Dog Santa Photos - Cocktails and Canines

Dog photos with Santa - cocktails and canines

Dog people love dog presents.  Dog people love to buy presents for their own dogs and they love to get dog presents from their friends!  Click on the link above and find out about Canines and Cocktails, get your dog's photo with Santa and much more cool dog stuff available!


DNA Breed Identification 
Potty Training

Christmas and New Year's celebrations are coming soon and you still have time to clean up before your guests arrive. You and I both know that pee, poop and vomit happens!

Halloween Dog News - Tips from The Dog Trainer

It's Halloween day... parties galore. For people and many dog lovers the festivities include the entire family... dog and all!

Here are some great tips in The Week in WORST (Halloween Edition)

Enjoy your holiday and remember you are training your dog all the time...it's just a matter of what you are training for!  

Go Train Your Dog....

Baxter World’s Oldest Therapy Dog Passes On

The story of Baxter is one that warms the hearts of even non dog lovers. Baxter was a 19 year old hospice therapy dog that brought so much light to the world it would be an impossible thing to measure. He was a special dog that started out as rescue dog and found a job and family that was an absolute dream of the best dog life ever.

Read the full story here:
Tribute to Baxter the World’s Oldest Hospice Therapy Dog

After watching the video included in this story it can’t help but make everyone want to give a little more to make those around you enjoy every day we are here.

The joy that dogs bring us is the unconditional love factor. It’s easy to overlook sometimes because its always there. No matter the day, the weather, the economic climate, your health or wealth, the family dog is wagging and happy to see you. Every single day.

Take a few moments to enjoy our life and all of those who contribute. Go out for a walk with the dog and take in some fresh air and the peace spending a little time with your faithful friend the dog gives.

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San Diego Dog Yappy Hour

Hotel Indigo Tuesday 10/27 5:00-8:00
509 9th Avenue,  San Diego, CA 92101

Its the big week for Halloween parties and the dogs aren’t missing out this year. Tonight October 27 Yappy Hour presents the a Dog Costume Contest. You must be registered by 6:30 so get your dog Halloween costume together now and get yourself to the 9th floor of the Indigo Hotel tonight.

Canine Cocktails is held on the enclosed 9th floor terrace with treats and water bowl refreshments for the dog and a full bar for you. Overlooking Petco Park downtown San Diego, this is an event made for the city dog lover.

For more Halloween fun download stencils of your favorite dog breed for your pumpkin carving artist side. Have a dog pumpkin greet your trick or treaters this year.
Download Free Pumpkin Carving Stencils of Favorite Dog Breeds

You’ll find more Dog Friendly Events on our October Calendar

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Are Tennis Balls Good For Your Dog?

You just got home from a stressful day at work. Nice. Home. Even better... you are greeted at the door with a huge wag and your dog, tennis ball in mouth! Seriously you can’t help but smile. Play time. After all we all need to live a little more in the play moments like our dogs do so often. It is what makes our dogs so dear to us. Unconditional love and the insatiable idea of play.

Most dogs have a favorite toy and high on the list seems to be the age old tennis ball. Yet there is the concern that tennis balls aren’t safe for your dog. While nothing is absolutely fail safe, let’s take a look at the tennis ball and is it safe for your dog.

One of the big reasons tennis balls are touted as bad for your dog is tooth wear and tear. After doing a little research it turns out it might not be the ball but the dirt. Tennis players tend to get new balls frequently due to the fact that after a short amount of play the ball’s diameter is smaller. Tennis players will tell you that the racquet strings will quickly abrade the softer surface of a tennis ball which is covered with a substance made of wool and nylon or a felt type surface.

Tennis players who play on clay courts will tell you that the strings on their racquet will get worn down quickly by the tennis ball due to the fact that clay, ultimately dirt and/or sand picked up on the surface of the ball is very abrasive.

So there you go. It may not be the ball but the dirt. Your dog needs clean tennis balls to save the teeth! Or at least cut down on the wearing of the teeth.

Other considerations are if your dog chews a tennis ball to pieces and ingests them big danger could make for a really bad play session in the end. As well there is latex in the “ingredients” of a tennis ball and like people some dogs could have an allergic reaction.

So, ultimately it’s up to you to decide if you feel it’s safe enough to continue your dog’s obsession with the tennis ball or deprive your dog of the wild wagging that starts with a mere glimpse of tennis ball.

Should you be looking for alternatives K9 Coach dogs give a big paws up to both Kong Toys and Nylabones. Whatever dog toy you choose take the time to go and have some fun with your dog whether its a nightly game of fetch or a dog friendly event.

Article Jt Clough© 2009

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October Dog Events and Activites in San Diego

Is life any fun at all these days?  How about for your dog?  Dogs can teach us a lot in the simple fact that there is a wag in everything just about....


A simple spin around the block is cool and worth big paws up, imagine the excitement in going to something that really is all about you!  K9 Coach believes fit dogs are good dogs.  That means ya gotta get out and about and move. 

Dog training is really about what you do with your dog all the time.  Check out these dog friendly events and activities.  And Go Train Your Dog!


October 14-18, Wed-Sun, 5-11:00 p.m.
Wine Alley Encinitas
Bring your dog for a date night out.  Enjoy wine, cheese plates and more.  Free dog refreshments out of a fabulous dog bowl!  Located next to Giovani's 764 S Coast Highway 101, Encinitas, CA 92024 For more info call 858-353-0888.

Saturday October 17, 2009 1-5pm
Pup Crawl
The Pup Crawl Featuring 7 amazing bars and dogs in costume, this event is sure to be Paw-some! Check-in at the Tin Fish then crawl from one dog-friendly establishment to another at your leisure. Socialize on the patio with other dog owners and soak up the scene! Each venue will feature a signature drink (like cosmo-PAW-litans) or drink specials. Local pup pleasers will be on site also to give away treats and other dog delights. Human participants will receive a Pup Crawl T-Shirt and drink specials. Costume contest judging from 1-2 at Tin Fish and sponsored by Muttropolis.

