Category: General Training Tips

To Neuter or Not to Neuter that is the Question?


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Many people have different philosophies on dog neutering, pros and cons. However, there are overwhelming reasons to neuter your dog then to keep them “intact”. If you want to breed your dog, of course, neutering is not an option. Other than that reason neutering should be on your to do list ( earliest 6 months).

Problems that may develop with unneutered dogs.

1) Adult marking and spraying: Does your dog have accidents in the house every once in a while? This can be due to male marking, small urine marks that pop on on vertical objects or on personal property ( bedding, couch). Male marking is not an easy fix and can not be treated the same way as house breaking. It is a horrid pain to clean and a problem that breeders put up with.

2) Undesired behaviors: many unneutered dogs can develop unwanted behaviors that are basic urges and thus hard to control . The tendencies for male dogs to be aggressive to other males or sexual to females in heat is greater . This makes dog park visits and attending doggie day cares limited or in some cases an added expense.

In addition behavioral issues at an earlier age can be considered intensified if the dog is not neutered. Hyperactivity and signs of dominance may also start developing. This may develop into reactivity as an adult .

When it comes to your dogs big moment for the “snip snip” (if you are not breeding ) remember the old price is right saying: ” don’t forget to spade and neuter you pets”.

What success means in dog training!


I wanted focus on success stories with dogs. When it comes to training and having a well behaved dog there is no day off. Training needs to be a lifestyle! You need to incorporate small positive techniques in your daily routine . Being involved in your dogs life is critical and not only for a happy dog but for a happy owner. There is no quick fix for problems, everything needs to be maintained.

My dog has had more training then the average dog owner ( obviously ) but that does not mean I have not gone through the whole list of undesired behaviors.
It’s started with housebreaking, then barking in public at dogs, barking in the house at someone at the door, then separation anxiety. It feels like it never ends but it does! Puppies are learning everyday and it can take them more then two training sessions to correct undesired behaviors. Remember these undesired behaviors happen at different developmental levels and times for each dog. That’s why training is not a bunch of sessions for your dog, it’s learning how to catch undesired behaviors before they begin and knowing how to stop them before they developed into a problem.

No dog is perfect and even the ones that seem that way weren’t always . But if you can come into the mind frame that dogs have these problems and that they are easy to fix overtime. Then there are no surprises and when your dog hits their maturity level ( 1 year and 2 months for my dog) you have a companion that has grown and developed with you.

The best feeling for me is after all the hard work my dog and I have been through, he is now so loving, observant , respectful and obedient! I would never take back the “hard times” because that is how we got to today. I respect my dog so much and he shows me the same appreciation.

Love your dogs and remember if you make training part of your life it’s not work anymore it’s just living comfortably!

Best places on Key Biscayne to have animals!


Animals are great but not all apartment and condos are as enthusiastic to allow animals. Many high rises on Key Biscayne allow only dogs 20 pounds and under, only one dog per condo, only owners can have pets or the worst no pets at all! So with such restrictions where on this island can you possible go with your furry family besides million dollar homes.

Here is my list of the top 4 most PET FRIENDLY places to live on Key Biscayne.

1) Le Phare: Hands down, this small townhouse community has it all if you are an animal enthusiast. Renters and owners alike can have pets of any size and any quantity.! It is easy to walk your dog since there is street access with several doggy poo bag stations for quick pick ups. They also have grassy courtyards for your doggies. Another pro is that you are just 4 blocks from the new KB Dog Park.

2). Key Colony: Now Key Colony does have restrictions on weight of dog and rules on only owners being able to own a dog but if you can meet this requirements Key Colony has their own private dog park and tons of stimulating dog paths that can really keep your dog enjoying their walks . Key colony is also across the street from a vet and grooming store.

3) Galen and sunrise: (DISCLAIMER) not every building down these streets allow dogs so do your research however most do. These streets are friendly , dogs have easy access to the outside with many doggy poo stations for quick pick ups and across the street from the Dog Park!! Most buildings do have the 20 pound and under rule but many buildings are lenient.

4) Commodore Club : Like most places on the Key there is a weight limit and amount limit to the number of dogs one can have however there are many dog owners and they have a private dog run next to Crandon park that is great for dogs to run around and release that extra energy!

I believe growing up with animals really helps a family grow with responsibility, love, affection and knowledge. As the Key is becoming a family oriented community I hope these growing families that live in condos can also have the pleasure of animals in their lives.

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When did dog walking become a science?


I read a great article pertaining to walking your dog. In New York, an article ( http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/06/14/a-dog-walker-to-make-you-feel-almost-like-you-are-there/ ) was conducted to see if people trust or feel comfortable with dog walkers.

Are they actually coming in and walking the dog? Are the dogs actually going outside? These high tech New York walkers have decided to go above and beyond giving their clients “pee and poo” alerts, photos of their dogs walking and full updates on their dogs day including trackers to detect how far your dog has gone that day. However, even with all the extra bells and whistles what happens when your dog walker encounters a behavioral problem?

Many dog walkers don’t understand how to treat or correct behavioral problems while on a walk. As a trainer, fixing dog walking problems is only one small step in correcting an undesired behavior but how does this stay maintained? What happens when the trainer has fixed the problem and the walkers still walk the dogs unable to maintain and fix or even understand why the problem occurred. This is a question that arises a lot in the animal training world. For example, your dog starts barking and growling at other dogs randomly during the walk. The walker might pull the dog along to continue the walk or in some cases give the dog attention for undesired behavior. It is hard to expect them to know that behaviorally this only strengthens the undesired behavior trainers work so hard to get ride of. The same works for dogs pulling on leashes or not walking on walks.

Maintaining behaviors is tough probably the toughest part of training. Trainers can get you on the right track but remember it is up to you to maintain and observe your dogs behaviors in the future!!

Don’t let small problems become expensive training lessons.

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How to prepare for the Fourth of July


The Fourth of July is approaching quickly and if you have pets it is important that you prepare for the festivities.

Remember during the day if you bring your dog to a parade or party bring lots of water. It gets hot in Miami and dogs dehydrate quickly. Look for shady spots to sit around and keep all of your dogs info on their collar for safety reasons.

Fireworks:

This is one of the busiest times for veterinarians. So this Independence Day if your dog is a new addition or if your dog has a history of fear from loud noises be aware of your dog. Here are some great ways to prepare yourself this holiday!

1) Know where you are going to be! If you are going to a friends house make sure your dog feels comfortable there. If they are not familiar with the location, try to visit the residence before hand. Making your dog as comfy as possible is important. Comforting your dog during this time is not behavioral incorrect, so hug away!

2) Walk your dog before hand. Getting rid of extra energy will help with anxiety your dog has.

3) If your dog has a history of fear pertaining to noises then ask your vet for some calming medication. This can be vital if your dog is a concern!

4)If you cannot be with your pup than hire a pet sitter or take them to a doggy day care.

5) Set your dog up for success. Prepare your dog ahead of time for noise desensitization. Play music in your house that is calming and gradually increase the volume and tone of the music. When you play the beats reinforce your dog for being calm if they are uncomfortable then lower the volume or change the track to something more calm . This is a gradual behavioral change so this is great technique for next years Independence Day or even hurricane season .

Being prepared this Fourth of July is the best thing you can do for both your dog and your own peace of mind. So have fun and be prepared!!

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