Dogs Abound

03/18/2022

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT FROM DOGS ABOUND:

After an eight year journey of providing daycare and boarding services to the North County area, Dogs Abound will be transitioning out of our brick-and-mortar storefront to focus exclusively on in-home behavioral training services. "After the jump," our team will be known as Devoted to Dog and we'll be accepting new training clients starting in the next 4-6 weeks. If you'd like to get on our email list to receive details and updates when we re-open, please leave your email in the comments or get in touch with us at [email protected] (this email address will stay active for the foreseeable future!).

We'd like to say a sincere thank you to all of our past and current clients, some of whom have been with us for many years. It has been a joy to care for your dogs and by extension, your families. Thank you.

02/03/2022

Next session of puppy class starts THIS SUNDAY, 2/6! Sign up today at https://www.dogsabound.com/puppygroupclass to nab one of the few remaining spots.

12/28/2021

Happy Tuesday!

12/22/2021

Puppy Class might look a little chaotic, but that's what real-life training looks like! Puppies need to learn about focusing on their people and making appropriate choices when they encounter new or unusual situations. That's just one of the fundamental skills we work on in class! Come join the fun by registering at dogsabound.com/puppygroupclass 🐕👨‍🏫🎓

12/15/2021

We had so much fun during the first round of puppy classes that we decided to run another session! We are NOW ENROLLING for Puppy Group Class 2022 (first available class is January 9).

Each class covers a different puppy fundamentals topic and you can pick and choose which classes work best for you.

Sign up now at https://www.dogsabound.com/puppygroupclass to hold your spot!

See you in class! 🐕

12/03/2021

Great questions to ask before you start working with any trainer!

What will happen to my pet if he gets it right?
When Oscar Winners get it right, they get something they want! That could be food, toys, snuggles, or a chance to do something else. We pay our learners for how hard they’ve been working – something easy that they’ve done hundreds of times before will get a small paycheck, but something new, scary, or challenging will make manna rain from the sky!
What will happen to my pet if he gets it wrong?
We’ll take away access to something they want – food, toys, affection, or something else. They won’t experience intentional fear or pain, but they won’t get goodies either. Then we’ll look at the situation and adjust the scenario so they have a better chance of getting it right on our next attempt! There are no Oscar Losers – it’s an honor just to be nominated.
Are there any less invasive alternatives to what you propose?
Usually not – but we are always looking!



[image description: on a green background there is a white bearded man giving a hand signal to a grey spotted dog lying down in front of him. Nearby is a blonde woman gesturing for the dark grey dog in front of her to stay, and another short-haired person is gesturing for their brown dog to sit. The text reads: "before you hire a trainer, ask: what will happen to my pet if he gets it right? what will happen to my pet if he gets it wrong? Are there any less invasive alternatives to what you propose? questions originally posed by Jean Donaldson, founder of the Academy of Dog Trainers."]

11/09/2021

What do your walks look like?

A walk doesn't always have to be a "walk", but a way to explore. Author is https://m.facebook.com/Dogkindtraining

11/05/2021

Friday photo dump! We hope you bring these daycare vibes into your weekend! 🐕🥰

11/02/2021

It's not too late to join the fun at puppy group class! Sessions are enrolling so you can start anytime. Last date to register is 11/10. Weekly topics include loose leash walking, settling on a mat, coming when called, and more. Head to https://www.dogsabound.com/puppygroupclass or email us at [email protected] with your questions/to register! See you in group! 🐕🎓🐕🎓🐕🎓

11/01/2021

Meet the beautiful Kali! Kali is with us for a board & train session and has been doing super well! She's flown through her basic obedience behaviors and has been working on on calmer responses to dogs and people passing by beyond fences and barriers. Other dogs can make Kali feel a little *too* playful, so she's also been learning how to moderate her pushy play style around others. Outside of training, staff report that Kali is very lovey and all wiggles when you interact with her. She has a tendency to want to put her paw on your leg or in your hand when you're giving her scratches and attention, and she's definitely a full on leaner when you scratch her sides. We'll miss you at camp, Kali!

10/31/2021

These dogs understood the assignment. HAPPY HALLOWEEN!! 🎃👻🦴

10/30/2021

Since it's not quite Halloween yet, here's a family friendly post with some wholesome costume fun. But beware!! Tomorrow it's back to SPOOKY!! 🎃👻🦴

10/29/2021

Get ready for some spooky content from us! Happy Halloween!!! There's more where these came from... 🎃🦴👻

10/27/2021

Ummm, we were told 2 dogs named Indy and Kona were coming in, but instead 2 supermodels showed up???

10/25/2021

Our daycare staff ♥️'s dogs, and we ♥️ our daycare staff!!

10/22/2021

A glimpse of our first session of puppy group class! We are so proud of all our class enrollees for their hard work on day 1 and can't wait to get to know them better as classes continue. Classes (this one was "Engagement and Recall") are rolling and there's still time to join the fun!! Head to https://www.dogsabound.com/puppygroupclass to learn more and sign up. GREAT job, puppies!!! 🏫🐕👏

10/12/2021

If you're looking for information about how to set up your dog or puppy for successful alone time, check out this infographic the talented Doggie Drawings by Lili Chin helped me bring to life with her wonderful illustrations!!

