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| Playful Pooches and Parents Dog Training
The Place for You and Your Dog to Succeed! |
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My Vision and Mission Statement:
To coach dogs and
their owners to better
live together in harmony
and balance.
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Dear Great Dog Owners,
Another month has passed us by. Are you and your dog getting out walking? I know I have been a bit busy lately so mine have not been walked enough. Let's try to make that commitment together to walk our dogs more. They need it so they can learn to walk nicely by your side. And we need the sunshine and fresh air. So let's turn off the TV, computer, cell phones and Ipods and enjoy spring and our dog's company. We'll get back to nature before the weather gets too hot and we really will not want to be out. Don't forget your poop bags. AND your treats for your great dog. (more on treats later)
On another note, please don't give up. Don't give up on training and don't give up on your dog. There are lots of options for training and behavior issues. AND some dogs take longer than others. Don't compare you and your dog to others in your class. I've had close to perfect dogs in class and clones of Marley and everything in between. Keep coming to class, keep practicing what you are learning all the time, everywhere you go. Relax and be patient.
My sincere thanks to all of you who attended classes in the front of the store recently. I know it is distracting, but in a way that can be good as life is full of distractions. It was kind of crowded and noisy but you and your dogs did great. Thanks for your patience during this crowded boarding time. We are back in our big room now and back to normal.
I got a new vehicle recently week so you will see a new Dog SUV driving around. I love it. It's roomy for all my dog training stuff (and as you know, I have LOTS of dog training stuff). And even room for my dogs.
In the next newsletter-Major Award, Come when Called, Jumping Jacks (and Jills).
Hope you had a wonderful Easter, and hope the tax fairy was good to you.
Always trying to bring harmony and balance to your and your dog,
Lydia
P.S. Important Note: Park and Learn Classes in Anderson Twp are cancelled for now due to low attendence. It may be restarted in the future months.
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| Grads and other Great dogs |
 What a great dog!
Oops, I forgot one. Aengus the Westie-graduated with high honors from Puppy Class. How could I forget that face? The picture to the right is Snowflake after her graduation party. Boy is she a party girl.
Other graduations include: Bella the weimariner and Kiko the Shiba Inu. Best buddies in class and in graduating and passing their AKC Star Puppy. They also had a great graduation party complete with an egg hunt. Jack the chocolate lab passed his AKC Star Puppy and graduated all in the same class. What a smartie! And we can't forget Olivia the Golden Retriever our other AKC Star Puppy. She did great!
Three more puppy grads: Izzie who is also an AKC Star Puppy, Max the golden-also an AKC Star Puppy and Shelby the golden doodle also an AKC Star Puppy. All did wonderful and had a great graduation. Good work great puppy owners!
Three more AKC Star Puppies: Hailee, Teddy and Biscuit. They just passed yesterday and are great puppies with great owners. Congrats! |
| The Scoop on the Poop |
 Housetraining for Great Dog Owners And Their Great Dogs I like to think of it as housetraining not housebreaking. They just need to be trained where you want them to go and do not want them to go. One big hint is NEVER leave them unattended. That's the biggest chance for a mistake. No one is there to stop them from going or even watch for "I gotta go" signs. Another hint is to take them out ALOT. After they eat, sleep, play, nap, train, wrestle, race around and just any ole time is a good time to take them out. Then there is a greater chance of them being in the right place at the right time to do what they have to do. Another hint is to take a treat out with you and reward right where and when they go. Also use a good cleaner to clean up mistakes-not one that contains ammonia or vinegar. They will draw them back to the same spot.
Here's some don'ts: Don't rub their nose in it. It makes no sense to me or the puppy. They just don't make the connection. Don't yell at them when they make a mistake. It just teaches them not to go in front of you. Big problems can come from that. Don't expect them to hold it longer than they can. Puppies can not hold it all day. Don't expect for your pup to be trained in a couple weeks. Think a couple months. Be patient and vigilant. It will pay off. I promise.
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| What in the world is your dog eating? |
 All dog foods are not created equal. If you read the front of most dog food bags, it almost sounds good enough for you to eat. The front of the bag means little. Read the ingredients closely. You want a food that lists a meat as it's main ingredent. Chicken byproducts do not count as meat as that really means chicken feet, beaks and feathers. I kid you not. Stay away from corn meal, artificial colors and flavors. Some dog foods come in ridiculiously bright colors. Artificial colors. That food coloring can affect your dog the same way food colorings affect kids-hyperactivity. And watch out for sugar in dog food. Several commerical dog foods out there are full of sugar. We all know what that means if they eat too much.
The same goes for treats. Read the ingredients. Some treats have a lot of sugar and food coloring. Okay once in a while but find something nutrious for everyday treats. The soft dog food in a roll is a great choice. Just remember to refrigerate after opening.
Do your homework. Talk to other pet owners, talk to pet store owners (not Petsmart employees-they're not bad but God love them they are mostly teenagers). The folks at Anderson Twp Family Pet Center are well educated about dog food. Check the internet. Don't just feed your dog some food because it sounds good or the commerical looked good. Your dog's health and behavior depends on good nutrition. Check it out.
