Category Archives: before you adopt
December 12, 2011
How to Play Mutt-Matchmaker Dear Poncho, Several years ago, I brought a new puppy into the family “to keep my older dog company.” That backfired because they fought constantly. The older one passed away a few years ago, but now I’d love to add another dog to my family. What is the best way to introduce a new dog into a family with another dog while avoiding what happened the last time? KG Dear KG, Geez, I hate when setting up a mutt-match backfires. As you’ve learned, arranging relationships between two or more dogs living in the same home takes more than just pointing to the cutest nearby pooch or making the decision based on who you think your dog would like. Speaking … Continue reading »
Posted Under: adopting a new dog, before you adopt, Dog Behavior |
By: Joan the Dog Coach |
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December 1, 2011
Dear Inquisitive (& Expectant) Dog Guardians, If you or someone you know intends on spending the pawliday season giving or receiving the gift of a puppy or adult dog, then yippee and woohoo! As a dog mom, I know how meaningful the human-animal bond is. I’m truly thankful each and day for the relationship my sidekick (Poncho) and I have. Speaking as a certified professional dog trainer, I can attest that being proactive and planning ahead before bringing a new puppy or adult dog (or any pet, for that matter) into your home, can help ease the transition and reduce stress — for everyone, including the dog. So for those who are in pet-parent-to-be mode, we’re here to assist you … Continue reading »
Posted Under: before you adopt, dear inquisitive canine |
By: Joan the Dog Coach |
2 Comment
November 4, 2011
Dear Inquisitive Dog Guardians, The holiday season is a popular time of year for adopting pets — and cats and dogs are firmly at the top of the list. It’s also a time for giving. Combine the two and you end up with many folks finding companion animals on their hearth decked out in big fancy bows! As a certified professional dog trainer, I’ve heard both happy and not-so-happy stories from folks who’ve been on the receiving end of a cute ball of fur. So to help ensure more stories that end on a happier note, while avoiding tales of woe, my trusty sidekick, Poncho, and I thought it would be a great time to send out gentle reminders to … Continue reading »
Posted Under: before you adopt |
By: Joan the Dog Coach |
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October 14, 2011
The Inquisitive Canine is proud to announce they are teaming up with Conejo Valley Adult School in Thousand Oaks California to teach a brand new workshop on helping people decide on which dog to bring into their lives. Whether you’re thinking about bringing a canine companion into your life , or giving one as a gift you’ll want to attend this “before you adopt” workshop to help you start off on the right paw! Information presented focuses on helping potential dog owners choose the best type for their lifestyle. This includes details on best age of dog, breed, size and temperament as well as resources for finding your perfect pal! Class Details: Registration opens November 1st! Course Name: Canine Prep … Continue reading »
Posted Under: adopting a new dog, before you adopt, dog training workshops |
By: Joan the Dog Coach |
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April 7, 2011
Welcome to Spring! April is here which means Easter is just around the corner. It also means bunny adoptions go way up! And with the movie HOP opening, they’re sure to skyrocket! But before you or someone you know heads out to find yourself a cute “Bugs” please take a moment to read the following information on tips for caring for rabbits, provided by our guest bunny expert Andrea Bratt Frick. Andrea is a fellow certified professional dog trainer, but she is also very involved with rabbit rescue and education for the public on rabbit care responsibility. As a certified professional dog trainer myself I know education is key when it comes to bringing home a new pet. Rabbits are … Continue reading »
Posted Under: before you adopt |
By: Joan the Dog Coach |
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March 3, 2011
Dear Inquisitive Canine, Several years ago, I brought a new puppy into the family “to keep my older dog company.” The older dog was a male Yorkie, and the puppy was a female Cockapoo. I intentionally bought a female because I knew that the male was territorial and thought he wouldn’t be threatened by a female. Wrong! I fed them separately. I gave lots of attention to the older dog, just as I always did. But I had to keep them apart because they fought constantly. It wasn’t “play fighting,” it was vicious biting, snarling, and turned out to be a disaster. It was a terrible two years. The Yorkie passed away a few years ago from cancer. I’d love another dog in my family, along with the Cockapoo who is … Continue reading »
Posted Under: adopting a new dog, before you adopt, dear inquisitive canine |
By: Joan the Dog Coach |
One Comment
December 22, 2010
The holiday season brings a time for increased adoption rate of puppies. This means it’s time to plan for when you bring your new bundle of furry love home! Setting your puppy and yourself up for success is the sure way to start out on the right paw. This will not only help during the initial stages of puppy-hood, but will set the stage for your lifetime together. As a certified professional dog trainer, these are a few of my top tips for puppy and dog proofing one’s home: Ensuring your pet’s safety in and around the house and yard: Make sure yard enclosures are secure and safe. Including fences and gates. Also look for areas that might be prone … Continue reading »
Posted Under: adopting a new dog, before you adopt, Puppy Training |
By: Joan the Dog Coach |
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May 16, 2010
As a certified professional dog trainer I receive calls and emails on a daily basis of someone needing to find a home for their own dog or cat, or for someone they know who has to “give up” their dog or cat. Obviously this is a serious issue. Well is seems our very own United States Postal Service (USPS) is aware of this and has now jumped on the shelter-animal-awareness band wagon to see if they too can help. Last month they launched their new “Adopt a Shelter Pet” campaign. Following their half-century tradition with “promoting attention and awareness of social issues,” they decided this years social issue would target animal rescue! Woohoo! Click-treat for USPS! The USPS also decided … Continue reading »
Posted Under: adopting a new dog, before you adopt |
By: Joan the Dog Coach |
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May 3, 2010
My sidekick Poncho the dog and I recently received a Dear Inquisitive Canine email from a Great Dane named Chenpo asking us about his situation at home. He says his human is considering adopting a second Great Dane, and wanted us to provide advice regarding if she should adopt, and if so, how to go about creating a successful introduction. Poncho and I discussed both topics and together we decided that he would take care of the dog-dog meeting on our dog behavior advice column, while I would address the topic of Before You Adopt. Poncho’s Dear Inquisitive Canine column can be seen this Friday May 7th on Noozhawk. Since this is one question I receive so often, I thought … Continue reading »
Posted Under: adopting a new dog, before you adopt |
By: Joan the Dog Coach |
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April 4, 2010
A graduate of one of my Loose Leash Walking dog training classes emailed me on behalf of a friend of hers asking what are some tips regarding adopting a second dog into the household. As a certified professional dog trainer I can’t tell you how happy it makes me when someone actually takes the time to plan ahead! Here is a look into our conversation: (Names have been changed to protect privacy) Hey Joan, I have a question for you. My friend Boris is looking for a companion for his dog, Timmy. He is looking for a large dog such as a retriever, lab, or Newfoundland. He is looking for a dog that must have a good temperament and is … Continue reading »
Posted Under: before you adopt, Other |
By: Joan the Dog Coach |
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