10/08/2021

Meet Cooper! Cooper is working with our training team with at-home lessons at his family's house. He's working on relaxing when confined or crated, sharing nicely with others, and a lesson we've all had to learn one way or another: horses are, in fact, not giant dogs. You've got this, cutie Cooper! 🐕🏫✍️🐎🚫

09/27/2021

Meet Leo! Leo was the runt of his litter but he doesn't let his small size slow him down. Here for a Puppy Day Training program (his big brother Percy graduated from our training program previously!), he is learning fast, LOVES working for snacks, and thoroughly enjoys sniffing new things and places (Leo's biggest challenge is focusing when there are interesting sniffs to be had!). Today he had little breakthrough today on his leash manners and did a beautiful job walking in the warehouse while dogs were playing in group. Leo loves everyone he meets and wiggles anytime he sees a person appear. His trainer, Robin, describes Leo as "a joyful little puppy who wants sniffs, snacks, and playtime all day." Welcome to camp, Leo!

09/24/2021

Meet Reef! Reef is a 4 month old Great Pyrenees mix who's working with us in one-on-one private lessons to help him build a solid foundation of helpful manners for extra large sized dogs. Our training team is focusing on recall (coming when called), nice leash walking, and increased relaxation around visitors in the home with Reef and his family. Welcome to school, Reef!

09/23/2021

Keeping cool in the pool 🏊

09/22/2021

Anyone else ready for some October temperatures?? 🌬️🐕🥵

09/20/2021

Meet Aero & Ocean! These two are staying with us for a Puppy Board & Train session to give them both the absolute best start in life!
Aero is 3 months old and we're pretty sure he's doubled in size (as well as confidence and spunkiness!) over the two weeks he has been with us so far. He's working on all the puppy essentials like how to relax in a crate, where to potty, responding to his name, and that only appropriate things (bones and dog toys) are to put in his mouth. Aero will also be learning the beginnings of outstanding puppy manners like coming when called, sit, down, stay, polite leash manners, calm greetings, and cooperative handling skills for the vet and groomer!
Ocean, already stunning and majestic at 5 months old, is getting a little later start than her brother/best friend Aero. Ocean is interested, curious, and sometimes a little scared about the big world around her. She is starting to learn that there is a ton of fun and value (and super yummy snacks!) for engaging and working with her trainer friends. Although she has some uncertain feelings about unfamiliar dogs, people, trucks, birds, and other distractions, she is already able to lay down on her safe, relaxing mat and watch some of her new dog friends pass by at a distance without getting upset. Ocean will be working towards learning all of the things her brother Aero is as well, just with a little bit of a different starting point. Confidence and comfort is the priority for ALL dogs to be the most receptive to learning new skills, so we always meet dogs where they are at and work from there!
Stay tuned for updates on Ocean and Aero as they continue to learn and grow with us. Welcome to camp!

09/17/2021

Scoop up this MEGA deal while it's still available (limited time only)! Everything you need to jump start your puppy's training career and set them up for a lifetime of fun and success.

MEGA PUPPY PACKAGE includes:

-8 puppy group training classes
-2 private training lessons
-6 months of unlimited puppy daycare (up to 4 days/week)
-5 overnight boarding stays

Learn more and sign up for a FREE evaluation at https://www.dogsabound.com/mega-puppy-package-2021

09/13/2021

Meet Campion! Campion and his owner Kevriel are enrolled with us for private, one-on-one lessons to work on building confidence being crated and separated from his favorite human (Kevriel), better potty training habits, how to relax when the other dogs and people in the home approach him while he has a toy, and staying calm on walks when he sees people and dogs passing by. He has been described as an "all star" practicing laying down, completing the Relaxation Protocol, and playing the "Look At That" game. Great job, Campion and Kevriel! 👏🌟

09/10/2021

BIG NEWS! We are now enrolling for our upcoming fall Group Puppy Classes!! Classes are rolling and each week covers a different puppy-basics topic to help you and your new family member build a foundation for a lifetime of success. Head over to dogsabound.com/puppygroupclass to learn more and sign up!

09/09/2021

09/08/2021

Dog sociability is a spectrum! Each dog has different preferences on which dogs they like (or don’t), and that’s normal!!

After putting out the original post on this topic, we’ve gotten a lot of requests for a poster. So we reached out to the increeeedible Doggie Drawings by Lili Chin to make this for us.

Want a copy for your shelter, training facility, house, etc? Download it for free at link in bio or at:

everydogaustin.org/post/spectrum

Where is YOUR dog on the sociability spectrum?

09/08/2021

Meet Ringo! Ringo is coming to work with us and our team to help him feel more comfortable and less on-guard around other dogs. He's calm and sweet and loves to learn, he already knows a bunch of the basics! We think Ringo's curious personality is a great starting point in helping him learn more appropriate dog-social skills. Ringo will join us twice weekly for 5 weeks as part of our Day Training program, where we integrate training lessons into the fun and socialization of daycare. Welcome to camp, Ringo!

09/03/2021

Meet Juice (full name: Juicy Bear Bingo, named by his 3-year-old human sister)! Juice is with us for a 5-week Puppy Day Training package and has been described by our staff as a "daycare rockstar" who is an excellent playmate for other adolescents and puppies. He's also shining in his training lessons: he's conquered the stairs that he was too nervous to climb on his first day and now happily trots up and down. He loves working on relaxation games while people and dogs pass by and just gives everyone an excited little tail waggle before refocusing. His leash walking and recall skills get a gold star as well. Juice does everything at Juice speed - laid back and easy going. He loves to offer his paw for a shake when greeting people. Welcome to camp, Juicy Bear! 🧃🐻