A few days of nice weather and it makes you want spring even more. Countdown to March 21. I'm very excited about the progress that all of you are making. I know sometimes it seems slow and sometimes even going backwards. Stick with it because you and your dog will get better and better. It takes time, patience and consistancy. Keep coming to classes and keep working. YOU will be the best dog owner ever with the best dog ever. I know it. I see it every day and that's what keeps me doing what I do. Helping dogs and their owners succeed!

 

Update: Kati and Todd Arthur had their baby boy Nathan. Kati and Todd have Jasmine in my Adults class in Anderson. Congratulations to all!

 

Lydia

(That's me and one of my best dogs ever.) 

 

P.S. On a sad note, one of the dogs from my classes a while back passed away suddenly this week. Dede's dog Peanut died. Our hearts go out to Dede and her family. Peanut will really be missed.

P.S.S On another very sad note, Sadie from my Saturday puppies class in Anderson passed away suddenly yesterday. Our hearts go out to Rebecca. She was so young, so cute and just passed her AKC Star Puppy a few weeks ago. I take it very hard when any of my client's dogs pass but especially a puppy.

 

 

We have lots of AKC STAR puppy awards this time: Tessa, Bre, Harry and Lillie all passed the test. They're the best. Tessa graduated last week from puppy school and Bre, Harry and Lillie graduate this week. And we also have RJ, Bear who passed their AKC STAR puppy graduated too. Great job! Great training!And not to forget Max and Toby my Yorkie brother pups. As smart as they are cute. Congrats.Sadie also passed her AKC STAR puppy and isn't far from graduating. She's super.

We also had several Adult dogs graduate: Sampson who is also a Canine Good Citizen. He set the standard for his sister Shelby who is starting puppy classes. And doing quite well. We also graduated Buster. He is by far most improved. He also got Canine Good Citizen as well as an array of fabulous tricks. He is a former STAF dog and has come a long way. Congrats Buster and mom!

 

 

Dog Parks are good for a number of reasons. A lot of people have small to no yards. Dogs need to get out and run and be a dog. Most dog parks are huge so even the biggest runners get all the exercise they need. Dogs like to be with other dogs. They play doggie games that we can't even come close to. And they get to meet different people which helps with socialization. Best of all they wear themselves out. And like I say-a tired dog is a good dog.

 

Here's the bad part-your dog can pick up bad habits there. Like not coming when he's called. Like barking and jumping up on people. Here's where you have to be vigilant. Train, train and train some more. Watch where your dog is at all times. If he jumps on people before you can do something, apologize and bring him back, make him sit for petting. Caution people not to pet him when he's jumping or they will undo all your good training. Call your dog every 5-10 minutes. Grab his collar and praise, praise, praise. Then tell him-go play. This way you can insure he will come when it's time to go home. If he doesn't come, go and get him, practice some training commands (sit, down, etc) then tell him-go play. He will learn he gets to play more if he just comes right away instead of having you go get him.

 

Here's the ugly part-I've seen dogs and people get hurt at dog parks. It doesn't happen every day but you should know it happens. Some dogs should not be there. Some owners should not be there. And sometimes it's just an accident. Like my one client that got her knee damaged because a couple bigs dogs ran into her while they were playing. It's also possible that your dog can pick up a disease while there like worms, kennel cough (yes even if they've been vaccinated), virus and others. Some people don't pick up after their dogs. And some have no control over their dogs. Some dogs (and owners) have had no or bad training. So just beware.

 

Do I recommend them? Yes, with caution. Make sure your dog is behaving at all times and pick up after your dog. Know where he is at all times. If your dog misbehaves, take him aside for a time out. If he's having a bad day, leave the park. But don't yell. Just calmly and quietly lead him out and to the car. Sometimes dogs just get overstimulated and misbehave. It doesn't mean they're a bad dog.  

 

Here's a tip to start off on the right paw: Have your dog walk calmly up to the gate, sit, wait for you to go first and then let him go in. It will take practice and many start overs but he will take calm energy in not bad, nervous energy. It will also indicate to him and the other dogs that you are a pack leader. And you and your great dog will look so impressive. People will say" Look at that great dog and great dog owner." That'll be you and your dog.    

 

 

Sadly, we lost another one of our dogs this past Sunday. Barney was old, older than old.When we adopted him, the rescue told us he was 10 years old. I had just lost an old beagle so I thought it would be no problem taking care of another one and we would enjoy him a couple years more. Little did I know he would live 7 and 1/2 more years. He was supposedly an old farm stray so maybe that's why he was so hardy. He never had many health problems to speak of and just kept on going till the end. You could tell he was slowing down but we called him the EverReady Beagle because he just kept going and going and going. He just kept going on over the Rainbow Bridge Sunday. He was a good, old dog. I taught him how to sit and down at 10 years old. It took him longer but he got it. You can teach an old dog new tricks.  

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