Sunday October 18th 12 - 4 pm
Southern California German Shepard Rescue's 1st Annual Barktoberfest
Markim Pet Resort, 4393 Carmel Valley Road, in Del Mar.  For the price of admission you get local microbrew, BBQ, traditional German deserts, vendor booths, raffle, demonstrations, and doggie lap pool.  Benefitting Southern Californis German Shepard Rescue.  For more information see: www.barktoberfestsd.com    

October 18th
MuttMile in La Jolla
Benefiting San Diego Humane Society.  1 mile walk/run in beautiful La Jolla starting at the park at 1133 Coast Blvd. La Jolla, CA 92037. There will be a costume contest first so dogs will not have to walk or run in costume.  www.CoastwiseMile.com

Tuesday October 20th  5 pm-8 pm
Yappy Hour
Hotel Indigo, San Diego  Dogs and their owners are invited for cocktails, live music, and a view from the safely enclosed 9th floor deck.

October 25th 6-8 pm
Athropology Dog Costume Contest
Yep, that's right. Go to a Halloween party your dog is invited to and shop at Anthropology Carlsbad Forum at the same time. Get your dog costume now! Upscale Dog Supplies
October 25th

22nd Annual Hall-O-Wiener Picnic
San Diego Dachshund Club.  FREE Bring your gear and your costumed dachshunds and watch the doxie’s invade Balboa Park.  Corner of Park Blvd. & Presidents Way  www.sddc.us

October 25th
Ocean Beach Canine Carnival
By the Ocean Beach Kiwanis • FREE • Contests & parade dogs must register at $5 per dog for single dogs, $8 for groups or floats. Street fair and party featuring costumes, prizes, a doggie parade, and lots of craft items for pets and people. Santa Monica Ave between Sunset Cliffs Blvd. and Ebers Street. 619.339.0001.

Tuesday October 27th  5 pm-8 pm
Yappy Hour
Hotel Indigo, San Diego  Dogs and their owners are invited for cocktails, live music, and a view from the safely enclosed 9th floor deck.  Bring your dog in a Halloween costume!


October 30th 8:30am-Noon
Spooktacular 
Walk for Helen Woodward Animal Center   Cost: Collect pledges for walk. Walk with your pets, food, entertainment, raffles and vendor village.  858.756.4117 www.AnimalCenter.org

October 30, Friday,  6-8 p.m.
Halloween Doggie Café 
San Diego Humane Society.  Bring your friendly, on-leash dog to socialize with other dogs during our Spook-tacular Halloween event! There will be a costume contest with prizes for scariest, cutest, and most original dog costumes. Halloween pet pictures will also be available for $5. Dogs should be at least 4 months old and up-to-date on all vaccines, friendly and on-leash. One dog per human handler, please.. Complimentary desserts and dog treats provided. Behavior and Training specialists "on-paw" to answer training questions. $10 suggested donation for the event.  Call (619) 299-7012 x2230 for more information.

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Dog Training San Diego Update & Events - Kobi the German Short Haired Pointer

German Short Haired Pointers usually have quite a bit of energy and Kobi is no exception to that rule. He’s come to his San Diego Dog Training exclusive camp so that he is very active owners can include him in their own fitness routine even more.

This dog can run. Fast. And though his triathlete owners are training for their next Ironman and can put some miles in, the speed Kobi has far out does the dedication to miles these two athletes employ. Kobi has a hunt drive beyond what most people can handle.

So what is the best way to train for this type of dog behavior? Recall. Recall. Recall. Kobi needs exercise on a daily basis. But he also needs to fulfill that drive to chase it down and do that he needs to be able to be off leash. In order to let him do that he needs to be able to come back when called, even if it’s a really fun squirrel to play chase with. That is what his dog training camp is all about and lucky for Kobi... he is doing fantastic.

If you have a dog, no matter what the drive is, teach a strong recall first and foremost. Start with short distances, say 3 feet and increase. Don’t make the mistake of trying a recall at 15 feet first. If your dog can’t do it from a short distance reliably, increased distance with distraction is impossible.

Next, take your dog a lot of places. For active people especially its important your dog understands how to come when called in more places than the kitchen to the living room, or the backyard to the dog food bowl!

At K9 Coach we are active, our dogs our active and we love to assist others with fun, engaging activities. This weeks on the list of fun: Pup Crawl & Costume Contest

Saturday October 17, 2009 1-5pm Pup Crawl
Featuring 7 amazing bars and dogs in costume, this event is sure to be Paw-some! Check-in at the Tin Fish then crawl from one dog-friendly establishment to another at your leisure. Socialize on the patio with other dog owners and soak up the scene! Each venue will feature a signature drink (like cosmo-PAW-litans) or drink specials. Local pup pleasers will be on site also to give away treats and other dog delights. Human participants will receive a Pup Crawl T-Shirt and drink specials. Costume contest judging from 1-2 at Tin Fish and sponsored by Muttropolis.

For more October Dog Activities and Events check out our K9 Coach Calendar.

Need help with your dog so you can go and do all these very cool San Diego Dog Friendly things? Exclusive Dog Training Camps, Private Dog Training Lessons, and Online Dog Training Programs.

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Dog News - Halloween Costumes, Pumpkin Stencils and Parties

Its October, Fall is in full swing and one of the best holidays is rolling around... Halloween. Its become a great time for the whole family including the dog.

Check out the cool costumes for dogs. You've still got time for your dog to win the best costume of the Halloween party!


And the link below... you'll want to check this one out for sure. It leads to a free download for pumpkin dog stencils. Have the coolest pumpkin on the block and impress every dog lover out there.

Halloween parties abound for your dog as well... check out the October Halloween event calender also included in the link below... and have a great time with your dog this October!
Halloween pumpkin dog stencils - carve your favorite breed

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Now go out and have some fun with your dog!

