2 Ears Up

01/25/2024

Take advantage of our mild weather and get outside with your pup! Go for a walk, toss the ball or practice basic obedience. Please remember to wash all if the salt from their paws!

01/12/2024

Now that we have the real MN winter weather showing up, there are a few things to keep in mind.
The salt and chemicals put out to make it easier for us, can be harmful to your dog if ingested. Please wash your pup's paws when you bring them in. Make sure to clean between the pads also. Or, you can put some very stylish booties on their feet.
If you notice your pup is lifting his paw off the ground, or if he has stopped walking or playing, his feet are too cold. Dogs can get frostbite in the winter just like they can burn the pads in the summer. Please bring them indoors immediately.
Most importantly, give lots of tummy rubs, ear scratches and love.

12/12/2023

Merry Christmas to all the puppers and thier families.
A few things to keep in mind as families and friends gather to celebrate.
Dogs, especially puppies are curious, and will happily investigate your trees, presents and lights. Please make sure they do not eat ribbons and packages, or chew the lights. These things can cause intestinal blockages, or give them an electrical shocks.
Keep in mind, just like us, sometimes they need a break from the happy chaos of gatherings. Please give them time in their kennels somewhere quiet.
Remember, if you have questions about something they ate, go to the ASPCA website. They list foods that dogs should not eat, and what to do if your dog does ingest them.

From Tali, Aggie and me, we wish you a peaceful Christmas season filled with joy.

11/08/2023

Every dog owner should be teaching tricks. Yes they are not used in the real world but it’s about more than the trick! Teaching something that allows the handler to bond with the dog is super important and unlocks engagement that helps your actual real world dog training. Teaching tricks also has no real pressure to succeed (so what if you take a long time to teach a weave) so that means the handler is more likely to be relaxed and more importantly fun to be around. Your dog realises this and now value in the handler is increased! How does that improve your real world obedience? Well a dog that sees more value in the handler can lead to: less reactivity, better leash skills, less distracted in public, better recall and the list goes on. Frankly if everyone had fun with their dog and taught them tricks there would be a lot less demand for dog trainers! So ditch the pressure for a month and have fun with your dog! You’ll wish you did it earlier!

10/31/2023

Happy Halloween! Please remember to kennel or leash your dog today. They do not understand the costumes, and cannot fathom why so many people are knocking on the door.

10/28/2023

As the seasons change, there are some changes at 2 Ears. The current space I am renting works well in the summer, but doesn't work for the winter. I cannot ask you to spend an hour outside in the cold to train your pup. I am looking for a space large enough to train in that is heated. Until I can secure a new space, I will be training private lessons only.
If you would like to schedule a lesson, please feel free to pm or text me.
If you know of a space that is about 30 x 30, is heated, and for rent, I would love to hear from you!
I'm sorry for the inconvenience, and hope we can get back to classes very soon.

10/07/2023

Confirmed Dog Friendly stores.
1. Scheel’s Sporting Goods
2. Home Goods
3. Sierra Trading Post
4. Home Depot
5. Hobby Lobby
6. Joann Fabric
7. TJ Max
8. Runnings
9. Mimbach Fleet

09/09/2023

09/06/2023

Do you have a new family member? Dealing with jumping,chewing and nipping? I would love to help you with that.
There are a couple of spots left for the AKC Puppy Star class starting Monday, the 11th. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out.

08/22/2023

Due to excessive heat and humidity, class is canceled for tonight. We will have class next Tuesday.

08/17/2023

When hiking on dog-friendly trails, if a trail says leashes are required, don't take it as a suggestion. Leashes might be needed for a variety of reasons: to protect sensitive wildlife, to make other visitors feel more comfortable, or to protect pets when traveling through grazing areas. Other pet owners often seek out leashed hikes when training new or easily frightened pups as well. Make the trail a safe place for everyone by following the signage along local trails and at trailheads.⁠
•⁠⁠
📸:

08/15/2023

I have received questions about the best way to treat your pooch for bee stings.
Generally speaking, treat Fido the same way you would yourself or a child. However, when giving your dog an antihistamine, you need to dose according to weight. Ask your vet what is the appropriate dosage for your dog.