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| Missy is missing a home |
 Missy needs your help Missy and her two little "sisters" lived in Michigan and just arrived in Cincinnati in February and she has been at Animal Ark Pet Resort because her elderly owner had to move in with her daughter. Missy is 12 years old, is up to date on all vaccinations and just had some dental work done so is ready to find a new forever home. She loves to go for walks, wants to be loved and her owner says she loves to sit on the couch and be petted. Everyone is her friend and she would do well with other dogs and/or children.Won't you take this lovable little girl into your heart and home. If anyone is interested, call Animal Ark Pet Resort at 513-825-7387. Ask for Jan or Vicki. Missy would be so grateful.
P.S. Her sisters already found a new home. Now just Missy is waiting.
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| Settle for Humans |
 Relax We teach a command in class called "Settle". Some people call it-relax, chill, calm, be still. Whatever you call it , it means be calm and controlled on cue. It must be a hard command for dogs, especially puppies. Can you do it? Can you be calm and controlled on cue? How about rush hour traffic backed up for miles? (That's my personal favorite) Puppy accident on living room carpet and company at the door? Locked your keys in the car? (another favorite of mine-ask the Anderson Twp Police) Fender Bender (I really hate those) or even a trip to the Dentist? Do we have a "Settle" cue that works for us? We should because stress can hurt us in lots of ways. And especially when we are working with our dogs. The pack leader should be calm and confident.
While training or walking your dog, if you feel stressed, stop and take a break. Either with your dog. Or give him a break and give him a nap. And relax. Things go better when you relax. When I find myself stressed, I try to take deep breaths in and out. Instead of "settle" my cue is "let it go". Find a settle cue for yourself. Use it whenever stress gets to you. You and your dog can settle together. |
| Just a Mutt |
 Every dog is special
If AKC events made you and your interesting mixed breed feel somewhat left out, good news.
The AKC is going to allow the mixed breeds access to competition events like pure breeds.
"The mixed breeds program will be implemented in three phases. As of October 1, 2009 owners can begin enrolling their pets and receive an AKC ID number. Then beginning April 1, 2010 enrolled dogs will be eligible to compete in mixed breed classes at stand-alone AKC Agility, Obedience and Rally events. Soon after they will have access to benefits such as discounted AKC Companion Animal Recovery Lost and Found service, a free AKC Canine Good CitizenŽ certificate for dogs passing the CGC test, a free initial veterinary visit, a trial offer of pet health insurance and discounted coupons for dog supplies. The third phase will offer a dedicated Web site where dog owners can interact via an online community with discussion forums and access dog care video downloads, advice from experts and the most up-to-date news on canine health and welfare. The site will be continually enhanced with new features and benefits in order to respond to the changing needs of pet owners." www.akc.org
This is exciting news as I see owners and dogs in my classes that would excel in many of these events. Now you can participate and have even more fun with the love of your life.
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| Upcoming Dates to Remember |
 Keep these dates in mindI will be closed the following dates:
Mother's Day
Sunday May 10
Memorial Day
Saturday May 23, Sunday May 24, Monday May 25
Dog Fest
Saturday June 13 (Remember to go to Dog Fest in West Chester June 13 and 14 11am-5pm)
My Vacation
Monday June 29 thru Sunday July 5 |
Please patronize these great businesses.
Anderson Twp Family Pet Center and Chowder's Legacy Boutique
Check out the best and biggest selection of treats, toys and dog beds anywhere. You have to see it to believe it. And bring your dog. He will love all the sights and sounds. And he might even get a treat from Aunt Joellen. Also ask about the new Tripe Treats. Dogs just love them. Then walk over and check out Chowder's Legacy Boutique. Joellen the owner takes great pride in her store within a store. New and novel gifts for everyone. Check out her car magnets-what a great and funny selection. Their groomers are waiting to spruce up your dog with a new spring do. And don't forget their Doggie Day Care. Fun everyday. Stop in today to talk to their great staff about all your pets needs. Gift Certificates available.
513-231-7387
6666 Clough Pike
Cincinnati, Ohio 45244
www.andersonpetcenter.com
Animal Ark Pet Resort
Doggie Day care for Tiny Paws and Big Paws. Free evaluations. Saturday fun for the Big dogs. Sign up today. New toys and treats for your canine and feline. Wonderful, professtional and friendly groomers available 7 days a week to pamper your pet. Gift Certificates available. Call today.
513-825-7387
2150 Struble Rd
Cincinnati, Ohio 45231
www.animalarkpet.com
Animal House
Puggles, puggles and more puggles last time I visited. So cute and they are very smart combining two smart breeds-beagle and pug. Come and visit soon. See Kathy or Mike today to get one of these great pups. They get new and different breeds of pups and kittens all the time. Stop in and check them out. And as a reminder-they do not get any puppies from puppy mills. Other places do. Knowledgeable staff can help with everything from purchase to care and more. Check out their fish and reptiles, too. They're really neat! Gift Certificates available.
513-931-6139
7869 Hamilton Av
Cincinnati, Oh 45231
www.animalhouseohio.com
Playful Pooches and Parents dog training
I'm about town in my new (to me) dog training SUV. Be sure to honk or wave if you see me.
Email: playfulpooches@msn.com
Website: www.playfulpoochesandparents.com
Phone: 513-939-dogs
Cell: 513-503-9703 | |
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