Keep Pack Fit Alive

The world is in crisis right now, and no one is immune to its impact. While we're all in a state of hardship, there are tons of silver linings: the
waters are clearing, the earth is breathing, the air is cleaning up, and people are reconnecting to themselves and each other. Healing is 
taking place all around us on a deep level; and, for this, I'm incredibly thankful. We've entered a forced state of awakening and resetting, and
it was much needed.

I, Kimberly Artley, started this campaign because my beloved mission-turned-service I started back in early 2014 is in grave trouble. Pack Fit. 

Pack Fit was born as the result of a personal experience I had with my first solo responsibility dog, Lobo . Once a well-rounded, well-adjusted, balanced dog, all of a sudden became aggressive, overly-protective, and high risk to have in social and public spaces. I hired several different 
trainers and spent thousands of dollars I did not have to try to "fix" his behaviors (and what I didn't realize at the time was his "behaviors"
were "responses"). Only, his behaviors ("responses") were not improving.  In fact, they were only worsening. The training approaches
("obedience" and "positive" training) were only speaking to one aspect of him (mental), as I would later realize. He finally ended up biting
someone pretty significantly which ultimately led to him losing his life. This was soul-crushing to me, as I loved him deeply, and I made every
effort to help him. At this point, I made a vow to learn everything I could about dog training, psychology, and behavior so no human... and no
dog... had to experience this again. There were several ingredients that were contributing to Lobo's behaviors (responses) that each of these
trainers missed. Critical ingredients that were beyond their scope of awareness and didn't get spoken to. Learning what these ingredients
were/ are and equipping people with what they need to know so they can prevent ill behaviors from taking shape (and even troubleshoot
should signs of concerning behaviors start appearing) so everyone can live an amazing quality of life together has been my mission from the
very beginning; and something I'm so proud to say have been quite successful with. 

We educate clients in the different aspects of the dog (training the *whole* dog), and the development of each. We teach them about 
physiologically/biologically/species-appropriate nutrition (real food vs. food-like product). Dog psychology. Instinctual, Individual, and 
Breed-Specific Needs. The varying ingredients that influence, impact, and contribute to "behavior". We also incorporate our background of
life and human coaching, as empowering the human end of the leash (our dog's primary source of information) is also a critical ingredient
when it comes to behavior ("dog training" is, after all, "inadvertent life coaching"). We speak incessantly about the importance of "
relationship", another essential when it comes to our dogs, training, and behavior. We teach about the different categories we've identified
of behavior, "classroom" and "real world/functional" behavior, and how to shape/ develop in accordance with this for a well-rounded,
well-adjusted, balanced dog who understands how to navigate the world. We also help people to understand their dogs as the individuals they are: highly sensitive? Shy? Timid? More introverted?Easily overwhelmed? More self-certain? Stronger energy (mentally)? Higher energy
(physically)? And so on; and how to *effectively* communicate... there's a massive language barrier that exists between humans and dogs,
which causes a lot of 'information break-downs'. Humans are oftentimes sending a lot of mixed signals and messaging to their dogs... their
verbal cues are saying one thing, while their vocal inflection/pitch/tone is saying another, their energy and how they're feeling is saying
another, how they're holding the leash is saying another, body language and posture is saying- yet- another... so, there's a lot of 
miscommunication and misaligned messaging going on, leaving many dogs in a constant state of confusion (which they often get judged for). We can't teach without understanding how to communicate clearly and in a manner the receiving party understands.

Our goal is to help people deepen their understanding of their dogs, so they can build and experience the type of beautiful relationship with 
them that truly is unparalleled by any other. 

When we have a deeper understanding of our dogs, we can better show up and advocate for them. They'll feel safer, more secure, and far
more comfortable looking to us, and following our guidance and lead. There is a huge difference between having a "well trained" dog and a 
"well behaved" dog... and we can have both. 

If we've helped you with all we've shared over the last 6 years... if you or someone you know needs help with a dog... or wants to deepen understanding or find inspiration... we have ways to speak to all of this. Please help me continue to have the privilege of being able to help others. This is absolutely my life's work. 

Thank you so much for reading, for your compassion and desire to help others in need (otherwise you wouldn't be here on this site), and
wishing you and yours health, connection, comfort, and safe-keeping.


With Love, 


Kimberly Artley
Founder/ Pack Fit
www.packfit.net

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