Hail to the CHIEF!

I can't tell you how excited I am about our new president elect Barack Obama! Like many, I cried tears of joy November 5th while looking at the front page of the newspaper. Now, I'm not going to use my dog training blog for political opinions beyond my excitement about change etc... but I would like to voice my sentiments regarding the ever popular "new puppy". I think it's wonderful that the Obama's are planning to adopt a new puppy once they move...

No gel for this dog!

Let's face it, if dogs were out in the wild, doing all their doggy things in their doggy world, calling their "hair-dresser" would not be on their "to do" list. HOWEVER, since they do live in our human world, "bath time" is indeed something that does becomes part of their routine - for some more often than others.You've heard me say that many times we (us and our dogs) learn the same way. We enjoy similar things and situations, some things and situations...

Run like the wind!!!

What a positively reinforcing Thanksgiving! It started off with the whole family heading to the Ventura Auto Center here in town to run a 5K/1K to help benefit fellow athlete Tony Pedeferri. It was a great turnout - lots of friendly faces, lots of friends to say hi to, and lots of other dogs. Always nice when races welcome the entire family, canine and human alike. Nolan and I ran the 5K while Poncho rested up before the race - safe, comfy, with...

Holiday Boutique a BIG HIT!

Two paw's up for our BIG event last Sunday! The Holiday Boutique Open House Benefiting our local Humane Society of Ventura was enjoyed by many. Folks from all over showed up to help support our furry friends and The Humane Society of Ventura while getting a jump on their holiday shopping! There was a bounty of delicious food that all the generous vendors...

I'm NOT a chew toy!

One of my great Inquisitive Canine manners students writes: Joan, I am having a few issues with Scout being mouthy to me and others. What suggestions do you have? Thanks, Steve C, Santa Paula California Dear Steve,Ugh! I'm sure it's frustrating to be treated like a giant chew or tug toy. I'll go through the "flowchart" paths of behavior, just like class. Is it "normal" doggy behavior? Yep, sure is. Exploring the world with their mouth, using it as...

"How long is it going to take?"

"How long is it going to take for my dog to be trained?" This is one of those frequently asked questions I get from many people. Unfortunately there is no standard answer, no for sure guaranteed answer, no crystal ball, and no magic wands. These are just a few questions you can ask yourself to help give you your own answer: How badly do YOU want your dog trained? Do you want it NOW??? What behaviors are we talking about? Are you trying to get your...

Not the high fiber diet I wanted my dog to have!

Last Saturday morning found me and my little family off to Santa Barbara for an early morning race. It was kinda rainy, and a little windy. For those of you who know my beloved little pooch Poncho, he is not a fan of the wind! (HA! no pun intended) I'm not a big fan of the wind either, but for a different reason. Anyway, we didn't want to leave him...

Helping out our local Humane Society

Kick off your holiday shopping season in a fun stress-free environment. No traffic, plenty of parking and best of all you can find unique items for everyone on your list!Vendors are gathering to provide you with lots of wonderful choices for holiday gifts, while benefiting our local animal shelter. Companies include:Arbonne skin care - Jennifer FosterSuzanne Soprano - Suzanne SopranoMary Kay cosmetics - Heather BalaamPainted Gourds - Heather RoweJewelry...

Puppy and Dog Problem Behaviors: Whose "PROBLEM" is it?

A friend and colleague writes: "I need pet experts to offer me their top tips on treating the common problems of cats and dogs at home for a chapter in a 'pet problems' book being revised. Care to submit something?" Well shoot! Of course I do... I'm always willing to offer up my opinion, especially if it can help others. The following are some of the more common issues that come my way, regarding dog behavior:House-training: Dogs come with a pre-wired,...