A new puppy in the house can be overwhelming. There are so many options for training. New puppy owners are often confused on what to do and where to go.  Here are some things to consider when seeking training. Developmental Deadlines For 3 Key Puppy Skills: There are three skills that have developmental deadlines at 5 months of age.  They are safe socialization, potty training, and safe mouth training. Fluency in these skills at 5 month is critical. Fortunately the developmental window does not slam shut at 5 months and one day. Every day after 5 months of age, it becomes more likely ..read more

Cottage at Mt Dora Historic Inn Welcome to A Girl and Her Dog Travel Blog I’m hoping to share my road trip adventures with my dog River to showcase dog friendly attractions and accommodations with other pet owners. Our home is in Ft Lauderdale, FL. River is a 4-year old Rottweiler, so the places we visit are unlikely to have any weight limits or breed restrictions. Here we go… On January 2, 2022, River and I drove up to Mount Dora, FL for a 3-day getaway. River and I arrived in the early afternoon and checked in to our cottage. This is our second stay with Mount Dora Historic Inn. Their ..read more

In September 2021, I pre-ordered a very promising book, The Forever Dog, by Rodney Habib and Dr. Karen Becker. The Facebook hype leading up to to the book’s release was intriguing.  They posted many easy tips based on science to help your dog “live younger, healthier, and longer”. I received the book in October and it did not disappoint.  I am 3/4 through the book and I am already making easy changes to my dog’s nutrition. In full disclosure, I had already started a journey to do better for my dog, inspired by my good friend and dog trainer colleague, Christine Geschwill. I appr ..read more

Sometimes the universe delivers a bump in the road like an injury.  Last month, I injured my foot (again… osteopenia) and I’m wearing an orthopedic boot for a few weeks and doing my best to keep weight off the injury.  It is so helpful to have a dog with skills when recovering from an injury.  My dog River gained and practiced many valuable skills taking group classes, earning her Canine Good Citizen award, earning her Dog Scout Title, and attending many public events with her local Dog Scouts Troop.  A special thanks to Troop Leader Christine Gecshwill ..read more

Your dog should have autonomy and choices.  But what if you need your dog to do something he doesn’t want to do? That’s where dog trainers can help.  Credentialed and qualified dog trainers can convince your dog that saying “yes” can be the best thing ever. Understanding why your dog is saying “no” is very helpful for a dog trainer to create a plan for their client’s success in getting “yes” from a dog.  There are many reasons why a dog would say no.  Here are some reasons why a dog may not want to do something or allow something to be done to him and what it looks like to ..read more

Are you struggling with Zoom meetings because of your dog?  Here’s a short video about how to prepare for your Zoom meeting to increase your chances of getting through it uninterrupted.  Click here for the link. Videoconferencing tips for dog owners Be Proactive: meet your dog’s needs before the meeting Feed Potty Exercise (walk) Manage the environment Use confinement Reduce exposure to triggers ”Do not knock or ring bell” sign Provide enrichment Stuffed Kong Classic Raw Marrow bones Other interactive toys with food Looking for a top notch dog trainer/behavior expert in Great ..read more

Dogsmarts 101 During Covid, libraries have been closed and I have been unable to off the wildly popular “Dogsmarts 101″ presentation.  A few months ago, I offered this presentation on Facebook live.  Please click here for a link.  Below is a summary. What dogs need: Socialization Play Exercise Training A place of their own Veterinary care Grooming Training basics: “No” is not a cue and is not specific Use rewards: treats, toys, life rewards Know what motivates your dog Be quick and generous when teaching a cue “Listen” to your dog’s body language Be consistent Looking for ..read more

K9 Fun Nosework is all about encouraging your dog’s scenting abilities. The beauty of this exercise is that the dog does most of the work. It is very enriching and burns alot of energy. You don’t have to take a class to try it. Jill Marie O’Brien is the founder of this fun dog sport and I had the pleasure of taking her seminar on teaching “K9 Fun Nosework”. Click here for Jill’s blog about getting started in Nosework. Click here for a video about introducing your dog to nosework. Looking for a top notch dog trainer/behavior expert in Greater Fort Lauderdale? Please call Oh Behave Dog Trai ..read more

Teaching River to accept a harness Getting a harness or leash on or off your dog can be a tricky process if your dog is super excited about walks or uncomfortable with handling around the head.  Here are some tips to successfully harness on and harness off. Practice this skill when you DON’T need to walk your dog. Use a stuffed Kong so your hands are free to manipulate the harness while you are rewarding the dog. Start slow if your dog is uncomfortable with the process.  Forcing the issue will lead to problems later. Present the harness (or leash) and reward with a stuffed Kong. T ..read more

River counter surfing I often get client complaints about their dogs jumping on the counter and taking items from the counter.  Here are some tips to manage the environment and teach your dog that the kitchen is NOT the ideal place to get food rewards.  Clear your counters of anything that your dog may want to investigate.  This includes food, novel items, baskets, and containers.  Practice making an area outside the kitchen way more valuable.  Teach a cue like “get out” or “place”.  Use barriers like crates or gates for prevention, if you are cooking and unabl ..read more