As with everything we do with our dogs and puppies, be kind, use positive reinforcement and rewards.  These simple steps will make trimming your puppies and dogs nails easier for you and for them.  All puppies require nail care.  Please don’t let your fear of hurting your puppy stop you from taking care of her nails.  Most puppies spend alot of time walking and playing of soft surfaces inside preventing their nails from wearing down.  This means that dogs that are indoors will need to have their nails clipped on a regular basis.  Nails that are left too long can b ..read more

House training your puppy can be a source of great frustration for many new owners.  The key to this, as with all training, is to remain calm, be kind, and use positive reinforcement.  Until the puppy is roughly 3 to 4 months of age their bladder and bowel control is minimal.  If you follow some simple guidelines you can expect to limit the number of accidents.   Remember, most accidents happen by allowing to much freedom too soon.   Confine the puppy to one or two rooms of the house where the family spends most of their time.  Use your crate ..read more

Controlling chewing behaviour  Many puppies and dogs are chewing machines!!!  They test everything the come across with their mouths, both inside and outside your house.   If you are starting with a young puppy, you can help to set chewing preferences by controlling what they chew.  Do not use old shoes or socks, your puppy will not be able to tell the difference between an “ok to chew” shoe or your brand new shoes!!!  It is best to ask your breeder or your veterinarian which toys are “safe” toys for your new puppy.  Make a toy the focus of play sessions betw ..read more

Controlling chewing behaviour  Many puppies and dogs are chewing machines!!!  They test everything the come across with their mouths, both inside and outside your house.   If you are starting with a young puppy, you can help to set chewing preferences by controlling what they chew.  Do not use old shoes or socks, your puppy will not be able to tell the difference between an “ok to chew” shoe or your brand new shoes!!!  It is best to ask your breeder or your veterinarian which toys are “safe” toys for your new puppy.  Make a toy the focus of play sessions betw ..read more

COME  A recall can save your dog’s life.  It can stop her from running in front of a car or from chasing an animal and getting hurt.  It call call her away from a tasty something she has found laying around.  Getting your dog to come Teaching a recall is easy – just use your positive reinforcement, treats and praise, for your dog coming to you.   Start by kneeling a few feet way and make happy noise, click when she takes her first steps towards you, give her a yummy treat and praise, be HAPPY!!!  Make it the best place on earth to be, praise and reward!!!&nbs ..read more

COME  A recall can save your dog’s life.  It can stop her from running in front of a car or from chasing an animal and getting hurt.  It call call her away from a tasty something she has found laying around.  Getting your dog to come Teaching a recall is easy – just use your positive reinforcement, treats and praise, for your dog coming to you.   Start by kneeling a few feet way and make happy noise, click when she takes her first steps towards you, give her a yummy treat and praise, be HAPPY!!!  Make it the best place on earth to be, praise and reward!!!&nbs ..read more

I prefer to use the “positive reinforcement” method of training.   SIT   Using a food treat (I use the puppies food), hold the food over the puppy’s nose and slowly move it up and over the puppy’s head.  When the puppy follows the food with her head she will sit down.  When you puppy (dog) does this, say the word “sit” with the action.  If your pet lifts her front legs up or jumps, you are holding the food treat to high.  As soon as your pet sits, say “good sit” and give the treat.  Many repetitions may be necessary for your puppy to learn to associate t ..read more

I prefer to use the “positive reinforcement” method of training.   SIT   Using a food treat (I use the puppies food), hold the food over the puppy’s nose and slowly move it up and over the puppy’s head.  When the puppy follows the food with her head she will sit down.  When you puppy (dog) does this, say the word “sit” with the action.  If your pet lifts her front legs up or jumps, you are holding the food treat to high.  As soon as your pet sits, say “good sit” and give the treat.  Many repetitions may be necessary for your puppy to learn to associate t ..read more

How exciting, your new puppy is ready to come home…now you are super excited and head to the nearest pet store or online shopping and start buying everything you think your new baby is going to love, or look adorable in!!  I did, it is alot of fun!!  BUT, honestly she really only wanted one or two things and basically ignored everything else. I have found that less is more when the new puppy first arrives.  There are some necessary items that you cannot go without but overwhelming her with toys just means she will ignore most of them and pick her favorite one or two and all your ..read more

How exciting, your new puppy is ready to come home…now you are super excited and head to the nearest pet store or online shopping and start buying everything you think your new baby is going to love, or look adorable in!!  I did, it is alot of fun!!  BUT, honestly she really only wanted one or two things and basically ignored everything else. I have found that less is more when the new puppy first arrives.  There are some necessary items that you cannot go without but overwhelming her with toys just means she will ignore most of them and pick her favorite one or two and all your ..read more