My vision and mission statement: to coach owners and dogs to live better together in harmony and balance
Dear Great dog owners,
Summer is upon us already. Weddings, graduations, picnics, vacations and more fill our calendars. Be sure you don't forget to train your dog during these busy days. And like I always tell you, incorporate it into everyday life. That makes it easy.
Time to talk about summertime dangers for your dog. I will go into them more in future newsletters. To name a few: bug bites and stings, overheating, burned paws on hot pavement, water dangers and more. And as you all well know-NEVER leave your dog in the car on a hot day. NEVER. Not for a minute. Temperatures heat up in a quick minute and you will lose your dog.
And for two of summer's worst: fireworks and thunderstorms. Make sure your dog is inside for either of these. Sometimes dogs are so fearful during these that they run off-and can't find their way home. Make sure your dog wears ID tags just in case. If nothing else, board your fearful of fireworks dog during the Fourth. That way he's in a safe place. Better safe than sorry.
For those who knew him, my little board and train puppy Jamaican is no longer with us. Sadly he was hit by a car and killed a couple weeks ago just short of his 7th month birthday. His owners called to tell me. The picture to the left looks just like him but isn't him as I had no pictures of him. If anyone happened to take a picture of him in class, if you could email it to me, I'd appreciate it. He was a great puppy and I am really going to miss him. 
Keep up your good work. I know you all are working with your dogs. I can tell it in class. And I can tell how your relationship with your dog is growing and growing. That's really important and what really matters in the end.
Now you see it, now you don't. If you don't know by now, my daughter totaled my SUV last week. So I'm searching again. Yes, she's okay. No, she won't be driving my vehicle again. Nuf said.
Always thinking of you and your dog,
Lydia McCarthyPlayful Pooches and Parents dog training513-939-dogs
P.S. No classes Saturday July 4th and Sunday July 5th. Just a reminder.
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How to get the most out of Training Classes
Getting your money's worth |
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Money is tight for everyone these days. You have to make every dollar count. So when it comes to training your dog, be sure to do these important things to make the most of your training dollar.
1. Take all handouts, read them and reread them. Keep them in a special place and have all family members read them.
2. Apply what you are learning to everyday life. Everyday. Don't slack. Dogs need and love consistancy. That's how they learn.
3. Listen in class and ask questions. You can ask them in class because probably someone else is thinking the same question too. I don't mind explaining something again or in a different way. I'm there for you and your dog.
5. Attend as often as you can. Weekly is best. I know stuff comes up. Life is just that way. But try to commit as often as you can. It will keep you and your dog on track and I am there to help with problems or questions. And the support of fellow dog training classmates who are learning just like you are.
6. If something isn't working for you and your dog, tell me because there are many solutions to training problems. If I don't have one, I'll find one for you. There are so many resources out there and many fellow trainers that can help us.
7. Try to stay positive and don't blame the dog. He can't read the training handouts and he can't train himself. He needs you to help him be successful. You are the key to his success!
8. Try to respect the dogs and owners around you by keeping conversation to a minimum when I'm teaching. When practicing or discussion time, talking and sharing is more than welcome. Sometimes the noise level makes it harder for some to hear me.
9. Give your dog something to do, a job during teaching times. Practice Watch Me, Leave It, Find It, Durations Stays, Puppy Pushups, anything to keep him focused. If you don't give him something to do, he doesn't know what he supposed to do during that time.
10. Don't let well meaning friends or family ruin all your good training. Don't allow jumping on anyone and no feeding from the table. You work hard to train your dog to be the best ever. Teach others to help in your endevor not ruin your good work. Tell well meaning friends and family what you are working on with your dog and how they can help. Everyone will be happier and better trained, even the humans. . |
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Staaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay! |
 The stay command is one of the best commands ever. Just like the come command, it can save your dog's life. And if the come command isn't working, stay works just as well in an emergency. Teaching stay is easy. Just remember the three parts-distance, duration and distraction.
Distance is how far can you move away from your dog. Build this up gradually. At first it might be a foot, then 2 feet then 10 feet. Don't be in a hurry to get further. Do many repetitions at short distance then gradually add more.
Duration is how long will your dog stay. Also build this up slowly. You want to build this up so your dog will stay while you answer the door, eat dinner, work on the computer.
Distractions is what is going on around your dog while he is staying. This includes noise, people, your back to him, you disappearing around the corner and many more. This is the last to work on because it is the hardest. Practice little stays while on your walks (don't drop the leash, of course). This way he can practice distractions and be safely on leash.
A couple hints for the stay command-at first walk all the way back to him to release him. This will build up more solid stays. Keep the hand up the whole time at first. It will give him something to focus on. Be sure to say stay as one syllable-not staaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay. It sounds like cooooooommmmmmeeeee. Tell him stay, don't ask him.
Follow these tips and you will have the best stay ever. |
 Finding Balance |
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My mission statement is to coach owners and dogs to live better together in harmony and balance. What does this mean for you? For me it means finding the right balance of leadership, love, exercise. The dog should not run our lives. Nor should we run theirs. They should have time to just be a dog-play, chase, roll in smelly stuff, swim, catch balls and just hang out. We want to have a calm, stressfree life as much as possible, especially our life at home. We want our dogs to have self-confidence yet have manners. This is all possible it just requires balance. In all things, balance is good.
