Do you play with your puppy often enough? Your puppy probably says that there’s never enough play. In our busy schedules, is it hard to find time to play with your puppy? Do you only play one or two games with him? The last time you played, was it gentle play or running or too […]
Introducing Puppy to His New “Pack”
Here are some suggestions for giving your puppy much needed opportunities to grow during the socialization period that ends around 14-16 weeks: 1. Gently handle your puppy daily 2. Help puppy safely meet lots of different people & animals, situations, and go to different places. 3. Encourage your puppy to explore, investigate, and manipulate her […]
The #1 Puppy Safety Concern Is…
From everything you’ve heard, what’s more important…1. To keep your puppy isolated until fully vaccinated? OR 2. SAFELY socialize your puppy BEFORE they turn 16 weeks? Your Answer Please!!!! _____________________ To socialize or not to socialize, that is the question. (To borrow a line from the Bard!) All levity aside, you want to keep your adorable, new puppy safe from […]
Is Your Dog a University Candidate?
Have you ever wondered what your dog is thinking? Is she as smart as you think she is? Do you think she could go to college? Well, that might be an option! Universities around the world are asking the question — how do dogs view the world? Through their noses of course! Speaking of “seeing” […]
Real Life Rewards Replace Dog Treats
Treats are GREAT! Yet one of the goals of puppy and dog training is to eventually wean off of treats and move towards Real Life Rewards. But how do you reward behaviors without treats? Give your dog a reason to sit, or wait, or stay. How do we do that? The way we do that is […]
What to Do Before You Walk – Best Dog Walks EVER — Part 2
What do you gotta do BEFORE you walk your dog? You put on your shoes, leash up, and head out the door, right? In Part 1 of this Best Dog Walks EVER series, I mentioned, among other things, the need for a good harness, mentally preparing for what you might encounter on your walk, and having plenty […]
Dog Enrichment Activities to Save Your Sanity & Your Furniture
A day in the life of a dog in the wild is filled with challenging activities like hunting and foraging food. They are never bored! Our pets, on the other hand, are cooped up in the house because of wildfire smoke and are at the mercy of our busy lifestyles. So it’s good to consider […]
Preparing Puppy for the Best Dog Walks EVER – Part 1
Going for a walk with your dog should be as simple as putting on the leash, heading out the door and easy breezy taking a joyful walk in harmony, together. Right? Or… are you being pulled down the sidewalk with your shoulder getting dislocated, being pulled from tree to tree, yelling at Fido to stop […]
What’s your Dog’s Vocabulary?
He can’t learn much he’s just a dog! Or… he’s too old to learn! Have you heard anyone say that? Has that thought ever crossed your mind? I mean really, how much can you expect from your four-legged friend? Accccctuallly, their capacity for learning is endless. If your dog has learned her own name, then how […]
5 Things You Gotta Do when You Bring Home A New Dog
When you fall in love with a new fluff ball at the shelter or at the breeder’s, you can’t wait to bring home your new dog. However, love at first sight doesn’t mean smooth sailing! There’s going to be a transition period where your dog needs time and patience to get to know you and […]