We’ve lived in Stoughton, MA 2 1/2 years, and Summer time in MA is beautiful, but this year I really want the Summer to be over and done. Why? I am tired of 90 degrees days and high humidity.
Last Summer we went to Provincetown, or P town, and we enjoyed ourselves, but this Summer none of us, and yes that includes Abby, have wanted to go out. I know, I know. I am complaining, but I am sure a few of you pet parents, and canine companions agree with me. On a pleasant note, Summer is almost over!!
Posted in Breeds, Dog Equipment, dog trainer, Dogs, Outings, Walking
Tagged Anxiety, Beagle, behavior modification, Dog, dog training, exercise, Stoughton MA
Yes, I do believe that most, not all, dog owners are healthier people than those without dogs. I remember a couple of years ago when my Alex was injured and unable to walk with me, I went out by myself to walk, and I still remember how boring it was.
I never did it again. What was the solution? I started to offer dog walking as one of my services. Regardless of your dog’s breed, go out and take him for a walk. A dog will keep you active, and – this is the best part – he or she will surely enrich your life.
If you don’t believe me, ask any pet parent about it, and they will be glad to talk your ear off, and show you an amazing amount of pictures of their fur babies. For those without dogs, give it a try and foster a dog and see how much your life will change.
Posted in Breeds, dog trainer, Dogs, foster dogs, Walking
Tagged dog walker, french bulldogs, Halti, Labrador Retriever, leashes, Pit bulls, Stoughton MA
Alex, Bella, and Josie (L to R)
Regardless of the size or breed of dog I’ve taken care of, one thing I’ve realized they all love to do is nap. We, humans, sometimes feel guilty of taking a nap, yours truly is one of those, but as time goes by I am starting to feel less and less guilty.
Some dogs like Josie, the one by the sliding dogs, love to nap while getting a bit of sun, while others, like Bella, prefer a mix of a carpet and a cool floor. My point is, let’s learn from our canine companions and take a nap without any guilt!
Posted in ACL Injury, Breeds, Dogs, foster dogs, senior dogs
Tagged behavior modification, canine companions, dog bed, dogs, naps, Pit bulls, weimaraner
I’ve met countless of pet parents that are unable to walk their dogs regardless of the dog’s weight, age, breed, etc. My most popular behavior modification class is, Loose Leash Walking with Your Dog. Depending on the dog and handler, getting a dog to walk properly could take one session or a few sessions. Why? Because we will be working on changing a dog’s old bad behavior – pulling on leash – by modifying his behavior and doing so takes time, patience, consistency, and repetition.
Champagne, Abby, and Bentley (L to R)
The cuties in the above picture range from 31lbs., to 119lbs., and they’re all walking with me. If I can do it, so can you! Walking is a great exercise for you and your dog, therefore if you can’t walk your dog properly, find a professional that can help you with this.
Posted in Breeds, dog trainer, Dogs, Outings, senior dogs, Walking
Tagged behavior modification, dog walker, Gentle Leader, Halti, Labrador Retriever, leather leash, pit bull
Walking a dog in the afternoon when it’s hot and humid is certainly dangerous and I don’t recommend it, that is why when Summer comes to MA, I only walk dogs in the morning or evening. We all need our exercise, but you shouldn’t put yourself and your dog in harm’s way to do so.
Dogs like Abby and the beautiful pit bull in the above picture with dark coats tend to overheat faster and easier than dogs with light color hair. Go for a walk with your dog, but be mindful of the time of day, temperature outside, your dog’s age, breed, weight, etc., before heading outdoors. Enjoy your weekend!
Posted in Breeds, Dog Equipment, dog trainer, Dogs, Outings, Training, Walking
Tagged dog walker, heat exhaustion, Heat stroke, loose leash walking, Stoughton MA, water
One of the things I teach pet parents and I find very important during Behavior and Training Level I, is to not allow their dogs to bolt out the door, any door for that matter. Why? They could get injured, killed, lost, cause an accident, and/or harm another dog/animal or human.
Even though Abby knows her boundaries at home, I still work with her in different areas and environments in order for her to continue to learn and improve.
I tell pet parents that they should not set up their dogs to fail. What do I mean by that? It’s not fair to ask a dog that is not exercised mentally and physically to do this. We, pet parents, need to fulfill their needs in order to get a balanced and well behaved dog. Like I tell many of my pet parents, behavior modification is not for the faint of heart, but the rewards, if you and your dog walk hard, are amazing!
Posted in Breeds, Dog Equipment, Dogs, Outings, Training, Walking
Tagged behavior modification, Biking, dog training, dog walker, dog walking, running, Stoughton MA
During Summer, we, pet parents, need to be very careful when taking our dogs for a walk specially if they are Pugs, Boxers, Bulldogs, Akita, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Why, you probably ask yourself? Because they have short noses and flat faces. They are very cute, but they need more care and attention than dogs with long muzzles.
I took the above picture in the Back Bay, Boston a couple of months ago. When I saw this, I had a smile from ear to ear.
Abby is a mix of a Beagle and Bulldog, and when the weather starts to get warm even though she is young – 3 years old – she walks slower than any other time. This is a sign for me to slow down, walk early in the morning, carry water with me, and pay more attention to her. Enjoy your Summer.
