Does your dog pester you for food when you're eating? Whether or not you actually give your dog "people food," the enticing aromas are likely to draw your dog over. You can solve this issue by rewarding your dog for doing an alternate, more polite behavior instead. Tell him to go to his bed and reward him frequently for sitting there. And yes, it's OK to reward him with small amounts of healthy "people food!" (Just check this list for foods that are toxic to dogs!)

 For more information

Cleaning Dogs Ears

You should check your dogs ears periodically while grooming. Dogs with droop ears are especially susceptible to fungus, waxy ears and ear mites.  Check them at least weekly. Infected dog ears can lead to further complications.  Your dog may cause an ear hematoma  by breaking a blood vessel while  shaking his head in response to  the discomfort.

Hello! I'm Dragon! I just moved to the Bay Area, and I'm exploring all that it has to offer for an adventurous pup like me. I'll be sharing info on a fun place to go with your dog every month.

Jack London Square

The historic Jack London Square in Oakland provides an opportunity for a leisurely stroll for the dog that likes to meet new people and other dogs. I really enjoyed looking out over the water and smelling the fresh sea breeze. There are a number of restaurants and quick eats with outdoor seating, so just ask if your well-mannered dog can enjoy lunch with you. (I bet no one would say no to my cute face!)

Log on to our Flicker site and see stacks of great pictures of dogs having fun at Metro Dog

Click Here for Our Flicker Site 

The new Stuff N' Throw-

An unbelievable toy!  Dogs love these because they have no rubber smell.  The ball has two treat pockets inside.  Stuff a soft treat in and throw. The treat stays in and your dog will chase after it.  Dogs lick inside the treat pocket.  When they are done getting the treat out of one pocket they can try for the other pocket and keep entertaining themselves for long lasting fun. The ball has an unpredictable bounce. USA Made, guaranteed, recyclable, dishwasher safe, FDA approved material and color doesn't fade!

Wigzi makes all of their toys from an advanced material that has no rubber smell.  They take it a step further and add a slight vanilla scent that is irresistible.  Wigzi has zero BPAs or Phthalates, uses FDA approved material and is also recyclable.  Every toy is hand built, hand packed and checked for quality along the way.  Finally, a dog toy that smells great and is 100% non toxic.  

• No Smelly Rubber Odor
• Interactive Toys With Treat Pockets
• 100% Guarantee
• Doggy Approved
• Non Toxic

More and more people are becoming aware of the importance of socializing their puppies - giving them careful, positive exposure to all kinds of people, animals, and environments so they will be comfortable as an adult. But what about socializing your adult dog? CAN you socialize him?

As puppies, dogs go through a stage of development called the "critical socialization period." This usually occurs between 3 and 16 weeks, and it's when the puppy learns what is normal in his world. Both good and bad experiences leave very strong impressions in the puppy's mind. Afterwards, new people, animals, and things in the environment will be met with more caution. Of course, individual temperaments play a huge role - some dogs take change in stride, while others become more set in their ways as adults and approach new situations with caution.

What implications does this have for your dog's social life? As a puppy, your dog was probably eager to run up to and play with any new dog he met. As he gets older, it is natural for your dog to be less interested in meeting new dogs. He may still want to investigate when he spies a strange dog and be interested in a cordial butt sniff. Or he may prefer to avoid letting unknown dogs come into his personal space. This is comparable to the temperaments of humans - some people love parties and hearing strangers' stories, while other prefer to keep to themselves on a bus and just hang out with their close friends.

The majority of adult dogs will play less as they age, and in particular lose interest in playing with unknown dogs. They are more comfortable playing (or just hanging out with) a few close doggy friends whose temperaments and play styles are well-matched to their own.

If you take your dog to the dog park regularly and are finding that she's starting to "posture" (get stiff, with tail and head held high and still) with dogs, or is getting into skirmishes, or snapping at dogs who get too close, it's time to reconsider her doggy social life. She would probably be more relaxed and playful during private play dates with her best friends rather than being forced to interact with large numbers of strange dogs.

You may be asking: What about dogs who were not socialized to other dogs as puppies? Should I be exposing my shy (not aggressive) dog to other dogs in hopes of helping him become more comfortable around them?

Given time and plenty of interactions with calm, friendly dogs with good social skills, she may learn to tolerate being around other dogs, and may make some friends. However, it is crucial to ask yourself: Does my dog want to be around other dogs, or do I want my dog to be around other dogs? Many adult dogs are happy just spending time with their beloved human family.

Note: If you have any questions or concerns about your dog's behavior around other dogs, we encourage you to seek the help of a professional trainer. The trainers at Metro Dog Academy would be happy to speak with you about the behaviors we're seeing while your dog is staying with us, or schedule a one-on-one consult with you.

 CLASSES & WORKSHOPS

Basic Training 

Basic Manners

6 week class $200

May 7th to June 18th    

Saturdays at 2:30PM 

For those who need to start at square one.  This class is appropriate for dogs of all ages.    

Puppy Primer

60 minute workshop $30

First Saturday of every month  

April 2nd at 11:30am 

Learn about Socialization, housebreaking, mouthing and everything else you will need to be successful with your pup.  

Continuing Education Workshops 

Leash Manners

60 Minute Workshop  $30

Second Saturday of Every Month  

March 12th at 11:30 

Work on the techniques and practice keeping your dog focused on leash walks. This workshop is the foundation for our upcoming Solano Strolling Series  

Reliable Recall

60 Minute Workshop $30    

Third Saturday of Every month  

March 19th at 11:30AM

Don't trust your dog offleash?  This workshop will teach you all you need to know about staying safe and motivating your dog.

Fun Workshops and Classes 

Silly Dog Tricks  

60 minute workshop S35 

March 13th at 12:30PM  

Repeats every second Sunday of every month 

There are always new tricks to learn!  All dogs love attention 

and treats!   

Flyball 

6 week class $200  

May 19th - June 23rd at 7:30pm 

Does your dog loves to run and jump? Flyball is a fast paced game that teaches great recall skills. Join two seasoned competitors to learn the fundamentals of flyball. At the end of six weeks, your dog will quickly go over 4 jumps, retrieve a ball from a spring-loaded box and race back to you. Please bring a short leash, your dog's favorite toy or treats and don't forget your running shoes! All breeds and mixes are welcome!

Intro to Rally O

6 week class $200    

Apr 3rd - May 15th at 5pm 

Learn the sport of Rally Obedience, which features a fun, ever-changing obstacle course of signs prompting you to use your obedience skills. This class will teach your dog to heel at your side, which has the benefit of making walks with your dog easier and more enjoyable, and will brush up your basic manners. 

Advanced Rally O

6 week class $200

TBA 

The next step in Rally O. Learn off-leash control, improved focus, and more precise, snazzier performance of the rally tricks. Take your obedience to the next level!

 

Intro to Agility

6 week class $200

 TBA 

Whether you are wanting to compete with your pup or looking to do something exciting and new, this class will teach you all you need to know about agility.

Intermediate Agility

6 week class $200

Apr 7th - May 12th at 7pm 

Polish off those newly learned agility skills in this class!  

Special Programs

Leash Monster

6 week class  $300

March 23rd - Apr 27th at 8pm 

This class is for dogs who are reactive on leash.  You will work with highly experienced trainers and learn how to handle and manage your leash reactive pup.