October San Diego Dog News - Surf City Surf Dog and Halloween Events

Surf city surf dog

The Fall has rolled around here in San Diego and a fun holiday comes along with it. Halloween. Its become an event that not only engages kids, adults, but also dogs. Dog costumes, dog treats, and tons of dog friendly events.

Check out our October Dog Events Calendar for Halloween parties in San Diego especially for you and your dog, and check our blog often as we find new events we'll be the first to let you know.

Now, go out and have some fun with your dog whether it be at Surf Dog, Dog Beach, a Dog Park, or one of your local urban trails. It's good for you. It's good for your dog.

And... if you need a little help to make it a really good time check out our dog training online exercise programs, exclusive San Diego dog training camps, and private dog training lessons.

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San Diego Date Night with The Dog

Date night with the dog

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Dog Training Camp San Diego Goldendoodle

Ever feel so excited about something or someone that you sorta shake inside? Imagine being that way about everything you see or do? That’s Chloe, a 5 1/2 month old Goldendoodle who has come to her exclusive dog training camp to get a grip!

I have to admit it is one of things that I think more people should adopt in their own human lives. We’ve become a society that is overwhelmed with information and not that excited about anything. So I guess it’s about balancing the excitement of being a dog and the overwhelming information we deal with as humans and bringing that to our daily routine.

Chloe is into her second week of dog training camp and is getting so much better. For her it has been about exposure to a lot of people, places and things. Being a puppy everything is new to her and living in an urban society of downtown San Diego during her very short life, her outings have been more along the lines of go outside to go potty, which has been a very successful endeavor. Now it’s time to learn how to be a dog everyone really does want to pet.

Her intrinsic being is that of excitement and keeping that in balance is what her training is all about. The intention is not take the beauty of her joy in everything away, but instead to learn how to bring it out in a way that lets her go more places, meet more people, and have the best dog life possible.

Something as simple as learning how to sit when greeting any person allows her much more freedom. Amazingly enough not everyone is a dog person, and even those that are don’t appreciate her little paw prints all over their work attire, no matter how cute she is.

My biggest advise to anyone that has an over excited dog is to teach your dog to sit for everything. The sit position is like yoga for a dog. It grounding and then you can move forward from that point. Coupled with enough exercise anyone can be on their way to well mannered happy dog.

For more information on exclusive San Diego & Temecula dog training camps, private dog training lessons, and online dog training videos contact us at www.SitK9Sit.com

Follow us on Twitter to get a daily dose of dog photos to make you smile www.Twitter.com/GoTrainYourDog

Jt Clough© 2009

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Animal Planet: Dogs 101 season begins

Animal Planet: Dogs 101 season begins

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October San Diego dog event calendar

October San Diego dog event calendar

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Golden Doodle Goes To San Diego Puppy Training Camp

Chloe, a 5 1/2 month old Golden Doodle came to San Diego Dog & Puppy Training Camp with regular puppy problems that just need a little professional attention. Its the perfect time to establish good dog manners so that bad habits don’t become permanent.

Puppies should be allowed to be puppies with plenty of play time, good puppy food, and an understanding of when and how to be calm. Establishing an exercise routine and learning how to follow the leader is the life every puppy deserves.

Golden Doodles are a hybrid of a Golden Retriever and a Standard Poodle that was created for the temperament as well as the lack of shedding that many dogs come with. Since most dogs live in the house, shedding can be an issue for cleaning purposes as well as allergies for some people.

Chloe certainly has a very sweet temperament and just needs a little help in how to calm down. She lives in the city of San Diego and needs acclimation to noises, traffic and how to navigate well on a leash.

Her first couple of days at camp have been spent learning how to sit nicely instead of jumping for attention. She gets very excited about the leash coming out and now is getting the picture that sitting to go out makes the people so much happier around her.

Follow her story as we spend time at the beach, around the town, walking on busy streets and learning how to be a really great house dog. She’s already a published dog star in this article: Training Your Dog To Ride in The Car

Dogs do what works. Follow the article tips if you have an over excited dog when it comes to jingly keys, the leash, or even the faint idea you may be taking your dog for an outdoor event!

More cool dog photos, training tips, and cool dog news at www.Twitter.com/GoTrainYourDog

For private dog training lessons or exclusive dog and puppy training camps contact us at 760-436-4364 or www.SitK9Sit.com

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Godiva’s Great Adventure - Dog Training Camp 3

Godiva, a Pocket Beagle has been on the adventure of her life and honestly an adventure most dogs never get the chance to be a part of. She’s came to San Diego Dog Training Camp 3 as a way to move her along in her obedience while her family went on a vacation.

As part of her camp and on upon agreement with her owner, she came to Wisconsin with me as I am the co-instructor with Robin MacFarlane for an Advanced Dog Trainers Personal Development course. She’s been with me through a flight (small enough to fit under the seat), new living space for her, meeting other dog trainer’s dogs and has been very well behaved in front of a group of people sitting on her special little dog bed while I present.

As a city girl, seeing cows was a real surprise and we’ll try to get the photos of her checking out the toads at night too. Very funny stuff. If dogs could talk I’m sure she would give you an account of her many other experience from a dog that stands less than a foot high!

The exposure at her age makes for a well rounded dog with the ability to adapt. It a part of dog training that gets consistently overlooked.

For now enjoy her cow video. We are off to the E Palooza 5 with more presenters coming in, many trainers from around the country and a good time for both professional dog trainers, dog enthusiasts and the dogs that accompany them in life.

Surf Dog A Thon and Rip Curl Ricki

The Surf Dog A Thon in Del Mar, CA is set to go on September 13. If you are a dog enthusiast at all its something you don't want to miss. It's also something you can start planning on next year as this dog activity is finding its way into the hearts of many in our Southern California surfing community.

The Surf Dog Surf A Thon had several surf clinics so you could teach your dog to join the fun. Since we at K9 Coach plan on teaching our own personal dogs to surf look for videos on how to teach your dog to surf in the near future. Plan to go to the event this year with your dog and you can learn tons just by watching.

