focus on your trick or treaters instead of guiding your dog’s behavior through the evening? We don’t think there’s anything wrong with that!

Happy Halloween!

We hope you can use these stategies to keep Halloween fun and low-stress for both you and your dog!

Want some help preparing for this holiday, or the others that will soon come? Contact us! We can point you in the direction of an appropriate class or set you up with private training.

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