When I got my puppy, Zip!, I made videos of my early training sessions with him. My friend, award winning writer Eileen Anderson, blogged about what I was teaching Zip.  Those blogs have been some of her most popular posts. In collaboration with Eileen, we’ve released the blogs and videos in book form.  You can get the iBook version (with videos embedded) by clicking here.  If you don’t have an apple device, you can get the PDF version (with links to the videos) here.  And, the best part is we are offering the book for free for a limited time.  Get your copy now!

We are fortunate to have the opportunity to occasionally bring client dogs into our home for training.  Recently, wire hair fox terrier puppy Tinker came for a visit.  Our friend, Eileen, did a wonderful job of explaining the importance of taking introductions between puppies and older dogs slowly.  You can read her blog post and see video of Tinker here.

Watch the blog for more training videos.  Happy training!

January is National Train Your Dog Month.  Here is a link to a page with *free* resources for pet owners.  These pre-recorded webinars include topics like housetraining, walking nicely on a leash, separation anxiety, socializing your puppy and more.  What’s better than free information on dog and puppy training from dog training professionals?  And, if you find you need an in-person coach to help you with the mechanics of training (heck – even Olympic athletes have coaches), we are here to help.  Pick a topic of interest and get started!

Puppies learn what we teach them.  Sometimes that’s good, sometimes not so good.  But they are always learning.  Read Eileen’s expert narration of Life Lessons for My Puppy – Lesson 6. 

There is a critical period in a puppies’ behavioral development.  Lesson 5 is all about helping your puppy be confident in a human world.  Don’t forget the vet’s office! Thanks to Eileen for doing such a great job narrating.

Being able to relax, even after he starts to become excited, is an important skill for any dog or puppy.  Read why I’m teaching my puppy to relax on cue at Eileenanddogs. 

The life lessons series continues with lesson 3 – impulse control, impulse control, impulse control. See how 8-9 week old Zip learns to control his impulses.   Expertly described by Eileen .

Find out the second thing I taught my new puppy, Zip.  Zip’s life lessons are expertly narrated by blogger Eileen.   Check out some of her other informative posts at Eileenanddogs.com 

We did it! We added a new member to our family. His name is Zip and he’s a parti-colored Portuguese Water Dog (PWD).  What do professional dog trainers teach their dogs first?  Well, you might just be surprised.  You can read about it here – at Eileenanddogs.

And, so you can put a face with the name, here he is.

You can follow Zip’s training adventures at our Facebook page – www.Facebook.com/RewardedBehaviorContinues

Happy training!

Chances are your child is going to come into contact with dogs whether you own one or not.  Whether it’s your dog,  a friend’s dog or a neighbor’s dog walking down the street, it’s almost impossible for children to avoid coming into contact with dogs.  Give your child the tools to recognize when dogs are “relaxed and happy” and when they want to be left alone.  Bring your grade-school age child to the dog bite prevention workshop offered at the Mandarin Libraries.  See you there!