This year's Surf Dog Surf A Thon also brought out a dog named Rip Curl Ricki. Not only can this Golden Retriever surf but she's part of a team bringing a community effort to a 15 year old boy named Patrick that is as heart warming as a story of boy and his dog can be.

Patrick is a quadriplegic and is quite active. He's able to surf with an adaptive board and Rip Curl Ricki has teamed up with him as tandem surf partner to help raise awareness as well as raise money for Patrick's own service dog.

Find out more about Patrick and Rip Curl and their surfing in this article. Incredible Tandem Surf Team: 15 Year Old Quadriplegic Surfs with Golden Retriever

September is an awesome month to get out and have some fun with your dog. Del Mar Dog Beach is the place!

For more dog training camps and private lessons contact us at www.SitK9Sit.com

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San Diego Puppy Training: Godiva Update

Godiva, a Pocket Beagle was given the most fabulous start in life as her owners had been through a past dog experience they didn’t want to relive. Off to camp she went as a puppy and the payoff has been huge.

Potty training and basic commands she has down and she’s only 8 months old now. Her family has four small children so nipping and unruly behavior around the kids was something that was really important to the parents. Godiva was socialized as a puppy and because of her early exposure and training she’s very well mannered even around a lot of little hands, food, toys, and noise.

As with anything in life there is alway a balance that needs to be maintained. Too many rules and one is set up for failure. Not enough rules and chaos takes over. With Godiva the fine balance is still in the achievement mode where she’s very much so still a puppy but is able to follow direction and contain herself when it’s appropriate.

Quite frankly I think she’s one of the coolest dogs in the world (other than my own of course). She’s had many pictures on Facebook and Twitter and several blog post written about her. She’s got a following of her own. If she were mine I think she’d have her very own Twitter account!

Great news for those who have followed her... she’s coming back to K9 Coach Dog Training Camp! So more pictures and videos to follow. How exciting for us all. You may be wondering however why she is coming back to camp if she is so well behaved at such a young age.

The answer is two fold. Her family is taking a vacation and rather than board her they’ve decided to give her the chance to learn even more things. Since her breed is actually from the hound dog classification which means she likes to work and she’s got tons of potential, teaching her some very cool things is on the horizon. Secondly, Jt Clough, owner and professional trainer of K9 Coach San Diego is heading out to That’s My Dog in Wisconsin to teach an Advanced Dog Trainers Course and the dog thats going with her as the demonstration dog.... yep, you got it. Godiva.

Follow Godiva on Twitter at Twitter.com/GoTrainYourDog and click the link below to become a fan of K9 Coach Facebook.

K9 Coach offers exclusive dog training camps and private dog training lessons in San Diego and Temecula, CA. Online dog programs are available for those outside the area or who want to bring their one personal dog trainer home only on your time schedule.

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Leash Aggression. What To Do.

Leash aggression is becoming more common in our dog’s urban lifestyle’s. Many owners are baffled by why their dog can be such a tyrant on leash while when off leash display play bows and find dog friends.

Its too bad our dogs can’t talk even if only for a day to say exactly the reason but since they can’t lets explore the obvious. It’s simply not a natural thing to be on a leash. Think about if you weren’t allowed to go anywhere without being “restrained”. It would be rather easy to pick up that unsure feeling, combined with the realization that control lies somewhere other than pure instinct from the dog’s end of the leash. Restriction can be uncomfortable when options are seemingly taken away.

Add owners who start getting that nervous feeling when seeing an oncoming dog due to the fear of what the neighbors, fellow trail users, and other dog owners reactions reflect and the behavior starts to run its course as a merry go round that doesn’t stop. The key to redirecting the behavior is going to lie in finding some balance for dog and owner.

Ollie, an Irish Terrier came to camp with the classic leash aggression habits. His program started with upping the exercise level. By adding exercise for a dog that has a little extra energy anyway, is key in “taking the edge off” of that nervous feeling that has become a habit when meeting an oncoming leashed dog.

Another key ingredient to add is the person at the end of the leash needs to remain calm. As with many dogs who struggle with leash aggression, Ollie makes a big noise ruckus but really has no intention of getting into a fight. Knowing that helps many people to remain calm, take control of the situation and move through it without perpetuating the feeling in their dog.

Keep your dog moving. Its a huge mistake that many people tend to make out of trying to get everyone involved to deal in a human way. Stopping out of not knowing what to do, or trying to force your dog to stop doing it in the beginning of rehabbing this behavior simply is going to bring the stress level up for everyone.

If you have a dog that struggles with leash aggression start your training program by:

•Add a lot of exercise
•Work on your own reaction
•Remain calm and work your dog through it
•Don’t stop movement by focusing on the oncoming dog
•Do keep moving with your dog
•Ignore the barking and lunging and use your body to move onward
•Keep your nervous reaction in check
•Don’t give your dog appeasement with words like “it ok”
•Move, move, move and add exercise

Ollie is doing so great and about to go home from his exclusive dog training camp. He’s been out on trails, to the beach, walked past outdoor restaurants, and any other urban normal neighborhood thing that goes on. He needs a ton of exercise and gets it through running along side a bike, walking trails, running trails, playing with our “dog coaches” at camp, and repeating more of the same.

Follow Ollie’s pictures, dog training tips, and news about other dogs on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/GoTrainYourDog

K9 Coach offers private dog training lessons, exclusive dog training camps in San Diego and Temecula, and online dog training lessons for dogs anywhere.

Article by Jt Clough® 2009

Dog With Bad Behavior? The Magic Training Formula.

Your dog causes some of your most spontaneous smiling moments, yet there are those times that bad behavior takes over and you just want to scream! Sound familiar?

This could be the biggest thing you could do to change your dog's bad behavior into a very calm dog that actually listens to you. The cool thing is that for the most part it is free and you can do it starting today!

