Mild, Hot, and Spicy Dogs at Blaine Kennels

Mild, Hot, and Spicy Dogs at Blaine Kennels

Location: 10193 Flanders St. NE, Blaine, MN 55449

Who let the dogs out? Mother Nature, finally! 

With warmer weather slowly settling in, our Apple Watches, FitBits, and Oura rings are buzzing with activity as we prepare our gardens for spring and summer and walk our beloved best friends, our dogs. 

Murphy and Millie are my two four-legged babies, and they couldn’t be more different from each other. Millie is my mild, low-rider weighing 55 lbs, and wants to kiss every passerby. She waddles when she walks and snorts like a pig, but there is no denying that she is sweet. Next to her stands my 85 lb spicy boy Murphy, complete with a big personality and even bigger energy. 

At Blaine Kennels, they affectionately refer to dogs like Murphy as “Spicy Dogs,” a more compassionate term for what many call “reactive”. Just like humans can say they are “cranky” today, dogs can also have a bad day. Emily Hanson, General Manager at Blaine Kennels, emphasizes that owners need to lead with grace and remember that it is rare to see a dog intentionally wanting to harm a person. She encourages owners to lead confidently, as dogs can sense our nervousness. That’s why Blaine Kennels trains owners with their dogs so everyone can learn and build trust together.

It’s true, we can change, and so can our dogs. With the beautiful weather moving us outdoors, Emily and her team shared some helpful tips for walking your dog, especially if yours is a little on the spicy side. Here are a few of their insights, along with some lessons I’ve learned: 

1. Lead with confidence and mind your business. Stay focused on your walk and do not give in to other dogs that may be barking at you and your dog. Consider purchasing Halt to deter off-leash dogs that may approach or to stop a fight. 
2. Leash up!  Minnesota state law requires dogs to be on a leash in public areas. It’s for everyone’s safety.
3. Embarrassing moments happen, but they will pass. I promise we’ve all been there.
4. Muzzles are okay and can be sexy too!  Encourage passersby not to pet your dog while muzzled.

   

5. Consider one dog at a time if you have more than one dog. Give your spicy dog all the attention they need so you can continue learning how to walk together peacefully. Additionally, walking two dogs simultaneously makes it harder for you to react during an emergency, putting yourself and your dogs at risk.

   

6. Most importantly, wear your sunscreen, stay hydrated, and have fun!

If you are looking for support, I highly recommend Blaine Kennels. They are a clean, quiet, full-service boarding, training, and daycare facility eager to handle all behavioral challenges. Dogs rest in private kennels to reduce stress, and the pups are fed locally made food like Nutrisource and Raw Bistro. 

Blaine Kennels was founded by a pet parent who simply wanted to love and understand their dog better, and that spirit shines through in everything they do, including being a rescue. 

Before I left Blaine Kennels, I asked Emily if I could hug her, and she replied, “Yes, of course!” Murphy is growing more confident because of them, and with that confidence, I can take him to the following places safely: 

1. Bad Weather Brewing Company and other large breweries. Bad Weather Brewery provides enough space for you and your dog to have a private corner inside or outside the building. It also helps to bring your dog’s best friend. 
2. Walking along Summit Avenue is not just scenic, but its large sidewalks make it easy to maneuver around other dog walkers. If you’re up for a challenge, access Summity Avenue by walking up the Ramsey Street hill near the Grand Avenue ramp onto 35E. Embrace the burn!
3. The Mississippi River trail is excellent for long walks with Murphy. I like to enter the trail by the Little Brazil Market and Cafe and walk up to the Science Museum stairs. 
4. Join a structured Blaine Kennels Pack Walk and get your dog back to walking with their pack.