Starting off right is always helpful when you begin your journey with your new puppy or dog.  Because of that and confusion over some items that may attract you, I wanted to give you a little help in your decision making.  There is so much out there in the stores and on-line.  Let me help you get to important minimum to effectively train and care for your new friend.

By now, you are either really excited about your new puppy and having a great time, or you are wondering: "What have I done to my life!?" In my business I've heard mostly these two extremes when people call for puppy classes or behavior work.

A crate is your absolute best management tool. I cannot imagine bringing up a well-behaved puppy without a crate.

10 Steps to take for a successful dog adoption.  Wondering how to make your new pet feel at home?  Read how...

Top 6 Training Tips for Successful Dog Training

So you just acquired a new dog or puppy and you know that you must provide him with food and water, but did you know the dog's greatest need is for companionship?  That's right, companionship is more important to your dog than food.  That is a fact!

It's so sad to know that with all the books and better trained dog trainers out there that there are still some old and just plain bad dog training methods still being used...

Recently on the It’s PAWSible! Private FB group and my FB It’s PAWSible! business page, I asked a question:  What current dog/puppy problems would you like to address?  Here were the questions/complaints that I received from them.

Whenever I’m working with students one on one and sometimes during group classes, I ask them:  “What kind of dog food do you feed?” 

Sometimes I’m asking the question because of a certain behavior problem, like over-reactivity to people or dogs, obesity, frequent very loose stools or aggressive behavior.

Does your dog come when called?  We would like to remind everyone that you should never stop training the recall. This exercise is the most important exercise your dog can learn. Your dog can be trained and should come 99% of the time when you call him. 

Helpful hints as to where and when you should practice the down-stay skill.  To find out Beth's hints, read more here

Is it sometimes a struggle for you to get in and out of doors with your dog?  Does your dog try to leap out of your vehicle before you can get a leash on him?

Play should always be considered training and training should be considered play. Interactive games that make you look like a trusted, respected friend are best.

Do you ever have to use a muzzle for your dog? There IS a time for a muzzle for most dogs, even if it's just a preventative measure at the veterinary clinic.  

Nothing in Life is Free!  (NLIF)
Also referred to as "Say Please!"

One of the questions that people ask in classes at It's PAWSible! is: "How much time should I spend doing my homework?"