Click the link to read Dog behaving badly? The magic formula.

Get started today!

For more dog training tips, fun dog photos, and cool dog news follow us on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/GoTrainYourDog

If you are in the San Diego area and are looking for a jump start to a healthy exercise program for your dog ... exercise equals training in real life... check out our Dog Training Camps, Private Lessons, and Online Dog Training Programs.

Dogs Rule; Or Should the Dog Have Rules?

Sometimes we go along in life without realizing that what has become normal on a daily basis around us, drives most other people crazy. Or at least it really bugs them!

As a dog trainer I have several people come to me who have been on their own, then found a relationship and the dog is coming along with one or the other or both people. What was acceptable behavior for the dog when there was one of you many times simply does not work when there are two or more of you in the household.

What better time to get some help with dog training considering it is a great thing to work on together. When it comes to the dog, finding some common ground for training can establish great communication tools for the whole family. It can come down to the way you look at it as this article Dog Behavior: Are You Managing or Training? suggests.

A perfect example is Molly who came to camp without a lot of direction in her life. Due to circumstances she had become the dog that just sort of hung out while everyone did what they needed to do. During that time she developed some of her own entertainment like getting into the garbage and using it to redecorate the house. Jumping up for a little attention at just the moment you’ve come out of the kitchen with your morning cup of coffee in your hand.

Her social habits had grown to be hard to handle for simple things like going out on a walk. The leash thing was just not something she “got” and because of it, the walk became not so fun for anyone. The natural course of action becomes hang out and wait for an opportunity to knock the garbage can over.

The great news is, Molly is on a new course of action now. She’s come to dog training camp where she has learned that the right kind attention is when she is doing things with good dog direction. Exercise has helped her immensely. Walking on a leash doesn’t have to be a scary thing and Molly is very stoked about it now.

So what do you do if you have a dog that displays this kind of behavior? How can you help everyone to take steps in the right direction? Start with two things. Come and sit. If you are frustrated with your dog’s behavior start thinking about getting a really strong “sit” for everything first.

Sounds basic I know, but in the redirection process its always better to build a very simple base first, then move to more complex actions. Walking on a leash is really built off of come and sit. A process we teach in our dog training camps, private lessons, and our online dog training programs.

Already, Molly has turned around from a dog without direction to a dog that is really happy. The exercise, knowing what to do in the house, and how to greet people brings a sense of content to both Molly and her people.

For more fun dog photos, dog training tips and tricks and dog news follow us on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/GoTrainYourDog

Dog Behavior: Are You Managing or Training?

The days of summer are flying by... don't miss out on all the fun things you can get out and do with your dog here in San Diego.

Many times the deciding factor is how difficult it is to go on an outing and take your dog. Though it sounds ridiculously basic, to get out and have some fun good habits of behavior with your dog start in your own home. It really is about what you practice.

With just a few basics you can be on your way. K9 Coach has committed to a series of articles for those in San Diego with dogs that need a bit of help with dog training so you can train your dog at home and while you are out and about enjoying the great dog friendly places here.

Read this article: Dog Behavior: Are You Managing or Training? for ideas on how to break the cycle of behavior that drives you crazy and start enjoying your dog.

Follow us on Twitter for fun dog photos, breaking dog news, and training tips and tricks.

Now go train your dog while you are doing all the cool stuff you want to do in the sun of San Diego.

Come & Sit. San Diego Dog Training Camp - Rhodesian Ridgeback/Black Lab

What do you do with an 8 month old Rhodesian Ridgeback Black Lab mix?

First have a lot of fun knowing that this dog wants to go everywhere with you. Anything outdoors, trails, chasing a ball, to the beach, hang out at a dog friendly restaurant, visit a friends house, or just chill at home watching TV. This dog wants to truly be man’s best friend.

The only thing is without some dog training in place, an 8 month old, 70 lbs bundle of energy like this can knock everything over in tail radius and start having your friends add the disclaimer “no dogs”, to the invite. Training your dog just two things can change everything and only for the good.

Come and sit. Its really that simple. Well ok, it takes some practice and it takes understanding of how a dog thinks and learns. And here’s a big tip. Its much different than the way humans learn.

Naiyah has come to dog training camp so she could in fact go do all the fun things out there a dog can possibly do. Her owner being an outdoors type of person, who also takes his dog to as many dog friendly places as he can find in San Diego wanted to get on it while she was a puppy because of her size and so he could get out and have as much fun as possible with her.

Though come and sit can get you a long way with your dog, Naiyah already is walking on a leash nicely, not jumping on people, and coming when called off leash. Its going to give her huge freedom and she’s so much fun to hang out with.

If you are working on training your dog at home remember to make it as simple as possible and follow through. Start with sit for every thing. Sit can mean not jumping on people. It can mean stay. It can mean not running out the open door. Repetition and follow through and you are on your way to a super cool dog.

For more dog training tips, cool dog photos, and fun dog news follow us on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/GoTrainYourDog

Dog and puppy training camps available in the great San Diego area and Temecula, CA. Online dog training programs so you can train your dog at home too.

Pocket Beagle San Diego Puppy Training Camp - Come When Called

The most important thing you can teach any dog, big or small, is to come when called.

Recall.

Come here.

Come on’.

Here.

Let’s go.

Whatever you want to label it, the most important thing you can teach your dog is to come to you when called.

Honestly, when you really think about it, you would be able to call your dog “well trained” if no matter what distraction is going on, when you said, “Godiva, come here.” and sure enough, your dog with flopping ears, and trotting paws headed in your direction, away from the barking dog across the street...

Away from food.

Away from the neighbor’s cat.

Away from your shoe....

Training your dog to come to you every time is really about repetition. Repetition and follow through... every time. Consistency. Its a good thing to practice with your dog and its a good thing for you too.

It’s much more fun when your dog comes to you every time.

Godiva the Pocket Beagle is here for her basic puppy obedience training camp and she’s not only learning how to listen, but getting to do some real cool things along the way in her training.

