YOUR DOG’S FRIEND wants to help your dog become a loving family member. We will consult with you.
• Before you adopt your dog
The shelters are filled with pets that were chosen for the wrong reasons. You want a calm dog, but bring home a dog needing lots of exercise. You love your new living room, but choose a puppy that is teething and needs housebreaking. You forget that the cute puppy will grow or that the active dog needs more stimulation than he can get while you’re at work all day. Let’s discuss what you’re looking for in a pet, so you can find a dog appropriate to your lifestyle. We can also discuss options, like doggie day care or dog sitters. We can talk about the crate, chew toys, and the other equipment you’ll need before your new pet walks in the door.
• After you bring home your new pet
You’ve brought home your dog, but now what? How do you housebreak your dog, and what do you do when your new pet makes a mistake? How do you get your dog to walk nicely on a leash? What about chewing, nipping, jumping? Why won’t your dog sit or come when you call? Let’s start by deciding what behaviors are important to you. Then, a little basic training and problem solving can get you and your pet off to a good start.
• When you’re wondering if getting a dog was a mistake
You are having problems with your dog that you never expected. Your frustration level is high, and you’re wondering if your dog’s behavior is more than you can handle. Many behavior problems can be easily fixed by managing your pet’s environment and motivating him to behave. Let’s talk about how your dog thinks and create a plan that will help your dog become a valued member of your family.
Debra Ekman is a dog trainer certified by Animal Behavior College and a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers. She has volunteered at rescues and shelters and has ten adopted dogs of her own. No, they’re not perfect, but they live happily together with Debra and her family.
YOUR DOG’S FRIEND is a free service. Please call 301-983-5913.
