I know, it’s a bit early to be complaining about the cold weather since we’re still in the fall season, but that is not going to stop me from doing it anyway. I’ve realized that even Abby and Charlie tend to want to sleep longer once it starts getting cold.
What changes or activities do you do different with your dog once Summer is gone? I am trying to get some ideas so let me know. Stay safe and enjoy your weekend!
Posted in Annapolis, MD, Breeds, Crofton, MD, Dog Equipment, dog trainer, Dogs, Outings, Training, Walking
Tagged canine companions, Dog beds, Pit bulls, Winter blankets for dogs
Let me start by saying that most of the time I feel cold. I see people wearing shorts and t-shirts during fall season and I am in awe of them because I’m already cold during this time.
Charlie, our GSD mix, was wearing a backpack, but no sweater, the same goes for Abby and Remy. The day was beautiful so there was no need for that. By the way, when it starts to get warm, Abby hates to walk with a backpack so I do not subject such a beautiful creature to such cruel and unusual punishment, but it took me a little bit of time to realize that. Sorry Abby!
I am a big advocate for walks regardless of the season, but please make sure that you and your dogs bundle up when the weather starts getting cold. Also, walk in different areas to make it interesting for you, and your doggies. Take care!
Posted in Annapolis, MD, Breeds, Crofton, MD, dog trainer, Dogs, Outings, Training, Walking
Tagged Beagle, dog walking, Maryland, Pit bulls
I had to put, “Fall Season” as to not confuse people with the movie Fall. By the way, the movie is great! Watch it when you get a chance.
According to what I found out, Fall starts September 22, but I am already feeling the change in weather and I am loving it! Here in Maryland during Fall you could walk anytime of the day without sweating your butt off. Yeah! As you can clearly see, this may be my favorite season. I am known to change my mind though.
Pet parents, continue with walks, hikes, outings, etc. Go out and enjoy yourselves. Stay safe.
Posted in Annapolis, MD, Crofton, MD, Dog Equipment, dog trainer, Dogs, Outings, Walking
Tagged canines, dog behavior modification, dog sweater, leather leash, pit bull mixes, Pit bulls, retractable leash
To say that I love to walk with my dogs would be an understatement, but when it’s hot I need to be aware and mindful of the following:
Summer is a great time to walk with your dog, but just be careful and mindful of the above tips. What time do you walk your dog when it’s hot? Enjoy your week!
Years ago, when I took my very first dog training class with an excellent dog trainer, Janet Bennet, there was a lady with a small dog and during class she had conversations with her dog rather than plainly telling him, “Sit.” To say that I smiled about this exchange between the two of them would be an understatement, but I know now that that is the worst thing you could do with your dog.
Yes, you should use words to teach your dog commands, but dogs don’t need a story of why you want him to do something. To be effective at communicating with your dog, use your body language, tone of voice, intention, and energy. And if you have a fearful, sensitive, excitable, or shy dog, the least you talk to him, the better for both of you because you will not be frustrated and he will learn at his own pace. So, let’s leave our talking for the trainer you are communicating with about your canine companion and start communicating properly with your dog. Stay safe!
Posted in Annapolis, MD, Breeds, Dog Equipment, dog trainer, Dogs, Outings, Training
Tagged Beagle, dog backpack, dog breeds, GSD, Pit bulls, Small Dogs, Young dogs
Anxiety in dogs is something that pet parents have a hard time dealing with or recognizing for that matter. These are some of the signs a dog will exhibit when anxious: pacing, drooling, barking, destroying things, nipping, etc. I always recommend for pet parents to have a vet do a physical exam to rule out any medical condition their dog may be experiencing, and once they get a clean bill of health we could start addressing the anxiety in their dogs.
Charlie, a GSD mix, had a lot of anxiety when we got him from the SPCA in Annapolis, MD. By the way, most dogs from shelters are very anxious, it’s rare to find one that is not. Our Charlie went from screaming murder at the top of his lungs any time: we left the room; we exited the car; we went to a new place, etc. How is he doing now? Way better and still working with him, but understand this, your dog’s anxiety will disappear with time if you are consistent with the following:
The above is just a few of the things you could do to start dealing with your dog’s anxiety. Charlie is super smart, he is a GSD mix after all, but I am still working with him and I have seen amazing results. Don’t despair, be consistent and your dog will one day bring you joy rather than stress. Enjoy your week!
Posted in Annapolis, MD, Breeds, Crofton, MD, dog trainer, Dogs, Outings, Training, Walking
Tagged anxious dogs, behavior modification, Dog beds, dog walking, GSD, pit bull
Abby turns 7 years old today. Could you believe how time goes by so fast? We are so happy to have her in our lives and so this is what we’ve planned for her: Yummy brunch, she had some fried rice and eggs this morning; napping in front of the fireplace which she seems to enjoy very much; and dinner, later on, chicken, rice, veggies, and for dessert-wait for it- a small cake that she’ll have to share with Charlie.
I am usually really bad about birthdays. I end up posting and celebrating well after the actual birthday took place, so this year I decided to change things and do it the day of the birthday itself.
Is Abby going to get any presents? Yes, we’ll be going to do some shopping for her next week. As you could see I am far from perfect, so if you forget your doggie’s birthday don’t feel bad just make up for it later on. Happy birthday my beautiful Abby!
Posted in Annapolis, MD, Crofton, MD, dog trainer, Dogs, foster dogs, Outings
Tagged Dog and peace of mind, dog birthday, Dogs and love, Maryland, puppies, senior dogs
Since Abby and Charlie were driving us up the wall-totally my fault of course-this is what their day looks like:
The above are just a few of the things you need to do in order for your dog to be balanced, and for you to keep your sanity and minimize at all cost your hair turning gray. There are studies that state that stress causes our hair to turn gray so for the sake of vanity if nothing else, follow the above list. Stay safe!
To say that Abby and Charlie were given lots of food, treats, naps, and freedom since November of last year would be an understatement. Let me start from the beginning. Once November came around, my body went into holiday mode so the kids, Abby and Charlie, for the most part did what they wanted. And after 3 months of that, we were about to pull our hair out, and so Cynthia and I decided that they needed to go back to having exercise, structure, a job, etc., in order to keep our sanity.
How are they doing? I’ll tell you in a future post. For now, what I’d like to convey is that whether you are a pet parent, or a pet parent and dog trainer, like me, we all-at one point or another-end up relaxing the rules we should have for our dogs, and as a result they drive us up the wall. Now, rather than feeling frustrated, angry, and discouraged-all these are negative feelings-we could instead look at how we remedy this situation and get to work. So with that in mind, let’s get to work. Stay safe!
Posted in Annapolis, MD, Breeds, Crofton, MD, dog trainer, Dogs, Humor, Outings, Training
Tagged Dog beds, dogs and restlessness, dogs and structure, Dogs misbehaving, GSD
I enjoy going to downtown Annapolis, and that’s what we did this past weekend not knowing that it was time for the annual sailboat show. To say that there was a lot of people would be an understatement, and because of that I asked Cynthia to wear her mask, and only remove it for this picture. Safety first pet parents!
How did Charlie do? Surprisingly well. Abby and Charlie barked at a dog while we were walking because such dog barked at them first, but other than that we had a nice time walking around and taking pictures. We are trying to expose Charlie to as many different things as possible just like we did with all our other doggies. Sharing your life with dogs is quite an adventure so let’s enjoy the ride! Stay safe.
Posted in Annapolis, MD, Dogs, Outings, Walking
Tagged Annapolis, dog backpack, dog walking, Maryland, mix breed dogs, October Boat Show
allmycaninecompanions 