Mattingly is the face and the inspiration behind Alpha Dog, and my second pit bull. He is the companion of my lifetime and his unswerving devotion and unconditional love has inspired me to change my life, my career, and the way I understand dogs as companions.
After the passing of my first pit bull, he got me out of my head and off the couch so that we could enjoy adventures together. He is a senior dog now, and rather than slow down with him, I adopted Taylor, my first “Velcro dog.”
Taylor is our first female dog, and also the first time I have had more than one dog. She is the most high energy dog I’ve ever worked with.
Taylor was there when we discovered “lure coursing” (that wasn’t really lure coursing), but it was immediately her favorite thing in the world. After waiting in line over ninety minutes to chase a lure in an obstacle course, we discovered she was just happy to chase.
During the pandemic, we found a local kennel that was offering “lure coursing” in an old horse corral on Sundays at their property. Taylor loved this even more than the previous activity, and we became regulars.
After subbing in for the owners a couple of times, they asked me to take over the “corral,” and Sunday Fun Runs were born.
Taylor is the “crash test dummy” for almost every course I set up. Her first love is chasing the lure, but she also loves to hike, run, jump, sprint, splash, and more, but NO swimming.
Without sufficient activity, dogs can experience pent-up energy, leading to anxiety, unwanted behaviors, and health issues like obesity and joint problems. Regular exercise improves both mental and physical health, reducing anxiety and fostering a happy, well-behaved pup.
Dogs are not designed to carry extra weight, and proper nutrition combined with regular exercise is key to maintaining a healthy weight. Our nutrition partners can plan out a diet that meets your dog’s nutritional and weight management needs.
Whenever possible, get your dog plenty of activity with other people and dogs! If your dog is reactive or shy, there are methods of teaching and training them to get along better with other dogs and people. Alpha Dog offers a variety of socialization opportunities for dogs and their humans.
A quality veterinary practitioner can not only mean the difference between life and death, but ensure your dog lives its healthiest life. Our partners can help with information, consultation, surgical intervention, pet RX and more.
Our belief in the Four Corners Of Care has provided our pack with financial, physical, social, and emotional benefits. All of my dogs have been a “4-legged gym membership” for me, and I'm returning the favor for all dogs. Mattingly changed my life, and your dog can change yours... if you provide them with the Four Corners of Care AND consider following the plan yourself.
If it worked for me and my dogs, and it will work for you and yours.