When you look at training dogs, different things work for different dogs and owners. Some treat more, some praise more, some practice more, some play more. But all of it needs to be in balance for it to work. Find out what works for you and your dog. Keep in mind that just like us, dogs want to be calm and stressfree.
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Bring Those Puppies Back
Continuing Education for your pup |
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Your puppy just graduated from Puppy School! He got his AKC Star Puppy Award! It is so exciting-but not over yet. Your puppy needs to continue learning and being around other dogs and people. He has more skills to learn and so do you. And he will soon be going through ADOLESCENCE. If you haven't experienced it yet, you will. More training can help you and your pup get through the challenging teens. And earn his Canine Good Citizen Award from the AKC, too.
So bring them on back for more learning and fun. They can jump into the Level 3 group and keep on learning. You can purchase a 10 class package for $100 and as always if you pay in advance you get 10% off. Check out my website www.playfulpoochesandparents.com for dates and times in your area. Come join the fun! |
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Interview with a Doggie Day Care Director |
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Today's interview is with Nicole Allen, director of Camp Animal Ark, the doggie day care at Animal Ark Pet Resort.
What does your work consist of?
Monitoring a controlled and organized environment for a pack of friendly dogs to interact, play and learn
How did you prepare for this line of work?
Well, actually I've always had a love for animals and owned dogs since a child. Eight years ago I used to train dogs for individuals that were hearing impaired. Then I tried my hand working at a children's day care for a year or two. Then I came to Animal Ark four years ago and have been here ever since.
What is your most enjoyable aspect of this job?
Getting paid to play with dogs all day, getting the shy and fearful dogs to open up and enjoy their time here, client's dogs whining on the way to day care in excitement, watching puppies and dogs grow
What is the hardest part of your job?
Telling an owner their dog has been hurt (doesn't happen often but it does unfortunately), a death of one of my dogs or owners, evicting a dog
Do you look forward to work everyday and why?
Yes, yes and yes because I love what I do.
Nicole is respected and well loved by her employers, peers and clients-and their dogs. Nicole had much more to say about doggie day care but my space was limited. If you are interested in Camp Animal Ark at Animal Ark Pet Resort, give Nicole a call at 589-3313.
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| Please Patronize These Great Businesses |
Anderson Twp Family Pet Center and Chowder's Legacy Boutique
Vacation time is here. Be sure to book in advance to insure a space for your pup while you are gone. Spaces fill up quickly so call now. They also have Frontline for those pesky fleas and ticks so prevalate in this season. Check out Joellen's specialty shop within a store "Chowder's Legacy". You will find so many unique gift items not found any where else. Their friendly and professional staff is just waiting to help you. Stop by today and bring your dog. Oh, and they also sell doggie ice cream. Eat there or take home. Groomers are standing by for your dog's new summer do. Call them today for an appointment. Doggie Day Care is swimming every day. Stop in today to talk to their great staff about all your pets needs. Gift Certificates available. ***And a BIG Thanks to all the people behind the scenes that get the training room ready and set up my chairs. You are the greatest!
513-231-7387
6666 Clough Pike
Cincinnati, Ohio 45244
www.andersonpetcenter.com
Animal Ark Pet Resort
Get your reservations in now for the summer vacation season. Check out their website www.animalarkpet.com for a picture of their boarding kennels. So clean, airy, and full of lush plants and natural sunlight. Makes us want to vacation there too. They have a great group of kennel attendants for all your dogs needs. Doggie Day care for Tiny Paws and Big Paws. Free evaluations. Saturday fun and a built in pool for the Big dogs and a tiny pool for Tiny dogs . Sign up today. Toys and treats for your canine and feline. Wonderful, professional 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
There is a one year old Heeler mix still available at Animal House. She was adopted but returned. Then adopted and returned. Mike and Kathy are committed to the lives of the puppies they sell so they took her back. She had a rough beginning so she needs a little training and a lot of TLC. To help her get a better start at a new home, I will give the new owners a hour and a half behavior/training consultation for free ($65.00 value). She is up to date on shots and just needs a patient, gentle owner to adopt her. Come and visit with her today. 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
Have summer fun with your dog!
Email: playfulpooches@msn.com
Website: www.playfulpoochesandparents.com
Phone: 513-939-dogs
Cell: 513-503-9703
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| Dog Lover's Gold |
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As promised, here is some info on Dog Lover's Gold. At this time it is only available at the Anderson Twp Family Pet Center. Here are some key points you may want to consider:
-healthy food at a reasonable price
-no corn, wheat or soy (responsible for most allergy, skin and bowel disorders)
-good for all life stages, you just feed more or less for younger or older. In nature that's what they would do.
-lamb, chicken, fish and eggs for protein
-many top breeders use this early on
Check out their website at
Try a bag for your dog. As with any new food, be sure to introduce slowly over a weeks time to prevent tummy upset. |
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