Her agenda for tomorrow.... she’s heading out to Wags for Wishes.... watch other dogs play agility, flyball, disc dog, Rally-O.. and since she is a working breed... we’ll be checking out some cool thing she can learn to do for her way cool Southern California job.

Follow Godiva pictures on Twitter at www.Titter.com/GoTrainYourDog

And for more Godiva the Pocket Beagle San Diego Puppy Training Camp at K9 Coach Facebook.

4th of July San Diego Dog Activities

Summer is in full swing and here in San Diego there are tons of outdoor activities for those with dogs to enjoy. With summer comes the 4th of July, and though it is a great day to be outdoors with friends, family and the dog, the fireworks finale at the end of the day is a better place for people to enjoy than dogs.

Our clients at K9 Coach have a private online training website as part of there dog training camp or private lessons. This year I've written some articles about the 4th of July and what to do with a dog that is fearful of fireworks as well as activities that are dog friendly during this summer time holiday.

Its such a great holiday to get out and enjoy that I want to share two articles available for anyone with a dog to make this 4th of July safe and fun for the whole family including the dog. Please feel free to make a comment and tell K9 Coach about your dog, things you like to do around the San Diego area as well as how your dog handled the fireworks this year on these articles:

Things To Do With Your Dog on the 4th of July

Fireworks, Your Dog & the 4th of July

Have a great holiday with your dog!

For more dog training tips, cool dog photos, and fun dog news follow us on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/GoTrainYourDog

Become a fan of K9 Coach Facebook and find out about live online dog training events.

For more information on dog training camps, online dog training programs, and private lessons contact us at www.SitK9Sit.com

Dog Anxiety and Fireworks

Most people have some sort of anxiety when dealing with anything that isn’t familiar. The same is true for dogs. Fireworks is one of those things that happens for the most part once a year. The 4th of July holiday means friends gathering, outdoor summer activity with a finale of fireworks to the day.

Read this article: Fireworks, Your Dog & the 4th of July for guidelines on how to keep your dog safe as the holiday approaches this year.

For daily tips, tricks, fun photos, and dog news follow us on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/GoTrainYourDog

And for dog events in your area, live dog training web broadcasts, and more cool dog stuff become on fan on our K9 Coach Facebook Page.

K9 Coach offers exclusive dog training camps and private lessons in San Diego and Temecula CA.

Dog Names 2009 Most Unusual

From Blog Photos

Giving your dog a name has some sort of meaning usually tied to your interests or personality. Often times the first name given to a dog doesn’t stick after the traits of both the owner and the dog begin to develop and a new name just sort of develops.

Shelter dogs come with a name that could have been given by the original owner or by the shelter staff. Sometimes it fits the dog, sometimes it’s way off. There is absolutely nothing wrong with renaming a dog. Dogs live absolutely in the moment and aren’t going to dwell on what their name used to be. Quite frankly I think people should adopt this behavior more often as well!

Discovering the right name for your dog sometimes comes easily and creatively and sometimes takes some pondering. If you aren’t in the creative mood a list of dog names can spur you on to the coolest name for your new dog. My dogs even have nicknames and as it goes like find like, many of my friends dogs have nicknames.

Here is a small list of unusual dog names that may spark a creative dog name, or add a nickname for the dog already with a name but full of personality. It comes from the VIP (Vet Pet Insurance) list of wackiest names submitted by their very own patients.

I Am Sparticus
Lunchbox
Sargent Sausage
Blue Man Chew
Bam Bam Noodle Butt
Fluffernutter
Dishwasher
Yardsale
Inspector Foo Foo
Fuzzbucket
Motley Screensaver
Butkiss Hoover
Foxy Divaliscious
Beefsock
Einstein Snickerdoodle
Measles
Lady Obama
Catfish Bob
Buckwheat Yoda
Bunny Duty
Detective Frank
Alabama Whirly
Dr. Love
Tinkle Bell
Special Ed
Ms Noxema Jackson
Princess Babe Shack
Mr. Muscles
Low Jack
Buddha Pest
Spatula
Hair Putter
Major Deposit
Dipstick
Poptart
Drama Momma
Cowboy Von Dawg
Hosehead
Milkshake

For more fun dog names, cool dog photos and dog news follow us on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/GoTrainYourDog

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For dog training camps, private lessons, and online dog training programs contact us at K9 Coach.

Training At Elevation With Your Dog

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This summer we have come to Taos, NM for our get away and for some training, both for ourselves and for our dogs. I guess it sort of goes without saying, active people have active dogs. As with many people these days, we’ve decided to hang out and do activities that are close to our home for entertainment and doing so we’ve found some of the coolest trails to hike, mountain bike trails to take dogs on with us and creeks the dogs can jump in to cool themselves down.

Taos is at elevation, high elevation. Our other home is in San Diego at sea level. For ourselves and our dogs the contrast is absolutely wonderful, but we have found its best to keep some simple training guidelines in place for ourselves and our dogs.

One of the most important is hydration. Elevation requires more water in order to stay properly hydrated. Dehydration is the cause of more bad health situations than one really realizes. One of the first rules to keep in mind when it comes to staying hydrated is to drink BEFORE you feel thirsty.

If you are feel thirsty you are already dehydrated. For the dog, if you are thirsty, your dog is thirstier! Read this article Hydration and Dogs: 7 Ways To Your Dog Drinking Enough Water to find why your dogs hydration level needs even more attention than yours does when doing any kind training activity, be it hiking, biking, running, or fetch the ball.

When you are at elevation with your dog make sure to bring water on outings for you and your dog. Drink often. Drink before, during and after your activities.

Now go out and have some fun. Elevation training rocks as long as you do a little planning you and your dog can end up in the shape of your lives.

For more fun dog training tips, cool dog photos, and dog news follow us on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/GoTrainYourDog or K9 Coach Facebook.

