Kitsap Puppy Parents

02/23/2023

Join us for upcoming positive training classes! We teach fun, effective methods for the whole family to enjoy. There are offerings for all ages, types and levels of dog. Classes starting SOON!

We also offer drop-off day camp for adults, teens, small breeds and puppies.

Contact us if interested in starting a wonderful relationship with your canine sidekick through training.

Location: Olalla, WA (between Gig Harbor and Port Orchard).

SPRING 2023 CLASS SCHEDULE!

Wednesdays 3/1 thru 4/5/2023 – Amanda
6:00 pm Teen Manners $185
7:00 pm Agility 101 $225

Tuesdays 3/7 thru 4/11/2023 – Amanda
6:00 pm Beyond Basics $185
7:00 pm Teen Manners $185

Thursdays 3/23 thru 4/27/2023 – Amanda
6:00 pm Control Unleashed $225
7:00 pm Puppy Foundations $185

Saturdays 4/15 thru 6/3 (no class 4/22, 5/13) – Amanda
10 am Puppy Foundations $185
11 am Agility 101 $225
12 pm Teen Manners $185
2 pm Sports Sampler $185
3 pm Puppy Foundations $185
4 pm Barn Hunt $225

http://SidekickDogTraining.com
Train happy!

05/31/2022

Join us for classes starting soon in Olalla, WA (between Gig Harbor & Port Orchard). Puppy foundations, basic manners, beyond basics, dog sports and more. Train happy!

Introducing the SUMMER 2022 CLASS SCHEDULE!

Whether you've got a new dog or puppy, want to brush up on skills with your long-time sidekick and/or want to try a fun, new dog sport, Sidekick Dog Training has got a class for you!

See below for our extensive list of class offerings for this summer. You can register online easily at http://sidekick.portal.gingrapp.com or contact me directly for more information.

I'd love to see you in class!

Amanda
Train happy!
http://sidekickdogtraining.com

Mondays 6/6 thru 7/18 (no class 7/4) – Amanda
6 pm Puppy Foundations $185
7 pm Teen Manners $185

Wednesdays 6/29 thru 8/3 – Amanda
6 pm Beyond Basics $185
7 pm Sports Sampler $225

Tuesdays 7/5 thru 8/9 – Amanda
6 pm Teen Manners $185
7 pm Puppy Foundations $185

Thursdays 7/7 thru 8/11
6 pm Teen Manners $185
7 pm Off-Leash Manners (Control Unleashed) $225

Saturdays 7/9 thru 8/13 - Amanda
10 am Beyond Basics $185
11 am Off-Leash Manners (Control Unleashed) $225
12 pm Puppy Foundations $185
2 pm Agility 101 $225
3 pm Teen Manners $185
4 pm Puppy Foundations $185

05/31/2022

Just because you're okay with someone petting your dog, doesn't mean your dog is giving consent. Here's how and when to respectfully pet a dog.

05/28/2022

Puppy Foundations classes starting soon!

http://sidekickdogtraining.com/group_classes

05/28/2022

Join us for puppy day camp!

http://sidekickdogtraining.com/day_camp_for_all_ages

12/02/2021

Want a better behaved dog for the holidays? We have dog day camps & training classes for you, starting SOON!

Join us at Sidekick in Olalla, for a drop-off day camp (training, play and enrichment) or join a six-week training class with your dog. We use dog-friendly methods that include positive games and fun.

Options are available for all sizes, levels and breeds of dog. Puppy Foundations, Teen Manners, Beyond Basics, Agility, Barn Hunt, Tricks & more! A great way to bond with your dog and improve communication and manners.

Contact us today! Visit http://sidekickdogtraining.com for schedule and more details, comment below and/or PM me with questions. Train happy!

Photo: Cora Reuter Photography

07/23/2021

Starting Wednesday at Sidekick Dog Training & Walking in Olalla, WA - conveniently located between Gig Harbor & Port Orchard. Train happy!

Don't miss out on these two fun and effective classes starting NEXT WEEK!

Wednesdays 8/4 thru 9/8 w/ Amanda Boyd

6 pm Teen Manners ~ Basic and continued manners training and socialization for adolescent dogs from six to 18 months old. Class includes off-leash play time and mental enrichment exercises.

7 pm Beyond Basics/CGC Prep ~ Continued and advanced manners training focusing on the exercises from the AKC's Canine Good Citizen test, https://www.akc.org/products-services/training-programs/canine-good-citizen/. Pre-requisite: Back to Basics, Teen Manners or equivalent basic training.

There are also many other classes coming up late summer and early fall including Agility, Barn Hunt, Off-Leash Manners and Puppy Foundations!

For more information and to register, please contact [email protected].

