Answers to Monthly Questions
January 3, 2012
January 2012 Question of the Month
I just got a new dog and want to use treats to help train him but I don’t know how to. Any tips?
Treats are a great motivator for your pup and should be used throughout training! A high quality, tasty treat works best.
Read More…
Posted in Training Tips
December 4, 2011
December 2011 Question of the Month
I always worry about my dog during the hectic holidays. How can I make sure she enjoys December as much as I do? Are there any special things I should consider?
There are many things you can do to make sure Fido has a festive and happy holiday season.
Posted in Training Tips
October 5, 2011
October 2011 Question of the Month
With the blackout, the 10th anniversary of 9/11, and San Diego entering fire season, what things should I do to make sure my pet will be safe during an emergency or natural disaster?
Great question! So many people don’t even think about having an emergency evacuation plan for their pup until it’s too late. Below are things you can do NOW so you are ready when (not if) the next emergency situation happens. Read More…
Posted in Training Tips
September 12, 2011
September 2011 Question of the Month
My end of summer commitment is to start exercising again and I’d like my dog to join me-we both could use it! I’m worried about how to start his exercise program so he doesn’t get hurt.
Active dogs are happy dogs but it’s our job to make sure our four legged exercise companions stay healthy and injury free as they start to get in shape. Read More…
Posted in Training Tips
August 2, 2011
August 2011 Question of the Month
We just adopted our first dog. My husband and I grew up with cats so we have no idea how to train our pup. Help!
Congrats on your new pup! Below are the top 3 tips to make your training more effective since HOW you train is more important than how long you spend training. Read More…
Posted in Training Tips
July 21, 2011
July 2011 Question of the Month
Our dog seems scared of new things. Is there anything we can do to help him be more brave?
It is normal for dogs to be scared of new things but how you deal with the fear will make the difference between a well adjusted dog and a dog who is scared of his own shadow. Follow these 5 tips to help your dog bravely face the big world outside the front door. Read More…
Posted in Training Tips
June 1, 2011
June 2011 Question of the Month
With summer here we loved to take our dog out in public with us more. Do you have any tips on how to make sure this is a good experience for our pup and us?
It’s great to be able to take Fido to the local dog friendly restaurant or store. But to make sure the public and staff at these establishments love and enjoy your dog as much as you do, just follow a few simple rules. Read More…
Posted in Training Tips
May 1, 2011
May 2011 Question of the Month
How do I know if my dog likes going to the dog park or the local dog friendly restaurant with me?
Becoming fluent in “dog talk” is the most important thing you can do for your pup because it will prevent a life time full of misunderstandings. Often times, your pup is trying to tell you that he is STRESSED OUT! Because most owners don’t understand what he is saying, they fail to help the pup feel comfortable or address his fear. Read More…
Posted in Training Tips
April 1, 2011
April 2011 Question of the Month
We just got a new puppy and our vet was talking to us about Resource Guarding. What is it and how do we prevent it?
Resource guarding is a serious behavior where a dog will growl or bite to protect something they see as valuable. Most pups aren’t born with Resource Guarding but over time they learn that if they have something they want to keep (like their favorite bone or your shoe!) they better run and when cornered, hang on tight because you are about to take away their prized possession! As a result, many dogs learn that having people around their things is bad instead of good. Read More…
Posted in Training Tips
March 1, 2011
March 2011 Question of the Month
My dog and I walk in an area where we often run into loose dogs. It is so scary because I never know if they are friendly. What should I do?
I get this question a lot from my clients. Coming across a loose dog you can be a nerve racking experience. If you do find yourself in this scary situation: Read More…
Posted in Training Tips
February 1, 2011
February 2011 Question of the Month
Dog parks can be a great way to socialize and exercise your dog but it can also be extremely dangerous since dog fights are common. To help minimize your risk and increase the enjoyment of the neighborhood dog park, follow the steps below.
Most important!! Make sure your dog likes the dog park! Some dogs, like some people, would prefer to relax in their neighborhood instead of going to a crowded restaurant (or in your pup’s situation, a dog park) with a bunch of strangers! Read More…
Posted in Training Tips
January 1, 2011
January 2011 Question of the Month
We just adopted a new dog and she seems to be scared in new situations. What can I do to show here there is nothing to be afraid of?
Some dogs are nervous or frightened in new situations-some people are too! But how you handle this fear can make the difference between a well adjusted dog and a dog that is afraid of her own shadow. To help your dog with her fears do the following: Read More…
Posted in Training Tips
December 1, 2010
December 2010 Question of the Month
Bringing home the new family member is an exciting day. By following a few simple guidelines you can makes sure your new pup’s first days in your house are happy and stress free.
Mind your Manners. If there is another dog in the house, start to practice his obedience commands a few weeks before your new pooch comes home. The new dog will likely look to your dog for guidance on what is acceptable behavior and what is not. Read More…
Posted in Training Tips
November 1, 2010
November 2010 Question of the Month
We live in a high rise apartment building downtown. Our newly adopted dog is marking in our apartment and in the hallway as we take him to the elevator. How do we stop this? He is ruining our couch and our neighbors are getting mad!
Preventing your dog from lifting his leg and peeing in the wrong spot can be especially difficult when you live in an apartment or condo. But there are several things you can do to make sure you and your pup adjust to urban living with minimal stress and accidents. Read More…
Posted in Training Tips
October 1, 2010
October 2010 Question of the Month
I just adopted a new puppy. How much exercise do they need and what are some good activities?
Play is an important part of the puppy’s life. Not only does it give him an outlet for his puppy energy but it is increases your bond with him and since you are the one creating the proper games and setting the rules. Remember a tired puppy is a GOOD puppy. Read More…
Posted in Training Tips
September 1, 2010
September 2010 Question of the Month
How should I choose a dog trainer?
7 Easy Tips For Choosing a Dog Trainer
Picking a dog trainer can be just as important as picking a dog since this new expert will help you learn how to communicate, teach and fix any problem behaviors you may be having with your pooch. Read More…
Posted in Training Tips
August 1, 2010
August 2010 Question of the Month
We just adopted a new dog who is a little overweight. How do we help to get him in shape?
Congratulations on your new dog and I am so proud of you for wanting to help him get drop those extra pounds since keeping your dog in shape is just as important to his health as keeping fit is important to yours! Overweight dogs are prone to health problems, joint deterioration, and shortened life span. To help prevent Fido from a growing waist line keep a few things in mind. Read More…
Posted in Training Tips
July 1, 2010
July 2010 Question of the Month
My wife and I just found out we are expecting our first child! We are so excited but how do we help to prepare our dog, Chase, for the new arrival?
Bringing home a new baby will turn life upside down for everyone, including your pup. Its best to start preparing your dog early for what life is going to be like with the new family addition. Read More…
Posted in Training Tips
June 1, 2010
June 2010 Question of the Month
My family and I are thinking about adopting a dog, but we don’t even know how to get started. What things should we consider as we look for our new family member?
Are you ready?
Most people are so excited to get a dog that they never stop to think about the true responsibilities of pet ownership. Are you ready to clean up diarrhea off of your favorite rug at 3am? Or take your dog out to toilet in the pouring rain? Are you ready to have your house take on that unique odor that only a dog lover could enjoy? Or have dog hair on your favorite outfit? If you can say yes to these questions, then read on! Read More…
Posted in Training Tips
