Puppy training can be fun. Puppy training can also be exasperating! When you think about it, there’s an awful lot to teach a puppy. And if you’re going to do it right, you need to pack a lot into 8 short weeks. Why 8 weeks? Assuming you get your pup when he’s 8 weeks, you have […]
Introducing Walter, the Labrador Puppy
Walter, the Labrador puppy is a lot of things. But no, he’s not mine. And no, he’s not a service dog pup. Walter is the first pup I’m raising for a client. He’s also a balm to help soothe the pain of losing all our dogs. He’s funny. He’s just what we needed. I’m not […]
For the Love of an Old Dog
I’ll do almost anything for the sake of my dogs. This year, I’m giving up something I love dearly: raising service dogs. When we started raising puppies for service work back in 2001, I was a newlywed. I’d never owned a puppy ever and was a relative newcomer to the organized, specific training required of […]
Socializing a Puppy: ClickerExpo 101
Elevators. With mirrors! Crowded meeting rooms. Projection and audio systems. Applause. Lying down for 60 minutes with dogs (puppies!) nearby. Spending the night somewhere other than home. Seeing ships on the water. Hearing dogs bark in the room next door. These are just a few of how Levi is getting his brain stretched in so […]
Dog Training: Do This, Not That
The new puppy Levi, is doing what normal puppies do: he’s using his teeth to explore. At the moment, he’s exploring a hand that’s been offered. I hear “Ow! No!” and watch as the offered hand remains well within the puppy’s reach, dangling enticingly, despite the protesting voice. Again, “Ow, no!” this time with a […]
Service Dog Training: Our New Charge, Levi
Meet Levi, our newest service pup in-training. He’s about 10.5 weeks old and cute as a button. He’s a Labrador retriever from service dog parents. He was bred specially to be a service dog and we have high hopes for this boy. I picked him up on Thursday evening and we made the 3-hour trek […]
Great Treats Can Help Your Dog Through A Vet Appointment
We’re headed to the veterinarian today for a quick look at a ridiculous wart between Schooner’s toes. It’s been bothering him quite a bit — and bleeding if he gets rambunctious. He’s 10 months old, rambunctious happens on a daily basis. And unfortunately, due to the wart, blood on the floor is now also happening […]
Nanny Cam for Your Dogs
I found the coolest little techie gadget when I attended BlogHer last month. It’s a little camera called Dropcam and it’s the perfect tool for you if you want to keep an eye on your dog while your away from the house. First, this is not a sponsored post. I won a Dropcam (can’t say now […]
Easy Dog Training Treats on the Run
Schooner is in socialization overdrive right now. I’m finding places to go every day so I can get him out and around lots of different sights and sounds. The more he sees in a happy and comfortable way, the less excited he’ll be when it’s time for him to settle in and get to work […]
Dogs Make Good Cheer Uppers
It’s the end of my first week back from vacation. It was a pretty bad week and I’m glad it’s Friday. I have to work all weekend, sadly. Which was a little depressing when I realized it. I happened to be looking through some recent video and this made me smile. So I thought I’d […]
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