07/08/2021

Summer school starts this Saturday, July 10th! ☀️

This is the fun kind of summer school, where you play and learn with your dog, exercise your minds and improve your communication. 🎉

Please let me know ASAP if you would like to register. Spaces are filling fast! ✍️

I hope to see you and your dogs soon! 🐶

Olalla, WA (between Gig Harbor and Port Orchard). Classes meet weekly for six weeks, $185 for the session. 

07/06/2021

Calling all Doodles! 🎉

07/05/2021

Need a safe space to train off-leash with distractions? Want to set up a play date with a friend, but not at the dog park? Looking for a neutral place to introduce dogs? Want to host a special event? The Sidekick yard is now available for $5/hour as a Sniffspot!

07/04/2021

🇺🇸 Time to start freezing stuffed Kongs!
🇺🇸 Pick up some calming supplements from the pet store if you haven’t already!
🇺🇸 Make sure your dog’s collar has an ID tag with your phone number and fits snugly! (Only two fingers can slip comfortably between the collar and skin.)
🇺🇸 Keep leashes on today, even if your dog is well trained or in your yard!
🇺🇸 Keep windows and doors closed and play classical music.
🇺🇸 Stay safe!

06/29/2021

After requesting the dolphin to turn ventral side up, the blood vessel running along the ventral surface of the flukes is prepared for a "simulated" blood dr...

06/29/2021

☀️ TIPS FOR KEEPING DOGS COOL & SAFE IN VERY HOT WEATHER! 🥵

🐶 Soak a towel in cool water, then lay it out for your dog to stand or lie on to cool his feet and belly.
🐶 Use lots of fans! Stay in the shade when possible.
🐶 Limit outdoor activity between 9 AM and 6 PM. Play indoor games like hiding treats for your dog to find, other enrichment activities and training practice.
🐶 Hose your pup off or rinse her in the tub with cool water. Use a kiddie pool if you have one!
🐶 Freeze a bandana and then place it around your dog’s neck.
🐶 Prepare and use stuffed frozen Kongs or similar for a puppy popsicle treat!
🐶 Feed snacks of frozen fruits and vegetables like bananas and broccoli, or ice cubes. You can make flavored ice cubes by pouring meat broth into your tray and freezing it.
🚨 Always check with Google to make sure what you are feeding is safe for dogs! 🚨
🐶 Familiarize yourself with the signs of heat distress in dogs and know where at least two ER veterinarians are located.
🐶 Place the back of your hand on the pavement for three seconds before walking your dog. If it’s too hot for you to do that, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws!
🐶 Keep plenty of fresh water available at all times.

What other ideas do people have?

https://be.chewy.com/its-getting-hot-out-there/

06/26/2021

☀️ TIPS FOR KEEPING DOGS COOL & SAFE IN VERY HOT WEATHER! 🥵

🐶 Soak a towel in cool water, then lay it out for your dog to stand or lie on to cool his feet and belly.
🐶 Use lots of fans! Stay in the shade when possible.
🐶 Limit outdoor activity between 9 AM and 6 PM. Play indoor games like hiding treats for your dog to find, other enrichment activities and training practice.
🐶 Hose your pup off or rinse her in the tub with cool water. Use a kiddie pool if you have one!
🐶 Freeze a bandana and then place it around your dog’s neck.
🐶 Prepare and use stuffed frozen Kongs or similar for a puppy popsicle treat!
🐶 Feed snacks of frozen fruits and vegetables like bananas and broccoli, or ice cubes. You can make flavored ice cubes by pouring meat broth into your tray and freezing it.
🚨 Always check with Google to make sure what you are feeding is safe for dogs! 🚨
🐶 Familiarize yourself with the signs of heat distress in dogs and know where at least two ER veterinarians are located.
🐶 Place the back of your hand on the pavement for three seconds before walking your dog. If it’s too hot for you to do that, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws!
🐶 Keep plenty of fresh water available at all times.

What other ideas do people have?

https://be.chewy.com/its-getting-hot-out-there/

Learn the symptoms of heat exhaustion in dogs along with the steps to take if you see any of the signs of heat stroke in dogs to keep your pooch safe in the summer sun.

06/13/2021

It’s time! Start NOW to ensure a calmer, less stressful 4th for your pup! Even if your dog has always been fine with fireworks, it’s nice to prepare them for what is to come in a couple of weeks.

https://youtu.be/tmuZ4ITaHZk

The 4th of July and New Year's Eve can be very stressful times for our canine friends. Use the tips from this video to help your dog(s) get used to fireworks...

03/16/2021

Ho hum, it’s my blog...

https://sidekickdogtraining.blogspot.com/?m=1

02/06/2021

Overview of second week at home. Pico de Gallo, Chihuahua mix, age 11 weeks.