First remove the stinger, preferably with a credit card, not a tweezers. Apply a baking soda paste to the area to help remove the stinger, and draw venom as the paste dries. Hold a cold pack to the area to help reduce the swelling. Give an antihistamine according to weight. Be sure there is fresh cold water available.
Please monitor your dog closely. It is normal if your dog becomes a bit snoozy, or appears uncomfortable. If breathing becomes labored, or they are confused, please go directly to the ER or vet closest to you.

07/30/2023

The dates are set for the next classes.
Puppy class starts Sept 11th at 5:30
Basic Obedience starts Sept 12th at 5:30
Obedience 2 / CGC starts Sept 14th at 6:00
Please go to the website, and fill out the contact page if you are interested in joining us for class.

07/26/2023

A pile of ice is a great way to cool down on a hot day! Aggie had a blast!

07/25/2023

This week is going to be in the 90's all week. Here is one way to help keep them cool.

Put a kiddy pool filled with cold water in the shade. Dogs sweat thru the pads on their feet, so the simple act of standing or walking in the pool will help lower their temperature. For added fun, toss ice cubes or frozen berries in the pool.

Please limit the time your dog spends outside. Heat stroke is a serious concern and requires a trip to the vet.

07/25/2023

When it's higher than 80°F outside, DO NOT heavily exercise your dogs outside!

A walk in the cooler hours of the day is fine or a slow meander when it’s hot. If your pet is at an increased risk of overheating, it’s especially important to monitor them closely while outside on humid days.

Learn more about preventing your pets from overheating this summer here: https://aercmn.com/prevent-your-pets-from-overheating/

07/11/2023

There are still a couple spots open in both Puppy and Basic Obedience classes!

Puppy Class starts Monday, July 17th. Basic Obedience starts Tuesday, July 18th. Both are held at 5:30-6:30pm once a week for six weeks, at Hwy 95 & Co Rd 21 between North Branch and Cambridge.

To sign up, send a private message or emai [email protected]

07/02/2023

It's a good idea to desensitize your dog to loud sounds so that they can be less stressed and safer, especially this time of year.

A great way to do this is to keep a bunch of tiny treats handy and when there is a loud sound like thunder or fireworks, toss a handful in the air and act happy and excited. If you don't have a storm or fireworks, practice with banging or dropping pans in the kitchen then toss the treats. Keep treats with you on walks for spontaneous noises.

You can discontinue the treats and just stick with the happy act and calm down gradually until loud noises are no big deal to your dog. Your dog will go from scared to happy to calm and not reactionary when they hear loud noises.

You know how you've been meaning to replace your dog's lost ID tags? Drat! And now your neighborhood sounds like a war zone and your dog is going nuts. Or maybe it's your neighbor who forgot, and you're staring out the window wondering how long before his dog freaks out and jets over the fence and into the night in a blind panic...

Don't let that happen. Do This: Open your junk drawer, dig out a sharpie and write phone numbers on your dog's collar and offer to do your neighbors' dogs' collars.

Then, before the BOOMS get bad, bring your dogs inside, close the drapes, turn up your television to muffle the sound, laugh, play silly games with your dog to distract him, bake something that smells irresistible, give'em stuffed kongs to soothe their brains.

This too shall pass!

Thanks Bad Rap & Lost Dogs of America for this great tip.

07/01/2023

Puppy Class & Basic Obedience 1 are held at 8234 Erickson Rd NE, North Branch, MN 55056

Find local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps.

06/30/2023

It’s important to take a break if your dog is being pushy

06/28/2023

Puppy Classes will start Monday, July 17th , from 5:30-6:30.

Basic Obedience 1 Classes will start Tuesday, July 18th, at 5:30-6:30.

There is a limit of 6 dogs per class.

Please visit https://www.2earsup.com/ to view class requirements and use the Contact Us page to inquire about classes. If need be, additional classes can be added.

We can't wait to see you!

06/21/2023

Got a new puppy or an old dog needing some new tricks? Book a class or private session with the certified trainer at 2 Ears Up !