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My Vision and Mission Statement: to coach owners and dogs to live better together in harmony and balance. |
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 Dear great dog trainers,
Hope this finds everyone well and starting the summer off great. I took three days off for Memorial Day: Saturday, Sunday and Monday. I did yardwork, washed my dogs and got some rest. Hope you got to do what you love and spent some quality time with your family and dogs. Remember to keep up your good training. Don't take a day off training. Your dogs don't take a day off learning They are learning every waking moment. What are we teaching them?
Dog Fest is coming up. It's at the Voice of America Park in West Chester off Tylersville Rd on June 12 and 13 from 11am to 5pm. Bring the family and the family dog. You will have lots of fun. Check out the website for all the details (there is a fee per car but it is all for a good cause). www.dog-fest.org. Don't miss this fun event!
Just a reminder (another one of my pet peeves): DO NOT HIT YOUR DOG! I wrote an article about this not too long ago but it bears repeating as I have seen this going on in class recently. It does not escape my watchful eye because I am SO against it. Do not hit them in the face, snout, rump or anywhere else. It can damage your relationship with your dog, ruin your training, set your dog up to bite someone (maybe you or worse a child) and it just isn't training. It's your stress and frustration coming out. If this is you, take a break, take a step back. Relook at your consistency and timing. Make sure your dog is getting rewarded enough. It doesn't always have to be treats but more than a "gooood boooyyy!" all the time. You're a team and it takes teamwork. See me if you need help in this area. Nuf' said.
Future holiday closings: Fourth ofJuly 3, 4 and 5 and Labor Day Sept 4, 5 and 6.
Special thought, prayers and positive energy sent to Annie, the St Bernard Therapy Dog who is fighting cancer. Keep up the good fight, we love you, Annie.
Adventure Trails class is postponed till we get enough owners and dogs signed up. Possibly the end of summer. Therapy Dog in Training is going well at the Animal Ark. I'd love to get a class started in Anderson. Let me know if you are interested. Your dog has to have his Canine Good Citizen first. It is a great class to help you and your dog to prepare to enter the world of Therapy Dogs.
Coaching you and your dog to a better tomorrow,
Lydia |
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Congrats! | | |
I am so proud of all my students.
Here are some recent congrats:
Canine Good Citizens and Grads:
Sayde, Velvet, Lotus, Hailey, Murphy
Star Puppy Award and Grads:
Stella (german shepherd), Bella, Daisy, Bear, Blaze, Lucy and Barkley
Star Puppy and Soon to be Grads:
Tyson, (good dog) Carl, Bodhe, Stella (the red dobie)
Therapy Dog in Training Trial Class Grads:
Harry, Flynn, Happy
Newly Certified Therapy Dog:
Harry
Big Congrats to all my great training teams! |
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Let 'em Pull | | |
Your dog loves to pull so let him.
 Of course don't let him pull you down the street on walks! Another one of my "pet" peeves is dogs pulling their owners down the street. But think about this for a minute-your dog loves to pull-why not teach him to pull on command? You have to do it properly with a body harness for your dog to utilize his strength. You need a waist harness for you so he can pull your whole body not just your arm out of it's socket.
Then you need a command-"Hike!" or "Mush". You also need a stop command-"Whoa" or "Halt!.(this is very important)You can also teach him turns-"Right" and "Left" or "gee" and "haw"(like the mushers in the Iditarod). It can be real fun for you and your dog. Imagine hiking and coming to a big hill, your dog can pull you up hill.
You can also have your dog pull sleds, scooters, wagons, roller blades or bikes. Here is a website to check out: www.urbanmushing.com Just be safe and don't overdo it.
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Chew ideas | |
Chewing is a lost art.
 Dogs chew for many reasons. I guess mostly because they love to. It also benefits them in many ways. First it releases endorphins that relax them. Who doesn't want a relaxed dog? Next, it whitens their teeth or for puppies, it helps baby teeth to fall out and big teeth to come in. It also keeps them busy. Who doesn't love that? All dogs need work to do.
