Sharp Dogs Seattle

03/30/2024

In re: to Sonja's post about how trainers present themselves, I created a handout on what to look for in a dog trainer, and with permission, I"m happy to share it.

03/12/2024

Fear periods in dogs are developmental stages during puppyhood and adolescence when they may exhibit heightened fear or anxiety towards certain stimuli.

These periods typically occur between 8-10 weeks, 6-14 months, and 18-24 months of age.

During these times, dogs may show fear reactions to unfamiliar objects, people, or situations, even if they previously seemed confident. It's important for owners to remain patient, avoid forcing the dog into fearful situations, and provide reassurance and positive experiences to help them overcome their fears.

03/09/2024

There is such a thing as too many treats for training... My dog had some GI issues after a night of training. I let him out about 4 times that night but I guess I missed one of his alerts so he went into the living room. There, he pooped all over my rug, sewing patterns and supplies. Nothing to be mad at him about! I should have paid more attention to the amount and kind of treats I was giving him!

02/27/2024

Trying to find a dog trainer? Here are some things to look for

02/10/2024

Ever seen the "sit-on-the-playmate's-head" maneuver in a photo showing dog-to-dog play?

Watching it, the ginger dog, Troupy, seemed to be buying time to regroup and figuring out his next move. He wanted to play with the younger dog but that dog was getting over-stimulated with the play.

After a few seconds, Troupy got up and play resumed.

So funny!

02/08/2024

New puppy or planning on getting a puppy? Don't delay on starting training!

Puppies can start training at a young age, typically around 8 weeks old when they're brought home. While they may have short attention spans, basic manners like sit, stay, and come can be taught early on.

Positive reinforcement methods, such as treats and praise, are effective in motivating puppies to learn. It's important to keep training sessions short and enjoyable to prevent them from becoming overwhelmed. Consistency and patience are key as puppies learn and develop good habits.

By starting training early and using positive techniques, owners can set the foundation for a strong bond and well-behaved companion for life.

01/31/2024

There is no evidence showing that
deliberately using an aversive to correct a dog’s
mistake is a necessary part of successful learning.

Family-friendly private dog training in Seattle.

Build a Better Bond with Your Best Friend!

01/21/2024

Do you think dogs created this celebratory day?

01/19/2024

What your dog wants you to know

01/13/2024

Shhhh....

11/27/2023

My cousin posted this about kids but I think it equally applies to our relationship with our dogs.

04/03/2023

Seattle restaurants have had outdoor seating with heaters for the last several winters. But right now, none of them have heaters and spring weather isn't quite warm enough to sit outside without them.
Here Bug, Petunia, a friend and I are at a restaurant in warmer weather. By chance, it was their trivia night. The pups were hanging out longer than usual. Well behaved but not that interested in helping us find answers to the questions.

Can you tell I'm just itching to get outside, see friends and dine with my pups?

03/30/2023

I'm looking forward to bringing my pups with me to dog-friendly restaurants here in Seattle. They make it easy because they are well-behaved and good at hanging out.

03/30/2023

03/25/2022

True: "Dog Is Dumped At North Carolina Shelter Because Owners Said It Might Be Gay"

Candidate for the Darwin Award?

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/fezco-gay-dog-animal-shelter_n_6238c9abe4b0d39357cb2120

Fezco is now looking for a new home after his previous owners said they freaked out after they saw him hu***ng another male dog.

09/17/2021

As the song goes, “God loves a terrier”
Faira is one of my current foster dogs. We’re guessing she’s a Jack Russell/Rat Terrier/? Mix. She is chock full of small terrier personality in a compact 9-½ lb body. She sounds ferocious when playing —whether with other dogs, humans or inanimate objects. But, as you can see in this video, it’s all in fun.
She’s looking for a forever home in the Seattle area. Do you love sassy, spunky terriers? She could be the one for you! Check out her Petfinder profile here: https://www.petfinder.com/dog/faira-all-around-great-dog-foster-forever-home-needed-52870337/wa/seattle/red-waggin-rescue-wa576/

09/02/2021

Petunia’s first time on a beach!
Older brother, Bug, is showing her how much fun it is!
Petunia needs my support in new situations so I carried her while we approached the beach. She was relaxed during the approach. Then she started squirming to get down because she needed to see what Bug was so interested in at that moment.
From the moment I put her down, she was a confident pup, exploring and curious about everything! Brave girl!

08/27/2021

It’s National Dog Day!

For my dogs, it means that when they have a want or make a demand, I respond immediately!

There is also a National Puppy Day (March 23rd)

A National Mutt Day (celebrated two times a year(!) on July 31 and December 2)

How do you celebrate the awesomeness of your dog? Let us know!

08/25/2021

Nothing better than a dried beef trachea in the evening!

08/19/2021

Meet Chester! He’s a new Sharp Dogs’ client.

He’s so happy and smiley!

08/13/2021

Bug staying cool on a hot day in Seattle

08/13/2021

ok, I think the post about Maria was posted on my personal page instead of my business page as I had intended.

So, here's a repeat of that post.

One more introduction to the pups in my house.

This is Maria. She is a foster dog who was found at a trailer park in eastern Washington. People left food out for her but she never interacted with them.

She's adorable, smart and easy to care for. Her "behavior challenge" is not wanting to be touched.
If I make a gesture that looks like I'm trying to touch her, she skitters away.

The baby steps have been very small but she has come a long way from the beginning where she was not even leaving her crate if I was in sight.

She loves playing with my dogs and foster dogs so would do well in a home with other small dogs, especially if those dogs met the family's need for cuddly pups.

How do write a Petfinder post that reaches the kind of person who would accept her as is and be willing to very slowly keep working on making her comfortable with touch?

If you have ideas of how to do this, please share your thoughts.

Thank you!

08/07/2021

My newest dog is Petunia. I started fostering her last spring and by June I knew she was a keeper.

She was found as a stray in rural eastern WA and she had never lived in a home before. Socks or other things on the floor were suspect. She'd spread out her legs and lean way forward to sniff/inspect, then immediately pop backwards to increase distance from it. She didn't even know how to drink out of a water bowl.

Petunia has come a *long* way. One thing we have been working on is our path to being able to take her out for a walk. The world scares her.

My little sweetie is now happy to have her harness put on and get the leash attached.

As of today, we can stand in my driveway with her in harness and on-leash. I'm so proud of her!

08/06/2021

I was watching my friend’s Frenchies the other weekend. Alvin here has fallen asleep in this position!

Alvin and sister Ellie are such characters!

08/05/2021