San Diego Dog & Puppy Training Tip: How To Walk 2 Dogs On Leash

As a professional dog trainer I get common questions about how to get dogs to do certain things. One of the biggies is getting a dog to walk on a leash without pulling. Even more challenging, yet more common is “How do I get 2 dogs to walk on a leash together without pulling?”

It is challenging, but my tip for this dog training problem is first chunk it down, and by that I mean, start with one dog at a time. If your dogs cannot walk separately without leash pulling, the hope that they can walk together without pulling is going to equate to exactly none!

One of the biggest mistakes I see when trying to leash walk a dogs is simply too much leash. It’s sort of like the old cliche if you given an inch, they’ll take a mile. As the leash goes, if you let your dog have all of a 6 foot leash, guess what? Yep, your dog or dogs will be out at the end of it, trying to get just a little more.

Give your dogs enough leash to walk comfortably by your side without tripping you up, and teach them that this is the picture you want them to have. You’ll stop them from getting so distracted with all the smells they can reach 6 feet away and start getting them to pay attention to the job at hand, walking by your side without pulling.

For more dog training tips, dog photos, and cool dog news follow K9 Coach on Twitter at Twitter.com/GoTrainYourDog

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Hydration and Dogs: How Much Water Does Your Dog Need?

Many dog owners spend a lot of time researching what kind of diet to feed the dog, how much to feed, and even what nutrients in dog food are actually the best. Yet of all the nutrients in your dog’s diet, water is the most important and tends to be not even on the radar of the owners attention.

Exercise, Climate Temperature, or Anxiety Are Cause for More Water

A dog can lose 6% of body weight before the idea even occurs to them to drink. Like humans who exercise drinking water before exercise, during exercise, and after exercise is necessary to keep proper hydration. Unlike a human, dogs don’t appear to be losing hydration because they do not sweat like we do. They do not have sweat glands in their skin, instead they lose water through their nose, tongue, and paws.

Keeping this in mind, it makes sense that a dog who is exercising, or has high anxiety loses hydration since panting is sweating in dog form. You’ll also notice that a dog who is stressed or is showing signs of anxiety will leave a dog paw print on the floor. That’s another form of sweat leaving your dog’s body.

How Much Water Does You Dog Need?

The amount of water your dog needs daily depends on the size of your dog, the amount of exercise, the climate your dog spends time in, and what kind of dog food you are feeding. Considering these variables the amount can change from day to day.

Don’t consider these cold hard numbers but as general guidelines the amount of water your dog should get on a daily basis might something like this:

A 7 lb adult Maltese with activities consisting of one 20 minute slow walk and some light indoor activities, would need approximately 1½ cup of water throughout the day to maintain a proper level of body fluids.

A dog weighing 65 lbs would require approximately 7 cups of water depending on exercise, anxiety, and diet.

How Should I Keep My Dog Hydrated?

The challenge in keeping your dog hydrated is that they don’t know when to drink, and most of the time in more strenuous activity or exercise, won’t think to go drink on their own. Here are some things you can do to encourage your dog to drink water, stay hydrated and get out and have some fun.

•Make Sure Your Dog Drinks Before a “Workout”
•Take Water & a Frisbee (to use as a water bowl) On Outings
•Give Ice Cubes as Treats
•Put Ice Cubes in the Water Bowl
•If You Are Thirsty During Activity; So Is Your Dog
•If You are Hot; Your Dog is Hotter
•Put More Than One Bowl of Water Out in Another Location
•Put a Treat in the Bottom of the Water Bowl
•Play Water Games While Teaching To Drink from the Hose

K9 Coach offers Dog Training Camps and Private Lessons in San Diego & Temecula, CA. To follow our online dog training and for more dog training tips, dog photos, and cool dog news follow us on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/GoTrainYourDog

To find live dog training events become a fan on our K9 Coach Facebook Page.

K9 Coach
Jt Clough®

Summer Vacation for You & Your Dog

Summer time is here. The time of year many families like to take a vacation... with kids out of school, tv finales over, & the nice weather its sort of a tradition like apple pie and baseball. With the recent economic times though, summer vacations may look a little different this year.

I don’t necessarily think its a bad thing in many ways. Don’t get me wrong, financial crisis is something I wish upon no one. But when I look at the things that are happening to people and what is important... like really important... its becoming much more real these days.

I find that people are spending more time around home, with family and friends, and that also includes The Dog. Its kind of interesting that many Americans have been going with lack of sleep and spending most of their time working so they can do things away from the home that was the focal point of “having it all”. It’s all starting to come around and spending time around home is bringing more joy to people and their dogs.

The idea of vacation is also taking a new perspective. People are tending to get a little more creative about it and finding that there are so many places they haven’t been right around home to enjoy. Places where you can go with family and friends, including the dog, that are fun and even free!

Trail hikes are an awesome thing to do and the benefits are many. Not only do you spend time with one another, spend time talking that you normally wouldn’t, but you are getting fresh air, exercise and by taking the dog everyone is learning to hang out together and in the end have a lot of fun... for the attractive price of free!

The more time you spend with your dog, the easier the training aspect becomes. The more exercise you get with your dog, the easier it is to have an incredibly well behaved dog.

So plan a vacation around home... check out some way cool hikes you can take, then start doing a daily walk from your house for the “training runs”. I plan to post more articles on the practice training you can do to make planning some longer hikes and outdoor adventures more fun for your and your dog.

If you are in the San Diego area and are looking for some way cool places to go with your dog check out our book “Leave Only Paw Prints” for maps and details. Make it easy... get outside with your dog and have some fun!

For more tips and training tricks, cool dog photos, and dog news follow us on Twitter at www.Twitter.com and K9 Coach on Facebook. And of course feel free to contact us at K9 Coach for any of your dog training questions, private lessons, and dog training camps.

Puppy Gone Wild? Simple Steps to Calm

From San Diego Dog Training

The new puppy has come home and all the cuteness was a lot of fun. Now the real part sets in. Like walking on a leash and no matter the size, your arm feels like its being pulled off.