Not all chews are created equal. Not all dogs chew the same. Find out what lasts for your dog. Find out what your dog loves. I'm not a fan of rawhide. It is not digestible and pieces can get stuck anywhere along the digestive tract. But there are different kinds of rawhide bones and the pressed or crushed are not as bad.
Bully sticks, real bones (not from your kitchen), nylabones and pig skin rolls are all good choices. Some owners give their dogs raw bones from the butcher. Femur or knuckle bones are good from the butcher and you can even freeze them for a great chew. Not all dogs' digestive systems can take raw bones so be careful. Give your dog something to chew. It will help you and your dog to be happy campers this summer. |
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 The Scoop on the Poop | |
The job nobody wants
With the hot weather coming, it is more important than ever to keep the doggie doo picked up. It doesn't matter if you don't think it smells, if your neighbor thinks it does, you can be in trouble. I personally pick up every day. Of course I have more dogs than most of you. But still , kids play in your yard, neighbors walk in your yard, meter readers come through. It just makes sense.
If you don't like the job, there are businesses out there that for a small fee would be glad to do the job for you. Check the phone book or Pet Pages. It's what they do is pick up poo. (Maybe I should be an ad writer!)
Just a reminder because if your neighbor doesn't like the dog poo smell, they can report you to the Dept of Health. You can be ticketed, or be called to court. Since I have multiple dogs several if which are older and can't make it far, I sanitize the deck every couple days. If you want to do this be sure not to use bleach as it interacts with dog urine emitting toxic fumes. See, you learned something new today. |
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Please patronize these fine businesses.
Anderson Twp Family Pet Center and Chowder's Legacy Boutique
Make your summer boarding reservations now. Spots fill up quickly. Stop in to check out all the summer fun toys and accessories. Also if you'd like to sign up for a newsletter from the Family Pet Center, send them an email at familypetcenter@live.com It's new and fun. You will love it. Get your dog's summer do here and book him a spa day with their groomers. They do a great job. Your dog will love the cooler look. 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
Animal Ark Pet Resort
Make your summer boarding reservations now. Don't wait till the last minute. Join Animal Ark Pet Resort on Facebook. All kinds of news, discounts, pics and more. The pool's open in the Big Dog Day Care at Camp Animal Ark complete with a big beach umbrella for those dogs that prefer the shade. Lots of fun days ahead. They have great groomers available for all your grooming needs 7 days a week. Small Dog Play time Tuesdays or Thursdays 12pm to 6pm only $10.00. Free evaluation. Just call 589-3313 and set it up. Sign up today. It's filling up so hurry and get in on the fun. It is a great time for play, socialization and just a great day out with friends. Big dogs or big dogs at heart have their doggie day care at Camp Animal Ark 6 days a week. Give Nicole a call at 513-589-3313 to join. Evaluation day is free. Don't wait till the last minute. They will take wonderful care of your dog. Gift certificates available. (Baby Shower for Nicole coming up Sunday June 27th 4pm. Call to RSVP)
513-825-7387
2150 Struble Rd
Cincinnati, Ohio 45231
Animal House
Stop in and take a look at Jack. He's a one year old Jack Russell full of spunk and life. He might just be the dog for you if you love excitement and joy. Quite a few puppies there so be sure to check them all out.Talk to Kathy, Mike or Nikki today. Puppies of all kinds. Stop in and see all the pups. Lots of kittens also up for adoption. 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
Ali's Paw Prints
Here is a great idea for your favorite canine or feline, a unique custom portrait of your pet. You will be pleasantly surprised by Ali's Paw Prints! Based off of an original photo of your pet, a vector style custom portrait printed on a stretched canvas with a custom creative background is created. Ali's Paw Prints make great gifts as well as an awesome piece of art for your home. Check out Ali's Paw Prints today! Gift Certificates available.
10% Discount for all of Playful Pooches and Parents past and current students. When placing order mention discount code: playful pooches.
Ali Toerner
Enjoy Summer to the fullest with your dog!
Gift certificates available.
Email: playfulpooches@msn.com
Phone: 513-939-dogs 6666 Clough Pike
Cincinnati, Ohio 45244
513-939-dogs |
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Thank you for your business and your many referrals. I appreciate you. Have a great and safe summer. Lydia
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