Snowy Puppy Field Trip!

I am so proud of all my clients and puppies who made it out this morning for our February field trip! In spite of the snow, wind and cold, all of the owners did a great job teaching leash manners to their young pets. After working on that a bit, we acclimated the puppies to some of the children's playground equipment. All the puppies had a great time, and only got a little muddy! :-)

If You're Aggressive, Your Dog Will Be Too, Says Veterinary Study

ScienceDaily (2009-02-18) -- In a new, year-long survey of dog owners who use confrontational or aversive methods to train aggressive pets, veterinary researchers have found that most of these animals will continue to be aggressive unless training techniques are modified. ... > read full article

Therapy Dogs!

I am proud to announce that my Vizsla girl, Penny, is now a Delta Pet Partner! She surprised me with her confidence and joy in greeting all the "scary" people during the intensive 20-step test last weekend. She was joyful and happy in all the social interactions and minded her manners very well for a young dog.

Sancho, my golden retriever, passed his renewal and has become a Pet Partner therapy dog for the 3rd time. He is permitted to visit "complex" environments, which means unpredictable encounters won't phase him a bit. I know this to be true - he's proven to be wise and gentle in all scenarios.

Delta dogs are great comforters to hospital and nursing home residents and staff as well as working in youth grieving programs or other post-traumatic venues. A visit from a dog can faciliate healing in ways that people cannot. I personally have seen my dogs open gateways through grief and coma and stress where traditional interventions have failed. I am proud to be involved as a Delta Pet Partner.

If you would like to know more about Pet Partners and the work they can do, please visit www.DeltaSociety.org.