LIVE WEB BROADCAST ON WHAT TO DO TO TRAIN YOUR PUPPY AT HOME

Or how about every time you put some clean clothes on... oops... paw marks from puppy jumping up in case you had forgotten he was around.

Or how about the 3rd iPhone cord that just got eaten through. Damn.

Teaching your puppy to be calm, pay attention and use that energy in a good way can seem overwhelming... but here’s a great tip. Start with the simplest thing. I always start with “sit”.

That’s grounding for a dog. Practice by rewarding with a treat or toy. And if we are talking puppy... realize the 1 second rule applies. Get 1 second, get it consistently and then go to 2 seconds. I think puppies were put in our lives to truly teach us the joy of patience and what it can bring when practiced!

If you are looking for some help, come on by the live dog and puppy training web broadcast. May 13th 5 pm pst, 7 pm cst

It’s free! and if you need some suggestions for a better behaved puppy (or even older dog) you should come.

LINK TO WEB BROADCAST PUPPY TRAINING AT HOME

For more tips and dog training tricks, cool dog photos, and dog news follow us on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/GoTrainYourDog

And come on by the K9 Coach Facebook site to get current update on live dog training events online, dogs news, and way cool things to do with your dog.

K9 Coach located in San Diego, CA specializes in dog training camps, private lessons, and dog and puppy training online.

Can Your Dog Get Swine Flu?

From Seven

The media has gone wild with stories of swine flu. Though it is something we should all be very aware of, as the media has a tendency to do, it has made people feel a lot of fear. Panic has even gone to dog owners and concern that dogs can get the H1N1 influenza infection.

If you are worried your dog can become infected, here is one you can let go. At this time there is no incidence of H1N1 or Swine flu infecting any dogs.

A statement yesterday by the The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals released says the virus, which seems to have originated in Mexico, "appears to present a low risk of infecting cats and dogs." The American Veterinary Medical Association also is saying "there is no evidence that pets are susceptible to this new strain of influenza."

Maintain the same precautions as are recommended, one being wash your hands and keep hygiene at the forefront. A healthy lifestyle of diet, exercise, and positive attitude goes a long way in steering clear of ending up with the flu.

A healthy diet for your dog and exercise which includes a walk everyday is simply good insurance that health and happiness is a attainable by any person and any dog with an owner willing to provide those simple things.

For more training tips & tricks, dog news, and cool dog photos follow us on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/GoTrainYourDog.

Follow K9 Coach on Facebook for live online dog training programs, and of course contact us if you are in need of some help with your special family member.. the dog!

Puppies, Toys, & Training

Getting a new puppy is always exciting, and part of the excitement that goes along with it is going to the pet store and getting the new dog bed, the puppy treats, and the new dog toys. Its fun stuff.

Godiva got a new pink bed and some toys her first day away from her litter at 8 weeks old. The toys are the important part and though people usually buy them out of the cuteness factor, toys are a very important part of a puppies beginning “training”.

Puppies have a tendency to chew and mouth a lot. They tend to chew on whatever is in front of them, which could be anything from your shoe to your fingers. Puppies just like big dogs learn and think in pictures so it’s very important to start from the beginning to give your puppy an item that can be chewed, or was meant to be chewed every single time the attempt to go for something that shouldn’t be in your puppies mouth is reached for.

This simple concept can save you many dollars and the grief of ruined items that very well could be your “favorite” something! Repetition will give your puppy in the end a clear picture of what to chew and amazingly enough they will start to reach for those things that you have taught them are ok to have in their mouth. Important to this is that you have been consistent with giving your puppy the right toy and that you follow the major rule of supervision.

Not all toys are the same and some dogs chew things to pieces more easily so be aware of what kind of toys you are buying. Small pieces that come off aren’t good. Just like a baby, a dog will put anything in their mouth and swallow it if it’s small enough.

So get some good quality toys and start your training with your puppy while playing with your new bundle of joy.

For more tips tricks & puppy training follow us on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/GoTrainYourDog

To find schedule dog training events online follow us on Facebook as well. And as always we love to do private dog and puppy training lessons and camps with you and your new puppy or dog so contact us with all your dog training needs.

Dog Training Web Broadcast Review

As a professional dog trainer my number one pet peeve is the fact that so many people “try” to get dog training for their dog and the dog ends up untrained anyway. Granted there are several reasons but many times the owner follow through just doesn’t happen.

When I think about the reason why that is the case, it comes down to a very simple answer. Dog owners are not dog trainers. And though going to a few lessons gives you some ideas, sometimes the follow threw is difficult, and the only reason is it’s very hard to get the continued follow up you need.

To solve that K9 Coach developed and online program for our dog training campers, and private lessons. A weekly live dog training web broadcast, along with a private online training site add that personalized, accessible extra that helps dog owners to get to the “trained dog” place they had intended on in the first place.

Here is a note I received after last week’s web broadcast. Such a cool thing... people able to get real help for their dog and have fun doing it.

Really great web cast, such good reinforcement for us "1st 90 days" peeps!

We were reminded, our dogs won't be perfect, they don't need to be perfect and this whole process is about us teaching them and ourselves to be a calm and happy family....that's so important to remember as its so easy to get caught up on reaching this end goal of a perfectly obedient dog.

We also talked about how to bring in new associations, the timing of the association and how to build advanced responses from a group of basic commands.

Also, a really good question was about what to do when other dogs approach when on a walk with your dog...key is to act early, get your dog focused on you get them working.

Finally, we were reminded that you can always go to your fail safe, the sit command. JT really works sit with all her dogs, I know Bear will do sit at some level of distraction and for him, being fear aggressive, that is really awesome.

Learning more and making the most of our first 90 days!”
Lisa & Bear

For more information on our San Diego & Temecula Dog Training Camps, Online Dog Training Program, & Live Weekly Dog Training Web Broadcasts contact us here.

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