Management

How to have a good dog, even when excited

Dog trainers often instruct clients to “manage” their dogs as the first step in any training routine.  I love learning and as a student of kayaking, yoga, cooking or whatever catches my interest; I sometimes scratch my head at another instructor’s lingo. It reminds me how important it is to define shop talk and terms …Read More

Winter Training for Your Dog

Howard eating snow

Whether you frown or smile when snow falls, you have to remember your beloved dog(s) during winter months. With a few simple tips, you can keep your dog happy, healthy and training momentum strong even when life is thrown off by frigid temperatures. Health and safety are priority.  Many Chicago residents live without a yard. …Read More

Recipes for Stuffing Chew Toys

Recipes for filling your dog's toys or bones

Has peanut butter been met with less enthusiasm than it used to? Even if your dog has yet not turned up his snout, a little change here and there and can go a long way when filling a Kong or other treat dispensing chew toy.  Consider yourself lucky if your dog goes nuts for empty hard rubber …Read More

Selecting the Right Chew Toys

In his "frog legs" pose.

The Kong product line is popular for its durability and versatility. It is often my first choice to redirect innate chewing behaviors because it is virtually indestructible by most dogs. However, like any dog toy, there are exceptionally strong chewers who can annihilate even the Extreme Black Kong (considered the strongest).  If your dog has destroyed every toy you …Read More

Chew Toys

chewtoy

Prevent ankle nipping and kitchen table destruction by giving your dog appropriate toys to chew. Every dog is different, but Kongs filled with dog food and topped with cheese or peanut butter are often favorites. Kongs are among the few toys you can safely leave alone with your dog. Until you know your dog better, …Read More

House Breaking

House Breaking

The key to start a good potty training program is consistency and prevention.  Some dogs take more time to catch on where is the appropriate place to than others but putting your dog or potty on a set schedule that you adhere to will pay off and make the process much faster. Yes, it is …Read More

Before You Get Your Puppy

Before you get new puppy

Which Breed is Best? With the growing number of hybrid dogs, it’s tough to choose. It’s vital you consider the dog’s activity level, grooming requirements, size, personality, training ease and sociability. Cuteness counts too, but should be the last component on your checklist. The following are some resources to help you choose, these are simply …Read More