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
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.
Abby, “Are you taking a picture of me again?!!
Summer time here in Massachusetts is great because there is low humidity, and we don’t get many hot days like in Maryland. But just so you know, I still miss Maryland. Anyway, Abby and I get up early in the morning for our first walk, around 6am, in order to make sure that my girl does not get overheated or burn her cute paws. The next walk is late in the evening and this is usually a short walk because there are some days when the ground is still hot.
Champagne, “I am posing and smiling. Treats and water please!
The time you choose to walk your dog is very important, but for those dogs that have dark coats like Champagne, pit bull in above picture, and Abby it could mean life or death. I love to walk with my dog, but I am always very mindful of the weather and temperature. Well, lace up your walking shoes and enjoy your walk with your canine companion.
Posted in Breeds, Dogs, Outings, senior dogs, Training, Walking
Tagged Beabull, canine companions, dog walker, Gengtle Leader, leashes, Pit bulls, Stoughton MA
Abby, “Hello”
Abby is one of the friendliest and most playful dogs I’ve met, but even like that I continue to expose her to different dogs – yes even pit bulls – in order to brush up on her doggie manners.
Abby, “Moms, I am making some new friends”
Regardless of the size, breed, age, etc., of your dog, socializing your dog should be an ongoing project for all pet parents. Before I forget, Happy Mother’s Day!
Posted in Breeds, dog trainer, Dogs, Outings, Walking
Tagged Anxiety, behavior modification, dog walking, Gentle Leader, Pit bulls, Stoughton MA
