Doggy Blog

July 18, 2009

I’m No Crash Test Dummy Dog, And Neither is My Ventura Dog Trainer Mom

Back in the day my own mom, who is a certified professional dog trainer, got to ride in her parents laps while driving, helping steer the car and giggling. But fortunately thanks to statistics, our culture (and laws) have…

July 16, 2009

It’s All Fun & Games For This Lucky Dog

Well it’s official! My mom the rockin’ Ventura dog trainer and I have developed the bee’s knee’s of dog training games! It’s called “Out of the Box Dog Training Game.” And as mom says on the box itself, it’s…

July 16, 2009

The 12th Annual Pooch Parade: Doggone Fun Outing This Sunday!

Summer is in full swing and what better way to get those tails waggin’ than enjoying a fun-filled day of activities and treats for the whole family to support a good cause and celebrate all things dog. This Sunday,…

July 5, 2009

Being a Politically Correct Responsible Dog Trainer Has a Price: Humiliation

What a lovely weekend it’s been here in Ventura. Just got home from an ocean swim with my friends Terri and Mary, along with the other great folks of the Rincon Tri Club. Nice way to start a Sunday…I…

July 2, 2009

Dog’s Celebrating the 4th of July Can Create An Explosive Situation

I remember when I was very young, going to Echo Park every 4th of July for the fireworks show. I also recall hiding under my pink blanket, tensing up, whimpering a little, all out of fear. My parents were…

July 2, 2009

Inquisitive Canine: Fourth of July Precautions for Pooches

Dear Inquisitive Dog Guardians: It’s that time of year again when Americans enjoy celebrating their country’s independence with barbecues, alcohol and explosives. As a U.S.-born pooch, I enjoy many of the customs that are part of this festive holiday,…

June 27, 2009

Dog and Puppy Socialization: Great No Matter Our Age

If you know this 10-pound mutt, and my mom the rockin’ certified professional ventura dog trainer, then you know we’re all about proper puppy socialization! But what does dog and puppy socialization really mean? Well, I’m here to tell…

June 25, 2009

A Simple Dog Adoption Question

As a positive reinforcement, reward-based certified professional Ventura dog trainer, I am always looking for a “Good Dog!” moment – not just for my own dog Poncho the dog, but for all dogs… It just pains me when I…

June 25, 2009

Training Dogs to Discriminate – When it’s OK to be on the couch, and when it’s not

Dear Inquisitive Canine: I really want to be able to “invite” our dog onto the sofa, but we don’t want him jumping around on our furniture or other people’s furniture whenever he wants. My husband says, “You can’t give…

June 20, 2009

This Dog in Training Thinks “It Games” Are Fun!

My mom the savvy Ventura dog trainer has been practicing a lot of the “it” dog traininggames with yours truly – and I mean a lot!!! I had a severe “tap into my predatory drive” moment the other day…