02/01/2021

http://sidekickdogtraining.blogspot.com/2021/01/puppy-picos-1st-week-home.html

https://youtu.be/iA4PECMWs6A

01/19/2021

Redd the Mini Aussie offers to sit on his mat while I make notes about his training sessions today. 💫

Teen Day Camp at Affinity Canine Education is the best! Play time, mental enrichment, nap time and of course training. All with yours truly! 👱🏻‍♀️

Now open for enrollment. Join us! 🎉

https://www.affinitycanineeducation.com/class-schedule

12/23/2020

12/22/2020

https://youtu.be/NQ6LtjYk4XQ

Got a puppy? Always have these three items within reach, both at home and on the road. Sidekick. Train happy! Sidekickdogtraining.com

10/18/2020

Howl-Oween Party for people & dogs in Olalla, Sunday 11 am to 2 pm! 🐾
Snacks, games, photos, prizes, fun! 🐶
Costumes optional. $10 per dog. Click link for schedule and location. Pre-registration not required. 🎃
COVID guidelines will be in effect. 😷
See you there! 👻

10/14/2020

10/12/2020

👻 You don’t want to miss this fun socialization and training opportunity! 🎃

🦇 Sunday 10/18, 11 AM to 2 PM, Halloween party for humans & dogs! 🧟‍♂️

💀 Games, souvenirs, snacks, costume contest, professional photos & more! 👹

Olalla, WA (between Gig Harbor & Port Orchard).

https://www.affinitycanineeducation.com/bookings-checkout/ace-howl-oween-spooktacular

09/29/2020

🎃ACE* HOWL-OWEEN SPOOK-TACULAR! 🎃

👻 SAVE THE DATE! 👻

☠️ SUNDAY OCTOBER 18th!* ☠️ 11 am to 2 pm ☠️

(💙💚 *Seahawks bye week! 💚💙)

Featuring:
🐾 Tricks for Treats!
🐾 Costume Contest & Prizes!
🐾 Dog Goodie Bags & Pupcakes!
🐾 Professional Photos by M & J Photography!
🐾 Fun Games for Dogs of All Ages & Sizes!
🐾 Raffle Drawing for Class Discounts, Retail Prizes & More!
🐾 Human Refreshments!
🐾 And More!

🧟‍♀️ Stay tuned for a detailed timeline of events!

🐶 Dogs who are comfortable in close proximity to other dogs and people are welcome. $10 first dog, $5 each additional.

🦸‍♀️We will follow all safety procedures for COVID-19 as outlined by Kitsap County (Phase 2).

🦹 Located at *Affinity Canine Education in Olalla, WA, a convenient spot between Port Orchard and Gig Harbor (www.affinitycanineeducation.com).

🧛 SEE YOU THERE! RSVP to [email protected] is encouraged but not required. REGISTER and view schedule at https://www.affinitycanineeducation.com/bookings-checkout/ace-howl-oween-spooktacular.

🧟‍♂️ Please SHARE! Invite your friends! You don’t want to miss this fun community event for you and your dog(s). 

09/10/2020

Choose from patterns like Cotton Candy, Pink Lemonade, The Baldwin, Pastel Party, Confetti, Disco, Home Run & more!

07/02/2020

This is my PSA/rant for the day! Your dog should be wearing a collar with a simple identification tag! Period.

This is especially relevant over the Fourth of July weekend when a dog might get spooked, panic and flee. I will confess that a handful of times my dogs have gotten separated from me in the woods and I have been quickly and gratefully reunited with them due to a simple tag with the dog’s name and my cell phone number. One call and I’ve got my dog back.

I personally don’t like a lot of tags on my dogs: I stick to one with their name and my phone number. (Also a second number in case I can’t be reached.)

Licenses are fine but the number goes back to animal control and who knows if they are open to receive the call. It only delays and convolutes the process of you getting your dog back. Your rabies tag from the vet also requires the vet to be open to receive the call and get in touch with you. Microchip tag is slightly better because they should be open 24/7 but it’s still includes a middle person. And when was the last time you checked that your information is up to date with licensing, the microchip company and your vet? Do this, stat!

Why do you need a tag if your dog is microchipped? Who knows if someone will take your dog to the correct shelter - or any shelter - or if your dog will be scanned for a microchip, and if so correctly scanned? Why take that chance?!

I cannot tell you how many times in shelter work and in my personal life I have found dogs with a collar but no identification tag. Pointless! If you want to take the collar off in the house that is your choice, but be aware that dogs slip out of doors or escape from yards all the time.

Many people reunited with dogs at the shelter stated that they had just given the dog a bath and taken off the collar only for that time. Microchips saved the day and are great for secondary identification, of course.

Collars can be embroidered with name and phone number and a large variety of tags are available. You can order a tag online or get one printed at most pet stores on the spot so that you are ready for the weekend. Just do it!

End PSA/rant.

06/28/2020

The 4th of July and New Year's Eve can be very stressful times for our canine friends. Use the tips from this video to help your dog(s) get used to fireworks...