Classes starting Tuesday – Basic Manners and Puppy Kindergarten!

There are a couple spots left in our Puppy Kindergarten class, starting Tuesday at the Federal Valley Resource Center in Stewart! Visit the for more information, or .

‘What do you think of Cesar Millan?’

I get asked that question a lot.
The short explanation is that it’s a television show — entertaining to some, I’m sure, but not particularly useful to pet owners watching the show, and potentially dangerous to dogs and people alike.
The longer explanation is here, or here.
For you geeky behavior types, Eric Goebelbecker over at Dog Spelled [...]

Why Puppy Kindergarten is vital for your dog

Do you have a puppy between eight weeks and three months old? Then there’s not a minute to lose: enroll your new friend in Puppy Kindergarten!
The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior recently released a position statement recommending puppy socialization classes for puppies three months of age and younger. This recommendation is an exciting acknowledgment [...]

Is your dog ready for group classes?

Dogs must be safe and feel safe around people and other dogs before they are ready to learn obedience and basic manners.

Review the categories below to see which best describes your dog:
READY – Is safe with all people and dogs.
NEEDS IMPROVEMENT – Is safe with all people, but requires caution around other dogs (snarling, snapping, [...]

The 15-minute feeding schedule

What is the 15-minute feeding schedule?

It’s the simplest way to alter the way your dog interacts with you, with the least effort on your part.

Tip: What to look for in the parents of your puppy

photo credit: janiejonesmt
So you’re ready to get your next puppy, and have done your research in choosing a breeder. Or maybe you’re about to pluck a puppy from a out of a litter that arrived with its mother. Of course you will want to know as much about your new puppy’s upbringing as possible, [...]

Free puppy training download from Dr. Ian Dunbar

Dr. Ian Dunbar is giving away his book, “After You Get Your Puppy,” as a free download during the month of January!
If you are thinking about getting a puppy, or already have a puppy, be sure to download your copy today.

How old should my puppy be before I start training?

“How old does my puppy have to be before I can begin training?”
This is a question I am asked often. The puppy in this video is 10 weeks old; but you don’t even have to wait that long! “Training” starts the day you bring your new dog or puppy home to live with you — [...]

Finding the best name for your puppy

I had a terrible time naming my latest German Shepherd puppy. She came to me somewhat unexpectedly; all my previous puppies were named well in advance, or at least, I had several good ideas. But this time, only two weeks had elapsed between the time I talked to my breeder about her and the time [...]

Doggie Zen

“Doggie Zen” is an exercise I learned from clicker trainer Shirley Chong. This exercise is particularly effective in teaching your dog to focus on you amidst distraction.
Before you begin, remember…

A click is a promise that a treat is coming. Always offer your dog a reward after you click, even if you have made an error.
Reinforce [...]